ShopTalk Sunday: Saws, Skills, Survival

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Busy as the Dickens this week, so a lot of minor thoughts need to be “driven orf my screen onto yours…”

Tool Slut Longings

First note has do to with a strange new longing for a table saw – that I don’t need.

See, Evolution Saws has a new 10-inch jobsite saw that looks like the hot ticket.  Called the R10TS, it comes in two flavors.  The $475 flavor and the $575 flavor, and both are out of sock.  The more spendy unit comes with the job site roll-around stand.

The three aspects of the saw that have grabbed me are:

  1. There is a built in, modestly sized, sliding table.  Which, if you’re into small, precision parts, is perfect because you get near-total control of the workpiece.
  2. Then there’s the “rack and pinion” fence.  On most saws, the tension on the fence (to hold it in place) is on the operator side.  The “away” side can get out of alignment.  The result is either reduced angular accuracy (something other than dead-to-nuts 90-degrees) OR depending on sheet goods, you can bind up which causes kick-back and…now we slide from fun to PITA.
  3. Third item of appeal (on the fence) is the flip-down support rail.  It seems, in what I’ve seen so far, like a dandy way to keep sheet goods supported without having a 300-pound cast iron Bessie insert table wing.

There are lots of saws in The Old Man’s Shop.  There’s a 10-inch Craftsman – right after it had become Crapsman with an aluminum table with the chintzy miter slot sized so nothing would fit.  An older (things fit, but it’s too small a table for serious work) 8-inch, belt drive Craftsman (made before America got it’s chops busted by Chyna).

Then there’s the radial saw – a half-finished restoration.  A 12″ Harbor Fright chomp saw on a good stand (which handles 90 percent of work).  Plus a band saw and more battery and corded circ saws  than I’m inclined to confess.

But there just – you know – something about it that puts it on Ure’s “Gotta git me one…” list.

OPSP of the Week

“Olde Person’s Shop Project” of the week: More  Hand Rails.

From the (BBQ) deck down to the under-carport area there are about 14 stairs.  When we bought the joint in 2003, wasn’t much in the way of hand rails.  Zero. Just one, longish, 12-foot 2-by-2 with a coat of paint.  Which is still there, still works, and thanks to (now illegal) treated wood back in the day, it’s tough as iron.

BUT there’s not one on the other side, to I broke down and got a pair of railings – which you can find cut to one-foot increments from sellers like this one.

For better’n 20-years, we have both bounded up and down – who needed “safety.”  But now?  Our total ages add up to 158.  Which hints that when you (and partner) have an age total of 150 *(or more) then it’s time to “get cautious” in order to make it to overtime.

Pig Recovery

More time was recorded this week flattening the ground in the front yard where a herd of wandering feral hogs tore up an area under the oaks.  I tried “rider leveling” *(hard on the blades, but works – if you can stand the dust clouds when the ground is dry…).  The “Right” answer though was to get the tractor out and “back-bucket” the area.

You put your front loader bucket down, so its bottom is flat on the ground.  Then you push it down another quarter inch of so.  Now, with the tractor in reverse you pull the flattened bucket and it can do an OK job of knocking down high spots.  And the tractor tracks…ahem.

Today, my work partner will “celebrate Mother’s Day” by applying peat moss, and then using a spreader to put in coated grass seed.

BTW Elaine’s Mother’s Day gift this year was a medium quality (magnetic) chess set. Chess is oh-so-better’n television.  But, only if you want to keep your neurons firing.

Elaine also enjoys other board games – we have a dandy glass board Scrabble set which gets set up every five-years, or so.  Last time we got it out, we added higher-contrast letters.  Didn’t improve my spelling, though.

Pappy always put board games in the same category with “going to the gym” and such.  “If you’re going to invest energy in something, figure it so there’s a return on effort.”

15-books, or so, latter, I still enjoy board games and avoid sweat as much as possible.

3D Print Queue

While cleaning the shop this week I noticed too many boxes of unprinted 3D filament.  Around here, we tend to go whole-hog into a new “area of interest”, quickly read the field, master it, and then move on to the next “sparkly” that catches the mind.

That’s how 3D printing has been.  Not using “printer alley” (two CR10’s and two 3040 class CNCs (with laser for one).  “I came, I printed, I moved on…”

The Silicon Sidekick – on being consulted about filament shelf life said:

  • PLA: Typically 2-3 years, though some sources suggest up to 5 years if sealed well. It’s more prone to moisture absorption over time.
  • ABS: Can last 3-5 years or longer in unopened packaging, as it’s less hygroscopic than PLA.
  • PETG: Similar to ABS, around 3-5 years, with good resistance to moisture when sealed.
  • Nylon and specialty filaments (e.g., TPU, PC): Often 1-3 years, as they are more sensitive to moisture and UV exposure.

