DIY - do it yourself's topics - tribe.net

Finished a D-I-Y project

2009-11-05T21:14:32Z

--Only took 5 years of part-time work, heh. They started out as Xmas presents but now I'm thinking I'll do something else with 'em.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/steamboat_ed/4071003692/sizes/l/in/set-72157622722319686/

posted in DIY - do it yourself - 7 replies

How do you screw up grout?

2009-11-05T20:16:11Z

My husband and I are grouting our counter tops. We got the old grout removed now problem with moraitic acid (carbon filter face masks and gloves!) however, we keep screwing up the grout and having to redo it. The first time we both used too much water. The second time we used too little. I just found out that my husband wasn't stirring the grout for 5 minutes like it says on the package (the difference between a chemist and a physicist maybe). Is there anything else we should know so that we don't screw up?

Cheers,
Katy

posted in DIY - do it yourself - 5 replies

Cutting Sponge?

2009-11-05T18:23:31Z

I bought a big thick piece of sponge from Joann Fabric years ago and I never learned how to cut it properly. All the edges were ripply when I did cut it.

Can anyone tell me how to cut sponge to fit as a seat cushion or anything to make a nice smooth edge? An electric knife didn't do it.

Thanks,

Azeeza

PS Will try the snake in the drain tonight when I can find the snake :-)

posted in DIY - do it yourself - 12 replies

Bike Trailer

2009-11-05T02:41:53Z

So I'm hoping to construct a trailer for my bike this fall and was wondering if anyone had any ideas on what to use for an axle to connect two small bike tires I got together. I was thinking a threaded dowel with two couplers connecting the tires to the dowel. Any suggestions?

posted in DIY - do it yourself - 23 replies

Small Inexpensive Jig Recommendation?

2009-11-03T20:38:56Z

Hi Again, Everyone:

I hope no one is annoyed by my multitude of questions. I like learning new things.

Can anyone recommend an inexpensive jig to hold coins in place for drilling holes in them for a belly dance costume creation? I have no idea what a jig does, but it was mentioned as a good way to hold coins in place to put the holes in the exact same location on each coin, plus it would be able to put holes in the coins more than one at a time.

Any suggestions?

Thanks again,

Azeeza

posted in DIY - do it yourself - 20 replies

Rurally located? have you seen this site?

2009-11-03T05:41:15Z

This site is great if you're a rural, hands-on, DIY, visionary sort...

http://openfarmtech.org/weblog/?paged=1

This is page #1. There are many pages and many, many interesting designs and stimulating ideas.

posted in DIY - do it yourself - 2 replies

Halloween - wanted: red toilet water

2009-11-03T02:30:36Z

I'm hosting a Halloween party. I'm looking for suggestions on how to make the toilet water red all night long. Probably red food coloring will be my source, but I need a delivery device that will have a constant supply for many hours.

posted in DIY - do it yourself - 27 replies

Cutting torch "pop" - Next Generation

2009-11-02T18:41:47Z

Okay... BIG THANKS to all DIY posters who kindly responded to my first query about my cutting torch popping (and sometimes blowing out) the pre-heat flame). You'll find my revised question, with the new info, by scrolling down a ways...

Among the carefully thought -out replies to my first question on the popping, was this very thorough one from Briggi:

"Going by the numbers, the industry satandard is about 4# at the O2 for welding thin sheet, on up to 20# for welding 4" slab. The fuel pressure is a function of O2 pressure, but roughly 3# up to 18# on the same scale.
For cutting it's about 5# for sheet on up to 60# for 12" slab.

In every case you'll want to achieve a hard light blue inner flame as big as the work requires. Having decided how big a head is required to make that size of flame, adjust pressure accordingly in order to maintain it. And that's where the art comes in. There are so many variables entering the picture that it's easier to make the flame you know you'll want instead of working it out first with a pencil.

A good excercise is to take any size orfice welding head at random, then, once having set the pressures at the regulators, and using the torch adjustments, see
a) how small a flame you can maintain, without sputtering & popping, and then...
b) see how large a flame you can make all with that same head.
You'll find that you can likely get most of your welding done, fine or large, using only one medium sized head, simply by fiddling with pressures at torch and regulator.
Even cutting is possible using that No.10 head simply by squirting in a bunch of O2 once you get your work melting yellow with your other hand at the torch valve knob."

Excellent. But now I figured out a very useful bit of info: My torch is popping in the pre-heat flame only phase with the Victor #2 cutting tip, but NOT with a Victor #1 (smaller) one.

Both the #1 and the #2 appear to be in good shape. The #1 poses no problem. The #2 is actually a few years newer than the #1, but the #2 is actually only a few months old, and shows no dents or nicks, even under magnification.

My acetylene tank is probably about 40% full right now, but still delivers the proper pressure according to the regulator gauge: setting reg pressure at 5-6 psi (with, of course, the torch valve fairly open while setting). The gas in the O2 tank is almost full up, at present.

Does this info shed any light on the popping habit of the larger (but still quite medium-sized) tip?

posted in DIY - do it yourself - 2 replies

Scratch on expensive pair of sunglasses lens

2009-11-01T00:01:56Z

Yesterday I scratched the lens on my expensive sunglasses while hugging a friend.

Does anyone have a remedy for repairing the scratch? It feels a little deep because I can run my fingernail across it and it catches in the scratch.

I recall seeing some eyeglass lens repair kit on television, but I don't know if they would work. The lens on my sunglasses are plastic and I paid over $125.00 for them and I'm totally heartbroken.

Any suggestions?

Azeeza

posted in DIY - do it yourself - 11 replies

Cutting Tempered Glass

2009-10-26T05:30:02Z

I have a 19" x 52" piece of tempered glass salvaged from an old shower door that I would like to cut down to 47" for a project. the glass has a bit of a pebbled texture to it as well.
I have a good quality glass cutter and breaking pliers for tools, but I've only worked with non-tempered glass previously.

Is breaking tempered glass as simple as "score and break", with the scoring being done on the smoothest side? Any other tricks of the trade I need to know?

In glass breaking, one usually only gets one chance to get it right!

posted in DIY - do it yourself - 35 replies

Question on insulation

2009-10-25T16:31:02Z

I'm reinsulating an exterior wall where the interior drywall and original unfaced batts were damaged. The inside surface of the exterior wall appears to be a foil-covered foam board. Should I insulate between the 2x6 studs with unfaced batts again, or would it be better to use faced? I'm a little worried about the insulation not being able to "breathe" between the drywall/kraftpaper on one side and the foil-covered foam board on the other. Thank you!

posted in DIY - do it yourself - 6 replies

Vertical gas-welding technique video clip?

2009-10-15T16:19:41Z

About a month ago, I found an on-line clip showing o/a & filler-rod vertical welding (& the guy was welding the seam upward). I tried a save to my harddrive, but when I went to rewatch the clip about a week later, the file had corrupted. And I lost track of the original source (YouTube, or elsewehere? dunno). Now I have some good video-clip-capture software, but can't locate the clip on-line. In fact, I can't even find anything similar.

I've got basic gas welding safety training, plus experience with soldering, brazing, basic welding, cutting, etc. There's a certain finesse that goes with vertical welding, though, and I want to acquire that.

