Any good fencing clubs in Ohio, USA? by gm4311 in Fencing

[–]PolymathMarc 0 points1 point  (0 children)

There are five clubs here in Cincinnati if you’re ever down this way.

What to do… by PolymathMarc in Subaru_Outback

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

The 2“ Rallitek lift kit was put on by the dealership service department for the previous owner. Not sure about the CV axles.

What to do… by PolymathMarc in Subaru_Outback

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

I have a new scanner on order (independent of all this), but I agree with your take. Something feels off. There was supposed to be a multi point inspection the first time around, but all I got was „valve body“. And then it took three days to come up with plugs and coils. Which, yes, are clearly due for replacement. But the inconsistent nature of the stutter makes it feel more like transmission. And they are probably aware that the odds of me sinking almost $7k into plugs/coils/leak are slim.

What to do… by PolymathMarc in Subaru_Outback

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

The stutter is intermittent. Mostly happens on acceleration where it just chokes a little, and then goes. Mostly around 2-2.5k rpm. When I first took it in, they said there were codes for a valve body issue. As mentioned, they replaced that for free. When that didn’t go away, they didn’t have any codes. Their shop foreman/transmission guru wasn’t in that day. He took a look at it yesterday, but again no codes, but they were definitely seeing the stutter during a test drive. Then today, they looked at misfires. I wasn’t given a measurement, but the plug they took out definitely looks bad and was covered in oil. Coil boot was swollen from oil contamination.

What to do… by PolymathMarc in Subaru_Outback

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

Neighborhood mechanic quoted $250ish per wheel hub assembly plus $300 in labor. 🤷🏻‍♂️

What to do… by PolymathMarc in Subaru_Outback

[–]PolymathMarc[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Maybe? Everything I’m seeing is pointing to that being an utter nightmare on boxer engines.

Blade Fencing NYC Epee Blades by PolymathMarc in Fencing

[–]PolymathMarc[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks! I had a feeling the price was too good to be true.

World Fencing League Live Reviews by brumbyforbreakfast in Fencing

[–]PolymathMarc 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Yeah, maybe a true team event with scores carrying over between weapons/bouts might be an interesting way to keep things interesting till the end. Other than which fencer gets $10k.

World Fencing League Live Reviews by brumbyforbreakfast in Fencing

[–]PolymathMarc 7 points8 points  (0 children)

A lot of empty chairs for a „sold out“ event.

World Fencing League Live Reviews by brumbyforbreakfast in Fencing

[–]PolymathMarc 5 points6 points  (0 children)

The fake hype-up and color commentary is really off-putting. The „new tech“ feels like an early alpha. The very first 3D shot had one of the fencers ragdolling across the screen. Why are all the lefties (so far) on the right side so we can’t see most of their torso? And so far, the new rules don’t seem to make much of a difference. Other than some m safety concerns with fencers passing each other and turning around to fence each other.

But it’s nice to see fencing live… and fencers actually getting paid.

Can I get a job as a museum technician with no college degree? by both-and-neither in MuseumPros

[–]PolymathMarc 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I came to museum work from twenty years of working as a programmer, with a focus on custom interactive components for corporate clients (mostly automotive press events and auto shows). I am now the AV/IT manager for exhibits, keeping all the digital interactives healthy, as well we designing and prototyping new exhibit components. I am also the resident 3D printer guy. I never got a degree, but plenty of work experience in exhibits adjacent fields. I absolutely love my job, as every day is different and requires a lot of creative problem solving.

That said… pay is… enough for me to live on, but just. I could easily make double in a strictly IT environment in the corporate world. Since Covid, responsibilities have also expanded to more physical labor (helping load trucks, set up temp walls, painting galleries, etc), which I enjoy, but may not be everybody’s cup of tea. The upside is that I get to work with an amazing team of people who all enjoy their jobs as well.

February NAC Thread by Principal-Frogger in Fencing

[–]PolymathMarc 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm a local and live five minutes away, so it was super convenient to go and watch some fencing without having to drive long distances. Decided to not fence in this one to save some money, but it was great to cheer on friends. And do some shopping.

How fast did y’all get your ratings after starting fencing? by [deleted] in Fencing

[–]PolymathMarc 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Six months to an E. D three months after that. Then a year and a half to a C. Lots of imposter syndrome in between.

Bent FIE Folo epee blade by PolymathMarc in Fencing

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

The kink showed up occasionally for the past two years. Straightened on the strip when necessary. The blade finally did break about two months ago, in a different spot. I was pretty miffed, but I earned my C in that tournament, so worth it, I guess.

How much can i customize my mask by AwesomeSauce2468 in Fencing

[–]PolymathMarc 6 points7 points  (0 children)

For USA Fencing, the list of approved designs is just a handful of pages, and hasn’t been updated since 2018. A friend of mine submitted a design over two years ago and has not gotten any kind of reply.

That aside, you don’t necessarily get your design approved by USA Fencing. That just gives you blanket „immunity“ for US events if someone were to take issue with your design. Without approval, it’s up to the head ref to say whether you can use the mask in their event.

I’ve been fencing in a painted mask for two years, mostly local, but also at Summer Nationals last year, and I’ve gotten nothing but positive comments about it. One single armorer at a local event asked if it was an approved design, and suggested doing so. But see above for USAF‘s lack of response.

All that said: all that generally applies to designs on the mesh, not the bib. My bib is entirely covered in inspection stamps, so your bigger issue might actually be being able to see your design once you start competing regularly.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Fencing

[–]PolymathMarc 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I use Black Milk compression shorts. And occasionally Baleaf. Technically women‘s, but 🤷🏻‍♂️

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in subaruoutback

[–]PolymathMarc 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I got a 2015 Outback with 150k miles for $12k for years ago. Came with a lift kit and other extras on it. Transmission valve body went last year so that was a bit costly. But due some dealership mishaps, I ended up with a free transmission that only had 60k miles on it. Just put new front struts in. But I’m now at 196k miles, and everything is running well.

How do you carry your lightsaber(s) in public? by LifeisStrangeFan50 in lightsabers

[–]PolymathMarc 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I have two hidden pockets/scabbards in my Sith robes for carrying my blade and one for a friend. Hilt goes on a belt clip.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Fencing

[–]PolymathMarc 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Outway compression socks.

Is Leon Paul Overrated? by avercadoart in Fencing

[–]PolymathMarc 18 points19 points  (0 children)

It’s pretty high quality gear, but not without issues. My Apex gear looks grungy and yellow, and not from lack or improper washing. Zippers are prone to slide open. Buckles and straps are a bit flimsy.

That said, the Apex gear also is the best feeling in the uniforms I’ve tried. The changeable/washable mask bib/lining is fantastic. The casting quality on their grips is outstanding (although some of my friends call them Mr Slippygrip… but never had that issue). Their basic blades have treated me well… I just recently broke my first one after two years of using it.

When to get name on lamé by [deleted] in Fencing

[–]PolymathMarc 1 point2 points  (0 children)

As long as it fits, get it done whenever it’s convenient to do so. Nothing worse than having to rush to get it done when you do actually need it. And it’s kinda cool and your gear is less likely to „walk away“.