Good morning!!!!

[Kyle_in_Tex]

Should be required watching for every manufacturing/mechanical engineer.

One of our classes takes a metal sample down to a mirror finish, then applies acid to look at the grain structure in the microscope.

And this one is a good sequel. I like the wording at the beginning that explains a lot.

 

[daugen]

just in time completion for chores
leaves sucked up, mower and bagger washed off and dried for the winter,
vacuumed rv one last time and brought the vac inside, filled birdfeeders and cleaned out the
birdbaths.
And then it started to rain...
before I even got indoors
works for me

now the feet go up
hope you folks under the weather feel better soon.

Kyle, think you will find this interesting:

Tool and die craftsmen are not becoming obsolete due to 3D printing; rather, their roles are evolving as additive manufacturing becomes a complementary tool that enhances traditional methods. The new technologies create new opportunities and change how existing work is done, requiring a shift in skills and strategy.

Integration, Not Replacement

3D printing (additive manufacturing) and traditional manufacturing methods (subtractive, such as CNC machining and casting) serve different needs and are often used in hybrid workflows.

• Mass Production: For high-volume production of simple, standardized parts, traditional methods like injection molding and large-scale machining remain faster and more cost-effective.
• Complexity and Customization: 3D printing excels in creating complex internal geometries (like optimized cooling channels in molds), rapid prototyping, and low-volume, customized parts where traditional methods would be prohibitively expensive or impossible.
• Hybrid Approach: Many manufacturers combine both. For example, a 3D printer can create a near-net-shape metal die component, which a craftsman then finishes with traditional post-machining to achieve the required precision and surface quality.

Evolving Skillsets for Craftsmen

The introduction of 3D printing does not eliminate the need for skilled labor but necessitates a new set of skills that leverage the technology's advantages.

• Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM): Craftsmen now benefit from learning how to design parts specifically for 3D printing to take advantage of its unique capabilities, such as creating lightweight lattice structures or consolidating multiple parts into a single unit.
• Digital Proficiency: Proficiency in Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software and understanding digital workflows is becoming increasingly important for tool and die makers to manage and modify digital design files.
• Tool Repair and Maintenance: 3D printing is used to repair worn or damaged tools and molds by printing new inserts or features, extending the life of existing equipment and requiring skills in integrating new components with existing ones.
• Process Optimization: Craftsmen with an understanding of both traditional and additive methods are highly valued for their ability to determine the most cost-effective and efficient production process for a specific application.

In short, the tool and die industry is transforming, and success lies in embracing 3D printing as a powerful new tool that complements, rather than replaces, established expertise.

 

[buckeyefarmer]

How did you hurt your arm and did you see anyone about it?

No idea. First noticed it hurting after changing oil in honda 2 times ago, was getting better, than it started hurting again. Then the back shoulder started hurting, I think from compensating for the arm hurting. something appears to be pulled. Just need to give it rest, which is hard to do. Like today, got a couple cases of water, they don't move themselves... I inquired at the TBN medical experts (here). Ice pack is helping again today.

 

[ronjhall]

Ice helped the shoulder enough last night, that I finally went to bed. I could sleep on my left side, shoulder down, but it hurt to sleep on right side.

Will ice it more today.

If you have swelling. Use heat. If no swelling use something cold.
When I had my shoulder operation in 2018. It took 6 months before I could sleep in bed. Spent many hours in recliner and lots of Ice.
I used what I called an ice machine which I set up for 20 minutes on 30 minutes off. Used blue ice packs in cooler.
Ice Machine for Shoulder After Surgery, Shoulder Rotator Cuff Cold Therapy Machine Compression Pad Cryotherapy Machine for Post-Surgery Care, Ice Therapy System for Knee, Elbow, Joint (6-Quart) https://a.co/d/2c6t3sE

 

[Engineer42]

some towns dont let the trains blow their horns. all tracks have gate crossings.

Congrats on the smooth test Popgadget. Thank you for posting aerial photos. I really enjoy them.

I'm feeling a bit small today. Crud, sore throat. throat lymph node glands doing their thing. No fever yet, my wifey says she sees 1 red dot on the back of my throat. Would prefer not to take antibiotics. Kept hacking late last night and got up around midnite to take some equate brand elixir. It worked. I wonder if fireball works?

Steiner Beast: I fired it up last night, and it needed some air in a rear tire. Good thing, I get down there and putting in the air, I noticed the fuel line leaking.dripdripdrip. Parked it in a place I can work on it that I don't mind if it kills the grass. May have to jack up the side with the tank to get better access. Fishing the new line thru will be the toughest part of the job.

I'm off for vacation. I just am low energy.

What was the elixar? I'm having the same issue.

 

[Thomas]

what to do when you get up too early?
plan a trip
working on a New England trip.
have stops for Lou, Scott and Tom
want to see Phil on way home so Phil please PM me with location so I can find an rv campground near you.

I know I am forgetting someone so anyone who wants to do lunch, you just have to come get me.

the one on Lake Lauderdale is closer to Lou and a 45 minute drive for Scott.
But I'm going right through East Wells on way North so if I have to chase his fuel oil truck, I'll find him.
I'll look for the oil truck with the longest antenna...

this is all mountains, should be pretty
am thinking maybe in early May
I might get caught with a late snow in April.

View attachment 4438184

Good chance old man winter quick stop by in April,one thing for sure prime time for mud season.

 

[Thomas]

wngsprd 47 years may continue hand in hand down the golden path.

 

[Wagtail]

Good (Wednesday) morning. Overnight Low of 12.2C and it's presently 19.3C, partly cloudy with wind picking up. There was 2.9mm in the gauge at 0900.

Well, today is 'into town' day for a quick PO stop, then the local bakery followed by a Veteran coffee gathering at the "Book Shop". Groceries after that.

Later on, the 'Mad Agisting Horse Woman' and her Daughter have requested a paddock transfer from #5 to #6.

That's about it, take care all.

 

[Wagtail]

^^^
Yep, it's definitely the 9 + "millimetre" that's tripping the 'mod approval' thingy.

 

[Kyle_in_Tex]

What was the elixir? I'm having the same issue.

Took 1 benedryl and 1 Cetirizine when I went to bed at 8pm, woke up around 1 with crud flowing. Took a shot and a half of green Nyquil. Tastes like licorice. Took an hour or more to get all the crud out and wind down back to sleep. It is my buddy who uses these symptoms for an excuse to take a shot of fireball cinnamon schnapps. I'm going to rinse a repeat tonight, but I'll take the Nyquil at 10 and see what that does.

I spit out all the phlegm I can out.
Went to clinic. Still have no fever. Wifey insisted. Both quick tests came back negative (as they did on my son). Said they can send them off for further evaluation. I said just give me the Z pack. Not sure if I will start it or not depending on tonight's episode.

Billy and Myla, what all did y'all do today celebrating and such?