mybigwarwagon
Well-known member
I put anderson connectors on my work trucks to power the trailers. No more dead trailer batteries.
Above 1200 Sq/FT The Salvage Garage
- Thread starter Strouty
- Start date
Wokspaces above 1200 squarefeet.
xtremek
Well-known member
I COMPLETELY get where .you're coming from. Some one actually wrote a book about this called "The Tyranny of the Urgent". I think you're right in getting the brake controller done in the Blue Burb. If you complete the radio in it, and a couple more "quick" jobs, complete it? If so, getting a vehicle 100% is always HUGE milestone. One more thing I'd make a priority is your storage system. That would be near the top of my list. Being organized makes you much more efficient, and WE really need to be efficient.
harley jim
Well-known member
I agree Kirk, being organized save so much time, being able to quickly find an item and use it saves time and money, that's why we saved it to begin with.
Plastikosmd
Well-known member
- Joined
- Nov 17, 2016
- Messages
- 1,254
Maybe this will cheer u up
Finishing up some final tasks while I still have it
Finishing up some final tasks while I still have it
F451
Well-known member
If all this is making you happy, carry on and disregard the following. If however, your situation is making you unhappy and stressed, perhaps some changes are in order. Not saying you need to do anything one way or the other, but I do see patterns here that don't sound like fun.
My take, from some dude that you've never met that checks in on your progress from time to time, is that I see here on this thread enough projects for easily 3 lifetimes. Or, a small team of workers working around the clock for months to get your projects done and get your possessions and properties organized enough to use them efficiently, and with some amount of enjoyment and satisfaction.
I was in a similar situation, albeit on a much, much, smaller scale a few years ago. A 3 car garage so packed with projects and possessions that I could barely walk around in it to get to anything, much less have room to work on anything.
Between never being able to find things, and having to constantly play tetris to make room to work on things, it was KILLING my motivation. Things were not getting done. And I was unhappy about the whole situation.
After years of frustration, a move to a smaller place forced my hand. Decided:
1. No more new projects, no more tools, cabinets, etc, purchases unless ABSOLUTELY necessary.
2. No more new projects, no new project purchases. Steals, wanted it for ever, dropped in my lap. NOPE.
3. Get rid of as many projects as possible. Figured I could always pick up new projects again later if I wanted.
4. Purge as much as I could which included some nice cabinets, tools, etc. Decided if I needed them later, I would replace them at that time (keeping in mind my desire to never be drowning in time and money consuming projects again).
I was able to do all that and it was a god send, like a breath of fresh air.
I didn't realize the burden I was carrying until it was gone.
Been able to work on my projects in my new smaller place, haven't really missed any of the **** I got rid of.
For your project lists, that's a tough one, but similar idea. You're only going to be able to get so much done in x amount of time. Things will usually take 2-3 times longer then we think.
At some point you have to prioritize and start knocking off the most important things and realize you can't do it all. And that things come up, things change, emergencies happen, people knock us off course. Happens to us all.
I guess it comes down to what makes you happy. The older I get, the more I'm looking to eliminate stress and distractions, including stressful and distracting people.
Anyway, lots of text here, another distraction for you. Hope I'm not coming across as a ****, just some observations.
Lastly, you've been killing it lately, getting all kinds of stuff done, hope you're finding some satisfaction from that. And good luck going forward, we all enjoy your updates and your journey. Pretty cool life you got going there, sometimes we forget how fortunate we all are.
Thanks F451, I do have to step back more often and see that in reality I do get a lot done. I also need to work harder on having less projects, probably 75% of my projects are there because of some other project, kind of like a snowball effect. I hope as I start to clean and organize more often, I find more and more things to just let go of. I feel like the Muv-All trailer was one of those steps in the right direction. Unfortunately the scale of a project I usually deal with either takes lots of money, or lots of time (sometimes both), so it may take me years to get all the parts together for a project. I just have to deal with the repercussions of storing all those parts and still being able to find them when I am ready to actually work on the project.
jack stand
Well-known member
I agree, but many of Strouty's projects just aren't as simple as mowing the lawn, it's ongoing projects that lead to a future goal. Recognizing the daily progress that's spread across many goals is an important thing to recognize.
