K.C. Concept

Speaking of CAD...

2011-04-02T13:19:00.000-07:00

Computer Aided Design/Drafting is known as CAD. I like anything CAD. The place where I worked as a Tool Designer, we used Microstation mainly because the Plant Engineers were using it. Later as we hired new Tool Engineers, they wouldn't learn Microstation so the company bought AutoCAD. Heck that is what I've learned with. I even learned some programing using 'Lisp'.

Later I've seen people talking about learning centers and asking how should they teach AutoCAD. Firstly, if they really want to teach they must to find what 'Standards' there students will be using. You can teach Circles, Lines, Arcs, and Text. That simple. But using AutoCAD at work requires a working knowledge of the company 'Standards'.

The example I think everyone would understand, you wouldn't use a vacuum set to carpet to vacuum tile, would you? Well standards are like that. Everything in its place and a place for everything. So the instructor needs to know the different discipline these students are working in.

The problem that I had at work, first, they wouldn't allow us to use the 3D model in our drawings. Second, we were not allowed to work in 3D. Everything we did was 2D. Third, our drawing were too large in file size. We came up with some methods to make our drawing smaller. Fourth, learning. The company would pay for training, but it was the simplest type. We did talk our management into getting custom training for the same amount of money. That alone got us faster than anything else.

But the surprising thing I learned was, who used our drawings. Finance even used the timer inside of the software to do Billing. But most the repair people used the drawings to fix the machines.

This raises the question between product and manufacturing support. Most CAD software show there software as for creation of a product. Now that same documentation is used for machine repair.

There is more about this subject and you'll have to search it out.

W. Kirk Crawford

Tularosa, New Mexico

What make me think I know better?

2010-06-20T19:40:00.000-07:00

I've been hearing about people who lose there minds and do things they would normally do. So I think. Anyway, what is driving these actions? I'm not much different. The other day as I was arriving at the local library some kid was trying to get in and the door was being held by a few girls. This kid put his foot on the wall to get as much strength as possible. It was unreal. I told that kid I never wanted to see that kind of action ever again. Of course, he blamed it on the girls.

There is so much of this type of stuff going on and worst. All over the world people are losing it. Heck there are people or countries that have lost there way if they don't get what they perceive to be right. Then again what is right? Long story of the world and it's not over yet.

Ok, now for what is driving me crazy. I have purchased a number sheets of plywood that should be better than they are. They wrapped but not by much. So I thought I could use them anyway. Well over time and this and that and the other, I was wrong. It has cost me more time and scrap than I want to account for.

Now I sit and wait for what I am not sure.

W. Kirk Crawford

Tularosa, New Mexico

Are you seeing what you want to see?

2010-02-28T17:41:00.000-08:00

I am watching TV and it doesn't matter weather it is the Big Four or Cable, nothing is appealing. First is the fact that I can't hear too well. It makes hearing children and some women difficult. And what I want to watch is limited by reality shows. Reality isn't worth watching, in my option, cuts shorts anything worth watching.

Who care about a father and son arguing and wasting time on showing how to do anything. Reality sucks. Did say that before? I watch TV to learn something like woodworking show or technology. Finding these type of show are limited to video podcast. Searching for them is getting harder.

I found out that I got something a friend want me to build. Problem, the shop is not any way shape or form getting anything done. With the South wall torn apart and everything shoved into the table saw and there isn't away to move around. Half the lights are down and no electric on the south wall. My radial arm saw is hanging off the engine hoist. There isn't anything working. At least no room to work.

But like I said there isn't anything worth watching on TV. And the Internet has some good stuff, but then again there is some garbage in with the good stuff. It has caused me to start looking for some workshops or seminars that are near by. Nothing seems to come out near me. New Mexico is the land enchantment yet nothing appears down here. Got to look else where.

I you know of something that is going on around here please let me know. I am struggling here.

W. Kirk Crawford
Tularosa, New Mexico

A reason I don't like rain.

2010-02-10T22:18:00.000-08:00

It has been a few years since they built my workshop. A 30' x 40' x 12' with the wall 8" thick and the ceiling 24" on the south end and 34" on the north end. It allows me an R30 walls and R50 ceiling of blown fiberglass insulation. I also was concern about ventilation under the roof. So I had some vents put in. One other thing about the west wall siding and roof decking, we painted the OSB with e-Bearer paint. It keeps the inside 20 degree cooler.

All was well and good up until last week. I had seen a stain on the floor for a long time but I figured it was leaking under the overhead doors. I guess it wasn't. I haven't found anyplace where it leaks except for those vents. Besides, on the inside that where the water appears the greatest. I just hope not much as gotten into the ceiling insulation. That would be unreal to fix.

I had a sheet metal shop make some deflectors. Hopefully that will take care of the water.

I have to remove all of the stuff on the wall to get access to the insulation. Boy is it wet. and there is some white mold growing in at least one of the cavity. I don't know what it is yet, got to find somebody to tell me what it is. As for the fiberglass I think it is ruined. I am really worried what is the long term of this damage.

The worst part of this is moving things that I had on the south wall and trying find a place to put it. If I didn't have the Triumph in there, it would be so bad. I never thought this would ever happen to me. This is one of the worst things that could have happened. I have so many projects on hold because of this it is insane. I have other things better to do than this. I'm getting to old to climb a ladder and these sheets of OSB is heaver with a little water soak in.

Help, who would want to. This is drive me crazy. I don't know what else to say.

W. Kirk Crawford
Tularosa, New Mexico

What going on with my life, nothing.

2010-02-05T14:39:00.000-08:00

It has been a while since I have done much of anything. I mean I only got one eye operated on and it am having problems trying to see the left eye, it didn't get the operation yet, is trying to take over what I am looking at. Hare to focus a camera. And speaking of a camera, since I am left eye dominant, my nose will often push the shot button and it is either set for timer or repeat. That has cause me to miss some shots. Sucks.

So I have been unable to do much that takes hand-eye-coordination. So I have worked on that '70 Triumph getting it read for the sand blaster. The engine stand that I built out of wood failed and I made one out of steel. Not real happy with the bolting locations. We'll see. I still haven't decided what to do about the engine. One cylinder doesn't have good compression. Not sure why, something i have to look into.

