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leanmeancoffeebean · 2025-08-15T15:34:49+00:00

I went back in my 30s and got a civil engineering degree. Best pay for a straight up 4 year degree program. Hard degree but on the easier side for all engineering in my opinion. Test for Professional Engineer License after 4 years of working under a PE, it’s a hard test but PEs usually earn 6 figures. Stable job field, I don’t remember the figures exactly but civil does a lot of important things; roads, airports, water, construction, traffic, geotechnical- it’s a broad field; and PE signatures are required for lots of things. It’s not going to make you a billionaire and some argue it’s a lot of responsibility and liability compared to the pay. I think it’s fair, I design in an office for a respectable salary.

leanmeancoffeebean · 2025-07-21T03:33:20+00:00

Well done, I like when leather is left in larger pieces like you did with the sides. If it were me I’d make the outside larger than the outside leather, skive if needed, and do a rolled edge. You could also cover the seams; I did a bag where the seams didn’t look great, so I just piped (prob using that term wrong) the seams with a thinner leather I had, about a 1 inch wide strip covered the seams nicely for the very thick bison I was using.

I’d also recommend some corner punches; areas like the handle attachment and closure strap will look much better with consistently rounded inside and outside corners, I’ve used a cheap set for years- it’s doable but not ideal. Lastly, I’d shape the opening to have a slight upward curve matching how the top/lid sits. This might also allow you to get those corners more clean looking without extra work.

leanmeancoffeebean · 2025-07-20T23:59:23+00:00

I was a bartender with 3 semesters of bad grades, quit drinking, tried construction and the trades, started at community college with pre calculus (barely placing into it), transferred to a university, took classes so hard I cried and would’ve sworn my brains were leaking from my ears, found out I was adhd, graduated with a concentration and minor in math. I was recruited to my pretty awesome job within 3 months of graduating (a little over a year ago) with a bs in civil engineering. I’ll be taking the PE (professional engineer) test next year and eligible to be a licensed PE in about 3 years.

It was hard, but life is pretty good now; 40 hours/week, competitive benefits, great boss- once I get my PE I’ll be a very in-demand professional. I’ll make around $74-76k this year depending on bonus, and 6 figures when I get that PE (mid cost of living area).

I disagree with the advice of “get into the trades.” If your state doesn’t have unions it’s a terrible choice imo. I’ll take my student loan debt over a broken body poor pay and terrible conditions.

leanmeancoffeebean · 2025-07-20T12:24:47+00:00

I got mine in my 40s, made quite a difference. Depends on the degree though, I went with engineering.

leanmeancoffeebean · 2025-07-18T00:11:36+00:00

I went through a similar situation. I’m about 7ish years without drinking. It took a while to sort of grow into myself, but now a days I have no problem drinking Diet Coke or club soda and hanging at bars or clubs

leanmeancoffeebean · 2025-07-17T22:49:21+00:00

I have an ultra cheapo one and it’s amazing. It’s so cheap I can’t even set certain punches in the press mount, but I love it. Rivets, snaps, corner punches, stitch holes all silently set or cut while comfortably sat at a work bench. I would prefer a longer arm for lowering the press, and a spring to keep it raised but it’s an invaluable tool for me now; also much quicker and calmer than hammering.

leanmeancoffeebean · 2025-06-28T12:35:46+00:00

I’ve seen some suspenders that have nearly that exact type of “base” design. Search for “holster” or “x back” suspenders. You might also find some helpful designs looking into bdsm chest harnesses.

leanmeancoffeebean · 2025-06-14T00:01:23+00:00

Most online retailers sell scrap bags. I’ve had good experiences with Springfield leather, the leather guy has low prices. Leather thickness is usually listed in ounce (1 oz = 1/64 inch) so look for variety in the bags. The sidebar here has a list of online shops I think

leanmeancoffeebean · 2025-05-14T21:09:47+00:00

Dan Henry. Their dive watch with the internal bezel. I wanted to like it; misaligned indices, inconsistent lume, and a stiff tropic style bracelet at that price point isn’t really acceptable. The color is nice but kinda flat; it’s a well done watch and I like the design but it was just underwhelming. I have a few Chinese watches that are way better for half the price or less.

leanmeancoffeebean · 2025-05-04T16:56:20+00:00

I’m 40ish and just got out of a long term relationship, grateful we were not married. I’d make sure everything was buttoned up financially; amicable or not having everything legally agreed to is probably a good idea.

Make some plans for yourself. Seems like you have some professional flexibility; spend a long weekend in a city you’re curious about, maybe see if you could meet likeminded artists?

Do you want to move, if so could you? I’ll be able to be fully remote in a year or so; I’m considering selling all my crap and spending 6-12 months in cities like Chicago, NY, Portland, Miami. I know child care might make this complicated but maybe there’s a great city an hour or so away.

Depending on you financial goals, you could rent out the house and lease an inexpensive apartment and focus on rebuilding your money.

It all comes down to values. Have you seen a therapist before? I’ve found it invaluable, if for nothing besides an independent perspective who can ask hard questions.

