Weekend Hobby, Craft and General Bodging Thread

Greetings all. Hope your Saturday has been restful. Time once again to head to the basement, garage, shop, studio or wherever it is you can lose yourself for a while getting creative, having fun and making a mess.

NOTE: This is NOT an open thread. Please keep all comments relevant to the subject at hand.

What's everyone working on, planning, dreaming about?

Finally, just for fun.

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at 04:30 PM

Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 The weekend is here

Posted by: Skip at February 03, 2024 04:31 PM (fwDg9)

2 Mostly work this week, worked on my miniatures maybe 1/2hr

Posted by: Skip at February 03, 2024 04:34 PM (fwDg9)

3 hiya

Posted by: JT at February 03, 2024 04:35 PM (T4tVD)

4 That Mechanical Whale is pretty cool and I can see it being used for various things where the up and down, side to side motion is desired.

Waterproof staining will be required, however.

Posted by: Hairyback Guy at February 03, 2024 04:39 PM (R/m4+)

5 Cooling off out thar.

And that's today's Accuweather.

Posted by: JT at February 03, 2024 04:39 PM (T4tVD)

6 This weekend is mostly pen repair and maintenance. I love old Esterbrook fountain pens (and the new ones are pretty nice, too). I have a J and an SJ that I took apart and replaced the ink sacs, and a transitional-era J that needed a new cap jewel. I'll be happily scribbling away with them soon, and they'll resume their positions in the collection.

Posted by: Pennsyltucky at February 03, 2024 04:41 PM (Npnb7)

7 I am trying a new sketching plan to practice before illustrating my Materia Medica.

There is a planner/journal called The Hero's Journal that I am using for organizing the Materia Medica. It has a previously illustrated "story" section on each page. In a different journal I set the pages up with the same concepts, but am going to use the "story" section to block, sketch, ink, and color one floral portrait a week.

Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at February 03, 2024 04:45 PM (nC+QA)

8 Couldn't stand my garage anymore, so I cleaned it out. Found a palm sander that I was looking for last year. So there's that.

Posted by: Mr Aspirin Factory, red heifer owner at February 03, 2024 04:46 PM (R4t5M)

9 I need to make a window frame.

I need to clear a work space, first, though.

Posted by: FeatherBlade at February 03, 2024 04:47 PM (t1XYa)

10 Afternoon, crafty bodgers! Went out in search of "golden oak" finished wood for my kitchen cabinet project. Local Goodwill had a whole bunch of Pergo (?) flooring in that color, but they wanted three bucks a square foot, which I thought was too salty for a hardboard-based laminate, and they weren't interested in discounting it, so I passed. Went to another thrift, and they happened to have a small "entertainment unit" in golden oak for twenty bucks. And the bottom of the unit has a pair of doors on it sized such that I ought to be able to use it for the small cabinets over the range that the range hood attaches to the bottom. Sold! And the shelf, top, and side panels from it should go a long way to making the exposed faces of my over-sink cupboards.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at February 03, 2024 04:49 PM (tkR6S)

11 Cloud painting was neat, might check out beach if can find it

Posted by: Skip at February 03, 2024 04:52 PM (fwDg9)

12 Speaking of journals, they are practically a hobby all on their own.

I've tried over the last few years to find the single perfect journal that works for me, and doesn't cost much because that's important too. The Hero's Journal was the most expensive and I ended up not using *it* regularly either, even though it was cute and I liked it.

So this year I'm trying something different. I'm using *3* journals/planners. I have a big pretty one with planning for the month and week, one for Bible journaling and the sketches, and one for the yearly major project (the Materia Medica in this case). So far, so good through January. That's longer than most of my systems last, so I'm hopeful.

The other major difference is I *do* leave the big pretty planner open on the dining room table at all times. I've just had to admit that "out of sight, out of mind" is too strong for me to fight.

Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at February 03, 2024 04:53 PM (nC+QA)

13 That Mechanical Whale is pretty cool and I can see it being used for various things where the up and down, side to side motion is desired.

Waterproof staining will be required, however.
Posted by: Hairyback Guy at February 03, 2024 04:39 PM (R/m4+)

Attach a Fleshlite to it, and you'd have a Lizzo sex doll!

(denounces self)

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at February 03, 2024 04:54 PM (tkR6S)

14 I'm trying to resume binding books. My bookpress is downstairs in the corner; I can hear it gently weeping from loneliness...slat water is no good for cast iron!

Looking for an app or downloadable program that will take a PDF and create good signatures to be sewn together into a bookblock and thence bound. about 10 years ago i located a mediocre program, but I had to manipulate my text so much it was a pain, and I don't remember the name of it anyway to see if it's improved, which I doubt.

Any ideas? I'm leaving the house in about a half hour, and won't be home tomorrow for the book thread, alas.

Posted by: Question Authority bumper sticker at February 03, 2024 04:55 PM (Rbu5d)

15 7 I am trying a new sketching plan to practice before illustrating my Materia Medica.

There is a planner/journal called The Hero's Journal that I am using for organizing the Materia Medica. It has a previously illustrated "story" section on each page. In a different journal I set the pages up with the same concepts, but am going to use the "story" section to block, sketch, ink, and color one floral portrait a week.
Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at February 03, 2024 04:45 PM (nC+QA)

WOW! Good for you! I'm putting together a MM for the plants on our property, but wasn't planning on illustrating it. Sounds like a great idea. Hope you send in photos of your efforts.