And more about that TPU?  Which is why I got into 3D printing in the first place…

“Unopened TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) filament, when stored at room temperature in its original vacuum-sealed packaging with desiccant, typically has a shelf life of 1-3 years. TPU is more hygroscopic (moisture-absorbing) than filaments like PLA or ABS, so proper storage—away from humidity, heat, and direct sunlight—is critical to prevent degradation. If the seal is intact and conditions are optimal, it can lean toward the longer end of that range. Check for flexibility and moisture-related issues before use, as absorbed moisture can affect print quality.”

Just dandy – so look for a flurry of marginally-useful shop projects soon to keep the aging filament from timing oout.

One the main reasons for getting into 3D printing (in the first place) was I couldn’t find a front seal gasket for my Icom M710 marine single-sideband radio.  Now, about four-years later, I still haven’t designed and printed the replacement “unobtainium” front panel waterproof gasket.  But the radio has continued to work fine.

Still, I live in mortal fear that someone will break into my office while I’m playing with the ham radio and the M710 will be on the 60-meter channels and will attack with a fire hose.  That would ruin the radio, hence a “Must fix” problem.  (I gotta get better meds…)

Ham Radio Desk Paring

The joy of being able to switch between multiple HF ham radios is passing.  I think I will be able to confine myself to maybe six HF stations:  TenTec Omni VII, TS-590S, Yaesu FT-920, the GSB-100/Drake 2B/Q and Thunderbolt, and the Hallicrafters answer to the S-Line from Collins…

Raise your hand if you want to be on a “pre-eBay” list when I start listing.  There’s a ton – literally.

Latest toy?  An Alinco DX-SR8T – which works dandy in the remote (CAT-5) extended control head mode and matching EDX-2 remote tuner seems OK.  Just couldn’t figure how to squish the SX-101/HT32/HT33 into the pickup truck, is all…No room left for the 12 VDC power supply (or genset) without overflow into the bed…

On this, off to another day of keto diet.  Amazoid will drop off a selection of low-to-no sugar beef jerky for assessment.  (Another $Fiddy spent on “research”).

But the theory is if I don’t eat for a year, or two, I may lose a few ounces.  We’ll see about that…

Write when you get rich,

George@Ure.net

38 thoughts on “ShopTalk Sunday: Saws, Skills, Survival”

  1. Hagerstown MD Hamfest yesterday.

    S Line RX $350.

    Light attendance. Old people, many overweight.

    One of the thin ones lovingly cradling his new BC-348 on the way to his car.

    • Depends which S line rx – the 75-s1 was OK, ut lacked the refining notch filter of the s3B which was a fabulous receiver. So, you’re going to tell me it was an S-3B, with additional swling crystals, and you need my address so I can send/paypal you $400 shipping included…

      • Didn’t check the RX model, I didn’t buy it.

        Just bought some small condensers and a CCrane active AM band ferrite antanna.

      • and a rudder thing …

        I have been playing chess since age 8-9. At 19-20 I was Waterfron Director at a kids summer camp (where most water rescues in life occurred). A young genius camper ducked out of sports to play chess against me before 2nd swim. Kid was brilliant. I learned a lot by playing against him, watching his moves.

        Later in life Mrs. E bought me a fine set of tournament clocks. It changed chess forever. To know you could start and end a game in, say, 30 minutes (versus potentially taking days). It was an epiphany and changed the game.

        Wonder where those clocks are?
        Prolly in the pole barn.
        Another TBD.

        Castle much?
        E

  2. Excuse what may be a dumb question please. If the shelf life of 3d printer filament is limited does that follow to the final printed product as well?
    I have considered 3d printing for some of the various small parts used in the hooptys.

    Stay safe. 73

    • Two different eeffects. On the new unprinted end, the filament soaks up air water (I have a silament dryer, but once filament gets wet, it is very much more brittle and tends to break off in the printer causing assorted large outbreaks of longshore language. Once printed, getting hard is fine (*Wait, say what? lol). Esp at this age, eh?

    • I wonder if Vulcanization extends the finished product’s life

    • When one looks exactly like Gemma Chan and is fully functional in all respects, I’ll be glad to shell out the 16K.

      I’ll even order extra batteries.

  5. While I haven’t gone crazy stocking up on Chineseum crapola, I have made a couple of modest purchases. I bought a second one of these:

    https://www.amazon.com/Upgraded-Torchiere-Adjustable-Dimmable-Standing/dp/B09V37CR93?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1

    They have one a little less bright, and another a little more bright, priced accordingly. I went for the just right ones.’