I made a boboo. While using a air chisel I cut some of the floor pan. The distance between the edge of the body is impossible to reach with a Hammer & Dolly. So I build a holder to hold a sledge hammer. I uses an 1 1/4" threaded rod because I need it adjustable in height. Oh it looks nice all right, but wait and see.

Whaile all of this have been going on it started snowing here and we got about 3". OK, but that just made mud and makes it next to impossible to walk to the shop. That would have been it but it started raining for three days and now it has gotten worst. The road in front of the house, the gravel as gone down into the mud. It is a mess at this minute.

That's not the worst part at this time, the rain has leaked into the south wall of the shop and gotten the blown fiberglass insulation wet. Now I have to take the OSB down so it can dry out. I called the guy that built the shop and told him, 'that I noticed stains on the floor, but I though it was coming under the overhead door.' It appears that where I caulked might have keep the water from draining out.

Boy am I heart broken.

W. Kirk Crawford
Tularosa, New Mexico

I wouldn't be what I am without the job I had.

2010-01-03T18:28:00.000-08:00

Does that make any sense? It seams that I never did anything that management appreciated. Yet management would rather see me redo existing work. The would never consider making our work easier. As far as I am concerned, we were doing 1980's work using 1940's methods.

I have another question. What if the Big Three didn't try to build car volumes per car demands. What if the just build to there limit, and not push the limits of there quality. Look, Rolls Royce has a backlog of orders and don't hire because of the demand. Look what has happened to Toyota, there problem with the floor mats.

It appears that Hyundai has many more hot car designs than the Big Three has had since the 50's and 60's. And don't even got to the point that all cars are starting to looking alike. Who cares?

What do you care about? Stop and think it through to see if it can come back and slap you in the face. Is your wants bigger than your needs? All I am wanting anymore is a car the size of the 50's models and around 200 to 250 hp. As for gas milage, well is it gasoline, batteries, or something else.

All I know now cars last a lot longer than they did in the past. Also, I heard, the internal combustion engine isn't about to die in your lifetime. I believe that most of the latest downfall to the auto industry is because of some bad judgmental calls back in the 70's. They have lost track to what the American want in the way of an automobile.

A lot of good people have move on and the ones who have caused the problems are still there. Something like Washington.

W. Kirk Crawford
Tularosa, New Mexico

I must be jinksed.

2009-12-08T09:43:00.000-08:00

What do I start lately with all that has gone a stray for me? How about getting my other eye operated on, for one. Waiting for the other cataract to be removed is getting to be a night mare. Just sitting around doing nothing isn't any fun. Hard to read, and to know what I really see. What is in focus and what isn't.

OK, that the way I see today. Now lets move on to the my desktop computer. It's motherboard and power supply failed. So I replace the power supply, no problem. And I got a motherboard of Gigabyte. The one I purchased would utilize my processor and RAM. Good, right? Got it and installed it. Seems OK. When to reinstall Windows XP Pro, from my OEM's pristine copy, it failed every time. It skipped the installation for any Network stuff. So I took the CD back to the OEM here and he burnt a new copy. It worked. Fine, right? Booting. Wait, where it the NUM Lock switch in the BIOS? That was like trying to pull hens teeth. After several phone calls to Gigabyte's help desk, the finally told me how to get it. It's not in the manual.

After all of that you would think everything else should be running. Well it was for the shorts time. The on-board sound quit. It's under a three warranty, right? Right. The has no problem setting up with a return label and everything. Fine, except time. Two weeks before the Thanksgiving. It comes back the day after and I am sick. For six days I am flat on my back and didn't eat for four days. No fever, no running nose, no sore throat, no chills, but a small cough.

Let's not go into the local clinic here. Thank you very much. But after a few days of felling better, I reinstalled that motherboard back into my box. The weather out hasn't been that nice to get out anyway. Booted it up and an error message, 'SCSI card not seated.' OK, reseated it. Nope. OK, put it in the other slot. Naw, that didn't work either.

So now you are up to date. And I haven't left the house yet.

W. Kirk Crawford
Tularosa, New Mexico

Somethings are better, yet others got worst.

2009-11-07T16:29:00.000-08:00

I had cataract surgery on my right eye. Now things don't look like a bucket of beer. Well at least in the right eye. Color is brighter and I don't need to wear glasses for that eye. Well I can't read too well yet, and it looks like glasses will be required. Wait and see.

I was scared because I was just sure I would lose my site. Well I didn't and I feel much better because of that. But like I said, 'I can't see to read'. So if I miss spell, well that is the price of reading my work. At least you'll be lucky to read anything I write.

Now just waiting for the left eye.

W. Kirk Crawford
Tularosa, New Mexico

You haven't seen an improvment?

2009-10-12T16:52:00.000-07:00

Things have gotten done, but it doesn't look like it. There has been interferences. You know the kind that just make stop and think. Like reading random blogs. This one guy just noticed that GM was selling Hummer to a Chinese heavy equipment company. Yet China has got all of the paperwork in place. I had to ask, which part was he upset with, GM selling Hummer or a Chinese company buying it? Of course, he couldn't answer, but neither was he aware of what American are purchasing. Do we have a choice? I think not.

So there is the other thing that is either stupid or unreal. This woman was arrested because she poked another woman on Facebook. It appears that a woman got an injunction against the first woman from any communication. So is the first woman naive or just plain stupid. She has little respect for anyone but herself. How many other people fit in this league?

Another think that has caught the eye of the public, Ralph Lauren advertisement of a woman who appears very skinny. Unreal skinny. So a blogger posted the picture and talked about how skinny she was and the possibility of why Ralph Lauren group would even consider using this photo. Ralph Lauren legal group decided to sue the blogger for copyright infringement. But as people discovered that the photo was photoshoped. Therefore, the advertisement wasn't real. So the Ralph Lauren dropped there suit.

So what else could take up my time? How about the Science Channel. Time. It takes time to watch.

W. Kirk Crawford
Tularosa, New Mexico

What if you don't feel like it?

