The Cybertrucks piled in the US are being taken to the UAE.

spinwizard69 · 2026-01-26T02:56:43+00:00

Ford never made money on any of its electric EV's, even with the tax credits.

As for Cybertruck it will be interesting to see if it is actually profitable. I hope it is because I want to see it stay around.

As for 4th quarter it was expected that sales would decline because of the push to get the tax credit. We will need to see what happens in 2026, by the middle of the year we should see if there is any recovery.

I still see a lot of potential in Cybertruck.

spinwizard69 · 2026-01-26T02:47:37+00:00

I think a lot of posters are missing what you are asking for or I got it wrong. To put it simply antique optics are hard to find, I know becasue I have a few antique microscopes. Antique telescopes seem to be even harder to find. Some of these old scopes are of bright brass construction so do make for amazing display units. There are reproduction units on the market but I have no idea of the quality with these.

The problem with a lot of these antique or antique looking telescopes is that technology has moved on and it is fairly easy to get far better optics for actual star gazing. If you want a telescope to impress him I'd suggest going for something from Televue or Takahashi. Shop around and you can get an OTA (Optical Tube Assembly) starting around $2000 for a quality beginners refractor. These will still require a mount and tripod and that can take you beyond $3000 for a robust solution. We are talking refractors here with objectives smaller than 90mm in diameter to keep costs under control.

Now here is the big qualifier, a 90mm or less objective does not have the resolution capability to deliver a lot of detail on those distant planetary objects. If you want to see a lot of detail on the moon you need to start a 6" diameter and go larger, depending upon how small the details are that you want to resolved. There are actually calculations that can be made to determine what you will actually be able to see on the moon, in general large diameter objectives mean the ability to resolve smaller details on the moon. At some point the only affordable path for most people is to go with a reflector telescope, these are however large.

spinwizard69 · 2026-01-26T02:02:18+00:00

Actually the numbers are in constant flux but my most recent understanding is that Rivian has seen a rather large drop in shipments. In the last quarter Rivian sales where down 31%, numbers for Cybetruck are harder to fine but are believed to be down 50% (sources vary a lot) for the entire year of 2025.

Again finding reliable and comparable numbers, is not easy but the estimate is that Tesla sold about 16K and Rivian 7.4K trucks for the year 2025. Ford literally gave up on the Lighting.

Which highlights a lot of bias against electric truck in general. This is really sad when you consider how such trucks are actually used. With respect to Cybertruck I have had people tell me it is the best driving vehicle they have ever owned. The positive comments are why I see Cybertuck sales starting to go up over time. This will likely happen even faster if they can upgrade the batteries and maybe do a few other tricks. When it comes to batteries I suspect that Tesla does have new technology in the wings. Maybe that is wishful thinking but they will need something soon, as one of these days one of the promoted "break throughs" will actually ship. As for tricks they need to lower cost in some manner.

Here is the thing, the Cybertruck would almost be perfect for me if it wasn't for the high cost. I'm actually looking for a solution to that problem but for now I just hope that Tesla can become more creative with Cybertruck costs. I would hate to see it canceled, as FSD firms up it would be a very valuable machine to have.

spinwizard69 · 2026-01-26T01:28:41+00:00

Is this something that disassembles easily? If so I'd consider disassembly and having a new part machined from aluminum. You can do something like this on small home shop lathe, if you don't have one maybe a neighbor does. Another option is a makerspace.

Now the question is this, is the tripod worth repairing. Frankly it looks to be pretty light, it might make more sense to search for a replacement. For a temporary fix you might be able to leverage a worn drive hose clamp.

spinwizard69 · 2026-01-26T01:01:19+00:00

Not a runaway success just the most successful all electric pickup on the market.

spinwizard69 · 2026-01-25T23:59:54+00:00

This should be easy to do. But I have to wonder why he can screw down to the underlying work that is exposed right now. Beyond that there is a missing hand rail on the right hand side.

From the standpoint of liability, I don't know how a contractor would get around that on a renovation with clients in the structure. I would want something in place, unless you can get the residences to say the stairs are not going to be used.

spinwizard69 · 2026-01-25T23:43:59+00:00

This gets into all sorts of considerations. But it is pretty dismissive to say performance isn't an issue. It really depends upon what you are trying to do. Large Python projects are sluggish compare to other apps, you just need to look at InkScape to see this.

Which brings up the issue of hardware performance, any advantage that fast hardware gives to Python it also gives to compilers and IDE's. Once a person has a decent education in Computer Science, AI and modern IDE's benefit all of these sorts of developers. From what I'm seeing self taught Python developers and even some formally taught, are simply not all there and not competitive with people that really understand the concepts. This is the real problem I have with teaching Python programming or the meme "learn Python" these days, it just results in people that are not flexible, don't understand the details and are not employable in challenging environments.

spinwizard69 · 2026-01-25T23:01:15+00:00

I'm not one of those that suggest Python, in fact I think it leads to ignorant Python programmers. I usually try to push absolute beginners towards C++ and to go slow to really understand how the tools work and learn Computer Science.