Posted by: Question Authority bumper sticker at February 03, 2024 04:57 PM (Rbu5d)

16 10...Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at February 03, 2024 04:49 PM (tkR6S)

Goodwill has gotten exceedingly expensive (for a "thrift" store) the last few years, and yes, they will not bargain. Punks.

Posted by: Question Authority bumper sticker at February 03, 2024 04:59 PM (Rbu5d)

17 Thanks for the Thread !

Posted by: JT at February 03, 2024 05:00 PM (T4tVD)

18 I was watching Storyful's cat vs. model railroad videos yeaterday. There's a whole suite of garden railroad videos with cats being Godzilla.

Posted by: BifBewalski at February 03, 2024 05:10 PM (MsrgL)

19 I drove my old Fiat yesterday. It's the first time it has moved under it's own power in over 40 years. The tag on it is from 1982. The sense of accomplishment from getting a car older than I am running again is satisfying.

Now on to the electrical issues. It's not charging and none of the lights work. That can wait though as I have other pressing projects before Spring.

Posted by: fd at February 03, 2024 05:16 PM (vFG9F)

20 Went shooting at about 04:00 and realized when I got there I had not printed out new targets from last time, so had only small 'bullseye' types. I design targets myself, the ones I usually practice with are abstract shapes printed on 8-1/2 x 11 paper; and so stopped by the office after and designed and printed a few more. They often look like Matisse or Kandinsky works, maybe Rodchenko. They draw the eye to a point somewhere, more of a negative than a positive. I find my own targets to be much more useful for practice than standard store buys, for practice in dim lighting at night.
I enjoy making them.

Posted by: LenNeal at February 03, 2024 05:16 PM (OJ1IG)

21 Goodwill has gotten exceedingly expensive (for a "thrift" store) the last few years, and yes, they will not bargain. Punks.
Posted by: Question Authority bumper sticker at February 03, 2024 04:59 PM (Rbu5d)

They also no longer take items in repairable condition. That was the whole idea. Goodwill trains and offers work to people who are disabled in one way or another. Not anymore, apparently.

Posted by: OrangeEnt at February 03, 2024 05:18 PM (Angsy)

22 Beach painting is also neat to see, seems simple

Posted by: Skip at February 03, 2024 05:21 PM (fwDg9)

23 There are other thrift stores in my area other than Goodwill

Posted by: Skip at February 03, 2024 05:22 PM (fwDg9)

24 Unlike the circle bullseye targets sold everywhere, I design small squares for accuracy testing as they much more closely match the sighting equipment on most firearms anymore, and for actual practice (I know this isn't a Gun Thread, but I very much enjoy designing these) I make relational shapes, mostly in ink black, but sometimes print them out in multiple colors.

If I didn't tell you they were pistol targets you would not know what they were for.

Posted by: LenNeal at February 03, 2024 05:22 PM (OJ1IG)

25 I want to get back into the shop and metalshaping aluminum body panels for a couple car projects. I'll probably be back in the shop to do boring things like oil change or brake pads.

Work for years to build up the shop I want with excellent welders, mill ,lathe, english wheels, power hammers. Heated and cooled work shop.

Still working the regular job to pay for it. Too soon to retire to the shop yet.

Posted by: jj at February 03, 2024 05:23 PM (AVqIX)

26 Thanks for including that video on painting clouds. It's the best explanation of the reductive technique I've seen.

Posted by: JTB at February 03, 2024 05:24 PM (zudum)

27 My new hobby has been coming on for awhile now... getting more and more into it though...

My new hobby is being a Curmudgeon. It's a lot of fun.

Posted by: Romeo13 at February 03, 2024 05:24 PM (xaFKb)

28 I have an old formica vanity top in my guest bathroom that is 41 inches by 21 inches. I looked online for vanity tops and none of them are 41 in wide.

So I looked at repainting it with Rust-Oleum counter cover or trying to do an epoxy coat --- and the latter looks extremely involved and I know from my sailing days that epoxy is rather tricky to work with and Cooks off pretty fast. Anyone have any ideas?

I really want to keep the rather cool cabinet that the vanity top sits on plus it is built into an architectural Niche so the width is what the width is.

Posted by: Beverly at February 03, 2024 05:25 PM (Epeb0)

29 I'm building a couple of new target stands in the garage shop. Trying out my new HF welder to connect 4 pieces of thin rebar into an H type shape. The last set of stands were made of 2x2 pine which I lent to a friend who was not the best targeteer. He turned them into a pile of toothpicks. Heat and metal is the way to go I think.

Posted by: Maj. Healey at February 03, 2024 05:27 PM (eYF7X)

30 There are other thrift stores in my area other than Goodwill
Posted by: Skip'

Within an easy drive of me: 4 Salvation Armys, 4 Goodwills, two Lutheran Charities, 2 kickass consignment stores, multiple antique malls, and at least 10 other places to shop for stuff. I remember years ago moving to BigBlueCity and being shocked at the total absence of anything decent for resale shops, it was disgusting.
Where I live now, I don't think I'd have to buy anything new ever if I didn't feel like it.

