Member postings for Dr. MC Black

If I can NOT find the way to contact the Customer Services department of an organisation, I write to the Chief Executive (using an email address found on "ceoemail.com".

I usually get a response from a minion in the Executive Office although sometimes from the CEO himself.

Writing to the CEO usually resolves the problem

MC

I have got a small electrically heated pot (intended for Woodturners to dip cut ends of timber in wax) which I bought on a whim but have never used.

Is anybody interested in making me an offer for it? Collect from near Hertford after Covid-19 is eradicated.

Suggest a response OFF -LIST

MC

I think that the Saddler in Ware still makes belts for machinery. I was there once and the owner told me that they had a commission to make belts for the luggage conveyor at an Airport.

Sadly, the shop is rarely open these days because they prefer to sell by Mail Order.

MC

I am continually irritated by the lack of a printed instruction manual on things that I buy.

If I pay a few hundred pounds for a piece of equipment, I don't think it's unreasonable to expect a PRINTED Manual in the box.

Lots of Manuals are offered as "pdf' files - especially for computer software. But it's NOT possible to use the software and read the pdf file at the same time. By the time one has followed the first step one has forgotten the second!

Given the choice between two equally appealing items, I will always buy the one that comes with a Printed Manual - even if it cost a few pounds more.

Am I alone in the desire for Printed Instructions?

MC

I use a Bisley cabinet in my shed. I lined the drawers with corrugated cardboard, corrugations upwards. That stops a great deal of the rattling.

I drilled a block of thick MDF to keep ER32 collets in place.

I made a couple of trays for dies by drilling through one sheet of plywood to make circles and screwed it to a second sheet.

MC

BNF = British National Formulary, used to be on every Medic’s desk but it’s now on the internet and anybody can refer to it.

MC Black

I hope that the following comments will prove useful (and that NOT too many other subscribers will disagree with them!).

Firstly, a chum who used to teach Woodwork advised that Junior Hacksaws were appropriate for children to cut both metal and wood. Apparently, some of his older colleagues disagreed about using a Junior Hacksaw to cut wood - but it worked in his classes.

Secondly, do you have either Freecycle or Freegle in your area? During the lockdown, people may be sorting out old tools and be willing to donate hand tools to a keen youngster. Some may need a little work to de-rust or sharpen but many old tools are of a quality not available today.

I recall seeing on a website an illustrated book with plans for a simple engine. It was written by a teacher who used the plans with a class to build the machine over a school year. Another reader may be able to identify the book from what I have remembered.

Finally, I suggest that the first thing to buy should be GOGGLES - the sort with an elastic strap around the back of the head.

With best wishes.

MC Black

It seems to me that the business lost by this company will be worth a lot more than £4.67 once this thread has been read by lots of people.

MC Black

I think that Royal Mail Letterpost does a wonderful job 99.9% of the time.

The odd time was last Monday when the postman left a box on the doorstep in the snow and did NOT ring the bell (despite a large notice on the door asking visitors to ring the bell).

On the contrary, I have never had a 100% satisfactory delivery by Courier in the 33 years that I have lived here.

MCB

I am pleased to report that mine arrived this afternoon with SIXTEEN other items. It seems that Royal Mail can’t deliver everyday!

Very Many Thanks to everybody who took the time to respond.

MC Black

Gentlemen

Thank you for taking the time to respond.

I have NOT seen any post today yet!

I live in hope

With best wishes and thanks again.

Yours very sincerely,

MC Black

Ladies and Gentlemen

My copy of MEW issue 301 has not yet dropped onto my doormat.

Have other readers received their copies?

I wondered if if has been lost while in the care of the Royal Mail.

Best Wishes and Thanks

MC Black

I have always bought Python Safety Handles for my files (available in different sizes).

I understand that they are designed with a ferrule spun into the wooden handle which, together with a hidden spring, prevents splitting.

I have some that belonged to my late father (who died in the early 80s) and they have lasted well without splitting. They have become a little grubby though!

I have tried buying plastic handles - but the ones that I bought split almost immediately and were returned. Replaced with Pythons.

MC

This may be a naive question, but why does he have 100% good feedback if he scams people?

Why have the people scammed NOT left bad reports?

Would you like to tell all the other Aldi Bandsaw owners which brand and supplier you bought them from, please?

MC

The person selling the lathe wrote and told me

At present, it seems a bargain

MC

Does the break occur at the Weld?

Are you now using replacement blades from another supplier or just the manufacturer supplied ones in the box.

My very best wishes for a Happy, Healthy, Peaceful, Successful, Prosperous, Stress- and Covid-free New Year.

MC

I have written to ask for photographs of the lathe and details of accessories.

MC

I have just spotted this listing for a Taig Lathe:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/184613082999?ul_noapp=true

I find it suspicious that there's only a photograph of a leaflet and no photographs of the lathe and no indication of what's included.

I assume that the listing is NOT just for the leaflet - it would be silly to pay £45 for a leaflet!!

My very best wishes for a Happy, Healthy, Peaceful, Successful, Prosperous, Stress- and Covid-free New Year.

MC

I have visited Allendale's premises in Hoddesdon (just up the A10 from j25 of M25) and bought my Ultrasonic Cleaner from there.

If you are local, you are welcome to bring your parts here and run them through my Ultrasonic bath while having a cup of tea.

After Covid-19 has been eradicated of course! Feel free to contact me OFF list

MC