2009-10-07T18:44:00.000-07:00

This is another one of those times when things all around me are either broken or I need to add something to something. So many things are breaking and I have to stop what I'm doing and fix it. The water hydrant stopped working. How could that be? The guy put the bottom of the valve in a bucket of small gravel. Well a root pushed a small rock into the drain hole and after I took that out, which took me three days of rain to dig it up, it still didn't work well. Slow. So I went and got a new on, but it was a foot taller. Now we don't have to bend over so far to hook it up. So when I put it back, I used a five gallon bucket without anything it and wrapped it in that landscaping fabric.

So what else could happen? How about the sound card quit on my desktop. It is the one that I watch about two hours of internet per day. So I download the files, and they play them over the network with my laptop. Two days later the motherboard dies. It is just two months our of warranty. My luck.

So next I decided I would do a little Photoshoping. Found these plug-in, and it looks like painting. Right? Well is something I shot off the front porch. Amazing what I can do. Now I have to consider purchasing those plug-ins. What do you think?

I managed to pickup a couple of outdoor lamp shades. I want to put two lights in the front yard and one in the back. But running the wire will require more than I think I can do because of the digging. Plus the backyard light needs to come off a three-way-switch. I just hope the wire runs that way. You see this house is a penalized construction. The outside walls have Styrofoam between two sheets of OSB. And on top of that I will have to go into the crawl way and poke a hole into the foundation to put the wire through.

Also I need to run conditioned water out to the workshop so I can put in a bathroom. I even put a pump on the water heater because the hot water takes for ever to get warm in the far bathroom. There isn't any insulation or heating loop.

Oh speaking of the TR6, the frame is stripped and sitting in the back. Maybe the crows will eat the crap off the frame and I won't have to have it blasted. Too much to ask.

There is probably more stuff that needs to get done, but why bother?

W. Kirk Crawford
Tularosa, New Mexico

What a vacation I had.

2009-09-07T18:53:00.000-07:00

My wife's brother-in-law won a time share in Winter Park, CO. It was on the third story of a 18 time-shares building. Do you know what Colorado needs, oxygen. I was breathing hard every time I climbed those stairs. We even brought the pots, pans, and other food items. Her brother-in-law always stops at some grocery store and buys more food than we can eat in four days.

Of course I took my camera. I take pictures of what I like. One of the things that my brother-in-law and my wife's niece wanted to do was drive some go-karts. So I took pictures, but something I did caused them to be over-exposed/trashed. Can't figure what I did wrong. But if it is possible, I can do it. Anyway, most everything else came out OK.

After that karting thing, we went up Pikes Peak on the COG Railroad. Nice ride. Are you aware of how cold it is up there. About 30 degrees colder, and windy. That is when I discovered a lack of oxygen. It is a fun place to visit, but I wouldn't want to live there.

For some reason my brother-in-law always wants to eat or stay at least one night at one of the most expensive restaurant or hotel. The Broadmore is out there. So we had dinner there and a $150 bottle of champagne from New Mexico. Who would have though anything from New Mexico would cost that much?

Well anyway, they were on there way to the airport and the return car rental company, so they had to fill up with gas. For what ever reason, the driver left the keys in the ignition. Went to the bathroom and the car locked its doors. Took for ever for the rental car company to get there. Then just as they got to the ariport, brother-in-law realized he left his cell phone in the rental car. Back they went to get it.

You guess it, the plane left without them. So there next choice was a flight to somewhere and connect to their finial destination. They got home six hours latter than scheduled.

W. Kirk Crawford
Tularosa, New Mexico

I am have...

2009-08-08T18:28:00.000-07:00

It seems that I want to know more than I am allowed to know. Why do people lose interest in where there money goes to worrying to where there money is coming from? Trying to keep your dollars circulating is what I believe in. But banks has taken some of that circulation away from me. Banks were some of the best place to put your money. Then in the 60's people started investing is all sort of places. Money market places was a good place for a long time. People started investing in the stock market. And was that a wild ride. I should know I saw some pocket change evolve into a sizable investment only to watch it drop. I got while I was ahead.

Now why isn't the place to invest money the same? Why are houses costing so much even when they have been foreclosed? I would think that only the money the bank was losing would be the worth of the house, especially since people aren't buying houses. Anything to get there money back isn't the same as it was when I was younger.

People aren't watching where there money goes. They buy things that sends the money overseas, and that money really returns. But we have few choices since all we want is to save money. To save money, you got to put it someplace where you can get it back. Overseas isn't an answer.

I have had this overseas problem for years. As an autoworker, I would operate machines that came from overseas, because they were cheaper than American made machines. I remember getting laid-off in the 60's and I kidded people that the workers laid-off before me got jobs driving cars off boats from Japan. I don't think I was kidding that much.

What do I do now? I am retired and have nothing in site that I think would help. What do I have that would change this trend?

Buy what you build. Buy your neighbor's products. Invest in America. Invest in yourself.

W. Kirk Crawford
Tularosa, New Mexico

Not having to think about is wonderful.

2009-07-21T11:01:00.000-07:00

Quality is something that should be taken for granted, don't you think? This is something that where I worked was talked about 20% of the time. 'Do it right the first time.' That was posted the most about quality. But quality you never think about it until it fails. Take breathing for example. Most people don't have to think about it and just do it. But of others, may require a little help.

I have had a few failures lately that is causing me some turmoil. I have finished replacing my fence, with the help of my wife and neighbor, who redrilled the post-holes. Too a lot longer than I would have though. After each section I would come in and get a drink and relax. It was hot out there. Now that the fence is done, what do I do with the leftovers? I have another idea. You'll have to wait for that one.

Just after the fence was done, my garage door opener died. Can't just get a replacement, but change everything but the track. Switches, sensors, and all remote openers. That sucks.

I have several tools that require tuning up. Some of it requires a machine to do the work, while other just a little tweaking by hand.

With all of that in mind, I need to get ride of the gravel around this house. It sucks but keeps you from walking in the mud when it rains. Problem with that, it allows weeds to grow. Unless the ground is lightly moist the weed are next to impossible to pull.

Therefore, I have been thinking about a machine that would scrape the ground up, run the dirt/weeds/gravel over a screen of sorts which would allow the dirt to drop out and the rest would collect into a bucket or something like that. Problem, what do I get to pull this little machine? How wide to make it? How much do I need to mechanization do I need to come up with? You get the idea, don't you?

