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76
General Discussion / Mural at our VFW
« on: May 31, 2015, 12:00:00 PM »
One of our members has a very talented nephew who airbrushed these for us.
77
General Discussion / Do your part to annoy Hillary
« on: April 27, 2015, 07:51:27 PM »
HAHA, this is great.
http://electleaders.com/2015/04/hillary-furious-as-thousands-of-americans-send-cigars-to-her-office/
For as little as $3 you too can do your part to annoy the hell out of Hillary.
http://sendclintoncigars.com/shop/
http://electleaders.com/2015/04/hillary-furious-as-thousands-of-americans-send-cigars-to-her-office/
For as little as $3 you too can do your part to annoy the hell out of Hillary.
http://sendclintoncigars.com/shop/
78
General Discussion / Corporations are trying to destroy ownership
« on: April 22, 2015, 05:48:04 AM »
This applies to everyone, not just farmers or owners of new GM products, worth the read.
http://www.wired.com/2015/04/dmca-ownership-john-deere/
http://www.wired.com/2015/04/dmca-ownership-john-deere/
80
General Outdoor Furnace Discussion / It just never ends, and this one is my own fault.
« on: April 07, 2015, 06:08:11 AM »
Gonna remodel the bathroom again one of these days, doesn't need a lot of work, need to strip the floor and get cement board down like it should of had in the first place, gonna move the door far as I can to the west so I can get a wider tub in, then gonna move the east window north at least 14 inches so I can get a long tub in, plan on a 34x72 whirl pool tub in, then install ceramic tile with radiant heat.
Made the comment in a off hand way that if we lost the carpeting in the last two rooms downstairs that need remodeled we could go with radiant heat on the first floor and dedicate the furnace/heat exchanger for the upstairs, could just about have it on a separate thermostat upstairs in the winter. I mentioned this a few weeks ago the to the wife and she never commented much on it.
Then last night out of the blue she says "thats a good ideal", of course no preamble so I had to ask what? She likes the ideal of losing all the carpet as it would be easier to clean.
The big question is this, how long does it take for radiant heat to raise the temp? We keep the house at 72 during the day and 67 at night as we both like it cool when sleeping, how long would it take in a average insulted home to raise the temp 5 degrees with radiant? Depending on outdoor temps and wind it takes my current setup anywhere from a little less than 1 1/2 hours to 2 1/2 hours.
Made the comment in a off hand way that if we lost the carpeting in the last two rooms downstairs that need remodeled we could go with radiant heat on the first floor and dedicate the furnace/heat exchanger for the upstairs, could just about have it on a separate thermostat upstairs in the winter. I mentioned this a few weeks ago the to the wife and she never commented much on it.
Then last night out of the blue she says "thats a good ideal", of course no preamble so I had to ask what? She likes the ideal of losing all the carpet as it would be easier to clean.
The big question is this, how long does it take for radiant heat to raise the temp? We keep the house at 72 during the day and 67 at night as we both like it cool when sleeping, how long would it take in a average insulted home to raise the temp 5 degrees with radiant? Depending on outdoor temps and wind it takes my current setup anywhere from a little less than 1 1/2 hours to 2 1/2 hours.
81
Fire Wood / How much is lost when stacking a pile?
« on: March 25, 2015, 10:23:59 AM »
So I've run the processor for a total of three days, yesterday still couldn't get a full day in, lost the automatic oiling function on the processor, so set it on manual for the bar, lost that as well after a while, so headed up to the shop and grabbed a 12 volt tester, ended up replacing the only piece of 3 wire cord that I didn't replace before, then ended up just chucking the toggle switch as well as it was getting flaky at best. Did get another three full truck loads yesterday though, 16 foot bed, 8 foot wide, 14 inch high contractors sides, had it heaping full, went back with the Ranger to pick some pieces up that fell off.
Anyways, bring the truck up, dump it on the slab, then use the other loader to shove it up in a pile. Did the math and have close to 18 cords in the pile. How much do you think is lost from spaces between the pieces? I know I won't have 18 cords when it's stacked, but I wonder how much less?