    I have one in my kitchen, and one in the garage. I use the one in the kitchen a lot for auxiliary lumens.
    -The controller defaults to turning on after a power blip. I leave the one in the kitchen plugged in. The one in the garage I am going to leave unplugged, with the remote under shielding mesh.
    -Both are easy to swap over to my UPS inverter, and give decent area work lighting. Cheaper than rewiring the house for isolated lighting panels with transfer switches, although that is still on the table.
    -The remotes haven’t interfered (yet). My guess is the remotes reprogram the wireless connection from a power-on cold start.
    -Choice of light color is good. I like TV studio 6500K light.
    -Don’t tip over. The plastic cover will break, and no one sells replacements.

    This is an example of a prep item which can be incorporated in daily living. The controller is housed in the metal pole. Don’t know how much EMP it can take. Still a good idea to have a few mechanical switch light fixtures and some incandescent variant bulbs put away. One prep scenario is the grid surviving a major EMP shot, with individual residences without protection being 100% electronic casualties. The big box stores then become war zones for media withdrawal victims suffering from PTSD. and no electronics fix. The US Uniparty then surrenders to far eastern nations to stop the anarchy, get stuff, and keep the pay-offs from the retail sector rolling in.

  6. Jim : though I’m unlikely to invest in printing it caused same question. I assume end hardness of products made depends on filament loaded (and, compatible with printer). A carbon fiber thread with epoxy coating (during -or- after printing) should be harder than steel.

    Good for the Gander :

    We are proud to announce birth of (5) Canadian Goose chicks. These little kids are automatically granted birth rights so are free to remain here in USA for as long as they like. Note : beginning Wednesday next they will however need Real ID to fly here. Next up? Duck chicks. We have lots of chicks here.

    Have a fine Sunday.
    Egor

    • Nein, nein, nein

      Those durty burds have got to go . This message has been copied over to HHS- ICE, birth right citizenship is over – NO GO!

      Self deport those fat, lazy never left the lake area, Murhican Geese back to Canada – where all progressive lefties belong.

      Give em each a Beak piercing, and dye those feathers Fuscia and Kool-Aid Green, so they will fit in with the rest of the frozen, wef loving, leftitards in Ottawa.

      Ice Barbie to rescue – Go Ice Barbie, GO!

      – BlackOakArkansas-https://youtu.be/DJXM-ssg2Hg?

      * the only good water snake…is DEAD water snake.

  7. Buffet may be stepping down, but Berkshire’s cash pile keeps growing.
    They were, once again, a net ‘seller’ of stock.
    Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway revealed an updated cash stake of $347.7 billion as of March 31. That’s not a pile., that’s a mountain.

    I guess the recent volatility and overall drop in all indexes was not a big enough price drop for the ‘Sage of Omaha’. And now that they have bought/brought all of the indexes back up.., just what will he do with this cash? Wait for the next big sell-off?

  8. I saw an add yesterday showing you can print with a wood mixture. The person in the add carved a wooden duck then printed a wooden duck. Pretty cool.

    Basket reed becomes too brittle when it ages and turns a darker color. It’s also best used within two years of buying.

  9. .., and speaking of sell-offs
    .
    The S&P 500 clinched its longest winning streak since 2004. And has recovered all of it’s losses since Trumps ‘Liberation Day’ sell-off.

    Last week, the benchmark S&P 500 completed a feat so rare — only the fifth occurrence in 98 years — that the last time it was observed was during the Great Depression. More importantly, this event has a knack for predicting what comes next for stocks.

    This is only the fifth time since 1927 — and the first since the Great Depression — that the S&P 500 lost more than 10% on an intramonth basis and effectively recovered most of its decline.
    The four prior instances where the benchmark index fell at least 10% intramonth and recovered to close down 2% (or better) from the previous month resulted in negative returns one year later 100% of the time. On average, the broad-based index has shed 15.3% of its value 12 months after this rare feat occurs.
    History has a knack for rhyming on Wall Street, and this unique feat by the S&P 500 intimates that the index will be lower one year from now.
    .
    There is however a real caveat to this rhyme. All of these incidences of recovery and subsequences of a better than 15% decline over the next year, is that they happened long before any of todays’ computers, mega-banks, Federal Reserve interventions [ good, or bad ] the power of the bond market – so many “things” working and manipulating today that didn’t exist, not on our level, way back when.
    – So ? I would take this ‘100% indicator’ with a bit of caution.

    Personally though, I do believe that the market[s] will decline and am
    subsequently setting-up my Options/puts for such a move down. Just waiting for the math to tell ‘when’ to jump.

    None of this is advice – just some market news for you to use.

  10. dLynn : in a word, yes. Warren made gobs of dosh buying when there was the fabled blood in the streets. BRK often bought Preferred new issue treasury stock with warrants (to buy more) -or- lent cash at what bordered on predatory terms. But, the old feller wasn’t in the game to make friends (though he exits with plenty). He intended to profit.

    It’s no surprise Berkshire had, has, continues to have, a metric shite ton of cash on hand. When PE rates return to norm (they will though this comes with associated pain) watch for the team to redeploy. Me? Sorry to have sold BRKB given new ATH. But, content.