W. Kirk Crawford
Tularosa, New Mexico

Is my data worth it?

2009-06-10T17:39:00.000-07:00

I purchased a network storage device the other day. It failed after three weeks. Warranty, yeah right. But what about the data? Well maybe the power in the unit itself failed and the drive would be alright.

Good luck. I don't have any good luck left. I have had so much bad luck that nothing would even think about going right. So much trying to get back the data easily. It appears not.

Ok, first let me say that the Maxtor Central Axis in a 1TB Seagate drive. First I called Maxtor to find where to send the drive back for warranty replacement. I asked about getting the data back and was told take it to a third party, have them give you a receipt and send it with the drive back to them and all would be well.

Funny how things work. The place where warranty isn't the same company that deals with data recovery. Go figure. I have been trying for two weeks to get the data back and just now I am being told, if they can get the data off the drive, they are going to have some place to put it. So they said that they would contact the warranty place, get another drive to put the data on and send me that one.

That would save some steps with the warranty location.

I have since purchase another Maxtor Central Axis and am using it for my current backups. I will use the other that the data recovery company is putting the data on as a second backup that will be stored off-site. Note: if you don't have your data backed up in more that two locations your data isn't backed up. Trust me on that.

You know all of those documents/taxes/forms/receipts and other letters that you have in filing cabinets, what would if you lose them? You only have that one copy. What would you do if you lost your documents? Think about.

I did hear from on of the guys that I worked with, he was scanning all of his documents.

I hope my data is worth it.

W. Kirk Crawford
Tularosa, New Mexico

I am not the only one who off.

2009-04-10T16:19:00.000-07:00

A friend asked me to hang a storm door for his hothouse. The storm door was smaller than the opening but several inches in both directions. So I took the door and a couple of 2x4s and made a frame for the door. Everything seem to be working quit well. But the 2x4s split easily. More work gluing the splits even if you drill a pilot hole. Now that is done.

So now is the time to hang the door. Remember I said that were several inches, well the opening wasn't plumb nor was the 4x4s straight. The header was too low. After cutting off at least an inch, the door frame need a little room. Taking a saw and cutting the tight spots soon gave relief to get the door in the opening. I didn't have near enough shims so I left it nailed in place. I'll let him to get some shims and he can screw it home.

Speaking of using something in a little different manor. This same friend got a chance to get some aluminum storm windows from a house. These windows we installed on the inside of the house, and turned on there side. So the other day he placed two of these windows into a wall of his hothouse. The other day, he thought he had a micro-burst, because the windows glass was blown out of the wall. Now mind you the wall has no roof, or any other walls. This was a free standing wall and not all of the wall was covered. Just like hanging the windows from a clothesline is the best way I can explain it. This wind broke 3 out 4 glass windows. One screens was bent. I just can't explain what happened.

I have been working on different thing for weeks now and have gotten very little done. I hope that changes soon.

W. Kirk Crawford
Tularosa, New Mexico

Now what am I going to do?

2009-04-01T18:35:00.000-07:00

Just be fore writing this, we had a micro burst and it was one wild thing. Dust everywhere. You could see 50 feet.

So much for that and now for the real reason why I am written this one.

There are some things I can no longer get at any local, 'Brick and Mortar Store'. They aren't carrying products that I have been buying for a few years. Even the 'Store of Stores', Walmart, doesn't carry some of these items any more.

Ok, head to the net. Shop on line. Buy and have it shipped. But wait, shipping cost. Many of the on-line stores have a limit and if you spend enough money, shipping is free. How many items does it take to have free shipping? I won't be buy any shaving shop for a couple of months. Well maybe I should have bought other things and not all just one item. Can't wait to see how they package it.

I wander if I will see the day when many of the old product that we have bought over the years are no longer available to purchase locally. We even look for homes on-line. Build your car on-line. Find you spouse on-line. Babies?

I am living near a very small town, I have gone to the hardware store here and only found what I wanted six out of 40 times. What is the use to try to shop locally?

I remember where I live as a boy, we were only 30 miles from the big city and every body would travel up there because of the choices.

I am losing my choices. No wait, I have choices but it isn't going to be easy to kick the tires.

W. Kirk Crawford
Tularosa, New Mexico

Another reason why I don’t like WIRELESS.

2009-03-09T14:09:00.001-07:00

I found an article that someone sent me about people using a wireless device that gets the ‘security code’ from a key fob that is used to lock and unlock your car door. Example, you are stopping at a rest stop along the highway, you get out of your car and use you key fob to lock your car. That sends a signal to you car to lock the doors. A person sitting at this rest stop with this wireless device captures that signal and then uses to unlock your car’s doors and steal valuables inside your car.

There is a way to avoid this, to lock your doors manually. Push the button on the door or use your key to unlock or lock the car. Is this new to you? That way the person with the wireless device might save the code to use it later. (Although, as I understand some cars change the code each time it is used. Don’t ask me; ask your car’s manufacture.)

Along these same lines, I have heard of a similar device that allow people to sit in areas like coffee shops and scan the area for ‘credit/debit cards’ that have RFID tags in them. Therefore, that can capture that information/data on the chip and use it to steal your identify. I don’t know if these wireless readers can change or corrupt the data on the chip, but that could cause other issues when people try to use them as they were meant to be used. Like opening doors or gates or something like that.

With that said I have a problem with people who use wireless devices these ways, and the people who condone their usage.

W. Kirk Crawford
Tularosa, New Mexic0

Sick and nothing to about it.

2009-03-08T18:01:00.000-07:00

A week ago I got up and everything felt good but something inside my head said I wasn't well. Guess what, I wasn't well. My lungs were congested and that was all at that time. A couple of days later my wife gave something for it and it knotted me out for about half an hour. Then I really felt bad. Somehow now I had a cold on top of the congestion. If one isn't bad enough then maybe two would be better. That wasn't right or better.

Would like to see something better, I would like for my wife just let me be. She always want me to take something. He heart is in the right place but for the wrong things.

