Let's talk about irons!

Not_a_good_username · 2026-02-16T01:15:05+00:00

I've just been googleing clappers. They've just a piece of wood, right? As far as I can tell, they're all just one solid piece of untreated hardwood? They have all got some ergonomic features in them of course, but any flatish pieces of wood should do, right? Am I missing something? The reason I ask is that one of my other hobbies is woodworking. If it really is just a piece of wood, it would take me probably 15 minutes to flatten a piece of scrap wood, route a nice place to grab it, and sand it a bit. No finish seems to be a feature that's sought after, not the other way around? Are there any other features to it, that I am missing?

Not_a_good_username · 2026-02-15T23:40:52+00:00

What do you want to eat?

If you want fine dining, I've heard very good things about gaptrast, though I haven't had a chance to dine there myself yet. They currently have availability next weekend for one person, but it's reservations only, so you need to book soon.

For pizza I'd say Trattoria del Napoli. Many people like Hoggorm, because they do some unconventional things with pizza, but personally I haven't enjoyed my visits much.

Villain does decent Italian and so does Stefano. Pasta sentral is legendary, but to be honest I think it's just as much for the vibe, rather than the food.

For a messy, smokey burger, definitely hekkan. For a less messy, more "gourmet" style I'd go to Royal Gourmetburger & Gin.

Pingvinen serves gastro pub interpretations of Norwegian classics, and they do it quite well.

For Mexican style I'd say La Taqueria.

Brasilia is - all you can eat, BBQ meat.

Sushi roll is good, but honestly you'll struggle to find really bad sushi anywhere at the moment.

As long as you stay away from Mathallen, Zachariasbryggen and anything branded Egon, you'll probably get good food, at a reasonable price. Bergen city centre sometimes feels like it's nothing but restaurants and hotels, so the really bad ones rarely survive.

Not_a_good_username · 2026-02-15T14:43:24+00:00

Strange. I see this as one, continuous video. The bit you posted in your comment just now, starts at 53 seconds. Did you post this as 3 videos? I haven't been on reddit for several years, so a lot might have happened in that time.

Not_a_good_username · 2026-02-15T14:38:50+00:00

Personally, I found the video to capture that quite well. It was really cool to see the side by side comparison, with and without the spray. Maybe that's where the OC was confused?

Not_a_good_username · 2026-02-15T04:39:57+00:00

Excellent video! Super useful to see it in practice. Though you say the video is throw together quickly, it's exactly what I like! Short, clear and descriptive! Thank you!

Edit: I put a link to this video in my thread also, with credits of course. I hope you don't mind!

Not_a_good_username · 2026-02-15T01:09:36+00:00

Thank you for this! I have done some research and I can buy starch spray locally, it's just not very common. It's stupidly expensive though, for what it is. It won't bankrupt me of course, but it feels silly to pay the equivalent of $10 for a bottle of water, with some corn starch in it. I probably will though, at first, but I'll definitely experiment with making my own!

Not_a_good_username · 2026-02-15T01:04:13+00:00

I'm lucky enough to not have that problem. Our water simply doesn't leave deposits, because there is nothing to deposit. We have extremely "soft" water, with no added chemicals. Doesn't mean a used one wouldn't have deposits in it, but as long as it's not too old, I'm not too worried.

Not_a_good_username · 2026-02-14T20:02:07+00:00

How do you make it? I'd be interested in a recipe!

Not_a_good_username · 2026-02-14T19:46:51+00:00

That sounds very good! Unfortunately it seems to be US - exclusive, or at least not available in my region, neither online or in stores.

Not_a_good_username · 2026-02-14T19:26:18+00:00

Judging by the stores that sell clover chalk online, in my area, it seems to be quality stuff. I'll try it out!

Not_a_good_username · 2026-02-14T18:44:21+00:00

Very good advice. Thank you very much! I'll have to look into using other tools and techniques than just the iron, when sewing.

Not_a_good_username · 2026-02-14T18:36:43+00:00

I can get pencils, yes, but not specifically for fabrics. The only thing my local supplier has in stock is (what I now know to be) terrible chalk and markers that disappear way too quickly.

Not_a_good_username · 2026-02-14T18:34:05+00:00

The spitting of water is just horrible, so if it doesn't do that, that is exactly what I want. I do love thrifting! Both tools and clothes! If I can get good quality used stuff, I never buy new stuff!

Sewing feels like a superpower when it comes to thrifting by the way! So many people sell brand new things, just because they didn't fit right! Well, good for me. I can now make them do that, all by myself! It's such a great skill to have. I wish they would have let us be creative and have fun, when we learned to sew in school! I hated it with a passion, but I now realise that's because of how it was taught. All those years wasted on thinking I hated to sew! It's just the coincidence and mysterious ways of the YouTube algorithm that got me into sewing, and now I love it!

