What have you done or learnt during lockdown

[Phil L]

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As title what have you done or learnt/changed during lockdown

Have you racked the van, looked at different disciplines or learnt a new skill?

 

[Lister1987]

Actually put time into my test rig, going from bits to something usable. Converted (read: tidied) the conservatory into a bolt hole form to to do college stuff and escape the kids

 

[littlespark]

Still tinkering with changing my garage into a utility room/ man cave. Realised it’s not wide enough for regulation dart board distances.

New flooring down in the kitchen which was all bought when I floored the garage to keep it the same.

put up some shelving.... the results of that are documented on the “keep it light” thread.

I’m not one for learning a new skill. I have tried years ago to learn a new language or play a musical instrument, and I just don’t have the brain for it. English is bad enough.

 

[buzzlightyear]

painted a main lounge ,garage doors ready for painting the out side house ,metal furnisher out side ,new led garage lighting , sorted the range out side the list goes on ,got to say chained now to the kitchen sink ,I cant take any more .lol.

 

[JAWS]

Same as Lister really built a new test Rig, studied as much as I can, & getting things done in the house.

 

[stevethesparks]

My hobbies got put aside since going self employed. So I have been getting back into my electronics.
Either I've improved or components are more robust, as I'm not blowing up half as many components as I used to

 

[ferg]

I've been doing all the jobs in the garden that needed doing.

Made a few raised beds, planted some trees etc etc.

 

[Andy78]

Cracked on with refurbishing our new family home. We took possession 10 days before lockdown and managed to get a new boiler installed before that.
Since then I've been plodding on with a full rewire and stripping it out ready for a full skimming.
Can't really do everything I want to before more trades and materials become available. Next jobs are to strip out the bathroom, drop two chimney breasts, and learn how to refurbish solid wood worktops nicely.

 

[SparkyChick]

I've done some garden maintenance and watched a bunch of great webinars from SparkyNinja. But the majority of the last few weeks I've been learning the intricacies of Node.js, PM2, TypeScript and the fun that can be had writing distributed software applications. On that subject, I've considered maybe running some courses/webinars on some techie things, like basic programming, maybe advanced Excel programming, SQL databases... if anyone is interested in learning that kind of thing, do me a favour and send me a direct message telling me what you'd like to learn.

Things I need to do... more garden work and maybe finish the racking off in the back of the van and give it a good tidy.

 

[buzzlightyear]

do me a favour and send me a direct message telling me what you'd like to learn.

I love to learn Klingon .any chance .lol.

 

[SparkyChick]

I love to learn Klingon .any chance .lol.

Isn't @Pete999 our resident Klingon expert?

 

[Baddegg]

Cracked on with refurbishing our new family home. We took possession 10 days before lockdown and managed to get a new boiler installed before that.
Since then I've been plodding on with a full rewire and stripping it out ready for a full skimming.
Can't really do everything I want to before more trades and materials become available. Next jobs are to strip out the bathroom, drop two chimney breasts, and learn how to refurbish solid wood worktops nicely.

Good luck with the plaster mate.....I’ve got 3 jobs now held up due to no multi finish nationwide, have you seen the price of it on eBay .....are the worktops in situ or can you take them out to refurb?

 

[Dustydazzler]

painted one bedroom, sorted out some old paper work, sold some spare Tools I no longer need on eBay, watched a few movies...
tempted to lift up the old wooden decking as its starting to look a bit rotten but can’t really afford to replace it all due to the lockdown...

 

[buzzlightyear]

.I’ve got 3 jobs now held up due to no multi finish nationwide

it will take a month for any plaster manufacturs full swing to be made and sent out ,the housing complex's will be the first port of call.

 

[Dustydazzler]

it will take a month for any plaster manufacturs full swing to be made and sent out ,the housing complex's will be the first port of call.

maybe we should go back to wood panelling walls / ceilings or artex ceilings and chip wood wallpaper

 

[Pete999]

Isn't @Pete999 our resident Klingon expert?

Used to be SC but unfortunately I have been adopted into the Borg Collective, and my interest in the Klingon Homeworld has been, removed from my storage module, in short I have been assimilated, KAPLA HUMANS.

