Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Been Lazy this month
I haven't done one single woodworking project this month. I did however get my friends plane back up and running. He had crashed it a while back and I made the repairs and test ran his engine on the stand. I also spend the last weekend getting the control throws set up on my newest plane and set the trim. Here shortly I hope to fly it. Its raining this week and is expected to the rest of the week. Maybe soon I can maiden the thing after all I have had the airplane a year and have had it ready for 4 or 5 months. Its going to be a rocket with the engine I have on it. I am trying a 15"-6 prop which the engine can do fine with. I am still not quite sure where its supposed to balance but hopefully I will get that smoothed out upon flying it.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Busy Month
Well everything is crazy this month. Alot of birthdays and one in particular that keep me busy this month is my daughters birthday. Fathers day is in June of course.
I am fixing a friends airplane which was crashed two weeks ago. I have the wood worked and fixed have to recover the spots I took covering off. Then reinstall the engine and radio and it should be back up flying the next time we go.
I made a jewelry box for my niece which is in my Lumberjocks page.
I am fixing a friends airplane which was crashed two weeks ago. I have the wood worked and fixed have to recover the spots I took covering off. Then reinstall the engine and radio and it should be back up flying the next time we go.
I made a jewelry box for my niece which is in my Lumberjocks page.
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
Not doing much right now
Linux:
So I found that the asus/windows Anti Linux site called http://itisbetterwithwindows.com site was registered with GoDaddy so my guess is its not put out by Microsoft or Asus. the site is really generic and the video is neat but is obviously not informative. So either its a joke or someone looking to get a job with one or the other companies. This issue was irritating because the Asus netbook comes with linux and one that Asus built so why would they of all people gripe publicly about linux.
Woodworking:
Finished another table that is on my Lumberjocks page. Its a pine table I built for one of my nephews. First time building a drawer into a project.
http://lumberjocks.com/projects/17376
I am working on a Jewelry Box for my niece. This is by far the most ornate woodworking piece I have ever built.
My brother is supposed to bring his table for me to refinish but has yet to bring it by. I cant get him to understand I don't have a way to get it to my garage. Its going to be a real bear to finish because he tried applying epoxy to the top.
RC airplanes:
Flew my spad again the other night its a fun plane. Got to try out the helicopter and it ran fine except the tail didn't want to stay straight after the first flight. My next plane I take out will be the Yak 54 I have been sitting on for 8 months. I am also working on getting my ugly stick moved over to 2.4 Ghz. Friend of mine crashed his pattern plane and I am going to rebuild it soon. His engine was having issues. I plan on putting it on a stand then test and tune it.
Over the winter I want to start building the Ultrasport kit I bought at Christmas. I will probably fly the yak this season then take the engine off, clean it then put it on the ultrasport as I finish it. I have retracts and retract servo for the new airplane and will take the servos out of the yak for it as well. I might end up giving the yak airframe to my friend who has his pattern plane in my shop. I rebuilt his helicopter as well. That was how I got interested in helicopters.
misc:
I am on twitter now so I have been distracted lately with it. I hope to get on track and fly more this summer. I have two projects this year I need to finish before starting on the airplane. I am going to be busy.
So I found that the asus/windows Anti Linux site called http://itisbetterwithwindows.com site was registered with GoDaddy so my guess is its not put out by Microsoft or Asus. the site is really generic and the video is neat but is obviously not informative. So either its a joke or someone looking to get a job with one or the other companies. This issue was irritating because the Asus netbook comes with linux and one that Asus built so why would they of all people gripe publicly about linux.
Woodworking:
Finished another table that is on my Lumberjocks page. Its a pine table I built for one of my nephews. First time building a drawer into a project.
http://lumberjocks.com/projects/17376
I am working on a Jewelry Box for my niece. This is by far the most ornate woodworking piece I have ever built.
My brother is supposed to bring his table for me to refinish but has yet to bring it by. I cant get him to understand I don't have a way to get it to my garage. Its going to be a real bear to finish because he tried applying epoxy to the top.
RC airplanes:
Flew my spad again the other night its a fun plane. Got to try out the helicopter and it ran fine except the tail didn't want to stay straight after the first flight. My next plane I take out will be the Yak 54 I have been sitting on for 8 months. I am also working on getting my ugly stick moved over to 2.4 Ghz. Friend of mine crashed his pattern plane and I am going to rebuild it soon. His engine was having issues. I plan on putting it on a stand then test and tune it.
