tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56712573547958280542024-03-13T17:37:48.595-03:00SandyMakes.orgNon-programming stories about DIY, Cooking and Maker projects I have underway.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671257354795828054.post-6682260617192372762014-01-11T17:33:00.000-04:002014-01-11T17:37:59.002-04:00TriviaBox - Trivia Game for RaspberryPiJust before the holidays, my wife said "We should host a trivia night, it'll be fun!" ... of course, I turned this into a crazy project with custom buzzers and software. Some day I'll learn.<br />
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I settled on using my <a href="http://www.raspberrypi.org/" target="_blank">Raspberry Pi </a>with the <a href="http://www.element14.com/community/docs/DOC-52857/l/piface-digital-for-raspberry-pi" target="_blank">PiFace</a> <a href="http://learn.adafruit.com/adafruits-raspberry-pi-lesson-4-gpio-setup/overview" target="_blank">GPIO </a>shield for inputs. Initially I was going to use the Pi for the GUI and an Arduino for the input processing. My thinking was the Arduino could constantly monitor the inputs while the RPi did other things. But it turns out the RPi was fast enough to do both, so the end result was much easier to deploy.<br />
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The wiring is pretty darn simple. Dry contact switches to the PiFace digital inputs. I used cheap speaker wire for the runs.<br />
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The switches all share a common ground. I had an old terminal block lying around that made this a piece of cake.</div>
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It didn't look like my bike handles were going to arrive from China in time, so I grabbed some plastic glasses from the Dollar Store for a stop-gap solution. They worked out pretty good actually.<br />
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But, as luck would have it, the bike grips showed up two days before game night. The switchover was pretty easy since the hard work of soldering and tinning the wire ends was already done. Got these off <a href="http://www.ebay.ca/itm/251379525162?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649" target="_blank">eBay</a> from China for about $0.50 each. Perfect trivia grips.<br />
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A little knot in the wire was sufficient as a strain relief. No large currents or anything to worry about. The excess wire was just stuffed into the grip.<br />
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The completed, and final, buzzers (yes, I know what it looks like). </div>
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The coding was a different matter, but fortunately I could work on this before the buzzers were all completed. I wrote the game in <a href="http://www.python.org/" target="_blank">Python </a>and used <a href="http://pygame.org/news.html" target="_blank">PyGame </a>to handle all the graphics and input handling. The game is written such that the buzzers could be simulated with 1-4/5-8 for inputs so I didn't need a PiFace for local testing.<br />
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The source for the game is available here: <a href="https://github.com/SandyWalsh/trivia-box/tree/master/pi">https://github.com/SandyWalsh/trivia-box/tree/master/pi</a><br />
It's a hack, so please excuse the mess. Patches welcome. There is <i>so</i> much more we can do with it. I have a YouTube video of the game play further down.<br />
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Then I set up for game night. Two teams of four players battle at any one time. Forty questions per game. Double elimination ladder for the full tournament. We had 8 couples (4 teams) which took about 3hrs to play through.<br />
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I asked the questions, so I was stationed at the end of the table. The RPi was plugged into a projector, then I had amplified speakers for sound and a keyboard for controlling the flow of questions. It's a console app, so no mouse needed.<br />
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My wife took care of all the other hosting duties ... here is the sugar cookie tray :)<br />
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Here's a demo of the TriviaBox software in action. The rules, flow and keyboard shortcuts are all explained in <a href="https://github.com/SandyWalsh/trivia-box/blob/master/pi/README.md" target="_blank">the source README file</a>.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/pZMo4Cpf1-c?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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It was a <i>great</i> night. Everyone had a ball and the software/hardware worked perfectly. There is a lot more I could do with it. I'd especially like to do more around the tournament management ... controlling the win/lose status and the double elimination ladder.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671257354795828054.post-81812752042784521942013-12-13T19:38:00.000-04:002013-12-13T19:42:18.359-04:00Portable Electronics WorkbenchFor years I've tried to do my electronics projects in the garage. It never works. Not enough light. Not enough power. Too cold. No access to my desktop PC for interfacing work. Just bad.<br />
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In fact, it was so bad the hobby suffered for it. I didn't want to get into my projects because it was so much work to break out the storage containers, dig around for what I needed and get started. I couldn't use the kitchen counter for any longer than a few hours without my wife wanting to strangle me. There had to be a different solution.<br />
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I wanted something I could wheel into my office, use and then wheel back into the laundry room when I was done. Completely self-contained and with a small overall footprint. But it needed to have ample power, light and storage.<br />
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I doodled out many different designs in OpenSCAD, but the idea of making a large wooden box just seemed too unwieldy. Then I noticed the wire-frame kitchen shelving we had in the pantry ... it might be perfect.<br />
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So, I measured out where the work height needed to be and added a shelf above for frequently accessed tools and I was ready to start filling it out. </div>
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The first thing I added was a fold down shelf. This is a sturdy piece of plywood wrapped in some heavy vinyl and attached to the columns with screws. </div>
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Here's the shelf folded down for storage ...</div>
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A side view of the desk folded up ... note the heat gun conveniently mounted on the side.</div>
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And the desk folded down for storage. </div>
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Then I wrapped the whole middle section with painted peg board. Zip ties are perfect for this. It's a great storage area for the most frequently used tools like wire, screwdrivers, etc. Also the most frequently used test equipment: scope, multimeter, adjustable power supply. I also bring out +5 volts in a variety of forms: micro-USB, Arduino plug, etc. </div>
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A really great prototyping board for doing analog and digital breadboard work. The killer Hakko soldering iron is there too. That thing can ramp up to 450F in about 10 seconds. So handy. </div>
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On the back of the unit, I have a full size power bar mounted with zip ties. Plenty of power for everything ... although a second one would be nice. </div>
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I have a permanently attached extension cord which stores on the back of the unit as well. </div>
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Finally, some LED undercounter lighting and I have a great workspace. </div>
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In the main storage area there are two sets of drawers with the common components. </div>
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Like Arduino's, shields, RaspberryPi's, etc.<br />
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Breadboarding wires and more breadboards ...</div>
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Larger, bulkier tools go in the toolbox. The magnifying visor (which these failing eyes need badly) is always handy.</div>
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Underneath storage is for less frequently used stuff and for all the electronic components. Power supplies. Specialty cables, etc. And then a large, 8-unit component cabinet.<br />
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This is where the electronic components: resistors, transistors, chips, etc all go. <br />
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I also store stuff on top, but may do something better with this (at least get it in a nice box)<br />
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On the left hand side I have an ethernet router so I can connect to the home network easily. </div>
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And here's the final result ... now, bring on the projects!</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671257354795828054.post-6437011547022799522012-10-31T23:11:00.000-03:002012-10-31T23:11:03.826-03:00BBQ Smoker Follow UpBeen meaning to do this for a while, but the BBQ Smoker has been working great. Here's some pics of the final, painted and placed table. I have plans for automating the moisture and smoke in the chamber, but that will have to be on a followup post.<br />
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Here's the primed table. A final coat that matched the deck followed.<br />
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Next my wife decreed that the terracotta pots had to be painted to look at little less DIY.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzowuSlfDsGgzjOIo_YsYgBZrjlcPumw-uYyi1Vn-0-t5JCECTbQ2SU0MnZwUnMtd1I9Ds8Bki1ofc51WHvJUDTQv1jtNaLYT78ovSS-E5gm4fNl4nWtPdeVDAlPvJ8CcXTLrSu1UGx5u3/s1600/IMG_20120617_111911.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzowuSlfDsGgzjOIo_YsYgBZrjlcPumw-uYyi1Vn-0-t5JCECTbQ2SU0MnZwUnMtd1I9Ds8Bki1ofc51WHvJUDTQv1jtNaLYT78ovSS-E5gm4fNl4nWtPdeVDAlPvJ8CcXTLrSu1UGx5u3/s320/IMG_20120617_111911.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I used high temperature BBQ paint.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6-d7Zyq9foZgp45_koFOBAqrtyTry-ON_6J5toRPxpG8zMIkiXFelo4BaWne0P6NzOj4z0lXIpbIcbFFu2SxDX0dYhen5wYSjslfXx5ROAJ9mTIDcvSr61fEdSIaCtP-CYCAVrvaLldy9/s1600/IMG_20120617_111920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6-d7Zyq9foZgp45_koFOBAqrtyTry-ON_6J5toRPxpG8zMIkiXFelo4BaWne0P6NzOj4z0lXIpbIcbFFu2SxDX0dYhen5wYSjslfXx5ROAJ9mTIDcvSr61fEdSIaCtP-CYCAVrvaLldy9/s320/IMG_20120617_111920.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Turned out pretty well ... I kept the patterns in the pot, but my wife preferred I painted them over too. <br />
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Fits perfect.<br />
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Our nice little cooking corner is ready.<br />
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And the first brisket goes in!<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671257354795828054.post-29610820052859890012012-10-22T21:30:00.000-03:002012-10-22T21:31:16.318-03:00My Travel KitI don't nearly travel as much as I used to, but many years of being <a href="http://www.aircanada.com/en/aeroplan/toptier.html" target="_blank">Super Elite</a> teaches you a few tricks. I'm constantly refining my travel kit for durability, size, weight and function. I thought I'd do a post to share my latest ensemble.<br />
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<b>Rule One of travel: Don't Check Bags </b>... everything here is with that rule front and center.<br />
<h2>
The Suitcase</h2>
The cornerstone of every good travel kit is the suitcase. I've settled on the <a href="http://www.zuca.com/store/10002/10070/Pro-Travel" target="_blank">Zuca Pro</a>, which is a beautiful carry-on bag (watch the video ... you'll be sold). It has organizer bags and a metal frame that has a built in seat. Since I'm a programmer, I'm always on the lookout for electrical outlets in airports. There are always outlets in the hallways, but never any chairs next to them. With the Zuca Pro, I've always got a seat. Don't confuse this with the Zuca Sport, favored by figure skaters. Note: the Zuca is 10" width vs. the regulation 9" width, but I've never been called on it.<br />
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The benefit of being a geek is jeans, tshirts and a nice shirt or two are usually all I need. I can get a week of travel in this bag and not have to do laundry.<br />
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Also, being a Zuca Pro owner is like being a Harley owner. Whenever you see someone else with one, you're obligated to go over and talk with them and congratulate them on their great taste. Yeah, sad but true.<br />
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<b>Pro Tip #1: Don't get the colored versions. </b>I've seen a few in the wild and they appear to chip quite easily.<br />
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<b>Pro Tip #2: Don't carry the cover unless you think you're going to be checking the bag.</b> The only valid reason to check the bag is if you're bringing home booze. The cover is nice and protects the zipper pulls, but takes a lot of room.<br />
<h2>
The Carry-On Bag</h2>
I've always been a <a href="http://www.targus.com/ca/product_details.asp?sku=TCG650&promo=&coupon=" target="_blank">Targus Backpack</a> man. They make great bags that are incredibly durable. But recently I was given an Ogio Hip Hop Messenger Bag (thank <a href="http://openstack.org/" target="_blank">OpenStack</a>) ... and I'm kind of digging it. I much prefer two shoulder straps, but this one has a suitcase slip for going over the carrying handle of the Zuca, which is quite nice.<br />
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<h2>
Suitcase + Carry-On Bag</h2>
