Big Change.

 Our Location today is Windsor, Ontario.

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You can always tell when your body is starting to get back on a normal routine. My work day Alarm is set for 4:45 and I opened my eyes to look at the Clock at 4:44. That meant I didn’t wake in the rushed mode we all go into when we hear those things waking us up.

Having seen the weather report saying how cold it was going to be today I dressed in layers to keep warm. Imagine my surprise when it felt like a mild Spring day outside. The temperature gauge in the Truck showed it to be 10 C (50 F).

Trying to get ahead of the game I was again back in the Plant before 6:00 this morning. There were Two Feedscrews that needed a few touch ups before I went back to the Plasma Transfer Arc. I was in the process of recovering the Screw I had buried in the Sandbox yesterday, when the rest of the crew started their shift. I was just getting it warmed up when they needed more touch-ups. It seems some of the Machinist have Tunnel Vision and only concentrate on one area at a time. That meant I had to move the TIG each of the Four Times that I worked on the one unit.

I mentioned yesterday how on a fluke I saw the Torch was veering Left then running Parallel to the Flight. This morning I used that as a guideline before hitting the Weld Button. Today the Torch veered to the Right but with my hand already on the Centering Knob it was easy to correct. Even though I was kept constantly busy making adjustments things were going well. The first Flight was finished after Three Hours and I was just starting the Second when the Customer came in to see how it was going.

When everyone else was on lunch, I talked with Kathy while keeping the job going. She reminded me of stopping at Guardian Storage. I said I wasn’t making Plans, because they seldom happen, but would try to make it.

Around 1:00 Mile came to see the progress then informed me the Customer requested another layer of material which would add Two Hundred Thousandths of an Inch. I made a few adjustments to the PTA and completed Two Flights in under Five Hours.

That meant I did not punch out until after 6:30. It also meant I did not get to the Storage Yard Office that closed at 5:00. It’s time to start to leave jobs to finish until the next day.

When I headed to the Truck I was only wearing my jacket because of this morning’s moderate temperature. I had to add my Hoodie because the temperature was -1 C (30 F). That was quite the change.

Supper was Fast Food again. It was after 7:00 when I walked into the Apartment.

Thanks for following along and feel free to leave a comment unless it personally attacks someone for their opinion or is Spam.

Be Safe and Enjoy!

It’s about time.

Krackers

Words of Inspiration

Jump and you will find out how to unfold your wings as you fall.

Ray Bradbury, American author

A Mind Of Its Own.

 Our Location today is Windsor, Ontario.

Click on the pictures to enlarge.

As I mentioned in last nights Blog there was a Feedscrew waiting for my special touch at 6:00 this morning. That mean pulling the TIG Welder half way around the Plant in order to use it at the Buffing Machine where the Screw was being worked on. It was nearly 7:30 before it was ready to go and the TIG was returned to it’s normal location.

I also mentioned last Thursday how Mile wanted me to weld a Feedscrew on the Plasma Transfer Arc for a fellow friend and local businessman. Unfortunately, the Transfer Arc would not follow the numbers that had been listed and the manufacturer that had built it was closed due to the Long US Thanksgiving Weekend.

Mile wanted me to give it another try since the PTA had worked perfectly when it came to the larger Ten Inch Feedscrew. For the next Two Hours I continued playing with the numbers without any luck. I even tried unsuccessfully what Alec had told me yesterday. Mile even stopped by trying to make suggestions, then walked away shaking his head.

Giving it one last try I noted that the Torch would move away from its programmed course, before running parallel to it. I repeated the test a few times before waving Mile over. Even after I explained and showed him what was happening I had to demonstrate how I would make it work. The Torch always went to the left and with the use of the Centering Control I could force it back to where it should be. We both had a chuckle that this problem making us lose our Hair over it.

Seeing the Arc Flash above the Welding Curtains Mile came back to see how things were going at 10:00. Even though I was constantly making adjustments it was working. I managed to run the Two Zone Feedscrew its entire length perfectly, making Mile very happy. With this being a Twin Flight the Three Hour process had to be repeated. Just like the first Flight the second started perfect but when it was only a Foot from the Second Zone the Torch took a drastic turn.

