Paul B.
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Posts posted by Paul B.
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Hello Dave,
Ants seem to take a lot of pleasure from the buds before they bloom. Can't seem to stay away.
Memorial day weekend is the biggest shopping weekend for plants and flowers around this area (I would assume Illinois and most other mid-western states also). I had some errands to run on Sunday and the parking lots were jammed everywhere. Home Depot, Lowe's and grocery stores all packed and seemed like almost every shopping cart had flowers or plants in them. Can't say I've ever seen it this active. I'm glad to see business pick-up and people enjoying what GOD and nature gave us.
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I can't comment on the Deckster in actual use, but I've heard folks say that the airless provides better control for spraying stains. Again this is not my opinion but comments from other pros. I would say that the Deckster is a low pressure unit (25-225psi) and high flow rate capacity (.1 gpm to 1.5 gpm) whereas the others have a higher pressure capability from 0-2500 plus psi.
There are some very good airless systems out there for the full time user. Two good candidates I would recommend are the Graco 190ES and the Titan 440i (both electric and complete systems). Both are very portable and cover a wide range of applications. I prefer the Titan 440i over the 190 ES for the flow rate and max tip size in addition to dependability.
Titan 440i: 3000psi, .47 gpm, 3/4 hp, .021 max. tip
Graco 190ES: .38gpm, 7/8 hp, .019 max. tip
Then you also have the gas powered units like the Graco 3900
In comparison, I would also think that accessories (from tips to extension poles to hoses) and spare parts are more abundant and accessible for the Graco and Titan than the Deckster. But of course there is the price difference:
Deckster is in the $500-$600 range, the 190ES is in the $575-$600 and the Titan 440i in the $900-$950.
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Roses without thorns.
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Well OK maybe these aren't roses, but they have a pleasant aroma and they look nice.
With all the rain we've had, these peonies took off like race horses. Had to cut them last night to keep from mowing them down.
You folks in MD better keep that 1 car per 10MPH space while driving - what a shame!
You folks out in Calif. you better watch it too - you've had your share of pile-ups.
Have a pleasant and SAFE Memorial Day weekend!
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As I said, spraying works better than brushing for us - try that first. It's similar to painting: The more you brush, the more that the chemical is removed from the area so that increasing your dwell time does not tend to help in most cases and ends up with streaking and shadows. With brushing, you may have to apply 2 or even 3 times to remove the black streaks.
I also hope that you are using a soft car type brush.
Decrease your dilution 2 parts chemical to 1 part water or even full strength.
Try a gallon of Gutter Zap and compare the results yourself.
start with a weak 1:2 dilution working toward full strength (both brushing and spraying). I dare say that you should need no mare than 1-2 minutes of dwell time.
Good Luck!
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We've used All-Brite, Gutter Zap and Gutter Shock.
All of these products have performed excellent, sprayed on 1:1 or even 1:2 dilution. Extremely heavy stains may need a concentrated spraying (with lots of care and some spot testing for dwell time - meaning test the product and know its capabilities before using on a customer's home).
Brushing is not as effective as spraying (in my opinion) as you tend to remove/move the chemical from place to place and also it creates streaks easier, dries faster.
In my experience, Sodium Hydroxide/Sodium Metasilicate combination based products tend to work better than products not containing Sodium Hydroxide. (Sodium Hydroxide content usually about 1% or less.) Sodium Hydroxide will strip paint, that is why I mentioned testing each product, concentrations and dwell times (it will also kill plant life, so pre-wet and rinse areas below gutters).
What concentration/dilution were you using?
What type of brush?
How long was the dwell time?
Attached photo shows a gutter section that had Gutter Shock sprayed on at concentrated level with 10 second dwell and rinsed with a garden hose. Same results were obtained with Gutter Zap. All-Brite produced same results but with a bit longer dwell time.
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Near the end of a day one would most likely come in handy for some of us older folks.
