[RabidRat]

A bunch of you seem pretty handy; figured we could trade experience and advice here.

What's the best way to have a whole bunch of acrylic cut?

Need 15 pieces of 46" x 5-5/8". I heard Home Depot might do cutting services: are the cuts usually of reasonable quality or is it pretty rough and you have to sand it down yourself after?

We have one of those see-through staircases that leave all the gap between the steps unfilled, which doesn't work for our kid. I'm thinking I'll get all this plexiglass cut and just friggin hot-melt glue them in :D. Probably 1/4" thick ought to do it.

[Badhobz]

I’m handy with the internet. I just call somebody to come fix my incompetence

[hud 91gt]

Where are you buying the plexi? They will likely do it. Or someone with a table saw. The same cut over and over is easy. I doubt HD will cut plexi.

Either way, they come out quite clean with a table saw. Slight cleanup required. Can probably use a heat cut or lighter to make it clear vs opaque.

[spoon.ek9]

I don't consider myself handy at all, but I'm going to attempt making my own hotwheels display case using an IKEA Sannahed frame ($30) with some foam board ($5). Most people on FB marketplace are trying to charge you $60-$100+ for ready-to-use displays. I'll see how this turns out! :D

[Manic!]

Industrial paints and plastics will cut it to size. But they are not cheap. Home idol sells the thinner stuff but you would have to cut it yourself I think.

https://homeidol.com/products/3mm-3-32inch-89-pc-plexiglass-acrylic-like-as-is-clear-plastic-sheet-extruded-4-feet-x-8-feet-1-22x2-44-single-sheet?_pos=2&_psq=Ple&_ss=e&_v=1.0

[dark0821]

You can try Surrey Plastic Works OR Dimension 3 Plastics

I know Surrey Plastic Works will do retail, Dimension 3 might be wholesale only.

Surrey PlasticWorks

Address: 12198 86 Ave, Surrey, BC V3W 3H7
Phone: (604) 501-9033

================================================== ===============

Dimension 3 Plastics Ltd.

Address: 1463 Mustang Pl, Port Coquitlam, BC V3C 6L2

Phone: (604) 552-3006

================================================== ===============


They were my suppliers when I worked in the signage industry~ Both do great work, fast turnarounds and good pricing

And if you are not local, any of the signage shops will do it, though pricing can vary~ When I worked in signs, some shops will be 1/10 of our price, and some stores will be 10Xs of our price, because there are no "standard" pricing, shop around is your best bet~

[BIC_BAWS]

I think this is the official home projects thread

What did you do to your house (https://www.revscene.net/forums/717205-what-did-you-do-your-house-today-17.html)

[PeanutButter]

If you're worried your toddler is going to go through, hot glue isn't going to cut it. You would need to fasten it to the stairs properly.

[Hondaracer]

I don't consider myself handy at all, but I'm going to attempt making my own hotwheels display case using an IKEA Sannahed frame ($30) with some foam board ($5). Most people on FB marketplace are trying to charge you $60-$100+ for ready-to-use displays. I'll see how this turns out! :D

If you’re cutting any of the ikea frames, make sure you tape your cut lines with painters tape.

This kinda goes for anything from idea I guess lol because all their peices of a tendency to chip or blow up completely without a sharp blade and some tape

[spoon.ek9]

Shouldn't be necessary honestly. I'm creating the grid for the cars using the solely the foam board. Once I've measured and cut everything properly, it should just slide right into the frame without issue. It'll take a lot of time but should be worth it!

[EvoFire]

Feel like we can probably abolish some of the subforums, off topic is where everyone is on now anyways.

[bcrdukes]

Location: Toronto
Recommendations: West Coast-based shops

Good job, Revscene.

[PeanutButter]

Feel like we can probably abolish some of the subforums, off topic is where everyone is on now anyways.

Same, I wish some of the other threads were in Off Topic because I'm too lazy to navigate to the other forums.

[snowball]

Maybe this can be a DIY project thread, if anyone likes building furniture and making cool stuff. I'll add some stuff stuff soon.