These two things have to fit together well. They're going to be spending a lot of time together. As I mentioned, the Ogio slips over the carrying handle of the Zuca which is great, but it's top heavy. It can get tiring when you are lugging the two bags for a long trek. I much prefer the front hook on the suitcase where the carry-on rider in front. This keeps the center of gravity low and the two bags nearly balance themselves. Sadly, the Zuca has no provisions for a front hook and most laptop bags are too deep to permit this any more.<br />
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Don't do this when you're travelling. It's sad.<br />
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<h2>
Inside The Carry-On Bag</h2>
Here's the magic really starts. Only bring what you need, and make sure you bring everything you'll likely need. A tremendous balancing act.<br />
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The contents:<br />
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<ol>
<li>Audio stuff ... see below</li>
<li>Travel papers wallet<br />I've had this wallet for a long time. It holds my passport, Nexus card and hotel/car membership cards as well as a stock of customs declaration cards, etc. I'm sure I can get rid of much of this stuff, but I love having it all in one place.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.google.com/nexus/#/7" target="_blank">Nexus 7</a> tablet<br />Now I can save my laptop battery for programming. Movies and reading is all done on this. The 7" screen is the perfect form factor. Note: I don't use phone/tablet cases, the only thing I carry is #8, the plexiglass stand (see below)</li>
<li>Business cards, in a nice professional carrying case (thanks again <a href="http://openstack.org/" target="_blank">OpenStack</a>)</li>
<li>Small power brick for laptop. One nice thing about ultrabooks, even the power supplies are smaller.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.samsung.com/us/computer/laptops/NP900X3A-A03US" target="_blank">Samsung Series 9</a> ultrabook. Best bang-for-the-buck currently. The matte screen is beautiful even if the clickpad and keyboard take a little getting used to. Looking forward to Ubuntu 12.10 to make full use of all the features like the backlit keyboard.</li>
<li>the Ogio bag</li>
<li><a href="http://www.targus.com/ca/product_details.asp?sku=AWE65TBCA&promo=&coupon=" target="_blank">Targus tablet/phone stand</a>. This thing is great. Nice solid feel. No need for cases and it sits on your leg nicely. </li>
<li>2 amp USB chargers. 2 amp chargers aren't just for tablets, they also charge your phone faster. It's the way to go. </li>
<li>USB to USB mini cables. Everything I have is USB/USB mini ... nothing proprietary.</li>
<li><a href="http://accessories.dell.com/sna/products/power_surge/productdetail.aspx?c=ca&l=en&s=dhs&cs=cadhs1&sku=a1596886" target="_blank">Belkin power bar</a>. This thing will make you friends anywhere. It has 2 USB chargers and 3 power sockets. If you're in a coffee shop or airport it's easy to jump in on any available plug. Even better, it has a rotating plug, so it can fit in anywhere (like that crappy outlet under your desk in the hotel room). Magic. It has a surge protector, but I don't care about that. </li>
<li>Lens/screen cleaners. I wear glasses, this is better than carrying a large bottle of liquid that can spill. Individually wrapped. </li>
<li>SIM cards. No more roaming charges. When I'm in the US or Europe, just slip in a different SIM card to get unlimited data and voice. Simple Mobile offers $40 unlimited for 30 days. Perfect. Of course, you'll need to unlock your phone for this (or buy a Google Nexus ... all Google phones are unlocked by default).</li>
<li>Gum. </li>
<li>10BaseT adapter. The ultrabook saves space by using this dongle.</li>
<li>Bluetooth mouse. I prefer a full sized mouse. Bluetooth is great.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.necksolutions.com/medical-neck-brace.html" target="_blank">Neck brace.</a> FORGET THE HORSESHOE NECK PILLOWS! This $14 5" medical neck brace will keep you head from falling all over the place or your mouth gaping open like John Cusack acting. It's soft enough to compress small too. Best $14 ever invested. Sleep like a baby.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.etsy.com/transaction/71551194" target="_blank">Wallet</a>. Custom made by some guy in Turkey so it would fit my Nexus phone and hold a few cards. Yes, it's larger, but it's my protection on my phone. I've gone the "minimalist wallet" approach before, but the sum total is about the same this way, and it protects my phone.</li>
<li>mini HDMI to VGA adapter. If you're presenting, you need to support VGA ... most AV infrastructure still runs on it. </li>
<li><a href="http://www.vpi.us/cgi-bin/vpi/cat5-co-mf.html" target="_blank">Cat5 crossover cable adapter</a>. If I need to connect to another laptop/pc without a switch, this crossover adapter makes it easy. No need to carry two cables.</li>
<li>RSA key for VPN</li>
<li>Notebook and Stylus pen. I need paper for brain storming. The pen is a <a href="http://www.targus.com/us/productdetail.aspx?regionId=7&sku=AMM04TBUS" target="_blank">Targus 3-in-1 stylus/laser pointer </a>for presentations.</li>
</ol>
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Some other pictures of the items above:</div>
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<h2>
Audio</h2>
I'm sure this will cause the most contention of anything written so far. Audio buffs are a funny lot.<br />
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I love music and need to have it around me nearly all the time. I've spent a lot of time refining my music bag-of-tricks.<br />
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<ol>
<li>The carry bag. This stuff needs to be all in one place.</li>
<li>Sub-mini to Sub-mini cable. For cars, boomboxes, whatever. If it doesn't have bluetooth, it should have this.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.ca/Sony-Ericsson-MW600-Bluetooth-Headset/dp/B003DQ1DCM/ref=pd_cp_ce_0" target="_blank">Sony Ericsson MW600 Hi-Fi Bluetooth Stereo Headset with FM Radio</a>. Wires are the enemy. This allows me to use whatever headphones I like with my laptop, tablet or phone. </li>
<li>For years I've gone with the large noise-cancelling headphones, but recently turned them in for something smaller. On those noisy flights, I find the in-ear headphones are just as good. However, for activity I've settled on the<a href="http://www.sennheiser.ca/live/senn/produit/en/1330/161" target="_blank"> Sennheiser Adidas PMX 680 </a>back-of-the-neck headphones. Love 'em. They stay in place when I'm scrambling to get off the plane (aisle seats ftw!)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.fones.com/mobile-accessories/griffin-smart-talk-headphone-adapter-mic-control-5505.html" target="_blank">Griffin headphone adapter</a>. Most headphones don't have a mike or click-to-talk buttons. This little adapter provides that functionality. Now I can get the best headphone for me and use it with any smart device (when I'm not using #3)</li>
<li>Splitters and airplane adapters. For sharing and older planes. </li>
</ol>
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That's it ... I'm ready for action. I'll try to edit this post as things change.</div>
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Please share your travel tips!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671257354795828054.post-63818020002641304042012-06-23T12:55:00.000-03:002012-06-23T12:55:35.002-03:00The Quest for the Golden Banana<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The Girl (10yo) invented a board game out of The Boy's Lego set. Turns out it's pretty fun, so I thought I'd share it here. </div>
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Simple square board, first one to do a full lap around it wins The Golden Banana. But there are hazards!</div>
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The game supports up to four players. To start everyone picks a minifig token.</div>
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And everyone rolls a die to determine their starting position behind to flag. For some reason there is only room for three minifigs here, but I'm sure that's easily remedied. </div>
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The lead player starts by rolling a single die and moves that many spaces. If they land on a green square, on their next turn they move <i>backwards</i> the die roll. Otherwise they move forwards.</div>
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If they land on a slippery square they miss their next turn.</div>
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If they land on this particular red square they face The Brothers. You roll a die a on an even roll you get The Wheel. On an odd roll you get The Dynamite. </div>
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The Wheel attaches to the bottom of your minifig and you move 2x the die roll. If another player faces The Brothers and rolls an even they take your wheel from you. </div>
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But if roll an odd and get the dynamite your head catches on fire and you miss 3 turns. The Brothers can be nasty.</div>
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Another hurdle is The Silly Spinner. If you land on this blue square you get to pick another player and stick them to the Silly Spinner. They get so dizzy they get lost and need to start at the beginning again. A terrible fate since there are so many green squares near the start.<br />
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If you make it all the way around, you win The Golden Banana and have full bragging rights. <br />
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I was pretty impressed. It's a quick, fun game. I'm sure there be revisions to come. The Boy says he likes it better than any of the real Lego board games.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671257354795828054.post-12342279738954131952012-06-10T20:56:00.000-03:002012-10-31T23:11:33.934-03:00BBQ Smoker TableMy <a href="http://www.sandymakes.org/2012/04/ceramic-pot-bbq-smoker-v6.html" target="_blank">ceramic pot BBQ Smoker</a> is getting good enough results that I thought I should try and pretty it up a little. So I thought I'd start by giving it a nice table. It was a rainy weekend here in Halifax ... a perfect time to lock myself in the garage and work while the rain streamed down outside.<br />
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The design I settled on is loosely based on the <a href="http://www.biggreenegg.com/eggcessories/nests-tables-mates-shelves/long-table-for-egg/" target="_blank">free DIY plans</a> you can get on the Big Green Egg website.<br />
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My plans were a little more rough. I based them on the dimensions of my gas BBQ and the maximum space I had on the deck to place the finished table.<br />
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I knew I was going to paint this to match our patio furniture so I was able to go with cheap rough lumber.<br />
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Quick trip to the hardware store and I was ready. I can't praise the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Rockwell-RK9002-JawHorse-Sheetmaster-48-inch/dp/B005BTLXI8" target="_blank">Rockwell 48" JawHorse</a> clamping work horse enough. It's an incredible machine!<br />
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Circular saw to get my notches in place.</div>
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Hammer and chisel to clean them up.<br />
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And, before you know it ... four legs. Had to include the height of the caster wheels in the cutoff.<br />
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The fit was so tight I hardly needed screws/bolts.<br />
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45 degree on the bottom shelf to try and make it a little nicer.<br />
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Dry fit ...<br />
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Now I could size out the table top. I had 66" max length to work with and settled on 64" at 28" width and 35" high (not too high to make it awkward lifting large, hot chunks of meat).<br />
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Some interior bracing is required so I can cut out the hole and not have it too flimsy.<br />
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Time to start bolting it together for real. I don't know what I was thinking when I bought these bolt lengths. Yeesh.<br />
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The boy helping me get the end caps on.<br />
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Bottom shelf braces. The bottom shelf carries all the weight of the smoker, so it needs to be solid.<br />
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And some cheap strapping in place for the bottom shelf. <a href="http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-brad-nailer.htm" target="_blank">Brad nailed</a> into place.<br />
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Using some spare bolts to ensure proper spacing. I went a little wide on the spacing to make sure the rain water doesn't pool.<br />
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Caster wheels in place. These are 3" with brakes. They can handle 225 lbs each ... plenty. Picked them up at <a href="http://www.princessauto.com/pal/product/8074205/Poly/3-in.-Precision-Bearing-Swivel-Caster-with-Brake" target="_blank">Princess Auto</a> on sale.<br />
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Now just to mark out the smoker hole and cut it out.<br />
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Bingo ...<br />
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Pretty well done. Just need to sand and paint it now. Not sure if I'm going to paint the terracotta pots with some black stove paint. I may.<br />
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The whole thing was about $100 and took about six hours to make.<br />
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The next blog post I do will be cooking in the finished product. Stay tuned! Although I am thinking about a pulley lift for the smoker top :) We'll see.<br />
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EDIT: Here's the follow up <a href="http://www.sandymakes.org/2012/10/bbq-smoker-follow-up.html">http://www.sandymakes.org/2012/10/bbq-smoker-follow-up.html</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671257354795828054.post-62215147105208718702012-06-08T09:26:00.002-03:002012-06-08T09:26:27.245-03:00Cheap Deck Cleaner<br />
