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Messages - cruizng

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651
D.O.T. / Re: SpaceX launch
« on: February 06, 2018, 08:44:01 PM »
Outstanding!  Great accomplishment for you guys!


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652
Message from the Owner / Re: No Superbowl for me!
« on: February 05, 2018, 08:04:38 AM »
Ken,

Make some of these. I have and they work really well!

https://youtu.be/Qj7lBH4nbXo

I have used black power or acetylene and fishing line. Scares the bejeezus out of them but other than some plastic shrapnel it can hurt them too much.

I can't remember where I bought the inert triggers but I think they were for smoke grenades. I still have a bag of them.

On second thought. It would scare off the game also... nevermind.  :facepalm:

653
D.O.T. / Re: Don re-enters the workforce
« on: February 04, 2018, 06:59:44 PM »
You look good for 1942!


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654
What are you building? / Re: Our House
« on: January 31, 2018, 10:43:24 PM »
Very nice looking.


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655
Hide Site / Re: Hide site, retirement site.
« on: January 27, 2018, 10:24:51 PM »
Oh,  this was a build thread. lol


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656
D.O.T. / Re: WDYDT (What Did You Do Today)
« on: January 26, 2018, 08:05:39 AM »
Those are tough conversations all around.  I prefer to hit them head on and pulled my team in to a room to address them all.

We have a rating system from 1-5 with 3 being "meets expectations".  The company expects us to have the  bell curve centered over the 3, meaning most employees are meeting expectations and then a smaller percentage slightly higher and even a smaller percentage a "5" meaning exceeded expectations and likely a really small percentage a "2", meaning needs improvements.

Those are guidlines and the 1-5 rating is our performance relative to our expectation of each employee.  That's the key.  We have high expectations as a high performing company and when an employee performs at a high level those expectations go up.  In essence the bar, gets raised.  So two poeple dong the same job, one a very high performer and one an average performer, can get ratings that on the surface seem odd.  The high performer can get a 3, because they've shown they are really good at what they do and the average performer could get a 4 or 5 if, in a given year, they really step up their game and exceed expectations.

Now, here is the real trick.  Our numerical ratings does not dictate salary increase, except that if you are rated a 2, needs improvement you would not get a rate increase.

On average, over time, the individual's performance dictates there relative salary level compared to their peers.  While those same two employees might have the ratings discussed above, the higher performer , on an absolute basis, should be higher compensated.

Now for me, the real trick is that I usually only get about 2% of my total salary pool to spend on salary increases.  That makes it tricky to give out increases that are meaningful.  That means some people get less, or none and some get more. 

Tough messages, but that's what they pay me for and why we are an "at will" employer.

We have a similar system. It is still all paper based so there is no real roll up reporting so very subjective. Compounding the problem is all of my group are technical Information System employees. So they don't fit in the normal ranking mode. To be ranked 5 or "Top Performer" the employee needs to be considered one of the top 10% of all 2500 employees. I have several Java Developers where they are the ONLY ONE that could do what they do out of all 2500 employees. So it is poor system when they try to compare a Senior programmer that has been here for 10 years with a Fleet Manager that has been here for 10 years.

The salary increase guidance this year was 3%. Minnesota has a 2.6% unemployment rate right now and IT people are even harder to find. I was in a meeting yesterday with HR where they were showing me their new compensation research database info that they just purchased and how it relates to one of my managers. It had a range of $50,000 from the bottom of the 75 percentile to the top. So basically it is what do you want the number to be. I have always hated research data for compensation comparison because they basically go by title and some generic job description that is about 40% relative. In the end it worked out and I will able to get him a 4.5% increase. So he should be happy with it.

The challenge in competing for employees is our group receives no incentive type of pay. Base salary and that's it. Trying to hire a Project Manager last week. Base was $120K and by the time you added Stock options, 401k match, Bonus, Health premium delta, and other stuff they were over $155K total comp. We couldn't match that and couldn't recruit him.