[unit]

would like to see your guys home shops. starting to set up a simple wood shop in my garage.

[Badhobz]

You got wood now ? Pssshhh you embracing that vegan lifestyle to the max now eh ?

[68style]

I like working on cars most, but I have this feeling like I want to whittle wood and make little furniture pieces and stuff now too. Must be an age thing lol

[spoon.ek9]

If I could learn how to make my own industrial style kitchen table I'd be super proud of myself lol. It's probably quite easy, I just don't have the tools or materials to do it.

[bcrdukes]

Shortly after COVID, I built myself a live edge walnut table for the kitchen from scratch. Sanding, filling in the holes/crevices, applying the coatings. It was a lot of work, but a very rewarding and zen-like experience throughout the process. Kudos to people who do this for a living.

Despite not having any prior knowledge or serious experience, I did all my homework on YouTube and various blogs. I think I did ok. :D

One thing I learned: Walnut is one hell of a tough raw material. Almost broke my drill bits. :pokerface:

[68style]

You can't tell us about this and not put up any photos bro

[hud 91gt]

I really need to start making my own furniture. Much better ROI than car fabrication. Lol

[unit]

wow seriously dukes? would love to see any pics of the process too

[RabidRat]

If I could learn how to make my own industrial style kitchen table I'd be super proud of myself lol. It's probably quite easy, I just don't have the tools or materials to do it.

Building your own tables is such a great experience.

My wife and I built our own standing desks during COVID.

We bought the legs, motors, and controllers in a kit, and then we bought solid maple butcher blocks from Home Depot, sanded it down, sealed 'em up, and bolted it all together. I'm too lazy to take a picture right now but we were super happy with the results, learned a lot, and saved ourselves probably a thousand dollars.

No special tools: all it took was a drill, a brush for the polyurethane sealant, a screw driver, and a couple of sanding blocks (I would've spent the money on an orbital sander for $100 if I could do it again though. sanding by hand is a real biatch and a friggin mess too).

[bcrdukes]

You can't tell us about this and not put up any photos bro

wow seriously dukes? would love to see any pics of the process too

haha sorry guys i'm still working :okay:

will post later with photos

hard to believe i actually did this lol

[unit]

i havent done any fine woodworking but i did build a workbench for myself about a month ago. its nice not to have to do things on the floor anymore. only tool i really had was a circular saw other than a drill and impact.

https://i.imgur.com/wwfMxrz.jpeg

[bcrdukes]

I wish I had one of these when I built my table. Be prepared to be in shock/horror when I post the photos later on. :lol

[EvoFire]

Legit we are becoming a bunch of boomers

[hud 91gt]

Closest thing to furniture I ever made. One bad ass welding table. Two precision tops which align with each other. Moveable Center table section on screw jack for different saws (which line up with table tops). Vice is on a receiver hitch for ease of changing to a bead roller or whatever else I may purchase. Table weighed 700lb, and is jacked onto casters with the use of a hydraulic jack on each side. Also added the swing out bandsaw from underneath. It was awesome. Then I sold it when we sold our place. lol.

I was doing upholstery during covid, so I really should start making furniture lol.


https://i.ibb.co/fXZGPYK/IMG-1407.jpg (https://ibb.co/tHnPWMN)

[snowball]

whoops

[bcrdukes]

You can't tell us about this and not put up any photos bro

wow seriously dukes? would love to see any pics of the process too

Okay, guys. Here you go. Nothing particularly epic. I think the most interesting part was hauling this thing in the Corolla back home.

This was a very long journey. From picking this up in 2021, to getting engaged, to getting married, finalizing renovations, and then finishing this in 2023, this was it. I bought every piece of raw material, including the walnut slab, which was quite the journey in itself, the sander, the legs, the drill bits, sand paper, epoxy, Rubio monocoat, and what have you. I really had zero clue on what to do.