Does someone know of a source for a free, good vid clip of this process? Can you give the name of the clip and the site, or - better yet - a link? Thanks for any help.

posted in DIY - do it yourself - 10 replies

Cutting rocks with a wood saw...

2009-10-14T05:06:32Z

I'd like to convert a wood cutting saw to a rock cutting saw, if it's possible.

Why? Because I can get a used table saw for around $50, which is pretty cheap.

Or I could get a used chop saw for around the same price. (rock saws, by comparison, seem rarer and way more expensive.)

I would have to buy a rock sawing blade and figure out a way to keep it wet without getting the motor wet...I'm aware of just that much, but not to clear on specifics.

Has anybody ever done something like this? Or seen any plans online?

I could buy a tile saw , which is affordable, but the maximum size blade on the affordable models would only allow me to cut maybe two inches of material, and I'd like to get up to a 3.5" cut if I could.

I'm just strategizing here, so any suggestions are appreciated.

posted in DIY - do it yourself - 3 replies

Caulking a tub?

2009-10-13T16:23:08Z

Okay, the white stuff between the tub edge and the edge of the tile is caulk, right? If a bathtub is caulked correctly then how long should it go before peeling and getting gross and having bits break off and having to be re-caulked?

posted in DIY - do it yourself - 17 replies

Old basement window replacement

2009-10-13T00:11:33Z

Hi All,

I live in a house that was built around 1952. It has the old-style windows, cemented in place and not very energy efficient. Recently the wife and I got locked out and had to break through the basement window to get in. We were thinking of replacing it with something more energy efficient.

Here are pics of the window and the frame.

http://holloweyesphoto.blogspot.com/2009/10/window-and-frame.html

If anyone has any suggestions, please let me know.

Thanks.

Regards,

Chris

posted in DIY - do it yourself - 4 replies

Portable electric generators

2009-10-11T03:26:49Z

I'm hoping that someone here can help me with a little advice about portable electric generators.

I have two projects coming up. One project is the restoration of an 1854 house which has been setting boarded up for the past few years. There is no power to this house. The second project is the building of a small cabin in the woods, again off grid. In both cases I will be using my worm drive Skil Saw (13 amps), my Makita Slide Compound Saw (13 amps) and a portable cement mixer (amps unknown at this time). Perhaps I might have a contractor assist me in which case there might be an air compressor in use ((amps unknown at this time). None of these tools would ever be running at the same time.

Can I get by with a 3700 Watts, 206cc gas generator which puts out 2 120 volt - 20 amp circuits?

After these two construction projects I am thinking to use this generator at the cabin for some weekend use like well pumping, charging RV batteries which would light cabin and perhaps a refrigerator on a direct current.

Any assistance or advice is welcomed. Thanks,

Doug

posted in DIY - do it yourself - 21 replies

Skunk Spray Deoderizer

2009-10-06T23:27:11Z

"mix one quart of hydrogen peroxide with a quarter-cup of baking soda and a teaspoon of liquid soap. Apply the mixture to the sprayed area and it will neutralize the skunk’s musky odor."
Taken from this site:
http://www.pgc.state.pa.us/pgc/cwp/view.asp?a=458&q=160709&pp=12&n=1

I have used bleach in the past and it works but it's harsh on the skin and wrecks things.

Tomato juice and vinegar don't work.
I mean they really don't work.

posted in DIY - do it yourself - 4 replies

Time capsule

2009-10-01T15:56:04Z

I am doing a large public Art piece...

as part of it I am sneaking a time capsule into it...

seriously... suggest things to put in it. I am making the box but it will probably be around 6 to 8 cubic feet.

so the things we are already putting in:
- 2009 currrency ($20, $10, $5, $1 - and change - maybe all 50 state coins).
- Time magazine for that week.
- LA Times.
- NY Times.
- Literary rag (the star or National Enquirer).
- postage stamps.
- welding rods (the type used to weld it).

posted in DIY - do it yourself - 5 replies

Electronics question

2009-09-29T02:05:25Z

Here:
http://electronichobbyist.tribe.net/thread/0ea761db-37d5-4911-bc98-d1a08b195731

I have never been an electronics guy. The math made my eyes go off in different directions.

posted in DIY - do it yourself - 6 replies

Porta potty

2009-09-26T17:28:21Z

I have never dealt with these. Looking for what features to get, helpful hints, and so on.
It will be used outdoors possibly inside a shower- potty combo tent structure. Just 2 people not more than 5 days at a time. Thanks.

posted in DIY - do it yourself - 41 replies

Remote Repair?

2009-09-18T20:48:10Z

Has anyone had any success with repairing a remote control?

I found this website: http://www.keypadrepair.com/

In the past, I bought a printer cleaning/repair kit and I ended up ruining the whole printer.

I guess I'm a bit gun shy since the remote in question works well except I can't seem to turn the boom box on with it. The remote shuts off the boom box and all the other functions work properly.

Any ideas or suggestions?

Azeeza

posted in DIY - do it yourself - 5 replies

Vinegar and Citric Acid for Weed control

2009-09-17T13:10:29Z

This topic has come up in the past ranging from localized weed control to wiping all the vegetation over a larger area.
One poster suggested nitrogen or Urea ( fertilizer) as a preferable method for large area weed and vegetation killer .

Recently a friend mentioned that his wife uses these two for organic gardening weed control.
I'd never heard of that before

I have no experience with this but, you can get the solutions of 20% Acetic Acid ( Vinegar) from any horticultural supply And on line.
The stuff you buy in the grocery is only 6% solution.
The Citric Acid you can get pretty cheap from on line from all manner of sellers including E bay
I picked up 10# for $20.00 from this guy: http://stores.shop.ebay.com/DudaDiesel-Alternative-Energy__W0QQ_armrsZ1
I use citric acid i for passivating Stainless Steel and removing rust from steel and iron metal.

posted in DIY - do it yourself - 12 replies

Black goop clogging sink

2009-09-12T19:11:22Z

About once a year I have to take apart the bathroom sink trap and flush a "clog" of slimy, black, gelatinous goop out of it. This only happens in my bathroom sink, and there is no hair in it, which leads me to think the gelatinous mess has something to do with listerine or mentadent, or some combination thereon. The blockage does not build up in the trap, but in the straight-pipe above it, just underneath the sink. The drainage-slowdown is indeed a long-building process, hence the need to clear the blockage only about once a year, which is (of course) a dirty, smelly affair.

1) If you're a listerine user, do you notice anything like this?

2) Is there any other way to remove this clog? Can I pour boiling water down the pipe in an attempt to melt it away?

3) If I leave it long enough, will it turn into some kind of Japanese monster that Godzilla will have to come kill?

posted in DIY - do it yourself - 7 replies

Anyone watching The Colony?

