Perform periodic checks on your machine

[Robin Fellows]

Had some issues with the machine today.
1. Board sensor - Went to the manual and cleaned as required. Fixed
2. Back roller stuck - Again went to the manual and compressed the roller manually. Fixed
I decided to go through the machine in depth just because my machine has performed flawlessly (knock on wood) right out of the box. (I can't say the same for the operator). Anyway, Usually in my job when little things are going wrong it usually is a precurser to a much larger problem.
When I took a hard look at the machine I found the following:
a. The carving bit was loose in the quick chuck adapter. Replaced
b. The sandpaper belts had started rolling back under itself. Replaced
c. The drive gears were packed full of fine dust. Cleaned
d. Found various loose screws through out the machine.

My advice to you all is look for the 50 cent problems and prevent the 500 dollar repairs. Periodically look through the manual and give the machine a once over.

I also need some advice. I am deploying to Bahrain soon. I am thinking about taking the machine in the event I have some down time. The power over there is 220v. Has anyone been running thier machine off of a power converter? or a generator? What do you think about running through those power sources.
Robin

[dpowli]

Is the frequency 50 or 60 Hz. (cycles per second)?

[Kenm810]

Robin,
These are a couple of the sites I've used before.
Hope they help
Electricity Around the World (http://www.kropla.com/electric2.htm)
Mains power systems - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_with_mains_power_plugs,_voltages _and_frequencies)

[Digitalwoodshop]

Robin, I was in Bahrain a year before the first Gulf War on a old Tin Can Destroyer doing Escort duty through the gulf. My most memorable time was spent in the ASU or Auxiliary Support Unit, or as we liked to call it.... The Alcohol Support Unit.... Just a place to relax and watch CNN and play pool on base.

I would take an extra chuck, extra belts, extra X Gear at the least. Remember us if you get in a bind and break down. If you still have the original cut motor then if you could get the new version as the magnet will let go and you will get the CCM check cut motor errors. I asked yesterday and they will upgrade the magnet to the new version on a motor sent into them. Don't know what it costs yet but it will be worth it. I think you will find good power there.

If you run into problems let me know, I can always ship you something quick. I was there in the days before eMail... Nothing kicks you in the pit of the stomach when the helicopter bringing your US Mail from the Carrier catches a breeze and a bag of your letters from home falls from the open door of the hovering helo and disappears below the surface of the open ocean to never be seen again. That's why we numbered our letters, always great to get 3, 4, 5 then 1, 2, 3.... as they try to find you.

Good Luck Chief,

FCC(SW) Retired

[Robin Fellows]

Robin, I was in Bahrain a year before the first Gulf War on a old Tin Can Destroyer doing Escort duty through the gulf. My most memorable time was spent in the ASU or Auxiliary Support Unit, or as we liked to call it.... The Alcohol Support Unit.... Just a place to relax and watch CNN and play pool on base.

I would take an extra chuck, extra belts, extra X Gear at the least. Remember us if you get in a bind and break down. If you still have the original cut motor then if you could get the new version as the magnet will let go and you will get the CCM check cut motor errors. I asked yesterday and they will upgrade the magnet to the new version on a motor sent into them. Don't know what it costs yet but it will be worth it. I think you will find good power there.

If you run into problems let me know, I can always ship you something quick. I was there in the days before eMail... Nothing kicks you in the pit of the stomach when the helicopter bringing your US Mail from the Carrier catches a breeze and a bag of your letters from home falls from the open door of the hovering helo and disappears below the surface of the open ocean to never be seen again. That's why we numbered our letters, always great to get 3, 4, 5 then 1, 2, 3.... as they try to find you.

Good Luck Chief,

FCC(SW) Retired

Sorry for the delayed response. Been out and about doing the required work ups. I've been doing some intel gathering and as luck would have it there is a rather large lumber yard just outside the main gate. Still looking into whether they operate on 50 or 60 Hz.
I appreciate the offer to ship packages, the invention of the internet ( Thanks to Al Gore! Ha! Ha!) has been a god send as far as keeping in touch with families and with the web cam I can still take an active part in the kids daily lives. IE. School work and bed times.
4 1/2 years left to serve our Navy and I'll be able to do this wood working hobby on a somewhat full time basis.
Robin