What did you do today?

[..]

Packed some boxes. Shipped some sales. Drove my school bus.

1 day to go. 

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

242 more days and I walk away 34 years as a Teamster with the US Government .Picture taken today.

How many miles of cable is that ?

These are not full reels when they are full each weigh between 18,000 to 20,000 pounds each. I don't know the footage I just haul its the lineman's job to know how far it will go.

[Chrisj CMA]

242 more days and I walk away 34 years as a Teamster with the US Government .Picture taken today.

How many miles of cable is that ?

These are not full reels when they are full each weigh between 18,000 to 20,000 pounds each. I don't know the footage I just haul its the lineman's job to know how far it will go.

Good for you Joe!

[Chrisj CMA]

I finally assembled the frame of my gigantic barn door I am building. These are 5.5 inch wide 1 3/4" thick beams of solid Ash that are 86" tall and 64" wide.  All hand cut lap joints and it came out perfectly square. Oh man what a relief

[Chrisj CMA]

I also tackled a challenging chair repair. A mangled mess and some horrible wood to deal with, but I made it work with epoxy resin.

[Chrisj CMA]

Starting to fill in the door. These boards wear me out. But I'm getting there

[Bighead]

Nice work. 

[Chrisj CMA]

Nice work. 

Thanks. I'm getting a bit old to build a door that weighs a few hundred pounds. I am finally past the point of wondering if it's going to work out, it's going to work. Pretty soon I'll post a picture of the final product

[carolinarider09]

We took a trip to the Beach.  Well its Pawleys Island area on the SC coast. 

Some excerpts from the video camera not much but.....

https://rumble.com/vele51-todays-ride.html

If you want to see the trip (and don't ask me why we went through downtown Columbia), the link below might do that.  You just have to select the right time frame which is "24h" on the upper right part of the screen.

https://maps.findmespot.com/Track?ishr=3a41fd05-0fe0-4190-8cca-ab5f0107a072#history/assets

[hubcapsc]

The Seaview Inn on Pawleys is one of my favorite places...

-Mike

[..]

Packed some boxes. Shipped some sales. Drove my school bus.

1 day to go. 

That's it then.

Last day done.

Drove home. Cab to bar. A few beers and a couple of Jose's. Cab home. Life will continue when I wake.

But then...................Have to drive to school in the morning to get my denim jacket I left hanging on the drivers seat in my bus. Darn it.

[..]

We took a trip to the Beach.  Well its Pawleys Island area on the SC coast. 

Some excerpts from the video camera not much but.....

https://rumble.com/vele51-todays-ride.html

If you want to see the trip (and don't ask me why we went through downtown Columbia), the link below might do that.  You just have to select the right time frame which is "24h" on the upper right part of the screen.

https://maps.findmespot.com/Track?ishr=3a41fd05-0fe0-4190-8cca-ab5f0107a072#history/assets

I think the Evil Twins have rented a hose on Pawleys Island. It's right on the beach. ON THE BEACH. When the tide come sin you can fish from the ground floor deck. And CATCH fish.

[Tundra]

 

Starting to fill in the door. These boards wear me out. But I'm getting there

Nice

[RainMaker]

Received new dampers this morning so now can begin my deeper maintenance on the Interstate.  LED headlights w/halo effect, rear end maintenance, oil change, rebuild the front calipers, troubleshoot the cruise control, install new Bluetooth module for audio and finally add the BF Quad Horns after procrastinating for far too long.  Started all this today - may take a few days.

[Bighead]

I am a knife collector and have somewhere in 8-900 range. 
I decided to try my hand at some custom work a couple of weeks ago and have rehandled about 12 so far. This one I did this morning. It had yellow delrin scales and I took it apart and put Bolivian Rose Wood on it. Also did another in Zebra wood but no pictures. It takes about 3-31/2 hrs to do one. I amin the learning phase. It is trial and error as I have no mentor. I do have a phone a friend if I get stuck. Never seen it done (taking a knife apart and repinning it back together) until I sheared the pins in the first one I took apart. I think they are turning out pretty good for a beginner.