Anyways, bring the truck up, dump it on the slab, then use the other loader to shove it up in a pile. Did the math and have close to 18 cords in the pile. How much do you think is lost from spaces between the pieces? I know I won't have 18 cords when it's stacked, but I wonder how much less?
82
Got talking to the guys at the hay sale today about dead/dying ash trees. And what nobody could answer is this, when an ash dies will it stand till the roots rot out from under it and still be good firewood or is it like an elm and soon as you see its dying and dropping bark you need to get it cut up before it goes doughty/punky?
I was wondering as I thought I was caught up to our small woods (7 acres) as I just processed 20 some odd dead ashes out of it. Then went back yesterday since the weather has broke and seen I have at least another 12-15 to cut down now. Still have 23 out of the next woods (19 acres) to process yet and haven't even started on the big woods (23 acres). Is this something I can work on gradually or do I need to call in favors from all my friends and get this done ASAP? I've cut ash in the past but it was always blowdowns that were still alive.
I was wondering as I thought I was caught up to our small woods (7 acres) as I just processed 20 some odd dead ashes out of it. Then went back yesterday since the weather has broke and seen I have at least another 12-15 to cut down now. Still have 23 out of the next woods (19 acres) to process yet and haven't even started on the big woods (23 acres). Is this something I can work on gradually or do I need to call in favors from all my friends and get this done ASAP? I've cut ash in the past but it was always blowdowns that were still alive.
83
Equipment / Baileys Husqvarna price match
« on: January 13, 2015, 06:14:13 AM »
For anybody that might be in the market for a new Husky, Baileys has a price match challenge on right now.
http://www.baileysonline.com/images/homepage/husqvarna_price_match_2014.jpg
http://www.baileysonline.com
http://www.baileysonline.com/images/homepage/husqvarna_price_match_2014.jpg
http://www.baileysonline.com
84
General Discussion / VFW's petition to not cut any military benefits
« on: January 12, 2015, 06:32:22 AM »
The VFW has a petition out against any cuts in benefits to our guys and gals that actually earned them, they needed to add a line about eliminating benefits to illegals and using that money for vets that actually earned it.
Anyways, the petition can be found here: http://heroes.vfw.org/site/PageNavigator/2014_NoCutsNoWay3.html
Anyways, the petition can be found here: http://heroes.vfw.org/site/PageNavigator/2014_NoCutsNoWay3.html
85
Plumbing / New technique for sweat soldering low lead and no lead fittings
« on: January 08, 2015, 06:37:13 AM »
Was sweating some low lead fittings in the other night, while this isn't something I do daily I'm pretty proficient at it but something just didn't seem right. Googled it and the copper alliance has a video out on sweating the low/no lead stuff in. A little lengthy but worth the watch.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nyGZI48_vuc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nyGZI48_vuc
86
Plumbing / Pipe cleaning brushes
« on: January 06, 2015, 09:26:14 PM »
I've googled it a few times and can't find one, but does anybody make one of those combo brushes like they have for 1/2 and 3/4 for 1"?
You know, like this, but for one inch.
You know, like this, but for one inch.
87
Fire Wood / Wild Grape Vine
« on: January 06, 2015, 06:02:35 AM »
So got into a discussion with a neighbor about wild grapevine, he claims they can climb a tree, personally I've always been told they have to ride it up as the tree grows.
Personally I think I'm right as I spent time every year cutting grapevine and it seems to hold true the bigger the tree the bigger the grapevine. If they can climb a tree then I'm screwed as I'll never get ahead of the damn things.
Personally I think I'm right as I spent time every year cutting grapevine and it seems to hold true the bigger the tree the bigger the grapevine. If they can climb a tree then I'm screwed as I'll never get ahead of the damn things.
88
Plumbing / Maximum temp for appliances
« on: January 01, 2015, 08:56:53 PM »
So whats the maximum temp that safe for appliances on the DHW?