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
I just sent this recipe to a friend and thought others might benefit from it as well. </div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Olympic-2-1-2GAL-Deck-Cleaner/dp/B000M2SKMQ" target="_blank">Deck Cleaner</a> is incredibly expensive, but it's very easy to make yourself.</div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969);">
<ul>
<li style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">256 oz Water (4 quarts or about 4L)</li>
<li style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">64 oz Bleach (the cheap stuff from Walmart)</li>
<li style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">2/3 cup of liquid dish detergent (cheap stuff from Walmart)</li>
<li style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">1 cup of TSP (any paint shop, walmart, kent, etc)</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
Give it a good mix ... I find warm/hot water helps the TSP dissolve. I like to use <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Red-Devil-4043-Heavy-Gallon/dp/B000I1EB9M/ref=pd_sim_sbs_k_1" target="_blank">one of these</a> on my drill.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://www.acehardware.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1272304" target="_blank">Spray it on</a> (not direct sunlight, it'll dry too quickly. Early morning or evening is best), let it sit for 10 min and then scrub with <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Harper-Brush-690210A-10-Deck/dp/B000HHLX2K" target="_blank">deck brush</a>. Spray off with hose. </div>
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<br /></div>
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It has bleach in it, so watch out for siding or anything you don't want to get discolored (same as normal deck cleaner) </div>
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Pennies a glass.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671257354795828054.post-56687581159853207892012-05-28T08:09:00.000-03:002012-05-28T08:12:44.911-03:00Bone-in Pork Butt with Green Apple and Crushed Hot Red PepperMost of BBQ Smoking efforts to date have been pretty straightforward. Basic rubs and some homemade sauces. Nothing fancy. But once I got to <a href="http://www.sandymakes.org/2012/04/ceramic-pot-bbq-smoker-v6.html" target="_blank">version 6 of my smoker</a> I thought I'd raise the bar a little and go for the big one: <a href="http://www.adamperrylang.com/recipes/bone-in-pork-but-with-gren-apple-and-crushed-hot-red-peper/" target="_blank">Bone-in Pork Butt with Green Apple and Crushed Hot Red Pepper</a> (using the related <a href="http://www.adamperrylang.com/recipes/apl-bbq-sauce" target="_blank">APL BBQ Sauce</a>). The <a href="http://www.adamperrylang.com/" target="_blank">Adam Perry Lang</a> stuff is supposed to be very good ... after all, this is a Grand Championship winning recipe.<br />
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Lot of work, but what the hell.<br />
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There's not a lot to write about this since it's really just following the recipe, but you may enjoy the pictures.<br />
<br />
Got a nice 7lb <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston_butt" target="_blank">Boston Butt</a> from <a href="http://www.gatewaymeatmarket.com/" target="_blank">Gateway Meat Market</a><br />
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Started with the injection ... really got to work the needle around to make sufficient pockets in the meat.<br />
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The Mustard Moisturizer<br />
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The Seasoning Blend. Cooking 101, never measure your ingredients over the bowl. When I'm doing curries or rubs I prefer the plate method ... easy to double check your proportions and you can always correct mistakes.<br />
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Moisturized ...<br />
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Rubbed and oiled ...<br />
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Sand nice and hot in Version 6 ...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQhrjS6GEdjBD-eHp9fvLwqLSTxRhof8ibdGUaoXc1MpjKbs-hQo-1YU4xV2w-syft65LqlX1PJCSbV3ierbhenddodEw5YnPtOZqN-wgK_pZ5YviCWdQ2F-9NxQDDLFew5k0Rwt64Wajk/s1600/IMG_20120527_115927.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQhrjS6GEdjBD-eHp9fvLwqLSTxRhof8ibdGUaoXc1MpjKbs-hQo-1YU4xV2w-syft65LqlX1PJCSbV3ierbhenddodEw5YnPtOZqN-wgK_pZ5YviCWdQ2F-9NxQDDLFew5k0Rwt64Wajk/s320/IMG_20120527_115927.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
And we're off and running ...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixq3lD4qRTMC_5gVek-pE5D3gjLoBzE4R76IsEUpdR0GSnQmWYbYEodfu_eVKdSXZvcQkQKh4WvR1iwUB5O2dwgPBql0UelO2aIN7nkzLjFsTC6xIc44VUFXry90gA77ulP2-GSzSJqsqr/s1600/IMG_20120527_122928.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixq3lD4qRTMC_5gVek-pE5D3gjLoBzE4R76IsEUpdR0GSnQmWYbYEodfu_eVKdSXZvcQkQKh4WvR1iwUB5O2dwgPBql0UelO2aIN7nkzLjFsTC6xIc44VUFXry90gA77ulP2-GSzSJqsqr/s320/IMG_20120527_122928.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgREUBPvI_BVnRJded7uGmLymm4EnubhtsWNx4h24dwMqbAWhRgLxifq4RFRONo0AlSIkz_O-dJZrEJt0z2E9qBYJ7nPhD3L1NU5nNiID3qSBmSRkkjIvObMxN40nXFvfy8IiFLL6I-RI_9/s1600/IMG_20120527_122942.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgREUBPvI_BVnRJded7uGmLymm4EnubhtsWNx4h24dwMqbAWhRgLxifq4RFRONo0AlSIkz_O-dJZrEJt0z2E9qBYJ7nPhD3L1NU5nNiID3qSBmSRkkjIvObMxN40nXFvfy8IiFLL6I-RI_9/s320/IMG_20120527_122942.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
After 3hrs (130F)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA8VptbAefpoCciIFO3ThRmEA4VVHjIzfg6-EIwIqKrBPy1_qRo3uL2A0IRBQcBU6EE1is98pOtm59-82YbgO4TQAPmmgXHW5QTx6dgf2ukpccyWzt-C-GFHCq5yryDXkF9GFRWX3V2d_F/s1600/IMG_20120527_142702.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA8VptbAefpoCciIFO3ThRmEA4VVHjIzfg6-EIwIqKrBPy1_qRo3uL2A0IRBQcBU6EE1is98pOtm59-82YbgO4TQAPmmgXHW5QTx6dgf2ukpccyWzt-C-GFHCq5yryDXkF9GFRWX3V2d_F/s320/IMG_20120527_142702.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The Wrapping Mixture ...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY6YC2hr1ejM95pbFlijorf_w_NU3CmSj7R87gs_glJfirBN93HB0kgN0UjxHa6w_axRleTpCWt9LXeuOViIRFyZQISazasJWYaXEPDjYT7vfNUtmU29XS5FgBZtvGj1-rG_U1P_4LejyM/s1600/IMG_20120527_162115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY6YC2hr1ejM95pbFlijorf_w_NU3CmSj7R87gs_glJfirBN93HB0kgN0UjxHa6w_axRleTpCWt9LXeuOViIRFyZQISazasJWYaXEPDjYT7vfNUtmU29XS5FgBZtvGj1-rG_U1P_4LejyM/s320/IMG_20120527_162115.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The APL BBQ Sauce (which is really awesome even by itself, let alone as a base) ...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbmtTdkHRze14fA2o6Ir43SMM7aBYQzbsOZTNCweQ-O4u5L-Vp8eL5ObH2DL2n1BEiIho5-lQLHcGmmpR8J9VUbF4g64kIZ68FZq7EGUw9nqgOxepWQ34tZ1g_ylWX0tdF9GTLLpAQPnp0/s1600/IMG_20120527_162120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbmtTdkHRze14fA2o6Ir43SMM7aBYQzbsOZTNCweQ-O4u5L-Vp8eL5ObH2DL2n1BEiIho5-lQLHcGmmpR8J9VUbF4g64kIZ68FZq7EGUw9nqgOxepWQ34tZ1g_ylWX0tdF9GTLLpAQPnp0/s320/IMG_20120527_162120.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
After 6 hrs (160F) ...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiIsQ1T-jqZzCTYxAotOvWezJA4SaWrHBUwZ5-vZnkcnjk1lFN9eq-PXLhNFujdOSHN3t_q6wu2eOGD21qOnDt_7t6wr2JUvWm7s1v7f8Zc5Rn0DauAYIjxJTUW6vFh31A6gM1gna7uSm0/s1600/IMG_20120527_162319.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiIsQ1T-jqZzCTYxAotOvWezJA4SaWrHBUwZ5-vZnkcnjk1lFN9eq-PXLhNFujdOSHN3t_q6wu2eOGD21qOnDt_7t6wr2JUvWm7s1v7f8Zc5Rn0DauAYIjxJTUW6vFh31A6gM1gna7uSm0/s320/IMG_20120527_162319.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Nearly cooked at 9hrs, 193F exactly ... Foiling and with the Wrapping Mixture, ready to rest in the cooler.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR5s1nr_IsIWJPZt7qDr3AU76z2klN3ujcaLIH4Ysx7RLBi_DBI5DBGlI1BHkPg7NX7o538Kv8NRpbpr4HamblUcEWdIkJdIDvaXgwfmRK4MAvM_9SN2tPJE8Zf9Iay8SVwyYqRG9LYhAP/s1600/IMG_20120527_162419.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR5s1nr_IsIWJPZt7qDr3AU76z2klN3ujcaLIH4Ysx7RLBi_DBI5DBGlI1BHkPg7NX7o538Kv8NRpbpr4HamblUcEWdIkJdIDvaXgwfmRK4MAvM_9SN2tPJE8Zf9Iay8SVwyYqRG9LYhAP/s320/IMG_20120527_162419.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Apple Spray ...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirwTaFPK5fLaKMb2a5yTaRCznFLyn-FZjgUcaCNuo9VZcflm6G773-2t0YPjD-hIHyLPVtBmO8FYdn54y-vNHGMJRYe93R92aOV8Bvo9G9LID0TAmELkhxWMF34IIkqu8W3kQ2Q8h7aKpD/s1600/IMG_20120527_205347.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirwTaFPK5fLaKMb2a5yTaRCznFLyn-FZjgUcaCNuo9VZcflm6G773-2t0YPjD-hIHyLPVtBmO8FYdn54y-vNHGMJRYe93R92aOV8Bvo9G9LID0TAmELkhxWMF34IIkqu8W3kQ2Q8h7aKpD/s320/IMG_20120527_205347.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
About 12hrs total ... done! This is after a last re-seasoning and with the BBQ Sauce Glaze hardened.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmUeDKxcPfC1IV1qNBfa8Nns6nRvCQY6HiBTBUPMvvYpTiNRd-BVPJ1Uzjt6nb-SopXtUjYZP7Vv1C8HKBfPlnlZlFdPiFz1hRbmc-dwEj654zPHg4wakFIGvQa_8llif0p9cDCjpsPdqz/s1600/IMG_20120527_205825.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmUeDKxcPfC1IV1qNBfa8Nns6nRvCQY6HiBTBUPMvvYpTiNRd-BVPJ1Uzjt6nb-SopXtUjYZP7Vv1C8HKBfPlnlZlFdPiFz1hRbmc-dwEj654zPHg4wakFIGvQa_8llif0p9cDCjpsPdqz/s320/IMG_20120527_205825.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<h3>
The Version 6 Smoker</h3>
<div>
Worked like a charm! All the efforts to increase the heat flow to the top chamber worked perfectly. The temperature held at a perfect 250F the whole cook. It was truly set and forget. I also used a lot more sand than previous times. This made a big difference. No blue smoke and the cooker recovered to the hold temperature much faster after the lid was opened. I just need to refine the construction a little and make a table for it. Very happy with the state of it right now.<br />
<br /></div>
<h3>
Final Thoughts on the Recipe</h3>
<div>
Not. Worth. The. Effort.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Sorry. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I would have loved to say this was the most phenomenal thing in the world and the apple flavor dominated the pork ... but it didn't. In fact I found very little difference between all this song and dance and my more basic seasonings. Also, the portions for each of the ingredients are way too high. I had lots of waste. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
That said, the APL BBQ Sauce base is something I'll use again and the rub was pretty good. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The resting in the cooler and plastic wrapping the meat is a very good technique as well. I kept the temperature probe in the meat during resting and it increased a solid 10F during the rest to peak at 203F. Pretty neat.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
A fun experiment with mixed results in my opinion, but that's what this game is all about.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671257354795828054.post-71067029802162886072012-05-08T08:36:00.000-03:002012-05-08T08:36:18.965-03:00Chef's Knife - pt 5<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A lot happened since my last report but nothing really photo worthy. When I started working on the 220grit on the other side of the blade I discovered some deep scratches from dirt on the blade holder. I had to take them out with the belt sander. Then it was back to hand sanding. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7jamJ6AjlrpGMRyzNqo-OFN3444m_Bi1qUCnW2e41oVH2tdFfTyCnG-yFtA2ECukcN0nk7yTiMJwMpKo58om-54y0TfunW0T3ju1pRZRLWHvOtD1fMLqUhk66mCin18QAoLfDFKN5zK8g/s1600/IMG_2992.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7jamJ6AjlrpGMRyzNqo-OFN3444m_Bi1qUCnW2e41oVH2tdFfTyCnG-yFtA2ECukcN0nk7yTiMJwMpKo58om-54y0TfunW0T3ju1pRZRLWHvOtD1fMLqUhk66mCin18QAoLfDFKN5zK8g/s320/IMG_2992.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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I'm now intimately familiar with these two tools. Far too much.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWwQlSUNSzXL_b3oZGldLofsUHAqBCxaKmV3ytCIPwhDU0qGmOz5AFEQGxX92xhLxjd_X1J7wPFgbsYhVzfOsO7uLnTrGXDKT8wEA219fuu0IoX0_E-NpLHzyLnH8NIJJ18cLJQDALgruz/s1600/IMG_2997.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWwQlSUNSzXL_b3oZGldLofsUHAqBCxaKmV3ytCIPwhDU0qGmOz5AFEQGxX92xhLxjd_X1J7wPFgbsYhVzfOsO7uLnTrGXDKT8wEA219fuu0IoX0_E-NpLHzyLnH8NIJJ18cLJQDALgruz/s320/IMG_2997.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Once I got the 220 grit done I could focus on the 320 and 400 grits. The 200grits were done along the length of the blade, the 320 was done vertically so as to remove the horizontal 220 lines. Then the 400 was done horizontally to remove the 320 lines. By the end of it you're essentially just doing a single stroke in one direction to get it polished.<br />
<br />