[Chrisj CMA]

I am a knife collector and have somewhere in 8-900 range. 
I decided to try my hand at some custom work a couple of weeks ago and have rehandled about 12 so far. This one I did this morning. It had yellow delrin scales and I took it apart and put Bolivian Rose Wood on it. Also did another in Zebra wood but no pictures. It takes about 3-31/2 hrs to do one. I amin the learning phase. It is trial and error as I have no mentor. I do have a phone a friend if I get stuck. Never seen it done (taking a knife apart and repinning it back together) until I sheared the pins in the first one I took apart. I think they are turning out pretty good for a beginner.

That's really cool

[Bighead]

Thanks Jeff.

[Jess from VA]

I think they are turning out pretty good for a beginner.

I think so too.  

Are you using just file and sandpaper handwork, or are you using motor wheels?

I don't have hundreds, but I have some.  Most of the nice ones, are all or mostly new, barely touched.  The ones I use get used hard until they break (and those are never expensive or real collectors).

Have you seen this stuff before?  (very nice on blued steel too)(a little goes a long way)
https://www.amazon.com/Renaissance-XTL-8004-Wax-Polish-65ml/dp/B003AJWN62

[NewValker]

That's some nice work Bighead!
And making an old, worn tool new and useable again is a good thing.
Bet there's an unlimited supply of old knives in all our "junk" drawers.
Craig

[Bighead]

I think they are turning out pretty good for a beginner.

I think so too.  

Are you using just file and sandpaper handwork, or are you using motor wheels?

I don't have hundreds, but I have some.  Most of the nice ones, are all or mostly new, barely touched.  The ones I use get used hard until they break (and those are never expensive or real collectors).

Have you seen this stuff before?  (very nice on blued steel too)(a little goes a long way)
https://www.amazon.com/Renaissance-XTL-8004-Wax-Polish-65ml/dp/B003AJWN62

File, handsandpaper but a buffing wheel when all is sanded to 1000 grit.
And yes I have been used Renwax for years you can use it on literally anything.

[cookiedough]

Yesterday broke out the patio furniture from storage now that 99% of the snow is off our yard.  Will not last though heard 2-3 inches of the white stuff coming in tomorrow.  Was planning on taking off the snow tires off 2 vehicles since was 56 degrees out and sunny but sitting on the patio in HOT sun light winds felt good.  Bad news though letting my truck mostly sit all winter long outside in brutal cold only running it say once every 3-4 weeks took it's toll on the OEM 4.5 year old battery.  At 1 p.m. tried firing up the truck and dead.  BAttery tested at only 11.98 volts so put 10 amp charger on it for 3 hours read 12.98 volts so fired it up and got oil changed as well on it late in the day before dark.  This morning went out and battery dropped to only 12.35 volts so guessing battery is nearing it's last leg.  Much to my SHOCK has been 1.5 years but ONLY 7000 miles on synthetic mobil 1 oil last oil change.  Usually I put on 10K miles in say 8 months or so, but due to pandemic all of 2020, not traveled much with truck used car for work better mpg.  I doubt the truck alternator if go long distance on it will UP the voltage much past 12.40 volts which IMO is not a good operational battery should be over 12.60 volts right?  New battery is 12.9 to 13 volts I think.  I know once my cycle batteries dip down to around 12.35 volts is time to replace once fully charged up.

More bad news,  I think since doubt my brake pads are bad only 48K miles on truck, but they make grinding noises in rear brake pads when applied firmer.  Think there is a layer of rust from non-use sitting all this time on the rotors, not sure?  Plus, brakes feel tad bit spongy having to push harder down on them to start braking.

[Crackerborn]

I went to the (not) local homeless despot to return a few sheets of plywood that the suppliers are marking up 500% this morning. On the less than 30 mile trip one way, I counted over 20 forest rats browsing the unplowed corn fields. Despite putting 3 in the freezer last season, it appears the b@$tards are still plentiful. Watch yourselves this Spring.

Once home I found the fork seals I ordered a while back arrived via snail mail. I sure am glad I paid for expediated shipping, a conversation I will be having with the company I ordered from. Now with expected highs in the 50's next week, I will have to hustle to get these in the local girl so I can take advantage of the dry (sort of) roads before the next spring snow arrives.