The hardest part was getting the epoxy right, and letting it settle correctly, and praying that it dried properly and there are no bubbles. Some people really like filling that stuff in, but I wanted a solid piece of wood with as little as filling as possible. As you can tell, I'm not a professional, but I am happy with the outcome.

Not a proper work table. Walnut slab as-is.
https://i.imgur.com/0ZqBqAe.jpeg
https://i.imgur.com/MuY5dL1.jpeg

Sander
https://i.imgur.com/C9R9ju1.jpeg

Somewhat sanded
https://i.imgur.com/P4MM0go.jpeg


Look at this mess. The entire place was freakin' covered in dust. Lesson learned - Don't do this inside what is to be your future home office.
https://i.imgur.com/Q1NUm1W.jpeg

Oil applied
https://i.imgur.com/QYGCmE3.jpeg

Ta da!
https://i.imgur.com/Gr9yIqH.jpeg
https://i.imgur.com/htnT94r.jpeg

[snowball]

https://i.imgur.com/N5orgWy.png

https://i.imgur.com/HF3UGwC.png

Made this desk 4 years ago from scratch. Back then thick tops, grey stain, and thick legs were in. Instantly regretted it after I put it in my office. Now it just sits in the corner of my gym.

[unit]

did another little project yesterday, making a custom casement window baffle.
first time using the new table saw, and first time cutting acrylic with a jigsaw... learned quite a few things, like how i never want to have to do that again. slightly fucked up a corner and cracked it but it's seems to hold up fine.

https://i.imgur.com/2ocN8kg.jpeg

https://i.imgur.com/sTw2OuV.jpeg

[bcrdukes]

I just found my new handyman. :accepted:

Nice work! :D

[unit]

i would not hire me for really anything lol

[68style]

If I need a Patagonia model I'm hiring you asap

[Badhobz]

Wowowoow. Come work on my cha lo house plz !!! There’s lots of garbage to fix.

[sonick]

Showing our workbenches you say? Repost from the other home improvement thread

https://i.imgur.com/UCabolx.jpeg
https://i.imgur.com/EQYhNm2.jpeg
https://i.imgur.com/4GQgllk.jpeg
https://i.imgur.com/DOh4K7B.jpeg
https://i.imgur.com/IancK71.jpeg

[jing]

https://i.imgur.com/94h91kb.jpeg

I made one too but don't have a jigsaw. Chisel, drill, and file. Kind of ghetto but it was less than $20.

[Hondaracer]

An oldie but a goodie.. cutting the main beam support in my home built in 1911 to install a flush beam to facilitate a suite

https://i.imgur.com/NdQIBjh.jpeg

https://i.imgur.com/VxwFpRo.jpeg

https://i.imgur.com/vrg6V9Q.jpeg

https://i.imgur.com/KgphQ0E.jpeg

https://i.imgur.com/KFcAptd.jpeg

https://i.imgur.com/egAAprd.jpeg

https://i.imgur.com/pzyXONR.jpeg

https://i.imgur.com/K48ewMm.jpeg

For those that don’t know, a “flush” beam is just that it sits flush with your joists as you can see in the picture, this is to create that head room instead of ducking under a beam

So it’s 5 2x8 laminated together and then every joist on the beam is sistered

In theory, and according to the “BC span book” this beam can essentially hold the weight of a 4 storey building, there are no point loads on this beam however and it mainly just supports the floor above and the chimney framing

[Badhobz]

I don’t know what the hell you’re talking about. But you’re a white guy and your per hour is greater than other races due to social inequality so it must be quality workmanship. Yup. That’s fact.

Ps that old timey bicycle in the corner of a dark basement got “saw” like vibes. I’m not coming over to your house anymore.

[RabidRat]

Showing our workbenches you say? Repost from the other home improvement thread

https://i.imgur.com/UCabolx.jpeg
https://i.imgur.com/EQYhNm2.jpeg
https://i.imgur.com/4GQgllk.jpeg
https://i.imgur.com/DOh4K7B.jpeg
https://i.imgur.com/IancK71.jpeg


How come with unfinished spaces, there's always a long splotch of white paint along the wall?

