Rob

Thanks Barry. Was allowed to post with normal effort! Rob

All of my prior posted photo's are gone. Thanks, Rob

I'm gonna leave the bullshit on the curb with this one: I'm sorry you had to learn the danger of batteries with physical injuries. That would be tough to live with. I've seen training films through the years and the danger has been preached many times so never had to experience it first hand. I do carry and use a neoprene apron, skull cap, safety goggles, and a full face shield when load testing battery banks. This is also used in evaluating performance. You are one that has learned to respect this area. So many do not and repeat the same mistake. One of the most common incidents that happens with batteries is to try to jump start a very low temperature, or frozen battery. With the inrush of current a rapid buildup of heat and boiling of the electrolye occurs, and things start to expand on very short order. When the expansion of the internal plates cannot move effortlessly, pressure builds until something blows. If you lost your hearing, you know it is not a quiet affair. Sulfuric acid is not easy on clothing, and very bad on the eyes, and skin. If one goes to jump start a vehicle always hook up the discharged battery first, and disconnect last. This is due to the heating effect I have mentioned earlier. As soon as boosting current is added to the discharged battery, it starts to gas. This is the explosive part of the equation. This is also why you disconnect last. If one disconnects this area first, there is most times a spark. You can guess what a spark in an explosive atmosphere can equate to and the result. This is also why it is best to hook the booster cable to the positive post of the discharged battery, and the negative lead to a suitable ground separate from the battery, (like engine bracket, block etc.). I'm not one that lives or preaches on the side of caution. Many of the batteries I work with are for locomotive starting and used on generator sets, with a capacity well over 500 amperhours at 8VDC rating each; Safety is mandated with this kind of current available. In other words there is a very strong possibility for death or injury if safety is not followed, and practiced. A guy I worked for in high school once told me about digging bakelite chips out of his chest with a pair of tweezers when a battery exploded on him. This was in the 60's some time and was readily willing to warn me of the inherent dangers of working with what so many take for granted. You only have to get hurt once to remember it well. I'd rather not have that lesson. Rob

Ahhh yes. Using the power of phonetics, and deductive reasoning, I have surmised that your "slang terminology" is meaning to say "son of a bitch" in different pronunciation. I believe that is called synonyms within the english language. Thank you for taking the time to clear that confusion. I feel much better now. You have spelled "censors" correctly I might add. Should your participation be ostracized from the site I would be willing to be held accountable for your banishment. I would accept full responsibility. Although I do have broad shoulders, I would miss you in your absence. Rob

You had offered clarification with the term "sumbish". I've never heard this term prior and require a thorough understanding of both the structure to language, and it's derivatives. My understanding will serve to alleviate miscommunication in further conveyances. Rob

Tried to send the files to you in a pm also with no joy. I have a hard time figuring out a persons equipment problem if it is not accurately described. Just exactly what does "sumbish" equate to????? Rob

I maintain a lot of batteries at work and have wanted to post a chart like this for quite some time; Just never remember to do it. Well, Santa left me a new rolling manual battery charger/booster and it came with this little chart which is very close to what I use daily. It is geared toward a charge rate of 50 amperes, but using the calculation with your recorded number(s) substituted will yield the results you need. Above all remember this: Under NO circumstances allow a wet cell battery to exceed 125 degrees Fahrenheit at any time while under charging current! Monitor temperature with a glass thermometer, or non contact thermometer! I cannot stress this enough as the likelyhood of battery explosion increases exponentially above this temperature. Ensure adequate ventilation is provided for the "gassing" that will take place also. Remove the caps, or lids, if possible. Periodically monitor the specific gravity of the electrolyte with a battery hydrometer that is temperature compensated for correct reading(s). A specific gravity reading is 1.265 when the battery is considered "fully charged". This is the target number you are looking to achieve. I'm posting this in a .pdf file so anyone can print it off at will. If anyone wants a more detailed proceedure to service batteries, I can provide that but this formulation works well and is effective for the occasional user. Hope someone finds this of use! Rob

Sometimes I wish my recollections were of less trivial garbage that clouds clear thinking. Rob

I feel like I'm being picked on...... Rob

Hi Barry, the gallery problem is not 100%. It works as it should sometimes. I was able to change my avatar without issue later in the day after we had spoke. Rob ps: Thought I was locked out so others could pick on me in my absence!

You're quite welcome but these are based upon a 40,000# order so less weight may be a bit higher. Rob

Good friends of mine here in town build sawmill equipment and I get all my steel through them. Last month structural steel, (hot rolled) "C" channel, 4", A36 grade, was nearly .73 per pound. Last week it was down to .64 per pound. "I", or "W" beam , or "H" beam is a bit less but dropping also. Tubing is by far the most expensive and though less in cost, still hovers around .70 per pound. Forcasts from suppliers is that it will continue to decline for awhile unless the economy starts to move and consumption increases in this area. These prices are still over double from what they were two years ago when scrap prices started their rapid escalation. Rob

Hey there Dave. I would like to personally welcome you to my corner of insanity!! You will fit right in. Just don't take anything personal. This is a great place to be with plenty of knowledge, (and bullshit) to go round!! Rob

Scott: I was just thinking that when you release your dogs' testicles from the icepack they are currently encased in, he is gonna be pissed! Might want to use a broom handle or something with length because when he begins to thaw and the ache sets in, he prolly aint gonna be in too good of mood. Just a fellow Mack enthusiest expressing concern for your well being! Happy Holidays, Rob

Right Guard? I haven't used a product like that for years. El Natural is the only way Momma and I go. Don't need no stinkin deodorant! Perspiration is the bodys' "natural" way of contolling it's own temperature. It's the essence of foot stench that I must deal with routinely. Momma refuses to use the absorbtion power of baking soda on her feet cause it makes her toenails "taste funny". Rob

Are you talking structural steel beams, or fabricated? Around here the price on structural steel continues to drop, (that is good). Rob

Well, it is cleaner than I for sure. It has been so cold here that we've restricted our bathing to every other Saturday till spring to save fuel for the stove. Happy Holidays to you also. Rob

Everything looks good from here; page even seems to load a little faster than it used to. Rob

I'm sure none are 100% as "Hollywood" portrays them to be. It is all a game for dollars. Let them "stray" from their chosen path of progression and their support/backing wanes. I'll stay with "Momma" till I pass on in this life. I know the feelings of the heart that beats in her chest, as well as I do my own. I look at neither actress as attractive, (to me). There is so much more to being attractive than physical attributes. That, while obscure in thought, is "No Shit". Rob

I haven't started my "yella dog" for about a month. Had to "rob" the batteries from it when I brought the latest RL home. Getting real tired of buying group 31 batteries for every truck that shows up round here, (I've bought over a dozen in the last year) but I'm gonna get her running this afternoon to thaw. Plugged the ole block heater in this morning so should be ready to go. Getting real tired of winter real fast also. Rob

Only tools and parts count. Socks, underwear, neckties, other articles of clothing, and personal hygene products do not. I always get just a lump of coal, (deservingly so I must admit). Rob

Neither have I. Rob

I second the motion and expect it to carry with all "Ayes" or you'll get to deal with "Momma"; (you best agree cause dealing with her ain't pretty). Happy Holidays to each and every one! Rob

Well, back at cha there. Always glad to have people that appreciate the finest trucks on the planet here. Got some good mechanics that will steer you correctly on how to make that truck live. Welcome to the sight. Rob

Garth: When you were complaining of cronic constipation, I meant I would mail the remedy directly to YOU! One thing is for sure; There are enough assholes around here and I really can't use another!!!! Appreciate the effort and hope you have a great holiday season! Rob