Used A Brake Today.

CharlesD

Couple of guys are roofing my neighbors house. I've been BSing with them during the whole job and we've struck up a good friendship. Today they brought out an old 12'6" VanMark slide brake. I have been wanting to trim out some brick molding on my house so I asked him if I could use his brake. Of course he said yes and even told me to use their coil but I had a roll.
I spent a couple hours breaking metal to cover the brick molding on three windows and two dooors. Yep, I know I'm slow. But it felt good using a brake again even though it was in awful shape. I had to beat the wedges tight so it would grip. They were all loose.
After I finished the man told me he had figured out I'd done that before. I said yes, on and off for 30 years.
Anyway, it felt good to use a brake again. I've been sick for about 5 months so I'm still weak and was exhaused after getting it done but I had a different outlook on life.
I was about to take over my father in laws plumbing business before I got sick. After today, the fire seems to have been kindled again.
Our economy around here is in the pot but people are still remodeling.
The largest home buildier in town closed their doors last week and the seamless steel siding company went out of business.
I have two experienced carpenters ready to go to work but I'd have to find a HAV Tech which souldn't be hard to do.
Just dreaming here. I'm 65 and have some serious health issues but I think I could handle the business end with the help of a bookkeeper.
Some of you guys on here have been an inspiritation.
I don't need the money. I'm living comfortably now. I just need to satisfy something in my soul and mind that tells me I should do it.

Tom Struble

glad your feeling better

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Tom

loneframer

If it feels good, do it! Good luck.

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"Walking the fine line between production and perfection"



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Home Work Pro

I'm sure i'm not going to tell you something that you don't already know but;

The easiest part of business is doing the work you love.

If you can run a business and concentrate on doing what you love, that would be great.

After being away from it for awhile, don't forget the many hours spent on things necessary to run a professional business.

You might consider working for someone doing only the work you love.

I'm sure you would be an asset with your positive attitude and past experiences and knowledge.

Good luck with whatever you choose.

kubie

be careful on beating the wedges, they are only held in with 2 plastic screws. you will sheer them off really easily

CharlesD

Thanks for the good words.
The wedges were already loose from being beaten on.

mikec

Good for you Charles.
I agree, if it feels good, do it.
As Zig says, a plane will rust out faster sitting in a hanger, than it will wear out flying in the heavens.