 

[FatAlan]

Cracked on with refurbishing our new family home. We took possession 10 days before lockdown and managed to get a new boiler installed before that.
Since then I've been plodding on with a full rewire and stripping it out ready for a full skimming.
Can't really do everything I want to before more trades and materials become available. Next jobs are to strip out the bathroom, drop two chimney breasts, and learn how to refurbish solid wood worktops nicely.

If they’re kitchen work tops, mull over whether you’re prepared to do the regular maintenance to keep them looking good. Been there once and subsequent kitchen refurbs we’ve steered clear of wood.

 

[telectrix]

if it's hardwood, like oak, sand down using finer grades, finishing up with 600 or finer, till you have a nice smooth surface. then stain if preferred, lacquer or french polish.

 

[pirate]

I have learnt just how much I hate fkn painting! I have a glazed screen, framed in hardwood, all varnished, which has to be de-glazed cos it's ghastly flemish glass. it takes 2 hours to get one pane out. Then it has to be painted white. The doors took 6 coats, this frame will need more due to the multitude of beadings and grooves. I am currently looking at taking it all out completely and getting a bespoke glass screen and matching door installed.
Also completed watching all JW videos, all Big Clive videos, some Artisan and GSH and other videos and bought tons of stuff online that I will never use.
In addition, I have practised my crimping technique on all sorts of cables, all types of crimps and have exhausted my supply of RJ45 connectors making patch leads I will never use, but will give to the Men's Shed charity I do stuff for.
I have watched a lot of TV, which is unusual for me, but given i have a stupid big bundle from Virgin Media that costs a fortune, Netflix is my friend now. Rust Valley Restorers is fun if you like big American cars, btw!
I also watch A Place In The Sun so I can shout at the telly when Brian and Doris go to Almería to find their dream home and turn down all of the offerings because they don't have a roof terrace or a private pool or a fourth bedroom...all on a budget of €75k.
Other favourites are YouTube music videos of all my favourite bands from years gone by...some truly amazing stuff from black sabbath and deep perple, and many many more.
last night I watched virtually every video of Foster brooks...very amusing, not the least for the fact that everyone smokes cigarettes, especially Dean Martin, and there are some awful racist comments which everyone found funny at the time.
and drinking...I haven't let my regime slip!
can't golf, can't play tennis, but hopefully Scotland will allow this soon. Also annoyed that we have a sailing boat to refurb at the Men's Shed, the weather has been perfect for that, and not a screwdriver lifted yet, so very frustrating.
Sometimes I amuse myself by posting long and uninteresting stuff on an online forum too...

 

[Spoon]

I've been messing with Visio.
Looking at Youtube as to how to do things. Most of it is pretty basic but there are not a lot of advanced vids on the subject.
Also, someone should do a vid on Youtube about using this for doing plans showing the electrics in a house. I can't find one.... Might come in useful as people on here have asked about software to use.. We could then plug the vid.

Been looking at EPLAN as well.

 

[Strima]

Made things on my not so new toy.

 

[buzzlightyear]

Made things on my not so new toy

wow ,how the hell are you supposes to cut timber on that .lol. dont say we have another Fred karno make in boilers have we .

 

[pirate]

Wow, again! That's exactly the same one as we have at the Men's Shed, and which we have refurbished...indeed it was the rear terminal block of that i put up pics of a few weeks back (and got ridiculed for my label!) Great machine, and spares and accessories still available. We bought some new...erm...chucks? for it, don't really know what they do exactly, and they were expensive, but that machine is built to last!

 

[telectrix]

wow ,how the hell are you supposes to cut timber on that .lol. dont say we have another Fred karno make in boilers have we .

more like Fred Dibnah.

Post automatically merged: May 17, 2020

Made things on my not so new toy.

View attachment 58165

i want one.

 

[Julie.]

Made things on my not so new toy.

View attachment 58165

How dare you leave the chuck-key in the chuck!

Even though it's in the tailstock!

 

[marconi]

1. How to use Zoom for one to one and one to many - brilliant software.

2. Still lemonade from real lemons, sugar and boiling water - only takes 5 minutes and then chilled in fridge. Good Housekeeping recipe.

3. How to post a picture to google and then link to it in a post ( - a workaround because the EF have employed the same folk to fix the attach image problem that HMG used to procure PPE for the NHS!)

4. How to sketch on-line using 3D paint software.

5. Most parts of the human body in French - one never knows - someday it could come in handy to know one's ar.e (- la fesse = buttock) from one's elbow (- le coude).

