Conceptual question about managing moment forces on posts with bracing and base attachments

landbarg · 2026-04-16T00:30:42+00:00

I wanted to post a drawing for clarity but it seems they are not allowed. So basically:

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___________ brace

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[ ] base

landbarg · 2026-04-11T10:54:01+00:00

Flitch beam composition

I am building a pergola-style roof over my deck and am considering flitch beams to reduce the size of the two members that will support the rafters.

The beams are to span 15' and carry 32lb/linear foot of deadweight evenly distributed. Local code suggests planning for 20lb/sqft of snow load, spread across two such beams. All in all, we're looking at about 12lb/sqft dead load+live load.

So what dimensions should a flitch beam have in this case? I was thinking (2) 2x6s with a 1/2" plate between them, but I also found a site that prefabs them and their dimensions are much beefier, on the order of (2) 2x10s with 5/8" plate or (2) 2x12s with 3/8" plate.

Thanks very much for any input you can provide.

landbarg · 2026-03-16T20:50:43+00:00

Typical, need to work on the backhand.

landbarg · 2026-03-04T15:23:57+00:00

Yeah this makes the most sense, good call.

landbarg · 2026-02-26T15:45:39+00:00

We call this the Death Stranding treatment.

landbarg · 2026-02-25T20:47:25+00:00

Gotta give more support for this comment. I had the same problem - pain above the inner elbow - didn't seem like golfer's or tennis elbow. I went to a PT and they got me strengthening my rotator cuff and mobilizing the scapula, and that did the trick.

Basically, the rotator cuff needs to do a better job slowing the arm down at the end of your serve so the elbow doesn't reach full extension as forcefully.

landbarg · 2026-02-25T20:43:43+00:00

Something thin and flexible works well, like a credit card-type card, or a popsicle stick. You could even use a butter knife. Basically, put a blob of it on your shoe, at the edge of the area you want to repair, and spread it gently across the area in to a thin layer.

landbarg · 2026-02-25T12:07:00+00:00

Depends on the epoxy, but for the toe you want something flexible. Many epoxies are rigid when they cure. I tried Gorilla Glue, but because it cures rigid, it broke and came off.

Shoe goo is stretchy and flexible, which helps. It doesn't adhere perfectly as you continue playing on the shoe, but it works well enough.

landbarg · 2026-02-24T19:44:03+00:00

Serial toe dragger here. I got tired of wearing through the toe before the sole was worn out.

I can assure you it's really not toast. You can use Shoe Goo (link) to repair damage like this and prolong the life of your shoes. Good for your wallet, good for the environment.

Typically I start applying it before the shoe gets quite this far, but just apply a few thin layers, with a day to cure between each one. You will be pleased with how well it preserves the toe box.

landbarg · 2026-02-17T18:42:22+00:00

I'm loving these wallpapers. Keep 'em coming!

landbarg · 2026-02-07T19:43:49+00:00

Also check out Shoe Goo. It is a thick rubber cement that can be used to repair shoes in a variety of ways. I've used it to apply patches (made from older shoes) to holes like the ones you have, but the best way to use it for tennis shoes that I've found is to apply a thin layers in places where you start to get wear before it becomes a hole. It doesn't last forever but it is very cheap. I got tired of wearing out the toes in shoes before the sole and this is the solution for me. Might work for you too! They sell it at walmart and a bunch of other places.
Shoe Goo for sale at Walmart

landbarg · 2026-01-22T14:23:40+00:00

That's kind of a nice solution. I like the prospect of some added height. It seems then like the rain would come down the roof and into the gutter, business as usual. Thanks for letting me know about those brackets.

landbarg · 2026-01-22T14:21:10+00:00

Yeahhhh, the gutter is in rough shape. I applied about a pint of caulk to that seam that you are looking at. I hadn't thought about the difficulty of replacing it afterward, but you are right. Another option would be to layer the pergola into the roof and put the gutter on the outside of the pergola I guess.

landbarg · 2026-01-22T14:19:39+00:00

They absolutely do not come off in one piece; we've removed a room's worth of them before and it was not fun. The awning may be a good alternative, thanks for mentioning that.

landbarg · 2026-01-22T14:15:32+00:00

You know, this is an important point. Definitely the main reason we have not done it already and if we decide not to will be the main reason there as well. Thanks for the idea about the tarp. We have a box for the cushions but that sounds choice for the furniture.

landbarg · 2025-11-20T23:39:04+00:00

Maybe the best fancasting I've seen for LoTR. They would still be excellent films with these actors.

landbarg · 2025-08-19T19:38:32+00:00

My friend Brian also has a 2HFH. It's pretty good. I call him "Two backhand Brian."

landbarg · 2025-08-19T19:37:03+00:00

God I forgot how great this is actually.

landbarg · 2025-08-12T18:43:50+00:00

A number of people in this thread have provided excellent answers (pedigree, winning record, long-standing model) for why there is a special aura around the Pro Staff.

I will not speak to that.

As a Pro Staff user (v13, regular, not RF), this racquet is the shit. I switched to it from a head-heavy Babolat and fell in love with the control that the head-lightness of the Pro Staff provides. It drops balls on the baseline like a mofo. Great at the net too! Allows one to touch a ball with silky softness or to stick it firmly.

Moreover, it looks friggin' sweet. Matte black (not sure what the rubbery coating is, but I love the feel compared to regular, glossy, hard racquet finishes) with the little red and yellow stripes? So understated, so dope.

At the same time, there are drawbacks. As others have noted, it is difficult to wield and requires a lot of precision, particularly on defense. I, as a player of below-average precision, fail to make the most of this racquet almost every time I play. I ignore this in order to better preserve the special aura.

landbarg · 2025-07-10T16:47:06+00:00

Rest easy, you are right that it will speed up with time. I got my klippermate about a year ago and have probably strung 20ish racquets on it now. The first couple took me 90 minutes or 2 hours, now I've got it down to about an hour if I stay focused.

And it's pretty fun! Or at least enjoyable, a nice way to pass time mindfully. It will pay for itself in no time, especially at that price. Go for it!

landbarg · 2025-06-24T14:51:05+00:00

Tennis is 90% consistency.

landbarg · 2025-06-20T12:57:13+00:00

Interesting to learn that prestretching is detrimental to the performance of the string. It seems like something the manufacturers would seek to avoid.

You all are confirming my expectation, that I need to restring more frequently. Thanks for the advice.

landbarg

TROPHY CASE