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Hello Lee
How are you?
First…thanks for the post.
Next…I have two answers…
1) Don’t buy it.
2) Buy it.
Here’s what I mean…I don’t know anyone who has one…no striper. We all have airless machines. Period.
Next…I know of a guy who tried one like this and offered that the side “curtains” get very drippy…very quickly.
To be fair…maybe that’s an adjustment that needs to be tended to.
Here’s my next answer…ready…?…
This may sound like I’m talking out of both sides of my mouth…but…if you only have 600…ish…dollars…and need to feed your family…buy it…and get started.
There’s a part of me that says…I don’t care what your first machine will be…get started.
Then…maybe in a year or maybe even two…you’ll buy an airless…etc.
In a perfect world you’ll buy an airless. But…it’s not a perfect world.
The only thing I can say is this…get started.
Next…the only thing I can offer on the Nitrogen model is this;…I’d find out where I can get that tank filled and certainly the cost of that.
Also…maybe I’d look for a second tank too.
I’m sure after a few jobs you’ll know how far you can go with the one tank.
Last…if you need advice on how to stripe or anything else…let me know.
I’d like to help more.
Thanks again for the post.
DanHello DB…not fair…
I’m glad they’re giving you the opportunity to reschedule.
I’ve used a buddy’s striper that is hooked up to run on propane.
It’s a conversion KIT.
Let me get home and send another post. I can talk to him or have him call you.
Also, I’ll have more time to read through the troubleshooting again.
I may not be able to help there…but…there are conversions KITS on the market.
Give me a couple hours. I’m at work right now.
DanHello Jack
First…thank you for the post.
Next…congrats on your work too.
Next…on the machine…you may not need the Auto Layout.
But…the 3900 is a great choice.
Next…I know how to bid.
That said…different parts of our country pay different paint prices and certainly labor.
First…find out your paint costs. I’d recommend Sherwin Williams.
At least you won’t have any worries about the quality.
Next…try either their Set Fast or Hot Line.
Next…buy a 319 tip also. You’ll probably get a 317 with your purchase
Make sure it’s a Yellow Tip for striping.
Last…I did give sample pricing in my book and I also wrote a post here on PaveManPro addressing pricing.
That said…I’m around .14 per foot. Stencils are more…maybe 15.00 and up…each.
Again though…you decide.
I hope that helps.
Dan
P.S. I’m sending via my phone. I’ll try to correct typos later!Hey Brad
How are you?
Thanks for the post.
NO…that amount of time is nothing…really…it’s nothing.
First…try to only put enough paint into the bucket to do that job.
If you need 6 gallons…put 4 in. Then only refill with 2. That way…when you drive down the road…it won’t splash.
( Don’t put 5 gallons in and then drive away…! )
Next…again…that amount of time is nothing.
There are times when I have mine in for days…days.
I’ll have half the job done. I won’t clean it. It’ll rain. I’ll come back days later…everything is fine.
The worst thing that happens is that there ends up being a skin over the paint.
Some guys wrap a wet rag around the small opening in the lid.
Try it…you may not sleep well that first night…but you’ll be fine.
Last…the paint tip may dry. But…it’ll spray sideways for one second…but then you’re good to go.
As far as the Dash…I only use it for the pressure. If I’m spraying a lot…I dial in 1900 or a little more.
If I’m on a road…and it’s rough…and I’m riding at 5 or 6…etc…MPH…I move it up to anything I want…say 3300…?
That said…yes…you’re right.
What I’m doing is the same thing you’re doing…making sure the line looks good. That’s it.
So again…yes, that sounds right…you’re doing fine.
How’s that?
DanOK…email number (2).
First…KCChief…
( Sometimes apologies aren’t enough. )
20% off your next stencil order. Free Shipping.
If you already bought…my loss. Offer still stands.
I apologize again.
( In case you missed the reply …up there…on this thread…)
Next…did you email via your wife or girlfriend?
Does her name start with H?
That’s my only hope.
I saw the email from her and it was signed C.
I did answer and then found that VM…just after I sent that email.
I should’ve checked to see if that was your question…or if there was more.
If that’s you…call me.
Well…even if it’s not…call me again…if you need.
I’ll call you back.
Next…Steve…same deal for you.
( I know you pay Import Fees too. )
And…( I have your VM. I’ll call you today. Dang it…I’m sorry. Won’t happen again. )
I searched your name and email address in my Inbox. I came up with nothing.
( First…unless I’m missing something…Gmail isn’t the best for search. )
You may be there.
I got these…!
Email me or call.
I’ll call you back.
I apologize again.
I talk too much.
20% off…free shipping.
DanSteve…!
Here am I…! ( Here I am. )
I have to go now…!
…no…that’s not true.
