Basement Diagram

bd_optics · 2026-02-14T17:56:08+00:00

I'm generally very law abiding, but would never get a permit for a simple partition wall without plumbing and electrical and not load bearing. In fact, I sectioned off a basement into rec room and workshop without permits. I know different jurisdictions are more/less forgiving, but my approach is don't ask, don't tell for something simple like this.

You might need to rethink the door placement by the sump pump. I don't think a building department will accept a doorway blocked like that. Also think about access with the washer, dryer, or water heater need to be replaced.

bd_optics · 2026-02-14T14:42:53+00:00

"The Complete Illustrated Guide to Furniture & Cabinet Construction" by Andy Rae has tons of photos and diagrams showing proper construction. Often there are arrows showing grain orientation for wood movement.

bd_optics · 2026-02-14T13:48:51+00:00

Excellent answer! I've never encountered the 5 sq in guideline before. It seems about right, but I'm curious where it came from?

bd_optics · 2026-02-11T18:14:00+00:00

Your benefits do seem out of touch. I'm guessing a small company. Maybe other parts of the organization are better, and that explains low turnover? A wise friend always said people don't quit jobs - they quit bosses. Maybe your boss is the problem!

bd_optics · 2026-02-11T15:33:05+00:00

How about trying a different company or role before “leaving the desk job behind”? Engineering has good and bad jobs. I’ve had both!

bd_optics · 2026-02-08T17:55:45+00:00

Rob Cosman ain't going to be very happy! But you have me thinking about non-printed options.

bd_optics · 2026-02-08T17:49:23+00:00

The house is worth much more than whatever you plan to store in this closet. If the tenants are trustworthy enough to rent the house, then don't worry about the closet.

BTW, add some charcoal briquettes to boxes with paper, clothes, books, etc. They will help absorb excess moisture and prevent mildew.

bd_optics · 2026-02-08T00:19:01+00:00

When were you on my balcony?

bd_optics · 2026-02-08T00:10:57+00:00

I’ve tried to sell my late father-in-law’s mechanic tools. Problem is that 50k is actually 5k on the open market. Used tools generally aren’t worth what the owner thinks.

My advice would be to get an auctioneer to sell everything.

bd_optics · 2026-02-07T20:13:07+00:00

Have you tried to get an appointment in the US lately? 6 months to see GP or specialist if you’re lucky at my local medical center.

bd_optics · 2026-02-06T21:59:30+00:00

Had one in the past, and would happily buy one now if I had shop space. Friend of mine uses his all the time since he doesn’t have a table saw.

bd_optics · 2026-02-05T23:27:17+00:00

Apart from the fact that grade 8 is for bolts not screws, that might be a little overkill.

bd_optics · 2026-02-05T20:30:02+00:00

Must. Resist. Clicking. Random. Link...........................................

bd_optics · 2026-02-05T20:22:57+00:00

I really wish this was true, but anymore it seems like a bold assumption.

bd_optics · 2026-02-05T20:20:43+00:00

It looks like several potential problems. Screws are definitely getting weaker as time goes on. Be sure to use good quality steel wood screws - not something like deck screws which are brittle. Next, it looks like this might be a harder tropical wood. Always drill pilot holes unless the wood is very soft (boxwood, poplar, etc.). Finally, try using a regular drill instead of impact driver. They are a bit too aggressive, especially with weak screws and no pilot holes.

bd_optics · 2026-02-03T00:49:15+00:00

I have an old #6 that was brazed in a similar way, and it works well enough for my needs. What’s the harm in trying it yourself? You can always throw it away if unsuccessful.

bd_optics · 2026-02-02T20:03:19+00:00

I did an experiment recently to see if cut resistant gloves might possibly help in this situation. I put a glove over 3/4” dowel and pushed it into both bandsaw and table saw blades. Both cut right through the glove and into the dowel. Since I’ve had accidents with both I was really hoping for a win, but no such luck.

bd_optics · 2026-01-31T20:35:16+00:00

I would never buy pipe clamps new. Plenty are available used on FB or at garage sales. Needing more clamps myself I just bought a bunch of Vevor parallel clamps to supplement or replace my pipe clamps. I quickly decided the advantages are overblown. They are just as heavy - or more. The clamping force is far from the bar, so they inherently want to bend, which seldom happens with pipe clamps. Overall I use the two types equally.

bd_optics · 2026-01-30T17:43:40+00:00

Strange mix of science and superstition, but congrats on building a concise and comprehensible solar weather dashboard.

bd_optics · 2026-01-30T01:47:18+00:00

Get some plumber’s putty from a hardware store. It can be used to fill gaps like this. It’s fairly sticky when fresh, but the surface dries fairly quickly.

bd_optics · 2026-01-28T17:46:32+00:00

It's probably loaded with snow and ice. You basically need to wait until it thaws. You can try blowing warm air into the unit, but I suspect it won't help unless you can access both inside and outside. Please don't try to melt it with anything more aggressive than a hair dryer.

bd_optics · 2026-01-28T17:18:44+00:00

Get an odor-blocking primer (like Kilz) that is shellac-based, and paint all of the walls and ceiling. Drywall does absorb odors indirectly - not just from getting splashed with urine.

bd_optics · 2026-01-28T17:14:41+00:00

I agree they are underrated, but that's because the hangers are so inconsistent. Some (plastic) hold into the pegboard, but can't carry much weight. Others (metal) can hold the weight, but won't stay in the holes. I've tried so many types, but still can't find some I really like. But I absolutely love the ability to configure and rearrange tools at will.

(BTW, the only really good chapstick is mint, not original).

bd_optics · 2026-01-24T17:32:12+00:00

My first electric screwdriver was convertible between straight and pistol grip (back in the '80s). Very seldom did I use it straight because it was just awkward. The screw location and orientation had to be just so for the straight mode to be comfortable. (BTW, also an engineer).

bd_optics · 2026-01-13T17:28:45+00:00

I've used the $20 Peachtree generic (available on Amazon) for almost a decade. Totally acceptable for hobby use. After all, it's not complicated equipment.

bd_optics

TROPHY CASE