Over the winter I want to start building the Ultrasport kit I bought at Christmas. I will probably fly the yak this season then take the engine off, clean it then put it on the ultrasport as I finish it. I have retracts and retract servo for the new airplane and will take the servos out of the yak for it as well. I might end up giving the yak airframe to my friend who has his pattern plane in my shop. I rebuilt his helicopter as well. That was how I got interested in helicopters.
misc:
I am on twitter now so I have been distracted lately with it. I hope to get on track and fly more this summer. I have two projects this year I need to finish before starting on the airplane. I am going to be busy.
Monday, May 04, 2009
Safety Week Blog Post
Its Safety week so for my contribution I want to talk about hearing protection. I am an amateur woodworker who like many hobby shop furniture makers I use power tools. Which is why its a good topic to read up on for safety in your shop.
Here recently I had been having vertigo which as it turns out has nothing to do with my hearing. However in having my problem I was referred to a ENT specialist. I had a hearing/balance test and found my hearing is fine and my balance system is working the way it should. Unfortunately my vertigo turned out to be something else entirely, the doctor thinks its migraines. Before I got the appointment I did some reading. I found that loud noises can be more detrimental to your health than just simple hearing loss. Also that I need to watch how much of the loud noises I am subjected to.
Just to start with use of hearing protection is a good idea. I found in some of my reading that Loud noises just attributed to the hearing of them is linked to hearing loss for starters, big surprise. It is also linked to vertigo in some people because loud noises can damage the inner ear and mess with the system that your balance is based on. It is known that loud noises and consistent exposure can cause irritability as well. It causes Tinnitus which is a general ringing in the ears. I have noticed on occasion I would leave the shop to go into the house and have my ears ringing and buzzing.
Also physiological effects of loud noises due to long exposures are apparent now as well. Loud noises can effect the rhythm of the heart increase blood pressure etc. These effects are through the exposure to the loud noise in general and not through the ears so hearing protection doesn't offer protection in those areas. Limiting the amount of time around the noise is key. This is offering an argument that we give up power tools to the die hard hand tool users out there.
On all noise reduction products there is a number listed on the packaging. The Noise Reduction Rating(NRR) tells you how much sound the product reduces. For instance I use a set of foam plugs with a solid plastic band on them so when you take them out you can just hang it on your neck. These reduce the Noise level by 23 decibels. If I am being subjected to high levels at 80 then 23 reduces to 57 decibels. Which is above quiet but in acceptable ranges. When I looked at the various products offered at the local home store the disposable had about the best rating around 29 to 32 decibels. The headphone type available I saw offered about 20 to 22. Found these were as close i could get to finding the ones I have. There are products available that reduce noise by electronic means but I didn't research them before writing this so I do not have any information on them.
My experience as of late has made me aware even though my problem wasn't with the loud noises that I need to take them seriously. In all I would say use hearing protection at all times and try limiting the amount of time you are exposed to the sounds for your own health's sake. For further reading I am posting a link for you to read and get caught up on all that loud noises do over time. Link
Here recently I had been having vertigo which as it turns out has nothing to do with my hearing. However in having my problem I was referred to a ENT specialist. I had a hearing/balance test and found my hearing is fine and my balance system is working the way it should. Unfortunately my vertigo turned out to be something else entirely, the doctor thinks its migraines. Before I got the appointment I did some reading. I found that loud noises can be more detrimental to your health than just simple hearing loss. Also that I need to watch how much of the loud noises I am subjected to.
Just to start with use of hearing protection is a good idea. I found in some of my reading that Loud noises just attributed to the hearing of them is linked to hearing loss for starters, big surprise. It is also linked to vertigo in some people because loud noises can damage the inner ear and mess with the system that your balance is based on. It is known that loud noises and consistent exposure can cause irritability as well. It causes Tinnitus which is a general ringing in the ears. I have noticed on occasion I would leave the shop to go into the house and have my ears ringing and buzzing.
Also physiological effects of loud noises due to long exposures are apparent now as well. Loud noises can effect the rhythm of the heart increase blood pressure etc. These effects are through the exposure to the loud noise in general and not through the ears so hearing protection doesn't offer protection in those areas. Limiting the amount of time around the noise is key. This is offering an argument that we give up power tools to the die hard hand tool users out there.
On all noise reduction products there is a number listed on the packaging. The Noise Reduction Rating(NRR) tells you how much sound the product reduces. For instance I use a set of foam plugs with a solid plastic band on them so when you take them out you can just hang it on your neck. These reduce the Noise level by 23 decibels. If I am being subjected to high levels at 80 then 23 reduces to 57 decibels. Which is above quiet but in acceptable ranges. When I looked at the various products offered at the local home store the disposable had about the best rating around 29 to 32 decibels. The headphone type available I saw offered about 20 to 22. Found these were as close i could get to finding the ones I have. There are products available that reduce noise by electronic means but I didn't research them before writing this so I do not have any information on them.