It may take me a couple days to get back via phone…or I’m sitting right here and will answer…unless it’s a telemarketer.
( I’m just too worried to call too early or too late…)
BUT…I can’t find your emails.
Emails work for me. I’m either at my shop daily manufacturing or striping late. ( Or…on the back porch surfing. )
OK…now I just saw the post from KC.
Crap.
I’m going to check my emails.
I apologize. I didn’t think I ever missed an email.
OK…serious stuff now…did you email via PaveManPro?…or directly to me?
Once in a while things glitch…all by themselves.
If you emailed via here…I may not be getting that notice.
( That makes no sense. I got this one. )
Crap. I’m going to look. And apologize.
I really didn’t think I missed an email. ( My loss. )
It’s what I do in every morning.
I’ll be back.
DanHello Brad
I think most of us are going to jump right on the “Shot Blasting” band wagon.
Shot Blasting is kinda like Sand Blasting. The “Medium” that’s used to “blast” something here…is sand.
Paint is taken off…etc…maybe even some of the surface too!
Some car enthusiasts use crushed walnut shells as a medium. If you put enough air pressure behind crushed walnut shells…it’ll take the paint off…without hurting the metal.
All that said…remember those little BBs that are inside a Shot Gun Shell?…those little BBs are called “Shot”.
Bottom line…a Shot Blaster is used to blast the concrete floor. The Medium here is metal Shot.
There are a couple reasons…
1) Remove paint.
2) Roughen up a smooth surface…like a warehouse floor…to become “rough”…like the outside sidewalk.
That way…paint will have a little better chance of “gripping” that slightly rougher surface…and last longer.
3) Simply clean the surface.
I’ve used a Shot Blaster for all (3) reasons.
The nice thing about a Shot Blaster…although some BBs do fly all around…is that the cleaning is almost simultaneous.
The BBs…or Shot…are blown to the floor. They hit the floor at an angle. They then bounce up and are captured in a vacuum. The paint chips along with the small chips of concrete are separated. The Shot is then “recycled” a few times. After a while…the shot is gone…because it’s either used up or so distorted that it gets sucked up with the concrete chips and ends up in the vacuum.
SO…add more Shot…and do not forget to empty the vacuum.
It’s that simple.
It is loud…wear ear plugs. YES…some Shot will escape the vacuum and seriously…seriously…fly far and hard…lose an eye hard…!
Wear ear and eye protection.
Next…check out a good tool rental company. Almost all carry a Shot Blasting unit…with the vacuum system.
Next…after the floor is shot blasted it’s now ready to accept the paint.
Next…the “Path” the Shot Blaster makes is about 8″ wide…( some machines can make a 12″ or so wide path ). Simply re-stripe inside the 8″ wide path.
Sometimes you’ll hear individuals say…”Blast Track”. That refers to the 8″ wide path.
Other times someone may ask you to simply Shot Blast the entire floor. I’ve painted entire garage floors.
How’s that for a starter?
There may also be some videos out there too. I’d be surprised if there weren’t.
Brad, I hope I hope I helped a little anyhow.
Dan…you know what, Brad…?
1) And so would the rest of us. I’d do it. I’m not even sure I’d look back.
2) Sometimes, the individual behind the counter has limited “on the job” experience.
…to their defense, they’re doing their best…listening to the label…trying to help…etc…which has a lot of “cover their butt” advice. No harm. No foul. I get it.
Let me know though, how it all goes.
I’ll bet you’ll be fine.
DanHello Brad
Congrats on the Web Site…!
As far as the Sealer stuff goes…I cannot address that.
I did follow a busy seal coater. We striped two jobs per day 6 and 7 days a week…for years.
Mall after mall. Companies, strip malls, restaurants,,,everything.
I would just be there almost the moment they were done and had no trouble with the paint…ever…at all.
That said…the only thing I needed to be careful with was leaving too many tire tracks.
The best advice would come from the seal coat manufacturer. They may not have too much to say about the paint…unless…they manufacture that too. AND…it looks like that may be the case. That’s good news.
Last…other than trial and error…friend…I wish I could help more.
I feel like I let you down. I apologize.
Let me know how it works out. If Sealmaster has a great pair of products…we may all want to know.
DanHello Pave 222
I have only seen it on videos.
But…a couple things…
1) I’m probably like you…kinda wondering…why would I want to stand?
I’m not asking to be mouthy. I would need to know the idea behind the design.
Maybe I’m not seeing what I need to see.
2) I would compare the costs vs. another Rider and /or even a self propelled machine…seated…!
I do like sitting down. It’s nice to just sit down and ride…especially during hour 7 of the second job…or…if you’re a bigger person and just cannot walk or stand for 8 hours. OR…if it’s the third day of a 12 hour job.
And…I’ve waited under a shade tree for the Milling crew to finish a Driving Lane…while sitting down.
