Coadster32 793 #1 Posted April 28, 2015 (edited) So I got the 854 all "de-winterized"...weights off, plow off, tires swapped, etc. Took it for a short ride, and low and behold, my kids want to drive it. Problem being, they can't reach the pedals. Well, they were all into getting it going, and lit a fire under my butt. To the machine shop/basement we go. There was no way my daughter was going to be out done by her brother, he's 6, and she's 8) They did good for their first day driving, and machining. Lots of practice and safety to come. They are pumped to go to Zaray this weekend. Hope you all enjoy the pics. Edited April 28, 2015 by Coadster32 18 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JERSEYHAWG / Glenn 4,497 #2 Posted April 28, 2015 (edited) Tell you what. I sure enjoyed those pics. Put a smile on my face ear to ear. Thanks a million for sharing. Glenn Edited April 28, 2015 by JERSEYHAWG / Glenn 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PaulC 341 #3 Posted April 28, 2015 haha this is really cool!! most grown men don't know how to run a mill and are those your kids names on the side panel? that's for sure a nice 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WH nut 553 #4 Posted April 28, 2015 Now that is really cool. Memories to last a life time. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Coadster32 793 #5 Posted April 28, 2015 haha this is really cool!! most grown men don't know how to run a mill and are those your kids names on the side panel? that's for sure a nice Yes, I put their names on the side panel. My 551 suburban has their names on the fenders as well. I'm very fortunate that my kids are at a good age where they like hanging around with their dad. I am enjoying every minute of it...before they're teenagers. Right now they are siked to finally be driving instead of getting hauled around all the time. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KC9KAS 4,741 #7 Posted April 28, 2015 Thanks for the photos..Looks like the kids were having fun in the shop and on the horse. PS. Please make sure your daughter keeps her beautiful long hair away from the spinning things in the shop. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dclarke 4,032 #8 Posted April 29, 2015 Looking good, Chris. Those kids did a great job! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AMC RULES 37,126 #9 Posted April 29, 2015 Hey! I wanna ride too. Looks like everyone was having some fun Chris. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Coadster32 793 #10 Posted April 29, 2015 Thanks guys. Great family here to share with. Agreed Kas... next time her hair goes under a hat. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevebo-(Moderator) 8,330 #11 Posted April 29, 2015 Chris- I think you need to buy two more roundies for the kids . See you at Zagary on Saturday. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JAinVA 4,619 #12 Posted April 29, 2015 Great to see the kids getting involved with things hands on.Everyone picked up on your daughter's hair but as a journeyman machinist with over thirty years in the trade I was most concerned with your sons position at the mill.He is directly in line with the chips from the endmill and if there is any problem with the vise holding the part he is in the line of fire.I have spent hundreds of hours running these machines and have taught many apprentices the safe operation of them.I understand the desire to share your hobby with the children and the pictures of them with safety glasses on is somewhat reassuring but these machines can hurt you severerly in an instant.I am not trying to be negative in the least but unless you have run a Bridgeport for many hundreds of hours I would not let the kids anywhere near one.I would sincerely hate to see one of these lovely children hurt. JMHO,JAinVA Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Coadster32 793 #13 Posted April 29, 2015 (edited) Great to see the kids getting involved with things hands on.Everyone picked up on your daughter's hair but as a journeyman machinist with over thirty years in the trade I was most concerned with your sons position at the mill.He is directly in line with the chips from the endmill and if there is any problem with the vise holding the part he is in the line of fire.I have spent hundreds of hours running these machines and have taught many apprentices the safe operation of them.I understand the desire to share your hobby with the children and the pictures of them with safety glasses on is somewhat reassuring but these machines can hurt you severerly in an instant.I am not trying to be negative in the least but unless you have run a Bridgeport for many hundreds of hours I would not let the kids anywhere near one.I would sincerely hate to see one of these lovely children hurt. JMHO,JAinVA I appreciate the concern JA. I have nothing but respect for machines. Just a little backround..I am a third generation machinist and the mill he's using, is the one my father taught me on when I was young as well. I am in my 26th year at Excello Tool, foreman of two departments, and have mentored over 10 kids thru their apprentiships. I have to say that I have learned way more from my father at home, than I ever did in 4 years of machine tool at Platt tech high school. I do understand that pictures don't do justice most times, but my son is taking .040 cuts with a 1/2 stub rougher. Believe me, no way is that thing letting go. If you look at the setup again, I was teaching him to not blindly mill the pocket, and to make sure he was watching the cut. He couldn't have see what he was doing, or turn the handles, from any other position (mostly due to his physical size). Please don't think I'm getting defensive as I do know in the wrong hands, or lack of experience, these are very dangerous machines as I have see first hand, (as is any tool or tractor really). I believe if you introduce kids to things and experiences in the right manner, they will be better off and safer in the long run. I genuinely appreciate your concern, and congratulate you on a successful long career in the same trade. Edited April 29, 2015 by Coadster32 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Retired Wrencher 5,440 #14 Posted April 29, 2015 (edited) Now that is cool. Keep this hobby alive for our next gen. Chris Great job getting the kids involved. Edited April 29, 2015 by T1257 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JAinVA 4,619 #15 Posted April 29, 2015 Chris, Thanks for replying to my post.It is obvious to me your children have a great mentor and role model.I agree wholeheartedly with teaching the kids how do things safely.It scares me that a lot of people in the hobby jump into machining something solely only on what they saw on you-tube.Based on what you describe as your background and training, the kids will get tutored properly and safely. I was hesitant to post my comments because I didn't want to stir anything up and I am glad that you didn't take offense.Pictures don't always tell the whole story and now I can sleep better knowing that the kids are safe.Enjoy every day with them as they grow up fast.Luck,Jim in VA 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevasaurus 22,700 #16 Posted April 29, 2015 I just love it when everyone gets along...makes you want to cry. Great pictures Chris...if I wasn't such an old phart, I would not mind learning some of the trade either. You can't beat the smiles on those faces. I just wish that Jim in VA or you did not live so far away. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Digger 66 3,478 #17 Posted April 29, 2015 next time her hair goes under a hat. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