2009-09-10T23:51:51Z

I wouldn't usually make a television recommendation on a DIY group, but I've been watching this show "The Colony" on the Discovery Channel and there is tons of great DIY thought, projects and inventions going on. It's sorta a reality show where a bunch of people from many walks of life are forced to live together off the grid for 12 weeks in a post-apocalyptic LA. They have to create their own power, clean water, food sources, etc. from salvaging and building. I think some of you might dig it: http://dsc.discovery.com/tv/colony/colony.html

posted in DIY - do it yourself - 11 replies

Leather Masks

2009-09-03T12:22:57Z

Any one got opinions on home made leather conditioners and hardeners for making masks?

posted in DIY - do it yourself - 5 replies

Buy n a Car

2009-09-02T21:35:16Z

Hello fellow and lady do-it yourselfers.
First off, let me explain that I did do a google search and I also searched our archives, My
score was limp.
I would like from any here, an Auto inspection pocket guide. Essentially, a link to same guide, or a point by point check list of things I should and can check myself by external
viewing of a Used car (prospective purchase) and things to look for with an "under
the hood" and test drive assessment.
Also, while doing these checks and fillling out my list, notes to make of things that
would need checking by a qualified and certified mechanic for further scrutiny of
the auto I am considering for purchase.
Many time, in looking for a car, I have set up an inspection by an authorized and certified
mechanic only to have him find something that I would have found had I done a thorough
inspection using a check list, but missed because I was trying to house all the info in
my head while sizing up the seller, the car and my own emotions.
So, a checklist of things to check, what different conditions would mean, good or bad,
what those conditions would indicate for more intensive inspection.
and some scoring system so I have an idea of how an individual car sizes up
in comparison to others I have viewed and also a scoring to let me measure how
the car should be priced (ie, is the asking price over board or spot on?).

I will be using this guide and passing it on to my ex-wife's son, so please provide something I can e-mail in some understandable form I can use and not have to
coach more than a reasonable amount with. Time is running out for me.

Thanks tribers,
Randy
-------.

posted in DIY - do it yourself - 2 replies

What a Great Board!

2009-09-02T14:09:56Z

Hi Everyone:

I'm new here.

I was wondering... would walnut facial/body scrub clog up a bathtub drain? Draino didn't work and I use a hair catcher, so only a few hairs go down the drain. I'm very careful about this because of plumbing problems my parents had while I was growing up. Now, I'm really retentive about plumbing.

Anyhoo, any suggestions regarding walnut shell body scrub and clogged tub drains and how to unclog it?

Thanks,

Azeeza

posted in DIY - do it yourself - 10 replies

How to seal a rat hole

2009-08-31T00:07:58Z

I have a large plastic Rubbermaid garden shed outside. I stored some bird seeds in there for the winter in a plastic bin. Somehow over the winter, a rat made it’s way into my shed and through the bin of seeds by chewing through the plastics. I cleaned out the shed, droppings and all and threw out the remaining bin of bird seeds. Now I’m left with a garden shed with a hole in it. What should I do? Should I seal the hole, but with what? Or would it be pointless to seal it because it appears that rats can get into anything, if they put their mind to it?? Thanks.

posted in DIY - do it yourself - 37 replies

What do you do with Bad Gasoline

2009-08-27T01:40:19Z

Seems an easy question...
I'm sure with a bit more time on the phone may track it down, but so far I am coming up with blanks...

What do you do to properly dispose of Bad (water/dirt contaminated) gasoline? The places that take oil, don't take gas. The stuff is questionable enough that I wouldn't "dry it" (chemically treat it) for use in any engine I own. I dislike having more gas around in my garage than I need.

Oh I'm in N. California... and talking about a just a few gallons.

posted in DIY - do it yourself - 63 replies

Squeaky chair

2009-08-26T02:39:08Z

My computer chair is so squeaky I can't even sit in it anymore, because it irritates everyone in the house. My boyfriend says to use WD-40 but I was hoping I could use something I have around the house already... Wax paper, or some kind of oil. I don't know. Does any one have any good ideas on how to stop a chair from squeaking?

posted in DIY - do it yourself - 13 replies

latex on oil

2009-08-22T15:19:42Z

my tenant put a crappy, thin incomplete coat of water-based paint on the window trim (interior). purple!

I've heard that water based paint won't bond well to oil. what should I do to reverse this problem? just prime and paint over it? will there be a weak layer? what about cleaning it off somehow?

posted in DIY - do it yourself - 9 replies

removing smell (perfume/cigar) from wood furniture

2009-08-21T05:49:42Z

long story short - found this great bedroom set at a yard sale, bought it. Researched it, found out its worth bank. (super happy, I could use the money).
Its in pristine condition cosmetically & physically.
But It REEKS of perfume and cigar smoke. I mean reeks. Every time I open a drawer I want to vomit.
I took out all the drawers to find the source of the smell, but there is nothing. Its spotless. The matching nightstands smell as well, not as intense though.

I researched a little and most of the sites are for mold smell. Will using a shallow dish of vinegar help neutralize the odor?
I left it outside for a week, and now I have the drawers lined with dryer sheets. Its a pretty wretched smell.

The furniture is solid wood with walnut veneer and its approximately 46 years old.

posted in DIY - do it yourself - 9 replies

DIY'ers: using LED spotlights?

2009-08-21T04:07:51Z

Hi. I'm trying to get info about LED strong-beamhand-held spotlights, especially ones that come with rechargeable internal batteries or battery packs. Seems like something a lot of DIY'ers might make use of from time to time, so I thought I'd post here.

I'm looking for something that, if need be, can be parked on a tree stump and give you 5 or 6 hours of directed light. It's no problem if I'd be willing to spend $130 or more, though I'd like to avoid that.

The following are a couple of examples, though (as noted) there is a drawback in each case:

This one seems to have a lot going for it:
http://www.metaefficient.com/12v-lighting/20-led-portable-spotlight.html
It's rechargeable, has a swiveling head, looks comfy to hold. But it was revised into a 30 LED model, and apparently the manufacturer had a rush of sales and has at least temporarily run out of stock

This one seems very good, in a basic old-fashioned design:
http://www.amazon.com/Energizer-Eveready-PROFESSIONAL-Eveready-Energizer-Flashlight/dp/B000UACNU0/ref=cm_lmf_tit_15_rdssss0
It ihas a tough "professional" casing - but unfortunately doesn't have a built-in rechargeable battery pack. In itself that might not be so bad, because the four D-cell batteries are said to last a very long time with the LEDs. But, as well, it doesn't have the swiveling-head feature that some other models have.

Anyone know of something that would fit the bill for me?

posted in DIY - do it yourself - 11 replies

Sound vibration on TV

2009-08-20T00:54:55Z

I have just bought a toshiba AV61 32" LCD TV.
It vibrates on quite a low - med level of volume. Is this normal?
Would a couple of speakers help?
I can`t see any sound/audio controls ie: bass etc, that I have on other TV`s. I think its pretty bog-standard as TV`s go, but thought the sound would be better as the picture is amazing.

posted in DIY - do it yourself - 4 replies

DIY on NPR

2009-08-17T21:00:35Z

This was on this past weekend.
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=87815753

posted in DIY - do it yourself - 0 replies

Linking multiple Honda 2000i generators

2009-08-10T16:40:30Z

If anyone has wondered about the possibility of linking multiple 2000i generators here is a web site regarding and experiment we did:

http://www.idahomojo.com/IdahoMojo/Honda2000i.html

Hope if helps someone out there.

posted in DIY - do it yourself - 0 replies

dust control at burning man?