That said…again…I’m willing to listen to the idea behind the standing up feature.
Does that help at all?
Let me know what you find…decide…etc.
Meanwhile…I’ll look for costs and compare those to a Self Propelled…vs. another machine and Rider.
DanHey Steve…thanks for all that.
And…this is a blast for me. I love answering posts. Sometimes though, I think I talk too much. ( Never know. )
First…Door to Door…on jobs you want. And / or…on a job you think you can handle.
I know that sounds slow in today’s world…but…you said…”This is probably not the norm”…Steve…yes it is.
That’s how it happens. Someone almost always sees me striping a Store on a Sunday…or a Bank…and stops and asks for a card…or…if this is my company? I always reply…”Yes, it’s my empire. I own it all”. That makes ’em smile…I’ve got the job. SO…yes…get the job and you’ll get more.
Next…BY CANADIAN STANDARDS…!!! 21,000 people…! I’m there…! Take your equipment. Take your stencils. Take business cards. DO NOT fall for the act that you need a super special, super expensive backdrop with NEON for your booth. Just go. Be yourself. You’ll do well. Let’s keep in touch on that too.
Next…if you go for a pavement company …just note…there are “ups and downs”.
1) You must trust them as a buddy. If they do not get paid…THEY STILL OWE YOU. None of this…”Hey Steve, we’ll pay you the minute we get paid”. NO YOU WON’T. You’ll pay me at 29 days whether you get paid or not.
2) They will now own your schedule…which is very fair. If they give you all their work…they’re out there telling their clients…we’ll pave AND stripe Thursday and Thursday PM. Your job Steve, is to say…I’ll be there.
Next…if you ONLY have “Retail” clients…such as the Property Managers you spoke of…then you can say…”Thank you for the job. I’ll check the weather. I’ll start in a couple days. You’ll see the work progress as you come to work in the AM. I should have it all complete in the next few evenings.” That way, Steve…at least you can schedule dinner with the wife or kids…or watch a great game on TV. AND…if the work is interrupted with rain…it’s ok. Go the next evening.
Last…most of us have a nice mix of both. Maybe, find the correct Paving Company or Seal Coat Company to “follow”. And…also solicit those Managers you mentioned. Here’s how it’ll work;
If you tell the Strip Mall Manager…”Let me have a few days…I’ll get it all done. You’ll see.” AND THEN…your Seal Coat Company calls and says…”Hey we just got two Banks to Seal on the weekend.” Well, you’re probably not going to stripe a Strip Mall on a weekend. But…if they want to Seal half Monday and then you stripe that PM…then you can either go to the Strip Mall right after or just move it to another night. Does that make sense?
…at least with the Property Managers you can move them around a little.
Last…the rest…or the mix…or the work load is entirely up to you. There are guys like me that limit my work. There are guys like a friend of mine who takes it all and hires others to stripe that job.
Bottom line…Recap…
1) Yes, door to door. And, others will see you working. You’ll grow.
2) Those Canadian “Standards” are the same here. We have plenty of Strip Malls that have (3) stores…(4) stores. I’d take them! Those are great jobs. In and out…several hundred dollars…go home.
3) “Commercial” vs. “Retail” accounts…? You decide. If you’re already working a job with benefits…maybe only choose jobs you…YOU…can schedule. If you’re looking for Full Time employment as a striper…keep your eyes open for a Paver or Seal Coater.
I hope that helps. I hope it offers some type of idea into the “Ups and Downs”…or “Benefits” of both types of clients.
DanHello Steve
How are you?
I have a style that seems to work well.
I have a “Template” saved. It has my style…my company’s info and certainly the contact information at the top.
In the body portion I have a statement…
We Propose To Furnish All Material And Labor To Perform The Following Items Of Work:
Then, under that…I simply say what I’m going to do.
( I’ll list that in a moment. )
BUT…I DO NOT give my itemized pricing. I bid…”Lump Sum” style.
I have a couple reasons for that:
1) If anyone needs a second quote…THAT striper must, at least, go look at the job himself or herself…( instead of simply being read MY work over the phone. )
2) It may only be my opinion…but…if my customer sees this…
1000′ of 4″ line at .14 per foot.
8 Directional Arrows @ 18.00 each.
2 H/C stencils @ 25.00 each.
…etc…
Then…maybe…that causes that person to think…”are those good prices”?
…or…if it’s a smaller job…the price per foot may look too high…etc.
Here’s how I bid…
( After the above statement of “We Propose…” )
Re-Stripe To The Existing Layout And Pattern
Includes: Paint; Sherwin Williams Traffic White / Yellow / Blue.
All Existing Stall Lines.
All Existing Directional Arrows.
All Existing H/C Stencils.
