This will be my last post in this forum.
I am going away for a while, for a few private reasons I dont wish to talk about. So sorry I cant share why. (Stop imagining the worst, its not jail OK)

I just cant leave without saying goodbye though. This place has been a wonderfull home to me for the last year. I have made some really great friends here in that time. I have learnt soooooo many new things from you all.
If it wasnt for all your wonderful posts, I know I would definately not have a CNC machine today.

It was especially nice to actually meet some of you guys face to face at "The great Aussie BBQ" :)

I wish to thank Paul ( Admin ) for putting together such a great web site. I bet when you made the site you never dreamed of its success.

I am tempted to list all the names of the people who I have become friends with here, but wont, just in case I forget one, and offend him. Anyway, you guys know who you are. You have been fabulous mentors friends and supporters to me.

Ken....., I never did finish reading that Mach2 pdf.

Turmite....., I look forward to showing you around the opal mines one day.

Boros....for a guy who has been visiting this forum for so long and on a regular basis, I dont know why you have 6 posts to your name.

Moondog,..... I still dont know why there is such a poor responce to your wonderful thread. Dont lose heart though. Yours is one of the best macines I have seen.

Splint, garagefella, I still see you guys lurking from time to time. We must get together again some time soon.

Arnie, You'll finish that machine one day.

Highseas......I am not sure I still understand that pocket joke about 500 posts ago.

Kookaburra, it was nice to meet you at the show, and put a face to the name. You look nothing like your Bob the builder avatar.

All the Moderators, such a witty bunch they are. :stickpoke

To that funny set of guys who dwell in the electronics section, I take my hat off to you lot and your contribution. Phil, I still want those cards when you're ready.

Anyway guys.

Goodbye, and thanks.

Wow, man what a shock, we hope to see you again one day. :( You have been a great asset to the site and I know I will miss you, and your great ideas.

You will be missed Benny,

I hope this is not a "long" absence for you here. You will certainly be missed. Best wishes to you and your journeys in life. Have a safe trip and return soon.

Alan T. :cheers:

So long, benny. Stop by and see us from time to time!

Hey Mate, wishing you the best and hope to catch up with you when you drop in again.
BTW, I'm nearly back downunder - Hawaii now, and in a few days hope to be in Brisie/Sydney. I'll try and look a few of the Ausie members up time permitting and all! May have to tip a pint or two.
Cheers - Jim

Nice meeting you Benny. Have a good one and remember we'll be here when you return from Mars.

Later,
Julio

Gonna miss ya Benny. Always enjoyed reading your posts.

Hope ya make it back here sometime.

Rob

Hey Benny,
I'll miss you....have totally enjoyed all the excitement you brought to this site along with your videos and Flash enhancments. Your Photo gallery has been and will be an enjoyment during your hiatus, as I often revisit it. Hope you're not gone long!

Bloy

Benny sorry to see you go for lot of reasons. Wit, humor, intelligence (sp) just to name a few. I of course have no idea what is up, but you do know what my tag line means! If you need me you can get my email.

If this new atv tire I am designing gets the raves I'm praying for....I think I'll just come over there and let you take me to Lighting Ridge.

May God richly bless you.
Mike

Good luck Benny. It may be a bit presumptuous, but I hope you find what you are looking for, whatever it is.

Dang Benny,
This will be a loss for us all and you as well I suspect.

All I will say is, Gods speed Benny.

Ken

Sorry to see you not being here any more mate, I used to enjoy trolling around looking for your questions and answers. (usually in the early hours)

I hope you at least stick your nose back in here for at least a few days to see the great responses from all your buddies.

Must catch up in the near future as I still owe you a few VBs and some snags

Shame you couldn't crack a thousand posts, I was going to shout myself a treat in your honor. :p

Cheers Michael

Sorry to see you moving on Ben but I'm sure you're doing so with good reason, you're contribution to the Zone has been outstanding. The Great Aussie BBQ was a real winner and gave us all a great opportunity to get to know each other, we'll have to keep up the tradition.
Hope you drop into the zone once in a while at least to browse the posts and see what's going on.
Cheers mate and thanks for everything...
Splint

Benny,
Good luck with in your endevours. Come back and see us soon. You'll be missed. Still working board details. I've got your email address, will keep you posted.

Phil

All the best Benny.

Eric

Benny, sad to see you're leaving. I will miss your enthusiasm.

Arvid

Ditto, Benny!!! I've only been here a few months. If it wasn't for encouraging threads, and posts from you and other noted noters on here I never would have begun in CNC. Thanks, for all your contributions.... Good luck... and God Speed....May you return again someday......soon....

Thanks guys for all your nice comments and well wishes.
I have had a few emails and PMs sent asking if every thing is ok.

The reason I didn't offer an explanation was, I figured it would come across as quite lame.

I am all right, and nothing bad has happened to me. Infact I am building a bigger/better machine at this minute.

Please try and understand my lame reason........

The other day my daughter was talking to me while I was typing on the computer. I was saying yes responces to her but not listening to what she was really saying. She asked me somthing and I responded yes to her without realising what she had asked me. A while later realised that what I had agreed to, was not what I wanted her to do.
If that was not bad enough, I kept on typing while she was telling me about her day at school. I wasnt listening.
Suddenly I stopped what I was doing and looked into her face and it became clear that I had children who needed me to listen to them and talk to them. Not just give them unthinking responces. It was wrong that they had to compete against a computer for attention. This is the formation times in thier lives and they need love and attention, not just token responces. They need face to face contact.

I expect that most people have balance in thier daily lives where they can juggle many things and do them all well. I don't. I have an addictive nature, and if I do something, then that is all I think about. I guess the signs of an internet addiction, is the moment you get in the door, you check the emails and forum posts. During the TV adds you spring up to see if somone has something new to say. Immediately after dinner you rush to the net again.You dont listen to your children while they are speaking to you. You neglect your marital duties. ETC ETC. Maybe some of you might know what I am talking about.

I am not going to wake up one morning and find I dont have a wife anymore, and or children who dont want to know me. ( Cat Stevens was right with his song "Cats in the Craddle" )

Some may suggest that I just cut back on my internet time and devote that time to other things, But I find that real hard. I am trying to go cold turkey, but even that is difficult at times. Any how I know I have quartered my internet time by at least attempting to go cold turkey.:) (So weak isnt it )

Anyhow, for those who were wondering if i was alright, thanks for your concern. I guess I will look in from time to time but wont be making any posts.
One exception is that I have promised this guy to do a review on one of his products. I will be posting the review in a week or so.

Thanks again, Benny

We know the real reason, Benny. I know your spending your time over in the Mach2 Yahoo Group. :)

ynneb (member.php?u=2793), I can relate to this some times I get this way and have been trying to cut back some.
Good luck and happy holidays.
Alwas look forward to see you stopping by once in a while.

Jay

Hi Benny,

I can relate to this too, but my addiction is gaming. For these very same reasons I will not buy Half-Life 2 (even though it's killing me not to).

I respect your ability to prioritize.

Dan

Yeah it is hard sometimes to get away from the tube. My big problem is there is always so much to do while I am on.

All the best in your quest for family! It should always be number 1 in all things.