Posted by: LenNeal at February 03, 2024 05:27 PM (OJ1IG)

31 So I looked at repainting it with Rust-Oleum counter cover or trying to do an epoxy coat --- and the latter looks extremely involved and I know from my sailing days that epoxy is rather tricky to work with and Cooks off pretty fast. Anyone have any ideas?

I really want to keep the rather cool cabinet that the vanity top sits on plus it is built into an architectural Niche so the width is what the width is.
Posted by: Beverly'

Ah crap I've done that and it turned out great but it was years ago. Hang on.

Posted by: LenNeal at February 03, 2024 05:29 PM (OJ1IG)

32 6 ... "This weekend is mostly pen repair and maintenance. I love old Esterbrook fountain pens"

None of my fountain pens use ink sacs but the screw top converters. The Pelikans have their internal fillers. Just curious how much ink the sacs hold for a days writing and are they prone to leaking.

Posted by: JTB at February 03, 2024 05:31 PM (zudum)

33 20 Went shooting at about 04:00 and realized when I got there I had not printed out new targets from last time, so had only small 'bullseye' types. I design targets myself, the ones I usually practice with are abstract shapes printed on 8-1/2 x 11 paper; and so stopped by the office after and designed and printed a few more. They often look like Matisse or Kandinsky works, maybe Rodchenko. They draw the eye to a point somewhere, more of a negative than a positive. I find my own targets to be much more useful for practice than standard store buys, for practice in dim lighting at night.
I enjoy making them.
Posted by: LenNeal a
Nice.
I've been using paper plates lately with a circle(quarter size) drawn in the middle. Cheap and just staple a new one over the old when thrashed. I do not like black targets even with the splat feature.

Posted by: Maj. Healey at February 03, 2024 05:31 PM (eYF7X)

34
Dragged my portable eight foot solar panel outside today in the sunshine and it produced up to about 80% of full output capacity which I thought was pretty good for February in North America. Not recommending for anyone except hard core preppers as under really good circumstances it only produces about .40 cents of electricity per day. But that's actually enough to produce a pot of coffee, make breakfast, lunch, and dinner on an electric griddle, fire up the well pump for short duration, heat an in-line water heater, recharge phone(s), and most importantly recharge my vape pen.

But that's my hobby circa 2024 USA, prepping. To say anything beyond that might be beyond the Terms and Conditions of this thread.

Posted by: Divide by Zero at February 03, 2024 05:31 PM (nIvob)

35 I've been using paper plates lately with a circle(quarter size) drawn in the middle. Cheap and just staple a new one over the old when thrashed. I do not like black targets even with the splat feature.
Posted by: Maj. Healey'

I work at a supermarket, have you priced paper plates lately??!!! Printer paper for me!
I also am not above the Sharpie on scrap paper if I really forget what I'm doing...

Posted by: LenNeal at February 03, 2024 05:35 PM (OJ1IG)

36 I work at a supermarket, have you priced paper plates lately??!!! Printer paper for me!

Yes the price of paper plates has doubled by us. I think the last pack we purchased were ~$7 for 300. Might have to go to paper when I run out.

Posted by: Maj. Healey at February 03, 2024 05:38 PM (eYF7X)

37 None of my fountain pens use ink sacs but the screw top converters. The Pelikans have their internal fillers. Just curious how much ink the sacs hold for a days writing and are they prone to leaking.
Posted by: JTB at February 03, 2024 05:31 PM (zudum)
----------------------

If you sac a pen properly and maintain it properly, it will last for years. The key I think is to flush them out when they're empty and you're not going to fill/use them again right away. If the ink dries up in there, it will stiffen and crack the ink sac when it flexes.

As far as capacity, an average sac probably holds about 75% of what an average converter holds maybe? Certainly not as much as my piston-filled Pelikan, but as much or even a bit more than a Pilot with a CON-40 converter.

Posted by: Pennsyltucky at February 03, 2024 05:41 PM (Npnb7)

38 Love the hobby thread. Went to a fair at the American Legion in a small town on an exploration trip. A guy there does Coin Jewelry. Beautiful intricate designs in quarters and half dollars with a jewelers saw. Heidi got a stunning cross. And home made chocolates.

Posted by: Cannibal Bob at February 03, 2024 05:42 PM (8sNng)

39 I really want to keep the rather cool cabinet that the vanity top sits on plus it is built into an architectural Niche so the width is what the width is.
Posted by: Beverly'

We used etching primers after scuffing up the surface, another shellac based thing, then automotive paints. Unfortunately I realize I can't offer you much advice as it's been over 20 years since I did it and all the products we used are long out of production.
I do recall shellac was the business, it worked really really well. But for a base coat, you had to cover it.
Anyway, anything I did then is long out of date.

Posted by: LenNeal at February 03, 2024 05:42 PM (OJ1IG)

40 I was looking through some books by Alan Lee and John Howe about the sketches they did for the LOTR movies. They are mostly pencil work. I wanted to try copying some of their approach to portraying old, gnarled wood which is a texture I find interesting. The results were less than satisfying. So I went back to an approach of starting with a simple stippled outline, get that right, then gradually add layers of texture for the effect I want. It's slow and basic but then so am I.

Posted by: JTB at February 03, 2024 05:43 PM (zudum)

41 I really want to keep the rather cool cabinet that the vanity top sits on plus it is built into an architectural Niche so the width is what the width is.
Posted by: Beverly'

And paint, like paper plates, has gotten CRAZY expensive.