I'm redoing the plumbing in the basement this winter, never had a tempering valve before and the wife due to previous health issues can't tell just how hot she has it set. I'm afraid she's actually going to burn herself one of these days, not to mention too hot of water is not good for her blood pressure.
I do know if the water isn't warm enough for the dishwasher it heats it to a set temperature before starting a cycle. Running 180 atm on the old boiler, get it replaced and was planning on 190-195 and was wondering if that additional 10-15 degrees would eb the straw that broke the camels back?
I was thinking of adding one tempering valve for the shower and faucets then maybe a second set higher just for both washers and the dishwasher if required.
Another question, when I buried the Logstor I pulled my one inch pex out of the pipe I made and buried it along wit the Logstor then installed a hydrant by the boiler, was thinking of having either hot or cold water available to it for washing equipment but was wondering if maybe the packings in the hydrant couldn't take hot water?
I'm redoing the plumbing in the basement this winter, never had a tempering valve before and the wife due to previous health issues can't tell just how hot she has it set. I'm afraid she's actually going to burn herself one of these days, not to mention too hot of water is not good for her blood pressure.
I do know if the water isn't warm enough for the dishwasher it heats it to a set temperature before starting a cycle. Running 180 atm on the old boiler, get it replaced and was planning on 190-195 and was wondering if that additional 10-15 degrees would eb the straw that broke the camels back?
I was thinking of adding one tempering valve for the shower and faucets then maybe a second set higher just for both washers and the dishwasher if required.
Another question, when I buried the Logstor I pulled my one inch pex out of the pipe I made and buried it along wit the Logstor then installed a hydrant by the boiler, was thinking of having either hot or cold water available to it for washing equipment but was wondering if maybe the packings in the hydrant couldn't take hot water?
89
Plumbing / A few observations about Logstor
« on: December 29, 2014, 10:45:55 PM »
So had the new line from the boiler to the shop in the ground for awhile now but just haven't been able to get the new one from the house to the boiler installed. Was either busy with harvest, or when I did have a few days free the rental place didn't have the trencher in I wanted to use. Finally everything jived and went and got it last Monday, got most of the trench done Monday night, started again in the rain Tuesday morning. Took most of the rest of the day finding a few tiles that we cut while trenching, then used the trencher to back fill most of it before taking it back as the skid steer and mini excavator were too big to get in part of the area I ran the Logstor.
1: Find an old reamer like used to clean the ends of black or galvanized pipe after using a pipe cutter on them, chuck it in a cordless drill and use that to chamfer the ends of the Logstor and the fittings go right in with a little spit or wire pulling lube. My fittings had two o-rings on the inner barb, then a split ring that went over the pex then a nut that tightened that down just like a compression fitting. The reamer would also work well with Sharkbite or other push fittings.
2: Getting the outer sheath off. Using either a razor knife or a cordless skill saw with the blade set at a 1/8" of a inch go completely around the sheath, then one cut along the length, using a long large handle screwdriver I rapped the sheath a few times wit the handle of the screwdriver and it practically fell off. Using the razor knife go down the length of the pex between them so you don't accidentally score the line, using the screw driver pry them apart then using the handle rap the insulation up and down the length of it, then bend them back and forth several times, once loose I was able to twist the insulation off the lines in several large pieces.
I had to expose about 5 feet in the basement, using the above method I got the insulation off both lines in about 7-10 pieces total.
3: MUCH better flow, my delta t pump is actually working correctly as the old "one inch" lines were starving it for water. I used the old 1" lines to run water to a hydrant, 3/4" fittings that are meant for polyethylene water line fit just right in the supposed 1" pex, a few crimp rings and water tight.
4: No heat loss what so ever that I've been able to measure. The old line when I started hand digging to find the corner once I got 18" down the ground was actually steaming, I could feel the sides of the trench and tell which way I needed to dig to find it. The one corner by the house is a mess and we are waiting for it to settle so we can finish repairing the downspout drains, have maybe a few inches of cover over the Logstor, had a little water in the trench over the Logstor, had ice on the water this AM.