You need one that's automatic - kind of like the auto pool vacuums. That would also work well for concrete cleaning and deck sealing. Set up the berm and let it go to work.
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Jon,
You seem to have a very good eye for that stuff.
Any of those nasty weeds growing in your garden?
If you do, you must burn them immediately but do not inhale (just like Clinton).
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And of course some folks just have blonde roots.
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Unfortunately it makes it sound like our parents were better parents then we are, and we are better parents then our grandchildren's parents are.
I agree though, everything is way too complicated today.
Watched a program the other night:
- Cheerleader parent sued because girl did not make team.
- Boys parent sued because kid didn't make college baseball team.
- Parent sued because team had too many loosing seasons (wish someone would sue Mike Brown and the NFL, as the Bengals have had 10+ years of loosing seasons - worst record in the league).
- Parent sued because baseball player kids arm was hurt from pitching finness pitches - where was the parent when the boy was complaining of a sore elbow??
It all reflects an attitude of lets pass the buck because someone has to be responsible, but it certainly could not have been me.
I think there needs to be a class action suit to stop all frivelous law suits.
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I like the Goodyear Wrangler APT for my 3/4 ton. 85K on 1st set then sold them for $20 each. I think I switched right front to right rear and same on the left side at about 45K and that was it. Load rating is very high also (I carry about 5-6K lbs of gravel without it sighing.) The kicker is that they run about $200 a piece now unless you can work out a barter with the store (cleaning vs tires).
I do some bartering from time to time and that works out pretty well.
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Joel,
Best wishes go out to you along with hope for a long and profitable career in the P/W business.
You know you have a lot of friends out here so don't feel like you're out there by yourself.
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Can we talk oil based semi-transparent stain theory? Hopefully some experts will jump in and offer corrections and additional expert advice/information.
Without talking product quality, could it be said that most (maybe not all) oil based stains can be coated over with only cleaning?
The less failure level, the thinner coat should be applied for maintenance coat?
Some of the factors impacting the quality of results would be:
- You expect some failure before you apply a maintenance coat as with a semi-transparent stain, a recoat, especially ones that contain a significant amount of pigmentation will cause the semi-transparent to turn into a semi-solid or solid surface coating (unless it reaches a level of failure prior to becoming a solid look).
- Too thick of a coating will cause a higher rate of failure on all surfaces but especially on horizontal surfaces.
- I'm not sure what other items are considered solids except all that does not evaporate (these would include pigmentation and non-evaporating oils). Again, I'm not sure how the percent of solids in stains determines life and overall quality, but the assumption is that the higher levels provide higher quality.
Example: Cuprinol at 18%; TWP at 30%; Cabot at 44%; Wolman F&P at 68%; Ready Seal and Wood Tux with 80% plus.
Based on this criterion, (and assuming that the mildewcide content provides adequate protection against mold & mildew) you could say that Wood Tux is one of the top quality stains on the market.
So you ask: "What's your point?"
I'm trying to check my assumptions and learn a thing or two.
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Can't stay on the floor too long now days, even the slow ones take it out of me. Torn ligaments in ankle, bad back (moved too much furniture and appliances by myself in my life - now I'm paying for it) not to mention a couple more things that slow me down. Water activities I can handle real well.
I try local foods wherever I go. Florida lobster tastes different from main lobster (where are the claws?) - I like them both.
I've tasted no less than 100 types conch chowder - liked maybe about 25% as (far as conch chowder goes) all the others were either tomato or vegetable soups.
I'm a soup person myself. Ever try cold sour cherry soup?
Best after it's refrigerated. I put Merlot in mine toward the end of the cooking process (keeps it from evaporating) and keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
There are other cold fruit soups also for summertime - apple, raspberry or just about any other soup.
Give me an example of winter food (I can't think of one at the moment other than hot soup).
The swing will use up about all the calories you can consume.
One set of our kids took up swing a while ago (he's 6'-4" 240 and she is 4' something - size 0 ) talk about lift and throw.
