I'm an apprentice operator looking to learn how to roll asphalt. Last season, I got paired with a journeyman operator who was excellent and very generous with her knowledge, and now having some time off this winter I've been going out to my training school to try and replicate the things I learned. Problem is, I have no hot asphalt to roll--just millings. The journeyman said I can "learn a lot on dirt" but didn't elaborate much. Yesterday i spent 8 hours rolling over a stretch of graded millings, basically just getting the feel for the way the machine moves and how to make it do what I want. When I go back out there next week, I'd like to be able have some actual exercises to do. Any roller operators here that have some good tips on how to practice? I have access to some concrete blocks that I might be able to set up as a false curbline... I was thinking that might be a good idea. The roller I have is Hamm HD90 vibratory tandem drum roller. Which is good, because the company I work for has all Hamms.
And a separate question regarding seat position: what is the correct position for the seat to be in? The journeyman I worked with always ran her seat all the way to curbside of the run and faced sideways, but I've seen other people run them in many different (usually more forward facing) positions. Also, from what i can recall, she didn't move her seat until a new lane was started and the curb was on the opposite side, but I've seen other operators moving them fairly regularly over the course of one lane... What should I be getting in the habit of doing?
Thank you!