Life Behind The Dust Pan

Where I spent the summer

2008-09-08T16:38:00.007-04:00

After a few month of rather tedious rather backing work, It's finally complete. It came out better than I expected and I ended up with pavers left.

I was surprised because I was always thinking that I wouldn't have enough to even complete what I had planned.
I was planning on cutting things shorter than the planed size, but ended up with exactly the planned size. This part is 10 ft X 20 ft.

This part is 6 ft X 14 ft. As always the pictures don't do justis to the actual appearance.

Glad the hard part is done. All that left is the back filling, grass replacement and yes all the cleanup.

After that I'm taking the rest of the summer and fall off.

I must be from a different planet

2008-07-10T16:58:00.004-04:00

I for the life of me can't understand how these young computer science majors ever get a degree. They can sure try to develop something new, but can't fix anything when it breaks.

I spent all of a hour, troubleshooting a program this week to find the issue and fix it. After I got it fixed, a support staff member (whom is going to be the one to fix these things in the future) called to have me describe the method I used to find the problem. Their comment was, "I looked at the code, and couldn't figure out where the problem was." The problem was simple to find when you limit your search to the thing that failed and only run that part of it. The error is real apparent then. The real problem was occurring for a couple of days and no one could figure it out.

Maybe it because I have spent the last 30 years doing both development and code maintenance. I really think the first thing a new developer should do is be responsible for code maintenance before they are allowed to do any code development.

I would sure like to see the addition of a class to the computer science degree be a class in how to troubleshoot code and apply a fix. It's real frustrating when I am the only member of a multiple person development team that fix programs, no matter who the original author was.

It's Done

2007-09-18T17:59:00.001-04:00

Well here it is, old frame with a new top and vise.

Looks pretty good, I'm real happy witht he work surface from Johnson's Workbench. The new top is 24" x 60" x 1-3/4". I re-worked the frame to let the top hang over 1 foot on each end for vise mounting and working room. I also lowered it to 32" high which makes it more stable. It will be a bench to sit at to work, rather than stand. I'll have to force myself to set if I have a lot of bench work to do.

The new vise is Woodcraft's small Front Vise. The Vise tail is out of a piece of 1-1/2" hard Maple that J0hnson's had in the Short Board section. Now it time to get to work a a couple of projects that I have.

Been Busy

2007-09-15T18:59:00.001-04:00

I spent the day reworking my old bench. I got a new work surface and re-fitted my old bench to a new wood workers bench equipped with a new wood workers front vise.

So far I pretty happy with the way it turning out. Once I get closer to complete I'll post a picture of the new bench. It's been a long day, trip to Charlotte to pick up the supplies, then the day working out the kinks with the old frame.

Progress

2007-08-12T15:43:00.000-04:00

I was able to get back to the desk this weekend. I have it ready for the new top and finishing.

Here is a pic of where it is now.

I invested in a new digital camera over the weekend. My birthday present to my self. It nice to have my own and not need to fine the boy to use his.

It is worth the money

2007-07-28T16:37:00.000-04:00

I received the replacement stuff sacks from Outdoor Research(OR) this week. I wished all companies were as accommodating as OR. They sent me replacements for the ones that I told them had problems and they sent replacements. They didn't even want the old ones back to verify that the problems that I reports was actually what was wrong.

I will continue to do business with a company that has such a good guarantee. They really do have on infinite guarantee - and no questions asked.

Not sure if I will survive

It's been 2 weeks of the 12 hour days and I'm am really fried. My body is getting to old to put these hours in. We have made reasonable progress on the project but we are now to a point where everything is waiting on everything else. We have a deadline of Aug 2 to produce output for the vendor so that they can freeze the configuration. I think we will make it, that is if the tech lead can be left along long enough to produce what I need to complete the process.

On the bright side I only have one more week of long hours this month and then only 2 months left. I am REALLY looking forward to the planned pack trip the first week of October (8 - 11). Then it will be production launch for the first part of the project (yuck). If all goes well the launch "should be" uneventful but, we all know that Murphy likes to hang around during a production launch.

