tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12481443554380637712024-03-20T20:35:37.175-04:00Well that was... an idea...A chronicle of work (and work delayed) on a century home in small town Ohio.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger122125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1248144355438063771.post-45665777541490530232013-06-26T19:28:00.000-04:002013-07-31T19:29:35.622-04:00I've moved!Not houses, but blog locations. The continuing chronicles of my place can be found at <a href="http://imonfireyesthatsrightimburningpleasedontjuststandthereandwatch.com/">http://imonfireyesthatsrightimburningpleasedontjuststandthereandwatch.com/</a> (seriously; old joke; maybe I'll explain it somewhere on the new site...)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1248144355438063771.post-23055274071315032522012-12-14T15:39:00.003-05:002013-01-14T23:59:17.164-05:00So that you know I am not dead......I will post to say a) I am alive, b) the house remains standing, and c) things are continually being done both inside and out. But I keep forgetting to take pictures, so a several-months-long list of things like:<br />
<ul>
<li>expanded garden beds, did some light landscaping</li>
<li>hours upon hours of scintillating work scraping off old wallpaper to reveal even older wallpaper</li>
<li>old stuff of finishing painting the eaves on the front of the house</li>
<li>even older stuff about rerouting gutters</li>
<li>minor flooring additions to the attic</li>
<li>repair of a return pipe on the boiler</li>
<li>storing of lumber and beautiful walnut branches in the basement </li>
<li>... and no doubt much more.</li>
</ul>
<div>
I will take some pictures and write some tales, I promise. Just don't ask when.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1248144355438063771.post-73701609298118402702012-09-29T23:40:00.000-04:002012-09-29T23:40:55.014-04:00It's so comfortable...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So at long last I followed through on my threat to use the rest of that pressure-treated lumber I'd salvaged years back...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdU31CkuuB3E4olUsaGh1OEr8-H0ne-h6XC5DDQxJkbEi_lwX1pnLyl7ckNJhDab9KkGYCd20MTKD-rGD3dSEF_Cio9AYpgc3nnfls1el9Hg9L3vozudn6p9J27QBcViPWvaTeogdhIvjj/s1600/adchair_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdU31CkuuB3E4olUsaGh1OEr8-H0ne-h6XC5DDQxJkbEi_lwX1pnLyl7ckNJhDab9KkGYCd20MTKD-rGD3dSEF_Cio9AYpgc3nnfls1el9Hg9L3vozudn6p9J27QBcViPWvaTeogdhIvjj/s320/adchair_2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
... and make something both functional and aesthetically pleasing:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyphenhyphenTD6ql3EYDJ44nAHFxYSW6_jqHdBLBqjc6o5bibny_JnXBjqlOVrTTLAmrVJypZdAAgRgL-XbHVmqJqtt7BjCqtgk1zMsmICdXzjDg2ynwJT542voBp5gjmAa-S7BRDWFUrcxyixzIU_/s1600/1333574762_ryan-gosling-article.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyphenhyphenTD6ql3EYDJ44nAHFxYSW6_jqHdBLBqjc6o5bibny_JnXBjqlOVrTTLAmrVJypZdAAgRgL-XbHVmqJqtt7BjCqtgk1zMsmICdXzjDg2ynwJT542voBp5gjmAa-S7BRDWFUrcxyixzIU_/s320/1333574762_ryan-gosling-article.jpg" width="247" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>No, wait, that's not it.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcc7cDSr4TABqYg8MUq9w1pVbYyXBKS0DUvnTtW4v3bLENW8hjFA6RNq0EWMq5a32Bi7WwM0Ul5ZHsgtZCrkU8OcSrnS5508izICn8bDLGenhr-T2DjvR3PmmTs1xnI5CT0F-MewBE4vHP/s1600/adchair_final3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcc7cDSr4TABqYg8MUq9w1pVbYyXBKS0DUvnTtW4v3bLENW8hjFA6RNq0EWMq5a32Bi7WwM0Ul5ZHsgtZCrkU8OcSrnS5508izICn8bDLGenhr-T2DjvR3PmmTs1xnI5CT0F-MewBE4vHP/s320/adchair_final3.jpg" width="285" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>There we go. Sorry Ryan, you won't weather as well sitting outside all winter.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Even after completing that <a href="http://wellthatwasanidea.blogspot.com/2010/10/just-in-time-for-winter-picnic-table.html">picnic table</a> several years ago I still had maybe a dozen 8-foot lengths of almost 1x6 (I'll explain the almost later) and a desire to create a sitting space other than my front porch. I've always liked the look and feel of Adirondack chairs (variants sometimes called Cape Cod-style, or Muskoka apparently) - the wide arms, the curved seat (not always a standard design element, FYI), the high backs, and the rustic quality, plus I used to go to Boy Scout camp in the Adirondack Mountains. So there we are.<br />
<br />
Searching for chair plans online brought up literally dozens of options. I settled on <a href="http://www.buildeazy.com/capecod-1.html">this plan</a> for its look - it really seemed the most comfortable of the designs I viewed - and its largely complete instructions set including three excellent options for creating the cut templates.<br />
<br />
Depending on the wood you buy, 38 feet of 1x6, 8 feet of 1x4, and 68" of 2x6 could wind up costing $100+ easily. Because these chairs are meant to be used outdoors - and therefore may be painted - this is a great project to use reclaimed or even scrap lumber. It's even better if you have 'spare' pressure treated (or, heaven forbid, redwood or other traditional outdoor furniture woods) boards. $10 in fasteners and several hours of work later and you'll have a conversation piece from which to have very relaxed conversations.<br />
<br />
This project got stopped and started several times due to other work, but I'd estimate it as doable by one person in four hours (not counting sanding) IF you have all the tools and space so you don't get in your own way.<br />
<br />
<i>Tools:</i><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Mitre saw</li>
<li>Table saw (at minimum, the seat slats need to be ripped)</li>
<li>Jigsaw</li>
<li>Drill with paddle bit and predrill bit</li>
<li>Circ saw</li>