The 220 takes about 2-3 hours of work per side. The 320 goes faster (depending on how well you did with the 220) at about an hour per side and the 400 is relatively quick at about 20-40 minutes per side. Still ... a lot of hand sanding!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRnLZXMhOiKgp8Q12hGYhyQiy97UAMz91ogRoo5RmDKMk47dIHt07WbrCTaquLrm2VHeCApcfIW0P8podxwotStzxb4lYeKzS6OsuCHpxbq2fEHu_EKCuKg6afUfZn4dkoiLwon43h-Ygt/s1600/IMG_3028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRnLZXMhOiKgp8Q12hGYhyQiy97UAMz91ogRoo5RmDKMk47dIHt07WbrCTaquLrm2VHeCApcfIW0P8podxwotStzxb4lYeKzS6OsuCHpxbq2fEHu_EKCuKg6afUfZn4dkoiLwon43h-Ygt/s320/IMG_3028.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Then the whole process was repeated on the edge of the knife. You'll also notice a change I made to the finger grips on the top edge. I lengthened them out another couple of inches since I changed the bolster style. You don't usually see this on a chef's knife, but the finger grip on the top edge is a very common. I think it'll be quite handy when dealing with slippery ingredients. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRmm3_fw5aRIIgwkGuX4G2f29qjd_Uk4vf4NkMtjuTvUAKtgnXin7lG2tePsljasopspysZSp619q5kH3e-R7BZARz0Are8kvL9KcOGrxxRB91SCGTEOU-cjJHcdjCbq8WY0V2v8EHq1vR/s1600/IMG_3015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRmm3_fw5aRIIgwkGuX4G2f29qjd_Uk4vf4NkMtjuTvUAKtgnXin7lG2tePsljasopspysZSp619q5kH3e-R7BZARz0Are8kvL9KcOGrxxRB91SCGTEOU-cjJHcdjCbq8WY0V2v8EHq1vR/s320/IMG_3015.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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After the 440 grit. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUoYJ8gdN-Ld5blxq_OcTIDNLGvl5QdrrKOZNuzCd8RX_XIQLHUIsbxHbcy7zUoOnPZZkDPOA_rNPC0TisJRL1Jxb1AaGUzZWAZrluBuO22RUd1y46usGAkjIPA85LQD7F5G8nUuvHso5j/s1600/IMG_3021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUoYJ8gdN-Ld5blxq_OcTIDNLGvl5QdrrKOZNuzCd8RX_XIQLHUIsbxHbcy7zUoOnPZZkDPOA_rNPC0TisJRL1Jxb1AaGUzZWAZrluBuO22RUd1y46usGAkjIPA85LQD7F5G8nUuvHso5j/s320/IMG_3021.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Even the underside of the knife had to get the 220/320/400 treatment.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQv6NyZO4fgxkmzTlswscGlIYRJyEUI7yetydD5-AhZTwHwjJDZqLkxnACFTwcEY3ziXnM7rS0aIrVEMI-rK354CXQ-ueBgWLQmgq-PmuRV8K_qrcUmmaJCjlMsZz5H6hg3JrVRg_KuJtt/s1600/IMG_20120503_141956.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6smE6irIPMi7FzPnc82RpSDFsuZ_hSLPXxCFcgBW7bM6Ce8ZFTseiq3fJqbUdxKBoE61YCbAe_TVYvCknsjGQ5SXC9NTSzrtQ6wi0WkdhSFyfMrh_mHUnAkzRFR_0_75lxNeiktSF5UVh/s1600/IMG_3035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6smE6irIPMi7FzPnc82RpSDFsuZ_hSLPXxCFcgBW7bM6Ce8ZFTseiq3fJqbUdxKBoE61YCbAe_TVYvCknsjGQ5SXC9NTSzrtQ6wi0WkdhSFyfMrh_mHUnAkzRFR_0_75lxNeiktSF5UVh/s320/IMG_3035.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Finally, we discussed handle material. We both agreed to go with stabilized hardwood. Chuck is going to use the Curly Maple Grey. I have another style in mind. And I decided to go with a stainless steel bolster and pins.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4YRCB-58Y_WuffbKBl1C6zPBkhvcbaQrQJ8V93A3WLG6DArB264Z0K72OcWJ1mN8OtMxV_vxqmY_Ku5mtlXlsMBZE5sBYhzoJL1uMWOscW4ZWLuKt_WarRXH1bYtTpOXxy9EONC93-IGB/s1600/IMG_3041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4YRCB-58Y_WuffbKBl1C6zPBkhvcbaQrQJ8V93A3WLG6DArB264Z0K72OcWJ1mN8OtMxV_vxqmY_Ku5mtlXlsMBZE5sBYhzoJL1uMWOscW4ZWLuKt_WarRXH1bYtTpOXxy9EONC93-IGB/s320/IMG_3041.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Now the blade gets sent away to <a href="http://www.mossingtonknives.com/" target="_blank">Mossington Knives</a> for hardening! I spoke with Mike Mossington about materials and he's going to gear me up with what he thinks will work best. I'm going with a style like Mike's <i>Algonquin Hunter</i> blade that he <a href="http://www.mossingtonknives.com/news.html" target="_blank">has for sale on his site</a>. Should take a couple of weeks to get the additional materials and hardened blade back. I indicated which holes will take the pins for the handle and bolster. The rest will be filled with epoxy.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDHuZSC8V1_4Rz5HA08NzODhwZFonK3fhNtterOeS_3zsqt6RHYCXmHPkf2Crp8lpmu3ppOmZ0KtVjfW751v05RGc4rELvediABIt5_4luQjr5beLxuXw88-aE1xKkUFnzZqkmy-TcBXBG/s1600/IMG_20120503_141956.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDHuZSC8V1_4Rz5HA08NzODhwZFonK3fhNtterOeS_3zsqt6RHYCXmHPkf2Crp8lpmu3ppOmZ0KtVjfW751v05RGc4rELvediABIt5_4luQjr5beLxuXw88-aE1xKkUFnzZqkmy-TcBXBG/s320/IMG_20120503_141956.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Next, we move on to the 600/800/1000 grits and start work on the handle! Getting closer!</div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671257354795828054.post-50634672868303769412012-05-01T21:31:00.002-03:002012-05-02T07:33:36.740-03:00Treadmill Desk<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I admit it ... I fell for an infographic. I read "<a href="http://dailyinfographic.com/sitting-down-is-killing-you-infographic" target="_blank">Sitting Down is Killing You</a>" and got spooked. I don't even know if it's accurate. The thing is, as a programmer, I sit. A lot. I had previously lost a nice chunk of weight by eating low-carb and zero exercise but that's not really a comprehensive long-term strategy. Ya gotta move. As someone who likes to cook, low-carb has to have exceptions (pizza and ice-cream are too good.) Beyond the fact I have no time for the gym anymore and there are a million other things I'd rather do. </div>
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<a href="https://www.google.com/search?sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&q=sit+stand+desk#q=sit+stand+desk&hl=en&prmd=imvns&source=univ&tbm=shop&tbo=u&sa=X&ei=xnagT5LxOIWZgweehomdDg&ved=0CI8BEK0E&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_cp.,cf.osb&fp=b906d9e351c0bbaf&biw=1080&bih=1756" target="_blank">Sit-Stand desks</a> are increasingly popular, but when a freak electrical storm knocked out my wife's old treadmill, we replaced with one that had some pretty interesting side handles. These were horizontal and almost the perfect length for a table-top. There was a catch. Whatever I was going to do needed to be removable since that's the church my wife prays at. </div>
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(note: I know ... things are dusty, we have a wood stove. I'll get on that.)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglmUjRe5asaTGp7X52oAVIKLrufSI1TpJp-UBolKREeee2ztP9eRv-WpbZwuYeZhA9P4fASX6qFdYb61GYsFSjn0qqB3chw4JeHWVlWxzSoSeinDwwuai8HdgTkq08Wmxhl0riHc2MBsd9/s1600/raw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglmUjRe5asaTGp7X52oAVIKLrufSI1TpJp-UBolKREeee2ztP9eRv-WpbZwuYeZhA9P4fASX6qFdYb61GYsFSjn0qqB3chw4JeHWVlWxzSoSeinDwwuai8HdgTkq08Wmxhl0riHc2MBsd9/s320/raw.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I made some prototypes with scrap wood to figure out the height I wanted and to see if I could type and walk (since I can barely walk and chew gum.) The first was too low: </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfAivpOSdjnI8i9YHk67dSqihk2QMlPo5IPMzdxwvAKtHzWe5vmLn3nWvOzzaxkNrOQCAEiQkjaHGKwOUxfpmDLDOkv2Y1kmGyjX72DweyIQQm_EWmlh39zgxVSScSmoYmTFaDoaw8eMUb/s1600/board.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfAivpOSdjnI8i9YHk67dSqihk2QMlPo5IPMzdxwvAKtHzWe5vmLn3nWvOzzaxkNrOQCAEiQkjaHGKwOUxfpmDLDOkv2Y1kmGyjX72DweyIQQm_EWmlh39zgxVSScSmoYmTFaDoaw8eMUb/s320/board.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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So I stuck a shoe rack on the board to see how that height worked. It was perfect. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2NN_U4vBSQ6xMcUyrS-4CObka24p7t6Xw_xXXXesLaS1pHKX3_sacHrNnJRt3lEVf_TsjfrS4L18J2xzibQbhhFvwQnGMijHnG4yB3Sc3f5F1_Sv8OJ8Gse2kCOjlJpAtKt6rUcxlShAt/s1600/higher.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2NN_U4vBSQ6xMcUyrS-4CObka24p7t6Xw_xXXXesLaS1pHKX3_sacHrNnJRt3lEVf_TsjfrS4L18J2xzibQbhhFvwQnGMijHnG4yB3Sc3f5F1_Sv8OJ8Gse2kCOjlJpAtKt6rUcxlShAt/s320/higher.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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Now to make it official. I had a piece of scrap 5/8" plywood and some vinyl fabric from an old chair refacing. About $40 and some 3" and 1 1/2" PVC piping later we were rocking.<br />
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First I dry fit the pieces and adjusted for height (turns out it was better lower than the shoe rack height.)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivl9Vcc9pOQEQlDmvN2UOJ8FQ_9AbNcUK-NjjUqcw2LMAnIsv_m3bQfql7x3R3I0VOFVhjrwP6MjhOUkhlCZrx2R7gq1xHi6uYefcbktX750rZ-F0KJhI83-yXKEi0m-41mUpHHYMmcmS0/s1600/frame.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivl9Vcc9pOQEQlDmvN2UOJ8FQ_9AbNcUK-NjjUqcw2LMAnIsv_m3bQfql7x3R3I0VOFVhjrwP6MjhOUkhlCZrx2R7gq1xHi6uYefcbktX750rZ-F0KJhI83-yXKEi0m-41mUpHHYMmcmS0/s320/frame.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I left the smaller down tubes unglued in case I ever wanted to adjust the height. The friction on the PVC is plenty strong for downward forces. The real issue was the downward curve of the frame. It pushed the rack out way too much. So, a quick cut with the Dremel and we had a really snug / biting fit. It really locks it in place. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQdDiEoXZaixQ0Z-pIpy9zwjoK1wn7AVldIGousxwEDd3Jt9Cpea6wyNb3gYQ9Pn93yyXNawE_Ifml41GIHSDKR60Sf_kIFIzR11fXABAiEZGvEAvqHD2cBPzsxJ8Phpw25Snt1TBdUJHx/s1600/mounted.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQdDiEoXZaixQ0Z-pIpy9zwjoK1wn7AVldIGousxwEDd3Jt9Cpea6wyNb3gYQ9Pn93yyXNawE_Ifml41GIHSDKR60Sf_kIFIzR11fXABAiEZGvEAvqHD2cBPzsxJ8Phpw25Snt1TBdUJHx/s320/mounted.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The rest is pretty simple, mount the surface (recessing the bolts), staple on the vinyl and we're good to go. Note that I offset the desktop to use the space closer to the treadmill console. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh54pE8Kg-UvzldNO2p__xkuZnV3R0AOzlhVDHzW3zgw3a5cXiDgozv9C7I9BGi3K0ALKxsr6M4pxE5AeqSCaQ6pfysP8KpKR3A78TP1p8W8PgSNy9HV8ePasblR9LKLzfHof1IoaajQl63/s1600/mount.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh54pE8Kg-UvzldNO2p__xkuZnV3R0AOzlhVDHzW3zgw3a5cXiDgozv9C7I9BGi3K0ALKxsr6M4pxE5AeqSCaQ6pfysP8KpKR3A78TP1p8W8PgSNy9HV8ePasblR9LKLzfHof1IoaajQl63/s320/mount.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4m9QiwLeOTDLJi7l6LTurPmucodGbNcYcUK4fxihpatS7UeL910VUKLDVYavBUkoGsVcLd2_VPvrbtslWC7xjz3pgV_nAAS8-wvpvPF6kVJVpJYDlu9UZ1TBtWyNQj8VWksCbZa_sPYFv/s1600/close_under.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4m9QiwLeOTDLJi7l6LTurPmucodGbNcYcUK4fxihpatS7UeL910VUKLDVYavBUkoGsVcLd2_VPvrbtslWC7xjz3pgV_nAAS8-wvpvPF6kVJVpJYDlu9UZ1TBtWyNQj8VWksCbZa_sPYFv/s320/close_under.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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A clean, solid work surface. A mouse works great on it and it wipes off easily in case of a tea spill.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwqPHnwIqllw_ZJxhCbQoojOqTOyeCxYdQZdvcnOUjR4pswTzZdcxs4fAGz9btAbvk6ZrbY48zHgh5OX5WJ1-B0swXNmC5snAnPsrH5qUxjEtDNpzeqfbkTd4q1O9WQiUKCgHjMQ3H8J7S/s1600/clean.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwqPHnwIqllw_ZJxhCbQoojOqTOyeCxYdQZdvcnOUjR4pswTzZdcxs4fAGz9btAbvk6ZrbY48zHgh5OX5WJ1-B0swXNmC5snAnPsrH5qUxjEtDNpzeqfbkTd4q1O9WQiUKCgHjMQ3H8J7S/s320/clean.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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And it pulls off just as easily.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPY8M54_5wiGZIhFvbHZdlwEDSfxPcOQpMVhV81Cwg_NSVTXfd0BSGAwrVldqu1O2_7ugcjw-vnuxxq_qJR6eHggS3Jc4TBIzTgUhMS6XOxmvV8OyQRcZR7-lTIaQ7JTmSFv82jZUGc71o/s1600/under.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPY8M54_5wiGZIhFvbHZdlwEDSfxPcOQpMVhV81Cwg_NSVTXfd0BSGAwrVldqu1O2_7ugcjw-vnuxxq_qJR6eHggS3Jc4TBIzTgUhMS6XOxmvV8OyQRcZR7-lTIaQ7JTmSFv82jZUGc71o/s320/under.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
From the side. Lots of room to walk beneath it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_vcS-lpxGV-IKNuO_q4rJi2PaFlWJsJHcr6sm2sH-XXyacRIRC-gS-TtFChs8DhT97h_QGoBsFERPH19zgJIgw7cwudqEshQ34XiHK18Z667pGhMzOpEURb61st51BNLO6vklVHELSATX/s1600/side.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_vcS-lpxGV-IKNuO_q4rJi2PaFlWJsJHcr6sm2sH-XXyacRIRC-gS-TtFChs8DhT97h_QGoBsFERPH19zgJIgw7cwudqEshQ34XiHK18Z667pGhMzOpEURb61st51BNLO6vklVHELSATX/s320/side.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I started with a 1.5 mph pace. The treadmill only goes to 99:59 (MM:SS) or about 1:40, which is a really good <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pomodoro_Technique" target="_blank">Pomodoro</a>-like number for programming. This gets me about 2.5 miles per session (or 4 km). This is a very comfortable pace. I can talk on the phone, code very comfortably and drink tea without making a mess. No slouching, no hunching, no wavering back and forth. With your hands on the keyboard, you're quite solid.<br />
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Since then, with a little practice, I'm up to 2 mph, for 3 1/3 miles or 5 1/3 km per session. I can do this comfortably with jeans on and not break a sweat. It's a leisurely stroll on the flat with no wind. I doubt I'll go any higher, that's not the point of this. I'm not trying to get an aerobic workout, I'm just trying to move.<br />
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And the best thing, there's no desire for screwing around. It's all business on the treadmill. I'm not distracted by multiple monitors. I know I have 1:40 of focus ahead of me. After that, I can get a tea, have some water. Take my laptop with me upstairs for our daily meetings and sit where there's sunlight, then go back at it again later. I can usually get 2-3 of these sessions in a day (with the rest sitting down). That's a good day of programming.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeHHYUir9KrljElgqpp-pdUWcznJnm-pdMLex-pBS-Z3X5f-FqsridQxTOkJoMTUuGyPPhyphenhyphenchy_pVDjFh4FoCvFWiXTHkX-Ivqo3UM-HJJt9Jd86Z0CxsG2zeyN8atzlMDTrdL7e8vJOBI/s1600/work.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeHHYUir9KrljElgqpp-pdUWcznJnm-pdMLex-pBS-Z3X5f-FqsridQxTOkJoMTUuGyPPhyphenhyphenchy_pVDjFh4FoCvFWiXTHkX-Ivqo3UM-HJJt9Jd86Z0CxsG2zeyN8atzlMDTrdL7e8vJOBI/s320/work.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvJ776U8vNy-f-11pJLFysMqpGiP0Tm38UMp3hSkntxOrdz4M7UC9A4Fnwfvu-RIvYgTIzUtOCz9ZS47lA8ArhLqqm5qSKAR7_kGiDkpJaKucWXrFJDnD5AvPCzDQNZ0xk1wPD-cGPncBj/s1600/front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvJ776U8vNy-f-11pJLFysMqpGiP0Tm38UMp3hSkntxOrdz4M7UC9A4Fnwfvu-RIvYgTIzUtOCz9ZS47lA8ArhLqqm5qSKAR7_kGiDkpJaKucWXrFJDnD5AvPCzDQNZ0xk1wPD-cGPncBj/s320/front.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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If you notice the view from the back, you'll see I have a anti-theft <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kensington_Security_Slot" target="_blank">Kensington lock</a> on the back. I stripped the plastic off the other end and tucked it under the treadmill mat since I was getting some crazy static build up and zapping my machine all the time. I need to find a better solution, but for now this works great. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSZSFQS9dUA_cQ3MEO0-x5ZhyphenhyphenunVEW9GzwF-Fgkz2_rfEKZKLmbdmzWo9oZGXHSv_kLqzyBeM6xLqsRN-CuXZ6-TViDYl0lUjtHZlCaIJoslW8yuKmMvJjm4_FwLfCdhz2mzdG0LwZZvF4/s1600/rear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSZSFQS9dUA_cQ3MEO0-x5ZhyphenhyphenunVEW9GzwF-Fgkz2_rfEKZKLmbdmzWo9oZGXHSv_kLqzyBeM6xLqsRN-CuXZ6-TViDYl0lUjtHZlCaIJoslW8yuKmMvJjm4_FwLfCdhz2mzdG0LwZZvF4/s320/rear.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9kIg1taZMvl3_7pSU_nc4cMAGwcNxM6t6jzfe2HRJ5COfBCQ84Cie6AnjH93yRORWLb_fpT4RjjMbD5pxWiyMk979vSJT5ndxaGyZUDlgfWmxbLUvxouHegpHEU4t0pbhiPnTIRILun8g/s1600/ground.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9kIg1taZMvl3_7pSU_nc4cMAGwcNxM6t6jzfe2HRJ5COfBCQ84Cie6AnjH93yRORWLb_fpT4RjjMbD5pxWiyMk979vSJT5ndxaGyZUDlgfWmxbLUvxouHegpHEU4t0pbhiPnTIRILun8g/s320/ground.jpg" width="313" /></a></div>
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All in all, it was perhaps the best $40 health insurance I could have purchased.<br />