Hitting the Stop Button I noted that all the Numbers on the display were not the ones I had entered. Instead of the Five Inch Unit, it was showing a Two Inch Screw on the display. I had some grinding to do along with fixing the numbers. After it was restarted everything was going well until it hit the Second Zone where it became a nightmare to just get through the transition. Then I had to stop the PTA so it could be programmed for the different Zone.

There is no doubt that the company needs to get a Service Technician in to deal with the Computer issues we are having. With all the small Feedscrews that will need to be welded they can’t wait too long.

It was past 6:00 when I punched out. I let Kathy know I was on my way and picked up supper to bring home. Kathy had been working on the Christmas Tree and appreciated not having to cook. We did have some Pineapple for dessert.

With more than Twenty-Three Hours in Two Days this is not the job I want to do for long. Looks like it is time to have a little talk with Mile.

Thanks for following along and feel free to leave a comment unless it personally attacks someone for their opinion or is Spam.

Be Safe and Enjoy!

It’s about time.

Krackers

What is red and smells like blue paint? Red paint.

What Do You Think?

 Our Location today is Windsor, Ontario.

Click on the pictures to enlarge.

Once again I was ready to start my shift early at 6:00 this morning but Mile the Owner was wanting me to work on the Feedscrew that the Computer on the PTA would not follow. I convinced him that I would complete the Ten Inch unit by the end of the day so that was my start.

It took a Half Hour to get it out of the Sandbox and Clean it off. Even though I had only worked on the Bearing end of the shaft on Friday the entire thing was slightly warm to the touch. It was nearly 7:30 before I started working on the Bearing area again.

Around 8:00 Mile flagged me over towards the tool crib. The employees in this Plant have a custom unlike many others. When it is your Birthday you bring in Donuts and Coffee for everyone to celebrate your day. Today was Enrico’s 72nd Birthday. He is Semi-Retired being a Master Lathe Operator he only works the Mornings then at 12:30 when most have their lunch break he heads home.

I mentioned that Gabriel the Final Inspector had resigned and moved on to greener pastures. He had a single day to train his replacement Joe. When Mile kept adding to his duties last week and raising concerns that Joe knew nothing about it was too much for him to handle and he resigned last Friday. Today with the help of other Machinist it was Mile who spent the day measuring, checking for imperfections, lubing then crating them for shipping. He did not appear to be having fun.

It was nearly 11:30 when I started welding the Flights after completing the Bearing Surface. That meant a change of Powder and technique. Instead of the PTA Torch circling the unit, it had to oscillate in a spiral around the shaft. Many have compared these Feedscrews to Augers and they would be right. The only difference is an Auger is made from lighter pieces assembled as one, where a Feedscrew is made from a single heavy piece of metal machined into shape.

Since we have to keep the unit around 800 F when welding on it, we work through our breaks basically snacking whenever the urge hits us. You lose the ability to relax for those few minutes and by the end of the day you are more then ready to go home.

I was starting to experience a problem with the maintaining the Powder Thickness around 1:30 when I heard a familiar voice. It was Alec there to collect the last of his tools he had left behind. He coached me on the quick fix procedure and even answered some questions for me that will help me do the smaller Feedscrews.

We exchanged Phone Numbers so if there was anything else I might get stuck on he would help me out but if Mile were to ask the answer would be NO. He just figures it will make my job easier since he really didn’t have time to show me all the tricks of the trade. We had become fast friends in the short time we worked together. I always say treat everyone the way you want to be treated.

After burying the Feedscrew back in the Sandbox it was past 5:00 when I punched out and they wanted me to start TIG Welding another Feedscrew. It can wait until the morning. I picked up supper on the way home.

Kathy had been busy working in the Storage Unit and even ate her lunch in the Trailer. She had just gotten home herself. After we watched the News our showers felt wonderful. With a few minutes on my hands I sliced up a beautiful Pineapple that Kathy brought home. I see tasty desserts coming our way.

Thanks for following along and feel free to leave a comment unless it personally attacks someone for their opinion or is Spam.

Be Safe and Enjoy!

It’s about time.

Krackers

You Might Be a Redneck If

You've ever stood in line to get your picture taken with a freak of nature.

A Day Of Rest.

 Our Location today is Windsor, Ontario.