<li>Workbench with adjustable opening in top. (If your table saw can cut a shallow enough angle for the back slats and arms, you won't need this or the circ saw)</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXdAzW6yTMYGnAVYK15jUX_9-rNpb5lt4mt396Ug-i2qJbCbSAIroYAJQqa-CqFLlYjbDQGaEChd3lh9UCkFnnwhRytobfewaKr_2xZcJOmxAE8y4uy4WT4RyXz0xfibJ3HWgYLAxvAo41/s1600/adchair_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXdAzW6yTMYGnAVYK15jUX_9-rNpb5lt4mt396Ug-i2qJbCbSAIroYAJQqa-CqFLlYjbDQGaEChd3lh9UCkFnnwhRytobfewaKr_2xZcJOmxAE8y4uy4WT4RyXz0xfibJ3HWgYLAxvAo41/s320/adchair_3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Everything except the arms cut to length. I chose to rip the 1x4s out of the 1x6s instead of buying or finding 1x4 pressure treated.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I opted for combining the grid plan and measurements templating options from the site. Pro-tip on making templates for symmetrical cuts (like the back supports) - you only need to draw out half of the template; just flip it over on the board to trace the other half. You also only need to template the top of the back slats. The long angle can be marked with measurements and a straightedge on the board itself.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEbLxmTDDuIIyKL8dRNitPCVRtzQMmIjLzjF4zWo6ihCVrzMIHjPWi3fwQmeqJrb11Hm-_zaHKtc0U90hJifFVylS1Zs8qfSpEoY15KCrzDVQnh9i02Rz5EUkoVSbf_kCpQJPtj-BL-Mg6/s1600/adchair_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEbLxmTDDuIIyKL8dRNitPCVRtzQMmIjLzjF4zWo6ihCVrzMIHjPWi3fwQmeqJrb11Hm-_zaHKtc0U90hJifFVylS1Zs8qfSpEoY15KCrzDVQnh9i02Rz5EUkoVSbf_kCpQJPtj-BL-Mg6/s320/adchair_4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpAYRSlQvwQU7P_rwQ7yvTWv9F4XvNFEQuhN3Lzp3nq3l0yYmYYmL9r31GLS2ADQeGkPVwOne6NBGAAMrufAmuG3Ovk3XDrbUNmLPRvAFfgTrapwpZHT0s3skPd-SakVNnSoOpcKue0WSJ/s1600/adchair_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpAYRSlQvwQU7P_rwQ7yvTWv9F4XvNFEQuhN3Lzp3nq3l0yYmYYmL9r31GLS2ADQeGkPVwOne6NBGAAMrufAmuG3Ovk3XDrbUNmLPRvAFfgTrapwpZHT0s3skPd-SakVNnSoOpcKue0WSJ/s320/adchair_5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>You can also 'nest' some of the templates since cuts are only made on one edge of the wood. Saves time and paper, but does require a bit of spatial reasoning. Above, the upper and lower back supports.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Not much else to report - the online plans (and handy pictures) were easy to follow and made a lot of sense. Two adjustments, and then another pro tip. First, I skipped the part in the instructions where they suggested temporarily attaching the sides to the leg/arm unit and using temporary spacers to keep the right width. I just maneuvered everything into place, clamped, and attached the bolts directly, several steps early. It's possible I lucked out and got everything pretty square by accident. If anyone sees a good reason to do things the way the instructions say, I'm all ears.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
That should be my mantra.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Second adjustment - I was sloppy in measuring the salvaged wood. The boards are actually 1 1/4x6s - so one inch thick instead of 3/4" thick. This had virtually no impact on the construction, save for the rear spacer which had to be cut down a half inch (1/4" on either side) to fit. As always, measure twice, cut once, then remeasure, realize your mistake, and cut again.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
No, I was wrong. That's my mantra.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Quickly now - pro-tips all around:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1) Narrow scrap wood should be a mainstay of every shop - easiest way I know to guide a circ saw along a long angled cut, like for the back slats.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVP4DzWUekyN5ZTvxWisdY2LbYQglIaf5Z0aOVIIYRtR-kqQGjFd6rXI3ByG9xMsXF_hJdOXtSoGvCvwCqJP8jIR9laLwBW6T1XCf6s0pnPDIrY6jz-eW13Jt7bxsaL2uQGMobH9CCeUO_/s1600/adchair_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVP4DzWUekyN5ZTvxWisdY2LbYQglIaf5Z0aOVIIYRtR-kqQGjFd6rXI3ByG9xMsXF_hJdOXtSoGvCvwCqJP8jIR9laLwBW6T1XCf6s0pnPDIrY6jz-eW13Jt7bxsaL2uQGMobH9CCeUO_/s320/adchair_6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
2) Invest in a good saw blade for said circ saw. If you're cutting pressure treated wood or heavy hardwoods, get a new blade, period. My old blade was bucking and binding when trying to cut the arms especially. $11 at the hardware store later and the cut took less than three seconds.<br />
<br />
3) Finally, if you're using reclaimed wood, take advantage of the ravages of time. Knots, gouges, nicks - don't sand them all away. And with weathered pressure-treated wood, experiment with not sanding down too far to allow for multiple colors and graining to emerge. The arms (which I have no idea where that wood came from, just that I had almost the perfect lengths sitting on my shelf) have three or four colors, like desert wood, from yellows to grays (of course) to even a bit of reddish purple. And the sides (second shot below) are tiger-striped because of how deep the worn ridges in those boards were. Great accents to the piece, I think.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Ee9Yhdf_eBzKVRxRvGAScf7_ob4oW6f1xCbw9M7p-St82R5UsUSEzeBe8r8fpqmTuvsED9TXlnXnI_qHoasw_2jlfEt2LGjbmXMyBJfCUx5gI9G7Mu8T7VNqH8EGTAj_NbCtMTALMROG/s1600/adchair_final1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Ee9Yhdf_eBzKVRxRvGAScf7_ob4oW6f1xCbw9M7p-St82R5UsUSEzeBe8r8fpqmTuvsED9TXlnXnI_qHoasw_2jlfEt2LGjbmXMyBJfCUx5gI9G7Mu8T7VNqH8EGTAj_NbCtMTALMROG/s320/adchair_final1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrm1TgvdQZ-uNLqphAgBU_HIcoUT9HDGU6FBdk8aFLZwmnHJAVlp0PuuiPv3cQHNwSONRt1dheOp9fg9ITL3rpMc1zEO39e6DIpnLBF_m2JZftjLsSNYIv2IdTDIeDgpztroACHHqI3Owe/s1600/adchair_final2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrm1TgvdQZ-uNLqphAgBU_HIcoUT9HDGU6FBdk8aFLZwmnHJAVlp0PuuiPv3cQHNwSONRt1dheOp9fg9ITL3rpMc1zEO39e6DIpnLBF_m2JZftjLsSNYIv2IdTDIeDgpztroACHHqI3Owe/s320/adchair_final2.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcc7cDSr4TABqYg8MUq9w1pVbYyXBKS0DUvnTtW4v3bLENW8hjFA6RNq0EWMq5a32Bi7WwM0Ul5ZHsgtZCrkU8OcSrnS5508izICn8bDLGenhr-T2DjvR3PmmTs1xnI5CT0F-MewBE4vHP/s1600/adchair_final3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcc7cDSr4TABqYg8MUq9w1pVbYyXBKS0DUvnTtW4v3bLENW8hjFA6RNq0EWMq5a32Bi7WwM0Ul5ZHsgtZCrkU8OcSrnS5508izICn8bDLGenhr-T2DjvR3PmmTs1xnI5CT0F-MewBE4vHP/s320/adchair_final3.jpg" width="285" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Now to build a deck, and I'm all set...</i></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1248144355438063771.post-49601957900200974492012-09-01T15:25:00.003-04:002012-09-01T15:25:45.129-04:00How to keep yourself sane at nightWhen you've replaced a smoke detector and stuck the old one somewhere with vague intentions of recycling or properly disposing of it or whatever, take that extra moment to remove the battery. This way you will avoid spending your 2am hour going up and down stepladders replacing perfectly fine batteries in all of your other smoke detectors.<br />
