Discussion Forum
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What should #1 Western Red Cedar 6″ wide pickets look like?
Got a bid from a well respected fence company. The bid was for 172 running feet of #1 WRCedar , 6" wide and 8ft. long, that was sent to be…
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Hot Water Heater safety valve plumbed to drip pan
Had a small town plumber put in a new 40 gallon, natural gas, water heater. He plumbed the drip pin under it into the condensation line for the Central A/C…
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How Do You Treat Old Rope?
I bought an old wooden block and tackle threaded with what looks to be the original rope. I want to just display it in the workshop, but the rope is so dry…
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Two Speed Trane A/C condenser: How do you know
I have a Trane two speed outside condenser and variable speed indoor blower. As I understand it, in the outside unit, Trane has a smaller compressor for the low speed and when demand…
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How big a battery bank do you have for off-the-grid/near off-the-grid living?
I've collected enough PV solar electric panels to equal 800 watts at 48 volts. Small DC wind has some advantages where I am, but would be limited to under 1,000…
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Can Power Surges Damage House Wiring?
Recently the local Co-op replaced their 50yr old power poles and upgraded to larger power lines. When they put the new power lines into use, a utility worker came to…
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Source for 220v surge protectors….
Our utility company was in the process of upgrading 50+ year old poles and highlines when they knocked on the door. Crew foreman said to "turn off" elecrical items (not…
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Are you using solar assist in your home?
Are you using solar air heating, PV panels, or wind power to offset your gas/electric bills? Did you build it or is it a commerical brand? What brand works for…
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What Material Would You Use ?
I like this design of a solar air heater. It uses 160 soda cans to make a solar collector that heats air. I know that you're thinking, this is…
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What was this for?
It's not a current tool, but I thought because of it's age, listing it here might get some good answers. My grandfather had one of these, and just yesterday, I…
Reader Projects
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Greatgrandfather’s tool still spins
As a young boy, working with my grandfather, I remember trying to crank this old grindstone as he sharpened some of his garden tools. With only the power coming from the leverage…
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The I-Beam Cabin: Gambrel Roof doubles storage and Dormers add light and space
I-Beam Cabin is made from collecting materials from Home Center Box Stores for a full year. Just over 90% of these materials were "culled" lumber, returned materials, and damaged...