My condolences man, I hope she’s had a good life. I lost my mom when I was 18, almost 40 years ago. I wish I could say it gets easier. I guess in some ways it does. Hard to explain, I’m just sorry for your loss.

Not the best day in the shop.  I got my new band saw blade, got it installed, and it worked great.  I got my aluminum bar cut for the cam fixture just fine.  After fly cutting the first side, I started on the second to true up the bar.  That's when the phase converter for my mill decided it didn't want to play anymore.  It is brand new, installed by a professional electrician.  It started to smoke, and two drips of fluid started to run down my shop wall.  I cut the power and shut off the mill as quickly as I could.  This is the first time I have used the machine (converter installed a year ago).  So a $200+ converter is toast.  I called the manufacture, and I bought it 13 months ago - it has a 12 month warranty.  After using my best "Betty Davis eyes" over the phone, they agreed to send me a warranty replacement for the cost of shipping.  Oh - they don't make this converter anymore.

So I moved on to the Kawasaki.  Time to install the new horn I got.  Put it on, turned on the key, no sound.  I take it back off, and test it on another 12v source.  Make loud sounds.  Gee...  it's the switch or wiring in the bike.  Shucks.    Time to get out the welder, and weld my butt to the couch with a cocktail in my hand.

TheSneeze wrote on 08/30/23 at 20:07:54:


I hear you. Sometimes shop work, which should be a major source of enjoyment, is a source of frustration. Recent case in point --lacing up the 18" rear wheel for my de-cruiserized S-40. A couple of hours of work turned into a couple of days because I just had to step away several times and gather my thoughts. Persistence paid off, however.

Just in time for fall. Got some time left before the snow.

I have the control box mounted on the wall.  I am just waiting for the electrician at this point.  He is scheduled for next Thursday.

Yeah, the rotary phase converter was $647 after taxes and freight.  That motor had to come out of the box using my engine hoist (I was alone).  I am guessing the electrician will charge around $200-300 for his work.  I just keep reminding myself I have a $2500 drill/mill that I spent only $250 on.  So it's still a deal.  I am excited to have this new capability in my shop.  I have several projects lined up that require a mill to complete.

Yeah, I tried to go the cheapest route.  It didn't work out (and rarely does).  Sometimes I forget the "do it once, do it right" mantra.

The mill is finally working like it should.  Both motors are staying warm, and not heating up.  I fly cut all 6 sides, and drilled the first hole for my cam drilling fixture.  I have a very limited amount of milling tools (due to be slowly increasing as project needs dictate!).  I drilled a starter hole at 7/8" since it was the largest drill bit in my inventory.  Now I wait for more cutting tools to arrive.  I was offer use of an existing fixture for this job, but I really enjoy making my own.  I also have a pin gage set on the way as well (.011" to .060").  The smell of Alumicut in my shop takes me back to my working days.  Always liked the smell of that stuff!  Moly D, not so much. LOL  I have a carbide burr set on the way to do the cylinder bolt mods.  The exhaust port studs and the seat cutter are already here.