detailed...

75,84,51,0,B

it all hinges on this...

Searched the Field Lab surplus for extra bits'n'pieces to make the new pulley happen for the B'o'W.  Got it welded up, then an afternoon tea at the GrubShack.  Another couple of hours of fine tuning and the rig is running smoothly now.  It's noisy but the worsh cycle is speedy and the spin cycle is supersonic.  All thanks to Saint Veronica.   Will try a test with dirty clothes in the morning.  76,85,52,0,B

fabrication...

So much for an early run to Alpine - didn't get on the road till 11:30.  Could not find the exact part I was looking for so searched for stuff that could be used to fabricate the tension pulley for the Bike'o'Worsher.  After cruising the aisles at my first stop (McCoys) for about 5 minutes, I found just what I needed.  Good to get that search out of the way early. 

Leisurely made the rounds about town including a stop at the courthouse to renew my truck registration.  Tried to work an inspection in also but Bam Automotive was out of stickers.  Home in enough time to assemble the "kit" and give it a quick check on the bike pulley - it's all good. Saving the final mount for tomorrow morning then a test drive to see what needs attention next.  72,87,55,0,B

back to the bike...

Got the new pulley mounted this morning for the Bike'o'Worsher.  The new long belt didn't arrive till this afternoon.  Crawled around for about an hour playing with the new configuration to see what will work.  Used the grinder to remove the intermediate pulley assembly and found the sweet spot for the next part of the rig to be fabricated.  Will need more parts so an early morning Alpine run is scheduled for tomorrow.  Good news is - it looks like the big pulley gives me really good swooshing action on the agitation mode without pedaling myself silly.  Flopping the drive train so forward pedaling will propel the worsh and backward will fire up the super spin cycle.  77,88,54,0,B

Tune in tomorrow at around 10:40AM central time for an interview with Alyce Santoro about the Clothesline Appreciation Day event in Marfa next Sunday.  You can hear it streamed live from KRTS Marfa Public Radio at  http://www.marfapublicradio.org/  Just click the LISTEN NOW button.

wash test...

Ran the first load through the worsher this morning.  Real world test had some lingering issues... belt slipping and chain binding.  Worked out the kinks but found that I need to gear the gizmo up at least double speed to get a more efficient worsh - agitation mode is painfully slow pedaling as fast as I can.   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7N6LtmdemQ   Benita was absolutely no help today.  78.89,69, .10", B

cool couple...

Aborted an early morning run to Alpine....the weather was looking too sketchy.  Settled for a preemptive strike to Study Butte to stock up just in case.  Met my new best friends Dan and Jessica at the Motor Inn Cafe.  A very cool young couple that are settling about 10 miles SE of me.  Convinced them to stop by for the tour on their way home. 

Spent the afternoon cleaning out the worsher drum.  Flushed out quite a bit of grime and a few dead bugs.  Picked up a few parts down south to rig the drain hose.  Now all I need to do is clean the frame and some spray paint to spruce it all up for presentation.  Video of the the first worsh soon.  Hope to make an Alpine run tomorrow - I'm getting dangerously low on range feed.  75,85,67,0,B

agitates and spins...

The worsher functioned quite nicely this morning.  The binding seems to have worked its way out (with a little oil and some heavy handed cranking) but will need to dress the belts for some extra traction.  Assured of smooth sailing, I finished welding the structure - filling in all the parts I had only tacked down yesterday. 

Got my special Kombucha vessels just in time today.  I am going to bottle the first batch tomorrow.  Brewed up another gallon of green tea and sugar tonight for the next batch.  84,92,73,0,B  

bike on...

Much more time looking and thinking than doing today.  Had to alter and re weld the sprocket mount then jigged the bike into position for some pondering.  Four hours later - executed my best guess. Nice cloud cover took the edge off for more cutting and welding.   Now that all the essentials are in place, I have some binding and slipping issues to contend with.  Grease the bearings - dress the belts.  86,101,66, 0,B

sprocketmount...

75,102,71,0,W pm