<br />
The more you know...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1248144355438063771.post-44877385287529574312012-08-25T15:30:00.001-04:002012-08-25T15:31:06.829-04:00More things that can be built with 2x4sA ramp for the shed which *should* be capable of supporting the industrial drill press that's currently in there.<br />
<br />
Quick (stackable) sawhorses using <a href="http://shoppingmatchmaker.com/sawhorse.html">these plans</a>, currently minus the plywood caps.<br />
<br />
Updates (and pictures) to follow.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1248144355438063771.post-22931239291614432262012-08-22T13:15:00.000-04:002012-08-25T15:42:06.814-04:00Quick updatesI won't get in the habit of posting about the house if I don't get in the habit of posting about the house.<br />
<br />
QED.<br />
<br />
Recent work, as opposed to rearranging stuff to make room for the NY stuff, includes:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>painting the porch eaves</li>
<li>painting the sides of the house to at least the top of the second story windows</li>
<li>various sealing and <a href="http://www.abatron.com/building-and-restoration-products/woodepox.html?vmcchk=1">puttying</a> on eaves and trim</li>
<li>installation of some new shelves in the laundry room</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1248144355438063771.post-48951970292882855162012-08-14T14:05:00.000-04:002012-08-14T14:05:16.346-04:00One thing led to another...I built a dolly:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK881tfUc4oxEQKVbwin9Xml3IwrdIQuP4uZsTLu0WBCR6OG3jDCQg9UvxvBH80xLC7XLqaxnMOALo80QsWs1q7gRaG-LPXgl7z0C7TnfPk_rzJfCjwKxJZX-5Znvu5j4lTtB30GXR5wAt/s1600/dolly6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK881tfUc4oxEQKVbwin9Xml3IwrdIQuP4uZsTLu0WBCR6OG3jDCQg9UvxvBH80xLC7XLqaxnMOALo80QsWs1q7gRaG-LPXgl7z0C7TnfPk_rzJfCjwKxJZX-5Znvu5j4lTtB30GXR5wAt/s320/dolly6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I did this because I need to clear and rearrange space in the living room, workroom, and attic to receive a bunch of (mostly) books from back east that have been sitting in a storage locker for several months longer than my father would like. This sudden flurry of boxing and moving boxes and furniture contemplation led to the following:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<ol>
<li>Box up books in one corner of living room. Consider placing them temporarily where the desk is currently located.</li>
<li>Realize the bookshelves that are also coming from NY would fit well where the desk is, and decide to place something else in that space, something that will be gone before the shelves arrive.</li>
<li>Decide to take all the stuff I agreed to store for someone for the month of August and put it in the place where the desk resides currently. Plan to move other things to the foyer where the stored stuff is currently.</li>
<li>Realize all this is contingent on moving the desk.</li>
<li>Remove everything from the corner where the desk will go.</li>
<li>Empty desk drawers, clean top, finally unplug and put away various electronic devices atop the desk that are no longer being used.</li>
<li>Find that desk is too heavy to move by myself.</li>
<li>Mutter 'I could do this if I had a dolly.'</li>
<li>Decide to build a dolly.</li>
<li>Get sidetracked for an hour sorting all the lumber I rescued from the theater festival strike by size, even though I only need four pieces of wood.</li>
<li>Finally begin this fifteen minute construction project:</li>
</ol>
<div>
You'll need:</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>2x4s (I went with 2@18" and 2@25")</li>
<li>four casters</li>
<li>carpet padding or scrap carpet</li>
<li>staple gun and staples</li>
<li>2.5" screws</li>
<li>power drill and bit set</li>
</ul>
<div>
Cut your wood and lay it out, ensuring everything squares up. Fasten with at least two screws per intersection; predrilling recommended. Remember to keep the screws to the outer edges of the intersection to make sure you can place the caster in the center.</div>
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7uZzMC_zgKXnBbASReeAd4u3v0Ec7ClrXp6Vqe0qUV7MKQPhoPKSY8qLOupCXdui7Wesv2P9XDm8RLHh3Wunz-trUOXKe48P0ju8Uio6R81TJope10fkKPnSu3zBMxZNne132IDxfKMyN/s1600/dolly1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7uZzMC_zgKXnBbASReeAd4u3v0Ec7ClrXp6Vqe0qUV7MKQPhoPKSY8qLOupCXdui7Wesv2P9XDm8RLHh3Wunz-trUOXKe48P0ju8Uio6R81TJope10fkKPnSu3zBMxZNne132IDxfKMyN/s320/dolly1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Cut the carpet padding to size (a little hanging over all edges is best - the point is to protect anything you're dollying) and staple directly to the top surface of the 2x4s. If you're using carpet, you will need heavier staples or possibly tacks.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisOSL-ttr7krBMWZP_kXPZWxBTxllBqa_JJT9dZWc5loQW34VVPEF1pvAvJAxdpGnW5OSKEUv-PQ-KJgSOhC5izRpU3BPcD3u56reGakNpacZ9j5o2o32GD93WZO2Ik9VuMF4VOEOsQfho/s1600/dolly2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisOSL-ttr7krBMWZP_kXPZWxBTxllBqa_JJT9dZWc5loQW34VVPEF1pvAvJAxdpGnW5OSKEUv-PQ-KJgSOhC5izRpU3BPcD3u56reGakNpacZ9j5o2o32GD93WZO2Ik9VuMF4VOEOsQfho/s320/dolly2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Drill a hole dead center of each intersection. The casters I had are threaded, so I chose a bit a little narrower than their dimension, inserted a caster, hand screwed it one or two turns so it was firmly in the hole, then used an adjustable wrench to tighten them down. (These casters, conveniently, had an octagonal plate between the wheel and the stem.)</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJkEhxdSAlL7ITIQI8y9b5p7ouBzcQTHJ9SOSLOQ2W5M8jxPtlE8Ly-yfTMaY-AmkA-xsorpgDNtneTezok03wEe8pHLu-vApv4NO43Tx6oLeOzyqx7UVeLEjJJTnKEYBSY46kUsDz5A-B/s1600/dolly3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJkEhxdSAlL7ITIQI8y9b5p7ouBzcQTHJ9SOSLOQ2W5M8jxPtlE8Ly-yfTMaY-AmkA-xsorpgDNtneTezok03wEe8pHLu-vApv4NO43Tx6oLeOzyqx7UVeLEjJJTnKEYBSY46kUsDz5A-B/s320/dolly3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii5DQQ9hRz0S0aIfaCXI3wZFcGQXxWOxK5cUpgudT5_wYZpiuXE82aIxsvwpdjyBGcVjCDr-Moy05AG7SyxfBsmKJ8Ttox8T1TRv78vxDixJtWMEkLjGDbMDccXSRfkH2XM_M72J8Rr2-a/s1600/dolly4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii5DQQ9hRz0S0aIfaCXI3wZFcGQXxWOxK5cUpgudT5_wYZpiuXE82aIxsvwpdjyBGcVjCDr-Moy05AG7SyxfBsmKJ8Ttox8T1TRv78vxDixJtWMEkLjGDbMDccXSRfkH2XM_M72J8Rr2-a/s320/dolly4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiYTwtz3oOo5IqquN-9qZkpqxskZbAjkDV0kXJO3hBIbjhUs14Y2TiK1RpFWr2gTuSX8RzwsNscdZ89DxamP4I_OX7_cOy3oyJVPI2HwDAucrnl9b5lk_DErTNOeIk0NMLQCemiuuqE34f/s1600/dolly5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiYTwtz3oOo5IqquN-9qZkpqxskZbAjkDV0kXJO3hBIbjhUs14Y2TiK1RpFWr2gTuSX8RzwsNscdZ89DxamP4I_OX7_cOy3oyJVPI2HwDAucrnl9b5lk_DErTNOeIk0NMLQCemiuuqE34f/s320/dolly5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