    We wonders if the Oracle will find enjoyment in retirement -or- be more in the public eye than in past. For my part, though we have differing opinions on many things, I’d welcome his public opine …

    Egor

    • Once he steps away at the end of the year, he will be able to say whatever he wants [ within limits to Berkshire]. I kinda look forward to that also.
      He does not like the tariffs that Trumps has played with. Well., who does ?
      .
      Yes.., the P/E ratio’s in the stocks are still at record highs – this is what I am thinking – that he is looking at. They’re too high and have to come down. How far and how fast is what I am contemplating.

      • “He does not like the tariffs that Trumps has played with.

        Well, who does?”

        Every single retailer in the United States.

        John Q. Dumbass doesn’t understand tariffs. All he knows about them is what a media that’s 97% prejudiced against Donald Trump, and 99.98% ignorant regarding tariffs and trade, has told them.

        If you buy a $30 handheld chainsaw from Amazon, it will be Chinese and have a 145% tariff on it.

        That 145% tariff is applied to the ~$12 Amazon paid for the saw, which should make the saw’s after tariff price, $35.40 but many retail vendors will mark it up to $43.50 — They will mark it so, because they can do so, get away with it, and blame it on Trump’s tariff policy, thus pocketing a windfall profit. John Q. doesn’t understand, and will simply bitch, moan, and go along with the grift. Like I said, retailers will love it…

      • dLynn : in days of old 17:1 was a legit growth stock PE (and most spikes went violently higher to be turned back as insanity grew). Bottoms, or turns, came in around 10:1. Those PEs would seem stodgy now, applied to boring nothing Cos.

        At the 2000 top the Comp had crazy nose bleed ratios, like 147:1 is the highest I captured near the peak of the “church steeple” spike. Buy a business for $147,000 that makes $1,000 -or- buy for $14,700 to make $100? Nyet.

        Yes the computers are in the game. But, algos used to be designed by humans. The nature of we humans remains cooked into the techno beast even today (though mildly influenced by the Borg). Suggestion : ladder into positions vs. all in …

        Egor

  11. 1 My hand is up for a pre-list list.
    (I may have tradeable. A Halli SX-110 in
    fully functional VERY nice cosmetic condition.

    2 Ain’t you never heard of
    “Form-A-Gasket?”

  12. After taking the oath of office (“I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.”) Biden didn’t even know that he had to uphold the constitution. Imagine how out of it someone must be to not even now the basic tenets of their job. Cuckoo!

    “But even given those numbers that you’re talking about, don’t you need to uphold the Constitution of the United States as president?” Meet the Press journalist Welker asked.

    “I don’t know,” Biden replied. “I have to respond by saying, again, I have brilliant lawyers that work for me, and they are going to obviously follow what the Supreme Court said.”

  13. Oh boy oh boy have we got some wienies to roast..but first we are going to need some Fire.
    How about we dial up some of that “magic”Flying Hawaiian Fire ala Lahina, HI ?

    Looks Plasmatic to these weary, blood shot eyes -https://substack.com/redirect/8a3967e9-1649-4afa-b323-8864d5d96766?j=eyJ1IjoiMWtrNHlkIn0.fVVcJH6f1r_zprDxpYe9yhWMCY9me-zumT3TyeeDR9A

    Plasma Weapons still a conspiracy theory ?

    OBVIOUSLY US doesnt have any such weapons..at least not that anyone has seen in action.
    Unless of course US Govt. under retard biden, attacked our own People and Country – Would NOT put it past that adminstration of obama leftovers.

    Does Iran have em ? Then so must Russia- hmmmm

    Also obvious wef/rothchild – DVD has control of one…wonder if thats the beam weapon frm Raytheon down under Antarctic ice whistleblower be talking bout?

    “When EARTH’s shield fails, the Dead will rise’ – sounds like Ishtar, but alas the WHY Files -https://substack.com/redirect/8a3967e9-1649-4afa-b323-8864d5d96766?j=eyJ1IjoiMWtrNHlkIn0.fVVcJH6f1r_zprDxpYe9yhWMCY9me-zumT3TyeeDR9A

    • Lets see now… Raging wildfire fueled by old, dry, lumber buildings, PLUS 80 MPH oxygen-bearing windstorm, EQUALS…. what? Plasma torch comes to mind.
      I doubt that a single ‘Lahaina armchair theorist’ has ever been on the inside of a wind-driven forest fire.

  14. The $475 flavor and the $575 flavor, and both are out of sock

    It is a stock item at Home Depot…

  15. You fit the psych definition of a ‘hoarder’. Ever considered a 12-step program for your addiction? And I still don’t see an IC-7300 on that list.
    Meanwhile, in line with my ‘less is more'(fun) I anxiously await the delivery of one of these: http://mini-radio.com/

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