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(edit: was using lb to kg for my miles to km conversion. heh, fixed)<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671257354795828054.post-49537593676968635072012-04-01T11:45:00.001-03:002012-04-01T11:54:13.894-03:00Ceramic Pot BBQ Smoker - v6A few years ago I started a journey of creating a ceramic pot BBQ smoker to rival that of the <a href="http://www.biggreenegg.com/" target="_blank">Big Green Egg</a> and its <a href="http://www.keelingagencies.com/bbq/kamado-joe/" target="_blank">competitors</a> (or <a href="http://www.lacajachina.com/" target="_blank">this</a>). For those of you that don't BBQ, the BGE is a BBQ/Smoker that has great insulating capabilities allowing for extremely long cook times and steady heat control ... two factors critical to perfect BBQ.<br />
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Note: I'm using <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbecue" target="_blank">BBQ</a> in the proper sense, not to be confused with the grilling that most people do on their propane gas grills. BBQ is <i>low and slow.</i> It's the process of putting smoke flavor on large cuts of meat and slowly bringing the meat to an internal temperature of between 130F to 200F (depending on the cut and variety). Most classic BBQ is a cut of meat like a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brisket" target="_blank">beef brisket</a> or <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pork_shoulder" target="_blank">pork shoulder</a>. Of course, you can also do chicken and ribs in a smoker, but it's a shorter cook time so the insulating power of your smoker isn't as critical. I'm talking 8-16hrs of cooking here. Generally we want to maintain an air temperature of between 200F-250F with 220F optimal. We want to bring the internal temperature of the meat to about 200F in order to break down the collagen in the meat without cooking the crap out of the outside. <span id="goog_903627223"></span><br />
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The problem is, these ceramic cookers are about $1000+ for anything half decent. Too much for me to experiment with something I may not get into long term. I needed to start cheap and work my way up as my experience grew.<br />
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That's when I saw the famous Alton Brown special ...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://3.gvt0.com/vi/_Ka2kpzTAL8/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/_Ka2kpzTAL8&fs=1&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/_Ka2kpzTAL8&fs=1&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object></div><br />
So, off I went to get some pots. $40 for each pot. $10 for a hot plate at <a href="http://www.shopxscargo.com/" target="_blank">XS Cargo</a> and I was ready to go.<br />
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<b>Version 1</b><br />
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Without getting too verbose, the process is very straightforward. I basically mimicked the Alton Brown approach with slight modifications.<br />
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The result. It was pretty good, but had a lot of flaws:<br />
<br />
<ol><li>The interior of the smoker was a mess. Fat everywhere. Nearly ruined my heating element. The first lesson of all this ... burning fat is nasty. Now don't get me wrong we need to have sizzling fat ... it's a core part of good BBQ thanks to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maillard_reaction" target="_blank">Maillard Reaction</a>. Getting that fat in the air and landing on the meat is what makes the charcoal fanatics scream that charcoal is better than electric. The reality is that The Maillard Reaction is what makes it good. Charcoal by itself <i>adds no flavor to food.</i> If it does, you're doing something wrong (like using easy light charcoal). The problem is when too much fat hits the coals and flares up or turns into an acrid smoke. That can leave a bitter taste on your meat. You want the place where the fat lands to essentially be the same temperature as the air you're cooking in: about 220F. We'll come back to this.</li>
<li>Temperature control. Having to manually adjust the thermostat on the element as the ceramic heats/cools due to wind or whatever is a pain in the butt (no pun intended). There had to be a better way. </li>
<li>The wood chips were smoking too fast. I was soaking the chips as well, but being nearly directly on the element was a large burst of smoke then nothing.</li>
<li>Wiring wasn't ready to handle this high heat. </li>
</ol><div><b>Version 2</b></div><div>Buffed up the wiring with some teflon coated oven wire and high temperature heat shrink tubing. </div><div><br />
</div><div>A note about smoke. Meat will take smoke up to about 160F ... after that your smoker is essentially a fancy oven. You can wrap your meat in aluminum foil to keep the moisture in and not worry about it. Also, you don't want to over smoke your meat and watch the moisture too, moisture and smoke can cause <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Creosote" target="_blank">creosote</a> which is very bad for you and tastes even worse. However, most of the time people experience creosote in BBQ is by using green hardwood or using too low a temperature. </div><div><br />
</div><div>So ... <b>Version 3</b></div><div><br />
</div><div>I wanted to get the isolation between the heat source and the meat. So I put a pan in between. I had read that fruit juices like cranberry, pineapple or apple can put a nice taste on the food. We did some modifications (these picture are after many many smokes in the cooker. It didn't always look this rough)</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0kHiPfhqZLISXRvcTwzoZRHjZBPHCmwHWnL6MrmdNaLEKWJmj6Uq8d_w5kO29aC5X61BHaL9uIY3n6d04EZeDADbhnaA4na7FSKN-0z38eoFwYtcAeD7yLbRSbyWWiQtnS0LYbRw9YRD_/s1600/waterpan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0kHiPfhqZLISXRvcTwzoZRHjZBPHCmwHWnL6MrmdNaLEKWJmj6Uq8d_w5kO29aC5X61BHaL9uIY3n6d04EZeDADbhnaA4na7FSKN-0z38eoFwYtcAeD7yLbRSbyWWiQtnS0LYbRw9YRD_/s320/waterpan.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Expanded the top tray to support the water pan (I'll explain why is looks so dirty later)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihmFtz5mKZfisujG2u05Ppuj-o4PuJHhpvn8OYXu5RtRXA-60vpFcyZhmkFwiPrAKALj7EomOMYfXjzGdQJhfSy-8AL3nTbEwvnEVpAh_F-_TdQPNYlD369Sxi_464nlJWoMStdcD4JyMO/s1600/grill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihmFtz5mKZfisujG2u05Ppuj-o4PuJHhpvn8OYXu5RtRXA-60vpFcyZhmkFwiPrAKALj7EomOMYfXjzGdQJhfSy-8AL3nTbEwvnEVpAh_F-_TdQPNYlD369Sxi_464nlJWoMStdcD4JyMO/s320/grill.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div>The meat would sit just over the water pan. The juices would fall right into the liquid and the moisture would help cook the meat ... in theory.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2dtyflDWNsqmVtTrszh639pn-O5uOU07-zWRhk9eR6Esb3DaZC0HlEd4rC-O0fD8nomz8WcsdSEBi1MNIndePRf_wHrauq3eUd9rqDG4miaJDVxBzFcvwfeC-CNwLnLgvV04JkVJJDTeI/s1600/spacer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2dtyflDWNsqmVtTrszh639pn-O5uOU07-zWRhk9eR6Esb3DaZC0HlEd4rC-O0fD8nomz8WcsdSEBi1MNIndePRf_wHrauq3eUd9rqDG4miaJDVxBzFcvwfeC-CNwLnLgvV04JkVJJDTeI/s320/spacer.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A heat shield to keep the wood chips off the direct heat.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The results:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><ol><li>Much lower temperatures in the top chamber. Most of the heat was being forced out of the crack between the two pots due to the pizza pan. Harder to control the heat.</li>
<li>The liquids were constantly boiling dry and burning. Whenever I'd top it up I'd lose the heat in the cooker since it had to re-heat the liquid again. </li>
<li>The moisture was causing the smoke on the meat to be much more black.</li>
</ol><div>All in all, not a very good result.</div><div><br />
</div><div><b>Version 4</b></div><div><b><br />
</b></div><div>Switch from juice to sand. And not soaking the wood chips. Having sand in the water pan did a couple of great things:</div><div><ol><li>Steady heat in the cooker,</li>
<li>the Maillard Reaction was back,</li>
<li>Nearly no moisture in the chamber.</li>
</ol><div>The downside was the heat from the element was still blasting against the bottom the sand pan and making the sand as hot as the surface of the sun. The fat was smoking into a nasty concoction long after the wood chips were finished. Wood smoke should be a nice blue color. Fat smoke is white. Some white smoke is good. Billows of it ... not so much. </div></div><div><br />
</div><div>But I still couldn't get the heat to the top of the chamber effectively.</div><div><br />
</div><div><b>Version 5</b></div><div><b><br />
</b></div><div>I picked up a dual probe, AC-switched <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PID_controller" target="_blank">PID</a>-based temperature controller from <a href="http://www.auberins.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=14_28&products_id=151&zenid=4730c7897e3e97420a5a4a1b1bd117c5" target="_blank">Auber Instruments</a>. </div><div><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9L500e1DsnQE81CcJb0EanCu2O-asVA7FULrETl3N4MHqfKPgGgn564Rn0_FXP5li0QLjqv21Hyx6ZnV_rRlzWSKl3OUJc96BieGBtcV2eo-4SNmaOtXE8I4kh-WcMdLzAnKalAPzi-xr/s1600/WSD-1500CPHa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9L500e1DsnQE81CcJb0EanCu2O-asVA7FULrETl3N4MHqfKPgGgn564Rn0_FXP5li0QLjqv21Hyx6ZnV_rRlzWSKl3OUJc96BieGBtcV2eo-4SNmaOtXE8I4kh-WcMdLzAnKalAPzi-xr/s320/WSD-1500CPHa.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Yes, this was expensive but here was my rationale:<br />
<br />
<ol><li>I cook. Temperature control is the cornerstone of good cooking. I use this for more than just BBQ (such as <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sous-vide" target="_blank">Sous Vide</a>). </li>
<li>Regardless of what kind of smoker I have, this or a BGE, most cooks buy one of these devices. The most popular being <a href="https://www.rocksbarbque.com/" target="_blank">The Stoker</a>. This is cheaper, more versatile and does the same thing.</li>
</ol> The result ... temperature control is no longer a concern. It's program-and-forget.<br />
<br />
<b>Version 6</b><br />
So, I needed to tackle the two remaining problems:<br />
<br />
<ol><li>Too much heat directly onto the sand</li>
<li>Not enough air flow to the top chamber.</li>
</ol><div>Heat deflectors are common items with BGE owners ... there are commercial and <a href="http://eggheadforum.com/discussion/948246/homemade-eggcessory" target="_blank">home made ones</a>. </div><div><br />
</div><div>This weekend I made my latest changes. I removed the pizza pan and put the sand bowl on a set of screw legs. Additionally I put the wood pan on a tray above the element. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcGYi4ExXW5_4tYw8EOKvu9yi1LYc9_2ygB_F-IdinK8ahNjIyhP4boLM0XDjScpP4GrB6RMrZzAQvHSoQb7mldlG7Xow1CWM9W2M_ctENradMz2tSh7bMlVm2CAPY3ZnAFJEgfbym1hyphenhyphenO/s1600/frame2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcGYi4ExXW5_4tYw8EOKvu9yi1LYc9_2ygB_F-IdinK8ahNjIyhP4boLM0XDjScpP4GrB6RMrZzAQvHSoQb7mldlG7Xow1CWM9W2M_ctENradMz2tSh7bMlVm2CAPY3ZnAFJEgfbym1hyphenhyphenO/s320/frame2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This site directly on the hot plate chassis making it easy to remove as a single unit.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1XNJXbOfuoeanme5KaDSMKKOFnaZmQXrNnR-swDHIw-OluqeWPJo-dHqqyrztDVm4l9fCBcQb98OQTuGO2VcfompQcgquMwbaas2D33flA5BS1Vbpm1QqO2nZsxaXZrFEZ8leV1GcgUSb/s1600/newframe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1XNJXbOfuoeanme5KaDSMKKOFnaZmQXrNnR-swDHIw-OluqeWPJo-dHqqyrztDVm4l9fCBcQb98OQTuGO2VcfompQcgquMwbaas2D33flA5BS1Vbpm1QqO2nZsxaXZrFEZ8leV1GcgUSb/s320/newframe.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> It's slightly raised above the rim of the bottom pot so the air flow will be directly into the top chamber.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHToxloySUTGampRjHzxx0EyEgv6UlxCNJfCplX67nJmqoLbMw6ilyN9FdVHbnhyphenhyphen5utFZho1VccVRtJHCGK_QHwvh0dgim2ddayu9jDT-izdRgFAGnwSo1pZY_Rb6IdjUmX0fD0lJsC1Dh/s1600/inserted.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHToxloySUTGampRjHzxx0EyEgv6UlxCNJfCplX67nJmqoLbMw6ilyN9FdVHbnhyphenhyphen5utFZho1VccVRtJHCGK_QHwvh0dgim2ddayu9jDT-izdRgFAGnwSo1pZY_Rb6IdjUmX0fD0lJsC1Dh/s320/inserted.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Fits nicely and is pretty sturdy.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUCdY8hqgl3y7njfw8CiGOhTahfD3Nyp8mu_ARm2BDbS15c1B3mEsD1rwaKZmvUEh7F_vdfigwL1_IBdIBywZKabVwCQHHzZSHcsBr1dVk1pCeYqJAS-orbxL8NNC_apJr5nGpveoPex9X/s1600/trimmed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUCdY8hqgl3y7njfw8CiGOhTahfD3Nyp8mu_ARm2BDbS15c1B3mEsD1rwaKZmvUEh7F_vdfigwL1_IBdIBywZKabVwCQHHzZSHcsBr1dVk1pCeYqJAS-orbxL8NNC_apJr5nGpveoPex9X/s320/trimmed.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> And a crappy pan which will be my new wood chip pan.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizpwmYLK-gQ8pEYAl1hDyBFaxPHtaUHcsmhKGDWV1m2YvzXNy5pJYHzmBUWy03cUtfebi_tRFlFn9Q-PM2tJPQM_Yis27WPGm7Rno-t5krbwmsA3LFlH-15iisYeeBHbtWkI0NS_uJ_NzY/s1600/chippan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizpwmYLK-gQ8pEYAl1hDyBFaxPHtaUHcsmhKGDWV1m2YvzXNy5pJYHzmBUWy03cUtfebi_tRFlFn9Q-PM2tJPQM_Yis27WPGm7Rno-t5krbwmsA3LFlH-15iisYeeBHbtWkI0NS_uJ_NzY/s320/chippan.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>Next weekend I hope to try it out ... stay tuned!</div><div><br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671257354795828054.post-79229459371140255172012-03-29T09:14:00.000-03:002012-03-29T09:14:05.721-03:00Chef's Knife (pt4) - 220 GritMarch Break put a slight crimp in the project and I missed a couple of weeks on the knife. Fortunately, in that time Chuck was able to finish the Master Grind. He's brought the metal down close to the center line we marked from last visit. It's starting to look like a knife now.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigvIUL2c4hSnnflLD-r_r2Ae-Ah4Wq5mxKOzgQHWlee4_uVBz2OUY8dPgejrjA4PsV9yP_RR-2C64DNV4RBWPrF2zbj0EYjXuUXQWnPWMaBlGBUKuCjMOFfsDf4ZlFoTvtljwCPrmLi3xg/s1600/master_cut_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigvIUL2c4hSnnflLD-r_r2Ae-Ah4Wq5mxKOzgQHWlee4_uVBz2OUY8dPgejrjA4PsV9yP_RR-2C64DNV4RBWPrF2zbj0EYjXuUXQWnPWMaBlGBUKuCjMOFfsDf4ZlFoTvtljwCPrmLi3xg/s320/master_cut_2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A close look at the edge shows we haven't hit the center lines, but we're close. The rest we'll take down during sharpening.