My experience as of late has made me aware even though my problem wasn't with the loud noises that I need to take them seriously. In all I would say use hearing protection at all times and try limiting the amount of time you are exposed to the sounds for your own health's sake. For further reading I am posting a link for you to read and get caught up on all that loud noises do over time. Link
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Student drops out of school because of Linux
I found this story kind of unusual that someone would quit school because of Linux. The story turns out to be a case of mistaken identity of sorts. College Girl seeks a computer thinking all are the same but quickly found out differently. This story really baffles me for one reason how did she buy a Linux computer from Dell. The Linux offerings from Dell are only available from a special location on the website and at every turn remind you its not windows. According to the new story the model of laptop happens to be the same one I have. Now where I offer contention to the girl is in that she called the news agency when talking to computer people at her college would have been a better first step than to hastily think she was ripped off. From the news story it seemed like the people involved were willing to help her with it so she didn't drop from school. They probably would have been able and willing to do so without a news story being made about it. Some people are all to willing to call the media sometimes to solve their problems when a simple talk with someone more technical would have sufficed.
Linux Haters
I guess every group has to have its detractors and so goes linux with a few blogs and websites dedicated to the hatred of Linux or other such free software. I wont sit here and say Linux rules or that its for everyone. Linux is better for "me".
Some time ago I would argue with people about the benefits of using Linux to the effect of talking to a brick wall. Most of the biggest detractors have been hardcore Microsoft-ies. I am talking live breath and eat Microsoft products. Sure it offers ease of use, sure it is the more available and sure it range it wide reaching as far as hardware is concerned. I eventually after watching people who were willing to try it get discouraged over it realized its not for everyone because it's just different. The biggest obstacle most people are often baffled by is that you cant run windows software, not that's not entirely true but more on that later. Second is just about everything else is different. File storage is different, permissions are different and etc.
Windows software not running on a completely different Operating System is the first big gripe and not only is it odd but distracting. For starters you can run windows software although might not run well because of WINE. Also you can find alternatives for the software you are used to. People who use photoshop might find Gimp just as powerful for them even if it may not work for all. Lastly the expectation that people have software that was written and compiled on a certain operating system probably don't realize the impact of what all that means. There is hope there however if someone is willing to try making the concessions for the time being in what it takes to switch. You will find yourself back working the way you used to in a matter of time.
Next biggest gripe is bogus and shows also a lack of understanding of how computers work, or at least computer manufacturers. Not all hardware is made the same. When you buy that webcam the company has to either release drivers or release standards for people to write drivers from. Some companies refuse to do either for linux. You have to hope that someone had the gumption to reverse engineer the hardware to find out how to write a driver for it. Companies do often ignore linux because it saves them money to, they figure the majority use windows so why bother. Well that's fine but how do the detractors feel that it's a Linux fault or its contributors.
Ease of use is another complaint and coming from the fact I used windows for years before making the switch I noticed this too. Since the early days Linux has struggled in itself whether it wanted to be easy to use or stable. This is because its original design wasn't intended to be used on Joe Schmoes' computer at home. there have been factions of developers that have morphed its original purpose into what it is today. A bit schizophrenic at times this duality has served to limit and expand it as well. It will limit in that it will never be windows. It however has the availability to expand not only for common users but in diversity. So many versions of Linux are out there to suit the taste of everyone. Now that I have been on Linux for three or four years, I have noticed its way easier that I know it better than when I didn't. Somethings are easier to do in Linux for the fact that the resources to help you through problems are more available. This is the example I use say the GUI dies in windows you can reboot and never know why it happened. Linux you can have the GUI die get on a forum to find out why because in both cases it will happen again. I don't know about most people but I only want errors to happen once.
OK one of the gripes that bugs me most is that of the gui not being as pretty. A computer is a utilitarian thing. to ask for fluff is ridiculous. Lets just say for a minute that a gui needed to be pretty to do its job. What exactly do you expect to see? I think that is what makes linux so cool is that you want it bet you could get it added and way before windows offers it. I use gnome for instance. I like simple for me gnome is that.
I am not a hardcore Linux user in that on occasion I install it and set it up to work on a network etc. I typically do not setup servers of any kind. I wrote a script to resize pictures from our camera for posting on the internet. I mostly surf the internet and do some simple stuff and even some gaming. It works for me not to mention I am not locked to a single operating system. For me that is the biggest benefit is to just be free of the hassle. Not everyone is going to agree but hating linux for simplistic reasoning and trolling for attention by name calling those of us who disagree need to remember every should be free to choose that's the way we live.