I've found that occasionally going through my pictures is helpful and goes a long way to seeing the "big picture" is slowly coming together.
Just keep hammering brother!
Uncle murph
Well-known member
Clearly you and I are orbiting the same planet,I’ve come to identical conclusions and reaped the same reward.Couldnt have stated it better myself.
86turbodsl
Well-known member
Right when the new world order hits and Klaus Schwab takes away everything you own. You're welcome. Happy working.
Oh yeah but waiting to cross off "Fix Blue Suburban" from his list will take forever. Writing down all the things he's actually done to it might help. Maybe there's still 5 projects to go on it but he's already done 5 more important ones. What's the point of replacing the stereo if he can't start the thing? Focus on what's been accomplished, not what's left.I agree, but many of Strouty's projects just aren't as simple as mowing the lawn, it's ongoing projects that lead to a future goal. Recognizing the daily progress that's spread across many goals is an important thing to recognize.
I've found that occasionally going through my pictures is helpful and goes a long way to seeing the "big picture" is slowly coming together.
Just keep hammering brother!
I think lot of people (me included) confuse being busy with being productive. It's a hard habit to break and can be pretty disheartening. I feel like that work right now and it's driving me crazy.
Monza Harry
Well-known member
"I'm a man, but I can change, if I have to, I guess, but I doubt it!" Red Green Edit by Harry We all kinda suffer this testosterone surplus problem/blessing. Harry
xtremek
Well-known member
Yeah, that stupid day job.
This is definitely a Monday. So far, I have this morning, I have dealt with my Dad on two boats, the insurance agent, the accountant, the electrician, and the family trusts on a property line issue. I also have to meet with someone for transformer (PCBs) disposal at some point and deal with the attorney again to make up some easy way to have Dad control the two boats and be able to properly insure them. I haven't figured that out totally yet as I have to see if the company owns both of them or not. They are both registered in the company name, but Dad would do that without thinking about it just so he didn't have to pay the bill. Hopefully I can get a better handle on things as the day moves forward.
That you can't help sometimes. I was referring to your personal projects.
This last round of trailer wheel swaps felt like work for works sake, especially in the end when I didn't make any money selling them. It was still all moving me towards the end goal, now I just have to get things put back together, should be this week, assuming I don't end up with too many "emergencies".
bulletpruf
Well-known member
You should anchor your saw plan on a 50cc saw. It is small enough for saplings and such and it can handle a 20" bar, too. With a 20" bar, you can cut down and cut up a tree that's 36" or so in diameter. I run my Stihl 026 Pro with an 18" bar and .325 chain, but recently had a 20" bar and 3/8" chain. If cost is no object, buy a new MS261 (current version of the 026) for about $625. Otherwise, pick up a gently used one for about $250, and if you take good care of it, it will last decades. These are both pro saws, by the way. The "homeowner" version is an MS250 - these are very capable saws (my landlord has one and I use it occasionally), and will also last decades if cared for properly. They just lack some of the features of the pro saws and tend to use more plastic than the pro saws.
Having said that, if your Homey is still useable, and especially if some of the trees you buck are larger, I'd step up to 60cc. That's a Stihl 036 (older version) or MS361 (new). My 036 Pro runs a 20" bar with 3/8" chain and it's quite capable. It'll also handle a 24" bar without any problem, but I run a 24" on my 044, so I don't need to use it on my 036. If cost is no object, step up to the MS400 - basically a hot-rodded MS362. Folks are raving about these, but they're $900. If not, look for a gently used 036 Pro for less than $400. I paid $500 for mine, but it's a real creampuff. Homeowner version is an MS291 (56cc) or MS311 (59cc).
Next step up is the 70cc class. That's a "real saw." Models are the 044/MS440/MS441, 046/MS460/MS461. Expect to spend at least $500 for a decent used one. They balance nicely with a 24" bar, but can easily handle 28" or even a bit longer in softwood. I love my 044; it wears a 24" bar with 3/8" chain and I have a 28" bar for it if needed.