[SSM_DC5]

What's holding the 5 2x8 together to make a solid beam? Hopes and dreams?

[Badhobz]

Do you work in construction or some shit SSM ? How do you know this crap.

Having met you in person I wouldn’t think you work in construction cuz you’re like 110lbs soaking wet. Maybe you micromanage buddy guys

[unit]

Prob adhesive and screws? When you glue boards together along the grain the bond becomes stronger than the wood itself

[hud 91gt]

Maybe I’m talking out of my ass with my lack of any physics/engineering degree. As long as they are a single piece spanning the distance, attaching them to each other won’t be adding much to structural rigidity in a verticle bending scenario?

[RabidRat]

I have no background in mech/civil/structural, but it looks like the corner braces only attach to the outer surface layers of the laminate beam?

And even if the bracing attach did go all the way through, I'm guessing gluing it together helps the individual layers resist deformation in the horizontal axis under strain?

This is super interesting shit!! :D

[Hondaracer]

What's holding the 5 2x8 together to make a solid beam? Hopes and dreams?

So in terms of material science glue does almost nothing in this case

There are heavy structural screws throughout and you laminate each one to each other and then the saddles which hold the new and old joists have 3” screws which penetrate into about 2.5 of the 2x8 on either side

What’s also missing in the pictures that was installed after are the strapping installed to the posts which support either side etc. similar to the earth quake straps you see on the outside of multi family buildings etc.

Part of the whole build of this is really that there’s also nowhere for the beam to really go if the house was to shift etc. the beam is supported both vertically and horizontally and is only picking up the load of the floor above

[Hondaracer]

Maybe I’m talking out of my ass with my lack of any physics/engineering degree. As long as they are a single piece spanning the distance, attaching them to each other won’t be adding much to structural rigidity in a verticle bending scenario?

In “vertical bending” you’re meaning like top down pressure, in terms of the engineering data, I believe 2 2x8 laminated together it almost 4 times as strong as a single peice

[RabidRat]

A bunch of you seem pretty handy; figured we could trade experience and advice here.

What's the best way to have a whole bunch of acrylic cut?

Need 15 pieces of 46" x 5-5/8". I heard Home Depot might do cutting services: are the cuts usually of reasonable quality or is it pretty rough and you have to sand it down yourself after?

We have one of those see-through staircases that leave all the gap between the steps unfilled, which doesn't work for our kid. I'm thinking I'll get all this plexiglass cut and just friggin hot-melt glue them in :D. Probably 1/4" thick ought to do it.

Thanks everyone for the advice to source the cut material straight from the acrylic supplier! Didn't think of that. Anyway got a couple quotes and it turned out pretty reasonable, like $250 altogether.

Here we go!

https://i.imgur.com/RV2Dv9n.jpg

Ok right away, it didn't all fit :lol. The pieces I left covered in paper, were the ones I couldn't get all the way in because they were just a little too tall on one side or the other.

https://i.imgur.com/fIU1iF4.jpg

Shieet.

Lesson #1: Turns out houses aren't built to within 1/16" tolerances. At least, not by this builder. I had been measuring the width and height of the stair step gaps right in the middle. Measured 3 times per step. But it turns out the left and right sides were sometimes off by an entire 1/8".

Of course, now I had to ("had to") get myself an orbital sander (pretty sweet tool: I'm never going back to manual sanding again!). 2 hours, lots of test fitting, and 10 pieces of 40-grit sanding pads later, I got everything nearly perfectly to size.

Lesson #2: General purpose hot melt glue is no good for shit like this. At least, not for finished wood surfaces: it broke apart just breathing on it. Oh well. Moved on to hot melt wood glue, which worked great. Blended in with the color of the wood a bit better too.

Anyway here's the finished product. Weekend project complete: now my kid can walk himself up the stairs for his nap :fuckyea:.

https://i.imgur.com/2vKFrPv.jpg

Can hardly tell it's there, except for the random globs of hot melt at the sides!