Posted by: LenNeal at February 03, 2024 05:45 PM (OJ1IG)

42 Haha I had to lie down for a nap before work tonight and the cat I accidentally kicked across the house this afternoon seems to have forgotten all about it and wants scritches

Posted by: LenNeal at February 03, 2024 05:47 PM (OJ1IG)

43 A great paint for redoing cabinets is B&M Advance. Levels out nicely

Posted by: Jamaica at February 03, 2024 05:50 PM (4mdPl)

44 Anyone have any suggestions for getting 15 year old cat vomit off a map?

I could just throw it away I suppose, but it's a really cool map and I'm pretty sure I wouldn't ever be able to find a re-print.

Posted by: FeatherBlade at February 03, 2024 05:50 PM (t1XYa)

45 Starting on number five of the planned motorcycle rebuilds. Four ground-up restorations complete. And not just garage- or bike show-queens but regular drivers. Stripped down to frames, everything cleaned or replaced. This last one is a race bike replica.

Posted by: Son of Dad at February 03, 2024 05:50 PM (8JB5s)

46 Beverly how about relaminating it?

Posted by: Skip at February 03, 2024 05:53 PM (fwDg9)

47 37 ... Pennsyltuckey,

Thanks for the info about ink sacs. Never dealt with vintage fountain pens, although some of mine are approaching 40 years old. I just like they way a good pen feels (Pelikans are my favorite) when writing as it glides across the paper. Fortunately, I did learn to properly clean them right at the beginning.

Posted by: JTB at February 03, 2024 05:53 PM (zudum)

48 Haha I had to lie down for a nap before work tonight and the cat I accidentally kicked across the house this afternoon seems to have forgotten all about it and wants scritches
Posted by: LenNeal at February 03, 2024

***
They are remarkably forgiving. If yours were afraid of you doing it again -- and they know when it's on purpose vs. an accident -- he'd remember.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 03, 2024 05:56 PM (omVj0)

49 I'm rearranging my cigar humidor. It's like a wine cooler, only with cigars. I learned something a couple weeks ago about cigars. They need to be "rolled" in the humidor so the moisture doesn't settle on one side. Thus... the cigar will burn unevenly... which sucks.

This is apparently a well known phenomenon. But not to me.

And I'm sort of curious why I would have to do this if the humidor has circulated air. But now that I think about it... it makes sense. Moisture will tend to settle.

*Science*

Posted by: Martini Farmer at February 03, 2024 05:56 PM (Q4IgG)

50 I love Esterbrooks too. Someone else redid the ink sac on mine. I have some nibs I bought off ebay, including a flex nib. They're good pens. As for journals, I use Travelers' Notebooks. The regular journal is three of their blank lightweight paper inserts and that will get me through the year. I write in it every night and it's enough to document my day. I have a Moleskine daily journal for this year. Bought it for a project but went a different direction. I have another TN that acts as my wallet and has an insert of watercolor paper too

Posted by: Notsothoreau at February 03, 2024 06:04 PM (L8hCM)

51 So I looked at repainting it with Rust-Oleum counter cover or trying to do an epoxy coat --- and the latter looks extremely involved and I know from my sailing days that epoxy is rather tricky to work with and Cooks off pretty fast. Anyone have any ideas?

I really want to keep the rather cool cabinet that the vanity top sits on plus it is built into an architectural Niche so the width is what the width is.
Posted by: Beverly at February 03, 2024 05:25 PM (Epeb0)

I think you can buy melamine paint for that purpose. Formica is itself a melamine plastic.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at February 03, 2024 06:04 PM (tkR6S)

52 The heavy rain has arrived. Supposedly it will pass off by ten p.m. and leave us cool and (relatively) dry tomorrow a.m.

It's neat to hear it drumming on the roof when -- and this is crucial -- you don't have to go out in it.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 03, 2024 06:05 PM (omVj0)

53 I like the scribble drawing. Suits me. However when she talks about revealing something about yourself and that kinda stuff.... I get little frightened.

Posted by: Cannibal Bob at February 03, 2024 06:05 PM (8sNng)

54 Off to scribble.

Posted by: Cannibal Bob at February 03, 2024 06:07 PM (8sNng)

55 49 ... " I learned something a couple weeks ago about cigars. They need to be "rolled" in the humidor so the moisture doesn't settle on one side

Hadn't heard of such a thing. I worked part time at a tobacconist many years ago but never heard such a thing. However, as long as it works, roll away. Considering the cost of good cigars these days, keeping them in prime smoking condition is worth the effort.

Posted by: JTB at February 03, 2024 06:08 PM (zudum)

56 Hiya Cannibal !

Regards to Heidi !

Posted by: JT at February 03, 2024 06:08 PM (T4tVD)

57 And I hope I don't get too crazy about these, but I bought a Peg and Awl ring. It's made from the frame of a daguerrotype/ambrotype. I used to have a dauguerrotype and loved the frame. It's an interesting idea. They started out making things out of stuff from flea markets. I'm sure they are wild eyed Lefties but will enjoy my purchase anyway.