5: Wood use is considerably down, I built this stove years ago and have almost 15 years of experience with it and can load it to within a piece to get 12 hour burns, first day I got it back up and running I loaded as normal for the length of burn I wanted and the expected lows that night, had enough wood left in the AM I didn't add any till six that night. Getting better at guessing as it's a whole new ball game now but when you're not heating the ground it doesn't seem to take near the wood
6: If the fire does get low, the water temp doesn't plummet like it used to as the heat is staying where it's supposed to.
So....while not a professional by any means, and paying for the stuff will definitely make certain unmentionable parts pucker, it's worth it. Don't be a tight*ss like I was years ago and do it right the first time. Not that I really want some temps like last winter as -40 was a bit extreme, I'm really interested to see what happens if we get any bitter cold this winter as most likely with the soupy mess I have that part of the trench may stay open till spring before it ever settles enough to finish fixing the tiles.
1: Find an old reamer like used to clean the ends of black or galvanized pipe after using a pipe cutter on them, chuck it in a cordless drill and use that to chamfer the ends of the Logstor and the fittings go right in with a little spit or wire pulling lube. My fittings had two o-rings on the inner barb, then a split ring that went over the pex then a nut that tightened that down just like a compression fitting. The reamer would also work well with Sharkbite or other push fittings.
2: Getting the outer sheath off. Using either a razor knife or a cordless skill saw with the blade set at a 1/8" of a inch go completely around the sheath, then one cut along the length, using a long large handle screwdriver I rapped the sheath a few times wit the handle of the screwdriver and it practically fell off. Using the razor knife go down the length of the pex between them so you don't accidentally score the line, using the screw driver pry them apart then using the handle rap the insulation up and down the length of it, then bend them back and forth several times, once loose I was able to twist the insulation off the lines in several large pieces.
I had to expose about 5 feet in the basement, using the above method I got the insulation off both lines in about 7-10 pieces total.
3: MUCH better flow, my delta t pump is actually working correctly as the old "one inch" lines were starving it for water. I used the old 1" lines to run water to a hydrant, 3/4" fittings that are meant for polyethylene water line fit just right in the supposed 1" pex, a few crimp rings and water tight.
4: No heat loss what so ever that I've been able to measure. The old line when I started hand digging to find the corner once I got 18" down the ground was actually steaming, I could feel the sides of the trench and tell which way I needed to dig to find it. The one corner by the house is a mess and we are waiting for it to settle so we can finish repairing the downspout drains, have maybe a few inches of cover over the Logstor, had a little water in the trench over the Logstor, had ice on the water this AM.
5: Wood use is considerably down, I built this stove years ago and have almost 15 years of experience with it and can load it to within a piece to get 12 hour burns, first day I got it back up and running I loaded as normal for the length of burn I wanted and the expected lows that night, had enough wood left in the AM I didn't add any till six that night. Getting better at guessing as it's a whole new ball game now but when you're not heating the ground it doesn't seem to take near the wood
6: If the fire does get low, the water temp doesn't plummet like it used to as the heat is staying where it's supposed to.
So....while not a professional by any means, and paying for the stuff will definitely make certain unmentionable parts pucker, it's worth it. Don't be a tight*ss like I was years ago and do it right the first time. Not that I really want some temps like last winter as -40 was a bit extreme, I'm really interested to see what happens if we get any bitter cold this winter as most likely with the soupy mess I have that part of the trench may stay open till spring before it ever settles enough to finish fixing the tiles.
90
General Discussion / Our typical christmas or why we skip the country when ever possible
« on: December 19, 2014, 10:53:46 AM »
Here's something I seen on Facebook, typical of either the wife's family, my family or both. The wife is already bugging me to book tickets to England next year.
The wife's one niece has already called and asked if we can make everything "organic", the other wants to know today if we can change the time, which is tomorrow, at noon, period. I'm still waiting for my aunt to call and change my families christmas from Sunday to whenever just because one of her kids can't make it, etc.
