Recent posts by Shaman_Circle, daleandbren, bornofthehorses, and many
others about the roller system for adapting a tow mixer design for
stationary use have been informative and respectful. I appreciate
that. Many excellent points have been made. Many of us appreciate
and understand the issues far better now than before that thread
began. Thanks to everyone that has contributed.
Many of us have pointed out the potential dangers in many different
mixer designs. It is appropriate to try to help each other stay
safe. Please keep up that good spirit and continue to help each
other.
While doing so, let's remember that some of us may not have the
ultimate machine shop or unlimited funds. When someone posts what
they are doing and shares their efforts with the world, it helps us
all learn, but it also exposes themselves to criticism. The courage
to let others see your efforts is not something to trivialize. I
hope we all appreciate the effort and the information whether we
agree 100% or not.
Please also remember that almost any machine is dangerous if not
respected properly. Safety can take many forms. Sometimes it takes
mechanical form in things like guards, kill switches, and shear
pins. Safety can also take the form of processes and procedures.
I'm reminded of the NASA astronaut's axiom as they prepare to launch
the shuttle. They strap the astronauts in the shuttle, which is
bolted with explosive bolts on top of hundreds of thousands of pounds
of explosive fuels. As the astronauts like to say, "Anyone with any
sense gets at least 3 miles away." The astronauts have chosen to
accept the risks involved because they believe the rewards to be
gained are worth it. Construction has similarities. Building
anything using any material and any construction technique involves
some risks. The trick is to understand the risks and minimize them
to levels acceptable to the people involved. Anyone too afraid of
hitting their thumb with a hammer will never build something
worthwhile. Someone that is so haphazard as to climb a ladder set in
muddy shifting soil won't survive long enough to complete a
construction project. Finished structures will tend to be completed
by people that have a proper balance. A commitment and drive to make
it happen is also critical.
It is easy for me to sit back in safety behind a keyboard and put
forth cautions and warnings. It's something completely different to
get up off my backside and GO BUILD SOMETHING! Construction
accidents have been happening since cave man Grog grunted and dropped
a rock on Thor's foot. (Genesis of the word "D'OH!" that Homer
Simpson repeatedly exclaims.) The modern equivalent involves things
like a fall from a ladder or having a nail shot through your skull
with your own nail gun.
Waiting for a PERFECTLY safe papercrete mixer dooms us to never
beginning a project. Carelessly using any old setup and ignoring the
dangers will likely cause us to not be able to enjoy the fruits of
our labors.
While I may not agree with every detail of Dale's mixer setup. I
applaud his effort. I encourage him to KEEP POSTING. Keep making
things better. We all want to improve.
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