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6/14/2008 I've been working at the "Veterans Memorial Golf Course" since 1996. For the last 7 to 8 years as the "Equipment Manager". I have also worked as the "Assistant Superintendent" for the past 4 years. I will be moving on to a new job this month. I will soon be working at a new golf course and be part of the build teem. That's a very exciting prospect for me. I will get a chance to learn first hand what go's into building a new golf course. The best part is, I'll be able to move into a new shop. I did some window shopping on line today, adding things to my wish list for equipment that I will need for my new shop. The "Express Dual 5000" is a strong contender for reel grinders and so far is at the top of my list. The "Anglemaster 4000" Is also at the top of my list for bedknife grinders. Of course, I will be checking out the competition before making my final choice. I have used "Express Dual" and "Angle Master" grinders in the past and I really liked the job they did on my reels. Evan though my grinders where very old, I was impressed with how fast I could grind a set of reels. 06/15/2008 As far as blade thinning go's. You can not perform this task with the grinders listed above, and I do like to thin out my blades when they go completely flat and you can no longer see the factory relief grind. I would put the factor look back on my reels a couple times a year as time allowed. The grinder I had for this was an old "Foley 388" Relief reel grinder. It was something that I had to get good at, and at first I wasn't very good. I think I messed up a few reels early on in my career. I had the opportunity to try the "Rapid Relief" grinder. It ended up taking far longer to relief grind my reels than my old reliable "Foley 388". Plus, having my air compressor running all day long was quite maddening. Watching the video demonstration of the "Rapid Relief" grinder in action made it seem quite appealing. It appeared fast and smooth. I just had to have one. On the contrary, when I used it for myself, I found it difficult to set up, it didn't travel smoothly and I had to stop every few minutes to allow the air compressor time to catch up. Ten seconds after buying the grinder, they came out with an electric model. I wouldn't mind trying it out, but from my first experience, I would not risk my Boss's money on another one. 06/16/2008 It's getting closer to starting my new job. I only have one week to go. I started training "Dewey" on how to grind reels today. I think he will do a fine job. I just wish that I had more time to teach him all the things that took me years to learn on my own. 06/17/2008 I built the rack on this "Cushman" back in 2002. It seems that when you start driving away from a golfer and you have your back to them, thats when they will hit a ball your way. I built the rack to keep from getting hit in the back of the head by a golf ball. 06/17/2008 I built this old pull behind blower out of junk from our bone yard back in 1998. The engine that runs the fan is out of a sand pro. The trailer is an old "Pull Gang" frame, the air shoot is a fertilizer hopper and the fan is an old ceiling fan from a shop. It would actually blow leaves about 25 feet. We used it on fairway cleanup in the fall. 06/18/2008 I worked with "Dewey" all day today, training him on sharpening fairway mower reels. He did very well. He is picking up on everything allot faster than I expected. I wish there was enough time to show him how to work on the "John Deere" fairway mower. At this point, all I have shown him is "Toro" reels. 06/23/2008 Today was my last day at the "Vet's". The crew took me to the bar after work. Lee bought us all a couple rounds of beer and we talked about some fun times we had working together as a crew and as friends. It was nice, but I felt sad when I walked away. 06/26/2008 Work at my new job has been going great the last couple of days but the hrs. are long. I got off at 5:20 PM yesterday and at 7 PM today. I stay very busy though and the time seems to pass quickly. I'm to tired to write any more tonight so I'll leave it at that. 06/28/2008 Work can get a little dusty and hot at times. Now, I have to get used to showering on a regular basis. What a drag ! LOL

6/14/2008
I've been working at the "Veterans Memorial Golf Course" since 1996. For the last 7 to 8 years as the "Equipment Manager". I have also worked as the "Assistant Superintendent" for the past 4 years.
I will be moving on to a new job this month. I will soon be working at a new golf course and be part of the build teem. That's a very exciting prospect for me. I will get a chance to learn first hand what go's into building a new golf course. The best part is, I'll be able to move into a new shop.

I did some window shopping on line today, adding things to my wish list for equipment that I will need for my new shop. The "Express Dual 5000" is a strong contender for reel grinders and so far is at the top of my list.

The "Anglemaster 4000" Is also at the top of my list for bedknife grinders. Of course, I will be checking out the competition before making my final choice.

I have used "Express Dual" and "Angle Master" grinders in the past and I really liked the job they did on my reels. Evan though my grinders where very old, I was impressed with how fast I could grind a set of reels.

06/15/2008

As far as blade thinning go's. You can not perform this task with the grinders listed above, and I do like to thin out my blades when they go completely flat and you can no longer see the factory relief grind.
I would put the factor look back on my reels a couple times a year as time allowed. The grinder I had for this was an old "Foley 388" Relief reel grinder. It was something that I had to get good at, and at first I wasn't very good. I think I messed up a few reels early on in my career.

