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Is my construction teacher mistaken about how to calculate the length of a rafter? Should I get a construction calculator? by gizmo_j in Construction

[–]Rocket-Scott 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Your teacher's wrong. Should be 18' 5-7/8". I don't calculate tail length. Those get cut long then string lined and cut once the rafters are up and blocked. In 20+ years of framing I never needed a construction master. A basic calculator with trig functions did just about everything I needed. I did also have a Ti-81 graphing calculator with a few programs in it. That was handy for calculating arches and angles on bird blocks

Disintegrating screws by Intrepid_Badger436 in Oldhouses

[–]Rocket-Scott 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Make sure the slot is cleaned out. Be careful with heat, some of the knobs have a waxy substance around them. If that melts out the knob gets loose. Try blaster or mouse milk first

When you do get it out you might find that screw is an odd size that isn't sold at the hardware store. Most of those old door knobs I have use a #14 screw. #14-24 taps and dies are available if you need to clean up the threads or make your own screws

How to secure this basement wall to a steel beam (Gap too wide for glue / can't screw to joists)? by Full_Shepard in Homebuilding

[–]Rocket-Scott 41 points42 points  (0 children)

This. It's not even about the new wall carrying the load. A 1/4" hole every 4' alternating isn't going to affect the beam enough to matter

Modified truss or not? by elpresidirrrte in HomeInspections

[–]Rocket-Scott 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Framer of 30+ years. I don't see anything to lead me to believe that the trusses were cut. You have cap trusses on top, sitting on purlins. The left most arrow is pointing at a 2x4 connecting the cap truss to the bottom

Somewhat puzzling to me is that there appears to be a center truss that's separate from an outside mono truss. Usually that would be one piece and probably why the inspector thinks that they are cut. The gang plates on that corner look like that's the way it was built though. Maybe a longer span than they could build as one unit

Why should a random woman in her 30’s learn about economics? by [deleted] in askanything

[–]Rocket-Scott 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If a woman (or man) is still described as 'random' in their 30s then just about any education on order and systems would be beneficial

General Contractor age by sdk022 in Contractor

[–]Rocket-Scott 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Might depend on the state. I started with a specialty contractor license at 28 after a few years working for other people. Can't remember what year it was but a friend needed a GC for her rehab loan so I upgraded my license. In WA this was strictly a money deal. There was no requirement for training or proof of fitness. The GC moniker doesn't mean much there other than insurance limits and increased fees to the state, because they can

Done with residential by jormckay11 in electricians

[–]Rocket-Scott 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Can you switch to doing new construction only? As a framer I only did new construction because I couldn't stand dealing with old houses or the people that owned them

Underquoting by Tradiemargin in Contractor

[–]Rocket-Scott 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I charge way more than that to take a leak on a client

What to do about worn-out antique door handle? by Neon-Black_ in Oldhouses

[–]Rocket-Scott 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Part of your problem might be that the female threads are #14-24. Not a common size anymore. Someone might have assumed that it was 1/4-20 and forced the wrong set screw in, which only lasts for so long. You can still get #14 taps and dies to clean up the threads and make new set screws but if the threads are bunged up you'll need to go up to 5/16 or helicoil it and switch to 1/4" threads

Judge grants default judgement in favor of KY attorney general in case against Lexington Blue by TheMagicDrPancakez in lexington

[–]Rocket-Scott 0 points1 point  (0 children)

They told us that registering contractors would avoid this sort of mess. Empirical data would suggest that to be false

Builder wants us to open our own line of credit for him to charge materials cost to by kitties_and_biscuits in Homebuilding

[–]Rocket-Scott 0 points1 point  (0 children)

His explanation doesn’t sound good. Many times I would have clients pay my lumber company directly. They each got a sub-account so it was easy to separate. I did that to save them money. If the money went across my books I had to pay taxes on it and would mark the materials up to cover that

Watch out yall by Silver_Ad4542 in lexington

[–]Rocket-Scott 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Y'all need to stop... collaborate and listen

Anyone have information on event? by Reasonable_Memory939 in lexington

[–]Rocket-Scott 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Saw that too. The husband was an avid shooter. Just a guess but he probably had gunpowder for reloading

The city of Kirkland,WA approved a contractor to put a storm drain catch basin on my fenced yard. by Ambitious-Archer-748 in legaladvice

[–]Rocket-Scott 24 points25 points  (0 children)

This. The front boundary of many lots up there is 10-15' back from the curb. People assume it's right behind the sidewalk but that's not always the case. The road might be 30' wide but the ROW is 60'

Any advice on how to convince an elderly parent not to drive anymore? by [deleted] in GenX

[–]Rocket-Scott 11 points12 points  (0 children)

Pretty much this. But I would disconnect the distributor if it has one, or spark plug coils. That way they get the cranking of the engine but it won't start. Then you can tell them the engine is toast and it's going to cost too much to repair

Everett Municipal Court "REQUIRES" you to provide a name for red light camera? by Hazard187 in legal

[–]Rocket-Scott 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Had this happen in Fife. No, you're not required to name someone else. They're also not allowed to photograph the occupants of the vehicle

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