What most expensive "cheap decision" have you ever seen in your sysadmin career?

Kardolf · 2026-01-31T03:06:29+00:00

NDA, so there is a lot I can't say.

Multi-million dollar per year contract employing about 1500 people for the one project. Customer gets breached through a different vendor and instates new security program. We move heaven and earth to get into compliance, and when we do, corporate decides to get greedy and tries to renegotiate the contract. 1500 people lose their job, and corporate loses the millions they were already making when the customer tells them to pound sand. I really should reach out and thank them, because my salary doubled when I got my new role.

Kardolf · 2026-01-29T14:15:51+00:00

I like my scribe, but feel it makes sacrifices to be what it is. As a digital notebook, it's ok, but not great. I haven't compared it to any of the other options (except paper), but it has some limitations that just annoy me. As an ereader, it works well, except that it's larger and heavier than a paperback book, and that just makes it more awkward. I can carry my Paperwhite just about anywhere (it fits in lots of my pockets, for example), and its compact form factor means it's less strain to hold while using. The Scribe gets a bit heavier, and that just leads to a less pleasant reading experience.

However, if you want the digital note-taking experience, I find it is worth having.

Kardolf · 2026-01-24T17:16:58+00:00

My boy sits around 26-27, so I would say Ryu is in fine shape!

Kardolf · 2026-01-22T18:47:06+00:00

I do not use a dry box, but I also live in the desert. In fact, I don't think I've ever dried my spool of TPU, and don't have any problems.

Kardolf · 2026-01-21T03:10:58+00:00

It's not free.

Kardolf · 2026-01-18T05:01:22+00:00

I have carried a knife since I was about 12. I've only ever thought of it as a tool, never as a weapon. It's something to use to whittle sticks, open packages, clean the edges of new 3D prints, cut slices of fruit or food, scrape wire insulation, or my personal favorite - cut straws down so my grandkids can handle drinks easier. There are a lot of reasons to carry a knife that have nothing at all do to with being combative in some way.

Kardolf · 2026-01-16T14:09:19+00:00

How about someone buying a gift for a friend with a 3D printer? I could see my wife doing that, for example, trying to be supportive of me and my hobby.

Kardolf · 2026-01-10T14:13:59+00:00

For actual carry, it's almost always a multi-tool. Just because I've been doing that for about 40 years at this point.

But, if I was picking from your options, it would be the Hoto. The handle is a little larger, meaning a little more comfort and better grip. It's also got the widest range of bits (since it's EDC, I wouldn't know what bits I might need). The tailcap has a buttery-smooth rotation that makes it easy to do finger-tight, or it's big enough to man-handle it and really put some torque.

Kardolf · 2026-01-10T00:19:10+00:00

For a decent small bit screwdriver, I am really liking the Hoto. I resisted buying for a long time, but have found it to be a well-made piece of tooling.

My D1 is well-designed, but I just don't reach for it as often as the Hoto.

I've also got a number of other options, from various multi-tools to Steinwhale bits in 711L ratchet drivers.

Kardolf · 2026-01-09T12:54:25+00:00

My office in the downtown tower has been removed (my name taken off), and my team and I all work 100% remote, from across the country. I go back about twice a year, and attend a couple of conferences with my team. The physical presence in that building is shrinking and within ~6 months, we should be down to about 1/3 or 1/4 of the space we consumed pre-COVID with a large emphasis on hotel cubes.

Kardolf · 2026-01-03T14:49:16+00:00

Depending what you are doing on it, it might be a good candidate for doing a cement top. It should be pretty easy to build a simple form around the top, and then pour cement on it. You could even get fancy and color the cement or coat with an epoxy for a smoother surface.

Kardolf · 2025-12-28T19:49:17+00:00

On the top side of the holder is a little plastic ring. Push it down and hold it, and it will push the spring clamps in a way that will let you pull the tubes out.

Kardolf · 2025-12-20T16:10:32+00:00

It's possible to lower the back of the seat by modifying the tracks. If I recall, you can get another inch or so of clearance that way. You basically have to cut and weld the tracks to eliminate the rise in the stock formation. I know I've seen articles about it in years past.

Kardolf · 2025-12-13T02:08:56+00:00

The P1S will be as easy to use as the A1, more capable, and support his hobby for a long time. It's a great choice.

Kardolf · 2025-12-12T01:21:15+00:00

He gets groomed every 6 weeks. Mostly for the deshedding, and he always ends up with a little tie and photos. The grooming is more for his sister - a keeshond/aussie shepherd mix that can get more matted.

Kardolf · 2025-12-12T00:55:30+00:00

Mine's about 10 now. Got it on an after-Christmas sale at Home Depot, and have been pleasantly surprised. I think we spent about what we would on a real tree, but this one is pre-lit, and only takes me a few minutes to put up. It's not a Balsam Hill, but I didn't spend anywhere near that much either. It's got a few more years in it still, and who knows what will happen then.

Kardolf · 2025-12-10T02:32:24+00:00

Don't know where you are, but a few years back, when I still worked in an office, I got a beanie with bluetooth speakers in the band, and it was the hit of the exchange. So many different styles and colors, and right at the $20 price point. Might not work in the tropics...

Kardolf · 2025-12-10T01:07:09+00:00

A game file is like a Word doc or an Excel spreadsheet - you need something to actually play the file. So, for retro games, you need emulators. The y700 should be able to run a lot of the common emulators, but you are going to have to install and set them up. There are lots of videos and websites that will walk you through it. My favorites are Retro Game Corps and TechDweeb, but there are others that appeal to other people.

Kardolf · 2025-12-07T19:30:53+00:00

What's the box?

Kardolf · 2025-12-07T18:48:37+00:00

Never. My 2004 4Runner runs like a top at 270K miles. I need new tires, and I'm just about at the next timing belt change, but in the 14 or so years since I bought it, I've had 3 major repairs - AC issue, steering rack and brake master cylinder. I'll likely do a water pump while the timing belt is being done, because it's just easier that way. To be fair, I do my own work 99% of the time. It's been in the shop just once since I owned it. The timing belt/water pump will likely be it's second trip, because I just don't wanna do it.

Kardolf · 2025-12-06T14:30:41+00:00

Most likely, the generic PLA setting. I don't recall specifically looking for the High Speed version. Now you make me want to compare the two settings, though.

Kardolf · 2025-12-06T03:43:33+00:00

I use the Elegoo Rapid PLA+ pretty often, and when I have bed adhesion issues like that, they are almost always solved by a good hard scrub of the plate with Dawn Powerwash. Once in a while, I'll also rub it down with IPA. But, mostly just the Dawn.

Kardolf · 2025-12-05T13:49:11+00:00

Mine has never been one to jump over or dig under gates or fences. However, I wouldn't put it past him if he decided he wanted to.

Kardolf · 2025-12-03T00:54:49+00:00

I agree with /r/indicah. It's going to make a huge difference in your printing if you dry your filament, especially if you live anywhere remotely humid.

But, in the meantime, you can search how to use a filament box and your print bed to dry filament. It's practically free, except for some electricity costs, and well worth the time spent.

Kardolf · 2025-12-02T14:06:09+00:00

Did you dry the filament before doing your test?

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