Bob Warfield

We have been asked to bid paint removal/prep on an older clapboard sided home. The clapboards have a 4 1/2" reveal and are in pretty good condition overall, not sure about the species of wood. Many coats of peeling paint. As we have never done this before could anyone give me some suggestions? Thanks, Bob Warfield

Thanks Dale. I have the lead test kits in stock. There definately is lead paint on it. I don't believe there will be any problem due to the fact we won't be making any dust or heating the paint with a heat gun, etc. Local city government is OK with putting the cleanup in yellow HazMat bags for pick-up. There is no painting contractor involved. Just us and the homeowner. Thank You, Bob Warfield

Thanks Ron, I knew you would come thru. I had thought about using nylon screen wire but the pool cover is a good idea. I gave the owner a price per hour so no problem there. I'm just not too sure what kind of tip to use. I'm giving serious thought to a rotary tip kept at a good distance. What's your opinion? I'll probably try all my tips and see what works. Thanks, Bob Warfield

With each passing year I seem to have less and less hair on the top of my head. I've never been able to wear a cap and on the rare occasion we get a sunny day the sun is really taking a toll on my scalp and forehead. Is there anything on the market that won't run into my eyes as I sweat? Thanks and Happy Father's Day, Bob Warfield

Can you tell me how to get in touch with Russle? The number I have for him is no longer in service and his website hasn't been up for quite some time. I need some of the additive for HD80 to keep it on verticle surfaces. Reed, I hope you don't mind, I have sent several customers in your direction on the bigger stuff I don't feel comfortable doing. Alton, Holiday Shores, Belleville, Fairview Heights, and O'Fallon, all in Illinois. Thanks, Bob Warfield

Beth, I would love to order from you but I'm only an hour from Russel. Thanks, Bob Warfield

Has this happened to any of you? I really screwed myself on this one. I went to do an estimate on a house wash and deck job this afternoon. I get to the door and a 30 something blond answeres with a blouse unbuttoned WAY too far and cutoff jeans. She was sure to let me know she is single and really needs help around the house. I'm really trying to concentrate on my measuring, she's helping. Long story short. As I hand her the estimate I'm thinking to myself this looks too low. I made about a $200.00 mistake in her favor. I guess she got what she was after anyway! Thanks, Bob Warfield

Guys Guys, I'm getting way too old for that kind of foolishness. Actually she called today and gave us the job. She was impressed with my presentation. No Really! She said the other people she talked to said they could clean the deck with "hot water and lots of pressure". Seriously I am going to have my 28 year old, single son help on this one. Thanks, Bob Warfield

Thanks for the good advice. Scott Stone jogged my memory on a hat I had years ago that I had forgotten about. It's the Tilley hat and really was very comfortable. Seems my hair isn't the only thing to go in my old age. Thanks, Bob Warfield

Ron, We have upstreamed 12% SH through that very same pump on several occassions for the past couple of years. It hasen't hurt our pump yet. Thanks, Bob Warfield

We were washing a 3 story home in a rural area Saturday. One of the neighbors drove by and stopped to watch us, using the X-jet. The wife told us they bought a pressure washer at Lowes earlier this spring and was a complete waste of money. She said it won't even wash their 1st. story. They were so impressed we got a pretty good job doing everything they tried to wash. Buy the X-Jet, you won't regret it! Good Luck, Bob Warfield

I just got a letter from Blue Cross/Blue Shield congratulating me on my upcoming 50th. birthday. In the same letter they let me know my major medical will be going up another $100.00 + per month. The major med. is the only health ins. I have and had to go with a $5,000.00 deductable over the last couple of years to afford it. I'm almost to the point of saying the hell with it and hope for the best! What are other small business owners doing? Thanks, Bob Warfield Restoration Specialties

OTP, I use the West Systems product you are refering to almost daily in my business. If this spill consisted of the epoxy resin and hardener already mixed the chances of completely removing it are almost nill. If it has much thickness to it you might try carefully grinding it with a 36 grit pad. You could also use the 80 grit pads used on decks, it would work as well, just take longer. After sanding it down to an extremely thin film you may be able to dissolve the remainder with lacquer thinner. Good Luck, Bob Warfield

Thanks Jon, I'll check into it. Yes we've been extremely busy. Been looking into summer help but these highschool kids now days, damn I swear if they moved any slower they would be going backwards! None of them want a job where "you will get dirty". Did you ever get that rear-end gear fixed in your truck? Thanks, Bob Warfield

This hard wired system has been around for several years. I bought a big self contained "skid" unit from Chemex back in 1985. It was built expressley for 2-stepping. The pressure gun was aluminum and had 3 toggle switches built-in. The hose was 3/8" and had all the wiring encased in a thick flexible jacket. I remember it being very heavy. As Scott said, I remember replacement hose being about $5.00/ft. way back then. Thanks, Bob Warfield