I had one annual review yesterday, have one today, and then one next week. Mine are not too taxing because they are all very good long term employees. I am pretty lucky that way.

 :popcorn:


657
Build Threads / Re: 2008 Jeep Jk 4 Door
« on: January 25, 2018, 08:41:53 AM »
I siped my Toyo Open Country tires and they have worked really well on the road, ice, and snow. No cupping at all of the lugs. Tires are loud though. I rotate every 5K and have about 38K miles on them right now.

658
To me illegal/legal immigration is all about votes for Democrats. They recognized a long time ago that they would not be able to take over the country without importing millions of voters.

The Democrats are not more compassionate about breaking up families or the plight of refugees than Republicans, they just see them as a means to the end. They could care less about the homeless, welfare state, middle class, etc here in the USA which is blatantly evident to anyone wishing to see by the Democrat controlled areas of poverty now. It has been that way for 50 years.

So the Schumer tears for Dreamers is all an act albeit a not very good one to sway the uninformed. They will never be for closed or controlled borders. That do not want to deport anyone. They want to provide the right to vote for non citizens.

Terrible state of affairs.

659
D.O.T. / Re: WDYDT (What Did You Do Today)
« on: January 19, 2018, 08:07:12 AM »
TRN... I don't envy you doing that many focal point reviews at the same time. I have 15 direct reports but I do anniversary date reviews so it is spread out. November I have 5 which always seems a lot. Others in the company are pushing focal point review because it ties in with bonus / incentive periods which make sense but I have resisted so far.

Part of my crew are younger desktop support millennial's. My tired statements to them is normally "no matter how great of a job you do while here, if you don't show up for work (call in sick) you can't do even a terrible job".

I did attend a seminar on the differences in managing each age group. The sad fact is with unemployment under 4% and needing people we have to change our motivation / management techniques to get the most out of them. They aren't going to change too much. More daily interfacing with them and less of a hands off approach.

660
Hide Site / Re: Hide site, retirement site.
« on: January 19, 2018, 07:58:54 AM »
OK guys, serious moment, you knuckleheads... (I'm starting to sound like Don.....:-0 )

So I successfully negotiated my being robbed  by a pool contractor....which means that I will also be pouring a slab for an outdoor kitchen..(gotta up my game to keep up with Nate)

Its going to be 14x24 with a roof structure over it.  I'd like to use the same wax treated 4x6 posts to match the porch on the main house and the castia. 

My concern is how to attach the posts to the slab so that the roof is stable.  I'm convinced that surface mounting the posts will lead to a rickety structure.  there will be 6 posts. 

While I could use 45 degree braces on each side of each post at the top it would clash as none of the other structures have that on the posts.

Is there a way to attach posts to concrete in a more solid fashion?

Or should I sink the posts in the ground prior to the pour?

The structure will be typical shed type roof with hardie soffit, metal roof, etc, so there will be some mass to it.

Looking for some advice and experience.  ........

Where's Jared?

My vote would be to sink the post in ground prior to pour. Similar to pole barn structure. I used plates on top of concrete when I built a large pergola in Texas and it still wiggled more than I liked. I ended up attaching it to the house.

Good luck. Great progress on your hide.  :beercheers:

661
D.O.T. / Re: WDYDT (What Did You Do Today)
« on: January 16, 2018, 04:48:02 PM »
TRN, That looks like MN is September.  :cool:

662
Hide Site / Re: Hide site, retirement site.
« on: January 16, 2018, 04:38:29 PM »
Truer words never spoken! "Oh well, I'll just smile and write the check and watch the family be happy....."  :popcorn:

663
D.O.T. / Re: WDYDT (What Did You Do Today)
« on: January 15, 2018, 08:08:34 AM »
Dave,

Have you tried the online mapping and parcel search?
https://www3.co.weber.ut.us/gis/maps/gizmo2/index.html

They have layers that you can turn on and off for FEMA Flood zones and then you can see the probability of a flood on that parcel. Just click on the layers list and there are many to choose from.

