Davtheram12's Journal

Where are you and where are you going?
davtheram12
Posts: 230
Joined: Mon May 28, 2018 6:02 pm

Re: Davtheram12's Journal

Post by davtheram12 »

Sclass wrote:
Sun Aug 14, 2022 10:32 pm
Looks great. Have you considered offering them for sale to your neighbors now? Why wait? You look like you have it all figured out and you can produce those window inserts efficiently.
That's actually a great idea but I tend to avoid my neighbors. I don't want to be known as 'that guy' who can do handy work. I've been able to avoid it and would like to keep it that way for a little while.

davtheram12
Posts: 230
Joined: Mon May 28, 2018 6:02 pm

Re: Davtheram12's Journal

Post by davtheram12 »

@jacob
A double hung window installation would have been so much easier! This was the second time I've completed a similar project (the other was installed in the bedroom).

I actually have a kreg jig and it works really well. I previously used it when I built my dining table and dads table. Totally slipped my mind for this project. My next version will likely be one solid piece of wood so I can avoid any need for mending.

davtheram12
Posts: 230
Joined: Mon May 28, 2018 6:02 pm

Re: Davtheram12's Journal

Post by davtheram12 »

Instead of my usual 5 mile walk, which I've been doing at least 3-5 times a week, I decided to ride my penny skateboard for about an hour. I haven't ridden in 20 years and it was a blast! It was initially a little nerve-racking since the board was rather small (22.5" in length) and my large feet made it challenging to find the perfect foot placement. After about 5 minutes it all felt natural and made me feel like a kid again. I have another three skateboards (cruising long board, cruiser and classic skateboard) that I'm going to ride throughout the week. I wonder how long it'll take to relearn all of the tricks I once knew.
Image

MBBboy
Posts: 212
Joined: Sat Jan 01, 2022 12:11 pm

Re: Davtheram12's Journal

Post by MBBboy »

Yet another example of people on here DOING stuff that I normally wouldn't even THINK about. Great job!

davtheram12
Posts: 230
Joined: Mon May 28, 2018 6:02 pm

Re: Davtheram12's Journal

Post by davtheram12 »

MBBboy wrote:
Thu Aug 18, 2022 10:52 am
Yet another example of people on here DOING stuff that I normally wouldn't even THINK about. Great job!
Thanks! Like many others have described, ERE really does open up doors to endless possibilities. I rode again today and got a "that's rad" from one of my older neighbors. I guess it's uncommon to see men in their 30's skating around the neighborhood :lol:

davtheram12
Posts: 230
Joined: Mon May 28, 2018 6:02 pm

Re: Davtheram12's Journal

Post by davtheram12 »

Took some time today to recondition parts of my DW's car. She had previously sprayed her aluminum rims and chrome colored emblems flat black using Plasti-dip. Now while it initially looked nice the first few months, the Plasti-dip started showing it's age.
Unfortunately I wasn't able to simply peal it off, since it was so thin, so I had to resort to some chemicals. Fortunately I had some silicone spray lubricant and read in some random blog that it was a great solution. I sprayed a thin layer of lubricant and it instantly liquefied the old Plasti-dip. I spent about 2 hours rubbing the gunk off and although my fingers were left a little sore, I think the results were worth the effort.
Image
Image
Image
Image

ertyu
Posts: 2886
Joined: Sun Nov 13, 2016 2:31 am

Re: Davtheram12's Journal

Post by ertyu »

oh wow that looks like new

cool

davtheram12
Posts: 230
Joined: Mon May 28, 2018 6:02 pm

Re: Davtheram12's Journal

Post by davtheram12 »

It seems like a few of my neighbors have been moving out. The slew of stuff being thrown out has been both amazing and a little overwhelming. I grabbed a handful of items that'll see some good use and other items I'll eventually sell. Some notable items include a bobi vacuum cleaner, a massage gun with an extra battery, a Tivo stream 4k, an Apple ipad 2, a new Tory Burch Mini Scout bag, a Vornado tower fan and remote, a 6qt stainless steel pot with a lid, a new Yoshi edition Wii remote and 3 new soda steam bottles.

Already sold the bag for $70 within 12 hours of listing it on Mercari.
Image
Just sold the remote for $90. This one got a lot of activity from window-shoppers. I finally received an offer and accepted.
Image
I've always thought these types of vacuums were gimmicky but I can see it's usefulness after a few days of testing.
Image

ffj
Posts: 376
Joined: Thu Feb 04, 2021 8:57 pm

Re: Davtheram12's Journal

Post by ffj »

Just read through your journal earlier.