You see there are somethings I don't like. One of they is taking liquids for colds or sore throat. It is something I have never like because I never so any good from the liquids. Another thing is lotions or ointments. To me it doesn't seem clean. The only thing that doesn't make sense is my body itch. If I scratch more than three strokes then I am liable to have a sore shortly. That is they only time I put on a lotions and only one that I got over eight years ago. It still works. Another lotion or ointment is a sun screen. Out here in New Mexico the sun will burn me in a heart beat. So I wear it. The bad part is the wind blows the dust or enchantment and that sticks to the ointment. Now that makes me fell dirty. Yuck.

OK, so now after eight days I am getting better but not to the point of doing anything. I have projects to do in the shop and I need to check on my fence materials. And that is well over due.

Do I need to say anything else. I have discovered that the base on my router is not concentric with the chuck. That has cause problems like you wouldn't believe. Why do I have to get all of these thing that aren't just right. Lucky I guess.

W. Kirk Crawford
Tularosa, New Mexico

Relax. Enjoy something different.

2009-02-01T09:09:00.000-08:00

Every now and then, which is most of the time, I need to relax and take my mind off any current activity. It seems that a lot of my work turns up mistakes. Mostly in my math. Either cut it too long or too short. Never seems just right. So I have to take some time off and hope my thoughts get reorganized. Maybe even find a new method to get something done.

At the moment I am watching 'The Incredible Journey of the Butterflies Series'. It is truly amazing there life and where thay all end up for the winter. Other place is ted.com. This is really a cool place for me. Thinkers from all over give there talks about what they are doing. Everything imaginable it taking place all over the world. It just lift up my spirits and boy do I need that.

Take some time to rejuvenate your spirit.

W. Kirk Crawford
Tularosa, New Mexico

You too can save money and stimulate the economy.

2009-01-28T20:04:00.000-08:00

I have this idea to same you money and at the same time stimulate the economy. Buy American. If it isn't made in America, they you don't need it. But if you think you do need, make it your self. Who knows, maybe your neighbor might want one too. If you think you have a better idea, let me know, otherwise, try my way out. There is something else that would stimulate the economy, the people who you do business with should use tools made in America.

I know that it is hard trying to find anything made in America, but you just got keep looking. We, America has lost a lot of jobs to other counties. Could these jobs come back? I can see why not. And if you use the bottom line, price, as criteria then we need to look deeper. Example, one guy operating a drill press in one shop gets paid so much. Another guy down the street does the same job but gets paid much less than the first guy. And I don't know why that is. How can that be? I don't want to go there on that subject. But all things being equal, yes jobs can return to the U.S.

Have you noticed these custom cars shows on TV lately? Well somebody is putting good money to these cars to be made. There is a whole bunch of show or podcast about woodworking. Many people have made many items more than once. They made it for themselves and others, like friends or people who paid for these items. Have you notice all of these crafts shows? They too are items made by Americans for Americans.

Well that take care of the small talk, now for the big thoughts. Where do you invest your money? I hope my money is someplace make more money.

W. Kirk Crawford
Tularosa, New Mexico

What am I going to do now?

2009-01-26T19:56:00.000-08:00

With all that is going on with the rest of the world, I have desions to make. What am I going to make next.

I have two projects, or more, in the works. The first is a cabinet that goes under the side table of my table saw. I need this because I don't have a drawer large enough to store my tenoning jig. I also need some place to keep the different saw blades I have. That will come later because I have figured out just how to each blade drawer looks. There will also be three or four drawers for other stuff.

I got the case of the cabinet made and now working on the drawer for that tenoning jig. The drawer from is 3/4" plywood and the sides and bottom is 1/2" plywood. I am trying to make half-blind dovetails. They require some experimentation to get the fit just right or at least close.

The instructions for the dovetail fixture is quite extensive. It looks like it will require about two sets to experiment with. One other thing, the instruction suggest measuring the height of the router bit to its bushing collier. The problem with that is, the bushing collier doesn't ouch the jig and therefore, the measurement doesn't work. This measurement is the starting point.

OK, the other project is 'Jack Stops'. These items are an idea that I have had for some time now. What they are is a device that went the lever is down a shalf sticks out and lift the item/cabinet up just enough so the cabinet doesn't roll. Lift the lever and the cabinet rolls. I need to test the strenght of its lifing capables.

If this 'Jack Stops' works, then it might be a product that could be sold along with wheels or casters. Now that would be a blast for me to come up with something people would like to use.

By the way, TV sucks lately. Things are going on that I can't explain. Like '60 Minutes' sound was garbled. And no PBS, about 'Skunks' was missing the naration. I heard everything else but the people talking. Even one commerical was with voice naration. Isn't anyone paying attension to there work?

W. Kirk Crawford
Tularosa, New Mexico

The you are told.

2009-01-12T13:47:00.000-08:00

Just another day but it isn't. Being a diabetic I have always been told about losing something, sight or feet. Always heard that through the faminly all of my life. And with a lost of fealing in my legs I would expect something like that. I have had a few accidents lately, one being a pinched nerve in my right leg. The other accident was I cut my right index finger to the bone with my bandsaw. Now that was stupid and a daytime nightmare. I knew better. Dumb.

But today was different I have always worn glasses since I was eight. I can remember going to a basketball game and I keep asking my aunt what the score was all the time. That is when they discovered my vision was sharp. So I have has glasses these many years. I have had them break and just about everything that could happen has. And in the last twenty years I have has the best of luck with then.

Now thing are changing with my vision. So I got them checked. Highway signs are out of focus and I have to be very near to read street signs. 'Is this where I turn?', not know were I am going. Today I find that I am getting cataracts. They are in the early stage, before any surgery can be done. Before much more happens, what am I to do? Oh, other don't have there vision, and I don't think that will stop me much. I can find other outlets. It just something I wasn't prepared for.

Anyway, there you are. I am sitting here trying to cry in my beer, not quite. But I am concerned about being able to see the mountains, sunsets, and my wife. Rain too would be nice to watch.

Well there you have it. Now what I can do is a wait and see. Time will tell. Over all, I am happy, and at piece of mind. Strick that last part. I still don't understand why people allow a step from there porch of there house into there house? Why isn't the floor of one the same as the other? OK, someday I get over that one.

