Category: Projects

DeadBolt Obstacle Course

January 14, 2024 / Richard Nestoff / 0 Comments

It’s 10^o F and windy, so the wind chill is -9^o F. The wood stove is going full blast. To get the fire going in the morning, there is a bin of scrap wood to throw on the hot embers. That gave me an idea for inside fun.

A couple of split logs and a bunch of scrap wood makes a good course for the DeadBolt. It’s a live course because the scrap wood moves under the car. To improve FPV visibility, the car body was removed.

While driving DeadBolt, Sparky kept coming over. The sound of the RC car always meant he had a chance at snatching some food.

Refinishing the Computer Table

January 3, 2024 / Richard Nestoff / 0 Comments

My IKEA computer desk was looking pretty haggard. The finish was wearing off around the keyboard. The computer mouse wasn’t tracking well, and there were other spots that were worn. It needed to be replaced or refinished.

The same thing happened to my IKEA dining room table. I was sanding the top to smooth it out prior to painting, when the finish started coming off. The finish is not robust, so it only took about 15 minutes to remove the finish. The veneer is thin, but it hadn’t been damaged. I decided to refinish it with water-based polyurethane. I chose that because it stays crystal clear, not yellowing a bit like the oil-based stuff does.

It came out fine, but not this good. The water-based polyurethane is thin like water, so doesn’t fill in gaps or level as well. I used oil-based clear gloss polyurethane on the computer table because it’s tougher and goes on thick, like warm honey.

This photo is after the surface has been dry for a day. I will let it cure for another 3 days before handling it.

I might try this finish for the dining room table.

Sparky as Inspector Gadget

December 26, 2023 / Richard Nestoff / 0 Comments

Sparky has a Carhartt jacket for Winter.

I’ve had to use a Martingale collar for him because his head is so small, he slips out of a regular collar. He’s a good pup, so a little tug is enough to get him back on track. The big problem was when he is up against his instincts. When he sees a new dog, he’s excited to go investigate.

A Martingale collar doesn’t choke a dog because it has hard stops, but it does exert neck pressure like a training collar. When he’s working on instinct, he can pull hard enough to feel choked. It’s a problem at dog parks or camping. I got him a Rabbitgoo harness. It’s a dumb company name, but it’s pretty nice and Sparky doesn’t mind wearing it.

Sparky wouldn’t mind wearing the harness full time, but I can’t pet him properly. He really likes being petted. That means to take him out in the Winter, I have to put the harness on him, then put the Carhartt jacket on him. I thought a good idea would be to combine the two and make the jacket into a harness.

Having a sewing machine is great. You may be thinking, “but Uncle Rick, sewing machines are for girls”. Sure, nice comment Andrew Tate, but have you learned nothing from Brie Larson? Anybody can do anything now.

Nylon webbing can be sewn easily and buckles and D-rings are parts that I keep in stock. I’m looking forward to customizing some tarps this spring.

When Sparky wears it, he looks a little like Inspector Gadget.

It wouldn’t have been difficult to make the jacket into a harness just by adding webbing, but I wanted the chest plate from the harness. The chest strap and belly strap were removed from the jacket. The straps on the harness had to be altered and buckles added. I threw away the top plate of the harness. The whole harness is only $20.

With the leftover belly straps, leg skirts could be added. Here they are pinned on.

It makes him look like a samurai. Mudflaps to cover the top of his ass are also possible. It was getting too busy. If I start designing outfits, we may go full battle rattle.

A Good Shed

October 3, 2023 / Richard Nestoff / 0 Comments

My nephew just called about the shed he intends to build. After my own shed experience, I am well-acquainted with shed design and build.

Prior to getting the retaining wall and garage built, I knew the shed would be in the way. This shed has been in this spot since about 1971, when the solarium was built and the driveway was moved to this side of the house. Rather than tear it down, I decided to move it.

Camper couch project, Part 4 The Installation

August 12, 2023 / Richard Nestoff / 0 Comments

The support structure went together as planned. Later on, I will add a hatch to the lower storage.

Here is how the jump seats look in two stowed configurations. I had Sherwin Williams Avocado paint left over from my solarium, so that is the color I used. Wall paint doesn’t wear well, so I finished with polyurethane over the paint. I let the paint try for a couple of weeks. There is room for the cushions to fit behind the jump seats.

Here is seat and seat table configuration. The seat is very sturdy. The table is only a little sturdy. To firm it up, the seat legs can be opened to support the table. A seat back will be added later. I want to see how the cushions come out first.

Day bed configuration is for when I want to lay down and watch TV. I think I could sleep on it, but it’s only 4 feet wide, so my ankles would hang off. I do have a small folding table. It has adjustable legs, so there is some chance that could be used to extend the bed. I’ll try that sometime. There wouldn’t be cushions for my feet, but we’re roughing it. Kids could sleep there easily. I don’t know how those cutouts will effect a sleeper.

The next step is to start on making cushions.

BBC: Bud Light boycott hurts AB Inbev

August 3, 2023 / Richard Nestoff / 0 Comments

BBC: Bud Light boycott over trans influencer Dylan Mulvaney hits beer giant’s sales

Even with the BBC slanting this article, it looks bad for AB Inbev.

Camper couch project, Part 2 The Design

July 30, 2023 / Richard Nestoff / 0 Comments

I’ve got good spatial reasoning, so I can think through a project in my head, but it helps to layout the conceptual design. I’ve got some understanding of Autocad’s Fusion 360, but I prefer Powerpoint for this kind of work. Powerpoint has pretty powerful and intuitive functions for drawing things.

Here is a side view of the basic layout. The blue parts are the mounting structure. Each jump seat will have four positions. Stowed, sitting and laying down. The bonus position makes a little table. Since there are two seats, it will be convenient to sit in one, with drinks or snacks on the little table.

The brown parts are cushions. The orange blocks are the platforms.

Here is what is planned for the supporting structure. The blue box is the wheel hump. The upper shelf will be suitable for holding water or beverage cans. My refrigerator is small, so not much is kept cold. The lower storage will get a hatch cover and will be used for tools, jacks, or other maintenance items. That will free up one of the existing cabinets.

Camper couch project, Part 1 The Problem

July 28, 2023 / Richard Nestoff / 0 Comments

Space is limited in my camper trailer. I like it that way. For me, camping should be closer to the bare essentials, rather than a home away from home.

My current project is replacing the couch. The fabric is getting distressed, so something had to be done, but the thing is just too big for the camper.

By tradition, anything you can sit on in a camper, can be converted into a bed. I have a 20 ft toy hauler. I sleep in a fold-up bunk above an area that can be configured as a bed. It really isn’t likely that I’d ever need to sleep three adults in my camper. I don’t intend the replacement to be usable as a full-size bed.

My intended design is to have two folding jump seats. With both folded down, it can be a small day bed I can lounge on to watch television. I’d also like to extend the wheel hump to add some storage.