Posted by: Notsothoreau at February 03, 2024 06:08 PM (L8hCM)

58 Afternoon, Horde...

I've recently finished a stereo amplifier, here: http://tinyurl.com/mu9rshrz

And a preamplifier, here: http://tinyurl.com/4ajc37ub

Next project I'm going to make a heart shaped box for Average Wife, for Valentines. Box will be made out of aluminum, with a wood top. Biggest challenge will be working on it while AW's not home, which is pretty rare. We'll see if I can pull it off..

Posted by: Average Guy at February 03, 2024 06:08 PM (lPHZZ)

59 Starting on number five of the planned motorcycle rebuilds. Four ground-up restorations complete.

Send pics for the thread, please.

Posted by: Oddbob at February 03, 2024 06:09 PM (sNc8Y)

60 Good evening all you wonderfully talented and creative people

Posted by: Ben Had at February 03, 2024 06:13 PM (X9alN)

61 Drawing mountains for a project that may or may not happen.

Posted by: BeckoningChasm at February 03, 2024 06:18 PM (CHHv1)

62 Evenin', Ben Had.

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at February 03, 2024 06:20 PM (Wnv9h)

63 Somebody opened a new cigar shop near me.

Just the Tip.

I should go check it out.

Posted by: Mr Aspirin Factory, red heifer owner at February 03, 2024 06:21 PM (R4t5M)

64 RMBS, hugs for you and your Mom.

Posted by: Ben Had at February 03, 2024 06:22 PM (X9alN)

65 55 49 ... " I learned something a couple weeks ago about cigars. They need to be "rolled" in the humidor so the moisture doesn't settle on one side

Hadn't heard of such a thing. I worked part time at a tobacconist many years ago but never heard such a thing. However, as long as it works, roll away. Considering the cost of good cigars these days, keeping them in prime smoking condition is worth the effort.
Posted by: JTB
____________

First I'd heard of this. Several cigar enthusiasts have repeated this. In a way, a small way, it does make sense.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at February 03, 2024 06:25 PM (Q4IgG)

66 50 I love Esterbrooks too. Someone else redid the ink sac on mine. I have some nibs I bought off ebay, including a flex nib. They're good pens. As for journals, I use Travelers' Notebooks...
Posted by: Notsothoreau at February 03, 2024 06:04 PM (L8hCM)
-------------------------

Super-easy nib changes (and readily available NOS nibs) are one of the reasons I'm a fan of them as well. I really like the 2668 and 9668 medium firm nibs, and they're always on eBay for cheap.

I like the Traveler's notebooks as well, but recently I've been using Clairefontaine notebooks and I think they're every bit as good. Oddly, the best "fountain pen friendly" notebook I've found is the Pen+Gear brand "Personal Notebook" that you find at Wal-mart. Heavy paper and no bleed-through, and they're only a buck apiece.

Posted by: Pennsyltucky at February 03, 2024 06:35 PM (Npnb7)

67 A friend and I were talking and he mentioned vinyl wall coverings. Wow, the possibilities are limitless.

Posted by: Ben Had at February 03, 2024 06:41 PM (X9alN)

68 Commercial use gets vinyl wall coverings, usually high offices

Posted by: Skip at February 03, 2024 06:44 PM (fwDg9)

69 Skip, are they hard to put up? I saw a simple birch tree sketch motif that would work in my bathroom. My sink and fixtures are copper with stone tile.

Posted by: Ben Had at February 03, 2024 06:48 PM (X9alN)

70 Just like wall paper it looks to me, I see them do it occasionally

Posted by: Skip at February 03, 2024 06:52 PM (fwDg9)

71 Today I got hit by the "it's only a 30 minute job" curse in the garage. I had to mount a new rocker switch on my dash to run power to my new front differential locker I installed last week.

Well all was going well this morning when I realized that there was an unused signal wire that I had already run through the firewall so I didn't have to start drilling.

Then I tried to take apart the deutsch connector ... there's a little locking wedge piece of plastic that holds the pins into the connector. I go to pry it out and it just snaps into a billion pieces. So I need to cut the connector out and re-wire the whole switch panel. Then I go to mount the locker switch and the bezel that I had waterjetted doesn't fit! Gah! So I still have my dash ripped apart at the moment and I'm going to go put some of it back together in the morning.

Posted by: Defenestratus at February 03, 2024 06:53 PM (ItK+C)

72 Defenestratus - Pfft. Just let the wires dangle, bared ends. Twist 'em together when needed.

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc., redneck extraordinaire at February 03, 2024 06:59 PM (XeU6L)

73 I've seen the brick factory video before. You see hugely talented people if you look for ideas.

A lot of board games have excellent unpainted miniatures. I'm starting with Hero Quest and the expansions, and maybe moving on to Massive Darkness. I'm putting off doing the beautiful and more-difficult ones.

Posted by: BourbonChicken at February 03, 2024 07:00 PM (lhenN)

74 The towel rack in my bathroom was a tree made from rebar with leaves I fashioned in the forge and welded to the stalk.

Posted by: Ben Had at February 03, 2024 07:01 PM (X9alN)

75 my bathroom was a tree made from rebar with leaves

Sounds like you are lovely AND talented.

Posted by: Ronster at February 03, 2024 07:05 PM (mD/7n)

76 72 Defenestratus - Pfft. Just let the wires dangle, bared ends. Twist 'em together when needed.
Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc., redneck extraordinaire at February 03, 2024 06:59 PM (XeU6L)

haha I don't think the insurance company would appreciate that very much

Posted by: Defenestratus at February 03, 2024 07:08 PM (r0G28)

77 And I'm sort of curious why I would have to do this if the humidor has circulated air. But now that I think about it... it makes sense. Moisture will tend to settle.