12. Use new dolly to move desk fifteen feet. Call it a day and plan to deal with the rest of the living room tomorrow.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK881tfUc4oxEQKVbwin9Xml3IwrdIQuP4uZsTLu0WBCR6OG3jDCQg9UvxvBH80xLC7XLqaxnMOALo80QsWs1q7gRaG-LPXgl7z0C7TnfPk_rzJfCjwKxJZX-5Znvu5j4lTtB30GXR5wAt/s1600/dolly6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK881tfUc4oxEQKVbwin9Xml3IwrdIQuP4uZsTLu0WBCR6OG3jDCQg9UvxvBH80xLC7XLqaxnMOALo80QsWs1q7gRaG-LPXgl7z0C7TnfPk_rzJfCjwKxJZX-5Znvu5j4lTtB30GXR5wAt/s320/dolly6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1248144355438063771.post-42947626019135391502012-08-14T13:46:00.002-04:002012-08-14T13:46:44.544-04:00Believe it or not...I've done a bunch of housework since February, I just don't have internet at the house so I often forget to post anything. Besides, you like pictures with your stories, I know you do.<br />
<br />
More of the exterior is painted, the garden beds have been expanded a little, the raspberry bushes are coming in all over, and more light fixtures have been upgraded. But all of that is but words. Pictures, and more frequent updates, hopefully soon.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1248144355438063771.post-25208897318008854842012-02-11T14:47:00.000-05:002012-02-11T14:47:34.137-05:00Tea shelvesToday on <i>Well That Was... An Idea... </i>a good idea to turn scrap wood into a useful kitchen organizer.<br />
<br />
We'll be back after these commercials.<br />
<br />
(That's your clue to click on all the banner ads on this site and make me millions.)<br />
<br />
So I had a cabinet full of boxes and bags of tea. I also had a small gap between a door and a cabinet, and plenty of scrap wood just waiting to be project-ed.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_GAHEoopEmqaX5zH4DVfozuDLWxxreb_LS3SMcBx5R3T7dgSfOBqPva0Cbx6wMsjHFUaxqgTuv6VsMjAZAu8Rp5A1oSDuOaHlgcB-DlrMOLTb-RUNPb3TpkWuvC3kAhJyKyThvMacB_-4/s1600/CIMG7789.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_GAHEoopEmqaX5zH4DVfozuDLWxxreb_LS3SMcBx5R3T7dgSfOBqPva0Cbx6wMsjHFUaxqgTuv6VsMjAZAu8Rp5A1oSDuOaHlgcB-DlrMOLTb-RUNPb3TpkWuvC3kAhJyKyThvMacB_-4/s320/CIMG7789.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Top: Scrap wood. Bottom: Scrap wood, lovingly sanded.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Ten minutes with a random-orbit sander can take weathered wood and turn it into a paintable, or in this case stainable, surface that retains the scars and irregularities of the scrap.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I should do a full post about making black walnut stain (the gist is pretty straightforward - throw husks into water, boil for a while) but meanwhile, here's what one and then two coats on these pine boards looks like:</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaGbhAhZupRpOdVpmlmSBbPjyMe4XPG2YZYlEfPs3lxuaUaPlDEPpENf-dP-Fb1tcjcWqO-yaRnwSFc8t7Jus0WeAZXONZIuq29lF6TxDNfVXQKzJyWZUalcE8Hu48QTEFKZypVnWCrh2S/s1600/CIMG7793.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaGbhAhZupRpOdVpmlmSBbPjyMe4XPG2YZYlEfPs3lxuaUaPlDEPpENf-dP-Fb1tcjcWqO-yaRnwSFc8t7Jus0WeAZXONZIuq29lF6TxDNfVXQKzJyWZUalcE8Hu48QTEFKZypVnWCrh2S/s320/CIMG7793.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieZocRpT1dLHqbWrRSN7d4fnv8gfvFTm_I619r34H6_p4l6pVru93lScT5vP8KI3MnY3Lp5dO-LRxanAXWJBoXpSmDjSxNV6vw4RvUxDsXgdHl1moJcTjUNN4gbxfW6f3MD6KsYjVwPnf_/s1600/CIMG7801.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieZocRpT1dLHqbWrRSN7d4fnv8gfvFTm_I619r34H6_p4l6pVru93lScT5vP8KI3MnY3Lp5dO-LRxanAXWJBoXpSmDjSxNV6vw4RvUxDsXgdHl1moJcTjUNN4gbxfW6f3MD6KsYjVwPnf_/s320/CIMG7801.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Installing was straightforward: sink a couple of 2" drywall screw from the other side of the cabinet into the board:</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoG9jDQlGeBhKuVpNYgYrICVNzixDR1H96uf62XlmWgAz2PgJM9UTUpgkbHlSkO5pjv459a3Rz6Itd3ZgkDWC0TG-In0l0rcbnLIYESGbLj0EfWS_M9AfulLW9Icz1IUsBTuZAf5MSTiee/s1600/CIMG7814.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoG9jDQlGeBhKuVpNYgYrICVNzixDR1H96uf62XlmWgAz2PgJM9UTUpgkbHlSkO5pjv459a3Rz6Itd3ZgkDWC0TG-In0l0rcbnLIYESGbLj0EfWS_M9AfulLW9Icz1IUsBTuZAf5MSTiee/s320/CIMG7814.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqhRlHXhrPx5lzgdM5ZfYnTKnccMaOi3wYdUFmhyphenhyphenrq8adae_u3Dh35WSOZkTqkl6tRhzw4VY5roe-AjbsCTPew0jAxqGmOSFi01FzMHjl_5NerMnUZxRFuCMlEPzZ2I6nAHJtlbj-1ynmh/s1600/CIMG7818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqhRlHXhrPx5lzgdM5ZfYnTKnccMaOi3wYdUFmhyphenhyphenrq8adae_u3Dh35WSOZkTqkl6tRhzw4VY5roe-AjbsCTPew0jAxqGmOSFi01FzMHjl_5NerMnUZxRFuCMlEPzZ2I6nAHJtlbj-1ynmh/s320/CIMG7818.JPG" width="187" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Voila. Now I can find things.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Worth noting: the straightforward install was not the original method. That method did not work as intended. Learn from my mistakes and do it right the first time.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The plan was to drill holes into both the back edge of each board and the face of the cabinet and use wooden pegs to connect the two. There are two main areas where this can go less than great. The first is lining up all the holes correctly. A drill press can simplify drilling the holes into the boards (it's not necessary - see my trick below), but you'll be going freehand into the cabinet. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcLnE9GajVTe0ltWD4Na1YmxSGvySw-WOY7LSsxf4nu9BjhmdEnfdIKFbmgcJU7IFfCAd86Es9l7oM_qvcyO08YoN9dQBL1cZJEpr28FTMgOJ2UcmlKYeZpxrIf79SenLr714JBmkqcNLx/s1600/xCIMG7803.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcLnE9GajVTe0ltWD4Na1YmxSGvySw-WOY7LSsxf4nu9BjhmdEnfdIKFbmgcJU7IFfCAd86Es9l7oM_qvcyO08YoN9dQBL1cZJEpr28FTMgOJ2UcmlKYeZpxrIf79SenLr714JBmkqcNLx/s320/xCIMG7803.