664
Faith Discussion / Re: Prayer Request thread
« on: January 13, 2018, 04:14:17 PM »
I'm with Shawn (did I say that??)  take a longer term view.

Make sure you keep your family's needs in mind too.  I'd love to do something different and work with my hands too, but I can't in good conscience walk away from the money I make until my job of getting the kids grown and on their feet is done.  Thus why I work with my hands every chance I get on the weekends.

Degrees and advanced degrees are not a bad thing, but a 40 year harvard study showed that all things being equal, emotional intelligence is the biggest key to success.  Invest in yourself and consider a personal coach.  In any field, being the best, and surviving any downturn means being better than those around you.  You don't have to outrun the bear, you just have to outrun the rest of your group.

Learn how whatever you do helps the company make profit and then innovate to drive more profit.  You'll rise quickly and be considered irreplaceable.

So think about where you can be 5-10 years from now and what the income potential is for the job/role/path you decide to take.  Money is not everything but when you have a family to support, its an important part of your role.


Dave. TRN is spot on. It really depends on whether you want to work for a company or work for yourself. I have always worked for someone else but always in the back on my mind wanted to work for myself. (Batch concrete or Dustless Blasting business as examples). But I have always made too much money working for someone to walk away and my wife of 20 years never worked outside the house so healthcare was always a concern for family. So as I am 59 now and still looking at another 10 years of working for someone. The window for doing something different is slim to none.

My point is that you are young and appear to have the money issue (wife makes the money) handled so you have flexibility to do what you want. You never know when that could change.

Hope it all works out for you.


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665
Build Threads / Re: 2008 Jeep Jk 4 Door
« on: January 13, 2018, 03:48:50 PM »
Well if "yuppie wheeler" doesn't like it they sound perfect!


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666
Very nice purchase. I am patiently awaiting the CARep.


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667
Share Your Recipe / Re: whats for dinner tonight
« on: January 12, 2018, 05:15:40 PM »
That is my style of cooking. I can burn water. My wife does all of the cooking and it is probably a good thing or I would weigh 65 pounds or have a standing table at Taco Bell. I do grill hamburgers and hot dogs when she asks and they come out ok. Or at least kids will eat them.  :beercheers:
I'm runnin' about 50/50 on the burgers...

Whatever you do, do not answer Nate’s texts or phone calls. In no time flat he will have you spending a grand on equipment that will make you look like you know whatcha doin.....

Case in point, my GMG & Christmas dinner that included prime rib (holy cow my Christmas dinner budget tripled thanks to Nate :shocked: )

Nate is a very bad influence when it comes to cooking. I have been watching this guys youtube channel and looking at this pellet grill. Still too much money. $1400.00

https://www.atbbq.com/yoder-smokers-ys640-pellet-grill.html

Or I have been watching these old WOK cooking video's
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWE6xAySXM87BFjgTzLlIVQ
And just buying this for $400.00. Start off small.
http://www.thewonderwok.com/

Well I have time. Not cooking outside while it's 10 below.

 :popcorn:

668
Share Your Recipe / Re: whats for dinner tonight
« on: January 12, 2018, 08:29:57 AM »
That is my style of cooking. I can burn water. My wife does all of the cooking and it is probably a good thing or I would weigh 65 pounds or have a standing table at Taco Bell. I do grill hamburgers and hot dogs when she asks and they come out ok. Or at least kids will eat them.  :beercheers:

669
Faith Discussion / Re: Prayer Request thread
« on: January 12, 2018, 08:27:12 AM »
Prayers sent Dave. It will all work out.

670
Share Your Recipe / Re: I am thinking about starting a dinner party?
« on: January 12, 2018, 08:23:48 AM »
Great idea Nate. We call it poker night. :) Change who hosts every month and other bring the beer and snacks. Might have to start the dinner portion of it.

