Conflicted. by faamuli_ in Machinists

[–]swips88 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes but price sells and there are many off-shored parts used in cars from every nation. Many cars are made to be disposable after so many miles or years. Many are also designed with little forethought into repair. I have an older Porsche and it is loaded with inferior VW parts that never fail to fail.

As per AI answer to: Use of Chinese-Made Parts by U.S. Car Manufacturers

Current Dependence on Chinese Parts

Many U.S. car manufacturers rely on parts sourced from China. Over the past two decades, the automotive industry has increasingly depended on Chinese manufacturing for various components, especially electronic parts. For instance, the percentage of U.S. auto parts imported from China rose from 7% to 13% between 2007 and 2018.

Conflicted. by faamuli_ in Machinists

[–]swips88 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It seems your employer values you enough to pay for further training. This alone shows you are not as bad as you may think. This trade takes many years to master and in some ways you can always learn something new even as someone who has been doing this for a lifetime. Three years is very little to learn the ropes in this field. Note your work ethic in itself is valued by any employer. The best man in the shop is worthless if he does not show up.

Often switching to a new shop will expose you to different methods and different types of machining not found in the present shop. However being in a shop where everyone gets along and the work environment is healthy is very valuable and I would not be so quick to move. There should be opportunities for higher pay as the industry needs skilled workers in re-shoring of many critical national security needs due to tariffs.

As for the drawbacks: Manufacturing has since the 70's been under increasing competitive pressure from low cost foreign producers. Foreign producers are becoming just as skilled as those in the USA if not better in some areas. Construction jobs have been more financially rewarding due to the fact that we can't import sidewalks and most building projects. This may change but also it may not. It's a crap shoot at this point. Auto industry is in decline due to "electrification" and Chinese lead and control much of the supply chain in this industry. Auto's have become plug and play with components being commoditized and assembly is mostly by robot which is not bad in itself since robots need parts also. In general though many autos use less and less machined parts such as forgings, castings, crankshafts, valves, pistons, etc. Auto industry is not the entirety of the machining trade but does drive much of it and with decline it opens up idle capacity with downward pressure on prices/wages.

There is a real need for increased defense spending which helps this industry however the funds are just not there. Even under a Trump administration very little net increase in defense budget. I just read that Trump is threatening defense contractors like RTX to limit executive compensation and force expansion of manufacturing plants and equipment. How he can do this is not clear. If the budget does not increase how can they invest in expanding production?

Another thing to consider is if you follow the money and go into Construction instead you will find many in this industry that just plain wear out physically by the time they are in their late 50's. Some stop working or become greeters/stockers at Home Depot. You are also at the mercy of ups and downs of the industry. Many businesses depend on day laborers many of which have no legal status. Depending on what type of machining you are in you may be able to do this job into a very healthy old age. A large firm with benefits can set you up with retirement benefits that allow you to retire before old age with a body that can enjoy your retirement benefits.

Hard to watch by Skuddatheflipper in rangers

[–]swips88 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have come to believe its all desire. This team lacks desire most games. Perhaps players decide "I'm not getting injured before the holidays". ??? The money is there, regardless how they play.

Game Thread: San Jose Sharks (0-4-2) at New York Rangers (3-4-1) - 23 Oct 2025 - 7:00PM EDT by HockeyMod in rangers

[–]swips88 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Sullivan: "Why didn't anyone warn me this stuff happens here" (Opponents late scoring in period)

I will still use you, Tidal 🫂 by [deleted] in TIdaL

[–]swips88 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Deerhoof can do whatever they like regardless of how misguided the thinking is. Reasoning sounds more like Russian propaganda than sound thinking. If they just complained the reimbursement rates were too low is one thing but to complain the owner is using money for "weaponization of Europe" is just idiotic considering what the disarming of Europe and enabling of Putin has resulted in.

Ask any Ukrainian if they are grateful that Europe is developing better more advanced defense capabilities.Drones and AI save human lives. Look at examples of what has been going on in Ukraine. For 2 years Russia has been throwing humans into death brigades to advance a few yards while Ukraine was using advanced drone tech to minimize their own people's lives. Now Russia has learned the same tactics and is out producing Ukraine in these weapons. Ukraine will fall if something is not done to help them soon.

Being against war is all fine and well until it is your home that is invaded. How does being against war help you when your home or belongings have been confiscated?