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTC1h-ZLVJCnkoffKnb69WFuEDa-bfKN4cOwwAi82fgR7wA49AkzHXRwUp2XFqEL_1Fx9IqcKxhwJ94l1Opd09vvX3H1contyQooElu_QkIA9aDe8gou884TK7gAFIAUkXSBp2BNOXG7q8/s1600/xCIMG7806.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_TeKpK-hxpG2fMPrDW5eptNxufEnDX_tKD-CiBpBo8VE7dAuPrVy6gLq-88rtnOxeCe-HVsiKqc9fy_rofQsFXW8PzbX1tIq9cdC2Rdp4k6xSwa-k5Y-jN7VozgEiV2E7Jrkx5wZhQTqz/s1600/xCIMG7810.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_TeKpK-hxpG2fMPrDW5eptNxufEnDX_tKD-CiBpBo8VE7dAuPrVy6gLq-88rtnOxeCe-HVsiKqc9fy_rofQsFXW8PzbX1tIq9cdC2Rdp4k6xSwa-k5Y-jN7VozgEiV2E7Jrkx5wZhQTqz/s320/xCIMG7810.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihxBex-7d3558lEbXenXjUKRyizcBtqD_RnmcIM8FTK5ZLu-tjDGjuBFvR_IUF3LaRlrlx7UXYahcIkxF41Vwh4BYtcUJeJWQjWJMR2wR30lXO6AcGMs53gh_hA267_XbJcEVw97v7WOu5/s1600/xCIMG7812.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihxBex-7d3558lEbXenXjUKRyizcBtqD_RnmcIM8FTK5ZLu-tjDGjuBFvR_IUF3LaRlrlx7UXYahcIkxF41Vwh4BYtcUJeJWQjWJMR2wR30lXO6AcGMs53gh_hA267_XbJcEVw97v7WOu5/s320/xCIMG7812.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTC1h-ZLVJCnkoffKnb69WFuEDa-bfKN4cOwwAi82fgR7wA49AkzHXRwUp2XFqEL_1Fx9IqcKxhwJ94l1Opd09vvX3H1contyQooElu_QkIA9aDe8gou884TK7gAFIAUkXSBp2BNOXG7q8/s1600/xCIMG7806.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTC1h-ZLVJCnkoffKnb69WFuEDa-bfKN4cOwwAi82fgR7wA49AkzHXRwUp2XFqEL_1Fx9IqcKxhwJ94l1Opd09vvX3H1contyQooElu_QkIA9aDe8gou884TK7gAFIAUkXSBp2BNOXG7q8/s320/xCIMG7806.JPG" width="320" /></a>
</div>
<br />
The second problem is you'll want a peg that goes all the way through the cabinet wall <i>and</i> sinks into the board; much easier to achieve this with a screw or nail.<br />
<br />
There's actually a third difficulty if you're going into artificial surfaces (like the heavy particleboard of these cabinets) - it'll be almost impossible to drill a hole of the exact right size so the peg can be tapped in yet won't slide out over time. Natural woods will be slightly more forgiving. Regardless of your woods, skip this approach and just use the screws.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1248144355438063771.post-67774302566962628402012-01-29T16:56:00.003-05:002012-04-16T14:06:00.388-04:00I need this like I need another hole in my random metal rectangle<i>UPDATE: Figured it out - these are rail tie plates for railroads. They'd be attached to the tie and the rails would lay on top of them. I put two and three together when I found another one attached to a decaying tie used for a landscape boundary in the backyard. Why these were buried next to the house, I can't say for sure - they quite possibly were forgotten during some renovation project.</i><br />
<br />
I haven't Googled that thoroughly, but anyone know what these things are? Heavy old metal, possibly iron, about ten inches long (each; there are two in these pictures, next to each other). These were uncovered while digging an inch below the grass, but I've found one of these lying around in my basement as well.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ2V3CWX0rDzCfzRTen9eMNpwv_dzoSGDDK3P3JTeXqXriH86seDR5Rghpd6phLFmxMULevl0ABqyo76OETf7rz4EXsCXeapHiC-gOzmNhegaCnDZPF4qoKnclpDN4jlsdDE3mzK8uwicM/s1600/plates1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ2V3CWX0rDzCfzRTen9eMNpwv_dzoSGDDK3P3JTeXqXriH86seDR5Rghpd6phLFmxMULevl0ABqyo76OETf7rz4EXsCXeapHiC-gOzmNhegaCnDZPF4qoKnclpDN4jlsdDE3mzK8uwicM/s320/plates1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTKmCWGCL_tR8x9Gh5qf3YUEK3By1WTHj1qdZ7TzGJHid25ey6BxNWXWYw12w6CSR0tL7ZesXDeAnrjjjl9kJTBGhAUrmxgm8j_-8yUBeh7hdkv2BYUUP4EjDpEoa7y8uXzmYchNs9eCym/s1600/plates2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTKmCWGCL_tR8x9Gh5qf3YUEK3By1WTHj1qdZ7TzGJHid25ey6BxNWXWYw12w6CSR0tL7ZesXDeAnrjjjl9kJTBGhAUrmxgm8j_-8yUBeh7hdkv2BYUUP4EjDpEoa7y8uXzmYchNs9eCym/s320/plates2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1248144355438063771.post-67279728037212895592012-01-29T16:51:00.000-05:002012-01-29T17:15:30.286-05:00Oh look, there's a closet in here...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
An upcoming trend on this blog (should I manage to get back into anything <i>resembling </i>a habit of posting regularly) will be the Virtues and Varieties of Shelving and Storage. I'm not a believer in having tons of stuff - if I ever rent a storage unit, please slap me. I am, though, a believer in having the stuff you do have simultaneously accessible and out of the way. Shelves, appropriately sized and positioned, are a great way to do just that. Duh. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is why I don't write for the IKEA catalog. Anymore. Curse you, Lars...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Lets skip to the end for a moment. Here's what I built:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBkFBN_B-fFn3vAUeppqtlFAtUPrwZ5NVygO0fyjOndu_dHodaNvglAXqpMLqY0eBw59YC3C7BvhdrJPTa9g8fzqedy6wP-HUtIScXUaDMpRn8iICLSVbvZos_4zDvkqUhyphenhyphen-XrydgFEu9u/s1600/foyer_shelf10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBkFBN_B-fFn3vAUeppqtlFAtUPrwZ5NVygO0fyjOndu_dHodaNvglAXqpMLqY0eBw59YC3C7BvhdrJPTa9g8fzqedy6wP-HUtIScXUaDMpRn8iICLSVbvZos_4zDvkqUhyphenhyphen-XrydgFEu9u/s320/foyer_shelf10.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The closet in my foyer is a small triangle, the result of doorways being re-positioned in the 50's or earlier. Its size and shape make it so even a few items on the floor rapidly became a messy pile. It also presented an interesting planning challenge, namely figuring out the angle of the triangle's apex so the shelf could fit as cleanly as possible into the back. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There's probably a more technically-adept way of pursuing this, perhaps with calipers, or a degree in mathematics, but all my geometric scratchings just resulted in a worn pencil, so I went back to trial and error. I set the miter saw to what seemed like a good angle and made two cuts:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOg3c9kayRUzDdIC1dR7TUM8m4dgsxmre-CS5o8zPE60WQu6hT2c7i4jnfr4B81-xxyqSxB4OeeqLZV1HY8cJBklZ7X9c9xO5RJsCBfb4mVVcri-9FHU7omWTMzAaLS0a-zine280cuh4n/s1600/foyer_shelf1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOg3c9kayRUzDdIC1dR7TUM8m4dgsxmre-CS5o8zPE60WQu6hT2c7i4jnfr4B81-xxyqSxB4OeeqLZV1HY8cJBklZ7X9c9xO5RJsCBfb4mVVcri-9FHU7omWTMzAaLS0a-zine280cuh4n/s320/foyer_shelf1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Then I trooped back and forth between the foyer and the workshop just fitting this one piece of wood into the back corner, and altering the angles needed until it fit 'squarely'. I think I hit an acceptable fit on the third try - for many reasons, this is not an instance where extra time spent getting it <i>justsoperfect</i> gets you much of an improvement in end-quality.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