W. Kirk Crawford
Tularosa, New Mexico

Bloging this.

2009-01-06T19:00:00.000-08:00

Lets see if this makes sence. Bloging is like an out let. Or is it, bloging is like an let out. I guess it depends what side of the fence you are stand on. Your view migth be clouded an any number of things. Your frame of mind would keep you from seeing things around you. Could you say for sure that what ever happens is right?

There is many things going on all around us today and trying to draw an conclusion it getting harder. Thing are happening that don't make sense to us but we don't know what has happened to cause this action. We can't be everywhere to see what the causes of others actions.

Maybe that why this blog is my letting out ideas in my mind that I don't know what to do with them. I have has some bad luck lately, most is my own fault. Other things at actions that I read in the paper, TV, and the internet.

For example, MacWorld, I used to be a place where people who Mac's and have a mind set around it operating system. If this is one of the last MacWorld, then these people who have attended in the past have lost interest in Mac's or in Apple. So that doesn't leave much. The people will find another outlet to find there interest in other.

Technology, in my mind, is addictive. Learning of things you can do with technology has made most thing a lot easier, but at what cost. We have thrown away so many things that either doesn't work, can't be repaired, or a lost of interest.

Is there any things that I have missed? Is the technology leaving us out of touch?

W. Kirk Crawford
Tularosa, New Mexico

It is another New Year.

2009-01-01T08:13:00.000-08:00

I got up this morning and I just new it was a New Year. But am I going to do about it? I need to make some wooden gifts for friends and relatives. Not for anything special, but just because they are what I consider my friends.

I have learned from the past year, I need to get a GPS device for the car. I got lost so many times I have lost count. Trying to find a house that is five minutes away from a major intersection has taken 45 minutes to find. And in the dark it get's worst. Your headlights don't shine up to see the street signs. Also when people have an accident, they often take down street signs or highway signs. Turn where?

Now I must do most of the things that I have been putting off for years. Time is catching up with me and if I am to get other things done I must get other things done. Make since? At least I know what I need to do. I would like to learn to program in Visual Basic.

I have to finish getting that little Triumph TR6 stripped and rebuilt. I going to make a driver out of it. At least I have found a great web-site to help and support me as long as I send them pictures. Other friends are supporting me by asking when do you think you will have it done.
How does three years sound? And that may be pushing it a bit. But it keeps me off the streets.

Oh yes, I need to replace my fence. It is just wood logs without the bark. I have found a source for the logs, and they should be delivered soon. I must make a fixture that allows me to make flat spot on the logs to mount the cross logs. That is taking longer than I imaged. I got a neighbor to help me redrill/dig the holes for the post. As I pull out the old post, I will stick a new one back in. Just less than 100 post are needed. This fence should last another ten years.

And one other thing that is just more than one item, electrical work. I need a three-way switch between the back door and the shop. I also need a light between the two. I need, maybe, lights that show the drive-way. What I have there now is solor LEDs. Not quite bright enought. I also need to add a light to light the way to the front poarch. These lights need to be something that looks like the turn of the century.

It that isn't enough, my wife will come up with more.

W. Kirk Crawford
Tularosa, New Mexico

What else is there I can do?

2008-12-03T19:55:00.000-08:00

You would think I wouldn't lock myself into a corner. Well I haven't. What I have done is have too many projects going at one time. And some of them are a little over my head, but I am willing to learn. Learning is what life is all about. Time is my enemy. I am chasing my tail most of the time and yet I am always going somewhere to get something I think I need. Three times to town today, is it worth it. Well nothing would get done if I didn't have it.

I have so many irons in the fire that the heat is cold. I was asked how long will it take to get my TR6 back together, I said, 'three years'. For me to find the replacement part of the TR6 shouldn't take too long, three months. Now me to learn how to weld them in place will be the challenge. And to learn how to replace rust spots will be another challenge. I have already discovered something I don't know how to deal with. A stock tire will not fit into the trunk well. It is too big in diameter. And with all the wire wheels damaged, curb, what to do with the rims? They were painted, power coated will be better after all.

I am still in the process of building locating pad to the rotisserie. And the rotisserie will be out of balance. But everyone who has to use it will be happy that they don't have to get under the car.

You have to realize, I never intended to have a car in my workshop. Strictly a wood shop. But wood around is hard to come by. Anything from the big box stores warps, cups, twist, or splits by time I get it home. I have tried to use fallen limbs and had some success, but the material to use is small. I will learn to work with smaller sizes. There is that word again, learn.

Have you heard about the wood carver trying to teach the kid how to carver? You know how he says, 'just cut away what isn't suppose to be there.' i.e. carve a bear, just cut away what isn't a bear. Well I can't tell the difference. Do you? And lately I have seen things that might fall into my abilities. Abstract stuff. Who would know then.

One last thing, I have a friend who lost her job a good while back, and hasn't been able to find long term employment as of yet. She was to join a social network site. She is afraid of losing her identity and or getting spam. She has always lived a sheltered life. She doesn't believe in any technology, including a microwave. No cell phone. But she does have a computer because she used one at her old job. She has internet access but mostly for e-mail. That's it. Nothing more. On the other hand I don't have any problem signing for most anything. Heck, Google has me all over the place.

W. Kirk Crawford
Tularosa, New Mexico

So a friend has sent you unwanted...

2008-11-16T17:14:00.000-08:00

What do you a say to a friend who just found out about the Internet last year and has send you an unwanted e-mail from a third party. Now those third parties have my e-mail address.

How do I teach, from a great distance, about the etiquette of the Internet and e-mail. At least he does use decent grammar and some good punctuation. For a while he would put his message inside the message he was forwarding. He usually only write about two sentences or three. But anything much longer, forget. He will show me something he got new, but I ask what did he get his wife, that goes in one eye and out the other. Nothing to slow anything down. He might be a little on there on one wing, right or left, that is the only thing he thinks he understands.

I am struggling with a few people who do this kind of stuff because that haven't been around the Internet to long. This Internet is great as long as it is free. There are, however, the are some places who don't always steer you in the right direction of give you the correct information you really need. Yet it is a great place to search and find new things.

I wish I could put into words what I am thinking. I wish others could see what I have seen. I wish I knew what is right. I know, wish in one hand, and the other will remain as it is.

