Modified Burpees

 

Modified Burpees
Buy at Amazon

In this video my wife shows a technique to modify the burpee and mountain climber exercises for those that are not physically conditioned enough to do the technique correctly.

She uses a chair to help as she shows the modified burpees exercise.

The reason someone modifies the exercise is not because they are lazy, it is actually the opposite.  A person modifies when they are attempting to do something they cannot do in order to better themselves.

The modify the technique to make it doable, and as they progress and become better and more physically fit they eventually are able to do the unmodified technique.  At that point they stop doing modified burpees and actually perform the exercise correctly.

In the space of a year Genny has gone from modifying everything to performing all the exercises correctly.  Her body has changed shape, she is more confident, and is a much happier person.  I am proud of her, and a little jealous of her determination.

She is not a new person but she is a better version of herself.  It is not because of her looks, but the way her stronger body makes her feel.  When she began this process she kept calling it a lifestyle change and I did not believe her.  I do now.

How to Repair a Blown Out Flip Flop: Don’t Step on a Pop Top

 

Quick Flip Flop Repair Trick
Buy at Amazon

If you ever listen to Jimmy Buffet and know about blowing out a flip flop then this post is for you.

I am notorious for ripping the thong out of the sole of flip flops.  While you can press it back in the hole.  Once it is ripped out the flip flop is never the same.

What you need for flip flop repair is some sort of washer.  You need something larger than the hole the thong fit in originally.  It is also helpful if the washer is split so you can snap it right over the thong.

I find that the plastic clips that hold bread bags closed works perfect as a quick flip flop repair.

They are study, free, large enough to keep the thong from pulling through the hole in your flip flop,  However, they are also thin enough so that they aren’t uncomfortable.

You don’t even have to wait for the flip flop repair to be needed.  You can simply snap them on BEFORE you need them so that your flip flops last a long time.

This is a pretty simple tip, and probably something that you already knew about, but I remember the first time I tried it.  It worked well and I had to share.

How to Deprime Shells without Reloading Tools

 

Shooting: Deprime Shells without Reloading Tools
Buy at Amazon

Reloading does not have to be fancy or expensive.  You can buy a starter kit for well under $100 if you take your time and only get the essentials.

I have spent hours using a $20 hand reloader and a hammer to reload 20 gauge shotshells.

In the video below, I wanted to show you just how simple a set up you can get away with.  In the video you can learn how to deprime shells without reloading tools.

The technique shown works with shotshells as well as rifle and pistol cartridges.  As long as the rounds are not berdan primed this technique will work.

It can be adapted to use a large nut, or a hole in a workbench, you can use a nail or a punch, and anything you can strike with can be used as a hammer.  Let your needs decide.

However, while you can get away with this, it is much easier to use better tools.  I find that while I can reload with simple tools, it takes longer and when I factor in the value of my time, sometimes it is worth it to spend money for tools that let me work more efficiently.

Technician No-Code Plus

Book Review: Technician No-Code Plus
Buy at Amazon

Technician No-Code Plus is the first book I bought when I decided to get a ham license.  Actually, this and the test bank is all I used to learn enough to pass the test.

It is very basic, but gives you all the information you need to get a FCC Technician’s License for the Amateur bands.

There is some good practical knowledge to be found in this book, and for the price – I recommend it as a great starting place.

I find that Ham radio is essential to preparedness, this is because Amateur radio works when all other communication methods fail.

Smart emergency managers work with ham operators so that the Amateur bands can be seamlessly integrated into disaster response efforts.

I also find that due to the nature of the hobby, ham technicians are very willing to take the time to work with inexperienced individuals wanting to learn how to use the radios, unfortunately it is my experience that they like ham for ham’s sake, and are not as willing to share with those that are getting licenses for emergency preparedness reasons.

I would recommend NOT telling that your primary interest is being ABLE to communicate, but rather stick to discussion of your desire to learn how TO communicate.

How to Punch Square Holes in Metal

 

Metalworking: Making Square Holes in Metal
Buy at Amazon

This is one of those posts in which I expect an expert to rip me to shreds over my technique.  I would deserve it as this is a precision machining technique.  However, I butcher it with hand tools and a total lack of precision.

I am going to show you a rough approximation of the machinist technique called broaching.  You broach in order to make square holes in metal.  Its not limited to square holes either.  You can make all manner of shapes.  This is most commonly done in making key-ways.  However, the magazine well of an AR-15 is commonly made by broaching.

According to Wikipedia:

Broaches are shaped similar to a saw, except the height of the teeth increases over the length of the tool. Moreover, the broach contains three distinct sections: one for roughing, another for semi-finishing, and the final one for finishing.

Broaching is an unusual machining process because it has the feed built into the tool. The profile of the machined surface is always the inverse of the profile of the broach. The rise per tooth (RPT), also known as the step or feed per tooth, determines the amount of material removed and the size of the chip.

The broach can be moved relative to the work piece or vice versa. Because all of the features are built into the broach no complex motion or skilled labor is required to use it.

Making a Broach:

  • Take a square length of tool steel that is the diameter of the desired hole.

    Cutting Square Holes in Metal
    Buy at Amazon
  • Remove material to taper the ends – the length of the taper is longer depending on how large the hole is to be, the depth of the material to be cut, and the hardness of the metal to be cut.
  • Cut teeth in the bar stock – start with shallow teeth,  get deeper teeth the closer you are to a finished cut.  continue the teeth as you get to the finished dimensions.
  • Harden and the tool.  I find case hardening compound, like the type pictured really helps.

Using the Broach:

  • Drill a hole in the metal, close to but smaller than the finished hole size.
  • Insert the broach and ensure it lines up at 90 degrees from the work peice or the hole will be crooked.
  • Use a hydraulic press to gradually and smoothly increase pressure until the broach is forced through the hole cutting material and forming a square
  • Use a good amount of cutting fluid as you perform this operation and wear safety gear as there is a lot of stress on the tool.