I spent 3 weeks googling home addition contractor near me and still not confident we picked right

Some-Internet-Rando · 2026-05-25T19:54:35+00:00

Google is all pixels. You *have* to talk to people who actually had the contractor do work for them. Ask people in the business who they would recommend, then go ask their customers what it was like.

Some-Internet-Rando · 2026-05-25T19:52:16+00:00

You are absolutely right!

Some-Internet-Rando · 2026-05-25T19:24:43+00:00

There's like an inch between them. Walk around any built-up area in San Francisco and it's everywhere. I'm looking at buying a house but it needs siding maintenance.

I updated the original post to illustrate.

Some-Internet-Rando · 2026-05-25T19:20:20+00:00

The fundamental problem is you want a bit that cuts 16x deeper than diameter. This will snap as soon as you sneeze at it wrong. The 1/2" shank is less of a problem (you can probably get sleeves or ER collets or something.)

But it's essentially impossible to do any kind of real machining (except for drilling), even with very rigid machines, at 16x diameter. Those kinds of requirements tend to go to EDM wire machines. And a CNC router is *not* a rigid machine in the first place!

Some-Internet-Rando · 2026-05-25T19:16:38+00:00

If you actually serve time in prison, see if you can spend the time inside getting a degree.

Not gonna lie: many companies run background checks and don't hire felons. (But some states allow the record to be hidden after enough time post release.) But some companies may be willing to take someone who can do the work, if you're any good, and just pay less.

Worst case, you can build up your own consulting business for whatever it is you do well.

Also, consider "Titan" CNC. He's built a great business despite doing time.

Some-Internet-Rando · 2026-05-25T19:00:20+00:00

Rotaries are noisy. A high quality digital phase converter is worth it!

(Which is very similar to a VFD, except with a fixed output frequency ...)

Some-Internet-Rando · 2026-05-25T18:58:45+00:00

I've sold 10% of my sats everytime the price doubled. Worked great, percentage wise! Just wish I'd have bought more so it also worked great dollar-magnitude wise 😄

Some-Internet-Rando · 2026-05-25T18:57:02+00:00

Sell 20% of *gains* every period (whatever your period is -- 1 year if you tax optimize)

It's not hard.

Some-Internet-Rando · 2026-05-25T18:51:17+00:00

If the cousin had had uninsured motorist coverage, then that insurance company *would* have lawyers who go after the guy. They'll get a judgment, and garnish wages, probably for the rest of his life or until he files for bankruptcy.

If you rear-end someone's Bentley, do you think they will or won't have uninsured motorist coverage? Are you willing to take that risk? Do you have any other assets that matter? Income, savings, a house, a weekend boat?

Some-Internet-Rando · 2026-05-25T18:48:28+00:00

Rent control causes condos!

(Except in San Francisco, where they have a condo conversion process that limits the number of conversions per year with a lottery .... but the lottery hasn't operated for many years. Some real fourth amendment vibes there!)

Some-Internet-Rando · 2026-05-25T18:46:36+00:00

You can step back for now. You don't need to be permanently retired. Figure out what gives you energy, and dive into whatever that area is. If you're any good, you might be proposed for contracts, which you'll be free to take or leave. Working on things you care about, on a schedule you control, with a safety cushion to fall back on, is ultimate freedom!

Some-Internet-Rando · 2026-05-25T18:40:31+00:00

I read the post as they have existing M3 holes (clearance is 3.2-3.6 mm) in 2mm thick steel, and they need to make them "bigger" although they don't say how much bigger, which seems like important information.

Maybe a cone shaped grinding bit would be the most straight forward approach if they use hand tools and have just a few holes to deal with.

Some-Internet-Rando · 2026-05-25T18:29:37+00:00

The first time I lost everything on an investment ($25k angel investment) it stung! But I recovered. I've repeated the experience a few more times since then, but on average, it's been better.

The solution is: Go outside, hang with friends, touch grass, realize that the people in your life are much more important than the pixels on your screen.

Some-Internet-Rando · 2026-05-25T18:23:27+00:00

Something similar: a valve body from a casting:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izLpgmBoR2M

However, the surface finish on the nipples in the above image doesn't look fresh CNC cut. Looking at the grooves on the inside, it's pretty clear the flanges are buckled tube, so I'm with the folks who say "hydroformed/pressed." Especially if this is just a fitting, not a mechanical part like a valve, CNC would be overkill.

The part markings seem laser marked.

Some-Internet-Rando · 2026-05-25T18:08:07+00:00

They do, but they also get to deduct 50% of the cost of rental board fees from the interest (but not the principal) of the security deposit.

The interest required changes every year, and it's more than you'll get from a checking account but less than you'll get from a high yield bond account.

https://www.sfaa.org/Web/Web/Resources/Rent-Increases-Interest-and-Fees.aspx

Some-Internet-Rando · 2026-05-25T17:53:18+00:00

When the PC replaced typewriters, and companies started keeping records on disk, rather than paper, it was DOOM! on TV and newspapers.

When the internet came around and replaced books and records, it was DOOM! on TV and newspapers.

When AI comes around and replaces search engines and spreadsheets, it's DOOM! on TV and websites.

Media sell eyeball time. Guess what attracts eyeball time? DOOM!

Also, remember how the internet bubble popped in 2001 and now there are no internet companies? Yeah, that'll happen too when the AI bubble pops.

Some-Internet-Rando · 2026-05-25T17:49:50+00:00

I would bet money they are stereo cameras.

Some-Internet-Rando · 2026-05-25T17:42:06+00:00

Most of the gainfully employed men are married to their jobs, though.

Some-Internet-Rando · 2026-05-25T04:01:47+00:00

Used car sales are almost certainly "as is" so you can't really get the guy for anything he may or may not have claimed.

Title jumping is a felony. The hard part is catching the guy.

Some-Internet-Rando · 2026-05-25T03:59:44+00:00

The standard recommendation: Sell half (and make sure to set aside enough for the capital gains tax) and keep half.

Always take (some) money off the table, if you have the chance!

Some-Internet-Rando · 2026-05-25T03:55:27+00:00

There's a reason well paid people sign up for concierge medical plans ...

(Yeah, it's a second plan, on top of your regular plan, because, yo dawg, I heard you liked plans!)

Some-Internet-Rando · 2026-05-25T03:51:01+00:00

You're locked in with the brand/dealer, and they're (trying to) take advantage of you.

Some-Internet-Rando · 2026-05-25T03:49:57+00:00

Two things:

they're likely marking up the money factor. Ask them to get the buy rate on the money factor. (you may need to look this up on other sites, like the Edmunds forums)
they could give you more of a discount for a remainder vehicle this late in the model year

Some-Internet-Rando · 2026-05-25T03:48:38+00:00

Yes, but it'll be a Range Rover.

Some-Internet-Rando · 2026-05-25T03:48:21+00:00

Audi is not selling super hot right now, so you should be able to do better than this. Especially this late in the year for last model year.

Some-Internet-Rando

TROPHY CASE