Friends,
I have had a frustrating week. I wrote a special UPDATE about it, so, if you missed that, it is directly below this one on the TMD BLOG page. In spite of the set-backs, I have managed to make some progress in other areas. Hit the READ MORE button and I’ll share the details.
THE WEEK IN REVIEW
I am going to pour three test molds this afternoon — to see if I can find a way to make the bad rubber I have work. Maybe excess catalyst will do the trick? We’ll see.
The mold I poured Monday finally cured enough to make resin casts. I posted pictures of the test castings on the TMD Facebook Page.
OUTSTANDING ORDERS
As I write this, Friday, July 1, there are two very large orders in house. They both came in over the last 12-18 hours. I emailed both customers and explained why their orders will be a little slow to ship. That said, please, do not hesitate to order — that is, if I can help your modeling needs in any way. If I can get through July, things should get better in August (that is, if the past is still a reliable guide).
NEW RELEASES
Until I figure out what is going on with the rubber, there will be no new products. In fact, there won’t even be any new replacement molds. I will not lose masters or production blanks to bad rubber.
ON THE BENCH
At the moment, the M-18 OVM tools are under rubber that refuses to cure. Unless and until I can get them out, I am faced with having to re-master the tools all over again.
ON KARL’S BENCH
I tried to call Karl today, but he did not answer his cell phone. I’ll see if I can catch him later and edit this update to reflect our chat,
THE SHOP
The shop is in much better shape now. I took advantage of the forced down time to make the mold and casting blank storage boxes I have been needing to make. Then I started putting all the lose casting blanks away in their proper boxes. If I can just get the molds put away by Monday, the shop will be in the best shape it has ever been in — ever!
THE OFFICE
I have a replacement monitor for the one I broke when I cleaned up the office a couple weeks ago. I still need to install it and get a few last things done in the office side. I also need to tidy up the master bench a bit, but it is still in good shape. The ‘lounge’ is where I need to do the most house keeping. I hope Dave Hobbs will be visiting next week, so I will endeavor to get this done before his visit.
ME AND MY WORLD
Honestly, I am frustrated and tired — tired in a way that sleep doesn’t cure. However, I am not defeated. I will get through this and things will get better. Until then, I just need to keep my head down and repeat: “Left foot, Right foot, Left foot,…” Military types will understand 😉
THAT IS ALL
Anyway, that’s all I have for everyone this week. Until next time, you stay safe and try to build something (preferably something using TMD resin).
–Joe