2009-08-10T13:57:04Z

Hi all - this year will be my first at Burning Man, and I will be constructing a Geodesic dome dwelling, with a parachute draped over the skeleton. One of my concerns is the playa dust blowing into the structure. I was thinking of placing sandbags around the base in order to cinch any gaps where dust could blow in freely - but I was wondering if anyone has better ideas, since I know alot of you have lots of experience with Burning Man already... I hear that sand is not readily available out there because it's hard-packed into playa, and I don't know about transporting all that heavy sand out there with me... any ideas?

posted in DIY - do it yourself - 10 replies

clawfoot problem

2009-08-07T21:43:57Z

Enameled cast iron. From what i can see, once upon a time someone re-coated this tub with enamel, to make it pretty. now, its chipping badly, I can pick away small chunks in the bottom of the tub with my fingernail, and see the previous coat of discolored yet solid looking enamel, or whatever that white coat is. It isn't really acceptable as is. I know there's a dude in my town who'll re-enamel a tub but this is out of my budget. a new tub is also not an option.

should I: a) sand, heat-gun, or chemically remove what I can, so it won't chip more while people bathe? the sides and rim of the tub look like they've got a good bond happening, problem is exclusively in the bottom of the tub. b) learn how to re-enamel it? or c) --???-

posted in DIY - do it yourself - 0 replies

low and no

2009-08-06T13:59:02Z

Pleasantly surprised.

Ace Hardware now has two choices for low and no voc paints.
Going to try it out today.

posted in DIY - do it yourself - 1 reply

insulation on a foundation

2009-08-06T09:31:54Z

I am sure this has been dealt with before but I could not find it on a search. I need to put some sheet insulation on the outside of my sister's foundation. I thought of attaching the insulation to 2' x 8' pieces of plywood and angle it out from the house where the siding meets the foundation. Or attaching the insulation directly to the foundation. It is part cinder block part boulders. She doesn't want the siding screwed into. Will "liquid nails" type of glue work hold up thru the winter? lots of snow and ice here in Maine.

posted in DIY - do it yourself - 4 replies

how do i get 5v from 12v with the most efficeincy?

2009-08-04T02:57:03Z

hi all, if you didntnotice i am building a small portable solar power system. allmost all my gadgets are usb that i want to run from it so i am looking for the most efficient way to convert 12v into 5v. it would be nice to have that 5v at 2a or more to run multiple devices at the same time. can anyone help? i think i am looking for a switching type unit not a linear one as i have little power to waste.

posted in DIY - do it yourself - 1 reply

emersion cost less if left on all the time?

2009-08-04T02:47:38Z

hi!

my landlord told me yesterday that its better to leave the emersion on all the time instead on turning it off because the power needed to heat the water is much more then just keeping it on all the time.
really?
and for the enviroment as well as the price?
.. oh an emersion is the boiler. where the hot press is. its to heat the water in ones house. in ireland we call it an emersion. in the old days it was a crime to leave the house and leave the emersion on... parents would go mad... the water would be hot for ages.. etc. anyway our flat is old and has one of these things that are a thing of the past now.
so can anyone shed light on the questions i have?!

thanks!!

posted in DIY - do it yourself - 7 replies

how much power is 12v dc @ 7a MAX?

2009-08-03T07:10:05Z

hi i found a 12v refrigerator that states it runs at "12v dc @ 7a MAX"

can someone translate this for me? can i run a battery isolator and a seperate battery to run this 24/7 or will i need a solar panel as well?

posted in DIY - do it yourself - 10 replies

diy portable solar power pack (need help with battery bank)

2009-07-28T23:53:16Z

hi everyone, currently i am assembling the parts to build a portable solar power pack station in a rolling suitcase platform. i allready bought a 10.3 watt 17.8 volt .58 amp solar panel (mono crystalline) so now i am looking at using some 12v 7ah sealed lead acid batteries (rechargable) to store the solar power collected. my question is: with said 10.3 watt 17.8 volt .58 amp panel, how many amp hours will i replenish each day? i figure whatever the answer to that question ends up being will need to be 40% of my total battery bank as you shouldnt over tax sla batteries more than 40%........any help would be greatly apprediated.

posted in DIY - do it yourself - 21 replies

Tweaky toilet

2009-07-26T17:37:09Z

The toilet at Beloved's house scares me.

He bought the house 3 years ago. It has a new low-water toilet, but I think something is very wrong with it. You have to hold the handle down in order to get it to flush, instead of the usual push and let go. And when it flushes, the water gets up to almost the top of the rim before it goes down.

I had him try pouring water from a bucket into the toilet bowl...it works fine that way...the water went right down and didn't do the almost-flooding thing.

He said he tried cleaning out the holes under the rim, but he said they were pretty clear.

Any ideas why the toilet is doing this?

Thanks.

WW

posted in DIY - do it yourself - 6 replies

Laptop powered Chainsaw

2009-07-16T18:36:29Z

Runs off the USB.

http://blogs.laweekly.com/style_council/weird/usb-powered-chainsaw/

Now there's no excuse for those lumber jacks to be behind~!!!

posted in DIY - do it yourself - 7 replies

Whats the smallest electrical engine

2009-07-14T17:53:58Z

I'm trying to help a friend with making a motion in some burning man art.. it needs to be small, lightweight but pretty powerful and power-able by battery. So if we can find some small ones out of junked stuff.. or stuff around the house that would be great.

posted in DIY - do it yourself - 13 replies

uber cooler

2009-07-14T14:19:41Z

so, i have a fun little project on my hands and thought I might prey upon the gracious brain power here for ideas, not having not enough time to build and test prototypes.

I need to build a rather large cooler for a food booth at the oregon country fair. I call it a cooler rather than a refrigerator because it needs to be somewhat low-budget and electricity isn't a practical option. What we used last year was about 50cf, which was sufficient in terms of size, but the design really didn't keep things cold enough, having doors on the side and too many gaps on the open bottom.

So, what I'm thinking is this:

-2 chest-type enclosures (one to be used for frequent access and the other for longer term storage)
-plywood shell with rigid foam insulation
-pockets built into the underside of the lid for dry ice
-sealed well but with a small drainage hole built into the bottom
-locate in as shady a spot as possible

i can't decide between stacked milk crates or creating a sliding shelf system, and I almost wonder if i could get away with nixing the rigid foam and substituting it with straw stuffed into the gap between two large nested boxes (maybe a 3-4 inch gap?) ...much greener, but effective enough?

so, ideas? experiences?

thanks!

posted in DIY - do it yourself - 14 replies

trying to run my pocket projecter off 12v

2009-07-13T19:15:29Z

hi all, i bought an aiptek pocket projector v10, The unit includes a USB power adaptor that pumps out 5v at 2a (!) That is how much juice it takes to run the unit while plugged in to AC power. Yes, it will charge (slowly) from most any common USB port, it will not fire up and run without 2000mh behind it. It detects low powered USB connections, and goes into 'flash disk / slow charge mode', thinking it's hooked up to a computer for loading stuff to it's internal memory. So - what to do? I want to run it via usb from a 12v battery, how can i achieve this?

posted in DIY - do it yourself - 23 replies

Flaking plaster & paint.