[Badhobz]

What a gorgeous staircase !!! Me likey.

In before these construction fags says it’s cheap and this is no good. That’s no good etc etc.

[snowball]

Thanks everyone for the advice to source the cut material straight from the acrylic supplier! Didn't think of that. Anyway got a couple quotes and it turned out pretty reasonable, like $250 altogether.

Here we go!

Ok right away, it didn't all fit :lol. The pieces I left covered in paper, were the ones I couldn't get all the way in because they were just a little too tall on one side or the other.


Shieet.

Lesson #1: Turns out houses aren't built to within 1/16" tolerances. At least, not by this builder. I had been measuring the width and height of the stair step gaps right in the middle. Measured 3 times per step. But it turns out the left and right sides were sometimes off by an entire 1/8".

Of course, now I had to ("had to") get myself an orbital sander (pretty sweet tool: I'm never going back to manual sanding again!). 2 hours, lots of test fitting, and 10 pieces of 40-grit sanding pads later, I got everything nearly perfectly to size.

Lesson #2: General purpose hot melt glue is no good for shit like this. At least, not for finished wood surfaces: it broke apart just breathing on it. Oh well. Moved on to hot melt wood glue, which worked great. Blended in with the color of the wood a bit better too.

Anyway here's the finished product. Weekend project complete: now my kid can walk himself up the stairs for his nap :fuckyea:.


Can hardly tell it's there, except for the random globs of hot melt at the sides!

Looks good! The good thing about the glue is you might be able to remove the acrylic when the kid gets old enough. My house was definitely built with 3/8 tolerance in mind LOL.

[bcrdukes]

What a gorgeous staircase !!! Me likey.

In before these construction fags says it’s cheap and this is no good. That’s no good etc etc.

Job screams of cheap.

[unit]

i have some window screens to install in my casement windows. with sliding windows they just kinda pop in, but with casement windows they gave me some plastic clips and screws. do you really just screw into the face of your window? seems sketch

[EvoFire]

i have some window screens to install in my casement windows. with sliding windows they just kinda pop in, but with casement windows they gave me some plastic clips and screws. do you really just screw into the face of your window? seems sketch

Yes, you screw it into the frame if it's a full casement or at the top of a larger window. For a casement that's at the bottom or side of a larger window, you can get sliding screens.

[snowball]

Did it come with instructions to screw it into your window? assuming they're vinyl or aluminum it's probably nbd

[supafamous]

Any one able to school me a bit on residential window films? I'm interested in solar film (heat rejection) as my house gets a lot of sun and during hot weeks like today it definitely gets the AC working overtime. I also wouldn't mind reducing the amount of sunlight (not a lot though) we get in our living room (faces East) as part of it. I'd be looking for someone to install it for me so if you know a guy I'll take the recommendation too.

[unit]

Did it come with instructions to screw it into your window? assuming they're vinyl or aluminum it's probably nbd

since they were custom i just got the frames only. actually the contractor was supposed to do it as part of the window install but then he went awol after the windows were done, so no instructions. yeah it does seem like the only way to install them is to screw directly into the frame, i can only assume that it's spaced in such a way where it doesnt touch the glass.

[Doubl3_H]

Any one able to school me a bit on residential window films? I'm interested in solar film (heat rejection) as my house gets a lot of sun and during hot weeks like today it definitely gets the AC working overtime. I also wouldn't mind reducing the amount of sunlight (not a lot though) we get in our living room (faces East) as part of it. I'd be looking for someone to install it for me so if you know a guy I'll take the recommendation too.

Do you know if your windows are double or triple pane?
If they are double then they are many options on the market, 3M, Lluma etc.
For triple pane, if the glass does not have a tempered glass stamp from the factory then unfortunately they are no interior films that can be applied with warranty.
If the glass is tempered with the stamp then again you have options.
Went through this in spring, and was bummed out that some of my triple panes are not tempered and no films would work.

Google Titan window films, they were the ones that came by our home.

[EvoFire]

Why would films not work with triple pane?