A final thought - the Stihl MS170 is a little 30cc saw that you can pick up for $180 or so new. Worth every penny. May want to ditch the Homey and pick up one of these and pair it with a gently used 036 or 044/046.
A few other tips
-I would not buy a used homeowner grade saw unless it's like new/barely used.
-You should be able to buy a good used pro saw for about 1/2 of what a comparable new model sells for.
-You can run longer bars than recommended, but you run into problems when you do - the oiler won't keep up and sometimes your clutch can't handle it.
-Use ethanol free fuel and mix it yourself. The pre-mixed stuff is too expensive. I wouldn't use fuel with ethanol unless you drain it and run the fuel out of the carb when done cutting.
- Learn to sharpen a chain if you haven't already. Buy a few $5 Pferd files, watch a 5 minute YouTube video and you're all set.
-Flip your bar over (yes, the logo will be upside down) every time you sharpen your chain so it wears evenly. Dress the rails at the same time - takes about 30 seconds with a file.
-Learn how to tune the saw if you haven't done so yet. YouTube is your friend. Just need to adjust the high and low jets and perhaps the idle. Your saw will thank you for it.
-These saws are easy and fun to modify. I generally modify the mufflers (open up port, add an extra port, etc) on all my user saws. I also delete the base gasket for more compression when I have them apart, and advance the ignition timing a bit, too. Makes a big difference.
Sorry for writing a book, but you asked!!!
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bulletpruf
Well-known member
If I was in the market for a new pro saw and wasn't concerned with brand loyalty (I'm a Stihl guy), I'd go with an Echo. Supposed to be fantastic saws for substantially less coin than a comparable Stihl.
86turbodsl
Well-known member
Bulletpruf, this is gold. I will study and learn and execute. A MILLION THANKS!
bulletpruf
Well-known member
Happy to help. Feel free to message me with any questions.
It is kind of starting to look like I may not be getting any fill now. My Brother asked me how much they had brought over, but I had none, apparently they started hauling yesterday but not to me.
Kind of frustrating if so, I texted the contact on Saturday with no answer, then again today, guess I am getting ghosted. I would hope he could at least have the decency to let me know that they found another place to bring the fill, rather than just leaving me hanging. Luckily everything I did, had to be done regardless, but I wouldn’t have spent five days on it when I am already crunched for time.
Kind of frustrating if so, I texted the contact on Saturday with no answer, then again today, guess I am getting ghosted. I would hope he could at least have the decency to let me know that they found another place to bring the fill, rather than just leaving me hanging. Luckily everything I did, had to be done regardless, but I wouldn’t have spent five days on it when I am already crunched for time.
xtremek
Well-known member
That totally *****
It wasn't like I paid for it, but not even letting me know what is going on is pretty ******.
I need to do a few "simple" things today, seems like nothing is ever simple though. Score one for replacing the backup alarm on Perk, the new one is so much bigger it won't fit where the old one is, so I guess it will have to wait a bit longer, new one gets louder based on ambient noise, plus it is the white noise style that is essentially directional, almost silent anywhere but directly behind the truck. Unfortunately I don't have a good place to mount it until I rework the rear lights and hitch setup. It was an expensive enough piece that I would like to have it somewhat protected, so no real easy mounting location right now.
I need to do a few "simple" things today, seems like nothing is ever simple though. Score one for replacing the backup alarm on Perk, the new one is so much bigger it won't fit where the old one is, so I guess it will have to wait a bit longer, new one gets louder based on ambient noise, plus it is the white noise style that is essentially directional, almost silent anywhere but directly behind the truck. Unfortunately I don't have a good place to mount it until I rework the rear lights and hitch setup. It was an expensive enough piece that I would like to have it somewhat protected, so no real easy mounting location right now.
racer-john
Well-known member
That's a bummer X 2.
harley jim
Well-known member
I would say they found a buyer for it.
68400BIRD
Well-known member
Still pretty crappy of someone to not even let you know there is a new plan.