671
Coffee Induced Early Morning Rant / Re: Operation Condor
« on: January 07, 2018, 11:45:23 AM »
Yep. I don't know who this Sundance is but would love to know their background.  I read every article on the Conservative Treehouse blog and find their predictions spot on and also deeply insightful as to what the rest of the story really is. 2018 is going to be very interesting.


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672
Looks good


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673
D.O.T. / Re: WDYDT (What Did You Do Today)
« on: January 04, 2018, 08:49:01 AM »
22 is way cold for Houston. You are right about working in gloves. Sam always has us beat as far as cold living in the Arctic Circle but it has been in the negative 20's and was -11 this morning. Too cold. On Sunday I went out to plow the driveway and my Kubota BX wouldn't start. It was -7 then. I tried just running an extension cord and hooking up the battery charger but still wouldn't start. So I drug the kerosene bullet heater into the shed and fired it up for a while and it finally started. I originally had mittens on just to plow but couldn't work in them so I switch to insulated leather gloves. Still a pain. I think it still had the summer blend fuel in it and got too stiff in the cold. ( I haven't used it much!) I put some HEAT additive in the fuel so we will see if it starts the next time we get some snow. I finished up the plowing after about an hour ans was ready to head back inside. I don't know how the snowmobilers go 70mph in this weather and actually think it is fun!  :facepalm:

674
Faith Discussion / Re: Prayer Request thread
« on: January 02, 2018, 07:58:59 PM »
Prayers sent for a clear diagnosis


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675
Build Threads / Re: SquareD Part 8, This thing ever going to get finished?
« on: December 29, 2017, 06:39:25 PM »
Well that's a huge bummer. Sorry to hear that.


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676
Build Threads / Re: 2016 Rubicon GJ
« on: December 28, 2017, 03:29:34 PM »
You did just get your fingers and don't want to be stabbing them.  :popcorn:

677
Coffee Induced Early Morning Rant / Re: A Christmas poem
« on: December 24, 2017, 06:14:24 PM »
Amen to that Blaine.


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678
D.O.T. / Re: Merry Christmas everyone! What are you doing this year?
« on: December 24, 2017, 06:10:15 PM »
Merry Christmas everyone. My daughter is home from college so just the family here for a quiet Christmas. Son and daughter will sleep in so that is nice. We always pile into the car with Christmas cookies and go look at all of the lights. So we will do that after dinner.


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679
Hide Site / Re: Hide site, retirement site.
« on: December 23, 2017, 05:06:50 PM »
Honestly what amazes me the most is that you have done almost all of it by yourself. Great work.


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680
Cooking equipment / Re: So we bought s smoker....
« on: December 23, 2017, 05:02:55 PM »
Looks like pretty good results right there. Mouth watering.


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681
Share Your Recipe / Re: whats for dinner tonight
« on: December 21, 2017, 10:04:22 PM »
Well thanks for the info. I was wondering if it something to help cure the new grill.

It's just a good first meal.


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682
Coffee Induced Early Morning Rant / Re: REAL DADS
« on: December 21, 2017, 09:58:36 PM »
Congrats HC. Great picture. TRN is right. Glad you had your "Dad" in your life.


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683
Faith Discussion / Re: Prayer Request thread
« on: December 21, 2017, 09:53:53 PM »
Prayers sent cuda. Hope they knock it out quick.


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684
Share Your Recipe / Re: whats for dinner tonight
« on: December 21, 2017, 10:50:31 AM »
rub recipie?

Its actually some of this: (six pepper blend)

https://www.amazon.com/Tones-Pepper-Blend-7-25-Shaker/dp/B00J5M1LR0

With some real hungarian sweet paprika for color:

https://www.amazon.com/Kalocsa-Sweet-Hungarian-Paprika-5-Ounce/dp/B000FDB3S0


Nate is "rubbing it in" because our smoker isn't here yet. It's in Texas in the loving care of FedEX and their slow trucks.