Cost…$410.00
Then, Steve, under that, I add…
Notes:
All work to be performed after hours, (1) trip.
All Existing H/C Stencils will be converted to the “Blue Block” design.
…or…
All work to be performed Saturday 1/1/1. All lots to be closed and empty of all traffic.
…or…
All lines to be straight, parallel and of the same length.
…or…
My Striping Company. Fine Lines since 1998.
…or…
If you have any questions, please call Steve @ 123.4567.
…Steve, one more thing…
Under the “Cost…$410.00
…you may add…
OPTION (A) Re-Paint Existing Yellow Curb along (6) noted No Parking Areas.
ADD…$190.00.
( Steve, note that this DOES NOT mean you’ll paint the curb for $190.00. It ONLY means you’ll paint the curb…IF…IF…you get the entire job. ) ( Your “Minimum Trip” Charge may be 250.00…! )
Then, Steve…below that…I ask for the deal…
Please sign and return via fax or email to the above number / address. Thank you.
How’s that?…so far…?
Next…
There are only (3) jobs…here are my “Titles” for the other two:
Re-Stripe To The Existing Layout And Pattern Over Seal
…and…
Layout and Stripe To Customer Specifications
Steve, that’s it…EVERY job will fall under one of those titles…and then, under whichever of those appropriate titles begins the …
“Includes”…statement.
Does that make sense?
Last…RECAP…no…I do not give my itemized pricing.
1) Other stripers can easily beat you…without effort.
2) Those prices may differ from one “closer” location…to a far location…vs. job difficulty…etc.
3) The customer may legitimately / benignly be “curious”…too curious…and / or, make an honest mis-judgement.
I bid “Lump Sum” style.
( I’m hoping my style, Steve, is just plain old simple and safe. )
OK…how’s that?
I’m going to post this and read it too.
I hope it makes sense.
Let me know.
DanBrett
I hate to say this out loud…but…I may not make it.
I want to remain an optimist…but…I have two projects underway.
Blah…blah…dang it.
That said…I wanted to attend your Class / Seminar. I may just drive down to your house…!
Wait…let’s meet at Steve’s house. Ontario it is.
Good to hear from you! Have a great Class / Seminar.
DanOh my God…that was funny.
I was just reading away…and then…Let’s go BASS fishing…!
Too cool…busted out laughing. Thanks for that.
YES…that Shopping Cart will go away and the new one will charge correctly.
I charge 10.00 to ship to CA.
Send me some type of an email via a Private Message ( PM ) and I’ll send an Invoice…etc.
Next…on the Graco…
1) It’s like buying a used car…just check it out…condition vs. price vs. it’s right there…and…you know the machine and also the market. You also know how much you can make with it = how fast you can get that money back…etc.
2) The only thing I’d do is run it…AND…spray it. ( I’m hoping that the last renter cleaned it out. That’s it. )
I’ll bet the mechanic there does a nice job cleaning it though.
AND…even if you don’t…they sound like a nice bunch to deal with.
All that said…it sounds like a nice deal.
Last…here’s what we’ll do…
You…me…and Brett will set up “EXPO Canada”. We’ll bring our fishing poles…favorite beverage……how’s that? Wait…wait…maybe we should bring “Pavement Stuff” too. (…maybe…)
Let me know how that Graco 3900 deal goes.
AND…I’ll look for your email, too.
Steve, thanks.
DanHello Steve
I wish I knew. I wish there was an answer that fit all people, companies…etc.
I’ve been striping 19 years. I’ve rarely been asked to Crack Fill. The next guy…you…!…may get asked so many times…you may.
That said…I did own a large Diesel Crafco Crack Fill machine. It was a 125 gallon.
I had the 30 gallon and also a 10 gallon applicator. I used it though on jobs for other contractors…more than the job that was mine.
With that in mind…if Crack Filling is a big thing in your area…try it. And…remember, you may just be the sub on one job…and then just stripe on another…and offer both on your own…etc.
As far as Seal Coating goes…I never tried it…except on the job that was my repeat customer…and it was small enough for me to handle.
I have a friend the has all that and I sub it out on anything with size.
Last…the only thing I did not like was totally switching gears.
In other words…one trailer for this…one for that…etc.
For me…again…for me…I’m a striper. I sold the Crack Fill…I sub the Seal Coating…I’m good with that…etc.
However, you may have the right crew…the right clientele…and be a different situation…etc.
I hope that helps some.
Keep in touch. Let me know how it goes.
Dan
P.S. My Dad, Grandpa and Great Grandpa took me to Canada to fish a couple times. They took me out of school to do so.
I’ll always remember that. Cool memories in a great country. ( I caught huge Walleye, Perch and Pike…too…! Even the Blue Gill fought like whales…! )
Thanks again.
Take care.