2009-07-10T07:54:13Z

I had my home re:plasterd some 2 years ago. But under & around one of my bay windows & get some flaking/crystallising & paint has flaked off, as well as patches of plaster.
Would a PVA bond do the trick before I paint again?
If not, what would work. There is no outer wall problems..no drain-pipes, but we do face the atlantic ocean, in a wet/windy area.

posted in DIY - do it yourself - 9 replies

DIY parking on the shady side

2009-07-09T22:05:50Z

Those parking lots that have a security guard plaster an awful huge red sticker on the driver's window as a way to punicsh you and discourage you from ever parking there again:

Spray your window with silicone spray.

I did this after getting one of those stickers.
There was no where else to park so I used that lot.
On my way back to my truck I saw a security guard trying to get his sticker on my window.
He got it to "stay" sort of after some effort.
When I went to my truck I flicked it off with one finger and It fell off onto the pavement where I left it.

posted in DIY - do it yourself - 2 replies

USB supplied power.

2009-07-09T17:45:30Z

There has a bit of discussion about USB power supplies and various voltage levels mentioned so I thought I'd wade through the technical specifications for an answer.

The source I am using is “Universal Serial Bus Specification” Rev 2.0 (April 27, 2000) signed by Compaq, Hewlett-Packard, Intel, Lucent, Microsoft, NEC, and Philips. It can be found at http://www.usb.org/developers/docs/ as part of the usb_20_052709.zip file which is the definition for USB 2.0. References are to the document usb_20.pdf.

Power is supplied via Vbus and is between 4.75 and 5.25 for high powered hubs and 4.4 and 5.25 for low powered hubs (ref. 7.2.2 Voltage Drop Budget)

The data voltage values are low (Vol) 0.3v (max) and high (Voh) 2.8v (min) (ref. 7.1.1 USB Driver Characteristics).

A complete description of the various plugs can be found in Chapter 6. I can't find a definition of the “mini” USB plugs. I didn't look very hard as I had to get to work. From my experience there is quite a variation between various plugs. For example there are at least 3 versions of the original “mini” plug like the one used in, Motorola, Blackberry, and Garmin products.

For more information I refer you to the document usb_20.pdf, all 650 pages, which is included in the above mentioned zip file.

posted in DIY - do it yourself - 14 replies

removing a silkscreen...

2009-07-09T13:14:14Z

I have a t-shirt with a company logo on the front and a quote on the back. I want to remove the company logo. Is there a good way to do this without destroying the shirt or discoloring the rest of the item?

posted in DIY - do it yourself - 7 replies

Your organization Secrets?

2009-07-09T09:10:36Z

I need to get organized! my house, my life, school. Any super tips? just thought it would be a fun topic even if I dont get a lot of good answers.

posted in DIY - do it yourself - 16 replies

House Electric Panel question

2009-07-07T03:50:02Z

Okay let see if I can describe this. Out here in California the electrical panes are located on the exterior walls. We put in a 200 amp SQ D panel that is surface mount (the existing panel is recessed). Now my dilemma is to move the existing wires I don't want to cut into the sheet rock on the enterior wall, or take down the new house siding. So what I am thinking is using a NEMA 4 fiberglass box mounted over the exsisting panel, but just below the PGE meter. Then run a 2" fiberglass conduit a short distance (about 12") to the new surface mont panel. What I need to know is this kosher, or okay with code?

posted in DIY - do it yourself - 5 replies

Lawn mower oil vs motor oil

2009-06-29T19:53:25Z

What's the difference between 10 W 30 car motor oil and the 10 W 30 lawnmower motor oil? Can you use car motor oil in a pinch?

WW

posted in DIY - do it yourself - 20 replies

another batter question: one average car battery = how many typical cellphone recharges?

2009-06-29T19:42:49Z

i figure at least a half dozen of you could throw me an accurate guestimate faster than I could figure out how to do the math myself.

i would like to take a basic car battery, hook up an inverter to it and let my crew use it to recharge their cellphones during the Oregon Country Fair, but I would like to have some idea how many charges it would likely last in case I need to add extra batteries or a solar trickle charger.

...might also want to run a string or two of LED's for a few hours at night too

posted in DIY - do it yourself - 6 replies

"Farmy" DIY metal & wood projects - ideas & plans?

2009-06-27T17:25:04Z

I'm a long-time carpenter, handyman, tinkerer - living on rural land. Not too long back, at an estate sale, I bought an oxy-acetylene welding rig. I'm interested in finding ideas and plans for making things that are useful on a small farm, or for the home. Materials like wood, ferrous metals, brass, or rubber are all feasible. What I'm looking for good sources for concepts & plans.

I realize this may all seem a little vague, but bear with me...

I'd really appreciate any advice about books that I could investigate and possibly buy, plus Web sites that may offer plans (either for sale or for free) and on-line forums where people discuss such projects and maybe show pictures. Thanks.

Tanemon

posted in DIY - do it yourself - 17 replies

Smelly bathroom sink - cant tell if its the water or the drain pipes

2009-06-22T04:56:18Z

About two months ago our water heater blew up, Im not kidding it seconds from blowing off the back of the house. We are renters and had assumed it was in good working condition as the landlord said it was new when we moved in. There is nothing like waking up to the fire dept in your back yard at 6 am yelling get out of the house..

After the new water heater was installed the water that came out of the bathroom faucet was black, not rusty but grayish black. I know the air needs to be pushed out of the lines after having the water turned off and what blew out of the sink was foul.
The kitchen nor the shower were like this when I turned them on.

Now when I turn on the bathroom faucet I smell what can only be described as a moldy, mildewy musty smell. The water is perfectly clear. I googled a lot about this and found many sites that said it most likely wasn't the water pipes, b/c the water moves at such a fast pace that it would push out any mold, and it also said it would be the water source that was contaminated and it would affect all the water faucets. Thats not the case in our house.

My other half thinks Im crazy and says he doesn't smell anything ( i have a sensitive sniffer).

I have no clue where the stink is coming from. Im planning tomorrow to do a hardcore cleaning of the drain pipes to see if maybe the smell I am experiencing is actually in the drain and Im smelling it only when the water hits that area...

posted in DIY - do it yourself - 10 replies

this old house...

2009-06-20T04:49:34Z

http://news.bbc.co.uk/earth/hi/earth_news/newsid_8103000/8103872.stm

posted in DIY - do it yourself - 1 reply

Appliance repair information

2009-06-17T17:49:21Z

Found this , it looks useful.
http://www.repair2000.com/

posted in DIY - do it yourself - 0 replies

Flapper Valve?

2009-06-16T18:10:48Z

My toilet has started to do a partial flush by itself. Lasts a couple of seconds and stops. There is no external leak, and the water level never goes above the overflow tube. The ball-cock / flush-valve appears to work properly and doesn't hang on anything. I guess the culprit must be the flapper valve?

posted in DIY - do it yourself - 5 replies

Replacing Shower Valve

2009-06-13T21:36:21Z

A friend of mine has a leaky older shower which directs water flow with one handle. It's a Sentinel II by Speakman. Two questions:

1) Given that we don't know where or if there's a master cutoff switch for her condo, am I going to have to cut into the wall to get to the shutoff valves to this plumbing?