[Doubl3_H]

Why would films not work with triple pane?

IF the triple is tempered glass then film will work, but some triples are not tempered glass due to cost. And if the glass is not tempered, the film will absorb the heat and crack and or break the glass.

I really wish we opt for all tempered glass for our windows so i can get the films installed, but its too late now. My window sales guy told me to replace the one piece of glass for my living rm window which is triple would cost me $4k.lol

[Gumby]

Wouldn't the same thing apply to double pane?

[Hondaracer]

Does that film even do anything?

Of your home doesn’t have proper insulation the window film isn’t going to do shit

[68style]

Keep you white and pasty?

[unit]

i built thors hammer today. maybe im just too asian but i cant spend $60 on a 8x8 tamper.

https://i.imgur.com/FOY940j.jpeg

annnd finally finished this shed base. took way longer than i'd like to admit to mark, dig, cut tree roots, level, etc...

https://i.imgur.com/fgj1GyU.jpeg

[bcrdukes]

I thought this was the basis of a zen garden until I read further. :lol

Pictures of vegetables, please!

Edit: Badhobz is a master at building sheds. He's built three!

[Hondaracer]

i built thors hammer today. maybe im just too asian but i cant spend $60 on a 8x8 tamper.

https://i.imgur.com/FOY940j.jpeg

annnd finally finished this shed base. took way longer than i'd like to admit to mark, dig, cut tree roots, level, etc...

https://i.imgur.com/fgj1GyU.jpeg

There isn’t a single thing that will ever take shorter than you think

[Badhobz]

Yah I built 3 plastic sheds ! I got a shed for my shed so I can shed while I shed.

[68style]

There isn’t a single thing that will ever take shorter than you think

bcrdukes wedding night consumation enters the chat: :accepted:

[bcrdukes]

You were there! :fullofwin:

[twitchyzero]

anyone look into home automation in the past year?

just got some blinds that run on the zigbee protocol

eventually would like to automate fans, heaters and lights: what's the most reliable and intuitive hub to use with iphone? i care less about features/tinkering

[snowball]

Sadly I have never found a single ecosystem that does everything well. I literally have to run Alexa, Ecobee, SmartThings and Google Home concurrently to cover all my smart devices.

Depends mostly on what products you end up buying. I got a Nest doorbell so I replaced my Lorex cameras with the new Google Nest cameras and the new stuff sucks ass and they increased the subscription cost 2X. Google Home sucks.

[twitchyzero]

yeah already have ac, vacuum, garage opener, router in separate apps

most of them i'd just set it and forget it so it's not a big deal

wonder if there's a single ios app with hardware that can talk to the stuff i'm more likely to need manual control over

it's probably easier just walking up to the damn thing and do it old school way but having that function or monitoring when you're at work/vacation is also nice

[SSM_DC5]

Not very knowledgeable about smart home stuff, but as I was going down the YouTube rabbit hole, I came across Matter as a company that combines things

[Badhobz]

Sadly I have never found a single ecosystem that does everything well. I literally have to run Alexa, Ecobee, SmartThings and Google Home concurrently to cover all my smart devices.

Depends mostly on what products you end up buying. I got a Nest doorbell so I replaced my Lorex cameras with the new Google Nest cameras and the new stuff sucks ass and they increased the subscription cost 2X. Google Home sucks.

I'm on google home for everything. nest doorbell, like 10 cameras around the house (inside and out), the google nest thermostat, smart vacuum, garage door, everything is integrated into that google home.

I like it a lot. I don't even know what I'm paying a month, but its not something that bothers me. I think I pay yearly so I really don't recall what it is.

[spoon.ek9]

so your house is bugged by Google and you have a spy balloon. you must really like being monitored at home lol. big brother always watching and listening :suspicious:

[Badhobz]

Yah it’s good. Spy cameras everywhere. Making sure my in home social score is high. Otherwise I’d just walk around the house naked with my cock out jizzing on everything.

[bcrdukes]

Might as well invite China into your house! :lol