6. the names of more neighbours thanks to the VE street party.

 

[Andy78]

Good luck with the plaster mate.....I’ve got 3 jobs now held up due to no multi finish nationwide, have you seen the price of it on eBay .....are the worktops in situ or can you take them out to refurb?

I have a plasterer who has supplies in hand.

I'd rather keep the tops in situ but can remove the sink and hob to make it easier.

 

[Strima]

How dare you leave the chuck-key in the chuck!

You're the first person to spot that... Now sporting a keyless chuck so no key to worry about...

 

[Andy78]

If they’re kitchen work tops, mull over whether you’re prepared to do the regular maintenance to keep them looking good. Been there once and subsequent kitchen refurbs we’ve steered clear of wood.

They are existing tops in a kitchen which will get completely replaced within 5 years so I'm not too fussed about them being pristine all the time. Just need to get rid of stains and replace the finish to make them serviceable.
Been looking at hard wax oils which apparently don't need as much regular attention as standard oil finishes.

 

[buzzlightyear]

hey are existing tops in a kitchen which will get completely replaced within 5 years so I'm not too fussed about them being pristine all the time. Just need to get rid of stains and replace the finish to make them serviceable.
Been looking at hard wax oils which apparently don't need as much regular attention as standard oil finishes

How to care for a wooden worktop

1. Do the water test. Test oiled worktops to see if they need re-oiling by dripping water onto their surface. ...
2. Sand them down. Use a hand-held electric sander to resurface the wood and remove any varnish, or simply to refresh previously oiled worktops.
3. Apply the oil. ...
4. Leave it to dry. ...
5. Test them again. ...
6. Protect them from heat. …
   it puzzles me when people put a dark stain on the work tops when you should show the beauty for the wood .

 

[FatAlan]

They are existing tops in a kitchen which will get completely replaced within 5 years so I'm not too fussed about them being pristine all the time. Just need to get rid of stains and replace the finish to make them serviceable.
Been looking at hard wax oils which apparently don't need as much regular attention as standard oil finishes.

I say that .. whilst actually having no say in our kitchen design My wife did get quite good at stripping back and applying fresh Danish Oil ...,, to the kitchen work top that is!

 

[Julie.]

You're the first person to spot that... Now sporting a keyless chuck so no key to worry about...

During the early days of my apprenticeship the machineshop foreman would go around and wack everyone on the head even if you left the chuck key in for just one second!

He had a fantastic sense of being able to be there just when you made any mistake whatsoever!

Sort of spot things like that from a mile away since then.

Guess it worked!

(he always had a real story for every mistake, from chuck keys, through cleaning swarf on a mill, to long hair pulling the operator's head into the machinery! - It was the 70's)

 

[pc1966]

Now sporting a keyless chuck

That usually happens very shortly after starting up...

 

[Strima]

During the early days of my apprenticeship the machineshop foreman would go around and wack everyone on the head even if you left the chuck key in for just one second!

He had a fantastic sense of being able to be there just when you made any mistake whatsoever!

Sort of spot things like that from a mile away since then.

Guess it worked!

(he always had a real story for every mistake, from chuck keys, through cleaning swarf on a mill, to long hair pulling the operator's head into the machinery! - It was the 70's)

Learnt the lesson about chuck keys in school as one flew past my head and embedded in a wall, wasn't my machine but my mate one bay down...

 

[Julie.]

Learnt the lesson about chuck keys in school as one flew past my head and embedded in a wall, wasn't my machine but my mate one bay down...

Never actually seen it happen, but the foreman's story went along a similar vein, but involved more blood and gore to someone on the other side of the workshop!

 

[littlespark]

Had the same talk at high school, when they used to let kids loose on the power tools.
Just after a half hour safety talk, which included leaving chuck keys in the chuck....
2 minutes later.... "Wheeeeeeeee....... ding!"

 

[Pete999]

Had the same talk at high school, when they used to let kids loose on the power tools.
Just after a half hour safety talk, which included leaving chuck keys in the chuck....
2 minutes later.... "Wheeeeeeeee....... ding!"

Some School that was then?

 

[Julie.]

Some School that was then?

