Admittedly, I do not have experience working on gas engines. The hobby is a niche one and finding someone whose skillset includes writing, editing, publication software, as well as experience working on vintage gas engines specifically, well, that would be a rare duck indeed.
My background is in general maintenance and repair, having held the role of aircraft mechanic in my younger military days and, later in life, I paid the bills briefly maintaining small engines, lawn equipment, riding mowers, and the like. Through my years of learning to repair and maintain different systems, my determination (i.e. stubbornness) has fueled me and paid off. The phrase “practice makes perfect” comes to mind; however, as I have yet to attain perfection in any of my many endeavors, I have decidedly discarded that gem and now consider author Mark Hawthorne’s wise words to “adopt the ‘practice makes progress’ approach.”
Practice comes in many forms when learning a new skill. For example, before I was shipped away to technical school to learn to fix airplanes, my master sergeant had me practice safety wiring bolts patterns until my fingers were raw. I’d sit hunched over a model, twisting wires this way and that, counting the twists, measuring the distance, ensuring it was a Z-shape and not an S, checking the tension, and securing the pig-tail ends. He’d critique my results, and I’d rip it out and start over again. This resulted in me being an experienced airman when most others were just learning the skill for the first time. I passed this lab with flying colors.
When I worked on small engines, I was required to sharpen mower blades on a grinding wheel daily. The first several times I attempted this, I was terrible. I couldn’t figure out the speed or angle, and I kept making atrocious notches in them or grinding the blades down too far. I went home and mentally berated myself all evening. Not excelling at this task wasn’t an option. I knew exactly what to do. The next day I dove into the metal recycle bin outside and collected a stack of old blades. I donned double hearing protection, safety goggles and gloves and spent the end of several work-days practicing sharpening the old blades (and swearing a lot under my breath) until the entire task felt like riding a bike. Work-flow plus time and determination got the job done.
The stories we print in Gas Engine Magazine often share this common thread. Writers send in historical pieces, such as the series we are wrapping up in this issue about F.M. Underwood, gas engine pioneer, and the evolution of his career and others directly influenced by his progress in the field. Collectors share their tales of restoration, learning from mistakes, and how they went about improving their methods the next time around. This is why enthusiasts recommend starting out in the hobby with a cheaper, less-rare engine to learn and practice on.
Like Thomas Edison said when he was asked how it felt to fail when inventing the light bulb. “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”
I’d bet good money you all have a story to share about progress through practice. Send them my way.
Until next time,
Christine Stoner
editor@gasenginemagazine.com
