jamesp
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Member since October 2012
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Post by jamesp on Jun 2, 2020 11:23:15 GMT -5
Thanks miket. I am having a blast buying stuff to make things run more efficient. It is my single most funnest part of a challenge like this. Money is great, but production efficiency is a passion. Me and wife in a battle on who gets to drive the little blue Toyota lift truck. |
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jamesp
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Member since October 2012
Posts: 36,607
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Post by jamesp on Jun 2, 2020 11:32:19 GMT -5
You go, jamesp! Get it while the gettin's good I always say.  Thanks Robin. This just may be a classic 'get it while the gettin is good'. I thought corona fears would be way removed by now but apparently not. And it appears the travel industry may have some big concerns in the near future. I am managing to spend money even though I barely have time to do much else. Had an eye on transferring to fork lift operation for a long time. The trailer was built 3 years ago assuming business would be great one day. Arrogant attitude for sure. |
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jamesp
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Member since October 2012
Posts: 36,607
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Post by jamesp on Jun 2, 2020 11:40:49 GMT -5
You mean retired folks like us who don't need to be checking their phone every 2 minutes for the latest "bleep" and keep their attention on the task at hand!! I’m replying to your post and it’s 2 minutes old. Hmmm Are you nursing that phone constantly Evan ? Maybe one day they can surgically install a communication port direct to the brain one day. I offered a young lady a job yesterday. A cashier at Tractor Supply that just graduated from welding school. She wanted to know what I was welding with the welding supplies I was purchasing. The fire pit bases have internal welds that get covered up. Light weight stuff. Perfect welds for learning. She would be the fourth person I trained to weld doing these internal welds. Two were new grads from welding school. She was also quite attractive but my grand daughter's age. Guess I better remember that I am an old fart. |
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Post by knave on Jun 2, 2020 11:48:09 GMT -5
jamesp It is a lot, but not constantly. Often I am multitasking. When I am in full get er done mode, you won’t hear from me. Apparently I must do something, lol. I’ve gotten $6/hr raise in 3 years.
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jamesp
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Member since October 2012
Posts: 36,607
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Post by jamesp on Jun 2, 2020 11:48:54 GMT -5
The 20 fire pits on stands are just the Fed Ex for Tuesday pick up and a week of pit covers. Another pick up for Friday. Then there are the larger pits that must be carried to the freight company on the hauler weekly. Doing the shipping papers takes the most time.  |
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jamesp
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Member since October 2012
Posts: 36,607
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Post by jamesp on Jun 2, 2020 11:50:49 GMT -5
jamesp It is a lot, but not constantly. Often I am multitasking. When I am in full get er done mode, you won’t hear from me. Apparently I must do something, lol. I’ve gotten $6/hr raise in 3 years. I figured. People have to focus on their task if there is much challenge to be had in the task. There is a time for communications and a time to get stuff done the way I see it. |
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quartz
Cave Dweller
breakin' rocks in the hot sun
Member since February 2010
Posts: 3,359
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Post by quartz on Jun 2, 2020 22:21:45 GMT -5
Sounds like you are a little busy right now, looking good. We had one of those little forklifts like the white one you got, but gas powered. We called it a wearable rather than driveable, did well in tight places.