I would never do such a thing, i am just providing an option for you or kay to use as a test for/of your new smoker thats supposed to be delivered today.  By the way, do you have a big can of non stick spray and a fatty for the inagural /initial burn in?

Sorry for the brief ignorant question but what is a "FATTY"???  :facepalm:  It isn't found at Walmart correct?

685
Donations / Re: Christmas 2017
« on: December 20, 2017, 09:09:55 PM »
Good job. Now I got Cuda eye drippy syndrome


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686
I didn't see nuttin'


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687
Coffee Induced Early Morning Rant / Re: Koran Primer
« on: December 20, 2017, 09:03:56 PM »
This is a pretty good one as well.


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688
D.O.T. / Re: The Blank Box
« on: December 20, 2017, 08:57:53 PM »
That is hilarious.


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689
Firearms / Re: Norm's new AR
« on: December 20, 2017, 07:45:27 AM »
Well Norm, I'm sure you are on the "nice" list for next Monday so your gun budget should be replenished.  :shocked:

690
Donations / Re: Christmas 2017
« on: December 20, 2017, 07:37:20 AM »
Perfect. Tis the season!

691
Firearms / Norm's new AR
« on: December 19, 2017, 10:35:14 PM »
I found Norm's new AR. I have to admit that I have been looking at Henry 45-70's but the cost of ammo is nuts.

Where do you find brass even if you wanted to reload?

Can you give us a review of your AR Norm?  Lol

Phoenix Weaponry Produces .45-70 Government AR | RECOIL: http://www.recoilweb.com/phoenix-weaponry-produces-45-70-government-ar-132226.html#.WjnZVHCcxHg.twitter via @RecoilMag


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692
Hide Site / Re: Hide Site/Bug-out location Construction, Part 5
« on: December 19, 2017, 02:38:39 PM »
Congrats Don! It is nice to be free of debt... or at least they tell me! Nice looking spread. A lot of sweat equity.  :beercheers:

693
Donations / Re: Christmas 2017
« on: December 19, 2017, 09:45:44 AM »
That all sounds wonderful Don, think we are at $975 now.....
Right you are...We just got another donation

We are at $975!!!!!!!

So, opinions requested here.

This pastor friend of mine. He just does everything for his people. 24/7 kind of guy. And he is caring for his 99 year old grandfather WW2 Infantry lieutenant at his house. That can get quite trying some time...
Anyway, I think I want to give him my 9mm glock for Christmas. The guy deserves to have something nice happen to him. Being a used gun, would that be tacky? With all that I'll be pressed to do for these families, it will be a bit over the top for me to purchase a new 9mm for him, but I could give him mine...

Opinions?

Not tacky at all. He will love it with or without a Crossbread Holster. :)

694
Most Favored Companies / Re: Companies we don't like so much
« on: December 17, 2017, 11:23:56 PM »
I buy Duluth Trading ball room jeans and firehouse pants and bibs. I have bought my last pair of Levi's. They are headquartered in San Fran so that explains a lot.   


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695
Donations / Re: Christmas 2017
« on: December 16, 2017, 04:48:52 PM »
Sounds like Divine timing. Perfect match.


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696
Coffee Induced Early Morning Rant / So I ran across this.......
« on: December 16, 2017, 04:12:27 PM »
You're not dense Norm. She was irresponsible by using her child as camo and double so by endangering it's life by having it cocked.

The comments on the thread are pretty amusing   Is that a blog you follow often?  Lol.

I was originally just going to say. Was it a S&W or Colt?


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697
Faith Discussion / Re: Prayer Request thread
« on: December 16, 2017, 03:44:11 PM »
Wilbur. You are in our prayers. Matt. Also your wife for a speedy recovery.


