Prepare for the Job

We are having quite a few customers come in with machines that haven’t been plugged in for a year or more.  One came in that hadn't been used for 12 years!  After sitting for ANY amount of time, I.e. a month or more, start out by plugging it in and making sure that the motor runs!.  Then prime with water first to make sure that it will prime and then build pressure.  And do this BEFORE you go out on the job.

If you wait and take for granted that everything will work, you are gambling with your time and energy.  If you just put it in paint and it doesn’t prime or pressurize, you then have a wet machine to manually clean before repairs can be made.  If you are on the job, this is a mess and you have to spend time going back to the shop and starting over.

Think of it like you would a car or truck.  If you hadn't started the vehicle for a year or two or twelve, and are planning on a cross country trip, would you load up all of your luggage and family and then see if it will start?

Rain and more rain

We have finally shifted back to our “normal” winter weather.  It seems that we are getting flooded this year, but we are really getting the same amount of rain as when we first opened the shop here in Sacramento in the year 2001.  We have had serious rain storms here every winter until the “draught”.  So after 5 years of no winter, we are actually back on track.  Construction will once again have to be scheduled according to weather conditions as in our pre draught years.

Remember to shelter your rigs during this weather,  Neither gas nor electric rigs should be wet.  Water will get into your fuel tanks and gas cans.  Water will get into the electric motors and electronic control boxes.  This can be catastrophic.  Control boards for both gas and electric run from $250 to $800 for the parts alone.  Even if you have the rig chained with a logging chain in the back of your truck, cover it up with a tarp!

Also, remember that even if the paint seems dry to the touch, in this weather, it takes many more hours for it to cure hard enough to shed water without damage.  Interior painting will take many hours to cure if the area isn’t heated.  Don’t take unnecessary chances.  Every valid contract has weather related delays built into it.  Make sure that every contract you sign has this in it.  And don’t be afraid to enforce said clauses.  If the owner/builder insists on you continuing, make them sign an acceptance of your objection and for them to accept the responsibility of said work.  The law allows for this and you should insist on it.

Be extra careful on ladders and scaffolding (as well as on roofs) as this rain will cause everything to be slick and many ladders and scaffolding to sink unevenly into the ground.