Have you seen anything NEW?

2008-11-04T17:17:00.000-08:00

I have been watching what I thought was the latest things on the internet over the past few years. Apparently I'm just a small view of what is going on around the net. There are so many things going around us that there isn't enough time to see it all. I have just see Frindfeed go with Real-time updates. WOW. It is going to speed up everything you watch or do.

Also I just saw CNN do an interview with a hologram image. That is cool. But I wander what it looked like on the set. Will this replace telephones? You do remember telephones, don't you? The quality of land lines is quite high and I think, better than cell phones. But then again, think about having a hologram using your cell phone. That would come handy trying to find answers from people you trust. It seems there is more to this than metes the eye. There is nothing like being face to face. But I can see some electrical doctoring of those pixel generation.

Have you seen these new TVs, computer monitors that the news channels are using with there two fingers to show what is going on. Microsoft showed this off a while back and now we see its uses. I don't see work being done with this type of interface.

OK, so what is the next technology for you? Can you get away from the internet? Do you take everything with you? How many devices does it take for you live in your comfort zone?

Is any of this going to help you get work done? Does all of this new stuff help you make decisions for things you need to make your comfort zone better?

Accident happened.

2008-10-10T12:05:00.000-07:00

I am usually a nice guy, I help when I can and if I see the need. But then again, I don't see all needs. I don't look in all places for those who need help.

So the other day I went to help a fried pour concrete ends over his culvert. He had previous poured the bottom half, and now was ready for the top half. I didn't say anything when I didn't see any 2 bys as part of his forms. Instead it was 1/2" OSB or plywood. He did use screws, but screws don't work in end grain. Besides OSB and plywood have a tendency to flex. Which they did.

What was worst was the concrete truck driver did some things which he knew better but we all don't think the little things will hurt. Wrong.

The bottom of the forms blew out and we stopped the pour. At which time the driver should have cleaned out the shoot. Otherwise, if allowed to sit, it will harden in a short amount of time. Which it did.

We spent some time trying to shore up the base of these forms. I will never work concrete unless there are 2 bys as part of the forms. And these 2 bys must be on the outside of the forms.

I wouldn't say we lost much, but way less than a yard spilled. Also the form didn't allow a large enough opening to easily get the concrete into the forms. This friend tried to make an funnel but its smallest part wasn't small enough without allowing concrete to spill out. And some of the material he used for this funnel was OSB and even used screws. Near the end of the pour, that funnel gave out.

So with the rest of the concrete the driver poured some into the wheelbarrow and the rest near the base of the forms.

OK, so I'll move the wheelbarrow and dump it where it was needed. Heavy, work area not level, braces in the way, and me. I got up the little bump, but it started to tip over, I tried to catch it, and oh holy hell broke in my body.

It was like being shot by lighting. Some muscle in my leg gave way/tore/or something like that, and I was in P A I N. I didn't fall, but I wish I had. But I was unable to lift my arms, raise my head, nor speak very loud. I was unconscious. They called 911, and I was on my way to the hospital. If I tried to move my leg, the pain was intense. The pain was greater than the leg cramps that I usually get.

Doesn't matter, when I got the hospital they only x-rayed my knee. That it.

So after a while, my wife showed, and this friend. He was so worried he was upchucking. A few pills later, they put a splint on my leg, and sent me home. Did you ever try to get into a Jeep with your leg clamped straight? After a fashion I made it. Felling little pain, we stopped at the drug store to fill the prescriptions. And then home.

I can walk on the leg, but not big steeps. I like to sleep on my side, but that is out of the question. Flat on my back or flat on my stomach. Funny, I can bend my knee but not with anything on it or stand.

So here I sit.

If time waits for no man, what am I doing?

W. Kirk Crawford
Tularosa, New Mexico

Old, I am.

2008-09-28T17:05:00.000-07:00

Wife wanted a dream catcher of sorts. She wanted a lattice work behind the swing on the west side of the back porch. You seen the stuff at your local building supply center. There is that plastic stuff, and it's OK in some places but it isn't what I want on my porch. There is also that pressure treated stuff, and that wouldn't do either. Also there is some thin stuff, but I found 4'x8'x3/4". But this isn't quit right either. That thickness was more like 13/16" to 7/8". I bought some 2"x4"s and cut a 13/16" grove into them. But that was too tight and would allow it to move. There is a point here, tight and move.

I had the whole thing laying on the porch and got it to fit. But when I stood it up, noting fit and I had cut off sum excess at the top, now that was just about the right height. That lattice flexes. So the size change depending how it is supported. At least it will hold up holding 'Morning Glory's' and when they die, the stronger lattice will not fall apart taking the vines down.

Well finally got it to fit stand upright. I cut it off at the top and fitted with long clamps and straps. Screwed it tight and the only thing missing is a hole in the center in the shape of a "Zia". That's a New Mexico symbol.

Climbing up and down that ladder just less than 50 times is getting old. But now my wife is happy. I just fell older.

W. Kirk Crawford
Tularosa, New Mexico

Thing don't always go the way you would think.

2008-09-20T19:14:00.001-07:00

This being Saturday there were many things to do. Cloudcroft had 'Lumber Jack Days' and a lot of people would be there. Ruidoso has a motorcycle fest going on with thousands of motorcycles coming from all over the Southwest. Alamogordo had Hot Air Balloons at White Sand Memorial Park.

We started at the Balloon Feast, and took pictures from the east side of town. Sun in my favor. Little did I know I had the camera set to something that I could not use the pictures no matter what I tried to fix them. So much for that.

So I decided to go to Las Cruses and pick up some items the neighbor wanted plus things I needed. So we stopped at Harbor Freight. I need some bandsaw blades for my cuttoff saw. Thin pickings but I found 2. The neighbor needed some 6”x48” belts, they only had one pack on display. I needed two and found a person to get me the other one. Also he needed some 9” sanding disc 100# grit. They only had 80# grit. Sucks.

Then I got the bright idea, since my other air grinder I bought works so great, I thought it would be get a “Right Angle Head Air Grinder”. I had one of the personal to open the locked cabinet and get me one out. He did. He also carried to the check-out.