It was pretty good - Approved I believe

 

[Strima]

Never actually seen it happen, but the foreman's story went along a similar vein, but involved more blood and gore to someone on the other side of the workshop!

My father in law spent over 50 years in machine engineering and he has some proper horror stories.

 

[Julie.]

My father in law spent over 50 years in machine engineering and he has some proper horror stories.

Yeah, machinery in engineering shops is very unforgiving!

Everyone I know that spent any time working in one has some injuries from it - far more likely than out on site!

Changing now I think, everything has guards, or is cnc so you tend not to learn the hard way!

 

[Dave OCD]

I've just about finished restoring my little 1981 Honda CB250RS , progress had been very slow with being so busy with work, but that problem was taken away from me for a while. There are a few bits still to do but she's running lovely and great fun to ride.

 

[DPG]

Looks lovely that Dave.

 

[Dustydazzler]

Looks real nice , do you have a before picture ?

 

[Dave OCD]

Thanks folks, I only took a couple of 'before' pictures but it's certainly improved since then - I think.
I've added a couple more 'after' pictures too , I usually ride a 1000cc bike but had a 250RS when I was 18, I'm reliving my youth and it's great.

 

[DPG]

That blue stripe is a lovely colour.

 

[telectrix]

i'dlove to do something like that as a project, but with a 1950's Briish classice like a Vincent, Norton , AJS or Triumph.

 

[DPG]

i'dlove to do something like that as a project, but with a 1950's Briish classice like a Vincent, Norton , AJS or Triumph.

You can pick BSA Bantams up at fairly reasonable prices Tel. That might be a good option.

 

[telectrix]

You can pick BSA Bantams up at fairly reasonable prices Tel. That might be a good option.

nah, i want something 500cc. or above.

 

[Pete999]

Today so far I have been doing some forestry outside by my boundary fence.

Hovering, polishing the tables etc in the Lounge, moving sofas in my lounge, oh and getting told off by Her in Doors, for banging the Vac about or Oleg as She calls it, yes before you ask She has named the Vac "Oleg"

Having a slanging match with the Snowflake next door, turns out he is a Copper, so best not upset him to much.

Thank goodness the Sun will soon be over the Yard Arm.

 

[littlespark]

Today so far I have been doing some forestry outside by my boundary fence.

Hovering, polishing the tables etc in the Lounge, moving sofas in my lounge, oh and getting told off by Her in Doors, for banging the Vac about or Oleg as She calls it, yes before you ask She has named the Vac "Oleg"

Having a slanging match with the Snowflake next door, turns out he is a Copper, so best not upset him to much.

Thank goodness the Sun will soon be over the Yard Arm.

What did the snowflake object to? You hacking away at a peaceful tree?

 

[telectrix]

he should have hugged it before chopping it down.

 

[littlespark]

I've been looking on facebook at this "25 day challenge" Not sure myself the point of it... 25 push ups in 25 days. The only two friends on my fb feed are both ex army... so its not real a challenge for them.

On the 6th of june, i decided to do 25 days... and build up to 25 push ups.... 25 days from then will be my 46th birthday.
I'm stuck at 15.


I am also helping our NHS and police by NOT demonstrating, trashing statues, burning cars and looting shops in the middle of a global pandemic when we should be AVOIDING LARGE CROWDS OF PEOPLE!

 

[Midwest]

I’ve been working mostly. Then eating and drinking too much. Need to go on a diet, when this thing is over. But as there’s not much else to go do and see, I’ll just carry on eating and drinking. This my favourite;

View attachment IMG_0595.MP4

 

[stevethesparks]

Dr said just one glass a day eh

 

[telectrix]

Dr said just one glass a day eh

1 glass saves washing up. dr. didn't say how many times to refill glass.

 

[Pete999]

1 glass saves washing up. dr. didn't say how many times to refill glass.

True, very true

 

[pirate]

Lightweight!
three words...

Post automatically merged: Jun 11, 2020

I've also learned that some folks seem to be able to source 4-way Wagos...in the DIY forum, but as I don't have access, i can't ask them where they get them...

 

[Spoon]

I've also learned that some folks seem to be able to source 4-way Wagos...in the DIY forum, but as I don't have access, i can't ask them where they get them...

Not everyone has assess to the DIY forum mate. I don't as well.
Ask one of the mods if you can have access.

Have a look at CPC for the Wago connectors, they have a variety.