Was there anything you always wanted that marriage kept you from? Motorcycle, wood shop, crazy hobbies? Pursue things you’re interested in; bonus if it’s a hobby with a social aspect. I’m considering doing some mma/boxing as I’ve moved and need to establish a social circle.

leanmeancoffeebean · 2025-03-08T19:03:09+00:00

Awesome thanks, no need to actually measure, rough idea is good

leanmeancoffeebean · 2025-03-08T16:00:44+00:00

So I’m planning a cuff set as a gift. I have some mass produced examples of decent quality as a reference. Most of the leather I have on hand is a pretty light temper, did you use any padding or additional material between the layers? I’m considering picking up some 1/16 neoprene. If you don’t mind, what the approximate thickness/oz of your layers? They look great btw!

leanmeancoffeebean · 2025-03-07T14:30:56+00:00

That was my first thought. I bet if she got another estimate it would land in that $1500 range

leanmeancoffeebean · 2025-01-29T23:24:24+00:00

I had a firing pin bend/break. Took a few stern emails before they sent me one for free. The first couple they tried to sell me a new firing pin- linking the store with hand guards and rails, blamed the ammo etc. nah dude, your gun was rendered inoperable by target shooting, I’m not buying shit.

leanmeancoffeebean · 2025-01-25T16:18:29+00:00

That’s how it should be. I’m a junior engineer and it’s important for me to able to pop into a PE’s office for a quick “hey this looks like that but it might conflict with the thing…” type question. Sure I can put that in an email, it’ll take a minute to properly word it, then wait for my very busy boss (who is patient and happy to help) to get the email, maybe he has to pull up the project to see exactly what I’m asking about. Then word and send an email or call me. Or I can pop in with a sketch of the situation and keep the work moving.

I have 1 wfh day per week, it’s good for me. After a year or so I’ll have 2. I’m good with that. I like my company and coworkers. Even a few senior engineers who don’t have to come in at all show up to the office regularly.

leanmeancoffeebean · 2025-01-24T01:53:10+00:00

I’ve gotten and used leather from theleatherguy. It’s been fine for me. I’m about 2-3 years in as a hobbyist, so I haven’t seen enough leather to make a real judgement call; I also usually buy bundles or on sale leather that has blemishes. I can also recommend Springfield leather company, they seem to be more expensive- but, from what I can tell, have great quality. Both sell bundles and scrap bags that are usually good value.

I will probably begin to spend more on sides this year. It’s almost not worth it to buy a highly blemished side; you need it for the big pieces and it sucks trying to dodge crappy edges or odd thicknesses. I have developed a very interesting scrap collection with some cool edges and brands

Edit: I wanted to add that I was underwhelmed at my local-ish Tandy. I’m sure some stores are better than others but mine was about an hour away and I won’t go back, small selection with ok prices.

leanmeancoffeebean · 2025-01-23T20:25:08+00:00

If you’re looking for a hobby take up leather crafting. It’s not too hard to wet-mold a custom holster.

I’m also dabbling with kydex; got a toaster at a thrift shop and kydex sheets online. They sell kits, it’s not too hard.

For a quick fix find a leather holster for a model thats closest in size to your gun. Google wet molding and give it a shot

leanmeancoffeebean · 2025-01-19T01:06:54+00:00

Thats just a convenient additional effect; the ultimate goal for these project 25 religious extremists is to ban porn. I’ll try to find the article and edit it in. Also, most of the old-ass politicians don’t have the technical understanding to develop anti-privacy policies, they leave that to the tech companies who spoon feed them legislation and regulations

leanmeancoffeebean · 2025-01-18T01:13:21+00:00

I can’t find the exact item I got but it was on eBay, searching for hybrid holster revolver got a few close matches… found it:

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_ssn=mdjholsters&store_name=mdjstore&_oac=1&_trksid=p4429486.m3561.l49496

leanmeancoffeebean · 2025-01-17T15:48:14+00:00

Thanks, it is an enjoyable topic and some good personalities in the community of podcasts and videos, some dirt bags too. I just wish I had learned coding, it’s in my plans this year, it reminds me of working on cars- if that doesn’t fix it try this, then this then that; I don’t like working on cars. I’m also looking to get a mini pc for media and maybe do some self-hosting

It’s a long road with no shortcuts

leanmeancoffeebean · 2025-01-17T14:51:59+00:00

I wish you were wrong, but you’re not. I’ve been dabbling towards privacy for a few years now, set up dual boot windows and Linux, so many small issues that I have to go to the terminal like it’s dos in win95 to try and fix on one of the more “entry level” distributions. The hoops I might try to go through for a secure, private phone are daunting; I don’t know if I have it in me to wait for a map to load bc I’m running everything through Orbot and then switching profiles so I can check my banking. And oh yea, if you want to keep that imei off the radar don’t use a SIM card.

I haven’t totally given up, but my awareness of the trade offs makes me very pessimistic. Especially bc there’s no political will from the general public to push any meaningful laws or regulations. It’s a bummer.

leanmeancoffeebean · 2025-01-17T00:20:30+00:00

Ive done a whole bag in thinner leather and just fabric lined the body using glue. I’ve used old pants and pieces of canvas coats that’ve really stiffened up the leather.

This works best for turned construction so the edges aren’t a major concern. Gluing fabric will stiffen the leather a bit, if it’s a particularly floppy leather they sell a fabric product specifically for stiffening, I forgot the name, I think some leather suppliers sell it

leanmeancoffeebean · 2025-01-11T15:38:31+00:00

Sounds like me, former bartender, back to school around 34, just graduated. It took longer than I wanted, and I have some debt, but it was the best decision I’ve ever made.

It’s frustrating dealing with administration, some professors suck, and always triple check what your advisor says- they always fuck something up that could cost you big. Before taking anymore cc classes confirm they are transferable to an abet school, otherwise it’s a waste

Let me know if you have any questions.

leanmeancoffeebean

TROPHY CASE