Regarding the in-laws, hang in there and create distance as time will be your friend.

When I starting dating my wife, the family hated me. They thought I was a poor mountain boy that was beneath their daughter. When my then girlfriend told her grandmother she was engaged to me, her grandmother responded by telling her maybe she could find somebody better at her workplace!

Fast forward 30 plus years. We're still together, Grandma is gone but the rest think I'm gold. I would tell you why but that would be bragging but suffice it to say people can change. So don't worry so much what they think at the moment.

davtheram12
Posts: 230
Joined: Mon May 28, 2018 6:02 pm

Re: Davtheram12's Journal

Post by davtheram12 »

ffj wrote:
Fri Aug 26, 2022 12:22 pm
When my then girlfriend told her grandmother she was engaged to me, her grandmother responded by telling her maybe she could find somebody better at her workplace!

So don't worry so much what they think at the moment.
What a crummy thing to say to someone! Luckily I didn't have to worry about something like that since my DW asked my hand in marriage. You can imagine how much her parents loved that.

Thanks for the insight. It's gotten better since my DW and I have created distance. Snide comments were coming more often with each visit and it started upsetting her more than me. I've actually had to bite my tongue many times since I typically blow up when I feel cornered. We chalk it up to her parents being old and unwilling to accept other possible lifestyles that don't fit the status quo.

davtheram12
Posts: 230
Joined: Mon May 28, 2018 6:02 pm

Re: Davtheram12's Journal

Post by davtheram12 »

Took some time to properly paint correct my DW's car. I do partake in car detailing when the situation calls for it but paint correcting takes a little more skill and patience. I was avoiding learning the new skill but my hand was kind of forced. About a month ago, one of our lovely neighbors decided to use the car hood of our 2011 Nissan Juke as a table. She slid a large box of groceries on top of the hood, closed her trunk and then slid the box off. Mind you, she did this as my DW and I were about to get into the car. The ensuing confrontation was not my proudest moment but I think it's safe to assume she'll think twice about using another person's property like that.

Later that night, I bought a 6 inch 15mm DA polisher (which included foam pads), rubbing compound and polishing compound. Everything totalled $110.95. After watching hours of YouTube videos I decided to fix the hood first. I eventually spent 3 hours to wash, dry, claybar, paint correct and wax. The results were amazing! The pictures really don't do it justice. It left the surface very smooth, glossy and reflective.

I'm looking forward to correcting the remaining body panels. I was curious to see what the going rate was to have a professional do the same service and it's $500-$1500! Many factors will determine the final price but $110.95 plus my time seems like a slightly better deal :lol:

Image
The scratches were in 3 different directions and it covered a decent portion of the hood.
Image
It's a little hard to see the scratches here but the hood was dirty and the lighting was terrible.
Image
Left have was one pass using the rubbing compound. Right half is untouched but clean.
Image
The sparkle and clarity was mostly back after the first pass.
Image
In the sunlight, the rubbing compound left behind micro hazing that would be later corrected with the polishing compound.
Image
All done! Rubbing compound, polishing compound and wax. Look at the reflection of the house.
Image
Factory orange peel is still present but I'm very happy with the results.

ertyu
Posts: 2886
Joined: Sun Nov 13, 2016 2:31 am

Re: Davtheram12's Journal

Post by ertyu »

Wow! Car looks better than before, and you've got a new skill in your toolkit to boot. Occurs to me, this might be one of those things that would be comparatively cheap to do but would increase the resale value of any car. Cool.

davtheram12
Posts: 230
Joined: Mon May 28, 2018 6:02 pm

Re: Davtheram12's Journal

Post by davtheram12 »

@ertyu
Exactly! I've seen videos of people doing that exact thing and the return is usually very good! One of my favorite YouTube car detailers started doing a series on this type of flip. He's made a pretty good return on a few of his most recent barn find restorations. Granted he does have years of experience, his own product line and custom built detailing garage. Nonetheless, the same principles could apply for someone like me who would do it on a smaller scale. A great skill to possess. I'm glad I learned it.

davtheram12
Posts: 230
Joined: Mon May 28, 2018 6:02 pm

Re: Davtheram12's Journal

Post by davtheram12 »

The past week has been interesting. I'll start with the not-so good news. I applied for a per diem position at a local hospital as a Clinic Specialist, Exercise Physiologist (my background and college degree). My good friend, who initially told me about the position, thought I'd enjoy going back to work in a more sporadic manner. He directly knew the administrative manager and recommended me.