I had the opportunity to try the "Rapid Relief" grinder. It ended up taking far longer to relief grind my reels than my old reliable "Foley 388". Plus, having my air compressor running all day long was quite maddening. Watching the video demonstration of the "Rapid Relief" grinder in action made it seem quite appealing. It appeared fast and smooth. I just had to have one. On the contrary, when I used it for myself, I found it difficult to set up, it didn't travel smoothly and I had to stop every few minutes to allow the air compressor time to catch up. Ten seconds after buying the grinder, they came out with an electric model. I wouldn't mind trying it out, but from my first experience, I would not risk my Boss's money on another one.

06/16/2008
It's getting closer to starting my new job. I only have one week to go. I started training "Dewey" on how to grind reels today. I think he will do a fine job. I just wish that I had more time to teach him all the things that took me years to learn on my own.

06/17/2008
I built the rack on this "Cushman" back in 2002. It seems that when you start driving away from a golfer and you have your back to them, thats when they will hit a ball your way. I built the rack to keep from getting hit in the back of the head by a golf ball.

06/17/2008
I built this old pull behind blower out of junk from our bone yard back in 1998. The engine that runs the fan is out of a sand pro. The trailer is an old "Pull Gang" frame, the air shoot is a fertilizer hopper and the fan is an old ceiling fan from a shop. It would actually blow leaves about 25 feet. We used it on fairway cleanup in the fall.

06/18/2008
I worked with "Dewey" all day today, training him on sharpening fairway mower reels. He did very well. He is picking up on everything allot faster than I expected. I wish there was enough time to show him how to work on the "John Deere" fairway mower. At this point, all I have shown him is "Toro" reels.

06/23/2008
Today was my last day at the "Vet's". The crew took me to the bar after work. Lee bought us all a couple rounds of beer and we talked about some fun times we had working together as a crew and as friends. It was nice, but I felt sad when I walked away.

06/26/2008
Work at my new job has been going great the last couple of days but the hrs. are long. I got off at 5:20 PM yesterday and at 7 PM today. I stay very busy though and the time seems to pass quickly. I'm to tired to write any more tonight so I'll leave it at that.

06/28/2008
Work can get a little dusty and hot at times. Now, I have to get used to showering on a regular basis.
What a drag ! LOL

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Taken on 06/12/2008
Paul Wilks Page - Golf Course Manager

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Taken on 08/25/2008
The grass is starting to grow.
Paul Wilks Page - Golf Course Manager

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Standing near #1 tee looking across at #2 fairway
Paul Wilks Page - Golf Course Manager

We have come along way on the course in a short time.
I'm mowing fairways on an almost daily basis now.
So far, we have six holes that have grown in enough to mow and there should
be more on Tuesday.
Paul Wilks Page - Golf Course Manager

**
Standing near #1 tee looking to the left at #9 fairway
Paul Wilks Page - Golf Course Manager

Taken on 09/04/2008
Paul Wilks Page - Golf Course Manager

09/04/2008
Who says that mechanics cant mow strait lines?
I took this photo just after mowing it.
#7 Fairway
Paul Wilks Page - Golf Course Manager

09/04/2008
Paul Wilks Page - Golf Course Manager

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8/30/08

Last week I was looking at the new Foley Grinders.
To my surprise, I found the new grinders with more features than the Express Dual.
I may be switching my preference to Foley after-all.
My local Distributer is

ACCU-Pro Model 632
Overview
The 632 ACCU-Pro was introduced in 1997 and is the scaled down version of the 652 ACCU-Master,
with the main differences being the "automated-infeed grind cycles" and the "enclosure.
The proven "auto-index" relief system and a push button infeed for spin and relief make this unit the
flagship machine of Foley United's reel grinder line.
*
Paul Wilks Page - Golf Course Manager

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ACCU-Pro Model 672

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Paul Wilks Page - Golf Course Manager

*The Workstation:
Paul Wilks Page - Golf Course Manager

This portable workstation doubles as a workbench to conduct repair or assembly work on engines, trimmers and other golf course accessories,
and can also be used to lift and transfer walkers and other cutting units into a grinding machine.
Setting heights of cut, making adjustments, and doing other reel work is made easier when the units are off the ground and at a friendly working height.
So whether it’s used as a lift for reels and to dock with a grinder, or it’s trimmer and chain saw repair, there will be multiple uses for The Workstation in the workshop!

AccuTouch Control:
Paul Wilks Page - Golf Course Manager

The popular touch screen automation that made the 652 ACCU-Master famous is now an option for the 632 ACCU-Pro!
If you like the idea of automated grind cycles for both spin and relief and have no need for an enclosure system,
this is an option that will add a new element to productivity!

Some pictures of my old Reel and Bedknife grinders
Added on 11/23/2008

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09/06/2008

I demoed the new Toro 5010 series Fairway mower over the last couple days.

I must say, Toro really did there homework on this one.

There really is no comparison to the older 5200 & 5300 mowers.
35.5 hp, 4-Cylinder Kubota® Diesel Engine
DPA Cutting Units with groomer and roller brush accessories
Impressive quality of cut and exceptional after cut appearance
Improved operator comfort
Wide open service access
My local distributer is
Western Equipment Distributors, Inc.

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Vet's Memorial Golf Course - Golf Course Manager

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workman34	Latest page update: made by workman34 , May 12 2009, 12:09 AM EDT (about this update About This Update Edited by workman34 view changes - complete history)
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