Of Old Trucks, Metrology, Big Machines, Mom's grave, Life

[hppants]

That would be in Geismer.

As an old lab rat, who cut his teeth in Engineering laboratories (Civil and Mechanical) at our University, I thoroughly enjoyed this ride report. I've been a paper pusher for 15 years now, but occasionally miss the excitement of the lab, especially watching the light bulb go on for a young student who finally connects the dots between the classroom and reality.

May your parents rest in peace, and may you ride a million more miles before you join them. Cheers, my brother.

 

[st4gary]

Thanks for the trip down memory lane. My first job out of school back in the late 70's was working in the Standards lab at Intel here in the Bay Area. The Guildline desktop unit brought back memories too. I flew to Ontario to do a site acceptance on one in the early 80's. Did test equipment repair/calibration along with a bit of temp and mechanical calibration for about 11 years and then moved into the even more obscure photomask manufacturing.

Gary

 

[BkerChuck]

Nice RR.

I work for a hydraulic cylinder repair shop where our primary business is large crane cylinders. I though our large mill and turret lathe were big until I saw those pics. Thanks for posting.

 

[Hudson]

As expected, a heartfelt RR, Don. Thanks.

I had a quick rise of indignation at the thought of stunters desecrating the peace and dignity of a graveyard, then all of a sudden it seemed wholly appropriate. Where else but where you won't be bothering anyone?

 

[Bugnatr]

Nice DC, very nice.

 

[Panman]

Good report Don, the big Schiess (German Made) are some awesome machines. We called them all Bullards didn't matter who made them! Never ran them that big, Had a guy pitch a part off one once, the whole shop went home to clean their shorts.

I liked the Merc better than the Cev t.ruck

 

[mcatrophy]

Thanks for the ride report, enjoyed it all. 'Cept perhaps the visit to the cemetery, but we have to do what we have to do. And good on you for ignoring the stupid rule (though I get where they're coming from).

I worked for a company that designed and made precision measurement equipment, mostly for the aero-space industry. We did both electronics (my stuff) and mechanics. Our small but very capable machine shop looked a bit like a micro-version of where you were.

Used to hate it when the bench power supply/signal generator/oscilloscope was whipped off the bench from in front of me to be taken for calibration, lost for a week, and hang the delivery date to the customer. But I suppose we needed to know that our voltmeters are measuring volts. Since I retired, I just hope.

(Click on image for larger view)



My "standard":

 

[rogdeb]

Interesting RR Don. Thanks for taking us along. How much you think they'd take for 500 squ ft of that wooden flooring ?

 

[Geezer]

I remember when the testers used to use oscilloscopes on the test floor. When I retired that stuff was gone except for a few samples on unused benches covered with dust. I think some of the old timers refused to give up the scope that they fought hard to justify buying so many years ago even though they really didn't need them any more. Modern technology falls out of disuse even faster.

So, Don, how about a couple of pictures of your FJR with one of those machines strapped to the seat?

 

[Dudewado]

First, I'm sorry for your losses. I miss my wife and mother every day.

It's sad to see a place auctioned off; I recently went to a plant I worked at for 16 years to buy some things for my new company. It was heart-breaking to see the place emptying out.

As Bruce said, "These jobs are going, boys, and they 'aint coming back"

All that aside, they could make a fortune charging people like me (are there any?) just to go in and look at that equipment.

I could walk around there all day.

Thanks for taking me somewhere coll again.