18 Sep 2018

4 Great Design Ideas for Your Office

If you’ve recently relocated to a new building you may be stuck for renovation ideas to bring the space to life. Your main considerations should be the practicality, comfort and aesthetics when it comes to designing your office. You could be working with a blank canvas or you might need to breathe some life into an old, tried room. Either way, there are plenty of ways you can create something amazing that works for your business. Read on for the best design ideas for your office:

Open Plan

Gone are the days of stuffy restricted offices where you’re expected to work behind your divider wall with no communication with the outside world. Open plan offices have become increasingly popular, aiming to open up the space. It transforms the room into an environment with a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. This has also helps with collaboration between departments, consequently improving employee morale. It’s been found that employees work better and far more effectively with an open plan office. If you still need a place for meetings with clients, then you can always create a separate space specifically for this purpose.

Decoration for The Office

Keep the room light and bright by using light or neutral colours, with the only other dominant colour being that of your brand. Using light colours will also mean that your room has a timeless look and won’t ever be outdated. Furthermore, it’s a good idea to mix textures and patterns to add some depth and bring the room to life.

In addition, having artwork across the walls is not only visually pleasing, but it shows you have a happy and fun workplace. You can dot artwork around the office or even have a dedicated wall. Using artwork that’s relevant to your business is the perfect way to finish off your office design; this could be company statistics, achievements or employee work.

Let in Plenty of Light

If you’ve moved to a high-rise building in the city centre, then you may be lucky enough to have panoramic views across the office. Make the most of these by allowing as much light in as possible, taking a look at the best types of blinds that will allow you to filter light. This way you can have complete control over the natural light in the office. This will also allow for privacy when you need it.

If you’re working in an office with limited windows or in a home office, then try not to have any bulky furniture in the way that will block some of the light. You can even install some daylight lightbulbs in areas where they may be little light to make it brighter and more inviting.

Add Some Greenery

Office plants aren’t just for decoration, they are also beneficial to employee’s health. Plants are proven to remove harmful chemicals from the air, giving the room a cleaner, less compact feel. They’re also wonderful to look at – and they don’t even need to be hard work. There are plenty of low maintenance plants including succulents, spider plants, snake plant and even aloe vera that look wonderful in the office but require very little attention. You’ll find this means employees take less sickness days, are less stressed and boosts productivity.

How Will You Design Your Office?

The way you design your office can have a monumental impact on the business. Consider the best layout that will allow for optimum productivity, which may include switching to an open plan office. You could even compile a short survey for existing employees. If you’re moving consider asking what changes they’d like to see in the office plan.

18 Sep 2018

5 Tips to Keep your Ruger 10/22 Running Like a Top

Who doesn’t love a Ruger 10/22? That are fast, accurate, and beyond fun to shoot. Nearly everyone has one and many people (like me) have several. They are very easy guns to operate and maintain. If you want to get the most out of your 10/22, here are some tips to help!

Keep It Clean

Starting here because it’s a no-brainer but you have to keep it as clean as you can. This is even more important with newer models than the older ones that were a little more forgiving. Some modern advancements have made the gun overall safer to use but added complex parts that gather grit.

Additionally, most .22 rounds tend to be extra dirty to shoot and leave a lot of powder fouling. This is a sure fire way to make your reliable Ruger semi-auto into an inconvenient single shot rifle.

Clean every moving part well and use a quality lube. I will often take mine outside and use a large can of Rem Oil and flush everything out of it then blow it out with an air compressor before final lube. Make sure you don’t have to much lube or oil remaining when you do final assembly, it just makes the gun gum up worse.

Use Good Ammo

There are a ton of reasons to use good ammo. It’s more reliable, it can be more accurate, and sometimes it’s more powerful or potent. All of those are great reasons to use a quality round made by a good manufacturer.

The best reason to use good ammo is that they are often coated with a thin layer of brass or copper and that thin plating can save you a ton of issues with cleaning later. With the size of the bore, a .22 rifle barrel can be very hard to clean.

Get Quality Mags

For too many reasons to list here, having extra mags is a really good idea. The 10 round mag that comes with the Ruger is perfect and used to be very expensive if you wanted a second one. Now you can get a three pack made by Ruger for around $50.00. It’s a worthwhile investment.

You are also going to want some bigger mags, trust me on this. There was a time that Butler Creek made the only decent quality 30 round mag on the market but now that Ruger offers its own BX-25 mags, those are probably preferred. For one, some Butler Creek mags won’t fit some 10/22s. I had a lot of trouble with my 10/22 takedown and finding an extended mag.

Whatever you get, stick with the best quality mags. Factory is preferred but there are a few other companies like Butler Creek that make good stuff.

Don’t be Afraid to Mod

The true beauty of the 10/22 is that with around 5 million of them made, the market for mods is huge. You can do as little as adding a new scope or trigger all the way up to building a 10/22 that has no parts made by Ruger at all. Additionally, you can get a stock or a gun that shoots less than a half MOA at 50 yards.

You can make a rifle to emulate an AR-15 and many other popular firearms or just fine tune it to do any job you would ever need. Add a suppressor for a lot of fun and a great way of taking care of those night time varmints without waking the neighbors.

Some popular mods are a new stock, new trigger, and new barrel. They are easy to change out and can really improve the function, comfort, and accuracy of your rifle.

Add an Optic

Whether you go with the ever-popular red-dot sights or sup your gun up with a proper scope, this can add so much functionality to an already great rifle. There are so many tasks that the 10/22 excels at that can be improved with an affordable optic.