With the angle noted, it was an easy job to knock out several more cuts using a tape measure and a combination square.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiag3Z-VMQFCufM4ot_7IfbdVM_sriamB4s9llG8a-gAyhu4OdEzrzqII1EfVmKxBihlUhO2Fea3bp3Dpn3Cos4h11jEC7GPjoi8KkjiBupmmpfFDJOCFoCGBjXDWUOw2Bi3Si9Q0aopJN8/s1600/foyer_shelf2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiag3Z-VMQFCufM4ot_7IfbdVM_sriamB4s9llG8a-gAyhu4OdEzrzqII1EfVmKxBihlUhO2Fea3bp3Dpn3Cos4h11jEC7GPjoi8KkjiBupmmpfFDJOCFoCGBjXDWUOw2Bi3Si9Q0aopJN8/s320/foyer_shelf2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Same thing for the second grouping of boards, just without switching the miter back and forth:</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp6z5ZgwaBlDS-jZRxlqRSffcvv_vC5y8-qo-wxR0r3NAcCk-YidCXSuV_jFmprvgzVBuf_G6_cZ1G-l0vQ3h3Jb9viPE2emcTkrdd6b9vfYafvvRHqknzX8t2SF3nPpgQjbXrD4nFLLJN/s1600/foyer_shelf3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp6z5ZgwaBlDS-jZRxlqRSffcvv_vC5y8-qo-wxR0r3NAcCk-YidCXSuV_jFmprvgzVBuf_G6_cZ1G-l0vQ3h3Jb9viPE2emcTkrdd6b9vfYafvvRHqknzX8t2SF3nPpgQjbXrD4nFLLJN/s320/foyer_shelf3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This project was done mostly with two-by scrap for durability (how careful are you with the things you toss into the front hall closet?), because I had it around, and it's easy to work with and forgiving (assuming you have an accurate enough saw). The rail is an easy cut since we already know the angle; I added a piece of scrap one-by to hold the stack together more cleanly.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSvZLAwmOCsNp8eJMKpU5n9b0w3JBmsrBnz9fr9l1xZ9BhtWLKLcAfQI4qJAL-SOwqHsaWznzE5bwqdwTS5jxMMQU9gvHE01Nr5KZcPArY_Oqq3WqLkuXHTSR1R8l3QlC2zb1Xnk4VIFji/s1600/foyer_shelf5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSvZLAwmOCsNp8eJMKpU5n9b0w3JBmsrBnz9fr9l1xZ9BhtWLKLcAfQI4qJAL-SOwqHsaWznzE5bwqdwTS5jxMMQU9gvHE01Nr5KZcPArY_Oqq3WqLkuXHTSR1R8l3QlC2zb1Xnk4VIFji/s320/foyer_shelf5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The two-by rail could screw directly into the wall (if I knew where the studs were), but I went with a couple of simple legs made of two-by, and a 'fancier' leg cut from an old broomstick. Using a paddle bit, I set the leg about a half-inch into the shelf...</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcobYFbc0CpzLhymd0GCxDfT28f3iCcQ4KR6YcdfTx2iirGvxNh8j6UnMjgbujT2tOD5bCjtQd24xlkNkE8-eHYVOEfjTgx6-XVBAzOqkyeJX3kr7jCVm7KSQsl6u5dchMBJylPBeWTi1a/s1600/foyer_shelf6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcobYFbc0CpzLhymd0GCxDfT28f3iCcQ4KR6YcdfTx2iirGvxNh8j6UnMjgbujT2tOD5bCjtQd24xlkNkE8-eHYVOEfjTgx6-XVBAzOqkyeJX3kr7jCVm7KSQsl6u5dchMBJylPBeWTi1a/s320/foyer_shelf6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Then screwed in cleanly from the top:</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzf1joDfls4fz3OyWiH168Pa5vwnnv6r4Wf0jlcNiznpcgEr3qqpVMT8K5xsb1DV2WB6t5QLxTh9Y-BO3dhl0Zwzs5pPzRZwjEV6tY7CPsHD3rnkVLPzjLstBLdNEVAVZczz00dduif2Gb/s1600/foyer_shelf7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzf1joDfls4fz3OyWiH168Pa5vwnnv6r4Wf0jlcNiznpcgEr3qqpVMT8K5xsb1DV2WB6t5QLxTh9Y-BO3dhl0Zwzs5pPzRZwjEV6tY7CPsHD3rnkVLPzjLstBLdNEVAVZczz00dduif2Gb/s320/foyer_shelf7.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Looks pretty, eh? This is why it's nice to have piles of miscellaneous (sorted) fasteners, so you can find the right size and finish for the job.<br />
<br />
Now I only planned on three legs - two two-bys on the long edge, and what turned out to be the broomstick - to maximize access under the shelf. I debated about the placement of the broomstick leg, ultimately deciding on the 'front' placement because I expected any unbalanced loads to be towards the front. Maybe this will prove completely wrong; if so, expect a lengthy report on the matter. In all likelihood, it won't matter a lick - with the partial triangle shape, this is a stable design even though the leg isn't placed at the center (if it was placed further 'out', tipping would be quite possible).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9O1UqSWrXdgaM8iaMD3qI2HENpBeVtuwn0W-OT6y486bXGFaY_E5pr9OmZML0pZc42-LD9kUg1B7fXd8I8g6QKHuNumob_aCSbusUASr8RlzsOa4vNRAwcauJerQ63Tz70UUgHXIzvdqc/s1600/foyer_shelf9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9O1UqSWrXdgaM8iaMD3qI2HENpBeVtuwn0W-OT6y486bXGFaY_E5pr9OmZML0pZc42-LD9kUg1B7fXd8I8g6QKHuNumob_aCSbusUASr8RlzsOa4vNRAwcauJerQ63Tz70UUgHXIzvdqc/s320/foyer_shelf9.jpg" width="240" /></a> </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaih43Ef8mHThNYeBQusHqxgGJCbxTLIlN7NoCDVBCeIrI7tjL5cH6MpkrE1oTRISzCwGrw37tvp46pMdRVXEgCENg4PT8-ZC4bUMgX5jMZ-2uiDzOMZWPNVl-7tTMTXL3bX3ltseI50Xg/s1600/foyer_shelf11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaih43Ef8mHThNYeBQusHqxgGJCbxTLIlN7NoCDVBCeIrI7tjL5cH6MpkrE1oTRISzCwGrw37tvp46pMdRVXEgCENg4PT8-ZC4bUMgX5jMZ-2uiDzOMZWPNVl-7tTMTXL3bX3ltseI50Xg/s320/foyer_shelf11.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Next week: more projects that take longer to post than to complete.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1248144355438063771.post-80699179811707056372011-08-08T17:40:00.000-04:002011-08-08T17:40:48.852-04:00So much for that schedule......which, I think, may already be the title of a similar post.<br />
<br />
Hang on, I'll check...<br />
<br />
(flip, flip, flip)<br />
<br />
(waiiiiit a minute, this isn't on paper...)<br />
<br />
Anyway, I have done many, many things on the house since the last post. No, really, you must believe me. What exactly, I can't remember, because, you know - so many things! Yesterday I do remember. My friend Amanda wants to... learn about home repair? Is bored? Whatever the reason, she's been asking to come over and help me on projects in exchange for food and drink, which is exactly in my price range dontchaknow. While the initial intent was to tackle getting the gutters back up, there's still a bunch of pain in the neck prep work before we can even put the patches on the old holes, so I left that for the day.<br />