2) Are there user-serviceable parts in this thing that I can get to (and replace) which will stop the leak?

posted in DIY - do it yourself - 7 replies

stop draft from fire place

2009-06-12T21:17:02Z

I have a gas fire place that's very drafty when not used. It has a metal frame. Anyone have a suggestion on how I can stop the draft... it doesn't have to look pretty,... just cheep and easy to do.

posted in DIY - do it yourself - 11 replies

Laying drain tile around an existing foundation

2009-06-12T20:46:00Z

Just wondering if anyone can direct me to one or more Web sites discussing the process of laying perforated drain pipe (known in the old days as "drain tile") in the moisture-retaining ground around an exisiting bulding. I'd like to find a good, illustrated discussion.

Building in question is in a rural setting, and the pipe can drain into the slope on the south, away from the building. The building's footing is about 20* below grade, in a silty-clayish soil on its north and west sides (better-drained gravelly-sandy soil on its east and south sides).

No matter if a Web site you recommend shows the drain tile emptying into a city sewer - I could adapt the basic method to this situation, I'm sure.

Thanks.

posted in DIY - do it yourself - 1 reply

How to fool a washing machine into doing a smaller load

2009-06-12T16:51:42Z

We have an older top-loader that has a low/small water setting that's not always low enough. I'd like a simple way to use less water when I don't have enough to fill it up. Is there some way to trigger it to make it think it's full, or something creative you can put in there that will take up space other than clothing?

Thanks for any ideas.
Megan

posted in DIY - do it yourself - 46 replies

automobile undercoating that is worth a crap

2009-06-11T04:27:35Z

hello all,
have allready in the past just gone down to the auto store and picked up whatever they had in a can that said undercoating and went home and sprayed. It is my experience that there arent many good brands of undercoating that will cure completly and have a thick texture that come in a can. Do any of you have any brands in a can that you think is reliable and if possible can you post a link to it? I am going to undercoat a 1969 mini cooper that i am currently doing a frame off restoration on and it has quarter inch thick undercoating that I have to match where I removed the old stuff for rust work. I am putting a 200 hp honda vtec in it can we say 0---------------------------60 in 4 seconds? Link to my progress here:

http://s52.photobucket.com/albums/g34/lunarkingdom/

Thanks in advance!!!

Rick

posted in DIY - do it yourself - 9 replies

Solar cooling the DIY way

2009-06-08T23:14:21Z

Interesting PDF
http://www.livingonsolar.com/solar-cooler.pdf
I haven't examined it to see if all the info you need it there.

It comes from a site that purports for help you go solar - -they sell books and stuff.
BUYER BEWARE~!!

posted in DIY - do it yourself - 0 replies

DIYs at Maker Fair

2009-06-05T03:38:49Z

..where it's *all* DIY! http://www.flickr.com/photos/38392448@N00/sets/72157619128773107/

posted in DIY - do it yourself - 0 replies

Mice

2009-05-29T03:14:35Z

On several occasions, I've found little mouse "presents." I found them on the stove, and underneath the sink. Then I found some in two of kitchen drawers. My cat sleeps underneath the comforter all day long, and even if one walked across his face, he would ignore it. Would it be a good idea to get a few snap traps? Obviously, I can't use poison, and glue traps are a nuisance. I had good luck with a snap trap before, so maybe they would be a good idea.

Any suggestions?

posted in DIY - do it yourself - 61 replies

DIY 12volt swamp cooler

2009-05-29T03:06:34Z

So, thinking of burning man in my motorhome this year, I don't want to run the AC as I would have to run the genny, I do have a portable 120VAC swamp cooler but it uses a lot of juice for the inverter to run it and My 300 watt inverter won't do it. I have an 800Watt one that will but again, it uses a lot of juice and runs down tha batteries quickly. So I priced 12 volt portable swamp coolers and they are in the $300.00 range... for a fan and a pump in a pretty box... Go figure.

Plan B: So I got to thinking I can build one. I picked up 2 big ass Pabst 12vdc muffin fans in a cool fiberglass hood that I scrapped out of an old pictureTel video conference system. I looked them up and they move 240CFM each so I think they will pull enough air. Now, on to the pump. I have a rule 1000 bilge pump (1000gallons per hour at 0ft head). I will try it out but I am wondering... Is that too much water to the evap. pads? Would I be better off with some other pump? What pump? Anybody have a line on cheap long duty 12vdc pumps?

B-D

posted in DIY - do it yourself - 31 replies

Michigan DIY

2009-05-19T06:20:32Z

I invited the Michigan Tribe to come here and get help or spread the wealth. If your already here from Michigan and aren't in the tribe, well come on over... if your coming to Michigan for a visit stop by and see if we can help you find the things you need.
http://michiganpeople.tribe.net/thread/681a3cde-865b-445a-a621-9f63f48df9ca?newpostingid=c57fb09c-2611-4a85-8215-9e73f79864ad#c57fb09c-2611-4a85-8215-9e73f79864ad

posted in DIY - do it yourself - 4 replies

Renter woes

2009-05-16T04:28:27Z

Our house had a recent cleansing of roommates (half of 6 left), so the Landlady has
other work to do.
Weird though, everything and work and home breaks simultaneously .
The Thermostate for the heaters is buzzing now, frankly I would just prefer fix it myself.
( I am sure it is the timer clock).
Can anyone tell me how to disconnect the clock without rewiring my brain via electro-shock
therapy. I just want the buzzing to stop and don't care if the clock works or not. If landlady
wants it working, she can have her husband put in a new timer.

Thanks all, hope this is easy.

Randy
*****

posted in DIY - do it yourself - 52 replies

Ready to assemble bench problem

2009-05-12T21:20:18Z

I got a great little bench from Cost Plus World Market. Required assembly.

Said to use two adults and not to assemble on carpet. As it didn't come with an additional adult in the box, and I wasn't ripping up the carpet to assemble the bench, I flew solo.

Which would have been fine, if the rear support that screws into the sides and into the seat was not warped.

I will try very hard to describe. There are two sides arms, and those two pieces have the legs already attached. There is a back, that fits between the two sides. There are two supports, front and back, these are also attached to the sides. And the seat portion fits between the two supports.

The seat portion has two wooden dowel knobs (things that stick out) on both the front and back that are oval, and are part of the seat itself. Those oval knobs are inserted into those supports front and back. There is a carved-out indented part for them to fit right in.

Once the oval knobs are in the indentation, a wood screw is to be used to hold the knobs in place, in the indentation. There is a pre-drilled hole on the support. But not on the knobs.

The part that is warped is the support, which bows away from the knobs. Only the rear support. The front support was fine and that was a breeze.

For the rear support, I got one of the screws in properly, holding the warped piece by hand while screwing. But that second knob/indentation combo, the support was most warped there, and while trying to hold and screw, the support went back to being warped, making me screw in the screw at an angle, which doesn't hold the knob in the indentation.

Removing and retrying was futile, even when I put my whole body weight on the bench to push the warped part down, I had already made a hole in that knob part that is incorrect, the angled hole.

I stopped there, because there are several ideas I have that could/might work, but if they don't, it could mess up the bench even further.

There's the old "use a bigger screw" trick. But the old hole is angled, and that new screw will just follow the path of the old screw, right?