My better half loves to watch ballroom dancing - she's got a few moves herself.
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All that just to haul around a couple gallons of water (and a bulldozer).
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Howard,
Some days you step in it and other days it gets poured over your head. I've had many turns in the barrel. Lets just say I accentuate the positive. I like my beer glass half full.
As for bonding with the Bubba's, those were the good old days.
Talk about glasses - Today I backed over a couple of driveway lights in a customer's DRIVEWAY (I wasn't drinking - maybe that was the problem). Now I know why these guys don't let me drive a trailer, I would have backed over about 10 lights (might as well replace them in sets). No harm done, everyone laughed when I handed over some cash.
In some circles I ran a few years ago, if you didn't hit a golf ball, you didn't get the work. I love any sport where you can drink and play and drive around a cart full of beer. Didn't care for the crowd - too restrictive - I like to play outside of the sandbox from time to time.
Beth,
I took some steps to disco myself and even line danced with my soul sisters and brothers.
And it's always summer, if you want it to be - winter is the best time to vacation in the tropics.
Eastcoast crab is great, but if you haven't tried stone crab claws, you've missed the boat.
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This is my third try before I have to put my fat fingers on a diet - keep mashing a button that keeps erasing everything (I know... Type it in word and cut & paste), blah, blah, blah..
Any time you have a shady situation (same as with a house) the door is open for mold, mildew and moss. The moisture can not dry.
The owners need to keep the leaves, branches, dirt, debris and standing water off the surface. Several cleanings are also in order, be it the owners or contract a pro. I would say at least in the spring and fall and keep a close eye on it inbetween.
Whatever product you choose, consider adding mildewcide in addition to what is already in the product.
If it was my (shady) deck, I would consider a Cabot solid with urethane. A primer coat and two top coats. Same cleaning and maintenance requirements, but your stripping would be minimized in frequency and with a solid, not all would have to come off.
Some food for thought.
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Observations:
The house is on a corner of a 4-way intersection in a semi busy but upscale neighborhood where most lots are about 1 acre minimum.
The garage doors are facing the street and several houses.
The owner is maticulous.
The owner likes restoring cars (has many trophies to show for it).
The 3-car garage is the man's club-house.
The owner has neighbors and friends that drive by and frequently make stops.
Strategy:
The cleaning of the garage front was given EXTRA special attention. Gutters shined, garage door brush scrubbed and the garage and garage entry door windows were cleaned inside and out.
2 hour B.S. session followed the completion of the work. The results were:
The garage floor will be cleaned & epoxy coated.
The driveway will be cleaned and sealed. (Old contractor out, new contractor in.)
Walkways and porch will be cleaned and sealed.
Owner's brothers house will be cleaned.
Brother's driveway will be cleaned and sealed along with walkways and porch.
Brother's garage will be cleaned & epoxy coated.
2 neighbor houses will be cleaned (they noticed the extra care and hand brushing detail work that was given to the garage doors. They also noticed the shiny new gutters and wanted ones just like those.
Bottom line: $4,500 work lined up while drinking beer and talking about cars. This is the tip of the iceberg in this area.
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I wasn't wash working, I was inspecting near the end of the job and I was offered a beer. I had to turn it down because the worker bees were still at it. I try to lead by example.
When I drink everybody drinks. When I buy, everybody buys!
After they left, I continued the networking and B.S. session over a 6-pack. We're doing concrete work for the owner and his brother, cleaning a couple other houses as neighbors stopped in on the B.S. session.
I'll show you a photo of this mans garage and I'll give you my sales strategy.
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There is nothing like fishing in the ocean - never know what you're going to catch not when. Stone Crabs are great appetizers, sweeter than lobster tails. Most seafoods are to die for including mahi, mahi (dolphin), crab shark (prepared properly) and grouper.
I'm hungry too and all the ribs and schmokraut was gone this morning. The only thing I can do is lick my fingers to see if any BBQ sauce is left on them? Juuck!!! ...tastes like Sodium Metasilicate!