Gravity, she is a harsh mistress.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at February 03, 2024 07:09 PM (bo7UB)

78 Ronster, you are too kind.

Posted by: Ben Had at February 03, 2024 07:11 PM (X9alN)

79 I buying a 10 in. Sliding Compound Miter Saw from Harbor Fright
so that I may be able to keep my upper deck from colliding with
the earth. Protecting the planet as it were.

Posted by: Braenyard at February 03, 2024 07:12 PM (XnG/+)

80 That diorama guy - great skills.

If I'd been willing to put that much detail into my architectural models I'd have gotten way better grades.

Posted by: FeatherBlade at February 03, 2024 07:12 PM (t1XYa)

81 Cicero, bounding over the salty main?

Posted by: Ben Had at February 03, 2024 07:13 PM (X9alN)

82 Began painting the walls of the stairwell this past week. Parts of the walls are 16 feet from the stair steps themselves. What a monumental PITA. I have to tell you, being at the top of the ladder is giving me the heebie jeebies.

I swear the lovely Mrs. just stands there impatiently having already entered 9 1 into the phone.

Posted by: Tonypete at February 03, 2024 07:13 PM (WSTFK)

83 If I lived in a more suitable climate I think growing and cross breeding and experimenting with hot peppers would be a fascinating hobby.

Posted by: Northernlurker at February 03, 2024 07:15 PM (8Fdcq)

84 Tonypete, be careful please.

Posted by: Ben Had at February 03, 2024 07:15 PM (X9alN)

85 I am going to start making a cigar box guitar for a friend’s son this week.

Posted by: Clay at February 03, 2024 07:16 PM (2wXRN)

86 Began painting the walls of the stairwell this past week. Parts of the walls are 16 feet from the stair steps themselves. What a monumental PITA. I have to tell you, being at the top of the ladder is giving me the heebie jeebies.
----

I have done this. The lower legs of the step ladder leveled up by lumber. I even have a picture. I referred to it as 'The ladder of death'.

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc., redneck extraordinaire at February 03, 2024 07:16 PM (XeU6L)

87
Tomorrow son and two gKids are coming over to cut out / carve / paint their pinewood derby cars.

Were I less tired, I would be getting together the tools that we will be using for all this now instead of getting caught up in that task immediately upon rising tomorrow. We shall be attempting to teach the young'uns to use a flex shaft carving tool during these exercises.

Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) at February 03, 2024 07:16 PM (xG4kz)

88 "I have to tell you, being at the top of the ladder is giving me the heebie jeebies."

A roller with an extension pole might keep you on the ground. Except for cutting in those pesky corners, of course.

When my parents were trying to decide what to use for the ceiling in their great room (16' pitched ceilings) I enthusiastically campaigned for whatever would not end up with me on the scaffold with a paintbrush.

Posted by: FeatherBlade at February 03, 2024 07:17 PM (t1XYa)

89 Will do Ben Had.

Cutting in the walls at the ceiling isn't for sissies.

Posted by: Tonypete at February 03, 2024 07:17 PM (WSTFK)

90 >>> Local Goodwill had a whole bunch of Pergo (?) flooring in that color, but they wanted three bucks a square foot, which I thought was too salty for a hardboard-based laminate, and they weren't interested in discounting it
...
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at February 03, 2024 04:49 PM
------------------------

Goodwill left good will behind a long time ago.

Posted by: Braenyard at February 03, 2024 07:18 PM (XnG/+)

91
I have done this. The lower legs of the step ladder leveled up by lumber. I even have a picture. I referred to it as 'The ladder of death'.
Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc., redneck extraordinaire

I did that as well, twenty years ago. As I recall, I used 2x6s for the stringers on which the stepladder's legs rested, so the height at which I was while doing the work did not bother me.

Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) at February 03, 2024 07:19 PM (xG4kz)

92 Parts of the walls are 16 feet from the stair steps themselves.

That makes me wonder, how will I or anyone else change the light bulb in my stair well. It also has a fancy glass cover, so can't use a bulb grabber without taking the fancy cover off first.
I'm screwed.

Posted by: Ronster at February 03, 2024 07:20 PM (mD/7n)

93 I've used Clairfontaine too. For using fountain pens on problem paper, try Noodlers Black. The Ink Guy said Moleskine should include a bottle with each notebook and I agree with that. Very fast drying so good for lefties.

Posted by: Notsothoreau at February 03, 2024 07:20 PM (L8hCM)

94 RMBS, hugs for you and your Mom.
Posted by: Ben Had at February 03, 2024 06:22 PM

{{{Ben Had}}}

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at February 03, 2024 07:20 PM (Wnv9h)

95 Anything higher than the back of a horse is too high for me

Posted by: Ben Had at February 03, 2024 07:21 PM (X9alN)

96 In the stair well there are two light bulbs that will remain unreplaced for that very reason.

Posted by: Braenyard at February 03, 2024 07:21 PM (XnG/+)

97 I am going to start making a cigar box guitar for a friend’s son this week.
Posted by: Clay at February 03, 2024 07:16 PM (2wXRN)

Use a box of Arturo Fuentes cigars. Send me the cigars.