The 2 ft of snow on the deck went away about two weeks ago and the bride asked for the deck chair cushions which I retrieved from the barn today. Apparently a rodent found them to be a nice winter home, not that they were in great shape before the rodent. Looks like she is on a mission to replace the cushions before the weather really becomes good for actually sitting on the deck. Who knew there was a color palate that had to be observed for deck chair cushions?

[Rams]

The 2 ft of snow on the deck went away about two weeks ago and the bride asked for the deck chair cushions which I retrieved from the barn today. Apparently a rodent found them to be a nice winter home, not that they were in great shape before the rodent. Looks like she is on a mission to replace the cushions before the weather really becomes good for actually sitting on the deck. Who knew there was a color palate that had to be observed for deck chair cushions?

Been through that myself, I'd have warned you but, we both know it would not have done any good.  
Ya just can't predict what's headed your way.

Rams

[Crackerborn]

The spouses want what they want and don't get in the way. "Yes dear" is the appropriate answer. She lets me disappear for a day (or more) on two wheels, she can have whatever cushions for the deck she wants. Just don't mention the 4th or 5th bike in the barn.

[Jess from VA]

I used to have those too.  Spendy setup with the matching chairs.  The cushions got chewed a bit, and mildewed to pieces. 

Replaced with Amish sturdy pressure treat benches with no cushions that never went indoors (very limited space).

[cookiedough]

I used to have those too.  Spendy setup with the matching chairs.  The cushions got chewed a bit, and mildewed to pieces. 

Replaced with Amish sturdy pressure treat benches with no cushions that never went indoors (very limited space).

I got wrought iron chairs/tables heavier and more sturdy in the wind and no worries about getting cushions wet and getting old.  I found a very comfy set at a patio furniture place OFF season being discounted at the end of year like 1/2 off they are curved iron and very comfy.  AFter about 10 years now they are starting to form some light rust nothing a can of rustoleum or other major brand of spray can cannot fix.

[Farside]

I am a knife collector and have somewhere in 8-900 range. 
I decided to try my hand at some custom work a couple of weeks ago and have rehandled about 12 so far. This one I did this morning. It had yellow delrin scales and I took it apart and put Bolivian Rose Wood on it. Also did another in Zebra wood but no pictures. It takes about 3-31/2 hrs to do one. I amin the learning phase. It is trial and error as I have no mentor. I do have a phone a friend if I get stuck. Never seen it done (taking a knife apart and repinning it back together) until I sheared the pins in the first one I took apart. I think they are turning out pretty good for a beginner.

I can attest to his work after my visit up to Huntsville and catching up at dinner one night. I got a chance to look it over and it is fine work. 

[Farside]

Starting to fill in the door. These boards wear me out. But I'm getting there

Living only 35 miles from Jeff I've seen much of his work and can say this guy is "TOPS" in his field. He did some floating shelves for our home and it looks great. You should see his concrete counter work I wish I could make good money off of my hobby. Some folks got it

[Patrick]

Nice looking work fellas.


So far we went for breakfast, fixed a golf cart battery charger and planted a few tomato seeds. Its now noon.

The charger needed a cap [ capacitor ], simple fix. Matched one up locally for $3.35. Just for the heck of it I looked at the cart suppliers online. They ranged from $26-$100 ! But, they did offer free shipping doncha know.
I've replaced quite a few caps on AC units and can't remember paying $10 for one.

I was asked to go look at a house to figure out how much work it needed.
Then played a round of golf.
The group then felt like going out for Mexican so we got the girls and headed out.

[Chrisj CMA]

Finished the build. A little more sanding on the backside. (Anyone wanna come over and help me flip it over?). Lol. Paint soon and then the big adventure. Installation.



Finished. I'll send an after install pic

[Jess from VA]

Man that would look so fine with stain/urethane and grain showing, but it's the customer's requirement and barn (and weathering).


 

[Chrisj CMA]

This is going in a master bedroom to divide the room from the bathroom area. We haven't discussed  handles.

