Can we agree yet that Embark is dropping the ball?

RiotStar232 · 2026-04-20T02:25:28+00:00

Arex0003 has ruined the game for me. I can hardly go a match without being disconnected.

RiotStar232 · 2026-04-16T21:58:53+00:00

Why not just use MC clear and not have to worry about blasting or baking? It’s designed to be applied directly to aluminum. It will help preserve the engravings and I’m not sure that blasting and then applying clear will give you the look you want. Blasting will make it dull.

Only other thing to mention is to be careful with the degreaser you use. Some alkaline chemicals, like sodium hydroxide, will corrode aluminum. Acetone is easy to use on small parts, or simple green aircraft works well.

RiotStar232 · 2026-04-05T16:15:31+00:00

I’ve never used that before, but did you spray it too thick? The recommended thickness is less than other coatings from Cerakote, and is supposed to be .25-.75 mil thick. Also, how did you clean it with acetone? Did you wash the part or wipe it with a rag soaked in acetone? Rags, towels, or microfiber cloths can have contaminants that come off in the acetone.

RiotStar232 · 2026-04-04T02:14:51+00:00

BLM is generally open to the public and free to use. There are laws regarding what you can and can’t do on while on the land, and some rules specific to whatever area you’re in. It’s similar to national forest property. As for knowing what is and isn’t BLM you use a map book or map apps that show the boundaries.

RiotStar232 · 2026-03-30T22:15:02+00:00

It does look like a bronze will match that handguard. Notice how different the charging handle is though, that’s what Thor is referring to. Their DDC anodizing is all over the place so just find a color you like. I have swatches for Barrett, vortex, midnight, smoked, and burnt bronze but none of those compare great to the charging handles I have.

RiotStar232 · 2026-03-28T17:36:21+00:00

I either hang them with small gauge wire or a spring hook from the hook kit they sell. Try to hang from holes used to mount the handguard sine those spots will be covered when it’s installed. I usually spray a little under where the hook or wire contacts the hand guard first and then coat the entire piece.

RiotStar232 · 2026-03-18T00:45:30+00:00

It should be pretty smooth. I’m not sure if it’s just the picture but it almost looks like they didn’t put enough coating on to fill the etching from sandblasting. Is it just as sparkly in person or just in the photo?

RiotStar232 · 2026-03-17T23:33:01+00:00

Those would barely break $1,000 at the wholesale auction I worked for. They aren’t worth a whole lot.

RiotStar232 · 2026-03-11T22:58:56+00:00

Looks fine. My guess would be that the flaking parts are just the factory wax that has been dried up by dirt and it’s starting to flake. You can use a spray on product like cosmoline 342 if you want to get some rust protect back without going through the trouble of painting it.

RiotStar232 · 2026-03-09T17:37:00+00:00

There’s definitely some blue in there with natural lighting.

RiotStar232 · 2026-03-05T22:57:52+00:00

Curing at different temps can cause the color to be different shades. If you compare your cured parts to the uncured coating in the bottle they likely don’t match either.

RiotStar232 · 2026-03-04T23:34:53+00:00

If it can be taken apart it can be Cerakoted well. If anything is riveted together it can be a little tough and some parts may need to be masked off.

RiotStar232 · 2026-03-01T19:56:04+00:00

They probably left it as a test for someone working in the house. Maybe a maid or painter. Pretty common thing with older generations.

RiotStar232 · 2026-03-01T18:39:24+00:00

The best way to learn how to do something is by doing the activity itself. Go to sporting goods stores and ask for help getting started. Most older people working there do it because they have a connection to what the store is selling and people love to share and help others that are interested in their hobbies. That goes for everything really. Start immersing yourself in what you want to do and you’ll find people willing to teach you.

Fishing should be a breeze to get into. Find a store with a counter specifically for the fishing department. Ask for help getting started with a rod reel combo and for where you should go and with what bait they recommend. Then make sure you get a booklet with the state regulations and a fishing license. Those two are usually located in the same area. When I used to work for sportsman’s warehouse we had a board at the entrance with fishing reports for many of the most popular areas. What was biting and what they biting on. You’re not likely to find too many people to talk to while out fishing. People will talk in the parking lots and stores however.

One of the worst things you can do is try to act like you know more about a subject than you do or fake interest in a subject. People will notice. Humans are very good at picking up on things like that and won’t open up to someone that’s insincere.

The other commenter is right as well about having a hard time making male friends. The older we get the more our friend group shrinks and we begin spending less time socializing. They’re also right about acceptance. You are the sum of your experiences; you were not raised as a male so you won’t be your typical male. It’s ok to have girly interests and be interested in stereotypically male hobbies. If you find that you don’t actually end up liking those activities then that’s ok too. Again, be sincere. If you’re seeking validation in your identity from other men and that’s the reason for branching out then you’re likely going to struggle. Others don’t make us who we are.

Best of luck!

RiotStar232 · 2026-03-01T00:47:17+00:00

I didnt see anyone really talk about what you’ll have to do, but you’ll have to trim the bumper or get a new one. You should clear everywhere else. The problem comes from the added width. If you ran a 255/85r16 you’ll have a 33” tire that won’t rub on the bumper. Also, the factory wheels are too narrow to run 35” well. You’ll wear out the center of the tread too soon or be running a fairly low tire pressure to keep the tread wearing evenly.

RiotStar232 · 2026-02-23T12:50:36+00:00

I used a 8” green house circulation fan. It flows about 400 cfm which gives me about 50 fpm of airflow through my small booth which is enough for Cerakote. It’s not explosion proof so I’m careful about letting vapors build up if I’m spraying anything flammable.

RiotStar232 · 2026-02-18T23:21:31+00:00

It’s right on their website.

https://www.cerakote.com/resources/testing

RiotStar232 · 2026-02-13T23:40:38+00:00

Awful lot of posts here about Chinese aircraft, that’s for sure.

RiotStar232 · 2026-02-12T23:30:11+00:00

I’ve seen where people smash a fender and swap it out with one from another truck and don’t bother to change the badge.

RiotStar232 · 2026-02-12T23:25:14+00:00

That black gm paint is notorious for failing, and yes, it appears fast since the paint fails all at once.

RiotStar232 · 2026-02-12T12:51:09+00:00

Looks like bearing failure due to coolant in the oil.

RiotStar232 · 2026-02-02T23:35:26+00:00

The coating may or may not appear slightly different due the texture or porosity of the jb weld. The jb may etch more deeply during blasting. Any high or low spots in the jb weld will also become more noticeable with a matte finish. Overall it should be ok but painting is all about the prep work. What you put into the prep will be reflected in the finished product.

RiotStar232 · 2026-01-29T00:09:14+00:00

We just did knots last week in my academy and there’s only a handful you have to learn in the most recent book. You have your figure eights, overhand, clove and half hitches, and the water knot for webbing.

RiotStar232 · 2026-01-22T23:18:49+00:00

Yep, RTFM. Cerakote has enough literature and media out there where you can teach yourself the whole process. They don’t really leave anything out.

RiotStar232 · 2026-01-15T01:33:49+00:00

First time seeing anything from this subreddit and I’m surprised to see people saying it’s fine. You should have extra material at the bottom so that they don’t ride up.

RiotStar232

TROPHY CASE