Posted by: Diogenes at February 03, 2024 07:21 PM (W/lyH)

98 Cicero, bounding over the salty main?
Posted by: Ben Had at February 03, 2024 07:13 PM (X9alN)

Alas, but no bounding of late. I still have a major issue with the boat that seems to defy a workable fix. Without one, the boat is impractical for any use other than a seaborne drinking saloon.

Mrs. Cicero says let's just get new boat. I'm starting to see things her way.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at February 03, 2024 07:21 PM (bo7UB)

99 My New Year's resolution:
spin 30 mins a day- okay, 20.

Inventoried bins from the sewing room closet and the shed- I have fiber I have no memory of buying. Must have been the trance state from DFW Fiber Fest.
Yak? Really? But there is some lovely stuff in there as well.

But I'm getting back into the rhythm and really enjoying it. So soothing- just what we all need this year.

A friend at Prayer Shawl gave me an Ashford wheel someone gave her. It needed a new part and cleaning, but it works well now and is a sweet little machine.

Posted by: sal: tolle adversarium et afflige inimicum at February 03, 2024 07:22 PM (jN2/U)

100 r0G2

77 And I'm sort of curious why I would have to do this if the humidor has circulated air. But now that I think about it... it makes sense. Moisture will tend to settle.

Gravity, she is a harsh mistress.
Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at February 03, 2024 07:09 PM (bo7UB)

Think gas station hot dog roller. Just really slow

Posted by: A dude in MI at February 03, 2024 07:23 PM (/6GbT)

101 NL,
There's a guy that grows tropical plants in Colorado. I bet you could find some interesting varieties to try. I'd see what some of the Canadian seed companies carry.

Posted by: Notsothoreau at February 03, 2024 07:25 PM (L8hCM)

102
I did that as well, twenty years ago. As I recall, I used 2x6s for the stringers on which the stepladder's legs rested, so the height at which I was while doing the work did not bother me.
Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM)

As the walls and ceiling had been outfitted with a truly cheap and ugly wall paper of a beige-ish hue, the replacement paint job stuck to the single color approach, but with a musher lighter and more pleasant beige color. Taupe, perhaps.

Anyway, cutting paint into the junctures between surfaces was not as taxing a task as it could have been.

Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) at February 03, 2024 07:26 PM (xG4kz)

103 Tonypete if got you correct, a plank from steps to ladder and working from there might be less stress

Posted by: Skip at February 03, 2024 07:27 PM (fwDg9)

104 a seaborne drinking saloon.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at February 03, 2024 07:21 PM (bo7UB)

We're listening.

Posted by: Hugh Jass at February 03, 2024 07:27 PM (8sNng)

105 Notsothoreau. Do you see a loom in your future?

Posted by: Ben Had at February 03, 2024 07:27 PM (X9alN)

106 That makes me wonder, how will I or anyone else change the light bulb in my stair well.

I had one like that. I sold the house.

Posted by: Oddbob at February 03, 2024 07:28 PM (sNc8Y)

107 WOW! Good for you! I'm putting together a MM for the plants on our property, but wasn't planning on illustrating it. Sounds like a great idea. Hope you send in photos of your efforts.
Posted by: Question Authority bumper sticker at February 03, 2024 04:57 PM (Rbu5d)

we used to press the flowers and leaves between sheets of wax paper in heavy books, and I believe some of the early plant collections for the Northwest were done that way as well. If you aren't much for drawing, then you might consider pressing the plants to dry and then sealing them in laminate, or vacuum sealing them in those envelopes.

Posted by: Kindltot at February 03, 2024 07:29 PM (D7oie)

108 Oddbob at February 03, 2024 07:28 PM (sNc8Y)

Good solution.

Posted by: Ronster at February 03, 2024 07:30 PM (mD/7n)

109 Yeah, I have all sorts of odd fiber, including a flax project I wanted to do. Have you read "In the Footsteps of Sheep"? A British woman decided to do a walkabout and learned about and spin fiber from endangered breeds. She knit socks with yarn spun on a spindle. I was able to find places selling wool from those breeds so I have bits of that left. I did finish my last little project, so should start something new. I'm much happier when I spin.

Posted by: Notsothoreau at February 03, 2024 07:30 PM (L8hCM)

110 "That makes me wonder, how will I or anyone else change the light bulb in my stair well."

The solution is to install a window in the stairwell and forego hanging light fixtures.

Or to as they did when that was a reasonable fixture of a house and have servants to change it for you.

Posted by: FeatherBlade at February 03, 2024 07:30 PM (t1XYa)

111 I'm glad everyone else is having fun. I unpacked two bus bars for installation and discovered that the posts were M10 instead of M8. Oh, well, it was a nice day outside.

Posted by: mrp at February 03, 2024 07:31 PM (rj6Yv)

112
Movie thread NOOD

Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) at February 03, 2024 07:34 PM (xG4kz)

113 No, I dabbled at weaving when I was younger. Had a four harness table loom with foot treadle conversion. Learned a bit about overshot. And I played with tapestry weaving. I have some small backstrap looms for making Sami braids and I would like to make those up.

I used to have an email lists for small looms, especially pin looms but gave that up. I do admire woven rugs.