I have a Dremel that has a small drill attachment. I thought of either drilling into where the screw SHOULD have gone (the best I can, which could mean complete failure, LOL) to make this old hole straight, for a new, larger wood screw. Or drilling into another part where the knob and indentation are located, to start a NEW screw, in a new hole, in a new location.

And, no, I don't want to return it. The local store had only the display, which is broken. And the back is put on backwards. I had to drive an hour to buy the last one at another store, and their display model is also broken and has the back put on backwards.

Also, the assembled piece will NOT fit in my car. I already tried buying a cute wicker settee, only to find it just wouldn't go in my car and had to return it without even leaving the parking lot. So I'm kind of stuck. Unless I want to disassemble the piece and then return it and go without until I find something else (that comes in a box that will fit in my car).

Wood glue, clamps, many screws and nails, duct tape, bungie cords, chewing gum? What is my next move?

Who knows wood, and who has suggestions for me?

posted in DIY - do it yourself - 10 replies

Rancid sink

2009-05-07T12:33:10Z

This place I just moved into has this totally nasty smell coming from the sink. I think it's the garbage disposal?
There's definitely something in there...

Someone told to throw a lime down there.

What would you do?

posted in DIY - do it yourself - 30 replies

Window U-factor sticker question.

2009-05-06T13:36:05Z

So I found a great deal on the creigslist, two huge commercial grade aluminum windows which I am going to instal in my house.
The problem is that they don't have any U-factor certification. The windows were stored for 3-4 years and were never used.
These are nice argon filled windows. Is the building inspector going to give me hard time if the stickers are not on them?
What can I do to make the inspection? Is there a law making it impossible to instal second hand or custom made windows?

posted in DIY - do it yourself - 5 replies

Sawzall

2009-05-05T20:06:20Z

I have an AEG sabre saw I inherited. The model is SSPE 800. The Mach no. is 269621. I would like to use it, but I cannot figure out how to change the blade. This does not have quick release anything. There are three alan wrench screws, so I figured that was it but I cannot figure out how to get the blade out. No manual either... I tried to find one, but I think this one is so old, they never put the manual on line. Does any one have any ideas on how to change the blade on this?

Thanks!

posted in DIY - do it yourself - 18 replies

Lumber & materials prices dropping, where you live?

2009-05-04T22:04:40Z

Just curious about how this "recession with teeth" is affecting the prices in your region. Construction rate is way down in North America and beyond. What are you noticing re prices of plywood, lumber, sheet-rock, roofing, fasteners, etc?

posted in DIY - do it yourself - 14 replies

Furnace

2009-05-03T17:04:11Z

I'm looking for the most inexpensive means to install a furnace. This home will need to have
vents and the works put in. It doesn't have AC either, as it's an older home. What's the worst
I can expect on costs? Any means to incorporate green building and/or solar energy techniques
while I'm at it?

posted in DIY - do it yourself - 1 reply

How to join a Tarpaulin

2009-05-03T11:51:13Z

This is a puzzle I'm trying to solve at the moment.
I need to make a round Tarpaulin from a number of new square ones to be used in the bottom of a circular tent.

I have figured out all of the geometry for making the circle but i am having trouble working out a way to join them.

Here were my thought processes.

It needs to be fairly long lasting and neat looking so gaff is out.
As far as i know glue won't work because the plastic tarp will "sweat"and the glue will come off.
I would really like to sew them but i don't have access to a large/strong enough sewing machine.

my last thought was maybe to ''weld" / heat fuse them together but i am really not sure about how to approach this?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

posted in DIY - do it yourself - 8 replies

Nut shell grinders

2009-04-27T19:39:13Z

I want to know how to grind nut shells. Not the nut meat, just the shells. I want to make, at home, skin exfoilerater, just for my own use, so I want the grinder to be inexpensive.

Thank you.

posted in DIY - do it yourself - 27 replies

Sheet-steel roofing application?

2009-04-25T22:14:25Z

Can anyone direct me to a good up-to-date Web site about the application of sheet steel home roofing? I'm referring to the kind with widish "valleys" and narrow "ridges" and a metal ridge cap. Application with rubber-washer screws.

I haven't worked with this exact material before. This is for a shed with a simple (two-sided) "gable" roof, so no complexity for the roof shape at all. Thanks.

posted in DIY - do it yourself - 3 replies

REal electrical advice please?

2009-04-25T15:58:15Z

OK= for well, EVER i have been wanting to install a ceiling light - it seems like this should be relatively simple, just a couple of wires from somewhere on a wall outlet run up through some conduit to the ceiling-
but i don't know if this is correct, safe, or really anything, i'm totally guessing here=
any help or better, a web link to a step by step?

i do have access to my circuit breakers to shut things off, and I am not worried about my landlord caring about the holes ill drill or whatever, they are very cool, especially when it comes to improvements....

anyway besides that it is killing me to use crappy lamps in my computer room where i desperately need an overhead light, i just got a fantastic piece of art that MUST be lit up ...
(oh if you want to see the print i am lighting , here's a link, i had been wanting this piece forever and got it as a gift hooray!
http://www.postershop.com/Aagaard-Carl-Frederic/Aagaard-Carl-Frederic-Pergola-in-Amalfi-7000264.html

posted in DIY - do it yourself - 31 replies

How do you patch plaster?

2009-04-25T07:15:26Z

My house has plaster walls (button board n' plaster) and there are holes and cracks all over the place. I've spackled small nail holes with success, but the cracks and larger holes eventually open up again - over the last few years. I would like to do some repainting over the summer but would like to spend some time to get the cracks fixed first.

What is the best method / materials to use to get a good patch with plaster?

posted in DIY - do it yourself - 5 replies

The kitchen sink

2009-04-22T22:50:39Z

I'm pondering some modest kitchen remodel work, mainly countertop, sink faucet. Knee-jerk reaction is to go with product I know, stainless steel Kohler Staccato. Did one as shown below in my last place and was happy with results:

http://www.us.kohler.com/onlinecatalog/detail.jsp?item=6306102

But as I'm probably doing engineered stone countertops, I'm wondering about a Astracast composite granite sink like this (or large-medium version thereof):

http://www.dirtcheapfaucets.com/ProductDetail.asp?Product=17564&AffiliateID=NexTagDCF

I'm not finding much in terms of reviews for this type of product, and I'm wondering about any installation gotchas that could arise. Does anyone have any experience/advice on this brand or material?

posted in DIY - do it yourself - 0 replies

Bartcop.com on The New American Dream

2009-04-21T13:38:58Z

http://www.newamericandream.net/index.html

The New American Dream

Feature Interview
The Weekend
April 17

Bartcop.com's Terry Coppage, from Tulsa:

"Well, as you might know, I've got a smart mouth, always had a smart mouth.

And in 1993 my boss said, 'Bart, you ought to try this Internet thing, it's brand-new.' "

Poetry:
by Doug Draime
by Del "Abe" Jones

Columns:
A Progressive Pondering Healthcare — Joe Mayer of Rochester, Minnesota
Who's Killing Americans? Is it Dick Cheney? — Jim Fetzer, of Duluth, Minnesota

Political Art by Ben Heine of Brussels

and some other stuff ....

