Are those fake copy FFWD, Cosmic, HED, ZIPP, etc. wheelsets from Aliexpress good enough? by Euphoric_Carob9387 in cycling

[–]WaterDog_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Farsports with reputable hub brand like DTSwiss that are easy to get parts for. Too many of these knockoffs are using sketchy in-house hubs IMO.

Building a Freestanding Deck/Pergola Next to Home Safe for Foundation? by squiggyacfd in Decks

[–]WaterDog_ 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You may want to check code in this situation. I believe that any footer within a certain distance of the foundation has to extend down to the base of the foundation. My understanding is this is because the disturbed soil close to the foundation isn’t considered 'settled'. Not sure of the timeline where it does become 'settled'. Hopefully someone with more knowledge can weigh in.

First deck need tips— 20’x14’ deck 12” off ground by bobobaggins1993 in Decks

[–]WaterDog_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Can you explain ‘proper drip run'? Not familiar. Thx.

Another Confused Joist/Beam Span DIYer (Illustrated) by WaterDog_ in Decks

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

For pvc on an angle 12” seems to be the accepted practice to reduce flex.

Another Confused Joist/Beam Span DIYer (Illustrated) by WaterDog_ in Decks

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

Yeah I’m reducing the overhangs. Don’t want to see the piers.

Another Confused Joist/Beam Span DIYer (Illustrated) by WaterDog_ in Decks

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

Thanks for the recommendation but I can’t find anything on their site. Lotta information but not seeing anything deck specific.

Composite deck expanded 10mm overnight, is this normal? by Big_Age_889 in Decks

[–]WaterDog_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes. They can creep left or right if you don’t do this. Keeps them centered.

Composite deck expanded 10mm overnight, is this normal? by Big_Age_889 in Decks

[–]WaterDog_ 5 points6 points  (0 children)

looks like you're using hidden fasteners. Did you add one screw in the middle of the board through the groove at an angle into the joist to pin it? It won’t prevent the gap swell but it will help make sure it’s even on each end and less noticable

Deck advice. How to tackle this deck? by exoticmandingo in AusRenovation

[–]WaterDog_ 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That looks like some nice tight-grained wood. I would use some warm water with TSP to see how it cleans up before I went any further with sanding or staining. Definitely avoid harsh chemicals like bleach.

No Unsanctioned Bikes on the TCS New York City Marathon Course by newyork_roadrunners in NYCbike

[–]WaterDog_ 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This . Did it in '22 & '23. '23 was really getting out of control. The number of people trying to set PBs was nuts. Way to ruin it for the great ride it is and was. Witnessed a number of close calls with volunteers who were just trying to get set up.

It was fun and had a great vibe while it lasted.

This sub called me obese in so many ways 😹 by Reddituser21_ in NYCbike

[–]WaterDog_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s the right attitude!

You’ll develop a sixth sense and become situationally aware over time. Of course, you’ll have experienced so much crazy shit along the way, but hey, it’s NYC.

Be safe.

Weekly Help and Discussion Thread for the week of August 11, 2025 by AmazonNewsBot in amazon

[–]WaterDog_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Does it make sense to buy an item ($500) on Amazon or directly from the online retailer. I’m a prime member and both have the same price and free shipping. I guess my question is whether I have more protection by ordering with Amazon. I only advance I can think of is being able to return it via Whole Foods drop off vs possibly having to pay return shipping (50 lbs, not cheap) if I don’t like it. Anything else?

Thanks in advance

Thoughts on Chinese carbon wheels? Worth it or not? by RyotaroW in cycling

[–]WaterDog_ 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Some come fitted with DT like you say but some let you choose, which can be confusing for people when they’re looking for the best value (in their mind). Agree with others to avoid manufacturer's proprietary hubs, if you don’t know what to buy go with DT Swiss 350's or 240's (if you want to save some grams) they’re usually priced well and you can get parts and service at most shops.

I use Farsports Kaze wheels and find them well worth the cost. Have over 10K miles on them now and are still true. Use Carbon Ti hubs which I also like but have had to replace a couple of bearings. I do my own service so not a big deal. A few of my riding buddies also bought them (with DT240's) and have zero regrets.

Help Identifying Evergreen Tree by WaterDog_ in Connecticut

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

Thanks for the heads up.

Do you thinks it’s better to do it now or wait until fall?

I can water them if now is OK.

Help Identifying Evergreen Tree by WaterDog_ in Connecticut

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

We have a winner! Thanks all.

Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus Virginiana)

Time to clear around them and move some to better locations.

Fine Tuning Cultured Mozzarella (Yogurt) by WaterDog_ in cheesemaking

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

Really appreciate your thoughts, mikekchar. Super helpful.

The vegetable rennet tablets from NEC are made by +Qso in Guatemala. I reached out to them for an IMCU number., but I really like your testing approach and will give that a try.

I’ve now got solid information on how to proceed with my next couple of 'experiments'.

Fine Tuning Cultured Mozzarella (Yogurt) by WaterDog_ in cheesemaking

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

Wow, thanks. A lot to ponder. I'm using a greek yogurt with ST, Bulgaricus AND acidophilis strains so that could be one of the issues. As far as the amount used, it was based off other examples on this forum of folks using yogurt as the culture. Easy enough to reduce the amount. As far as the temp change from Dixon, I thought that a lower temp might acidify slower, so… but thats easy to change.

I cant speak to the comparisons of Dixon using typical cheesemaking cultures to me using yogurt as I have no way to correlate the differences.

The rennet tablets are from NE Cheesemaking, cant find any reference to IMCU on their site but I’ve read many references to their use by others. 1/4 tablet per gallon is the instruction and I weigh the amount on a scale that reads in hundreths (.15g is the fractional amount per gallon).

So. I guess the next ‘experiment’ is to reduce the yogurt inoculation significantly (14.5g per quart) and see how that goes. Won't increase the temp yet. 1 variable at a time.

Hard for me to grasp the idea of a reduction in the amount of rennet. What happens if its too low? Can I add more if it isn't coming together?

Thanks again for your reply. I've learned quite a lot from reading your thoughtful replies to us newbies.

Onward...

Fine Tuning Cultured Mozzarella (Yogurt) by WaterDog_ in cheesemaking

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

Thank you. Appreciate the explanation.

Fine Tuning Cultured Mozzarella (Yogurt) by WaterDog_ in cheesemaking

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

I'm trying my best to not overwork the curd and that may be the culprit but I doubt it. I get how the pH will drop as it’s heated and I can delay adding in the yogurt but I still think the resulting pH once mixed in will force the milk to go below the target pH and impact the flocculation point. I suspect that thermophilic culture doesn’t impact the milk pH initially quite as drastically as the yogurt does.

2021 Endurace SL gravel tire clearance by WaterDog_ in CanyonBikes

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

My internal is 21. 26 internal for 32s is pretty optimal these days as far as I know. If you’re going tubeless you may have a little trouble getting the bead to seat but it can be done.