vanderpooch

Larry,

I am primarily a solo operator, so I have no experience with cranes, or anthill crazy commercial job sites. I often listen to music on headphones when working and I have found over the years it actually helps me concentrate. It blocks out the tile setter yelling at his helper about the consistency of the thin-set, the neighbor's dogs barking, the Ranchero music of the drywall crew, and the painter shouting into his phone to be heard over the floor sander... You get the picture. I wear ear muff style hearing protection all the time anyway, so I just tuck some small earbuds underneath. On jobs where it's quieter, I use earmuff style headphones. The music keeps me rolling, helps me focus, and it keeps me company, as I rarely talk to anyone unless pressed.

As far as the phone goes, I'll answer it if it's convenient and I'm not in the middle of something that requires my attention. Otherwise, my voice mail recording apologizes, and states that I check the phone at lunchtime and the end of the day, and I return phone calls/text messages then.

The phone thing would be a constant hassle if I had employees, another reason I'm glad I don't.

- Kit Camp

www.northparkwoodworks.com

Tim,

Good to hear from someone who's been using the bars. I hope others have and will chime in as well.

Thanks for your comment.

- Kit

Hmmmm,

Who nails through the top of a handrail anyway?

They look nice enough. I'll be psyched to check out their 18g. I still haven't found one I really like.

- Kit