I moved (again)

[Hammermechanicman]

. Besides all my vendors demand payment up front for the parts.

Ding ding ding. We have a winner.

 

[PTmowerMech]

When a customer asks if they can make payments I'll tell them "Yes, I take payments. And when the payments are all paid, you can have your equipment."

 

[StarTech]

When a customer asks if they can make payments I'll tell them "Yes, I take payments. And when the payments are all paid, you can have your equipment."

Yelp that the way I had to go too as they will otherwise just make a partial payment just to get their equipment and then stick you for the rest.

 

[PTmowerMech]

I had to put an end to it a few years ago when a customer left owing some money. Didn't pay me within the promised week. So the next time he came in with something else, I held both of his mowers til the balance was paid. He found the money to pay me, pretty quick when I told him he had to get to a zero balance before he could get either of them.

 

[PTmowerMech]

I'll tell you folks, it's gonna be great to get back to work. So far it's been cleaning up the shop, sorting the parts I have, trying to get things in order.
The shops big compressor pump went out and I couldn't find the right one, right away, so I picked up a 20 gallon from HF.
That should do me for a while.
Gonna get a double 20 breaker today for the lift and some work orders. Then I should be able to just start fixing stuff.
I need to find an old desk, so I can sit and do carbs.

Holy hell. The more I think about this, the more I realize I need. LoL

 

[StarTech]

Yelp those wish lists to get long sometimes. Just keep your growth at a manageable level. That why I don't advertise here.

As for the compressor I have been running a 25 gallon one for years. Several years ago it was looking like I needed a bigger set then I switch over to Air Cat tools that are more powerful but used less CFM with them being quieter too. Now air guns still take a lot CFM but just the nature of them. One of things you can do is too switch from those M or L couplers to high flow V style coupler and plugs. Those M's were my best problem with air flow problems. I recommend V over other hi flow because if you need to use a tool that still has M style it is possible as the V couplers are dual use though the M's adapters will leaks are the V o-rings wear.

As for tools I start out the basic hand tools and add as I needed things. Currently my work bench is three 4x4 across the 17 cu ft utility trailer with 1x6 tongue and groove planks nailed to them. Yes I do most of my work outdoors. No way to work in the shop as it is only 24 x 24 building that is full parts and tools. I started out with one 26" tool box and now got two sets 44" top and bottom boxes along a set of 26" top and bottom boxes. Even now I am needing to add tool boxes.

Parts is your second biggest expensive behind tools. Just keep it at a manageable level too; otherwords, don't go hog wild buying parts. Yes if you got a particular part you use a lot then yes extra of it. When I first I did buy several starters and even after 10 years I still got most of them but the rest of the current stock usually is rotated out within a year. Just don't items for older equipment as they die off leaving you stuck with the parts; unless, sell them on eBay as NOS parts.

 

[bertsmobile1]

Yelp those wish lists to get long sometimes. Just keep your growth at a manageable level. That why I don't advertise here.

As for the compressor I have been running a 25 gallon one for years. Several years ago it was looking like I needed a bigger set then I switch over to Air Cat tools that are more powerful but used less CFM with them being quieter too. Now air guns still take a lot CFM but just the nature of them. One of things you can do is too switch from those M or L couplers to high flow V style coupler and plugs. Those M's were my best problem with air flow problems. I recommend V over other hi flow because if you need to use a tool that still has M style it is possible as the V couplers are dual use though the M's adapters will leaks are the V o-rings wear.

As for tools I start out the basic hand tools and add as I needed things. Currently my work bench is three 4x4 across the 17 cu ft utility trailer with 1x6 tongue and groove planks nailed to them. Yes I do most of my work outdoors. No way to work in the shop as it is only 24 x 24 building that is full parts and tools. I started out with one 26" tool box and now got two sets 44" top and bottom boxes along a set of 26" top and bottom boxes. Even now I am needing to add tool boxes.

Parts is your second biggest expensive behind tools. Just keep it at a manageable level too; otherwords, don't go hog wild buying parts. Yes if you got a particular part you use a lot then yes extra of it. When I first I did buy several starters and even after 10 years I still got most of them but the rest of the current stock usually is rotated out within a year. Just don't items for older equipment as they die off leaving you stuck with the parts; unless, sell them on eBay as NOS parts.

i went to an auction at a failed truck repair workshop to buy some tool boxes
What I saw there made a big difference to my workshop.
They had a very big external air compressor and had plumbed the workshop in 2" blue line plastic water pipe.
Those compression fittings are supposed to be good for 150 PSI and I had a lot of 1" fittings left over from another job, so plumbed the workshop with 10 air outlets inside & 4 outside.
One of the best things I have ever done and one of the easiest .
We bought a 100 gallon air reciever from a closed down petrol station & hooked it up to a Hydrovane compressor we bought at another auction .
This is a very quiet compressor and being 3 phase runs for about 2 minutes to fill the tank.

 

[PTmowerMech]

Luckily, I think I have enough tools now to do most jobs. I've been collecting since I got into this about 5 years ago. The ones I really enjoy are the ones I inherited from my dad. The same ones he used back in the late 60's and 70's. Every time I use one, I think of him. The box I'm using, both top and bottom is 26.5" X about 57". Plus it has a lot of drawers that are full to the max.
While at HF yesterday, I think I got a little drool on one of their fancy tool boxes. lol

 

[StarTech]

If it was one the US General tool boxes they built fairly heavy especially at 300 + lbs empty. They recently made them deeper. Since I am by myself that that 2 ton engine crane came in handy unloading them.

HFT seem to only put the cabinets on sale and rarely put the tool chest (top box) on sale.

 

[Hammermechanicman]

I can say the HF boxes are pretty good. Unloading the lower cabinet was a bear. Had to get neighbor's tractor with a loader to get it off the pickup truck. My engine lift didn't go high enough.