Now I have to go and get a couple of HOT brats and wash it down with a cold beer (the boss lets me drink on the job from time to time). And this is the time, I can't find a better excuse ...Juuck, spit, speuwee!!!
Someone start my truck...out of my way!!! ....
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Ron,
I'm not sure if Citralic will work on the nail head streaks, I know Oxalic will.
Sodium Hydroxide is slick (it's a distinguishing feature of a strong alkalyn vs. acids). It will dry out your hands (removes all oils), shrivel them up and makes them shiny.
This is exatly the reason I purchased all the M.E.K. that Home Depot had for $1 a gallon.
Also, I work on the cost averaging principle. By the week, by the month, by the year. It's too difficult to make good money on every job.
Stay patient and Good Luck!
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Beth,
Is your mom of German ancestry?
Pork drippings add a wonderful flavor to a lot of dishes.
I use it frequently. Have to watch my mom though, she's had quad. by-pass a couple of years ago and she's starting to forget how to eat properly so I try not to tempt her. The Hungarians are notorious for eating lard, pork drippings, pork rinds - all the stuff that clogs your arteries.
My favorite dish with pork drippings is stewed hot peppers and tomatoes with onions. Add a bit of sausage ...Jon,
Jon
The BBQ is on the west coast. Heck, it costs more for me to fly to Cleveland than to California. Let's see... Cleveland or California, ...Cleveland or California ... It's a no-brainer. Besides, ever since they inducted the Bee Gees into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, I've been boycotting Cleveland. I can't imagine - disco just about killed R&R and these yahoos induct them into the R&R Hall of Shame. Don't get me started (I'm a pureist).
Howard,
How do you prepare the pig? In the ground, in a drum?
I've done 'em both ways. The fun part is staying awake all night and talking about how good it's going to taste. We always go thru at least a couple of half barrels just sitting around smelling the smoke. Last one we had, there must have been about 250 people there thru the night, the next day, and the following night. Clean-up is a lot of work and not too many people stick around for that. I need about a week to recoup from one of those events. It's tough getting old!
My better half taught me how to make black beans and yellow rice (Cuban style with a twist - lots of garlic and bay leafs). Goes well with roasted pork.
One of my employers always has a gentlemans BBQ. He owns about 3000 acres south of Lexington. He raises and breeds angus cattle. He has a large hog and all the steak you can eat. Usually has about 400-500 people attending his events.
OK, who likes stone crab claws?
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Beth,
I'm not sure on the name, but I've seen 3 or 4 recipes from different countries that are similar (German, Polish, Austrian, Hungarian). I picked up the recipe from my grandmother and also my mother (both Hungarian born).
I fry the caraways without popping or burning, then rinse and fry the sauerkraut in oil (without burning) then add the red cabbage (drain the liquid if using bottled cabbage) then fry some more. (Adding the cold sauerkraut to the hot oils is always dangerous - you have to sneak up on it.) I also add sugar (while frying) to make it somewhat sweet tasting, then simmer it under cover to soften and combine the color. Takes about 1/2 hour for serving of 8-12.
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I'm sure Jon would appreciate a QA check.
True Gutter Cleaner ?
in Residential Pressure Washing
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Krud Kutter Original is a good product.
Rob,
I can't understand why you couldn't get the other products to work for you. I did some side-by-side testing on several surfaces and Krud Kutter Original came in third (although in a couple of instances by only a very thin margin) - my opinion along with a second set of eyes. The test involved 4 products.
The tests were (as I said) literally side-by-side, with 1:2 dilution, 1:1 dilution and concentrated. My tests were with and without using a brush. In the brushing tests no dwell time was allowed. In the brushless tests, dwell was timed with a stop watch at 15 second intervals, up to 2 minutes.
All 4 of the products we tested produced acceptable results to varying degrees in removing black streaks from gutters along with removing mold and mildew.