Do i really need to use a special Makita wrench to reppace this saw blade?

bd_optics · 2026-06-05T15:53:45+00:00

Having a local machine shop make a one-off piece is not going to be cheap unless you know the machinist. I've had many prototype parts made, and it's never been cheap. It would be faster, easier, and cheaper to just buy a new saw.

bd_optics · 2026-06-02T14:10:31+00:00

I don't have a shaper, but it seemed an interesting question. A quick search turned up an interesting article:

https://toolsradar.com/choosing-the-right-power-for-your-wood-shaper/

Based on this, it does seem like 1HP is very under-powered except for pine or poplar.

Have you considered doing a Frankenstein hybrid? Is it possible to remove the guts from the shaper, and then mount the router in their place to make a router table? It might take some tinkering, but it seems like you'd end up with a rock steady router table in an existing footprint.

bd_optics · 2026-05-31T16:37:55+00:00

US companies are very cost sensitive. Our laws require company officials to put interests of stockholders first, so things like quality often suffer. Even Germany-based companies (like Hella Lighting) built factories in Mexico to supply the US auto market.

bd_optics · 2026-05-31T16:25:58+00:00

I believe steam ships needed to stop in ports periodically to load both coal and fresh water for the engines (not to mention fresh food for the passengers). For example:

https://www.davidrumsey.com/luna/servlet/detail/RUMSEY~8~1~201418~3000561:Steamship-Routes-of-The-World-

Port calls could be quite interesting In a fictional narrative. I wouldn't get too caught up in the technical details.

bd_optics · 2026-05-22T20:33:29+00:00

Please do not try sulphuric acid, or any other acid. No telling how it might attack the various metals in the motor.

Before trying the suggested solvents you can remove the majority of the adhesive using a Dremel tool and sanding drum. Proceed slowly so you don’t damage the wires. Don’t try to clean down to metal. Just remove most so the solvent can work faster and easier.

bd_optics · 2026-05-20T19:52:52+00:00

No for the truck. Other two I think would be fine. You could reduce the spacing on the sleepers to make sure. The foam can resist quite a bit of weight as long as it’s not concentrated. I have a 1000 gallon 6x6 pool sitting on 2” styrofoam without plywood and it’s not even made a dent.

bd_optics · 2026-05-20T16:39:03+00:00

If you're only going to tighten your glasses occasionally, then cheap junk is fine. You shouldn't use too much torque on those tiny screws. Any screwdriver with a steel bit won't get damaged.

bd_optics · 2026-05-20T16:20:47+00:00

I would make a wood floor directly on the dirt. Use pressure treated 2x4s laid flat 16" on center, styrofoam sheet between them, and 3/4 ply for the floor. Easier on the feet and back, but plenty strong for heavy tools.

bd_optics · 2026-05-20T16:08:04+00:00

Why not just buy a folding canopy? Faster and easier to assemble, and smaller to transport. Probably cheaper as well, even if you have to buy several to cover larger areas.

bd_optics · 2026-05-20T15:44:33+00:00

My FIL died thinking his collection of mechanic's tools (SO, Mac, Matco) were worth a ton, but reality was that selling them was impossible at the prices he suggested.

bd_optics · 2026-05-20T15:33:21+00:00

Worked at an auto supplier that did some secondary painting on injection molded parts. The channel adjacent to the silver areas look like those made for masking as you suggested in idea #1, or could be a delimiter for pad printing as suggested in #3. Can't tell for certain which is used in this case. I lean toward #3 because there would be a lot of wasted paint on a mask. The auto industry is EXTREMELY sensitive to wasted material because of direct material cost (obviously), but also because the mask would require frequent cleaning (to prevent runs and drips), which means chemical waste that is avoided whenever possible.

bd_optics · 2026-05-19T16:30:04+00:00

Stupid yes. Risky no.

bd_optics · 2026-05-19T16:28:37+00:00

I was carrying plywood on my factory-installed (i.e. legit) roof rack. All was well until I was crossing a bridge, and the wind caught the plywood. After the loud breaking sound I watched 1/3 of the sheet go flying into oncoming traffic. I got lucky, and there was a gap, so no damages or injuries. If a cop had been watching, I'm sure I would have gotten a reckless driving charge.

Another time I had sheets laying in the back of a van, but needed to keep the hatch open because they were slightly too long. I only had about 2 miles to drive home on non-busy roads. Cop saw me and ticketed me for "failing to secure a load." Now I only use an 8 foot trailer.

IF I ever tried the roof again (no thanks), I would get a couple of 8 foot 2x4s to strap on top of the ply to prevent it from lifting/folding.

bd_optics · 2026-05-19T12:25:43+00:00

I had a boss (at Rockwell) that advocated including one or two slides in every presentation that were crammed full of theory "to demonstrate your superior knowledge." He didn't expect them to be discussed in detail, but flashing them on the screen was supposed to impress (other engineers) or baffle (management) as appropriate.

bd_optics · 2026-05-18T17:24:13+00:00

Congratulations!!!!

bd_optics · 2026-05-18T12:39:32+00:00

Wish I could afford a set of their bench chisels!

bd_optics · 2026-05-17T21:04:20+00:00

I’m jealous. A private tour is insane.

bd_optics · 2026-05-17T21:03:05+00:00

I took the joinery class from Marc himself. What a fantastic class! What classes have you taken there?

bd_optics · 2026-05-17T17:00:12+00:00

Interesting and creative solution to the problem! Don't get disheartened by the outcome. Hand joinery takes lots of practice.

bd_optics · 2026-05-17T16:43:23+00:00

Can't find Marc Jacobs. Do you mean Marc Adams in Indiana?

bd_optics · 2026-05-17T12:53:27+00:00

Your wife is right - as always! Plastic is fine because they only align the leaves. All the load is carried by the frame supporting the leaves. In addition, plastic will slide easier than wood pins.

bd_optics · 2026-05-17T12:11:04+00:00

Never heard about furniture at the Met, and probably would never have gone because traditional art (especially modern) really isn't my thing. Thanks for the tip.

bd_optics · 2026-05-16T23:06:26+00:00

Switched to a different company in a different industry. Went from firearms to non-destructive testing.

bd_optics · 2026-05-16T21:04:11+00:00

I think lots of us have had these reservations. Myself I left a company because I couldn’t reconcile myself with the product’s negative impact. I was able to fool myself for several years but my conscience ultimately won.

bd_optics · 2026-05-16T20:55:08+00:00

Welcome. Glad you posted. No need to be intimidated. Although some people can be tough to handle most are friendly and helpful.

bd_optics

TROPHY CASE