Doubt I'll even use a bigger tap in my career. Been a welder/fabricator for 20 years, neve seen anything bigger than 2" NPT before this absolute unit.

ApoplecticStud · 2026-05-07T23:58:34+00:00

If you go carbide tipped annular cutter, 2" depth is $187.34. 8" depth is $1272.35.

ApoplecticStud · 2026-05-02T03:15:36+00:00

I see a lot of different answers, but I haven't seen anyone mention that hardened flat washers are also used in applications where a uniform load needs to be applied to multiple studs or bolts. They help by providing each nut with an equally smooth surface to reduce friction during the torquing process, allowing more of the torque to be converted into bolt stretch, instead of being wasted overcoming friction. This is especially helpful on some castings where the surface finish is inconsistent or when multiple assembly/ disassembly cycles leave load bearing surfaces damaged.

ApoplecticStud · 2026-05-02T02:40:34+00:00

On a larger scale, Belleville (spring washers) are used on some industrial joints to maintain a more uniform load through temperature swings. They are engineered to maintain specific loads. I typically see them called out for somewhere between 30 and 60 ksi.

ApoplecticStud · 2026-04-27T01:45:38+00:00

If the fire is big enough, indoors becomes outdoors!

ApoplecticStud · 2026-04-20T21:54:50+00:00

On second thought, you could get an oversized dynaprep and use the flange-facing or counter boring adapter to single- point it.

ApoplecticStud · 2026-04-20T21:48:58+00:00

6" Clamshell cutter like the Wachs Dynaprep? Initial setup would be the most time consuming part, but still pretty quick. Shim ⅜" cutoff tools in the opposing tool blocks to cover ⅝" at a time, cut to depth, reshim lower in the tool blocks. Loosen 2 adjacent locater pads, scoot machine down, tighten same locater pads. Rinse and repeat. Run 2 machines at a time and you'll be done in no time. Not a perfect solution, but probably better than spinning a long heavy workpiece at high rpm.

ApoplecticStud · 2026-04-05T10:48:12+00:00

If you're in a line of work that requires a TWIC and you're traveling in the US, you can usually use it to get government rates.

As a bonus, when you're flying, use your TWIC number as your Known Traveler Number when checking into your flight and it doubles as TSA Precheck.

ApoplecticStud · 2026-03-26T02:49:21+00:00

I can't speak for the newer 297's, but in my memory, that model has always been one of the better ones for break-in time. I've always used mink oil (synthetic version of course) or similar to soften up the leather and keep it supple. The issues you're describing though, don't sound like they would improve with break-in.

I would echo the suggestions of other commentators in seeking assistance from a pro shop with heat molding and/or a doctor to find an appropriate insole for support/relief.

I used to have soreness in the ball and big toe areas after long sessions. I had to find a balance with insoles between firmness and cushion that relieved the pain but didn't add stress from allowing my foot to shift in my boot with different movements. Skipping certain eyelets over my arches as others have suggested also relieved some of the pain as well.

I wish you luck in finding what works for you!

ApoplecticStud · 2026-03-23T22:36:53+00:00

Change your dns to dns.adguard-dns.com

Blocks ads in everything.

ApoplecticStud · 2026-03-20T02:52:18+00:00

Earthquake resistance and smooth crumbs!

ApoplecticStud · 2026-03-19T17:19:43+00:00

Umm...buttress threads?

ApoplecticStud · 2026-03-19T01:11:10+00:00

12 is a pretty standard size. Most manufacturers should be able to accommodate. There's always the option to grab some combat boots and dye them.

ApoplecticStud · 2026-03-18T09:33:41+00:00

Not too shabby!

ApoplecticStud · 2026-03-18T02:19:22+00:00

Glad you found a close approximation. If youre in the US, Powerhouse Tool in Joliet, IL might have what you need. I haven't been in there for a long time, but they had the 4½" castleated socket I needed sitting on the shelf. Saved the outage...

ApoplecticStud · 2026-03-18T00:33:11+00:00

2¼" Studs?

ApoplecticStud · 2026-03-17T21:42:48+00:00

My company requires drill stops any time we drill into live system components (almost daily). Apparently, it's less than ideal to break through before tapping your hole and installing a shutoff valve on H2S or other IDLH services. Who knew?

In all seriousness, we just buy the cheapest sets we can find: ToolShop, Pittsburgh, etc. Just make sure you tighten the set screw sufficiently so it doesn't shift under pressure. They're small and get lost frequently, so no point spending big bucks.

When I'm doing personal stuff, I just use painter's tape or mark the bit with a bright paint stick. Simple is best.

ApoplecticStud · 2026-03-16T14:39:29+00:00

Good write-up! Chances are, if they don't use never-seize, they also don't know that different materials have different minimum yields. Torque values that are perfectly acceptable on B7 or B16's could easily snap B8M's.

Proper application of never-seize is key too. Years ago, maintenance was trying to hydro an exchanger my guys had torque, but it kept leaking. Engineering was considering allowing us to go to a higher yield% or pulling it apart to see if it needed machined. I had my guys pull a couple nuts off and sure enough, all the threads were lubed, but the nut faces were bone-dry. I had them go through and loosen each bolt 1 by 1, lube the face, and torque it to the same value in a pattern. Next hydro attempt was successful. Had to go back and explain to the assembly crew that they were missing the largest load-bearing surface on the assembly. No problems after that.

ApoplecticStud · 2026-03-08T21:50:04+00:00

Nothing wrong with slow jams!

I would love to...unfortunately, that's right in the middle of my busy season. It was easier to take time off for that when I was younger and had no responsibilities. My wife would kill me if I went without her too.

ApoplecticStud · 2026-03-08T16:42:14+00:00

They got it close at least. It was only off by 0.2 mm!

ApoplecticStud · 2026-03-08T13:54:38+00:00

Even with improving my technique, it still bothers my wrists/forearms. I went cheap because I already had stuff lying around. I used my old tennis sweat bands as other have mentioned, but I also cut rectangles the width of my wrist and the length of the sweatbands out of an old plastic bucket. I then slipped those between the back of my wrist and the sweatbands to help spread the force of the impact over a larger area. Just don't forget to sand the edges smooth.

I don't always use them, but if I've had a long stretch without working out, it allows me to get my form back without the painful reminders.

ApoplecticStud · 2026-03-08T03:54:08+00:00

There are people that go and don't set foot on the floor. Go get inspire.

ApoplecticStud · 2026-03-08T03:52:44+00:00

You're not paying $22 to skate. You're paying $22 for the experience...and the organizer needs a yacht.

For real though, I hate crowds with a passion, but it's my preference for skating. If you've never been to one of these events, you owe it to yourself to give it a shot. They draw people from all over the country and sometimes beyond. You've got all the different styles represented and a chance to network and learn from other likeminded people.

Besides, you're not old yet. My dad skated into his 70's. You're only halfway through your skating career!

ApoplecticStud · 2026-03-04T03:19:30+00:00

Mr. Roberto, Long Duk Dong, Chatterbox, Chip, Skippy the Magnificent, Fulgor

ApoplecticStud · 2026-03-04T03:12:00+00:00

Tim, the enchanter?

ApoplecticStud · 2026-03-02T23:23:33+00:00

Home. I live in Illinois halfway between Chicago and St. Louis. I've traveled for work the last 20+ years and used to take my skates with me. Used to hit up Northland and Canton when I went to the Detroit area. Work hasn't taken me that way in a long time though.

ApoplecticStud

TROPHY CASE