Running a vibratory compactor is a boring job, but it must be done before pouring a concrete slab. The last time I was faced with a day behind the bouncing handlebars, I decided to automate the job. Vibratory compactors are designed to creep slowly forward in a straight line. My job was to get it to turn without me. As shown in the drawing, I tied it to a stake driven in the center of the excavation. Each revolution of the compactor shortened the leash, resulting in circles of ever-decreasing diameter. This left me free to take care of other tasks on the site as I kept track of the machine out of the corner of my eye. I still had to finish up the corners by hand, but the trick saved me a lot of time and wear and tear on the wrists and elbows.
Mark White, Kodiak, AK