This is more what they want. Except theirs will have more grain showing. I'm going to lightly antique over the white to bring the grain out even more

[Farside]

  I went on a hike again with the wife today. So much for my playing golf

[Chrisj CMA]

I went on a hike again with the wife today. So much for my playing golf

Good job! Golf is overrated 

[cookiedough]

I got 3 crowns all at one permanently put in place.  Never had them done before so question:  The plastic temporary ones never fit well past week or so on teeth in back and now with the permanent ones on that one same tooth (more like the gums below the tooth) still hurt.   Dentist said give it a few days to heal the gums up and in 5-10 days should be back to normal chewing and NO COLD stingers eating ice cream or anything somewhat cold. Even now tried cold water and hurt with the new crown on gave me a sharp stinger jolt of OUCH on that same one tooth.  Is that normal, will it go away in 5-10 more days?

FRICKING would suck spending 3 grand on 3 crowns to have ANY PAIN since had NO pain on any of my teeth until dentist started drilling out old fillings and putting the poor fitting plastic temp crown on that one tooth.  

More often than not my motto is if NOT broke, do NOT fix it.  Dentist recommended all 3 be done as shown on xrays cracked in 2 places and darkened up on xrays meaning decay around old 35 or so year old silver fillings in back.

[RP#62]

I went on a hike again with the wife today. So much for my playing golf

Cool.  Where is that pic taken?  I get over to Pensacola a couple of times a year to see my dad and would like to wander over that way.

-RP

[Farside]

I went on a hike again with the wife today. So much for my playing golf

Cool.  Where is that pic taken?  I get over to Pensacola a couple of times a year to see my dad and would like to wander over that way.

-RP

Well give me a heads up when you visit the area and maybe you can meet us for a RTE breakfast on Saturday. This pic is in Western NC today, near Cashiers called Silver Falls I think just south of Cashiers on 107. Not around Pensacola. 

[f6john]

This is the rear lighting harness for my Nissan Titan. On my return trip from Virginia to buy a Goldwing, I stopped for gas and when I pulled up to the pump I could not get the transmission into reverse or park. I was still several hundred miles from so I made the best of it and just used neutral and the parking brake. I just had to remember to not get into a situation where I needed reverse! I was sure it was probably something associated with the shift mechanism or cable. YouTube to the rescue. I found a video that showed how to remove the top of the shift console and expose the shifter mechanism. No problems with the cable connection as the video suggested and as I had suspected. I did see that the shift interlock mechanism was not working, usually activated when the key is on and the brake depressed. More YouTube searching led to several possible reasons but the easiest to check was the fuse for the brake lights. Sure enough, the fuse was blown. After a trip to the auto parts store foe some 10 amp fuses, I put in a new fuse, turned on the ignition and hit the brakes, and the little interlock arms moved out of the way, once!

Blew the fuse immediately. Tracing electrical shorts is not my strong point. More internet searching and I finally found a post by a guy who had the same problem as I had and his culprit was an exhaust leak that had melted some wires. About 4 years ago a factory joint in my exhaust pipe at the rear axle rusted completely out. I found a repair kit that fixed the issue and all was well. I jacked up the back of the truck and rolled under to see what I could see. Sure enough, the harness for the rear lights was right on top of the frame and the split loom covering the wire bundle had melted away and the exposed wiring had melted and stuck to the frame and each other. I was amazed that anything was working. Almost every wire had to pulled apart individually and wrapped. Altogether I spent two days off and on diagnosing the problem and laying on my back wrapping all those tiny wires.

While I was under there, I noticed that after 190,000 miles the original muffler is rusting thru in a few places and the  "repair" kit I put on was looking a little suspect again so now it's time to look into a new exhaust from the muffler on back.

[RP#62]

I went on a hike again with the wife today. So much for my playing golf

Cool.  Where is that pic taken?  I get over to Pensacola a couple of times a year to see my dad and would like to wander over that way.

-RP

Well give me a heads up when you visit the area and maybe you can meet us for a RTE breakfast on Saturday. This pic is in Western NC today, near Cashiers called Silver Falls I think just south of Cashiers on 107. Not around Pensacola. 

Thanks.  I was wondering where you found a waterfall in that part of the country.

-RP

[..]

More packing and trying to sell some household stuff.

Where does all the stuff come from