86turbodsl
Well-known member
Didn't you get the memo? That's the new way of doing business. Don't leave people hanging is the way.
Higgins
Well-known member
What is up with the Rubbermaid cabinets these days ??? As I have around 10 that I may be replacing !!!
Apparently I left the thermostat set at 58 for the Salvage Garage, been over a week like that burned through a lot of really expensive heating oil.
I guess I need to start checking the app every night to confirm it is off. I don’t even remember turning it up and the last few times I was there it was warmer outside than inside, so I would open the door to get the warm air inside. This seems to happen at least once a year, last time it was during a wicked cold snap and I burned almost an entire tank of heating oil before it was discovered. At least heating season is essentially over, so no rush to pay $6 a gallon to fill it.
I guess I need to start checking the app every night to confirm it is off. I don’t even remember turning it up and the last few times I was there it was warmer outside than inside, so I would open the door to get the warm air inside. This seems to happen at least once a year, last time it was during a wicked cold snap and I burned almost an entire tank of heating oil before it was discovered. At least heating season is essentially over, so no rush to pay $6 a gallon to fill it.
xtremek
Well-known member
That really *****. I forget my thermostat, but the pilot usually goes out after a couple of hours of running.
I don't think it was set at 58 for too long, I think since Saturday, there have been some cold nights that it probably would have run a lot more had it been set that way for longer. Regardless, I need to be more diligent, it cost me probably $75 in heating oil for no real reason.
I have lost this week's help, hopefully I will get them back for a couple days next week, otherwise I am going to have to send the Muv-All out to have the airbags done so I can get it inspected and go pick up the two other front end loaders. I know the sellers say they don't care, but I also know how that goes. At least they have the money and it isn't like I am holding that up.
I just did a couple mundane tasks that needed to be done, now I am at the SG for a little bit, I really need to review and piece together a list of my projects that have to get done along with a good breakdown of pieces and parts that will need to be accomplished before the main projects can actually be completed. We keep getting rain, so the mud hasn't really gone away out back, I really need to be able to get out there and move some things around, there is supposed to be a stretch of nice weather over the next week, so maybe I can get some stuff done without getting too stuck in the mud.
I have lost this week's help, hopefully I will get them back for a couple days next week, otherwise I am going to have to send the Muv-All out to have the airbags done so I can get it inspected and go pick up the two other front end loaders. I know the sellers say they don't care, but I also know how that goes. At least they have the money and it isn't like I am holding that up.
I just did a couple mundane tasks that needed to be done, now I am at the SG for a little bit, I really need to review and piece together a list of my projects that have to get done along with a good breakdown of pieces and parts that will need to be accomplished before the main projects can actually be completed. We keep getting rain, so the mud hasn't really gone away out back, I really need to be able to get out there and move some things around, there is supposed to be a stretch of nice weather over the next week, so maybe I can get some stuff done without getting too stuck in the mud.
I ordered everything that I think I need to do the upgrade of my sandblast cabinet, should all be here by Friday at the latest. It took a bit of figuring, at first I was trying to use what I had, but it was clear that it would end up being a mess, so I looked at what parts were available and bought exactly what I "think" I need. I did get a few extra things, I am sure I forgot a few things too, but at least I should be able to make things function. Typing this, I now remembered what I forgot, the rubber grommet for the hose that goes through the cabinet, hopefully I can find some that I can use otherwise it will cost another $10 to ship.....
Monza Harry
Well-known member
Strouty do you have a Menards near you? I found some nice grommets there including the one I needed with a 7/8" hole a while back. Maybe even bigger that was pre-pandemic so ~2-1/2 years ago. Harry
harley jim
Well-known member
That's exactly what I was going to suggest was a glad hand seal.
Good save!
Good save!
No Menards, plenty of glad hand seals, the hose is 3/4” OD and the seal is a tight 3/4” ID, should be perfect. Hopefully I can get the cabinet up and running by this weekend. Getting the trailer parts cleaned up is pretty important. I also have to get some blast media, the stuff I have been running is breaking down quite a bit.