Thanks for stopping by.

The Dream Team
http://www.newamericandream.net/index.html

posted in DIY - do it yourself - 3 replies

How do you prepare a kitchen ceiling to receive new paint?

2009-04-17T23:46:00Z

My grimey kitchen ceiling needs new paint but first I have to get the cooking greese off so the paint will stick. Any suggestions as to what product/solution to use?

posted in DIY - do it yourself - 14 replies

replacing a built-in oven/stove

2009-04-17T15:32:23Z

Our landlord agreed to replace our built-in oven/stove
and he would appreciate it if I found a good used unit
to save on cost. Are there fairly standard sizes that
can be easily swapped? We have an electric stovetop
now but we could possibly have a gas unit installed now.
I figure we could find something good on craigslist from a remodel.
Any thoughts?
Thanks,
JaneO

posted in DIY - do it yourself - 8 replies

Is a water softener really necessary? Simpler alternatives?

2009-04-16T15:19:09Z

We have well water and dislike the feel, cost, and waste involved in water softening. On the other hand, it's clear our water has enough iron to cake up our pipes, and we don't totally want to throw caution to the wind, but are looking for some alternatives. How did people used to deal with mineral buildup in their pipes in the old days? What do the Amish and grid-free people do? Any ideas and information would be great.

Thanks in advance.
Megan

posted in DIY - do it yourself - 15 replies

Ceiling paint

2009-04-12T15:37:10Z

How do you make that swirly texture on ceilings? I have to patch a section because of a leak and replace a piece of the dry wall. But I can't figure out how to duplicate that pattern. I have tried a natural sponge but that doesn't work.
Ideas? Suggestions?

posted in DIY - do it yourself - 11 replies

goat milker

2009-04-06T18:41:33Z

anyone out there ever built an electric goat milking machine? I have seen some infor on doing it with a large automobliles vacuum pump, a 1/3 hp reversable motor and some other equipment.

posted in DIY - do it yourself - 9 replies

Dreaming the NEW American Dream

2009-04-05T20:17:44Z

California poets Ava Bird & Rex Butters, and....

Santa Cruz artist Russell Brutsche - Karen Kwiatkowski of Virginia

Protests to stop immigration raids ... and more.
____________________

http://www.newamericandream.net

The New American Dream

What's New?

* Karen Kwiatkowski column
* Ava Bird poetry
* Rex Butters poetry
* Gary Mennie poetry

Columns:
Sherwood Ross — why not shut down a few prisons in the United States as well?
Mickey Z — Americans are cowards, too comfortable, will never-ever-not-in-one-million-years revolt-or-even-bother-to-stand-up — no matter what the rich folks do to them.
Lydia Sems — It's The American Dream that is the problem.

and more from Jack Saunders ...

Resistance:
* Planned civil disobedience in Minnesota to stop raids against immigrants
* Protests at Creech AFB against U.S. drone terroristic activity
*100 days of protest against Guantanamo to culminate

All this, Northern Exposure, The Big Lebowski, Paradise by the Dashboard Lights ... a certificate for free toast ... and more.

Join us.

The New American Dream
Dude.
... because ... Sister Mary Anne told us, "There are no wrong questions, if you don't know the answers."

... from the Dream Team

http://www.newamericandream.net

posted in DIY - do it yourself - 7 replies

electrical advice ... for you

2009-04-02T21:11:29Z

lick your ... finger
stick it in the light ... socket
now pull the ... light switch chain
while standing in your bare ... feet
on the concrete basement ...floor

posted in DIY - do it yourself - 8 replies

New Tub and Shower Faucet

2009-03-27T14:26:57Z

I just paid to have a plumber install a new tub and shower faucet in my bathroom. Now, every time I turn on the water in the tub, a little rusty water comes out first. This never happened with the old one. Is this anything I should call them back on?

posted in DIY - do it yourself - 17 replies

Flat Screen TV OK to mount over a Fireplace?

2009-03-27T11:35:14Z

Has anyone mounted a flat screen TV over a real wood fireplace? Will it damage the TV? I can't seem to find the owner's manual. As far as I know there are no problems with the ventilation or anything like that.

It's a 6 month old Panasonic plasma. We know it won't last forever, but don't want to help it fade ;)

Thanks in advance!!
~Connie

posted in DIY - do it yourself - 25 replies

the "Renter Woes" thread & a poll:

2009-03-23T21:25:28Z

It is with substantial distaste that I delete posts, threads, or members.
( except of course when it's spam - then I have no qualms at all)

An ex-member who posted in the "Renter Woes" thread demonstrated that he was unwilling to abide by the tribe rules. So he was removed and his posts deleted.

That seems awfully harsh to me but, going over his posts there was so little of value and so much that was just plain hostile that I saw no value in leaving his posts.

At any rate his improper conduct has given me cause to ask the question about whether the tribe would like to see the tribe remain "public" or enter one of the two stages of being "moderated."

There are two levels of "moderated" tribe management short of going private ( "private" is not an option I'll contemplate).
The mod can select the operand that allows members to invite people or can restrict it further making it necessary for new members to submit a request to the mod.

Or the mod can leave it public as it now is and run the risk of little flare ups like we had in the "Renter Woes "thread.

What say you o' people of the DIY?

posted in DIY - do it yourself - 9 replies

solar shower troubles

2009-03-15T15:14:34Z

I built this solar shower last summer in addition to my composting toilet. It was for a big giant FEST we had in celebration of my partners 40th b day where we had multiple campers on our property.
I went to a lot of trouble and a fair bit of expense ( copper is far from cheap these days ) problem is the thermostatic pressure...wasn't. I got no flow. Inside the chamber was extremely hot.
Any suggestions you green smarty pants?

www.motherearthnews.com/Renewa...er.aspx

posted in DIY - do it yourself - 7 replies

insulating a vented crawlspace

2009-03-13T06:39:58Z

I had a recent energy rating and recommended that I beef up my insulation of my crawlspace. Specifically:
"Your foundation wall has only R11 batts in the 2x6 cavities. The current standard is a minimum of R19. You can achieve this, and provide a air seal, by installing 2" thick fire retardant foam sheets over the framing. Seal the joints with an appropriate tape or apply acoustical sealant to the framing before attaching the foam."

Two questions for y'all:
1) Tape or acoustical sealant, what are the pros/cons of each
2) I have 6 mil plastic sheeting on the floor and running up the walls. What should I do with that, reinstall it over the foam sheets?

posted in DIY - do it yourself - 9 replies

Auto Repair

2009-03-11T02:46:35Z

Following in the footsteps of this great tribe, I'm making an attempt to drive some traffic (no pun intended) and re-awaken an old tribe. I am hoping to turn this into a valuable resource for folks:

http://wrenchheads.tribe.net/

I hope you'll come out to play!

posted in DIY - do it yourself - 1 reply

wind power

2009-03-10T19:04:15Z

Hi,
Any of you folks have experience with wind power. I am considering a hybrid system (wind/solar). I am on the grid but have plans to build some cabins on the back portion of the property, or at least have a significant amount of power be generated by nature.
Love to hear your views.
thanks

posted in DIY - do it yourself - 4 replies