Posted by: Notsothoreau at February 03, 2024 07:34 PM (L8hCM)

114 The towel rack in my bathroom was a tree made from rebar with leaves I fashioned in the forge and welded to the stalk.

Posted by: Ben Had at February 03, 2024 07:01 PM (X9alN)

Wow. Ben will you marry us?

Posted by: Cannibal Bob at February 03, 2024 07:36 PM (8sNng)

115 Or to as they did when that was a reasonable fixture of a house and have servants to change it for you.

Only house servant I have is wifey. She won't even get on the lowest rung of a stepladder. I'm screwed

Posted by: Ronster at February 03, 2024 07:36 PM (mD/7n)

116 NsT, my last purchase was some Gulf Coast Sheep wool from a breeder on the coast at the Mother Earth News Fair.
They were dying out, but have been rescued? or whatever the correct term is. Lovely, silky wool and looking forward to working with it.

Posted by: sal: tolle adversarium et afflige inimicum at February 03, 2024 07:36 PM (jN2/U)

117 hi JT!,, Heidi says hi!

Posted by: Cannibal Bob at February 03, 2024 07:36 PM (8sNng)

118 In model airplane news, March will bring us two new kits.

One is the ICM 1/48 B-26B/C Marauder. From the 3D renderings released there is a plethora of detail evident. But the US MSRP is around $130. Five years ago that would have bought you the HK Models 1/48 B-17F Flying Fortress. Ouch.

Magic Factory is also releasing in March a 1/48 A-4M Skyhawk. There are optional parts to build either early or late A-4M plus there is a full nose of avionics included that the modeler can display open. Price for just one airplane is looking to be around $90US. Just a few months ago they released an early Vought Corsair dual combo kit, two planes, for less. Double ouch.

All of a sudden the very antique Monogram B-26 Marauder looks very very nice. Same with the more modern Hasegawa A-4M Skyhawk kit.

Posted by: Anna Puma at February 03, 2024 07:38 PM (AWjrK)

119 I swear the lovely Mrs. just stands there impatiently having already entered 9 1 into the phone.

Posted by: Tonypete at February 03, 2024 07:13 PM (WSTFK)

Do not fear. The Horde Emergency Medical Team is at your disposal! Do you have a hot iron ready?

Posted by: Cannibal Bob at February 03, 2024 07:39 PM (8sNng)

120 Anything higher than the back of a horse is too high for me
Posted by: Ben Had at February 03, 2024 07:21 PM (X9alN)

there you go, just ride a horse inside and stand on that. Cinch the belly strap tight1

Posted by: Kindltot at February 03, 2024 07:43 PM (D7oie)

121 107 ... "we used to press the flowers and leaves between sheets of wax paper"

When I was a kid in New England we used to try to find the best autumn color leaves in our backyard. We would press them between sheets of wax paper but sealed them with an iron set on low. I can still remember the aroma of the warm wax paper. It was cheap entertainment for busy parents with small children. As I recall, they lasted quite a while.

Posted by: JTB at February 03, 2024 07:44 PM (zudum)

122 More airplane model news from the Nuremberg toy show comes via Eduard.

August will see their boxing of the aforementioned HK Models B-17F with options on five different nose configurations plus other added details.

October will see their new tool 1/48 P-40E. Also during the year they will release a 1/48 P-51B Mustang to go with their existing series of P-51D kits.

Last bit of news is also Mustang. For the first time in years Eduard will be releasing a Royal Class P-51 Mustang kit. This means lots of resin and probably 3D printed goodies. Their Bf 109F Royal Class had as a gift a wine glass embossed with various Jagdgeshwander unit insignias. Don't know what the Mustang one will contain.

Posted by: Anna Puma at February 03, 2024 07:44 PM (AWjrK)

123 If I lived in a more suitable climate I think growing and cross breeding and experimenting with hot peppers would be a fascinating hobby.
Posted by: Northernlurker at February 03, 2024 07:15 PM (8Fdcq)

I save pepper seeds and last year I saved radish seeds that I planted for my fall garden. I wound up with odd combinations of Korean and cayenne peppers last fall, and since I planted red globe, white icecicle and daikon close to each other, I wound up mostly with pink daikons which my wife thought were excellent.

Posted by: Kindltot at February 03, 2024 07:46 PM (D7oie)

124 Noodlers Black is fantastic ink, I use it almost exclusively.

Posted by: sock_rat_eez - these lying bastardi e stronzi have been lying to us for decades at February 03, 2024 07:51 PM (QwWES)

125 heh, yeah, a few time I have opened old books of Papa Eez's and found leaves that we pressed when I was a small person.

Posted by: sock_rat_eez - these lying bastardi e stronzi have been lying to us for decades at February 03, 2024 07:55 PM (QwWES)

126 doing my humble best to carry on willow's tradition, right?

Posted by: sock_rat_eez - these lying bastardi e stronzi have been lying to us for decades at February 03, 2024 07:56 PM (QwWES)

127 uhuh.

Posted by: sock_rat_eez - these lying bastardi e stronzi have been lying to us for decades at February 03, 2024 07:56 PM (QwWES)

128 Well it's not dead yet.

Posted by: Notsothoreau at February 03, 2024 08:13 PM (L8hCM)

129 Miracle Mile looks to be like a west coast version of After Hours.

Posted by: pawn at February 03, 2024 08:30 PM (QB+5g)

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