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4dKUptWdfUYp4p7tTxRcdDQw4IHETTuEhb4YIytjogCxVn6LRkWTGAUncPVSNmzwjw36L4dbc5idjX39DW9ndxs6hU4H1wmAOCOTDW6ClF1YYigrpAP2iNQt49CAW8cMhwoqh9vlDkHv7/s1600/master_cut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4dKUptWdfUYp4p7tTxRcdDQw4IHETTuEhb4YIytjogCxVn6LRkWTGAUncPVSNmzwjw36L4dbc5idjX39DW9ndxs6hU4H1wmAOCOTDW6ClF1YYigrpAP2iNQt49CAW8cMhwoqh9vlDkHv7/s320/master_cut.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">But before we can send the metal out for hardening we have to make it pretty. The metal right now is a mess of scratches, nicks and dings. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgPOlda2_ImVQ24Iq7gpo5oJkGa5sJEvyjBwGfAZwA1j0pN44S2qATGWrax1GraFwh1eeE09t3W7cI7QUeM68vbqa5rzite9id2AxsAiKUxToYHpgvm4xEIDNrkBZk5LrCJ3d-SJWPf0xi/s1600/before.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgPOlda2_ImVQ24Iq7gpo5oJkGa5sJEvyjBwGfAZwA1j0pN44S2qATGWrax1GraFwh1eeE09t3W7cI7QUeM68vbqa5rzite9id2AxsAiKUxToYHpgvm4xEIDNrkBZk5LrCJ3d-SJWPf0xi/s320/before.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We'll use some 220grit sand paper to start the effort. This is the Karate Kid "Wax On, Wax Off" phase of the project. Time for me to get all Zen about the process. There are no tools to make this easy ... only elbow grease.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZbjjwUjNikwHBTAJYZGW_Zsjo1Ut3aiDt3YBTAH2iEZPqcl6r6aPPo5qmnnCrb7fWwPzrKX_q0tQS7CwDGbx5T6gVF1ar2uZKne_J4CjPzJ1G8Jjn7Yj16b5vtk_dYUes1YFPmyqe6ES1/s1600/220_grit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZbjjwUjNikwHBTAJYZGW_Zsjo1Ut3aiDt3YBTAH2iEZPqcl6r6aPPo5qmnnCrb7fWwPzrKX_q0tQS7CwDGbx5T6gVF1ar2uZKne_J4CjPzJ1G8Jjn7Yj16b5vtk_dYUes1YFPmyqe6ES1/s320/220_grit.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>This bench will be my church pew for the many more hours. It holds the blade at a comfortable working angle and supports the blade underneath so my pressure doesn't bend it. I can rotate the metal as needed relatively easily.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiclAlh2SHuqSbYnNJMF4YuDc91goDOZJi7RyKrmxpSzKslvAnYDOxKlug-FESmvuncI8d0YydDHUOdRLPSBKqfOl9rjmyC5if3ezTvnZ85PXox-tiPx3XpTSy5u3iBw2hWbfCe3Z4f1OtW/s1600/paint_the_fence.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiclAlh2SHuqSbYnNJMF4YuDc91goDOZJi7RyKrmxpSzKslvAnYDOxKlug-FESmvuncI8d0YydDHUOdRLPSBKqfOl9rjmyC5if3ezTvnZ85PXox-tiPx3XpTSy5u3iBw2hWbfCe3Z4f1OtW/s320/paint_the_fence.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Assume the position. For the 220 grit I can do a forward/backward motion initially, but later as we get closer I have to switch to a single direction stroke. And this is only the 220 grit, we're going to be going all the way up to 800 grit ... I save the details of that little treat for later. It gets quite fussy. You can see some of the higher grits in the photo above.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Even putting the sandpaper on the blade and taking it off is an art. Any horizontal movement, angles or swirls of the sander will leave an ugly mark on the metal ... which means more work.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We aren't taking off a lot of metal with the 220, so it takes time to get take out all the little scratches from the belt sanders. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4YPGQel0hR6X0ssr-WGiKLgvAX3oyWoHl-ciYgOU2fiuJLNqb2l9hs0_7fGjtYbtZmexxxs-KZAQqPD8BNZQp1CojDi3Yr1FoaphNqvj4_UP4PuJoCy8lR0BEY7t4lsMnNi7kRJG0qiQl/s1600/wax_on.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4YPGQel0hR6X0ssr-WGiKLgvAX3oyWoHl-ciYgOU2fiuJLNqb2l9hs0_7fGjtYbtZmexxxs-KZAQqPD8BNZQp1CojDi3Yr1FoaphNqvj4_UP4PuJoCy8lR0BEY7t4lsMnNi7kRJG0qiQl/s320/wax_on.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After about an hour or more of steady work I think it's looking pretty good. I mark a couple of spots with a normal indelible ink marker (like a Sharpie) on the blade that need more work and hand it off the Chuck for inspection. He's relatively unimpressed and proceeds to mark up the blade like a mad man. You could never imagine how thick marker ink is. Feeling this ink on the smooth metal feels like Mount Everest. And the stuff gets deep into any remaining scratches, so you really have to work to make them go away.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCvBJbKJ6NSSUzKNZwrMKQOTNN73PpPUZL9JW2ZlISQbV2cCYyPFzRkR8thzQYt47PN6i0nkp5zXC772cUYeVYgAYezEiRQgYfaNZVXSW5PCzostA7mqyH9UR5N9iCog9FYsjbJjBKM66w/s1600/halfway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCvBJbKJ6NSSUzKNZwrMKQOTNN73PpPUZL9JW2ZlISQbV2cCYyPFzRkR8thzQYt47PN6i0nkp5zXC772cUYeVYgAYezEiRQgYfaNZVXSW5PCzostA7mqyH9UR5N9iCog9FYsjbJjBKM66w/s320/halfway.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After another hour or more I've got a nice pile of used paper. It doesn't take long for this stuff to lose its grit. You're constantly changing it and moving it around.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGSxv1lfRuCaT2BxdUeNPrLXgUVZJlm4bGL8Xyd9qIWh26VI5MZDCkPTHAkX-5ec42Mdh2e5-RJZWdCLoTqgd9h8CX6iuJcLnEtHSGHC3TJ5aNn8n8BM2HjW6M1qXy-01ylL-1YOdUFjfz/s1600/carnage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGSxv1lfRuCaT2BxdUeNPrLXgUVZJlm4bGL8Xyd9qIWh26VI5MZDCkPTHAkX-5ec42Mdh2e5-RJZWdCLoTqgd9h8CX6iuJcLnEtHSGHC3TJ5aNn8n8BM2HjW6M1qXy-01ylL-1YOdUFjfz/s320/carnage.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>But the end result is beautiful. Blemish free. And it's only going to get better with the higher grits.<br />
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This is the part of the process I really have to get right. This is the part when I'm showing the knife to friends that I can say "I made that" ... any blemishes will immediately stand out.<br />
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And this was only one side of the blade. I still have to do the other side with the 2200 in the same manner as this side was. And the edges.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNzFlNzR6-K_Z8WN4oHr6ONSSi2gLJ-I01gn89aiiER1PA2GC21MUklgdujqATUEZK8ofUa8IQQneWdTQOBxYj9JImQuPGvTxTmRIATay7cYjIeeGECzAPVpb-_FhqVMx7TYJoMR4j4YQ-/s1600/after.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNzFlNzR6-K_Z8WN4oHr6ONSSi2gLJ-I01gn89aiiER1PA2GC21MUklgdujqATUEZK8ofUa8IQQneWdTQOBxYj9JImQuPGvTxTmRIATay7cYjIeeGECzAPVpb-_FhqVMx7TYJoMR4j4YQ-/s320/after.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Fortunately, some of the mess will be hidden by the bolster, which I've indicated here.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvwe_UatSCHLfqR1gFV84_7XokA-T2gkNIw7Ze75pV3h6tCSJ6LtbNjhK2KNoTRvALdgl3ar7O23XAfwPdQps2x4LJh4-YsdbtBMszT6-K6VH6M9iWrkJa3X_Scevtv4V04Pe5RqnsjrkG/s1600/after_bolster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvwe_UatSCHLfqR1gFV84_7XokA-T2gkNIw7Ze75pV3h6tCSJ6LtbNjhK2KNoTRvALdgl3ar7O23XAfwPdQps2x4LJh4-YsdbtBMszT6-K6VH6M9iWrkJa3X_Scevtv4V04Pe5RqnsjrkG/s320/after_bolster.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> More karate practice next week ...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671257354795828054.post-27609122619209340162012-03-14T17:19:00.000-03:002012-03-14T17:19:37.397-03:00CNC Machine - Part 1I've been working on a robot since I've been in High School. Several robots actually. My downfall has always been with the mechanical linkages between the motor and the wheel. My fabrication skills just aren't that great and I don't want to incur the hefty machinist fees that I have in the past. My solution to this has been to get a home CNC router to help me fabricate gears, brackets, mounts and whatever I need for the robot.<br />
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At the end of last year I picked up a <a href="http://zentoolworks.com/" target="_blank">ZenToolworks</a> <a href="http://zentoolworks.com/product_info.php?cPath=14&products_id=120" target="_blank">12x12 kit</a>. This is a well-priced, well designed kit that will give a basic CNC router capable of 12"x12"x5" of work area. Over the holidays I started on the fabrication of the machine itself. I won't go into the details of it here, since <a href="http://wiki.zentoolworks.com/index.php/CNC_DIY_12x12_2010_Assembly_Instructions" target="_blank">it's well documented</a> on the Toolworks site.<br />
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The kit is a little daunting when it first arrives. The thing weighs a ton and has lots of little scary parts. There are your core PVC parts ...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCx-ge2V75abkMILTV6WZm-2Og5XykCd67x5wUbSD5jX_0pFFD3-rQ3OBoFKOnGZ_PUaAuoqlyxh07avOhgGgK-Cx_xEP2VidiCOMirRARv24xal76RUJAEIDuRS5RSfF5ikziXLmMKYyV/s1600/cnc1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCx-ge2V75abkMILTV6WZm-2Og5XykCd67x5wUbSD5jX_0pFFD3-rQ3OBoFKOnGZ_PUaAuoqlyxh07avOhgGgK-Cx_xEP2VidiCOMirRARv24xal76RUJAEIDuRS5RSfF5ikziXLmMKYyV/s320/cnc1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>And your nuts, bolts, couplers, lead screws, bushings, bearings and electronics ...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimTMcP5ohFjXNZvaFgN-p5yEfv7XkPRGZcD5AYKzAbn6w9ByI6ywqQCV1KLlzOofQqWiMGX-ELqMzaRheEp-iYQTo7goSqccnEA0_FVy2waEBdUG-ngZl1_kY8f2Yum1_mAQhzsx_Rkx64/s1600/cnc2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimTMcP5ohFjXNZvaFgN-p5yEfv7XkPRGZcD5AYKzAbn6w9ByI6ywqQCV1KLlzOofQqWiMGX-ELqMzaRheEp-iYQTo7goSqccnEA0_FVy2waEBdUG-ngZl1_kY8f2Yum1_mAQhzsx_Rkx64/s320/cnc2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The tricky part is ensuring your bearings are installed flush with their holders. Also finicky is the tension on the backlash nuts.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6wgUNGjp0ZSzIzOBoPyf1igUErFwnVMXQzRnUHkEYXYJguuVDrONOKPSBhGE76hEiivaF72yxtM2dnnejrfoFZJD2-L2i2gDeqrP0YLwDTtiXVwWGPbIxrrdoRq3aUrXY9Hn7iSEOUPCF/s1600/cnc3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6wgUNGjp0ZSzIzOBoPyf1igUErFwnVMXQzRnUHkEYXYJguuVDrONOKPSBhGE76hEiivaF72yxtM2dnnejrfoFZJD2-L2i2gDeqrP0YLwDTtiXVwWGPbIxrrdoRq3aUrXY9Hn7iSEOUPCF/s320/cnc3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>In the end the basic device came together as expected.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgggLnqJi_kDwgeyswXg108uteYY6A0FAjwr0RcVRGZG-YoXbwGfipj6kXSuEtJDIEvdLnDaNyCpSTxMliM5LR0cfoD3Lm9-BS3ICS1-G44HZ8zFLyJxE6SHlb1TuRREXYm-6J3YVbyO-8u/s1600/cnc5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgggLnqJi_kDwgeyswXg108uteYY6A0FAjwr0RcVRGZG-YoXbwGfipj6kXSuEtJDIEvdLnDaNyCpSTxMliM5LR0cfoD3Lm9-BS3ICS1-G44HZ8zFLyJxE6SHlb1TuRREXYm-6J3YVbyO-8u/s320/cnc5.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
But now the real work began ... mounting and hooking up the electronics. We have two power supplies (one for motors and one for the router), a stepper motor control board, a router speed control board, six limit switches that need to get mounted, an on/off switch, a speed control and an emergency stop. I didn't want to rush into a crappy wiring job to see how the assembly went only to find myself debugging a mess of wires. Instead I put off my excitement to mount all this stuff correctly.<br />
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I decided to mount everything on a piece of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Masonite" target="_blank">masonite</a> so it could be mounted on the<a href="http://wiki.zentoolworks.com/index.php/File:12x12_STEP_Y-40.jpg" target="_blank"> rear gantry</a>.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv0uJWksWcj3JTVsdHwa9PVktShMqt9uHF4PzfCsaMqxwJlrMkrU9X5fZTqhMk7GgVS2-AYSo-qbnYv1EXK74lx_xeR4xO67-Kyc1bVhi6VlgJudvfkqtyC3Fo9-RFQXksWovZ10jM3FpX/s1600/cnc6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv0uJWksWcj3JTVsdHwa9PVktShMqt9uHF4PzfCsaMqxwJlrMkrU9X5fZTqhMk7GgVS2-AYSo-qbnYv1EXK74lx_xeR4xO67-Kyc1bVhi6VlgJudvfkqtyC3Fo9-RFQXksWovZ10jM3FpX/s320/cnc6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I figured I'd mount the two power supplies outwardly to conserve space and help with the heat dissipation. I'm not sure yet if this is a good idea or not. But this is as far as I got for a while until I gather the needed spacers, connectors and wiring. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgafHTkWvACc51Ao6S-uOBlqzXnVuOwGgwroHk9LkamoiDwfszv4Q7RahrXvCMdz9Rzd1zu6rUFvx9vzQE7_lkU-7frhMVsSJxK_q66ilC11HYI4Altk8bwgUYiaI2_vqwwWMSF7x4BgMxb/s1600/cnc7_sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgafHTkWvACc51Ao6S-uOBlqzXnVuOwGgwroHk9LkamoiDwfszv4Q7RahrXvCMdz9Rzd1zu6rUFvx9vzQE7_lkU-7frhMVsSJxK_q66ilC11HYI4Altk8bwgUYiaI2_vqwwWMSF7x4BgMxb/s320/cnc7_sm.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Today I was able to get my 4-pin connectors on the X, Y & Z stepper motors. I also had to resolder a voltage regulator from the router speed controller board that was completely unattached to the PCB. Just a fluke that I spotted it before it fell out and had no idea which way it went back in.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCHR2AOfBegfO_pKRhmV_VRQA1p0AubTGEQcZFqtpTrbVd710n_n7WXxaXurUnfB9sC68nB4ArlavlyImOuv5uxNfQBavtnQw-Tz5OA4r95f_VvvVxRK2gWfxPotdlNuDRR2sC1wKf6vLt/s1600/motor_connectors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCHR2AOfBegfO_pKRhmV_VRQA1p0AubTGEQcZFqtpTrbVd710n_n7WXxaXurUnfB9sC68nB4ArlavlyImOuv5uxNfQBavtnQw-Tz5OA4r95f_VvvVxRK2gWfxPotdlNuDRR2sC1wKf6vLt/s320/motor_connectors.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As well as mount the emergency stop, speed control and on/off controls. Note, this is the what the view will be from the front of the machine. All the electronics will be hidden behind.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzfkxKjwl-D-M3UXkRXckNd1SyCG3JGr2zisW1IaqvKHV73K3zv1wl_kGYlUg-iHZQhKCsVvUugJ9_bMweAJIyC9AIpuz3ZRT6GFd3WI3r7WnoDm4rwMEVRaosNcmh04ggE4FXZcF5KQxM/s1600/front_face.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzfkxKjwl-D-M3UXkRXckNd1SyCG3JGr2zisW1IaqvKHV73K3zv1wl_kGYlUg-iHZQhKCsVvUugJ9_bMweAJIyC9AIpuz3ZRT6GFd3WI3r7WnoDm4rwMEVRaosNcmh04ggE4FXZcF5KQxM/s320/front_face.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I also decided to bring the motor connectors to a terminal block rather than directly to the controller board. My fear was a renegade machine pulling the control board apart from the mounts. At least this way the wire should fail before the traces on the circuit board.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnm4fX2pXkTKIpgHPadZW5oazFX12Oy65h8sU-I0xkyYWCUMGJO7TuXjuhW5wU9NHoQNeZBRv0maoQ9jkO2Wvraa-IfK5O71e80duNdy8ESB-lC61gdbEb7G2WN7bbW6eOdekN64sXS6c_/s1600/connectors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnm4fX2pXkTKIpgHPadZW5oazFX12Oy65h8sU-I0xkyYWCUMGJO7TuXjuhW5wU9NHoQNeZBRv0maoQ9jkO2Wvraa-IfK5O71e80duNdy8ESB-lC61gdbEb7G2WN7bbW6eOdekN64sXS6c_/s320/connectors.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">And finally here is how it looks from the back. Next I need to wire up the power, the limit switches and the controls. I may leave the router and limit switches for now so I can focus on basic control. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXo2rDnipZu8lYl5BA-Vh4LSFvotroldlxEyLrPleXv6YQGdfKaiLAlk7d0okw9iwviDbk65POzTObI5trd8Wnu1pQ7jaqPFOO2-T9-U1tkaWgE0JDiy50ZqYqoESCRi4EFC4QOGFlGkL7/s1600/mounted.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXo2rDnipZu8lYl5BA-Vh4LSFvotroldlxEyLrPleXv6YQGdfKaiLAlk7d0okw9iwviDbk65POzTObI5trd8Wnu1pQ7jaqPFOO2-T9-U1tkaWgE0JDiy50ZqYqoESCRi4EFC4QOGFlGkL7/s320/mounted.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Stay tuned ... more to come ...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671257354795828054.post-36272224532469539622012-03-02T10:30:00.000-04:002012-03-02T10:30:04.984-04:00Chef Knife - pt 3 - Master Cut ...Short post this week. We started on the Master Cut (the primary cut to give an edge). I'll give more on this next week.<br />