Sometimes it's worth the money

2007-07-06T17:09:00.000-04:00

I posted a note on the Outdoor Research Forum about a problem with some of my pack gear. There response was "We have an Infinite Guarantee" and they sound like they will replace them. Dropped a note to customer service, so we'll see how it goes.

I may start a new blog for the packing side of life - haven't decided yet! (Stay Tuned)

Mid Week Hoildays

2007-07-05T16:36:00.000-04:00

I hate a holiday in the middle of the week. It's a real pain having two Mondays in a week. Yes, there are also 2 Fridays in the week but they don't make up for the two Mondays.

This week has been especially bad with the technical lead out on vacation all week. This means that all the questions and problems come to me to solve, along with all the other stuff that I need to get done.

Starting next week I will be working 12 extra hours a week to try to get the project back on track. Here's hoping! This will also push my next vacation week out a bit. It will move from August to October. By then I'll be ready for another pack trip - this one will be Nordhouse Dunes - long weekend on the beach, can't wait. Sorry I don't have pics from my last trip, no digital camera, used the old technology (camera and film).

It off to Indy this weekend for a wedding. We'll truck over Saturday morning and back again Saturday night - oh joy! I used to make this trip a lot but, I was a lot younger then.

Great Weekend

2007-05-14T15:40:00.000-04:00

This was a full weekend. Friday night was spent doing lawn care (yuck). Saturday will Gay was out to a shower I spent the day installing the new under counter Microwave. She is glad to have all her counter space back after all these years.

Matt surprised his Mom with a gift of tickets to Sunday night's Red Wing game. One of Jeff's clients is the director of operations at Joe Lewis Arena and we ended up with 8 tickets to a suite at Joe Lewis Arena. I have to admit that after being there and seeing the game in person, there is no substitute. I always thought it was better to watch from the comfort of home, but now I realize just how much you miss by not being there. The game started at 7:30 PM and went to overtime so, we didn't get home til around 12:30 AM. So my body is dragging today. It will be an early night to try to catchup.

Look forward to seeing the west side kids this weekend.

Best Laid Plans

2007-04-14T18:03:00.000-04:00

So the weather didn't cooperate, so the window is still where it started.

I did get a chance to spend some quality time in the shop this week. Got a couple more jigs made and my first attempt at a raised panel. It came out better than I thought it would for the first one.

Spent today working on the desk. Got the new drawer bottoms ready to install, should get them in tomorrow. Then it's the top, this will be more of a challenge than I first thought.

We will see how far I get tomorrow. Then it's back to work :-(.

I'm ready for Spring

2007-04-06T17:48:00.000-04:00

I'm suppose to be on vacation next week! We'll see if it really happens or not. It seem like the job can't live without me being there.

I have some house work to do this week - if the weather will cooperate. I have the last original window to replace and we should have the new garage door by week end. If the temps don;t come up a bit I don't think I will open the the wall for the new window. I can heat the shop but not the outside.

If it stays cold I will spend the week in the shop and try to finish up the desk or start on the big project(s) for Christmas this year.

Today was a holiday so I didn't do anything - I'll get started tomorrow.

Bet you thought I died

2007-03-07T16:34:00.000-05:00

This should really be titled The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly!

The last month has been a real pain. Spent the entire month repairing the old red bomb. Finally completed the repairs and it ran enough to dump it.

We have a new member in the family. A new 2007 Escape! (pictures may follow). I even got money for it in trade!

Once I get things cleaned up, I can turn the garage back into the wood shop and not have to worry about fixing autos ever again. I am officially out or the car repair business ( at least for the next few years).

I have the plans complete for the next project and hope to begin in the next month or so. I need to have a few nickles to rub together for the supplies. Like the last project, can't say much here (not sure who is listening and it's a surprise or suppose to be).

Things at work have been crazy or the last couple of months. It's beyond me how a company can go through a down-sizing and a complete re-org at the same time and still be able to keep the business running. I guess that's Ford's better idea. The good thing is, my management has been watching out for me and putting me in a position so that I can stay around. I have been given a chance to move to the development side of the new organization with a project that is planned out to June of 2008. So I have a job for a while.