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jamesp
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Member since October 2012
Posts: 36,607
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Post by jamesp on Jun 5, 2020 14:15:21 GMT -5
Sounds like you are a little busy right now, looking good. We had one of those little forklifts like the white one you got, but gas powered. We called it a wearable rather than driveable, did well in tight places. Lol, it is tiny Larry. Finally loaded with it today. 6 big pits on the trailer. Wow what a breeze. Extending the 42" forks to 54" as we speak. To reach past trailer tires. The previous owner replaced the 1550 pound battery 4 years ago at a mere $3800 ! Had to buy a longer charging cable at a mere $395 ! Would have made one up myself if I knew that. 350 amp plug was only $12. The rest of the cost was 2/0 cable and LABOR. Geez It is like a 1990 Allis Chalmers. Weighs 4038#, capacity 2000#. Lift is fast. Don't like the delay to 2nd speed. |
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jamesp
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Member since October 2012
Posts: 36,607
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Post by jamesp on Jul 1, 2020 6:03:24 GMT -5
Hired big gun welders to crank out big stock. This run is the 42 inch medium model. No more 2 month corona buy outs. This time we will be ready. Forecasting a 1000+ pit inventory of about 10 different models. Welders are Jamaican and work non-stop. Corona purchases finally slowing down. Corona has also reduced steel prices so it is a good time to make commodity related steel purchases. "Bigs" Rohan and Cleveland in action:  Saturday's progress:  and closing Sunday PM:  42 inch raw material unloaded easily with newly acquired electric fork lift:  |
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Post by hummingbirdstones on Jul 1, 2020 7:47:36 GMT -5
Holy moley, that's a lot of fire pits! Should have hired those two guys a few months ago.  |
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Post by rockjunquie on Jul 1, 2020 7:57:31 GMT -5
Good move!
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Post by RickB on Jul 1, 2020 9:11:00 GMT -5
James, even with the two guys welding and helping you, I still can't figure out how you can do all of that and find time to work on houses, tumble rock and glass, etc.
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jamesp
Cave Dweller
Member since October 2012
Posts: 36,607
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Post by jamesp on Jul 1, 2020 12:40:02 GMT -5
James, even with the two guys welding and helping you, I still can't figure out how you can do all of that and find time to work on houses, tumble rock and glass, etc. Tumbling down to an art Rick. I spend very little time doing tumbles anymore. Now the house and the pits has been kicking my butt. Darn metal roof contractors are EXPENSIVE. Sorry, can't give them $25,000 to do what I can do for $5000 because I have done a half dozen myself and they are fun to do. Was walking around on the roof to see if I could still handle heights lol, seems like it is a go. But I'm using a rope for safety. I received something very special in the mail. When things slow down I want to take photos and show off my fine gift. Thank you so much. |
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jamesp
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Member since October 2012
Posts: 36,607
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Post by jamesp on Jul 1, 2020 16:23:38 GMT -5
Holy moley, that's a lot of fire pits! Should have hired those two guys a few months ago. Only 80 Robin. 80 X 170 = 13,600 pounds worth. The Jamaicans are worth hiring for entertainment value alone. This Ole redneck can't understand much of what they say. I think they are calling me 4 letter words and then ROFLing. Well, I know they did a couple of times, I understand them better than they know. They are very superstitious, I will scare the crap out of them soon enough. Got a 6' pet king snake that hangs around in the stock field. They don't know I know(I over heard them) they are scared itless of snakes. Spent plenty of time around Jamaican folks over the years. Know their fears he he. |
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jamesp
Cave Dweller
Member since October 2012
Posts: 36,607
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Post by jamesp on Jul 1, 2020 16:26:25 GMT -5
Well we started add-on construction March 22 and the corona sales ramped up the same March 22nd. Go figure Tela. |
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Post by knave on Jul 1, 2020 16:56:22 GMT -5
Holy moley, that's a lot of fire pits! Should have hired those two guys a few months ago. Only 80 Robin. 80 X 170 = 13,600 pounds worth. The Jamaicans are worth hiring for entertainment value alone. This Ole redneck can't understand much of what they say. I think they are calling me 4 letter words and then ROFLing. Well, I know they did a couple of times, I understand them better than they know. They are very superstitious, I will scare the crap out of them soon enough. Got a 6' pet king snake that hangs around in the stock field. They don't know I know(I over heard them) they are scared itless of snakes. Spent plenty of time around Jamaican folks over the years. Know their fears he he. Wear a go pro please. |
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pizzano
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Member since February 2018
Posts: 1,390
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Post by pizzano on Jul 1, 2020 19:35:13 GMT -5
Holy moley, that's a lot of fire pits! Should have hired those two guys a few months ago.  Only 80 Robin. 80 X 170 = 13,600 pounds worth. The Jamaicans are worth hiring for entertainment value alone. This Ole redneck can't understand much of what they say. I think they are calling me 4 letter words and then ROFLing. Well, I know they did a couple of times, I understand them better than they know. They are very superstitious, I will scare the crap out of them soon enough. Got a 6' pet king snake that hangs around in the stock field. They don't know I know(I over heard them) they are scared itless of snakes. Spent plenty of time around Jamaican folks over the years. Know their fears he he. Ya Mon.....no problem........mi dead wid laugh............!
