Aplus

Such as HD-80? Or a degreaser formulated for truck washing? Potassium hydroxide? Can you share?

Ken, For one, I have not seen TWP last for three years, but I guess it could if it were covered and the conditions were ideal. Generally, I strip the old coating off after two years, and then reapply. I've done some testing on boards behind my shed, and was not satisfied with how multiple coats looked. Often it takes up to a week for the stuff to dry completely when applied to heavy, which is not a good thing. I've not seen it peel, but that's not really the issue I have, which is overall appearance. The look you mention makes me think two tone is the way to go, where the spindles, railings, and sometimes fascias and lower skirting is stained solid, with the floor done as a semi-trans. There are variations on how this can be done, and which parts are done. Also, two tone can be done using two different colors of semi-trans, like the railing a darker brown, and the floor a medium brown. Or certain accent points can be done with a honey gold color to give a striking contrast. I think Reed did his own deck two tone with Ready Seal semi-trans. The color choices offered by TWP may not make the best choices for two toning, it just depends on the situation and look you are going for. The biggest problem I have with stains in general is that no one company offers all the colors that I am requested to apply. That is why I offer both TWP and Ready Seal.

Point taken.

Shane, Sometimes I have the same problem, getting the pump primed. I am going to add a in-line hand squeeze bulb for priming. I don't know what o-ring can expand in a surflow. There's a rubber membrane at the pressure switch junction. What o-ring? The beauty of a sureflo pump is its' simplicity. Can you splain?

Shane, Sometimes I have the same problem, getting the pump primed. I am going to add a in-line hand squeeze bulb for priming. I don't know what o-ring can expand in a surflow. There's a rubber membrane at the pressure switch junction. The beauty of a sureflo pump is its' simplicity. Can you splain?

Attaching the reel to the washer is the typical way to add a reel system. Seems your trailer is limiting what you can do, and that might not be good. The cart system you envision can be built. It still requires a separate trip to transport from the trailer to the jobsite. The less trips back and forth I have to make to set up/teardown, the better I like it.

I've never done that, but I think it would take a lot more product to overapply RS than with TWP. It's almost impossible to put two coats of TWP on without the shiny nasty spots.

I guess I expected they went kaput much faster than that. Figured the seals and pumping mechanism would deteriorate more rapidly. In fact, I was thinking the paint thinner to clean them would also deteriorate those parts.

Of course John quoted those prices in December, before oil hit $54 a bbl.

There are high pressure reels specifically made to attach to your cold water machine to allow for fast wind ups. I saw some nice ones made by Steel Eagle, while I was at the trade show in Columbus. I think they started at about $200, but were really good quality with a nice powder coat finish that should stay looking nice for some time.

So is it true that the 'sleepers' slide under police observation, or do most of us suffer from wishful thinking? Maybe the slicks are giveaways....:)

I don't doubt for a second that your Dodge can stop the weight, but when a panic stop occurs, you'd be surprised how even a few extra feet of stopping distance can make a difference. I bet the brakes on your 3500 will cost a lot to replace if you prematurely wear them out.

So Mike, ya gonna shoot out east on I-94 for some OJT?

Well I picked up the Craftsman tool set mentioned above. A heck of a deal for $199, and although I haven't used it yet, the tools seem well built, a nice sturdy case, and the batteries charge in an hour. Maybe not as good as other set priced $400-600, but for what I do, it should be just fine. Heck my old 14.4 did the job the past two years, my biggest beef was the batteries took 3 hours to charge.

Another plus with the tandem axle is the trailer is better behaved while towing. The weight is distributed better, and it doesn't tend to get as squirrelly. Also, don't forget about trailer brakes, they are a must. Even without a water tank, a hot skid, fuel, parts, supplies, chems, and the trailer itself can add up to 3k pounds in a second. Many states require brakes if a trailer exceeds 2500 pounds.

Perhaps a thread should be started to help match up those wanting OTJ training with experienced pros in their area.

I got back this afternoon. From what little inside perspective I have, it seemed to be a success. I did get to talk to Henry, but for only a couple minutes, then I lost track of him. It was also a pleasure to meet Matthew, he's a nice guy. And so is John T, as well as Everett, Doc, and a few others. Also kind of funny, I met Chuck from Cleaner Times, and he see's my shirt and asks if I'm Tony from A-Plus. I said yeah, then Chuck says there was another guy there from a company somewhere south from another A-Plus Power Washing. When Chuck asked him if his name was Tony, he said he'd been asked that several times already. I got a grin.

The key to not causing problems with windows, is to prewet them before applying any detergent, and to NEVER allow soap to dry on them. Rinse, Rinse, Rinse.

If I just wanted to attend the trade show and the equipment demos, would I have to register, or can I just attend? Thanks.

How long do they last before they go kaput?

Russ, Cedar is very popular here in Michigan. The most popular color request I get is for the orange-cedar color. For this reason I have to use TWP cedartone 101. If you know the color of the TWP, then you know the color I'm looking for.

To me, that looks like a rig that's lived a hard life. Due to questionable maintenance history, I'd be concerned. The Briggs engine is not the best choice. Just my .02, because you asked.

I don't know if anybody listens to Rush Limbaugh, but about a year ago, he made a statement that the Democrats would nominate someone to go against Bush that would not win. Then, in 08', Hillary will get her shot, and won't be facing an incumbant. Depending on who the Repubs back, it could be interesting. If it happens, remember that you read it hear.

I consider TWP to be a "penetrating film" because it behaves in both ways. If you leave any puddles, the excess will congeal, and when it finally dries, will be shiny. Once the product dries, it's not a good idea to apply a second coat, because it can no longer penetrate. Ready Seal, on the other hand, will penetrate whether applied wet on wet or dry. excess puddles eventually soak in and don't leave shiny spots.

Cool....post some pix when it comes in!