Life is getting better

2006-12-08T20:45:00.000-05:00

After more than a few cold rides to work, I FINALLY have the heat back in the old red bomb. After standing on my head for a couple more hours I did find the heater core was blocked.

A little water and compressed air and the blockage gone. Just in time the the temps to rise to the 40's next week. I will need the heat before the winter is over.

On a lighter note! The latest project is complete (remember I can't say much as it's a gift and I never know who is looking/reading) and it came out great. I'll post pics later! Now it's back to the Desk. I have most of the finish removed and the drawers ready for re-assembly, once I build the new backs for the 3 broken ones. Then it's replacement of the top and re-finish. Should have it done in a couple weeks if the weather co-operates.

I'm Back

2006-11-17T18:43:00.000-05:00

It's been a while since my last. Been busy with the latest project (can't say much it's a gift), and TRYING to find heat in my car. I think it's time for a new one. This old thing is requiring more T.L.C. that I want to give it. All the plumbing has been check to replaced and still no heat.

This week end will be one final attempt at the heater core. We'll see.

I really thing that auto engineers should spend a couple of years turning wrenches prior to designing automobiles. Change the water pump last weekend, had to almost disassemble the entire front-end of the engine to even see it. Same goes for the Heater core. It's under the dash, and you can't get it out without removing the dash. THAT'S NOT GOING TO HAPPEN.

No wonder it cost an arm and a leg to have simple service done these days. I almost think the engineers design in the labor costs for repairs.

Enough already.

I've spending some time with a new software tool (toy). I pulled a free version of a CAD program that I'm using to design some new things. It's a 3D CAD package which is overkill for what I need. Trying to find a cheap 2D drafting package, that's all I really need.

Enough for now. Short week next week with Thanksgiving. Can't believe that November is almost gone already. Gee how time flies when your having fun.

Computer are a pain

2006-10-26T18:40:00.000-04:00

Finally got this one back together. I miss the old recovery tools. The disk drive died and could not be recovered. Spent most of this week trying to recover the drive to no avail.

The real sad part is most all the documentation for system these days is on the net. How do you read on-line documentation when the system is down? Manufactures spend time and money to produce on-line documentation, why can't they still ship a set of the printed document with the system. Sometimes I just don't understand, maybe I'm getting to old.

Bought a new drive - trying Segate this time - they had a great deal.... 200 GB drive for $49.99 after all the rebates. So far it's a great drive. They advertise that it is quieter than Western Digital, and they are right. I don't hear the normal hum that you get with a Western Digital. The Diag's are much better also.

I still need to rebuild my tools, but I have Mom pretty much set, except for the files that were lost. I may still invest in a recovery tool(s) the I have seen to see if I can get the stuff back. I would like to get my source code back. It's sad when you out your source control on the same system as that you develop on.

I really need to fix my old system so I always will have a place to store thing.

Needless to say, I haven't been able to spend much time in the shop this week. It's been rather cold and I haven't gotten fuel for the heater YET. With the girls weekend this weekend I should be able to get some things done. My plan is to have the stock glued up for the base box this weekend so that I can start building next week. Time is getting short.

Stay tuned.

How Old Do You Feel

2006-10-03T17:58:00.000-04:00

I was working on the desk re-finish project tonight. To my surprise I found a date stamp on the inside of one of the drawers, May 1, 1917, that make the desk a lot older than we would have thought. For it's condition, I would not have expected it to be 89 year old.

I need to find a way to protect it during the re-finishing. If anyone has an idea, post a comment.

I'll post some progress pictures next time.

I Hate Math

2006-09-30T18:32:00.000-04:00

Today was real lesson in geometry. I spent most of the last couple of days trying to get the lift-out trays right in the new box.

I think I have one set right, tomorrow I'll see if I can get the other side right!!!

I am close!

My Playground

2006-09-29T13:12:00.000-04:00

I just realized that I haven't shown what the shop (playground) looks like when it all setup. It's a small shop but I seem get everything done that I need to do. Everything has to be on wheels so that it can be put away at the end of the day (got to give the stall back to the wife's car).