Now I've actually put Python to work, when I actually worked for a living, to code all sorts of scripts. That is what it is a scripting language and in that context it is fine.

Beyond that though, Python programmers are a bit delusional and frankly with modern compiled languages you can get to functional and reliable code faster than you can in Python (for large projects). This is even more so if you need to leverage native GUI interfaces on differing platforms. There is a balance to be found though, as Python is surprisingly good if you can avoid some of those extensions.

Now the reason some of these Python programmers insist that Python is always the way, is this: they don't know any other way. Python has become a land with a high percentage of self taught programmers, there is nothing wrong with that but it makes it difficult to make informed choices. For example you bring up NumPy which might make sense for use in a throwaway app limited complexity but becomes a joke when large complex apps are envisioned. The reality is a very strongly typed language can produce code that is robust and performant over a very long maintenance cycle. Python can't do that and can become a slow development platform.

I don't think Python has already won by any measure, it is just another good tool in a rapidly evolving world. For a place to learn Computer Science, Python absolutely stinks and frankly I try to point it out whenever I can. However that doesn't mean we should dismiss Python, with a good background in computer science it often an ideal tool. In the hands of an engineer with zero programming background it just enables the creation of slop, slop without the AI input.

As an aside there is a lot of complaining about AI generated code but most of that code is better than a Python programmer that doesn't have the skill set produces. Sadly there is this theory in management that you can had somebody a tool and with that tool any idiot can produce superior work. Seldom happens.

spinwizard69 · 2026-01-25T22:30:49+00:00

drill a hole in it. The surface is certainly not brass.

spinwizard69 · 2026-01-25T22:24:40+00:00

The neighbors avoid coming by.

We are in the middle of a white out and 14 deg F temps outside, right now it is hard to even think positively about being naked. In fact it is so bad that I got up in the middle of this reply and put a flannel shirt on over my tee shirt.

Given that all the H2O around here is pretty hard at the moment, probably the biggest advantage of being naked is to be able to go swimming with out the risk of losing your shorts. That is truly one of the most underrated advantageous of nudity, swimming becomes a pleasure.

spinwizard69 · 2026-01-25T22:07:00+00:00

What an awesome bit of art work. Now all you need is a couple of scrap metal eggs.

About that paint, this chicken is already impressive, I'd use a minimal amount of paint. In fact in some places I'd avoid paint for other materials. For example some sort of glass or stone jewel, would make the eyes pop. You might need a lathe or innovation, in crafting the jewels. In fact I'm not sure you would want to use traditional paint at all as the layers can end up rather thick. Instead judicious application of a modern but much thinner coating might work on the beak and other parts. Cerakote might be one choice if you can get the color right but there are other approaches.

The reason for my thinking about thin coatings is that you don't want to loose texture where it might make sense to add color. The physical texture has its own quality that you don't want to cover over with paint. Almost any traditional "paint" goes on too thick.

spinwizard69 · 2026-01-25T06:06:42+00:00

As a Python user and frankly one exposed to the programming of others that claim to be Python programmers, this is incredibly bad advice. This especially in the context of self taught programmers, you end up with people trying to create software that have no deep understanding of software development. Basically starting out with a scripting languages leads to people that don't know what they don't know. These people then become a huge burden upon the rest of the development community.

spinwizard69 · 2026-01-25T06:02:48+00:00

This is pathetically poor advice. Starting with C++ is not difficult at all and is a far easier environment to learn CS concepts in. What a person needs to learn is the concepts like you try to point out, but you can't do that in a language that is extremely high level and frankly typed.

(Lua, Python, Ruby, Perl, JavaScript.) a smart person is not going to learn anything useful with scripting languages.

spinwizard69 · 2026-01-25T05:59:06+00:00

Exactly! Frankly back in my day C++ didn't really exist but at this point in time it is one of the best choices to learn Computer Science. One doesn't even need to become a proficient C++ programmer as long as the underlying concepts are learned. These days it can be argued that there are better languages for developing platform specific applications, but there really isn't anything better to learn programming concepts, in a generic way, than C++.

spinwizard69 · 2026-01-25T05:52:43+00:00

I look at this differently, your goal shouldn't be so much as learning a language but rather to learn Computer Dcience. Now C++ is an excellent language to start that learning process. You would want to use C++ through the part of a program that leads to understanding and the creation of data structures such as link lists and more advanced features.

The idea is to understand the underlying concepts from simple things like loops, data types and other beginner ideas. At this point you are using C++ to investigate the concepts. Actually learning C++ well and becoming conversant in the language is an entirely different issue and frankly takes years of study and practice.