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698
Firearms / Re: new remington 870 mag fed shotgun
« on: December 14, 2017, 08:14:26 AM »
Load out: (this may become lengthy)

Don your load out recommendations are solid advice I feel if confronting human beings. though It might get you killed on the Ranch.
First some background...I CC a .380 Kimber Micro when I need to conceal (not often) Other wise I open carry a full frame Kimber .45, or sometimes a PT99 if on the "ranch" both have failed me multiple times in "defense"  Hence the last few years I just keep the 870 very close.  My learning experiences...

I was repairing a broken pivot in tall grass. Out of the blue a angry wild boar just shows up charging. No clue what his issue was, rare they ever bother you. He was 20' away when I got my first glimpse..I heard him way before I could see him. I took 3 fast shots at a less than ideal angle with the 9mm. Then I ran for the pickup hood...and emptied the other 14 into him as i ran. I jumped on the hood, he died when he hit the bumper. I hit him all total 15 times. Too small of a gun...simple reality.

So I decided the shot gun was the answer because despite my always having a 45/70 lever in the pickup it still requires semi precise shot placement on larger animals, and smaller ones are harder to hit period.

I load it 00 00 then slug/00/the rest slugs. Here is the reason... most "critters" I have to shoot are smaller, maneuverable, and in brush/grass. I once had to use it on a badger that was determined to tear me apart. First shot of that 00 slowed him down a LOT but it took #2 to stop him. Bird shot or even #6 would have just pissed him off more...00 removed chunks. That second shot had it been a slug may have missed.

Last spring Kay and I were way out in the hills fixing a fence corner. I was carrying the Kimber .45  Kay had the 870. This steer grazing about 35' from us had been minding his own business for almost a hour..we had the fence almost repaired. Out of the blue he paws the ground and charges right at me. I draw the .45 and I see Kay go for the 870 10' from her. I got 4 shots into his chest area and he just lowered his head and charged harder. Then the 870 starts barking... she hit him two to the head with the 00 slowing him but he's still coming with half his head skin and one eye gone, and she flat gutted him with the remaining slugs to his chest/shoulder. Never was I so thankful for not only her practicing dumping lead fast on target, but also for the load out.

That steer died on his feet falling and knocked me over. My .45 was empty.... useless toy guns against large angry creatures.

I also know of a Milk cow gone mad who took 7 .45 to the head and chest and still mauled the pickup the farmer dove into for 2 min before dropping.

In my world... self defense is not from humans. They don't worry me too much. Sad day I have to draw any weapon on a human being... on animals it's just part of life at times, and isn't uncommon to need to stop them HARD.

Recently my sons and I were shooting paper at 40 yards with the hand guns. We practice long because in my experience it's valuable. We were  crowing about our groups on the multiple targets. My Kimber Micro is a tack driver at that range for a CC weapon..the PT99 is just flat as accurate all day. The kids Glock was holding well also.... Kay walks up with her Benelli and proceeds to hammer two targets with the 00 and then blow the wooden posts n half with slugs. Her way of saying supper was ready.

At supper the oldest son says "Dad, I fear Kay and her shotgun" LoL

LOL I like KAy's style!  :beercheers:




 

699
Build Threads / Re: SquareD Part 8, This thing ever going to get finished?
« on: December 12, 2017, 08:46:12 AM »
Norm, Do you have to put a year qualifier on that date?  :shocked:

700
Nate. How often will you actually move it?  The prices look really good. I have 3 56" Harbor Freight ones that rarely move. Prices are close to HF. I have lights over mine and they act as tool collector and then workbench. But I use welding table as workbench and roll it around if needed. I don't think the 4th ones raising table top would be worth the extra $$. Mine all have something on it unless you are real tidy. If you loaded down a 72" it would be heavy to roll. You could always upgrade the casters if you needed. Not a huge deal.

Great twice the size you need so you have room for more tools.


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