<br />
Instead, we wound up rearranging a huge amount of stuff between the shed and the back room, freeing up tons of space, making tools accessible, and hitting upon the incredible conclusion that, of all the tools and materials that need to be in storage right now, that maybe that pile of plate glass panes that was in the shed could be what gets stored in the basement. You know, instead of anything wood or metal.<br />
<br />
Geniuses, both of us.<br />
<br />
Onwards!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1248144355438063771.post-16769905645444589422011-07-26T16:26:00.000-04:002011-08-03T16:35:03.448-04:00Fans installedUpstairs ready for new tenant arrival.<br />
<br />
And somehow I feel like I'm just losing days of time here. I think it's the fact that I don't have internet at the house right now, which has been wonderful for productivity (I wander outside and weed or move things as opposed to getting distracted by <a href="http://grantland.com/">grantland.com</a> or whatever... for... hours) but I think it screws with my sense of days since I don't look at my online calender as frequently, I don't see days listed on web news stories, etc etc.<br />
<br />
First world problems of the Gen Y existentialist variety...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1248144355438063771.post-79198814531178346332011-07-23T13:42:00.000-04:002011-07-24T13:43:00.353-04:00Ceiling fan purchased...Operation to commence tomorrow.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1248144355438063771.post-10810451736083451402011-07-22T18:14:00.000-04:002011-07-22T18:14:57.700-04:00You know why I'm sitting in the green room watching Hulu right now?Because I did stuff all day today and I deserve it, that's why.<br />
<br />
Up early to scrape the last of the gravel up and pile it by the parking spaces. Realized that the back yard gets more sun than I remembered, especially early in the morning, which is not good when the temperature is expected to be near triple digits. Moved all the bricks that had been supporting the <a href="http://wellthatwasanidea.blogspot.com/2010/09/another-big-pile-of-wood.html">big pile of wood</a> to where the gravel had been out back, thus freeing up another ten feet of driveway.<br />
<br />
Drove north (did anyone ever say 'Go north, young man! (or woman!)'? Somehow I don't think so, or at least not seriously.), even though I always swear to avoid going up Rt. 58 and into Elyria or Lorain around midday. Stopped for lunch at Blue Sky Diner because a) it's delicious if terrible b) I was hungry and c) it meant I could get out of the car after stop and start traffic on a bright, sunny day where the temperature was expected to be near triple digits. The plan - and you know what <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0113537/combined">they say about plans</a> - was to stop by the Restore, then Goodwill/Sears (I had a gift card), then Lowes, then a used car dealership looking for, in total:<br />
<br />
<ul><li>one brake light bulb for my Landcruiser</li>
<li>plastic sheeting, for to well cover the lumber</li>
<li>a ceiling fan/light unit for one of the upstairs bedrooms</li>
<li>a car with better gas mileage</li>
<li>anything else that looks interesting/useful</li>
</ul><div>Here is what I did get:</div><div><ul><li>two brake light bulbs for my Landcruiser</li>
<li>plastic sheeting, for to well cover the lumber</li>
<li>two green glasses (I love those for some reason) and a picture frame (Goodwill, in case you were wondering)</li>
<li>two awesome wood windows with original hardware that I have no need for at the moment but were in too good condition to pass up</li>
</ul><div>After sitting in the car for way longer than I wanted to during all this (you know what's weird? When your forearms sweat because they're in the sun while your hands are on the wheel. It's weird, trust me. And mildly unpleasant. And creepily like that scene on the Golden Gate Bridge in 'The Core' which is an awesome movie but I digress.) I saw a very threatening sky, and knowing that thunderstorms were expected this evening I scrapped the last two stops on the trip and returned home, for to well cover the lumber.</div></div><div><br />
</div><div>Oh, first I had to spend fifteen minutes in the parking lot at Sears trying to pull out the old burned-out brake light because I am a dumbass and never remember things like 'these type of lights are push and twist, and then they pop right out'.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Home, to lay a tarp over all the bricks (keeping ground moisture seeping into the low boards to a minimum) then move the roughly forty planks to their new home, cover them with the plastic sheeting, and clean up the various planks and beams scattered about the yard on which the boards had been drying. Here's my clever tip for the day that most people already know but too many of us forget - water does a spectacular job of transferring heat, part of the reason that we sweat, so if you're working outside, especially when doing something physical, douse - just, seriously, *douse* - yourself with some water, especially the top of your head, every so often. It'll keep you from having heat stroke and it'll keep you working steadily instead of crashing to a halt while you move old oak boards in a desperate attempt to get them stacked, covered, and weighted down before the impending torrents... impend? on us? I did so, barely, powering through on endorphins and the thought of an orange soda from the vending machine in the green room (the machine never gets restocked during the summer, because corporate America hates actors that's why). Success. Sweaty, dirty, tiring, success.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Does this sound like a rant? I hope not. I don't like ranty-blogs. I mean, I don't really like most 'here's my day' blogs anyway and this has turned into one of those as of late, so maybe some more self-loathing is in order.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Anyway, now I have my driveway back! And the lumber has been well checked, mostly dried, and safely stowed. And I've been watching TV for an hour and a half now before <a href="http://www.oberlin.edu/ostf">Hamlet</a>. Good times. Good times.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1248144355438063771.post-24790392632660988462011-07-21T20:13:00.000-04:002011-07-21T20:13:03.164-04:00Oh man! Today I did stuff!97 degrees today and I decided to work outside most of the day. With the breeze, working mostly in the shade, and drinking plenty of water, it was fine (I think - check back tomorrow to see if I'm dead). Peaceful at times, actually - a good day's work in the great outdoors, or whatever a small backyard is considered.<br />