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First we had to make some more decisions on the bolster style. After sketching out a design based on some <a href="http://www.leglerknives.com/cutlery.html" target="_blank">sample knives Chuck sent me</a>, we agreed on this look. However this required a change to the pin hole locations. Some quick math and adjustments got us ready. No biggie since the extra hole will be filled with epoxy.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjUBxs-k-QowwYq5cWEVKbhsQ9umdsEz3rHHMtd5WAT5a_BfamYewhyphenhyphen4TcKMhhyphenhyphen9TxHnAsBC9iZKWhK1gB1CNvexplUHYb3NqFC7y3EUJEgyl0Q_8iQJqVeNMCeaYvZDS-5BUj4PFiHEIZ/s1600/pegs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjUBxs-k-QowwYq5cWEVKbhsQ9umdsEz3rHHMtd5WAT5a_BfamYewhyphenhyphen4TcKMhhyphenhyphen9TxHnAsBC9iZKWhK1gB1CNvexplUHYb3NqFC7y3EUJEgyl0Q_8iQJqVeNMCeaYvZDS-5BUj4PFiHEIZ/s320/pegs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Some other cleanup on some rough curves and the point and we were ready to get started on the master grind. First it needed some fresh tooling dye.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibeUy5TtaLirW8uh7QcBgPgcnmDBcyA5LUUhRLnpJhygUnrwuQijlEmhH1LHO82mEOib-mY4_IO2I9BKjrBYX3GF1EqtUXa50LZvGzPBD00FgJQAztj5ZB-8iPdEPc9J2InC6ECihNlVNp/s1600/painted.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibeUy5TtaLirW8uh7QcBgPgcnmDBcyA5LUUhRLnpJhygUnrwuQijlEmhH1LHO82mEOib-mY4_IO2I9BKjrBYX3GF1EqtUXa50LZvGzPBD00FgJQAztj5ZB-8iPdEPc9J2InC6ECihNlVNp/s320/painted.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Using this marking tool, we found a spot that would give us about a 1/32" knife edge. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi36DF7-spMFXXWdPqE_ukrZXPROzfo_fUxZohkvFHMR60KBP-GXoSq926IizxYpXAdRB6YFbnryWxHVBfMr9Hn-Mk6zX7MgK-Ln-cJw0Cbd9zzL8RI4QzcV4nRsh16JvzGPU0ZyT1-A_r4/s1600/marker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi36DF7-spMFXXWdPqE_ukrZXPROzfo_fUxZohkvFHMR60KBP-GXoSq926IizxYpXAdRB6YFbnryWxHVBfMr9Hn-Mk6zX7MgK-Ln-cJw0Cbd9zzL8RI4QzcV4nRsh16JvzGPU0ZyT1-A_r4/s320/marker.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And we set our marks for the grind. We'd have to bring the edges of the knife down to these marks on both sides.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_OBY4vKjnRf7pr98oMaTw9Nz1pVeCOXrUSTPEvAZ7quB0KmGPFzFbYV_96DK0T4VtVc_b83puEmPB4uPGekiUtwLIHgk6aUFSqqZ2eB4-W4jvd_JK9awjKwAr-3dXSYa3JQNS0cOZEule/s1600/marked.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_OBY4vKjnRf7pr98oMaTw9Nz1pVeCOXrUSTPEvAZ7quB0KmGPFzFbYV_96DK0T4VtVc_b83puEmPB4uPGekiUtwLIHgk6aUFSqqZ2eB4-W4jvd_JK9awjKwAr-3dXSYa3JQNS0cOZEule/s320/marked.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Chuck did the Master Grind work. This is the most critical step and if we screwed up it's game over. I was happy to hand over the reins ... maybe next knife.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">This step involves starting your <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grind" target="_blank">Grind Edge </a>on one side, moving it down and across the whole blade, but not losing the bottom curve or taking too much from the top side of the knife. For a chef's knife we want, essentially, a triangular cut from top to edge (vs. a curved cut in <a href="http://www.brendknives.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/brend_090601b-ww.jpg" target="_blank">traditional knives</a>).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZaUMFVHIhNDOpv_n08otdP3clsk0NXUWIRwfupANZR8AYk-jWgD8RVRGZPKDSqGmf8KrP2FXcqFFKIIf0kO0eqf_nZDJO44AgY7kXCUwC9bfLiU28YARw3iuU0nO-ReaBU-UFfKkhjNPL/s1600/mastergrind.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZaUMFVHIhNDOpv_n08otdP3clsk0NXUWIRwfupANZR8AYk-jWgD8RVRGZPKDSqGmf8KrP2FXcqFFKIIf0kO0eqf_nZDJO44AgY7kXCUwC9bfLiU28YARw3iuU0nO-ReaBU-UFfKkhjNPL/s320/mastergrind.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Here's we are one-quarter done. Have to bring the other side down like the left side here and then do it all over again to get to the etch lines. The metal gets really hot doing this. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9bikSUDQcf6kfIW1tscdRaeG3LnVNpGm6ElFJCZfkAsc3teudRBEQ23s8S6_4JMV2TxqA7vl9kKLSEBfs2J6SuXFvmwuyKDSskIEkMZaoiqua5hm4_Pcz2pR6XuftsSItFNGpy7jNxE1Q/s1600/ground.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9bikSUDQcf6kfIW1tscdRaeG3LnVNpGm6ElFJCZfkAsc3teudRBEQ23s8S6_4JMV2TxqA7vl9kKLSEBfs2J6SuXFvmwuyKDSskIEkMZaoiqua5hm4_Pcz2pR6XuftsSItFNGpy7jNxE1Q/s320/ground.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
In the next couple of weeks I'll show the final result of this cut.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671257354795828054.post-7740507952712788002012-02-23T00:22:00.001-04:002012-02-23T18:09:45.104-04:00Chef Knife - part 2Another good evening of progress on the Chef Knife. When I arrived Chuck was showing me some of the knives he recently finished. Amazing stuff. You couldn't get a hair between the bolster and the handle. Note the brass inlay on the bottom knife. These things feel so comfortable your hand would never get tired.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4d6MOdoDmEfdZA7wXpCuY45aPjORn3o3X5VHaFRA_4_mU4wo4ios1lz8om1G01EjIHrEelyNO0xEzmDb1GM-_ON17LW-5lgWSIGnkvJ6WERUyCkGxYzB2O6G67eSlrcJ13vmT3Fya-9ME/s1600/finished.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4d6MOdoDmEfdZA7wXpCuY45aPjORn3o3X5VHaFRA_4_mU4wo4ios1lz8om1G01EjIHrEelyNO0xEzmDb1GM-_ON17LW-5lgWSIGnkvJ6WERUyCkGxYzB2O6G67eSlrcJ13vmT3Fya-9ME/s320/finished.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Our steel came in this week (1/16" <a href="http://www.multiplex-trd.com/articles/about_440c_steel.htm" target="_blank">440C</a> steel). Chuck had trimmed down the plastic template we built last week and put blue tool marking dye on the new steel. He already got well into his knife (he's going to make a chef's knife too). He even got his master cut in already. The master cut is the first main cut to taper the edge of the knife, bringing it into the center line evenly while maintaining the desired curve of the blade. It's a big step.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYDPBGBy3I3M-pldxAatZmzGaevJGArvsOJohio_TEu2qdV_nDGsWtfaxhxfNhmuGo2V1DkKw6Ey90RwnuLr5G-d0n5PbdVBrVZuqOYumGe26T7yg65H1Vt1D_OuSMYS4iSPsNiFm5IwnO/s1600/template.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYDPBGBy3I3M-pldxAatZmzGaevJGArvsOJohio_TEu2qdV_nDGsWtfaxhxfNhmuGo2V1DkKw6Ey90RwnuLr5G-d0n5PbdVBrVZuqOYumGe26T7yg65H1Vt1D_OuSMYS4iSPsNiFm5IwnO/s320/template.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
But tonight, I had to cut out my steel in order to get it into something I could put a master cut into. I started by etching the shape of the template into the marking dye with a scribe pen. Then off to the metal band saw to get my rough cuts around the shape. The marking dye doesn't last very long when the oil hits it and there is very little play in that blade, lots of relief cuts.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBp3fojdOo_WQOJtkO7NSdB2kZDPn93c9Dp1L5cYS9OTpOTzhkXRJ3JPAbQEKntm5eg2ahdgVoPkOFWaIsUhp0amPwKRv_z6hHvW-I3CdBY2Mph624Si6t3ehI82u8PNALAaA6fqExHFBn/s1600/bandsaw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBp3fojdOo_WQOJtkO7NSdB2kZDPn93c9Dp1L5cYS9OTpOTzhkXRJ3JPAbQEKntm5eg2ahdgVoPkOFWaIsUhp0amPwKRv_z6hHvW-I3CdBY2Mph624Si6t3ehI82u8PNALAaA6fqExHFBn/s320/bandsaw.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
It went pretty well.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid2By4QQZPhaczbroC5MY43cG-8kjfWezz7iYFehf9NdYeCxmtZ7mwtGE0ROMUzrgGwVdXZ7Y8MtElc_zQfWoEoWm6pYV3MsX25CY6bH_-yC7jxWeR9rptmeEj_VK3QO4bYKva1JnKYU-G/s1600/roughcut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid2By4QQZPhaczbroC5MY43cG-8kjfWezz7iYFehf9NdYeCxmtZ7mwtGE0ROMUzrgGwVdXZ7Y8MtElc_zQfWoEoWm6pYV3MsX25CY6bH_-yC7jxWeR9rptmeEj_VK3QO4bYKva1JnKYU-G/s320/roughcut.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Then to take down the rough cuts to the etch lines on the belt sander (about 42 grit).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzkHK7IuZ69i-0gqsvYcZ2L-KAYkfrS2rgJc4J3JlSWUKUc_Wsl7UVDBLDDdJjVPZrdm0c0KJIJnwFmCV9jFcwDL3i3-di7OQRDrR0MbyEGc0vaFkCslSnFddiikadJJilyp_YLFMi9cHb/s1600/beltsander.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzkHK7IuZ69i-0gqsvYcZ2L-KAYkfrS2rgJc4J3JlSWUKUc_Wsl7UVDBLDDdJjVPZrdm0c0KJIJnwFmCV9jFcwDL3i3-di7OQRDrR0MbyEGc0vaFkCslSnFddiikadJJilyp_YLFMi9cHb/s320/beltsander.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The bottom curve by the bolster needs a different tool. Here Chuck has a round disk (about 80 grit) attached to his radial arm saw.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN4-qcqsBaILXcih_66vHCiaYJwL2Zs9eN9I82bc8BXB0Yo7vBNVMSEl-o2Z3GcxGXocv8BsMQG4JXXZpjbniB795RtFbba9a8Q8pp4NphQ5uS1mGVDhCttsu9iDNypPdM7VfFjZey0SP7/s1600/round_sander.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN4-qcqsBaILXcih_66vHCiaYJwL2Zs9eN9I82bc8BXB0Yo7vBNVMSEl-o2Z3GcxGXocv8BsMQG4JXXZpjbniB795RtFbba9a8Q8pp4NphQ5uS1mGVDhCttsu9iDNypPdM7VfFjZey0SP7/s320/round_sander.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Took some extra attention to take out any nicks from the rough cut.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisFJNJEfaLagCW9AHXpG-RqINPp2rSS6mVsOmBc0ZGVohDzb_Gt-3u7mxD7e77CO4bZSf1fYkPET36E-K-buufGWAonblJ2mGB5TicFH4TzyLoCRwn9L8Xd0rYpthSWH6jgLLU4IJ7n4Mx/s1600/inside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisFJNJEfaLagCW9AHXpG-RqINPp2rSS6mVsOmBc0ZGVohDzb_Gt-3u7mxD7e77CO4bZSf1fYkPET36E-K-buufGWAonblJ2mGB5TicFH4TzyLoCRwn9L8Xd0rYpthSWH6jgLLU4IJ7n4Mx/s320/inside.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I decided on just two brass pins holding the handle. To drill these out first I had mark the centerline of the knife (vs the line of the handle, which would make sense if I was going for a more radical design).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj592pJjlA0ypL69-kMbCe8kv6rnbDa36Xbg-t0T4Fudz9C0oZk1kf9nY3JY2qeZGkvmwVcj9nK9ZHBFzHG-knfa5fh4IEMOsJbBkRaErXs9LFFluiSPA7psK_ji_0Ebo4Cbmz2o8n2WgZI/s1600/centerline.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj592pJjlA0ypL69-kMbCe8kv6rnbDa36Xbg-t0T4Fudz9C0oZk1kf9nY3JY2qeZGkvmwVcj9nK9ZHBFzHG-knfa5fh4IEMOsJbBkRaErXs9LFFluiSPA7psK_ji_0Ebo4Cbmz2o8n2WgZI/s320/centerline.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Then mark and punch when the two pins would go.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Q4FtdQuO_IXXugOUenNlo-1M8sFGf5ysYaCsm5B-6fDZglto2LwVU0xay-wd9Ljz6A5mFRPS1TZ07zZ16g2JmVLzzbW536apMn7VjYGixDyUlSOZGEYDubT3FzpGHqmJPlnQ2jBqLL9i/s1600/punched.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Q4FtdQuO_IXXugOUenNlo-1M8sFGf5ysYaCsm5B-6fDZglto2LwVU0xay-wd9Ljz6A5mFRPS1TZ07zZ16g2JmVLzzbW536apMn7VjYGixDyUlSOZGEYDubT3FzpGHqmJPlnQ2jBqLL9i/s320/punched.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>And drill them out. Additionally I added 3 other drill holes to help hold the epoxy in the handle. The 2nd and 4th holes are centerlined, it doesn't really matter where 1, 3 and 5 go.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQa7chF59zxOrmU9qJFkaiIUj5lnjJSo2dUXFCpgTTzgwgMV09gq5Dp7dfc0e_DJ9vuqsZ_XDasG20gbRhwa7_mqzMuacnzMm1v5um3jU2G3g2eK5uj3I6dPTnAdufpSWOu125x2nUnQwj/s1600/holes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQa7chF59zxOrmU9qJFkaiIUj5lnjJSo2dUXFCpgTTzgwgMV09gq5Dp7dfc0e_DJ9vuqsZ_XDasG20gbRhwa7_mqzMuacnzMm1v5um3jU2G3g2eK5uj3I6dPTnAdufpSWOu125x2nUnQwj/s320/holes.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Then had to get the spurs off the drill holes and this was surprising difficult since any bad sanding would cause the handle halves not to fit perfectly snug. Had to hand sand it with a locking magnet.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGPpsDgzMhV6cYwE5SJagM3w_y0OwtFhSyLoy3VZh0GsMC-cnXihI0EH2npvCtdHl_u0ZNezcX0kTs7Ar17gL8JxmSqLEBTgd_pujyEc_IQSyoau3oArMQyUZ8fjgl2G-_7K-T7kfsq1Us/s1600/handsand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGPpsDgzMhV6cYwE5SJagM3w_y0OwtFhSyLoy3VZh0GsMC-cnXihI0EH2npvCtdHl_u0ZNezcX0kTs7Ar17gL8JxmSqLEBTgd_pujyEc_IQSyoau3oArMQyUZ8fjgl2G-_7K-T7kfsq1Us/s320/handsand.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