The wife and I have spent time in Ocho Rios, on three different occasions. It's been over 10yrs since we've been there.......she has a very good friend who's family (Father-in-law) has put us up in one of the cottages they own on an old sugar cane plantation 2.5 miles outside of the main town..........there are four cottages on the property they rent/lease out and maintain. It's about an hours drive from the Sandals resort, an hour because the roads are wicked, locals can't drive well and farm animals and kids are constantly in the road.......lol......we employ Willy Boy, another family member, as our "tour guide" transportation. I wouldn't ever consider driving anywhere outside of Kingston........lol
Outside of a few places around Mexico City, Ocho Rios hospitality and just plain down to earth and sincere friendliness, is/has been our favorite get-a way. Shame we'd have to take a few more "precautions" than normal now.........but we miss that place a lot........and yes, they are terrified of snakes, spiders anything that doesn't make a sound when it moves........LOL
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jamesp
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Member since October 2012
Posts: 36,607
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Post by jamesp on Jul 3, 2020 6:42:05 GMT -5
10-4 knave. I best have running shoes, Rohan weighs 330#. Tosses 200 pound bowls around like they are styrofoam. He could but me in his sandwich ! |
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Post by knave on Jul 3, 2020 7:13:52 GMT -5
10-4 knave. I best have running shoes, Rohan weighs 330#. Tosses 200 pound bowls around like they are styrofoam. He could but me in his sandwich ! Please turn the go pro to face Rohan when you run mon! |
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jamesp
Cave Dweller
Member since October 2012
Posts: 36,607
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Post by jamesp on Jul 3, 2020 22:04:53 GMT -5
Only 80 Robin. 80 X 170 = 13,600 pounds worth. The Jamaicans are worth hiring for entertainment value alone. This Ole redneck can't understand much of what they say. I think they are calling me 4 letter words and then ROFLing. Well, I know they did a couple of times, I understand them better than they know. They are very superstitious, I will scare the crap out of them soon enough. Got a 6' pet king snake that hangs around in the stock field. They don't know I know(I over heard them) they are scared itless of snakes. Spent plenty of time around Jamaican folks over the years. Know their fears he he. Ya Mon.....no problem........mi dead wid laugh............! The wife and I have spent time in Ocho Rios, on three different occasions. It's been over 10yrs since we've been there.......she has a very good friend who's family (Father-in-law) has put us up in one of the cottages they own on an old sugar cane plantation 2.5 miles outside of the main town..........there are four cottages on the property they rent/lease out and maintain. It's about an hours drive from the Sandals resort, an hour because the roads are wicked, locals can't drive well and farm animals and kids are constantly in the road.......lol......we employ Willy Boy, another family member, as our "tour guide" transportation. I wouldn't ever consider driving anywhere outside of Kingston........lol Outside of a few places around Mexico City, Ocho Rios hospitality and just plain down to earth and sincere friendliness, is/has been our favorite get-a way. Shame we'd have to take a few more "precautions" than normal now.........but we miss that place a lot........and yes, they are terrified of snakes, spiders anything that doesn't make a sound when it moves........LOL
The Jamaicans are amazing folks. I agree with your views. A trip to Ocho Rios should be on everyone's bucket list. It has been refreshing to have the Jamaican culture here at the house for the reasons you mentioned. There is a pebble beach about 20 miles east of Ocho Rios that had fine agates and jaspers. |
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