Parallel Lines

The latest video covers the process of paralleling the reel and rollers when setting up to grind on the Peerless 7000. I'm starting to learn the editing process, so don't feel the pressure to get every take 100%. I'm also getting used to talking to that fish eye on the tripod - it's weird...

I hope to see many of you in San Antonio next week at the Golf Industry Show. I will be moderating a panel discussion on  Monday afternoon covering Tier IV emissions and Lubricants, and also giving a 30-minute presentation on the show floor Wednesday afternoon, covering Computerized Maintenance Management System implementation.

I will get back to the videos after the GIS - we will really be ramping up in the shop then!

Regards,

Reel Intro

I was finally able to get some time to spend in the shop and shoot some video, so I put together this introduction to our cutting unit maintenance program. Sorry, but I can't keep from sounding like an SIP salesman - the grinders are just that good (and no, I'm not a paid spokesman).

I'm having fun with the video editing process - it's amazing how powerful the software has become over the last few years.

I will be producing more videos as time permits - with the unusually cold winter we are having in Atlanta I expect to have time soon!

Regards,
 

My Habu

From Wikipedia:

Habu (波布) is a Japanese name used to refer to certain venomous snakes. So; a small, Japanese Viper...

Flyin' Miata, in Palisade, CO is arguably the world's foremost authority in Miata performance, and has developed the Habu V-8 conversion to a high level. In March of last year, I dropped off my '05 Mazdaspeed for the conversion. Their build diary can be found here. Mine is the 34th conversion that they have done, and they have all the details dialed in to the max - I couldn't have done a better job with the car if I had all the time in the world (or the space to do it)!

The build diary was cut short because they were thrashing to get the car ready for me to pick up at their annual Summer Camp event in August. I was able to pick up the car and take it onto the track immediately. What a blast! The ride home was great, too, as I had them install a factory cruise control (not available on Mazdaspeeds) and the .5:1 overdrive lets it lope along on the highway. 

That is the transponder sticking out of the grille - I managed 11th fastest out of 56 - not too bad for the first day in the car on an unfamiliar track!

Since I've been home I have taken Habu to two track events at Atlanta Motorsports Park and look forward to more this season.

I must admit, the desire to devour Mustangs on the street is high, but I just think about my track days and the feeling subsides.

Regards,
 

Video Time

We are running John Deere mowing equipment here at AAC, and about a year ago they came by to get our opinions about the new A Model features. I am happy with how it came out, and John Deere had the video playing in their booth at the Golf Industry Show last year. The main reason I am posting it here today is to learn about posting videos to the blog. I have committed to producing some videos about our shop operations, including the cutting unit grinding and setup procedures, modifications, etc.

I'm sure my video skills will never approach the professional work done by Deere's crew, but it will be fun to experiment with different shots and figuring out how to explain what we do here at AAC. Here's Deere's video: