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Post by lemming on Dec 10, 2010 2:52:31 GMT -5
I got a swing machine and a buffer from a school surplus auction for $15 each (one needed a new switch). After my truck broke down I bought a van from an electrician for $100 because the wind shield was smashed and it was old ($200 to fix). It really sucked hauling my swing machine around in my honda accord! And then rinsing the floors by mopping only!!! I could have rented the auto scrubber from the janitorial supply store, but that wouldn't fit into the honda. You gotta think outside the box. If there is a will there is a way.
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Post by lemming on Dec 5, 2010 1:51:03 GMT -5
I don't know about other peoples motivation for getting started in this business, but for me it was because there is a need for good floor people where I am. Word of mouth is your best asset. People believe what you do more than what you say. If you can provide more quality and attention to detail than those "quick money people" you will reap the benefits over time. In addition to providing excellent quality try to develop good rapport with those customers to ensure customer loyalty. NEVER try to lift your self up by putting others down. Just focus on your quality and your desire to make your customer shine! ;D
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Post by lemming on Dec 5, 2010 1:12:09 GMT -5
How would you do a scrub & wax or strip & wax in a 24 hr store?
Well... I have just done my first 24 hr store. Instead of just doing it all at once I divided up the job into 3 sections over 3 days to keep the store open on all but one of the days where it was closed for about 4 hours. I did it in 3 days (starting after 2:00 am when alcohol sales are halted) Because the finish takes so long to dry in the winter here (3 coats). Also the store thermostat can't be turned up temporarily because it is controlled at the corporate office. Any good ideas or suggestions to make this go faster and keep up the quality? It's just me and one helper. Thank you
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Post by lemming on Nov 17, 2010 3:09:30 GMT -5
This video might help. however I wouldn't recommend scrubbing a carpet yet until you get comfortable with using the machine. It takes a little more muscle to control that thing on a rug even if it is soaped up!
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Post by lemming on Nov 16, 2010 16:20:35 GMT -5
It sounds like you might not have the handle locked down. This can cause it to either not move at all, or fly off in some random direction. Adjust the handle to what is comfortable to you and lock it down. Then grab the handles and look down at the machine and using your imagination see only the pad turning in a counter clockwise direction. If you lift up on the handle (tilting the whole machine forward) it puts more pressure on the forward edge of the pad and it will grip more on the floor and start pulling the machine to the right. If you push down on the handle, the rear edge of the pad grips more and it pulls the machine to the left. Go practice this in a large open space and you will be surprised at how easy it can be to manipulate the machine with little effort. Just make your movements gradually and let the machine do the work. It Is kind of relaxing It's not as scary as you think! If you have some soapy water on the floor this will make the machine glide easily and you won't have to struggle with it no matter how powerful or heavy it is.
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Post by lemming on Nov 5, 2010 15:15:24 GMT -5
Don't be afraid of the swing machine! If that is all you have, put a red pad on it and scrub the floor down with a little neutral cleaner, mop it up and coat the floors. The trick with the swing machine is to keep the pad as flat as possible and then tilting it up or down causes it to gradually go left or right with little effort by you. Just be careful around carpets or door thresh holds where the pad might grip and go out of control. Check school or government auctions for buffers and other equipment. I got a 1200 rpm machine that way for $15 and all it needed was a new switch $2 another thing that can help is the use of floor mats at entryways and furniture glides where chairs may scratch the finish and hard mats where rolling office chairs are used. Hope this helps
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Post by lemming on Nov 5, 2010 14:41:00 GMT -5
I just have a nail to hang them from above the janitors sink then spray them down with some butyl based cleaner like speedball or speedex, then I go about other business while that soaks. When I get back I spray it down with hot water. It's only worth 2 or 3 cleanings. I work for a school district that has cut back on everything otherwise I wouldn't bother.
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