FROM: Pauline Lewis, Human Resources Director
TO: All Employees
DATE: December 4
RE: Christmas Party
I'm happy to inform you that the company Christmas Party will take place on December 23rd, starting at noon in the private function room at the Grill House. There will be a cash bar and plenty of drinks! We'll have a small band playing traditional carols. Please feel free to sing along. And don't be surprised if the CEO shows up dressed as Santa Claus! A Christmas tree will be lit at 1:00 PM.
Exchange of gifts among employees can be done at that time. However, no gift should be over $10.00 to make the giving of gifts easy for everyone's pocketbook. This gathering is only for employees! The CEO will make a special announcement.
Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Pauline
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
FROM: Pauline Lewis, Human Resources Director
TO: All Employees
DATE: December 5
RE: Holiday Party
In no way was yesterday's memo intended to exclude our Jewish employees. We recognize that Chanukah is an important holiday, which often coincides with Christmas, although unfortunately not this year. However, from now on we're calling it our "Holiday Party." The same policy applies to any other employees who are not Christians. There will be no Christmas tree or Christmas carols sung. We will have other types of music for your enjoyment.
Happy Holidays to you and your family,
Pauline
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
FROM: Pauline Lewis, Human Resources Director
TO: All Employees
DATE: December 6
RE: Holiday Party
Regarding the note I received from a member of Alcoholics Anonymous requesting a non-drinking table, you didn't sign your name. I'm happy to accommodate this request, but if I put a sign on a table that reads, "AA Only," you wouldn't be anonymous anymore!
In addition, we will no longer be having the gift exchange because the union officials feel that $10.00 is too much money and management believes $10.00 is a little cheap.
Pauline
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
FROM: Pauline Lewis, Human Resources Director
TO: All Employees
DATE: December 7
RE: Holiday Party
What a diverse group we are! I had no idea that December 20th begins the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which forbids eating and drinking during daylight hours. Perhaps the Grill House can hold off on serving your meal until the end of the party - or else package everything up for you to take home. Will that work?
Meanwhile, I've arranged for members of Weight Watchers to sit farthest from the dessert buffet and pregnant women will get the table closest to the toilets. Gays are allowed to sit with each other. Lesbians do not have to sit with gay men, each will have their own table. There will be flower arrangements for the gay men's table.
To the person asking permission to cross dress - no cross dressing allowed. We will have booster seats for short people. Low fat food will be available for those on a diet. We cannot control the salt used in the food. We suggest those people with high blood pressure taste the food first. There will be fresh fruits as dessert for diabetics. The restaurant cannot supply "no sugar" desserts.
Happy Now?
Pauline
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
FROM: Pauline Lewis, Human Resources Director
TO: All Employees
DATE: December 8
RE: The Holiday Party
People! People! Nothing sinister was intended by wanting our CEO to play Santa Claus. Even if the anagram for “Santa” does happen to be “Satan.” There is no evil connotation to our own little “man in a red suit.”
Pauline
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
FROM: Pauline Lewis, Human Resources Director
TO: All Employees
DATE: December 9
RE: The ****** Holiday Party
Vegetarian jerks: I've had it with you people! We're going to keep this party at the Grill House whether you like it or not, so you can sit quietly at the table furthest from the "grill of death," as you so quaintly put it. You'll get your f****** salad bar, including organic tomatoes, but you know tomatoes have feelings too, they scream when you slice them. I'm hearing them scream right NOW!
I hope you all have a rotten holiday and then drink, drive and die.
Pauline, the Bitch from HELL!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
FROM: John Bishop, Acting Human Resources Director
TO: All Employees
DATE: December 10
RE: Pauline and the Holiday Party
I'm sure I speak for all of us in wishing Pauline Lewis a speedy recovery and I'll continue to forward your cards to her. In the meantime, the management has decided to cancel our holiday party and instead, give everyone the afternoon of the 23rd December off with full pay.
Have a SUCCESSFUL day!
John
The wife's one niece has already called and asked if we can make everything "organic", the other wants to know today if we can change the time, which is tomorrow, at noon, period. I'm still waiting for my aunt to call and change my families christmas from Sunday to whenever just because one of her kids can't make it, etc.