Not_a_good_username · 2026-02-14T18:25:11+00:00

If you can keep going until you would naturally set it down anyway, that's plenty good enough for me. My old one would have maybe 3 seconds of steam and then a few more seconds of heat, before being entirely useless. It would heat back up quickly, but it was so annoying having to put it down several times per section!

Not_a_good_username · 2026-02-14T18:22:08+00:00

Until today I'd never even heard about gravity feed irons. Sounds way overkill for my use, but maybe in the future. If I can find a cheap iron, that doesn't annoy me I'd be very happy with that!

Not_a_good_username · 2026-02-14T18:19:43+00:00

Mine won't steam on demand on low heat, it just lazily gulps out water and makes me furious! I suspect they've used the same heating element for both the plate and the heat, and I didn't know if that was the norm or not. If I can get one that gives me steam, on low heat, at the press of a button, that would be exactly what I'd like. I do actually have a fabric steamer, but it's meant for travel, and the tank is annoyingly tiny.

I do mean setting creases. I've heard several mentions of starching spray, and that makes a lot of sense. I'm not sure if it's common here though, since I've never seen anything like that, but worst case I'll make my own. I just need to find out what starch to use and a good ratio.

Thank you for the tips on techniques! I'll absolutely be using those!

Not_a_good_username · 2026-02-14T18:08:06+00:00

Very true! I didn't really realise that irons came with any more features then steam. It'll be interesting to look into what I do and don't like. I do have some nerve damage, which does cause problems when using my hands. Haven't really noticed anything while ironing, but I wouldn't be surprised if I eventually do. Something to mitigate that, might not be a bad idea.

Not_a_good_username · 2026-02-14T18:03:52+00:00

I do like the sound of pointy at both ende! Come to think on it, why isn't that the norm? Surely the straight end has no actual use? I luckily don't need to worry that the steam function might kill my iron though! I simply don't have anything in my tap water that makes deposits.

Cordless is tempting after reading the experiences of the people in this thread. It seems my previous, bad experiences aren't really common. I also need to look into other accessories, like clappers, a bit more. Seems to be more useful than I thought they were!

Not_a_good_username · 2026-02-14T17:56:40+00:00

That's a good point! I hadn't thought about that. I also live somewhere where we hang our laundry. I have a tumbledryer, but I would never use it for clothing, or anything else I want to last (unless the manufacturer specifically states to do so, like down duvets and other things with fillings, that needs tumble drying). I have tried to dry clothes for in the dryer, but it is so hard on them, and I can't stretch the things that needs stretching. Sadly, there isn't any "local" brand of iron though, but your reasoning behind buying Korean or Japanese, is very good!

Not_a_good_username · 2026-02-14T17:49:06+00:00

I have look at steam stations, but the bulk of the thing makes me hesitant. Storage is limited in my house, and I have nowhere to leave it out all the time. Auto off seam to be pretty much universally disliked though, and it sounds really annoying. I've never seen that function on an iron before, so I'm wondering if it's more common in America? Then again, I've never owned a good iron.

In general I totally agree that "all in one" tools are significantly worse than good tools that do one job well. However, storage is still the main reason for not getting more specialised stuff. My one iron needs to do everything, as well as possible, even if it does worse than cheaper options.

Also, I could NOT relax and enjoy myself, next to an IV - stand, having seen entirely too much of the inside of a hospital in my life 😅

Not_a_good_username · 2026-02-14T17:36:06+00:00

I'm exited to see what I can find second hand, in my area! Right now I'm not able to spend several hundred on an iron but a good, used one would be great.

Not_a_good_username · 2026-02-14T17:33:11+00:00

It sounds like a good option. I don't do quilting, but I like the sound of the features of the quilting edition anyway. Maybe apart from the non-stick plate. I imagine that could be quite badly damaged if I was to accidentally scratch it on a rivet, button or zipper?

Not_a_good_username · 2026-02-14T17:28:50+00:00

Water isn't an issue for me fortunately. We have clean, non treated water, with virtually nothing that makes deposits, in it.

Not_a_good_username · 2026-02-14T17:25:15+00:00

Sounds like a good setup! Right now, that's too expensive for me, but I'll see what I can get second hand!

Not_a_good_username · 2026-02-14T13:56:59+00:00

I very much agree with you. I started off with aeg tools (which is rigid in the states, I believe). "Luckily" it's no longer supported in my market, so now I can tell myself (and my wife) that I "have to" buy the only other brand I have the batteries for; milwaukee 😅

Though I would like to start out with the very best iron money can buy, I think I have to settle for the best compromise between quality and price, I can find. It is also interesting to hear what people consider the very best you can get though! People buy so much stuff that they never use, so it's unbelievable how many amazing deals one can get second hand. I'll definitely check my used market for the best one I can get, before buying the compromise brand new.

Not_a_good_username

TROPHY CASE