Sawdust Beast LIVES

Tired of calibrating depth on your dovetails, wrangling right angles off your saw, fitting fences to dado cuts, measuring hole locations? Want to add 3D features to your panels, cut architectural moldings, or simply ensure your work reflects your vision without years of skill development? Well, grab some 3D CAD software, pop your design into a CAM package to generate tool paths, and load up your fancy shmancy CNC machine! How could I refuse? With an automatic tool changer, 12" of Z travel, and powerful servo drives, this monster squeezed itself into the shop last month and promises to put my boys through college! Now, if I can just get it to hold onto its IP address after a reboot. Fun, fun fun - a marriage of art and technology - I am in heaven.

Special thanks to my beautiful wifey - she's excited, too.

When Dogs Fly

George was a great friend. Now, he's gone, like snow on the water.

Such a wonderful fellow! That 600 foot cliff still holds him somewhere. You are missed, George (but we're all glad noone was holding your leash when you went over the side).

FEAR ... and fear alone will keep you out

Aargh - What to do about my poor Jimmy, which runs so beautifully when warm, but which won't start for all the gold in the world when cold? I have replaced plugs, wires, coil, distributor cap, battery, and checked the fuel pump pressure. Could it be the CPI unit leaking? Everyone says so - but there is no telltale clean spot where any leaking may be happening. I am stumped. It' s off to the online experts at s-series.org to find wisdom and solice. But wait! Look at the ENTIRE left side - it is definitely "cleaner" than the right - looks like the pressure regulator is indeed leaking. Now, instead of paying $300 for a new OEM part (guaranteed to die a quick death) or the same for a rebuilt unit sporting a better pressure regulator, I shall buy strictly the pressure regulator, for arounf $70, and do my own handy dandy rebuild. We shall see!

Can't Fix EVERYTHING Myself

I sure can bust 'em!
Hint One: Don't powerwash your telephone box. I "somehow" had a shorted modem, blown power line fuse, and Oh Well. Phone company spent hours fixing it. Hint Two: Don't advise the service dude what you did, if you do overlook hint one (is that wrong?).

Summer's Relaxed Times

Well, who can argue? Nothing so nice as a peaceful picnic by the Columbia River!

All good things

Handyman Recalicitrance Forever

What's our time worth, especially in comparison to the benefits of doing things for ourselves? While unemployed, I have picked up so many little things I would otherwise have hired out - I have become quite capable in fixing even the most difficult problems on my cars, for example, saving literally $thousands$ over the cost of repairs at mechanic shops. Gives me a nice sense of accomplishment.