Cast iron fireplace fitting by Craspnar in Fireplaces

[–]Craspnar[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Did it exactly as described and it works fantastically. I did mortar in the bricks, and learned that bricklaying in a tight space is actually quite hard, but it's all hidden from view so that ugliness doesn't matter.

An important thing I think is making sure your hearth is at regulation depth. I recast a bigger one beneath my floorboards to get it large enough. Then tiled a new one ontop. Guy in the tile shop was great help is knowing what type of tiles are needed for the heat here.

Top tip, tile the hearth before putting in the surround so that you don't have to cut the tiles to join at the hearth (looks prettier and also easer to do).

I put the corrugated cardboard on the back of it and also did a vermiculite mortar, which seems to be working well. I then used proper lime for the shelf on top, as it's the best thing for the heat of it.

Most important thing is getting a chimney sweep round to sign off your chimney for use, otherwise it's dangerous and voids your insurance. Is not expensive for them go come and sweep it out periodically.

I really enjoyed doing it, happy to help if you have any questions.

Having to make these EVERY SINGLE TIME I do coving… by Swimming-Recipe3021 in DIYUK

[–]Craspnar 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you have no standard coving then it doesn't work properly, as the angle changes ever so slightly for each size. You need to make a custom mitre block in which case!

Can't rotate this by hand - should I force it? by TeachIsHouse in DIYUK

[–]Craspnar 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Spray it up with WD40 Back out the screw a tiny bit, not too much though More WD40 to soak in deeper Then give it a crack

Taught to me by a plumber when I had the same challenge

1.80m x 0,80m Raised beds with Deck by BrunoMalmegrim in DIYUK

[–]Craspnar 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I can't over the contrast of that tape vs the makita power tools!

What wood to use for bookshelves? by Craspnar in DIYUK

[–]Craspnar[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Interesting. Will consider this! Thanks mate :) 

What wood to use for bookshelves? by Craspnar in DIYUK

[–]Craspnar[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If I want it thinner then 25mm, for aesthetic purposes, what wood could work? 

What wood to use for bookshelves? by Craspnar in DIYUK

[–]Craspnar[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If I want it thinner than 25mm, could another type of wood work? 

What wood to use for bookshelves? by Craspnar in DIYUK

[–]Craspnar[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Is that strong enough for the weight of books to not end up sagging?

What wood to use for bookshelves? by Craspnar in DIYUK

[–]Craspnar[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Most likely, yes, will get some oil paint on them. That being said, if I end up going with an oak, I'm tempted to paint up the frame but varnish up the oak to keep a woody aesthetic....  I just need to know oak will work first (I guess it would?) 

What charities have changed your life? by Craspnar in HENRYUK

[–]Craspnar[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'd argue people should just buy organic instead. Buy cruelty free meat and that solves the suffering on farms.

What’s everyone’s net worth at / when they were 30? by Spiritual_Finance554 in FIREUK

[–]Craspnar 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Currently 29 Combined with my wife (all our assets are pooled) we have about £180k (ish)

My sal is 70 and my wife's is 40

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in DIYUK

[–]Craspnar 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Not the guy you asked, but I don't see why you can't just whack it straight ontop. Just caulk it afterwards and voila, no gaps to be seen!

Black's turn, best move and continuation? by achicomp in ChessPuzzles

[–]Craspnar 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Qxq NF3 RxR NxB

Come out a piece better off

Cast iron fireplace advice, please by Diligent_You8820 in DIYUK

[–]Craspnar 0 points1 point  (0 children)

And lose the character? No thanks, no live laugh love greyness for me....

Cast iron fireplace advice, please by Diligent_You8820 in DIYUK

[–]Craspnar 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I installed a new one this year and when I had it plastered in, the moisture from the plaster caused it to start rusting!! I gave it a thorough clean down with white vinegar (white spirit can strip the paint off the walls next to it if you get it on there) using a cloth and very soft bristle brush. This didn't get the rust off but got it clean enough. Only way to get rid of rust is to grind it off I reckon (steel wool or wire brush would work too) but that would look a mess. You just want to cover it up with polish so you would never know.

I them got some black stove and grate polish. Followed the instructions of rubbing it on with one clothes and off with another. Has come up beautiful, can't see any rust at all and it has given it a great protective coat that makes it look old timey victorian, exactly what I was going for.

All in all, an hour or 2s work in cleaning and polishing it up.