It's also a very simple shop. I get all the work done on these simple power tools. I would consider this to be a old school shop. I tend to do a lot of the work by hand rather than the purchase of a power tool for one operation. If I can't do it on the power tools that I have, I do it by hand. The bench is hidden in this picure, it's all the way on the left behind all the stuff.

I find it more enjoyable that way and I learn the old school way of doing things.

Blog Changes

2006-09-28T18:55:00.000-04:00

Okay, I finally figured out the FlickR bar. Stay tuned for additions to the gallery of stuff from the shop.

I should have some new ones of the desk re-finishing project, along with the new box prototype I have been working on.

It's Done

2006-09-20T18:03:00.000-04:00

Well it's finally done. Took a lot longer than I expected but, when you design as you go that's what happens. Overall I'm happy with the outcome. The next one will be wider, the only problem is that I can't put what I want into the shelves on the right. Not enough room.

It took a while to design the adjustable shelves for the right side. The idea I came up with really did work. The bottom one is fixed but, the other two are adjustable in the shelf pin holes.

And yes it's being used. I had the clean off the top so you could at least see it.

The Next Project

Now it's time to think about the winter project. This is the old Oak desk Gay got from her dad. She wants to have it refinished so that we can use it in the house somewhere.

The top is in pretty bad shape, I will need to come up with something to make it look presentable. I may need to try my hand at veneering (or something), we'll see.

It's My Soap Box

2006-07-27T16:45:00.000-04:00

I swear I am surrounded by idiots! It seems that all the young kids with computer science degrees don't' have a clue! Don't get me wrong, they can develop new things but can't seem to fix them when they break. I believe that colleges these days either don't teach problem solving, or they don't have any application to the science of problem solving. If was to invent a class for problem solving, all it would be is actually solving problem, not just talking about the process.

Current case in point. One of the younger developers that I work with had a problem today and, rather than asking where they could find the source to the program in question, they dropped the problem on my desk to solve. Yes, I was the author of the program but, it seem that anyone with programming knowledge could look at the program to figure out what it does and why it was failing in this application. The same program works fine in my application. So I dropped what I was doing and looked through the process only to find that he didn't have the correct setup to support what he was trying to do.

The standard operating procedure around this place seems to be, if it's broken (no matter what it is), bring to me so it can be fixed. This is also true for things that I didn't originally develop.

If it continues I am going to blow a gasket.

I am also in the process of transferring my knowledge to a new team member. We just when through another re-organization and I now report to a different Application Supervisor. He it trying to get our team and his old team to be able to back each other up. The problem I have is that the person he has identified to help back me up doesn't have the skill set required. So not only am I transferring knowledge, I'm teaching the languages also.

Okay, that's enough. On the lighter side of things.

I'm still hoping to have the cabinet ready for finishing by next week. The doors should be done by the weekend (if I can breath in the shop). Then all that's left is the hardware and finishing.

Almost there

2006-07-16T20:26:00.000-04:00

Although the weekend was pretty hot and sticky, I was able to get a few things accomplished. All I have left is the top and the doors. I will pause in the project to build a new jig prior to building the doors. I want to build a tennon jig that I seen. It is much cheaper that the store bought ones and should make the doors come out much better than the rest.

Honey Do!

2006-07-14T19:30:00.000-04:00

Got one task complete on the Honey Do list! One down, to many to count to go!

Got the new blind up on the patio door. Maybe it will keep her cool this weekend.

Restart, Redo, Fixit!

2006-07-13T17:48:00.000-04:00

I wished I would quit thinking! Got most of the cabinet together and didn't like the way it looked, soooo it's redo time.

Got to reset a couple of things to get the RIGHT way. Hopefully I will have back in shape by the end of the weekend. That's if the shop is bearable with the temp's in the 90's this weekend.

My real plan is to be ready to start finishing some time next week. I just need to quit thinking and get to work.

I can always fix these kind of things on the next one!

Sometimes life is great!

2006-07-12T13:15:00.000-04:00

Had a visit from Bill G from next door a few days ago and he came bearing gifts. My "not yet utilized" bin is now full to overflowing. I actually now have most of the stuff for the next project and may not need to buy anything more for the current cabinet project!