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I think before I went to bed last night that I might have Planned to get up early to the Alarm. Yes it is a day off work but things have to get done. Remember what I’ve said about using that word before. Normally it doesn’t happen and today was no different. I only woke once around 2:00 but fell right back to sleep. When the Alarm went off at my normal wake time of 4:45 I sat up shut it off, then I woke up at 8:30 under the covers. When I got up it felt like I had been drugged. I guess I needed the sleep more than I thought.

After a Pastry for breakfast, I got busy sorting the laundry. As soon as I had the Towels and Bedding separated, I took them downstairs to now the only Laundry Room in the building. All the Dryers were in use, but I snagged the last Two Washers.

Back upstairs while I was treating the rest of the clothes Kathy was already getting things out to put up our Christmas Tree. Being in a small Apartment we’ve had to downsize a lot including our Christmas Decorations.

Back at the Laundry Room as I transferred the Bedding and Towels to the Dryers, I immediately filled those Washers with more clothing.

Back at the Apartment Kathy had found a problem that was luckily contained in a Clear Plastic Storage Bin. There had been some Cans of carbonated drinks that had leaked most of their contents into the Bin. After emptying the rest of their contents in the sink our Recycle Bins needed to be emptied.

I didn’t linger too long outside due to the steady Rain that was falling. Inside I headed back to the Laundry Room just on time to fold the Bedding and Towels. A quick glance at the timers on the Dryers told me it would be Noon when the rest of the Laundry would be dry. That would take at least an Hour to do.

Telling Kathy that she quickly made us each a Roast Beef Sandwich from last night's Leftovers. They were delicious and would hold us over until supper.

It was past 1:00 when I returned with our Folded Laundry. After a short break and putting my clothes away, I assembled the Christmas Tree and made certain that the Lights were working. Kathy will be able to decorate it while I am at work.

With all the standing and walking on the cement floors at work the Arthritis in my feet has been acting up, so it was time to soak my feet in a hot Epson Salts foot bath. It was so relaxing as the pain disappeared that I almost fell to sleep sitting there.

I spent some time reading Blogs before starting to slice up Broccoli, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Cherry Tomatoes, Onions, Peppers and Zucchini to make a Veggie Stir-Fry. I nearly cleaned up all the Vegetables we had in the Fridge. As usual they made excellent Veggie Wraps that were more than filling.

On the 6:00 o’clock Local News they talked about increased Coronavirus Cases in our Region and were advising the public to get Vaccinated or Boosted as soon as possible. We’ve been reading that the new Booster will protect you from the Omicron Variant, but it won’t be available until the New Year.

We read more Blogs this evening.

Thanks for following along and feel free to leave a comment unless it personally attacks someone for their opinion or is Spam.

Be Safe and Enjoy!

It’s about time.

Krackers

You know you’re getting old when you answer a question with, "Because I said so."

Working Out, Rescheduling, Moving and Looking Ahead.

 Our Location today is Windsor, Ontario.

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What do you do when you are feeling Achy and have a day off? You get up early and go to the Gym of course. I did get an extra Forty-Five Minutes more sleep but there was no time to be wasting daylight. I arrived at Planet Fitness by 6:10 and didn’t wait to get started. There was only a handful of people when I arrived but that meant I could accomplish what I needed. With it only being Six Days since my last workout I was able to complete Three Full Sets of my usual routine and it felt wonderful.

It was only minutes after 9:00 when I walked in the Apartment to find Kathy already at her Computer. Since she had the chance to sleep later than my Alarm would allow her she had already started cooking our supper in the Crock Pot.

We spent a bit of time on the Computers but not enough to read all the Blogs we follow. Kathy had not eaten breakfast and I had only had a snack so we had an early early lunch. We made Grilled Cheese Sandwiches garnished with Olives along with the Leftover Triple Chocolate Cake for dessert.

With things to get straightened around we were out the door by 11:00. First thing we did was to take things from the Car and put them in the Truck.

With an impending medical test scheduled for this coming week we went to Clear Imagining. Having tried unsuccessfully to reach them by phone on a weekend before I thought this was the best bet. The appointment had been made as if I were still on the Afternoon Shift. Now that I am back on Days it had to be changed. With this being a Fasting Test it was made for 7:00 in the morning in late December. Reporting for work late by an Hour is better then being gone for Hours in the middle of the day.