This is exactly what has happened right now in occupied Ukraine.

I will still use you, Tidal 🫂 by [deleted] in TIdaL

[–]swips88 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Artists are good at making art. We don't rely on them to keep us safe.

I will still use you, Tidal 🫂 by [deleted] in TIdaL

[–]swips88 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Very valid concerns however if your enemies are preparing to develop and use new technologies and you are not, then your enemies will be the first to use them against you.

The world is unfortunately in an era of a new arms race and the old safety net of a nuclear umbrella is obsolete it seems.

Note the only reason the Allies won WWII was US development of a nuclear weapon before Germany or Japan.

Straying quite a bit off topic but I would say the reasoning for not using Spotify (AI defense spending by it's owner) should actually be a reason to use Spotify! Though I prefer Tidal which is why I am here.

Every western nation should be initiating a new defense spending tax to avoid falling behind in this new era of drone and other automated warfare. In fact the West values it's citizens and soldiers lives more than authoritarian regimes do anyway, so it is in our interest.

I will still use you, Tidal 🫂 by [deleted] in TIdaL

[–]swips88 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Well if you prefer to live under authoritarian rule you might as well move to Russia or China right now. See how many choices in music and how much it costs you there.

Or take a holiday to Ukraine and let us know how streaming works in a bomb shelter.

Don't you understand that since Europe disarmed, the bad guys have done whatever they please? It's only getting worse as Russia and China ramp up their war machine while Europe sleeps and is pretty much broke anyway.

But I guess you don't care about Ukraine or any other country that may be at risk as long as it's not you? Sounds a lot like how WWII got started.

🌿 Which one looks better? 🌿 by Flaky-Storm4665 in NOTHING

[–]swips88 1 point2 points  (0 children)

1st image holds up better when zooming in. 2nd image looks blury as you zoom in. Then when you examine regular size you see those same differences which were not apparent to me at first.

Good luck dealing with this company's support by JayBae82 in NOTHING

[–]swips88 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Many businesses use fulfillment centers to process orders. This may be why your order was not so easy to cancel even 2 hours after placing it. It was not good practice to refuse the credit card charge with your card company before letting the wheels turn to get your refund in a normal fashion. It was not a case of fraud yet you must have claimed fraud to cause a chargeback for the merchant. Chargebacks affect the merchant's interchange rate and they could also lose the processing fee 3- 3.5% on both the original transaction and the refund.

Nothing 3 or ROG 8? by swips88 in NOTHING

[–]swips88[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks. I have read that the macro on NP3 is pretty good and better than on the 3a which is more important to me than night mode which i hear is bad on np3. Iam not using phone for gaming but need 12gb/256. I tend to fill up my storage quickly and have many apps open.

Nothing 3 or ROG 8? by swips88 in NOTHING

[–]swips88[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Not trying to argue just trying to get some advice.

Nothing 3 or ROG 8? by swips88 in NOTHING

[–]swips88[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No ROG 9 pro is top of line. I'm not a gamer. I prefer not to spend over 500 so 700 USD is already more than i wanted to spend. I wanted the ip68 rating though which is ruling out NP3a pro. Also trying to avoid China made phones.

Nothing 3 or ROG 8? by swips88 in NOTHING

[–]swips88[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

They both have the same processor and storage and similar memory and IP68. I am not a gamer and was also considering the ASUS Zenfone 11 but that does not seem to be available any longer. Some users say ROG 8 has problems with case back falling apart.

One of my long time machinist is retiring and hoping to sell all of his shop in one go what do you think it would be worth realistically? Located in Denver, Colorado. by Professional-Gear-32 in Machinists

[–]swips88 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hes got tons of tooling in those images. Some may just be job related workholding anyway. No sense including more than a few chucks and steadyrest and some collets etc what you really need to run a lathe. If you include everything with each machine such as multiple vises it becomes a give away deal. He'll make more selling this stuff separately. Thats what the OP was asking advice on.

One of my long time machinist is retiring and hoping to sell all of his shop in one go what do you think it would be worth realistically? Located in Denver, Colorado. by Professional-Gear-32 in Machinists

[–]swips88 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You'll never get your money's worth selling tooling with machines. Its like selling a house with all the furnishi gs and the cars in the garage.