Things are slowly moving along on the cabinet. I hope to have it finished up by the end of the month. The shop is going to be unbearable this weekend.

Things are coming together

2006-07-03T22:06:00.000-04:00

Told you I would have some pictures, so here there are.

Here's one half.

Still have quite a bit of work to do yet.

It's difficult to get a picture in the shop. Never enough room.

They will all look better when it's done.

Life in the shop is great

2006-07-02T19:43:00.000-04:00

I had a couple of good days. Cabinet is taking shape. Got the bottom done (mostly), drawers are made, hope to finish them tomorrow.

Still have two days! Let's see how far I can get.

I'll post some interim pictures next time. Need to get the camera back!

It's my time

2006-06-30T19:27:00.000-04:00

Finally the house is done. Wow, I have Saturday, Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday for me. Maybe I can get som real work done on the cabinet. We will see.

Receipt for a small project

2006-06-29T17:38:00.000-04:00

I can't seem to find a hole saw when I need one. Guess I need to build a place to put them so I will always know where they are. This sound like a good small box project. Okay what do I do?

Every receipt has to have a list of ingredients, so here's mine.

One spare piece of lumber.
Table saw.
Router Table.
Glue, Clamps.

Got all the stuff so I guess we can get started.

Every receipt also has to have a step by step, so here's mine.

Darn the lumber stock I found in my "yet to be utilized" (scrap) bin, is wider than I need it to be. Guess I need to rip it to the correct width. Okay that's done, darn it's also longer than I need, guess I need cut to length. Oh, I need to remember the saw kerf when deciding on the length, so it's the length plus 1/2 inch.

Okay the dust has cleared and I have a piece of stock that is the right width and length.

Darn it's thicker than I need it to be, guess it's time to resaw it to the right thickness. Okay back to the table saw with my resaw jig mounted and setup.

Okay, once again the dust has cleared (Thank goodness for dust collection) and I have the stock the right thickness.

Now I need to make four pieces for the box out of the one piece of stock. Okay back to the table saw (darn setup again), let's see, the box is going to be 6" by 4" so I guess I need two 6" pieces and two 4" pieces. If I figured everything right, that's what I will end up with. Okay, got it.

Now for the boring layout work. We need to decide which of the 6" pieces will be the front and back, and which of the 4" pieces will be the left and right sides.

Okay, got that, now which will be the top and bottom of each piece. Yes, you need to figure that out now so we will cut the box joints the right way. Trust me, I've done it wrong enough times. If it goes wrong here, you'll be back to step one (not fun).

Okay, the layout is done. Now we can get to the fun stuff of cutting the box joints.

It's off to the router table (in my case) with the box jig mounted. Let's see, box joints on two ends of four pieces, I'm going to be at the router table for a while.

Okay, box joints are done, does it all fit together? Great I have a four sided box that actually looks like a box. Guess I can glue it up and start on the top and bottom.

Okay, it's all glued up and the top and bottom are on. Last building step is to cut the top of the box off. Yes, that's right, you built a box with no way to get into it. The top is usually cut at the first full box joint, but that's a matter of how tall you want the top to be.

Okay, now for the finishing touches. I usually mount the hinges before I stain, that way I won't mess up the finish when mounting the on the final product.

As for the finished product. Here if is.

The process sound rather long and involved but it really only takes a couple of hours once you get the stock prepared. The stock preparation is another couple of hours, depending upon the initial size of the stock.

Here it goes!

2006-06-28T18:32:00.000-04:00

Being a software programmer I try to spend as much time away from the technical world of computers as I can. I would rather spend the time working with my hands more than my mind in my small wood shop.

I have spent most of the winter months getting the shop together and building the necessary jigs and fixtures to help the projects along.

The shop is small. One stall of my 2 car garage so, all the tools are on wheels so that I can put them away and give the stall back to my wife's car. One day I hope to have a separate shop that I can leave setup (wishful thinking).

Most of the spring was spend building small boxes for the raft of small tools that end up laying around the shop and cluttering my benchtops.

Now that everything is put in it's place, I can get back to the cabinet that I have been designing.