Learning never stops
I find myself in a constant mode of trying to learn as much as I can about as many things as I can. This includes everything from watching DIY YouTube videos, to listening to podcasts like Stuff You Should Know, or simply trial and error.
Often my curiosity gets the best of me and I inadvertently begin to overload myself with information. When I get into information overload and begin to feel overwhelmed I have to force myself to simply take a step back and prioritize what I am working on so I can focus on one thing at a time.
At the moment I am trying to focus solely on the Kids Kitchen Step stool for my daughter, however I have still found myself learning about something completely unrelated to the current project.
Earlier this year I purchased a new 8” Jointer from Grizzly (G0490XW). Knowing that it would require me to install a 220v outlet in my shop, it was not until this past weekend when I was finally able power it on for the first time. Since my next planned project will require the use of this new tool, I finally made the time to take care of business and run the 220v line. Once the line was run, we (My dad and I) pressed the power on the jointer. Something was not right… It was running at less than half speed and would eventually flipping the breaker. Not knowing what was causing the problem I did what anyone would do…. I reached out to an expert in the field, a friend who happens to be an electrical engineer. After she answered my basic questions, I had to point the finger toward the jointer as the culprit of the issue.
I have never needed to know much about how an electric motor functions but this machine is way to large and heavy to ship back to Grizzly, not to mention it is still under warranty and the replacement parts should be free. I have narrowed it down to 3 possible faulty parts within the motor. The Run Capacitor, the Start Capacitor, or the Centrifugal Switch. If I was a betting man I would put my money on the Run Capacitor. Grizzly is in the process of sending me a new Run Capacitor which will hopefully be here by early next week.
Long story long, there are situations everyday where we all have the opportunity to learn something new. If you have the time to tackle a project that involves the great unknown, embrace it and do not be afraid to fail. Even if a potential failure will cost you more to complete a project or fix a problem, enjoy the fact that you get to learn something new. Who knows your new found knowledge could save you time and money in the future.