But it did an even sand as you can see from the scratch marks in the steel ...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFhY5OTJ4ZWn3Rvb-003T4TqHHZL4O24v8CXq49oIBXE0h7YzYHNkq4FLspa8m-xzB146-Nboa-5RK8oFCsDCLwlw7HnVQJkcK5Q2-Pect627oJBWFzlCXREZW4Janvj_VbxL_FmqAY4Yr/s1600/smooth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFhY5OTJ4ZWn3Rvb-003T4TqHHZL4O24v8CXq49oIBXE0h7YzYHNkq4FLspa8m-xzB146-Nboa-5RK8oFCsDCLwlw7HnVQJkcK5Q2-Pect627oJBWFzlCXREZW4Janvj_VbxL_FmqAY4Yr/s320/smooth.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Now I could work on the top notches. I usually choke up on my chef knife around the bolster, but sometimes I'll do the one finger extension. I wanted to put some grip notches along the top ridge. I settled on 4mm center-to-center with a 1mm depth.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4dP6nfmHktU9C1-IckjosuDlyIHV78k43c3SahWfIYtfn3m5awbFazlf5NJNykJYE4A2cqfZFn_CBxhpEBag9c0_DajAokwn9f0fT5RVgB-CwIdqaaDs0ifseBAiKO4nLH6A3I4-g3hMT/s1600/notches.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4dP6nfmHktU9C1-IckjosuDlyIHV78k43c3SahWfIYtfn3m5awbFazlf5NJNykJYE4A2cqfZFn_CBxhpEBag9c0_DajAokwn9f0fT5RVgB-CwIdqaaDs0ifseBAiKO4nLH6A3I4-g3hMT/s320/notches.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Later I'll file these out to make them pretty. No need right now since I'll likely be taking down the steel a little more yet.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzESoIpAPV6otVl6vyt1RJHuwVzeef78bjPPp1FWsb0sM5ibX_xNIFxcjA-1fAEUtgTj2bLJ5y0xs-9Z3H-qn0OQnnzLUZI0jqig0h_tvY2SQiruSQHBV6TE1y9Dp00I-s3iYQHTeUrZnr/s1600/gripnotch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzESoIpAPV6otVl6vyt1RJHuwVzeef78bjPPp1FWsb0sM5ibX_xNIFxcjA-1fAEUtgTj2bLJ5y0xs-9Z3H-qn0OQnnzLUZI0jqig0h_tvY2SQiruSQHBV6TE1y9Dp00I-s3iYQHTeUrZnr/s320/gripnotch.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Next time ... the Master Cut!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671257354795828054.post-19964339239033611052012-02-17T10:28:00.001-04:002012-02-17T14:42:50.634-04:00Flood / Drain Hydroponic Herb Garden ...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Fresh herbs are expensive and they don't last very long. When you're cooking a lot it means that your almost always out of something necessary ... and there's no better way to ensure a good meal than using fresh herbs. I tried conventional gardening pots, but the results were spotty. Instead I thought I try a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydroponics" target="_blank">hydroponic</a> garden ... hey, it seems to working well for the weed industry, perhaps it could work for home cooking?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I settled on an 11-bottle <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydroponics#Ebb_and_flow_or_flood_and_drain_sub-irrigation" target="_blank">Flood/Drain</a> design. The premise behind Flood/Drain is that you flood the roots with nutrients for a short period of time and then let it drain away. Too long and you rot the roots. Too short and the plants starve. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The entire system sits on top of a tupperware box that contains the liquids and pump. Everyday 2L pop bottles are used to contain the plants along with some <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mineral_wool" target="_blank">rock wool</a> to support the roots. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The basic layout looks like this:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWKLOQ4RQHP_JTvaCEJN4eXSa2rsFewv7mD7oSDEU1Y0T0sYdWem3Xl8koT_YYlSD5ijB2q4SnYx6GlRoJpKXSp45KX3KKE-wKc3CUFRAdfo4QfwRMva672VZZf-wZbIbc1YfPvrl83_Qs/s1600/2341_72623025930_572620930_2730789_437784_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWKLOQ4RQHP_JTvaCEJN4eXSa2rsFewv7mD7oSDEU1Y0T0sYdWem3Xl8koT_YYlSD5ijB2q4SnYx6GlRoJpKXSp45KX3KKE-wKc3CUFRAdfo4QfwRMva672VZZf-wZbIbc1YfPvrl83_Qs/s320/2341_72623025930_572620930_2730789_437784_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
To ensure the parts are level, it's a simple matter of turning the frame upside down and pressing down so all the outlets are flat. This is a critical step, otherwise you'll have bottles shooting out at odd angles. Since the water and plants will have considerable weight, not being completely vertical is trouble waiting to happen.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2keXjCOqxCbmBBGaGsSqwn4mcDAu9VWkxg3UEPAM2hyAD7xhDCiJS00mWmid0SJDLttBeaUrB_Xt11qF-wHOzJP8ofnAnPZxXEZifvQ6AdFnz8aNcq2Yr5HFvJAtnIry6-CSKhdVTZ2hx/s1600/n572620930_2730790_6169975.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2keXjCOqxCbmBBGaGsSqwn4mcDAu9VWkxg3UEPAM2hyAD7xhDCiJS00mWmid0SJDLttBeaUrB_Xt11qF-wHOzJP8ofnAnPZxXEZifvQ6AdFnz8aNcq2Yr5HFvJAtnIry6-CSKhdVTZ2hx/s320/n572620930_2730790_6169975.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
From there, I carefully PVC cemented the parts together. You have to work fast with this stuff, it's completely unforgiving. Fixing mistakes means hacksaw replacements. You can see my pop bottles ready to go. The real challenge is seating the bottle caps in the frame with a solid / water-tight fit. Bottle caps are not made of the same plastic as PVC tubing, so finding an appropriate glue is tough ... and it has to be food grade. I settled on a combination of contact cement, silicon and hot glue. Really a dogs breakfast.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnCGAafREuXtrbnnK7IsIZSc-ayz8SVUWtvYkiACgNt78Isb5dJU_YiXQnefNeHo0NdEJgkVWkS96DrYPikTdLGdS8s68eYCmEIZNrEHrcgap6Eo8svp4CeAeZjVsvFwiCyXRhRPy8lr8I/s1600/n572620930_2758565_2916807.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnCGAafREuXtrbnnK7IsIZSc-ayz8SVUWtvYkiACgNt78Isb5dJU_YiXQnefNeHo0NdEJgkVWkS96DrYPikTdLGdS8s68eYCmEIZNrEHrcgap6Eo8svp4CeAeZjVsvFwiCyXRhRPy8lr8I/s320/n572620930_2758565_2916807.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
It's messy, but it works. Later, I'll drill holes in these caps for the water to flow through.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPcbEhtnk58H_SxkSdbYE-SrAyTeDOT4wX_lE5G4EzTE12CBqCxfL5Iyl4N-rs3AJRtGau7PrPwmkvVCCUDRpaYAdvWBFQiG8h7p5bgGB105fsbvSjebQEUmXp4dNgZr7GjsE1S41OWe0M/s1600/n572620930_2758566_2448588.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPcbEhtnk58H_SxkSdbYE-SrAyTeDOT4wX_lE5G4EzTE12CBqCxfL5Iyl4N-rs3AJRtGau7PrPwmkvVCCUDRpaYAdvWBFQiG8h7p5bgGB105fsbvSjebQEUmXp4dNgZr7GjsE1S41OWe0M/s320/n572620930_2758566_2448588.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So, how to we ensure we only pump the correct amount of water into the bottles? Well this is a clever little trick. We sacrifice one of our bottle holes for an overflow pipe. The height of the pipe determines the maximum height of the water. When the water pumps to here, it will start to spill back into the container. That way, we don't have to have precise values on our timer. We can overshoot and still maintain a maximum level. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's very impressive to watch as you'll see in the video later.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxnYEdRaX6ieyJSs_nIV-Iv_0B3_7MrobkgZ65ts2HHF14IJCi_E-J2ZubhLy7WEeJFGu0h6BFMpOKfj6Fl0reb_LJ6Zzq9KGt4WGKaSAqZjCrrCnsanu9VfVZ5lzsNUdvSF6VzQ7_2l5U/s1600/n572620930_2806712_2586848.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxnYEdRaX6ieyJSs_nIV-Iv_0B3_7MrobkgZ65ts2HHF14IJCi_E-J2ZubhLy7WEeJFGu0h6BFMpOKfj6Fl0reb_LJ6Zzq9KGt4WGKaSAqZjCrrCnsanu9VfVZ5lzsNUdvSF6VzQ7_2l5U/s320/n572620930_2806712_2586848.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
Here's the return pip going back into the container.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ORKsMJ4kEBINCkbQc5vWJOQ8uiuOi2uW7nXFGZq5Qvr4vxzcsgViePmSGo9boIAlCpK6i3gINwYMXkHofxYz_f2xTZrxoaN88uHrP2i8n2vAlWY5_ncSynlWBuUUeYoUvxA6opMDukR7/s1600/n572620930_2806711_5515148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ORKsMJ4kEBINCkbQc5vWJOQ8uiuOi2uW7nXFGZq5Qvr4vxzcsgViePmSGo9boIAlCpK6i3gINwYMXkHofxYz_f2xTZrxoaN88uHrP2i8n2vAlWY5_ncSynlWBuUUeYoUvxA6opMDukR7/s320/n572620930_2806711_5515148.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
Inside the container is the connection of the pump to the top-level frame. This is just a friction fitting.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiixKuGx7fWOSLrXtHMBKeYbDTwttdaxmpWa0svwyzd8FGl5E8bJiqChtQSyF9maPadHnKFsRG76dKS7BwBUXFUrfktkcvO55MIPD55EZ92Yz7KC8BcGpPHbDhdqiJ9D4zxIutM-MlSjd1v/s1600/n572620930_2806713_3945245.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiixKuGx7fWOSLrXtHMBKeYbDTwttdaxmpWa0svwyzd8FGl5E8bJiqChtQSyF9maPadHnKFsRG76dKS7BwBUXFUrfktkcvO55MIPD55EZ92Yz7KC8BcGpPHbDhdqiJ9D4zxIutM-MlSjd1v/s320/n572620930_2806713_3945245.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
The pump is a submersible fish-tank pump. It has to be powerful enough to lift about 5L of water 2 feet and hold it. It sits right in the nutrients.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7G1LUq_t2Vf9zGy-zfUbFaOkYJhjfuN1B477HYAjUpbB7tL-GKrt1RgV3IvFtcl3jNHBs1C9YOFsJDRffLGbHfi4RWR1oiLCDdP3UEebxis0cT6c1NJwl0izzDIlzT7HZLgtxTDKj9v4a/s1600/n572620930_2806714_1005660.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7G1LUq_t2Vf9zGy-zfUbFaOkYJhjfuN1B477HYAjUpbB7tL-GKrt1RgV3IvFtcl3jNHBs1C9YOFsJDRffLGbHfi4RWR1oiLCDdP3UEebxis0cT6c1NJwl0izzDIlzT7HZLgtxTDKj9v4a/s320/n572620930_2806714_1005660.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
And here's a video of the system in operation ... it's at 2x normal speed. The timer will do this about every 15 minutes.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/_r1qHxb-veY" width="420"></iframe></div><br />
So where are the plants?! Turns out there is fatal design flaw with this set up (two actually). I'll let you try and guess what it is in the comments. I have a plan for fixing it and will attempt it this summer. At that time I'll post an update and let you know how it went :)<br />
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(the original plans for the system<a href="http://www.hydroponicsonline.com/11plan01.htm" target="_blank"> can be found here</a>)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671257354795828054.post-91447933070574829002012-02-09T20:38:00.001-04:002012-02-09T23:01:12.816-04:00Chef Knife - Part 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Just before Christmas, one of my cooking buddies showed me a new set of knives that his wife bought him. They were beautiful. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Damascus_steel" target="_blank">Damascus Steel</a>. Incredible handles. They were <a href="http://images.knifecenter.com/knifecenter/kanetsune/images/KTKC201.jpg" target="_blank">works of art</a>. They also cost a small fortune. It just so happens that one of my neighbors (Chuck) makes knives and, let's just say, he's pretty damn good at it. I sent him an email and asked "Care to teach a noob?" He was all over it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">See, the guy is a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Do_it_yourself" target="_blank">Maker</a>. I don't think there's anything this guy can't do. And there's nothing a Maker likes more than having someone else as excited about a project as he is. I'll be telling you more about this guy in later posts ... there's a lot to tell. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After some delays, I finally managed to sit down with him and talk about the project. I brought the old Cuisinart Chef's knife I've been using for the past few years. I really like the roll of the blade and the size of the handle, but I tend to choke up on it and the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bolster_(knife)#Nomenclature" target="_blank">bolster</a> isn't a smooth grip for me. We'd have to work on that. We started with some outlines of the existing knife:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimM9hMh15C0G0TEaJ_4s9BlzeM0F3qGCBcXkR8Vzlxwpx751tvV9b6s9GIAwJz5q6sk0Sj1NyW6er1uszbYl4coGETsm7ZZdaxpbducQLs9vHUW65GWSkz1Ln9crPQpnRy8Ozdqk54hqrb/s1600/outline.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimM9hMh15C0G0TEaJ_4s9BlzeM0F3qGCBcXkR8Vzlxwpx751tvV9b6s9GIAwJz5q6sk0Sj1NyW6er1uszbYl4coGETsm7ZZdaxpbducQLs9vHUW65GWSkz1Ln9crPQpnRy8Ozdqk54hqrb/s320/outline.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We also checked the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rockwell_scale" target="_blank">Rockwell Scale of Hardness</a> (RC) of the current knife using <a href="http://www.amazon.com/TTC-HTF-6S-PIECE-HARDNESS-TESTER/dp/B005701LAG/ref=pd_sbs_indust_3" target="_blank">hardness files</a>. I find it very easy to sharpen, but it never seems to hold an edge for very long. Turns out the knife is between RC60 and RC65 which is pretty hard. I suspect I've just been too aggressive on my sharpening angle. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyTPZTQiluVx4LKQ0jS2-eaa2aHBU82B1J7kLUEU6VqnOSbXupuzqLzoAKQj22G8vIsqWBSD42XZWBbQ4XMf175Mm26mvX4rOcynMwUczcQb98MMXUVlUqSm5HYkMxJcbtwWPc0C0-RDJz/s1600/hardness.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyTPZTQiluVx4LKQ0jS2-eaa2aHBU82B1J7kLUEU6VqnOSbXupuzqLzoAKQj22G8vIsqWBSD42XZWBbQ4XMf175Mm26mvX4rOcynMwUczcQb98MMXUVlUqSm5HYkMxJcbtwWPc0C0-RDJz/s320/hardness.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Next we talked about handle materials. Chuck has an amazing collection of antlers, horns and other natural materials. These are really funky, but I'm a little concerned about the porous surface around food.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwQcVsjypN6CwqfOyML1hmXw7W1C-IX8UAxD4Nv1YboyJHGO6tCUPuYgLl9N0ogOw9JETlBpAonDDo1zg-JxAW3AiinAy7PXDxGW0-AM6FfJV1Mu9Kcd09k2r2eNUFW4haDdaQUOQOIJxE/s1600/antlers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwQcVsjypN6CwqfOyML1hmXw7W1C-IX8UAxD4Nv1YboyJHGO6tCUPuYgLl9N0ogOw9JETlBpAonDDo1zg-JxAW3AiinAy7PXDxGW0-AM6FfJV1Mu9Kcd09k2r2eNUFW4haDdaQUOQOIJxE/s320/antlers.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
Chuck even has some <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mastodon" target="_blank">Mastedon</a> ... really.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyb-vFyCR6_A1Y8OywTKWZQH8xuC9ygUzOI2hXhK3JqiIP7MkL43vBP03X8vM3J7D58qhUCKOIg1lSDct9w9rRlduuszdwR9mn7GZEBqiIdbRcTfQvAvw3f1I8oZK-DfWvV1_tk_inS-8c/s1600/mastedon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyb-vFyCR6_A1Y8OywTKWZQH8xuC9ygUzOI2hXhK3JqiIP7MkL43vBP03X8vM3J7D58qhUCKOIg1lSDct9w9rRlduuszdwR9mn7GZEBqiIdbRcTfQvAvw3f1I8oZK-DfWvV1_tk_inS-8c/s320/mastedon.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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We settled on some <a href="http://www.mossingtonknives.com/supply/stabwoodproducts.html" target="_blank">Stabilized Hardwood</a>. I'm going to pick a final material later in the game. This stuff is hardwood pressure-injected with epoxy. It feels like plastic but retains the hardwood grain. Very cool material.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-5kWyM0LAe0L5cHbTPGdo7hvw5-4MZ0XUlCEa9pNf6oPWjKocQTHnDybtCcbXGiX4n9wjHcxAcp-vgHX9v6NLMKwWxALmunz4F0xGR8WVtl8B47gPuP3wRQpfcDS0-EjAsNPpl5a4hDCd/s1600/handle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-5kWyM0LAe0L5cHbTPGdo7hvw5-4MZ0XUlCEa9pNf6oPWjKocQTHnDybtCcbXGiX4n9wjHcxAcp-vgHX9v6NLMKwWxALmunz4F0xGR8WVtl8B47gPuP3wRQpfcDS0-EjAsNPpl5a4hDCd/s320/handle.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This was my first session. We're going to try to meet once a week and create a mock up out of wood so I can get familiar with the fabrication tools, make a wooden mockup, tweak the bolster and handle design. The steel has been ordered, I'll tell you more about that in a later post. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Stay tuned!</div><br />
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671257354795828054.post-85233352550939549522012-02-09T19:07:00.000-04:002012-02-09T19:07:45.291-04:00First Post!Thought I'd start a new blog for my DIY / Maker / Cooking projects. I want to keep <a href="http://sandywalsh.com">sandywalsh.com </a>completely focused on programming. Stay tuned ... lots of cool stuff to come.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0