Recent content by Steveca

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    For those who want to learn to Weld

    OK, without pics it didn't happen... Here is a pic of an anode basket for zinc balls. The 1/4" copper rod is welded inside the V of 1/2" angle iron.
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    For those who want to learn to Weld

    Far from being a pro but I have learned little bits and pieces from various people. One job I had required building up and hardfacing water well drilling augers and bits. The owner showed me how to do it and I went from there, The machine was a miller with a big crank on the top. I was able...
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    Got My Feet Wet, and Hands Greasy - Soapmaking

    I realized what the stuff was that I filtered off, from stirring in my stainless steel bowl, some lye crystals formed on the side of the bowl. In my second and third batches, I have just taken the spoon and ladle some liquid onto it to dissolve it into the mixture again before adding it to the...
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    Economic woes = fake food?

    There is a program around here for this type of thing, but for apple trees only, as far as I know - for now. An apple tree owner can call the organization when the apples are ready to pick, somebody comes and picks them and if the owner wants them, they can have 25% of the apples.
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    Making Glycerin Tinctures

    As far as I know, glygerin / glycerine and glycerol are all the same thing.
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    How to hand carve clothespins?

    The best hand tool for making a cut like that would probably be a backsaw; I would highly recommend holding the wood in a vise though. If you got green branches and cut it into sections for the pins you could probably make the cut and then gently pry it open and let it dry into shape.
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    Economic woes = fake food?

    Also, I don't particularly like spending more time in the kitchen than is necessary either, so when I cook something, it is usually enough for about 3 days. Cook freezer friendly foods if you're squeamish about having something in the fridge for a couple of days or think you will get tired of...
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    Economic woes = fake food?

    My thoughts on this; It's OK to start smaller, if you need to. Instead of buying a 25# bag of split peas, buy a 5# bag. Instead of buying a side of beef, buy a roast that is double the size you are going to cook and put half in the freezer. There are also time saving devices, like slow...
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    need ideas for uses for plastic coffee cans!

    plant seedlings or intermediate transplant pot. Or spitoon.:P
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    Frustrated with trying to clean gas stove grates? Try this, it works.

    I mean the stuff professional cleaners use. I'm not aware of any grocery store brands that are strongly acid. I've never used any of the citrus cleaners. The commercial stuff, you can squirt it on hard water stain and literally watch it bubble and dissolve away before your eyes...
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    Frustrated with trying to clean gas stove grates? Try this, it works.

    Un-diluted vinegar works on hard water stains. On really heavy staining you'll want to spray it several times over the course of a day or two to soften it up, then a bit of elbow grease and a brush. Keep a spray bottle in the bathroom and when you notice a little bit of build up give it a...
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    Making Glycerin Tinctures

    You can find glycerin at drug stores, Walmart, online at places like essentialdepot.com or rtsvapes.com
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    Anyone into making their own soap, lotions etc...

    I hope it was OK to post things like that here, I remembered seeing a post summoning forumites to post deals and sales but I remembered after I posted that it was on another forum. Anyhow, they have lye on for 33.33 for 32 pounds. I get mine from a commercial supplier for less than that but...
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    Making Glycerin Tinctures

    Glycerin is an alcohol so it is a good solvent, better than water but not quite as strong as PGA, pure grain alcohol so for more resinous herbs you will want to use PGA or put a third or half PGA into your glycerin to make the tincture. The process is much the same as a water or alcohol...
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    Scented vinegar for laundry

    I can. I will try to do it tomorrow, I just noticed your request and I'm kinda zoning out for my sweet repose right now.
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