<br />
All the joists are laid out and soaking up rays. 95% of the gravel has been moved from the yard to the new parking spaces, to be spread about soon. Tomorrow I'll flip the boards and figure out how to stow them where the gravel was, thus freeing up my driveway for, y'know, a car or something.<br />
<br />
This would probably make more sense with pictures. And it would probably matter more if anyone were reading this blog aside from me. You are? Well click on an ad to say hi or something.<br />
<br />
Tomorrow: more stuff. Yes.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1248144355438063771.post-14328059327242621152011-07-20T23:24:00.006-04:002011-07-21T11:27:57.590-04:00Lumbering about with lumberRemember the <a href="http://wellthatwasanidea.blogspot.com/2010/09/another-big-pile-of-wood.html">other big pile of wood</a>? With two straight days of near triple digit sunny weather, I'm temporarily covering my lawn with the stuff to dry and de-mold it, and see what condition it's in. Then maybe I'll sand some of it, but mostly I think I'll just be wrapping it tightly in plastic and putting it somewhere else in the yard for use next year. Oh the planning...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1248144355438063771.post-33112059869523745162011-07-19T23:28:00.000-04:002011-07-21T11:28:55.286-04:00Paint paint paint paintOn the east side, this time. Pictures coming once everything is done, which might be by month's end oh the optimism.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1248144355438063771.post-60262526617474143682011-07-18T23:37:00.003-04:002011-07-21T11:38:48.036-04:00Oh I'm a lumberjack...Best workout in a while - taking down parts of well-established buckthorn *trees* using a hatchet. I recommend a soundtrack of late-80s punk, or the NPR podcasts I was actually listening to.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1248144355438063771.post-35867044109160026292011-07-14T20:29:00.007-04:002011-07-21T11:33:26.487-04:00Cheap building materials you say?In my never-ending quest for the right fittings for my reclaimed-materials bookcase, I traveled to my local Habitat for Humanity <a href="http://www.loraincountyhabitat.org/pages/Restore.html">Restore</a>, a veritable treasure trove of stuff I shouldn't be thinking about buying because I don't really at this moment have a use for it. Windows and doors, plumbing fixtures, contractor remainders of all types - it's a great place to pick up cut-rate materials, although you can never be sure what will be in stock. I left with four 4x4 beams (non pressure treated) at $2/piece. Worth checking out the one in your area.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1248144355438063771.post-31341124307205605752011-07-13T23:33:00.011-04:002011-07-21T11:37:25.767-04:00WeedingExtensively throughout the yard(s), including a real thorough hack at the stuff growing around my old dwarf apple tree. (In an awesome turn of events, both the dwarf tree and the young apple I planted next to it last year are both bearing fruit; small and probably tart since I haven't been spending enough time on them, but fruit nonetheless.)<br />
<br />
Of particular interest was the discovery of why buckthorn shoots keep cropping up around the dwarf apple - there's a thick stem *ball* that established itself *under* a low-leaning branch. No way to dig this one up, so I've cut all the shoots, dug up the few seedlings nearby, and am now talking with a brother of a friend who is a forester about paint-on pesticides for buckthorn. More updates once the devilish weed is dead.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1248144355438063771.post-38716708597156618622011-07-12T12:38:00.005-04:002011-07-21T11:41:24.085-04:00Excitement on all sides1) I finished drilling all the beams for the bookcase.<br />
<br />
2) A '63 Cadillac plowed into my neighbor's rose bushes while trying to avoid another neighbor's pickup truck at an intersection. No one was hurt. The image of a giant boat of a car nestled amongst foliage, with a flattened stop sign on the ground nearby, will remain in my mind for a while though.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1248144355438063771.post-23689195491017097172011-07-11T23:41:00.000-04:002011-07-21T11:42:32.602-04:00More hammeringAnd more scraping, trying to finish off the prep work on the east side before a new tenant comes into those rooms.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1248144355438063771.post-70055573071718105952011-07-08T15:47:00.000-04:002011-07-08T15:47:30.982-04:00Did things?Did I do things? I like to think I've been doing things that don't involve betraying my childhood friend and then dying in England (true story; just not mine), but I can't say for sure.<br />
<br />
Such nice weather today - let me get some things posted for my actual job, and then go paint something.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1248144355438063771.post-3161060191267557092011-07-05T17:29:00.000-04:002011-07-05T17:29:17.078-04:00Hey here's a good idea for homeownersNo really, it's one of those things that, if you haven't done it already, you'll smack your head when you read it:<br />
<br />
Drill holes in the bottom of your garbage cans/recycling bins so rain can't collect in them.<br />
<br />
That's it. I did this soon after moving into my house, although after one heavy rainstorm. It's one of those things that you won't notice the positive effects so much as you won't notice the negative ones. Yes. Sentence structure.<br />
<br />
For those craving specifics: I think I used a 3/4 inch spade bit on the recycling bins (our town uses 3 gallon buckets for recyclables), one hole dead center; and a 3/8" or so bit several times on the bottom of the trash can. You shouldn't be impacting the structural integrity of the can if you drill 2-3 holes spaced out from each other and avoiding any seams.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0