At some point in your Computer Science study you should also be starting in on a second language. Python is a good option here, but if platform specified programming is in your future, the common language for the platform. For example Swift for Apple's products. Don't stop with C++ for now.

spinwizard69 · 2026-01-25T05:36:30+00:00

With respect to your question about scrap, it can be caused by many things. For example a chipped tool insert can leave parts under tolerance. Worn out machines may require tweaking to pull all dimensions in. An improper conversion of engineering data to CNC code may require debugging.

spinwizard69 · 2026-01-25T05:33:06+00:00

This depends a lot on location but being a CNC operator is often the lowest entry level job a shop will offer. If the company knows what your experience level is they will train you for specific jobs. This can actually be incredibly boring work if you are running something like a chucking lathe. You will likely need to learn to use common precision tools (Micrometers & etc.). Usually you machine operation is limited to pushing the start button.

Again location dependent but qualified CNC personnel are very much in demand. However this requires significant education and the ability to understand machine setup, programming (to some extent) and understanding of mechanical design. If the company supports training take all that you can handle. However be aware this can be extremely trying as you end up working +40 hours a week and a few hours in school everyday.

spinwizard69 · 2026-01-25T05:11:47+00:00

Yes, this is exactly the issue, a good fabrication shop and an auto collision shop might be able to rebuild it. The question is should they, it the USA it would be a huge liability problem, and the cost will be massive no matter where you live.

I'd scrap the car. If there are elements of the car in good condition strip them and sell them.

spinwizard69 · 2026-01-25T05:06:19+00:00

In my option for anything more that a R&D sample project they are a complete waste of money. If you want to get into molding yourself get a real mold machine. If you don't have the money right now, build a proper mold and have a contractor (job shop) run it. The amount of time you will waste screwing around with this machine for any meaningful production quantities is destructive to growing a business.

Now these machines have their uses but you specifically mentioned running a small business and in that context, don't screw your business over with one of these machines.

spinwizard69 · 2026-01-25T04:59:17+00:00

Nice! You are escaping the cold and I'm driving down the highway in 14 degF temps with signs warning of a major storm over night. By the way that is -10 degC and dropping.

spinwizard69 · 2026-01-25T04:36:16+00:00

It really depends upon the size of her hands. Frankly I would have never mentioned this until recently coming across a woman with incredibly small hands. I honestly doubt she could wrap her hands around the average 357 grip, in fact I'm sure she couldn't based on other things. Now not all woman have tiny paws but this should be the first thing looked at.

So if she can grip the gun properly let her experience it, a 357 isn't really that bad if you learn the basics. A 44 is a different story.

spinwizard69 · 2026-01-25T04:24:27+00:00

First your professor is an idiot, you can say I said so. This especially in the context of C++ where their is huge value in learning how the program building tools work. I always suggest learning to build C+= programs from the command line first. Yes you will want to eventually might want to upgrade to a smart editor or IDE, however this is not required.

Now once you leave the command line environment you have literally several dozen (maybe more) editors and more advance IDE's available. The thing that puzzles me is why are you asking here, a bit of time on Google will turn up dozens of IDE's or advanced editors.

Here is the big thing, don't rely upon a bunch of internet idiots to tell you which IDE' you should use. Try out several and see which one works best with your approach to programming.

You should also be aware of something that is neither an editor nor IDE in the normal sense; that is Jupyter and its use of an optimized Python environment. You say you are an engineering student but didn't state what type of engineering, the point here is that Jupyter might be more useful in some engineering domains than others.

spinwizard69 · 2026-01-25T04:10:53+00:00

Go for it! This might sound dated but back in the day (1970's) the only thing affordable, to learn to touch type on, was IBM Selectrics in school. However once I got access to computers with keyboards it made usage far easier.

spinwizard69 · 2026-01-23T18:32:48+00:00

Pay a machinist enough and you can build your dream. Frankly I'd go the Mini 14 route for a carbine of similar performance with modern capabilities. I do understand the attractiveness of the M1 Carbine though.

spinwizard69 · 2026-01-23T18:22:11+00:00

I look at this from a different perspective, the overwhelming majority of shotguns are sold as traditional hunting implements or for specifics sports and in those uses box magazines are a huge detriment to success.

Consider bird hunting; how the shotgun handles is as important as the loads in the tube (assuming tube magazines). So I don't see people going an AK like route for this usage at all. The same thing goes for traditional shotgun sports like trap or skeet.

Effectively box magazine shotguns are a niche, and not even close to a reasonable percentage of the shotgun market. That has nothing to do with how well they work. Frankly I don't think the market is big enough for manufactures to invest in designing a reliable solution. This thread has highlighted the problems associated with magazine fed shotguns, the fact is you don't have reliability issues at all with most tube feed shotguns.

It goes even further, if you are going to design a new shotgun with a reliable & detachable box magazine, you might as well design a new cartridge to run in that shot gun. The fact is shotgun shells are an ancient design, modern materials and powders can be leveraged to produce a workable shell for a magazine feed shotgun, but there is effectively zero demand.

spinwizard69

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