Not this is the fun part. When I got home, I could not find that right angle head air grinder. So I looked at the receipt and it wasn't on it. I didn't pay for it, therefore, I didn't get it.

60 mile one way trip for part of what I went after. So much for life.

W. Kirk Crawford
Tularosa, New Mexico

Seems like a long story, but if it happens to me, what about you?

2008-09-15T15:58:00.000-07:00

I was lucky for someone who just happens to watch the Michigan Department of Unclaimed Money. Somehow he picked out me and traced me down.

So this is how I was on there list of unclaimed money. An insurance company decided to change policy holders with stock of the company. So somehow the insurance company decided this was what they wanted to do, so they needed to send the policy holders the money.

This is the part that caused the problems. The insurance company hired another company to mail out these checks. Since I had moved, twice, the letter was returned to that company. They then turned over the returned mail to the State of Michigan. They in turn posted my name and old addresses to there internet site.

Now since this person who tracked me down gave me enough information to follow up for myself. Now it have been a week waiting for the state of Michigan to send me the form they required plus what phone number at that insurance company to get that policy information. Once I get all of that filled out and send it back it could take additional 180 days to resolve.

Who knows, you may have money coming to you. Check the state in which you have lived, including you current state. Get lucky.

W. Kirk Crawford

Tularosa, New Mexico

I got so much to do, but I find it fun.

2008-09-11T17:22:00.000-07:00

So much to do, and I don't seem to want to do any of it. I have everything scattered across the floor of the shop, and nothing has a place. Now if I could 'stack it'.

There is also rain to deal with. Mud cause me to make a wooden sidewalk at the door to the shop. There is also a need to lay down the ground to replace the license plate on the trailer I bought to haul the TR6 back to here from Indiana. Now I don't really need the trailer, but I do need it to haul something longer 12'. And who knows what all I could use it to haul.

There is so much to watch both on TV and the Internet. There are these things called video podcast and they provide so much information it is a bear to keep up with everything I hear. Not everything is music and I have little interest except while driving is when I most like it.

How much can I put up with and how to deal with everything I need to do? I need to make more room to allow me a place to put the body of the TR6 for a while. I need to build an rotisserie to hold the body for the sandblaster, and maybe the painter. Plus I need to replace rust everywhere on the car.

Also watching the Science Channel, History Channel, Discovery Channel, and others like these, are showing ways to slow/stop Greenhouse Gases from causing Global Warming. The work that I have seen, I would like to be there to participate.

I guess I am getting to old to get everything done that I once did. But I enjoy what I am doing, and think I am having fun.

W. Kirk Crawford
Tularosa, New Mexico

Getting to a point is getting harder.

2008-09-06T20:21:00.000-07:00

It hasn't been easy to get to a point. That point is getting my Triumph TR6 the body tub off the frame and get sand blasted. Besides, I am trying to save some money, but there are some things that need to be home built.

I am working on building a rotisserie for the guy to use to sand blast it and maybe another guy to paint it. I probably could paint it myself, but I am not near good enough. The tub is going need new floor pans and other areas are going need an lot of work and a rotisserie will easy access.

Don't even ask about the engine. That will probably be another story in it self. But with body off, I can check the frame for cracks and change to tube type shocks.

All I want out of this is a driver.

W. Kirk Crawford
Tularosa, New Mexico

2008-09-04T13:53:00.000-07:00

One of the things that I am interested in is, Computer Aided Design/Drafting, CAD, computers, woodworking, Sprint Cars, cars, and my wife. Not necessary in that order.

At this present time I am working of a '70 Triumph TR6 that is in petty bad shape. It is all there, I think, but it hasn't been started over 15 years or longer. The gas in the tank is black. The engine has one cylinder that is 25% lower than the rest. Otherwise, I don't know much more about it.

It has been repainted, Mallard Blue, if you will. And I believe the frame is cracked or may have a break in it. The floor pans are rusted and the previous owner tried to fix them with very thin sheet aluminum using both rivets and sheet metal screws. The fenders, rears, were held on with some silicone and one had been brazed. There is some rust in the panel joints.

I am at a point now that I have stripped everything off of the body. I am ready to pull the body off the frame. I want to make a rotisserie for the body because it needs to go the a sand blaster to clean it. Also the frame needs to go the the sand blaster to get rid of the surface rust. Then the frame can be painted.

As for the body, I guess I can learn how to fix it. There should be more in this paragraph than just that sentence.

The engine I will deal with after the frame is painted. Not a good idea, but I don't want to purchase other equipment. Although, with me building a rotisserie for the body, the two ends could be engine stands. At least that is the design I am working on.

Anyway, I have been watching a site that strictly work with Triumphs. I have posted questions there and have gotten great answers that I can't believe how this works.

Another thing, I don't want to purchase items that I won't use but this one time. An engine hoist I can rent. I hate not having tools.

W. Kirk Crawford

Tularosa, New Mexico

Where is the money in 'Microbloging'?

2008-09-03T16:47:00.000-07:00

I have several microbloging accounts. I find them not all that useful on my end.

They require you to take out a few seconds to write something. Now most of the people that I watch are amoung the poeple who are watching or creating technology.

There are a few who have grammar problems. I am not the best in the world, but I use capital letters, commus, and periods.

OK, so much for that, but what gets me, is there any money changing hands? If so where. I can't why so many would putting so much effort into it.

Now watching some of these people, we are getting latest news within seconds of it.

Well anyway I'll keep tweeping, if that is what it is called.

W. Kirk Crawford

Tualrosa, New Mexico

Got to start some where and some time.

2008-09-03T06:53:00.000-07:00

It appears that now is the time to start this blog thing.

After all, I have some things to say about some things. Like, Google's Chrome. Chrome allows more screen space, most sites that I have hit appear faster. And speaking of faster, as you scroll up and down the page, it is a lot faster at that.

Since I used Mozilla and its spellchecker, it appears in Chrome. But when you right-click on it, nothing. That sucks and it dosen't work here using Chrome.

With Chrome, where is the Export Favoraites? There may be other things but I guess I need more time.

Over all I am happy with Chrome.

W. Kirk Crawford

Tularosa, New Mexico