I applied and emailed the manager showing my interest. I avoided included my short stint I had from my previous employer. Lo and behold the questions started coming. "I thought you worked at [previous employer]? My team and I are wondering why it was left out from your resume. Also, do you know [mutual college mentor]? When I asked him who he recommended he never mentioned you." After some back and forth, he eventually told me they would be going in a different direction with the position. Seems like word got around after I quit and walked out (same day) of my last crummy job :lol:

There were definitely connections between the last job, the new job, my college mentor and myself. It seems I've been blacklisted from that industry (an assumption on my part but not too far fetched). I took the news in stride. I was actually relieved considering that line of work no longer interests me.

Next is the good news. I found some more goodies in the surrounding neighborhoods: a portable USB 10k mAh battery pack, Dyson battery powered vacuum cleaner with attachments and charger, a portable LG AC unit with hose attachment, dinner table mats, like-new Nike running shoes and brand new Ralph Lauren bath towels. Some of it needed a good cleaning but all of it was in great condition.
Image

Image

Image

And the very good news. I've been seeing a therapist lately. I've had some anger management issues and associated anxiety that I've had trouble handling on my own. Most of it stems from my upbringing (particularly with my mother and how she raised me). It seems all this free time has given me a chance to reflect on all the bad and crummy things I experienced as a kid and young adult. Talking to an unbiased person about certain events has been very cathartic. I know it's going to take a while to heal (if I ever do) but I welcome the process.

davtheram12
Posts: 230
Joined: Mon May 28, 2018 6:02 pm

Re: Davtheram12's Journal

Post by davtheram12 »

After the success I had polishing the hood of my DWs car, I decided to do the same thing with my car's hood and headlights. I had major success implementing the same technique (i.e. wash, claybar, rubbing compound with a stiff foam pad, polishing compound with a soft foam pad and paint sealant). I brought back the shine with minimal effort and invested time.
Image
Before any polishing has occurred. It's difficult to tell on white paint but it's very flat. Single stage paint is notorious for fading leaving the finish very dull after years under the elements.
Image
Here's a good example of the poor reflection. Although the light is visible there's no way of making out the cage or light bulb.
Image
This is after compounding and polishing the paint. It brought back the shine and reflection nicely.
Image
See the reflection?
Image
This was after protecting and paint with sealant.
Image
I can see myself now.
Image
I polished the headlights on a different day. Here the are completed using the same technique I implemented on the hood. Night and day difference.
Image
There's no way of knowing how long the sealant will last. It'll likely fail, with enough UV light exposure, after about 3-6 months. When that does happen, I'll probably redo the polishing process and paint them with UV protected automotive clear coat.

I estimated I saved about $100-$130 for the headlight polishing and another $100 for the hood. I'm not too keen on the going rate for paint correction but I estimate professionals would charge ~$100 per body panel.

ertyu
Posts: 2886
Joined: Sun Nov 13, 2016 2:31 am

Re: Davtheram12's Journal

Post by ertyu »

Wow, that car's gleaming! A noticeable difference from the before picture. Excellent

davtheram12
Posts: 230
Joined: Mon May 28, 2018 6:02 pm

Re: Davtheram12's Journal

Post by davtheram12 »

I've been spending some time repairing and restoring video game related items. I recently bought an untested release date Xbox One from a thrift store for $25. It was dirty and scuffed up but it didn't have any major damage. I decided to take the risk and bring it home. I modified a power supply from an Xbox 360 slim, plugged it in and the console fired up. Everything worked without a hitch.

After some digging around I deduced that the previous owner could no longer play video games on it because the console needed an update. But since the HDD was full, it couldn't store the new update thus creating a negative feedback loop. All they needed to do was delete something off the HDD, update the console, let the existing downloaded games update and boom, problem solved.

After testing all of the features, I took apart the console. I ultimately cleaned the plastics in warm soapy water, cleaned the motherboard of all the caked-on dust, cleaned the laser lense with isopropyl alcohol, replaced the thermal paste with some mx-4, and polished the piano black plastic with rubbing/polishing compound.

Image

Image

Image

Image

Image

Image

Image

Image

ffj
Posts: 376
Joined: Thu Feb 04, 2021 8:57 pm

Re: Davtheram12's Journal

Post by ffj »

Whew, that was dirty. Makes me want to take a bath.

Good job

Post Reply