FROM: Pauline Lewis, Human Resources Director
TO: All Employees
DATE: December 4
RE: Christmas Party
I'm happy to inform you that the company Christmas Party will take place on December 23rd, starting at noon in the private function room at the Grill House. There will be a cash bar and plenty of drinks! We'll have a small band playing traditional carols. Please feel free to sing along. And don't be surprised if the CEO shows up dressed as Santa Claus! A Christmas tree will be lit at 1:00 PM.
Exchange of gifts among employees can be done at that time. However, no gift should be over $10.00 to make the giving of gifts easy for everyone's pocketbook. This gathering is only for employees! The CEO will make a special announcement.
Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Pauline
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
FROM: Pauline Lewis, Human Resources Director
TO: All Employees
DATE: December 5
RE: Holiday Party
In no way was yesterday's memo intended to exclude our Jewish employees. We recognize that Chanukah is an important holiday, which often coincides with Christmas, although unfortunately not this year. However, from now on we're calling it our "Holiday Party." The same policy applies to any other employees who are not Christians. There will be no Christmas tree or Christmas carols sung. We will have other types of music for your enjoyment.
Happy Holidays to you and your family,
Pauline
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
FROM: Pauline Lewis, Human Resources Director
TO: All Employees
DATE: December 6
RE: Holiday Party
Regarding the note I received from a member of Alcoholics Anonymous requesting a non-drinking table, you didn't sign your name. I'm happy to accommodate this request, but if I put a sign on a table that reads, "AA Only," you wouldn't be anonymous anymore!
In addition, we will no longer be having the gift exchange because the union officials feel that $10.00 is too much money and management believes $10.00 is a little cheap.
Pauline
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
FROM: Pauline Lewis, Human Resources Director
TO: All Employees
DATE: December 7
RE: Holiday Party
What a diverse group we are! I had no idea that December 20th begins the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which forbids eating and drinking during daylight hours. Perhaps the Grill House can hold off on serving your meal until the end of the party - or else package everything up for you to take home. Will that work?
Meanwhile, I've arranged for members of Weight Watchers to sit farthest from the dessert buffet and pregnant women will get the table closest to the toilets. Gays are allowed to sit with each other. Lesbians do not have to sit with gay men, each will have their own table. There will be flower arrangements for the gay men's table.
To the person asking permission to cross dress - no cross dressing allowed. We will have booster seats for short people. Low fat food will be available for those on a diet. We cannot control the salt used in the food. We suggest those people with high blood pressure taste the food first. There will be fresh fruits as dessert for diabetics. The restaurant cannot supply "no sugar" desserts.
Happy Now?
Pauline
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
FROM: Pauline Lewis, Human Resources Director
TO: All Employees
DATE: December 8
RE: The Holiday Party
People! People! Nothing sinister was intended by wanting our CEO to play Santa Claus. Even if the anagram for “Santa” does happen to be “Satan.” There is no evil connotation to our own little “man in a red suit.”
Pauline
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
FROM: Pauline Lewis, Human Resources Director
TO: All Employees
DATE: December 9
RE: The ****** Holiday Party
Vegetarian jerks: I've had it with you people! We're going to keep this party at the Grill House whether you like it or not, so you can sit quietly at the table furthest from the "grill of death," as you so quaintly put it. You'll get your f****** salad bar, including organic tomatoes, but you know tomatoes have feelings too, they scream when you slice them. I'm hearing them scream right NOW!
I hope you all have a rotten holiday and then drink, drive and die.
Pauline, the Bitch from HELL!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
FROM: John Bishop, Acting Human Resources Director
TO: All Employees
DATE: December 10
RE: Pauline and the Holiday Party
I'm sure I speak for all of us in wishing Pauline Lewis a speedy recovery and I'll continue to forward your cards to her. In the meantime, the management has decided to cancel our holiday party and instead, give everyone the afternoon of the 23rd December off with full pay.
Have a SUCCESSFUL day!
John