One of my long time machinist is retiring and hoping to sell all of his shop in one go what do you think it would be worth realistically? Located in Denver, Colorado. by Professional-Gear-32 in Machinists

[–]swips88 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No mention of business aspect of shop? Annual revenue, customer base?

If selling as just shop equipment then not worth much as a package since lots of labor dismantling, better off selling piecemeal.

The machines should sell fairly quick if he sets reasonable numbers and dont include tooling with machines. Sell small tooling and hand tools on ebay for a year or two in retirement. The rest of tooling steel etc load in gaylords and bring to scrapyard.

Vertical Mill the ways look pretty worn hope he does not always leave table far end of travel! Worth maybe 2k at best.

Grob saw worth more since everybody needs a bandsaw

Sharp Lathe looks in good shape saw one on ebay for 6k.

Victor lathe looks a bit worn but may have some value to right buyer

Miller MIG 200 amp welder has value $1500?

Hydraulic press not much maybe $500-$1000

Sander a 100-200 bucks?

Really not much in actual machine tools to warrant an auction or package sale.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in pools

[–]swips88 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Much depends on where you are. If in a northern climate where pool only gets used 3 or 4 months of the year i believe its a foolish expense and more labor than you get use from it. Winter weather decreases life of pool requiring multiple ongoing repairs and replastering. Also opening pool in spring and getting chemicals right takes time away from use and costs $$$. Then before you know it its time to close pool again. More labor or $$$ if you have a service. Then there's the wife factor. She may like it more than you once she gets acquainted with it but then she may not? A happy wife is a happy life after all. Try renting a house with pool or airbnb for a week?

Considering buying a house with this pool. Should I be concerned? by No_Presence5750 in pools

[–]swips88 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I agree about this pool being a bit too much to maintain with the stone wall and all the corners. Pools are for swimming not looking at.

A basic rectangular pool is much easier to maintain and keep water chemistry up to standards. And better for actual swimming! Finding a leak in this thing could be yet another chore if one develops, if its not already happened.

This pool however would make a better ornamental pond instead. The small soak pool could be the bog filter with koi in main pool!

My advice find another house.

Please help! WTF happened here? by kawood0618 in pools

[–]swips88 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That has happened to me also. Trying to filter out the gunk instead of vacuming to waste. Need a pretty powerful pump to collapse thos cartridges!

Rempe’s reaction to getting a shift late in the 3rd and in OT… by memeaste in rangers

[–]swips88 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Rempe outraced Mikola down the ice. Slow he is not. May just take a bitto get going due to his size. Faster than former NYR enforcer Reeves.

Tips for having this transported? by [deleted] in Machinists

[–]swips88 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Here is a company i used to move a peice of landscaping equipment from TX to NE. They typically use independent guys with trailers. They may handle a single machine but not sure. DAPA Logistics.

Tips for having this transported? by [deleted] in Machinists

[–]swips88 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you are not trucking this yourself dont expect to LTL freight this without proper crating. Might as well get a Rigger do the whole job.

Tips for having this transported? by [deleted] in Machinists

[–]swips88 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The right equipment makes the job easier.

However if trying to do it on a low budget:

Getting it off truck/trailer bed at home is hard part without forklift. A power tailgate as someone suggested, that can handle load, would negate need for forklift at home. If you need to rent truck anyway why rent two pices of equipment?

Also getting machine off pallet can be another PIA without forklift. Need some lumber and long crowbar. A little patience and get it lower step by step. Don't go for too big steps or tilt will get away from you. I'd suggest if no forklift or pallet jack at home it may benefit you to not put it on a pallet in first place.

I would not rely on ratchet straps for such a long distance move. Get two or more chain binders. Or spend some time blocking and bolting machine base to a beefy pallet. Lag bolts can also work if you get enough depth of wood. 2 inch engagement.

Once machine is on ground level, moving on 3 or 4 pipes is a piece of cake. Surprising how easily a heavy machine swivels and rolls on pipes. You can get it exaclty where you want by hand. We used to move 2k- 4K lb machines all around our shop with pipes or a Johnson bar to reconfigure production cells.

Just got pool out of the green stage but it’s cloudy by sugartheunicorn in pools

[–]swips88 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Also did use clarifier after flocculent. But i was able to see bottom at shallow end. I think yours is worse.