Some time ago I would argue with people about the benefits of using Linux to the effect of talking to a brick wall. Most of the biggest detractors have been hardcore Microsoft-ies. I am talking live breath and eat Microsoft products. Sure it offers ease of use, sure it is the more available and sure it range it wide reaching as far as hardware is concerned. I eventually after watching people who were willing to try it get discouraged over it realized its not for everyone because it's just different. The biggest obstacle most people are often baffled by is that you cant run windows software, not that's not entirely true but more on that later. Second is just about everything else is different. File storage is different, permissions are different and etc.
Windows software not running on a completely different Operating System is the first big gripe and not only is it odd but distracting. For starters you can run windows software although might not run well because of WINE. Also you can find alternatives for the software you are used to. People who use photoshop might find Gimp just as powerful for them even if it may not work for all. Lastly the expectation that people have software that was written and compiled on a certain operating system probably don't realize the impact of what all that means. There is hope there however if someone is willing to try making the concessions for the time being in what it takes to switch. You will find yourself back working the way you used to in a matter of time.
Next biggest gripe is bogus and shows also a lack of understanding of how computers work, or at least computer manufacturers. Not all hardware is made the same. When you buy that webcam the company has to either release drivers or release standards for people to write drivers from. Some companies refuse to do either for linux. You have to hope that someone had the gumption to reverse engineer the hardware to find out how to write a driver for it. Companies do often ignore linux because it saves them money to, they figure the majority use windows so why bother. Well that's fine but how do the detractors feel that it's a Linux fault or its contributors.
Ease of use is another complaint and coming from the fact I used windows for years before making the switch I noticed this too. Since the early days Linux has struggled in itself whether it wanted to be easy to use or stable. This is because its original design wasn't intended to be used on Joe Schmoes' computer at home. there have been factions of developers that have morphed its original purpose into what it is today. A bit schizophrenic at times this duality has served to limit and expand it as well. It will limit in that it will never be windows. It however has the availability to expand not only for common users but in diversity. So many versions of Linux are out there to suit the taste of everyone. Now that I have been on Linux for three or four years, I have noticed its way easier that I know it better than when I didn't. Somethings are easier to do in Linux for the fact that the resources to help you through problems are more available. This is the example I use say the GUI dies in windows you can reboot and never know why it happened. Linux you can have the GUI die get on a forum to find out why because in both cases it will happen again. I don't know about most people but I only want errors to happen once.
OK one of the gripes that bugs me most is that of the gui not being as pretty. A computer is a utilitarian thing. to ask for fluff is ridiculous. Lets just say for a minute that a gui needed to be pretty to do its job. What exactly do you expect to see? I think that is what makes linux so cool is that you want it bet you could get it added and way before windows offers it. I use gnome for instance. I like simple for me gnome is that.
I am not a hardcore Linux user in that on occasion I install it and set it up to work on a network etc. I typically do not setup servers of any kind. I wrote a script to resize pictures from our camera for posting on the internet. I mostly surf the internet and do some simple stuff and even some gaming. It works for me not to mention I am not locked to a single operating system. For me that is the biggest benefit is to just be free of the hassle. Not everyone is going to agree but hating linux for simplistic reasoning and trolling for attention by name calling those of us who disagree need to remember every should be free to choose that's the way we live.
Monday, February 16, 2009
My best friend found a geek girl
My best friend found a geek girl and a star wars geek at that. their first VD day yielded him getting her a Lightsaber and she made him this scarf
Sunday, February 08, 2009
Monday, January 05, 2009
Aero Press
I have wanted one of these for some time.
I saw Mark frauenfelder demo this on BoinBoing.net which looked so cool. My best friend bought it for me for a christmas gift. I tried it out the first night like a kid with a new toy. Let me tell you this was the best cup of coffee I have ever made at home.
I saw Mark frauenfelder demo this on BoinBoing.net which looked so cool. My best friend bought it for me for a christmas gift. I tried it out the first night like a kid with a new toy. Let me tell you this was the best cup of coffee I have ever made at home.
New Toy
I got a new toy at a swap meet after selling some stuff. This toy is another RC venture I wanted to get into but just havent till now. The Helicopters in RC have been alluring but for one reason or another I wouldnt take the leap. My toy is a Heli-Max Axe CP.
This is what it looks like without the cowl.
This is the rotor head.
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