Learning from my mistakes! Or, what did you screw up today?

[markba633csi]

C-bag: he figured the fun of doing it would be enough payment for you and he'd get free parts out of it- good thing you declined
John you did good for a first attempt

 

[C-Bag]

C-bag: he figured the fun of doing it would be enough payment for you and he'd get free parts out of it- good thing you declined

I used to work on cars on the side when I was going to school and I became pretty good at spotting folks who were not going to be happy no matter what I did. And his being very vague about what he wants raises my hackles. Any small biz guy has stories about being corralled into a job by "I thought you said you could do this" and it was not what was originally spoken of and not having background in it to even know what you are getting into. I don't do reloading but my general impression is it has to be pretty precise.

I stood there for a long time just looking at the part (another trick I picked up from old mechanics) and people start talking. He mentioned he had approached the machine shops around the area and it was just too much. When I just kept looking and said I'm not sure I even have all the necessary tooling that's when he dropped the "well I can buy it for $3-4 bucks."

I sincerely get the OP was helping his buddy out and I would have done the same. But I would know him and he would know me. I would expect him to hear me when I say "well I am a noob, but I'll see what I can do". And if it doesn't work out no harm no foul. I was in a different situation and it felt like he wasn't going to be happy and I wasn't going to feel like I'd learned anything except I knew better.

 

[John TV]

Another good lesson. I'm still a noob but people are starting to learn that I can do a few things. For good friends and family if it is within my ability and equipment I usually give it a try. But for other folks, your words are wise, I need to watch for those that might take advantage either intensionally or unknowingly because they don't know what's involved with a project. All good advice. Thanks to you all.

John in Minnesota


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