Pond Boss Forums GENERAL QUESTIONS Pond Boss Big change.

When I first starting reading the first post, I could only think Spark was going to school to be a Giant Foam Finger Maker.

I've got my eye on that position ultimately, but needed to get my foot in the door somehow. Gotta' pay your dues and work your way up!

Sparky, good for you. It takes grit to make such big decisions. I'm sure from reading your posts that you are intelligent enough and determined and will do just fine.

Bob - Not grit, but common sense.

Hilarious!

Straight ahead, Tony!!!

I guess Sunil is not watching his diet tonight

Phil, Websters defines grit as "stubborn courage". By reading Sparkies posts it's clear he has more common sense than the average poster.

Agree!!!

Thanks again guys, but maybe it's just the luck of the draw once in awhile.

Last day of business here in the shop. Almost over, and a very strange feeling. The shop is empty except for a couple personal projects, haven't seen it look that way in years. No machines to work on, spent the day fabricating swing-out bar stools for our new kitchen island. Used the metal lathe, drill press, metal bandsaw, belt grinder, and both welders. Probably doesn't sound very peaceful to someone unaccustomed to such things, but it was a very productive, relaxing, day.

Time to change the message on the answering machine, and hang the sign on the door.

sprkplug, I had a small engine repair business for 35 years.Closed the doors on it over 5 years ago and still don't miss it a bit. I spend more time now restoring old cars and working around the pond and travelling with the wife. There are plenty ways to supplement income if needed. Have fun and do things you love to do!!

Tony, the finality of all this had to feel strange.

Again, good luck on your new journey.

I don't miss the shop one bit either. 19 years designing and building custom machinery and tooling. The way the automotive industry changed with Tier 1 is what turned my stomach. Before, if you built a piece for a production line, you got paid as soon your equipment was proven out and signed off on. Pretty simple, right? Someone thought it would be a good idea not to pay ANYONE until everything is proven out, and some people out there really build JUNK!!! Longest wait was about 2 years and I ended up building the piece that replaced this companies POS. (it was a gub subsidized co. that built it)

Yeah, I don't miss the turmoil of dealing with certain situations. Company you're doing something for goes on strike or bankrupt, not much you can do except wait it out or pay lawyers.

Good luck Spark!

Tony, I can only imagine the things you must be feeling. Sad, excited, nervous are words that come to mind. New opportunities have arrived. Enjoy the experience and more importantly, I hope you enjoy the new vocation, to me, that is the most important aspect of any job.

Good luck Sir and enjoy the ride!

Yeah Bill, there are emotional things you go thru, and Spark may encounter these as well. Comes with the territory.

I still get the itch and occasional requests to fire the shop back up, but have it way too easy now. You would not believe the contract I have right now, and that's until I decide to retire.

Thanks guys, very curious feeling for sure. The shop has been a part of my life for some time, I guess it will take a little time to adjust.

One thing I've already figured out, when we move I'm sure going to miss the place. Now that I'm not using it to make a living I can use it for all my personal projects. And this past week has been amazing. Before, I just wanted to leave at the end of the day, now I'm anxious to get out there and start fabricating. Didn't realize I missed the metal fab that much!

Yeah Spark, now you can have fun with the place.

Spark, If you care to share, I'd love to see a fold out barstool. Never saw anything like that before!

Tony,

We all have changes in our careers, some are our choice and some are not. This one is your choice and I think you are going to look back fondly, especially since you can always go back and do projects on your timeline. I can't wait to see what you come up with!!!


Best of luck and show them professionalism!!

Congrats T, all signs pointed to this direction for you, and it sounds like you're eager and at peace with the decision - full steam ahead!

They were used in commercial lunchrooms back in the 50's. There are different designs, and all of them bring big money from places that salvage industrial pieces. My wife liked the idea, so she drew up what she had in mind and now it falls to me to build It, and incorporate it into the island.

http://www.urbanremainschicago.com/products/furniture/swing-out-seating.html

Congratulations, Tony! Exciting times ahead, I'm sure!

And even though there's the satisfaction of doing things for others, there's that renewed sense (and motivation) in the shop of "now I can do it for me" (without seeing customers' projects scattered about!).

Merry Christmas!

Very busy this week, just a note to let everyone know I survived my first week of apprenticeship, and I still have all my extremities. Very intense experience, truly a week I will never forget. I believe the things I've seen and done over the last five days will stay with me forever. From riding the cartop to the top of the hoistway, to crouching down in the pit while the car descended towards me, all the while listening to my journeyman (in the pit with me), telling me to remain calm, stay still, and I would be fine.

I was leaning forward on my knees, and the bottom of the car came to within 4-5 inches of my head. I know my breathing stopped, pretty sure my heart did also.

Very fortunate to be assigned to a fantastic journeyman. A young man, extremely bright and very patient with me. Which is good as I'm completely lost most of the time, and screw up a lot. Amazing, fascinating, intimidating, and somewhat terrifying vocation. Very thankful for the opportunity.