Compressed Air

Up at 5:30am expecting the day to be like most others this week -sunny and 75.  After a quick round of calisthenics I was out with Ykraps while he tended to his business. The sky was once again crystal clear and the ¾ moon hung high in the northwestern sky. It was a little chilly too – about what one would expect from mid-September in Columbus. 

Coffee provided that little lift I needed to get my rear in gear for the day ahead. I delivered Mindy’s shortly after 6am. After my Jimmy time I headed out the door for my four mile run. It was an easy one. I probably should’ve worn a thicker wicking shirt but ended up comfortable after a mile or so. Again, it was chilly – probably low 50’s.

My run went well. Afterwards I returned home for some breakfast, which was already waiting at my usual place setting. Mindy & Bella soon dashed out the door. I finished my food then headed up for a shower and grooming. I chose to drive the BM’er once more realizing that those opportunities, at least comfortably, are fading. Still no word on the bus change. I dropped Jacob at the neighbors before driving off to work. 

Work was good. We were busy. I like that. I didn’t take a lunch. Instead, I worked straight through the day. I talked with Mindy and some point late afternoon. She planned to leave our dinner options open to Jacob. I already knew that he’d pick chicken. I was right. Dinner was tasty. We had grilled boneless chicken breasts topped with melted cheese. 

After clean-up, I headed out to water the grass seed. You really can’t afford to skip a single day. While I watered, the kids rode their bikes. At some point, Jacob came running back saying something about Bella. I couldn’t hear her crying so I directed him to his mother. Apparently she fell off her bike. By the time that Mindy came out I could hear her cries as she came running home in tears. However, with Bella, that could mean several things. She could have picked scab or lost a leg. She lets out blood curdling screams regardless of the peril. I believe a hint of her emotional make-up that will likely follow her into adolescence and perhaps even beyond. She was OK.

 After watering, I went in through the garage where I decided to prep my new air compressor. I had already removed it from the box the night before. This version had more specific setup directions as compared to my first. I found it interesting that the literature stated to use only 12 gauge extension cords, and no longer than 25 feet lest you’ll get a voltage drop that will cause the motor to over heat and stop. That closely mimics the symptoms my first one exhibited after attaching it to a 16 gauge - 100 foot extension cord. 

Everything went well until it was time to fire it up. There’s an “air drain” on the tank that must be closed to allow pressure build up. Equally, it’s to be opened after each use before stowing to allow all the air to escape relieving pressure from all the components. It’s a simple brass, backwards threaded valve. Trouble was it wouldn’t easily turn. It acted as if it were stripped. Crap! Are you kidding me? I monkeyed with it for several minutes eventually getting my GWD-40. But that still didn’t do it. I had to use pliers to gently turn the valve. 

It eventually loosened. I repeated the tightening and loosening process many times to ensure its operation. I don’t want to keep it if it’s going to happen again. It’s a simple part, but also imperative. It tells me that there is no QA process for these compressors. Sears Craftsman should be ashamed. After getting it working I tested it on bike tires. I had to use thread tape to stop air leaks on the fittings and hose but that was expected and stated in the literature. 

Satisfied that I had accomplished enough, I went inside for the night. The kids, meanwhile, were already in their beds and requesting I tuck them in. I took care of that pronto. I headed downstairs where I spent the next hour bringing my blog current. 

Mindy hasn’t been able to fully shake her cold (the entire family has had one). In fact, hers even seems to be getting worse. She was eager to get to bed early. We headed for bed just a smidge after 9pm.