 

[pirate]

Thanks, Spoon...I was being a bit tongue in cheek, as wagos usually come in 2-way, 3-way and 5-way...
I have huge box of 'em...but not 4-way...I just pigtail if i need more ways!

Post automatically merged: Jun 12, 2020

As a complete aside, I have just trialled the Linian T&E fire clips, and they are brilliant!

 

[Baddegg]

Probably a knockoff wago @pirate seen em on Amazon I think, I’llm assuming you mean lever type? Plenty of 4 way push ins

 

[littlespark]

I wouldn’t worry about any 4 way WAGOs.... that particular thread started off with a picture of live, neutral and earth bunged into a 3 way and the op wondering why his lights don’t work.

 

[pc1966]

nah, i want something 500cc. or above.

A mate of mine had a big bike, think it was 750cc or so, but then when it toppled one day he could not right it on his own. Oh how we laughed

Post automatically merged: Jun 12, 2020

I have huge box of 'em...but not 4-way...I just pigtail if i need more ways!

I find it a shame that the 8-way are only for the solid conductors (push-in) as there are a few times when that is useful and would be handy in clip style for stranded conductors.

 

[Edtwozeronine]

As title what have you done or learnt/changed during lockdown

Have you racked the van, looked at different disciplines or learnt a new skill?

That we have a lot of stuff to get rid of on Gumtree

 

[UNG]

it will take a month for any plaster manufacturs full swing to be made and sent out ,the housing complex's will be the first port of call.

That sounds optimistic a couple of plasterers I know seem to think it will be late August or even into September before the merchants get plaster back in stock

 

[KennyKen]

Well the Oil Prices have taken a nose dive and 3 offshore platforms got the plug, quite literally. So a certain American Oil & Gas company decided to cut 85% of its labour. So while on stand down I decided to start my own company. Although, here in the not so lucky country you have to jump through numerous hurdles to obtain your Contractors licence. And that’s what I’ll be doing this week. Going over Regs.... more Regs.... and try complete my website.

 

[Pete999]

Well the Oil Prices have taken a nose dive and 3 offshore platforms got the plug, quite literally. So a certain American Oil & Gas company decided to cut 85% of its labour. So while on stand down I decided to start my own company. Although, here in the not so lucky country you have to jump through numerous hurdles to obtain your Contractors licence. And that’s what I’ll be doing this week. Going over Regs.... more Regs.... and try complete my website.

Good luck then Mate

 

[ruston]

Good luck then Mate

I second that. Best of luck to you.

 

[buzzlightyear]

well-done branching out on you own some people would quake in the boots thinking about it .good luck .

 

[pirate]

I have learned that I need to be more specific. 4-way Wagos exist as do 6 and 8 way, but baddegg was right , I was thinking of lever ones.
The 8-way can be used as push-in if you ferrule the stranded cables...which is a faff, tbh, but as I have nowt else to do I have been brushing up on my ferrules and RJ45 terminations...and i have also been practising my other DIY skills, so have new wine racks, and they look good...good enough to drink!
I wouldn't recommend ferrules in push-in Wagos, btw...my crimpers don't give the right shape...ok for comms, but not as good as jellies

 

[Gary latto]

I spent hours and hours watching and learning how to test and now at a stage of able to test but always that little doubt and would be great to spend an hour or so with someone to confirm I'm doing things correctly but cant find anyone .
Other than that finally cleared my garage after 20yrs and 6 tip runs, lots of decorating and quenetic lighting to garden and impressed with performance etc, and just endless jobs around the house and garden oh and whole new brake lines to van so quite productive

 

[telectrix]

apart from tarting up the van, tidying the garage, cutting grass, been into some culture, takes me back to when i finished college\;
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OorZcOzNcgE

 

[pirate]

Did you make that light fitting, Tel...or is it early Ikea?

 

[R-fur]

Dident Blue Peter make advent candle holders out of coathangers?

 

[DPG]

Dident Blue Peter make advent candle holders out of coathangers?

Proper fire hazard that was.

 

[R-fur]

Tels latest lighting install doesn't look much safer.

 

[pirate]

It looks a lot easier to install than the newer Ikea fittings...

 

[telectrix]

that should nothave been on the post. it was copied and pasted into an email. how it got into the post, gawd knows.