Our next stop was Guardian Storage where we pulled some things out of our Storage Unit to bring to the Trailer. We also looked at ways of downsizing the unit itself which would add to our monthly savings. With the few things we brought to the Trailer tucked away in the basement we worked together to cover the Tires with a simple Plastic Tarp tied on with Bungee Cords. By doing so will protect the Tires from the elements until they roll next year.

Even though we did not stop we noticed the price of Gasoline and Diesel had both dropped another Five Cents/Litre.

We stopped at the Dollarama closest to our home to pick up a few supplies. We managed to find everything on our list except the Two most needed items. The only thing we could do was go back to another location to accomplish that task.

Back at our building it was easy to carry everything up to the Apartment. While Kathy was stashing some of the purchases I took a walk to check if I could do the laundry today. The Second Floor Laundry Room has been removed and the First Floor location has no Hot Water available until further notice. The joys of living in a building under New Management.

Like lunch we were having supper by 4:00. At least with the Roast Beef, Potatoes and Broccoli done in the Crock Pot it was all piping hot. For dessert we had Mixed Berries.

Though the weather is supposed to be miserable tomorrow, we’ll be busy. What else would you be doing on a day off?

Thanks for following along and feel free to leave a comment unless it personally attacks someone for their opinion or is Spam.

Be Safe and Enjoy!

It’s about time.

Krackers

Words of Inspiration

Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom.

Thomas Jefferson 3rd President of the United States of America.

Good Things Happening.

 Our Location today is Windsor, Ontario.

Click on the pictures to enlarge.

By starting my shift early used to mean that I was getting some overtime pay while Kathy was still asleep. Unfortunately twice this week I have done what I never did before retirement or since. I forgot to shut my Back-Up Alarm off which meant that Kathy was awake around the time I reached the Plant. Like myself once she was awake she desperately tried staying awake throughout the day so she would sleep tonight but found that she Blinked a few times.

Mile never even asked what I would be working on today when he walked out on the Plant Floor before 6:00 and could hear the Gas Burner already roaring to heat the Feedscrew mounted on the PTA. In case you think that I’d be welding that fast, it was nearly an Hour before the Bearing Area would be warm enough (800 F) to hit the magic button.

With the research a few of us did, we found that using the 410 Stainless Steel as a base coat should help eliminate the Pinholes in the Bearings. As I ran that first layer of metal you would have had a hard time to convince me that this was going to work. There were Pinholes all over the weld. I used the Hand Grinder to remove most of them. I then ran a non-oscillating pass to fill in the grooves.

I still wasn’t convinced but then it was time to change the Powder. It took nearly an Hour to drain the Bin of the Stainless Steel and replace it with the Stellite 6. That allowed me time to reheat the Screw and do a quick TIG repair. I had to laugh because the Machinist had a hard time finding the repair because it blended in so well. He didn’t need to sand it but simply buff it out.

With the Bin still draining I spoke with Kathy at lunch. Since her Cell Phone also happens to be our Home Phone I caught her at the Check-Out at the grocery store. Knowing the job I was doing was not a quick one I let her know I could be late.

There has been a lot of Round Stock being delivered this week for new Feedscrews. Unfortunately they are Four and Six Inch in diameter. That’s the size the PTA will not follow the Flight Pattern for the moment.

When I started applying the Stellite 6 it seemed magical. The powder was going on smooth as silk filling any leftover Pinholes and uneven welds. There is still another layer to apply before the bearing is up to size. It was 4:45 by the time it was buried in the Sandbox, and I punched out for the weekend.

We were both tired by the time I got home so we had a Store-Bought Thin Crust Medium Spinach Pizza for supper along with a slice of Triple Chocolate Cake and some Mixed Berries for dessert.

As a reminder that I shut my Alarm off, Kathy made a Sign that she posted on my side of the bed to remind me. With a change in the weather coming we’ll try to get things accomplished at the Trailer and Storage Unit tomorrow while it’s decent. Notice I didn’t say Plan.

Thanks for following along and feel free to leave a comment unless it personally attacks someone for their opinion or is Spam.

Be Safe and Enjoy!

It’s about time.

Krackers

I like to hold hands at the movies which always seems to startle strangers.