Newbies forum

Don, it seems that the newbies forum is not being used. My guess is noone wants to be labeled a "newbie" .Maybe you should change it to a "work available forum". There seems to be more of those posts lately.

I think dbarnett is correct. People have a stigma about being called a newbie. I'm a newbie, but I understand even Don and Robert were newbies at one point (read it in a history book once) . I've checked this site for over a year and have learned a tremendous amount from the old timers...uh, I mean veterans. I think if any of us "newbies" have a question, we would like to get an answer from a veteran, not another newbie. Maybe that's just me though. Thanks for such a great site!

I found out about Robert and Don on a cave wall. I believe it was Tuesday. Yep that's right, 2000 years ago Tuesday.

There is no need for a work available forum since the NPCA already has that covered. (Membership isn't required) but what are some other suggestions for names? It was one person's suggestion that we have forum where the newer guys could talk over their experiences (and us "ancient" peoples can tell by the question how new you are ) But the name may be a turn-off, or maybe it just isn't needed. Opinions welcome.

i dont see where it is needed, but i dont have a problem on what name it is called if it stays, i basically learn here mostly and u guys can call me whatever u like , i am the type if i know... i know, if i dont, i dont(and then i will try to find out and only way is ask or read).....if that makes me a veteran or a newbie then so be it....and be it the "newbie" section or the regular section, i will take a look at both and go from there on either a response or a question or just read it

I'm with ya on this one johnnyb, I have learned alot from this website I found a couple months back. Alot of interesting stuff. I to, am a PLP newbie, but who says ya can't teach an old dog new tricks. I do remember striping my first parking lot back in 1964. I wish I new then what I know now. PLP has been an interesting sight, Thanks Robert...

The point to the new forum wasn't about the PLP Newbie thing under your name which is an indication of how long you have been a forum participant here (we don't know how long you have been striping) just to be clear. The forum was suggested by someone because many times newer people to the business tend to ask the same basic questions over & over without using the search function, and they suggested it might be easier if they had a forum for those type questions so they could find them easier. Everybody was new once, and no matter how long you have been doing it you can always learn something helpful. So there is no "reflection of status or knowledge" associated with that forum at all. As a type of example: if you have been doing this for 20 years you are not as likely to ask "What bookkeeping program is better?" or "Should I use alkyd or latex?" because you probably have your preferences pretty well sorted out by now.

cancunal..since 1964 have you had to repact your pump yet?? did you even have line striping machines back then?? Bet you could tell some interesting stories..Paint full of lead is stronger isn't it??

No jimjack42, Used all atomized machines in those days. Started out with a MB Model 310, then graduated to the Kelly-Creswell. Remember those machines? I see they still make em. The Kelly was the best striper back in the day. Probably because it weighed so much it was hard to paint a crooked line with em. We Stripers have it made today with the line-drivers and the airless pumps. Wish they had them 20 years ago. I have noticed I have been putting on a little weight since the line - drivers have come out though. Need to park the rider once in a while and get some exercise. The striping business has been good to me. Today I feel like I am on the back nine in life, I have quit chasing that almighty dollar and try and travel a little more now in the off season.

I have been a member of PLP since Noah was building the ARK, and I'm still labeled PLP Newbie.

As noted in the forum guidelines those little "titles" are automatic and based on # of posts, not time, or anything else. It just counts numbers.

Cancunal, We are the same age. The first machine I bought was a Kelly-Creswell Model C industrial striper in 1980. I believe I paid $1,200 for it. I have also used the K-C B-4 striper with the wide on attachment that was air actuated. They also had the bead hoppers that were air actuated. Boy things have changed in the last 25 years. I know a guy that still has about 4 working B-4's. I wonder if with the right tip they could spray sealcoat.

Hi Rock, Thought I was one of the only survivors from back in the day. I think I will give it one more year, and let the son take it over. Yep, I remember the Kelly model C. I still have my original down at the shop. It was given to me for partial payment for striping the Westiminister mall in Denver, Co. back around 1980, Can't remember exactly. I guess I enhaled to many paint fumes from operating out of vans all those years. Ya now they probably will spray sealer. Mine was self propelled which came with a two wheel cart ya stood on, I fabricated a bar stoll to it and it worked pretty well with a two gun set up, 8hp tecumseh. Used it for quite awhile. Now we are using the graco 5900's and the line drivers. Getting ready to leave for Daytona Bike week tommorow. I like riding down on the HD Road King through the Florida Keys this time of the year. Take Care, and Keep them lines straight.

Hey guys, I'm new at striping and am learning much each time I visit this site. You guys are definitely the experts I hope to become someday. I just would like business to pick up and paint to go down......I am in Fort Worth and do both pressure washing and striping. Because of our limited experience we are doing more restriping than anything but hope to tackle even the big jobs in the near future. Any suggestions are appreciated, and business is even more so!!!!!!

I too started striping back in 1962 and i'm still a newbie. By the way Cancunal you were only 11 when you did your first lot?? Wow , and yes everything was air, I used a Prismo striper and an older MB striper , Prismo traffic paint was less than 2.00 a gal delevered and they would throw in glass beads for free. Dille

That's nothing - my first striper was steam powered. Mr. Graco was still in diapers.

Ya, actually I was 12 when my dad cut me loose on the old MB 310. I think he felt sorry for me as he had me hand broom all the lines. Then he noticed I could paint a straighter line than him and the rest is history.

I remember pushing an old Binks striping machine around till I thought I'd drop. They had the wheels backwards- 1 small one in the back & 2 big ones in the front.