I have several different optics on my Rugers ranging from no magnification up to a 20x scope on a heavily modified 10/22 I use for varminting. There is truly no more fun toy and it makes a superb training gun for youths and first-time shooters.

Of course, you don’t want to just grab any scope where there are quite a few 10/22 scope choices that are perfectly suited for your purposes.

No matter what you do with your 10/22, a little time, care, and experimentation can turn it from a somewhat run of the mill gun to something truly outstanding. Of course, there is nothing wrong with a run of the mill gun if that’s your style but no matter what you do, the tips above will keep your little Ruger running for a lifetime or more!

18 Sep 2018

Gun Sanctuaries: A Movement for Local and Personal Rights

In today’s polarized political world, there is an increasing disconnect between the people in states with large, metropolitan cities who are keen to pass more restrictive gun laws and the rest of the state. This trend is on display in Illinois as more and more counties outside of Chicago pass gun sanctuary ordinances.

As a response to new, restrictive gun legislation from the liberal-majority state government, county officials are working hard to ensure they can defend themselves in the event of a crisis. County leaders have taken the matter into their own hands, working to provide themselves with protection regardless of what the state government does.

This new trend of Second Amendment protection is already gaining interest from other gun-restrictive states and could be an important symbolic step for local and personal rights advocates.

What are gun sanctuaries?

Illinois is experiencing a wave of backlash to recently passed and proposed bills currently going through the state government which would restrict firearm freedoms even more. Laws such as restricting the legal purchase of a firearm to those 21 and older, as opposed to 18, have caused several counties in Illinois to create their own resolutions to become “gun sanctuaries” and stave off the influence of the state.

As a play on the phrase “sanctuary city” in which local governments pass resolutions to create less cooperation with the federal government surrounding illegal immigration and other criminal issues, a gun sanctuary is a municipality, or county, in which gun rights are upheld. These counties feel that the state is overreaching their bounds in trying to take away constitutionally protected rights.

So far, 26 Illinois counties have voted to become gun sanctuaries: Effingham, Douglas, Cumberland, Clay, Clark, Christian, Brown, Fayette, Greene, Ford, Hamilton, Hardin, Henry, Jasper, Iroquois, Jefferson, Perry, Monroe, Lawrence, Saline, Pope, Shelby, Washington, Woodford, White, and Wayne. At the time of this writing, more than ten other Illinois counties were considering or about to vote on similar resolutions.

How do the resolutions protect Second Amendment rights?

The protections of the gun sanctuary resolutions have to do with preventing county employees from enacting what they claim to be unconstitutional prohibition of Second Amendment rights surrounding gun ownership. In Clark County, for instance, a resolution is in the works to stop five proposed bills from having an effect on the county. The idea is to protect ordinary citizens from having their rights stripped by ill-advised laws from the state at large. In practice, it means the local law enforcement would not enforce gun control measures within their county boundaries.

In Illinois, the Democrat-controlled state legislature is the entity pushing for further gun restrictions. Conversely, local county boards are standing up to prevent their citizens from losing constitutionally granted rights. In some cases, the measures the counties are taking do not go so far as to say that law enforcement won’t enforce state laws. In these counties, the gun sanctuary resolutions are first and foremost meant to send a message to the state that the counties will not stand for the state taking away their Second Amendment rights.

How does this work with current State laws?

The gun sanctuary movement puts more power into the hands of the people. It also puts more power in the hands of local government, which better understands its constituents as opposed to the far-removed state government. However, there are constitutional issues with gun sanctuaries.

Most gun regulations are actually done at the state level instead of federal or local. Due to the preemption clause, higher levels of government can overrule the state, city, or county resolutions. This new movement seeks to put the power back into the hands of the people at the community level, but the state may be able to overrule it.

The issue comes in the fact that certain local gun sanctuary laws can conflict with the state’s laws. In a legislature dominated by Democrats at the moment, it could lead to a slippery slope where local communities choose not to enforce state mandates. However, the laws are up for interpretation and this is why the resolutions could turn the tide for gun rights. Additional issues or challenges could result from state officials attempting to hold leverage over communities by restricting resources or passing other resolutions in retribution.

Could this be a model for other States?

As a movement created out of frustration and fear of losing constitutional rights, other states could definitely look at the 26 Illinois counties named above as an example to emulate. Effingham and Iroquois, both rural Illinois counties where the movement began, wanted to flip the script on larger cities who they felt were pushing them around with state policies. In addition, immigration sanctuary city measures that have been passed are allowing people to live and act illegally while the law officially must turn a blind eye. This creates inequality in the way that laws are applied to ordinary people versus people who are in a special class. So long as the state chooses not to enact policies that serve all constituents, we can expect more movements like this.

Counties all over the nation, especially rural ones, are now joining the movements. Not only are many Illinois counties getting in on the action, but even counties in Oregon have tried similar efforts in the past. Herndon, Kansas passed a 2nd Amendment preservation ordinance in 2013 similar to what happened in Effingham County.

This shows signs of a new age in American democracy where local communities will band together to protect their God-granted rights as the state increasingly looks to restrict them in unconstitutional ways. While state law may precede a number of the ordinances, these measures are an important symbolic step for individual rights advocates and a needed check against the State.

How to Insulate a Shipping Container Using Foam Sheet

18 Sep 2018

How to Insulate a Shipping Container Roof Using Foam Sheet

This post shows how I started to insulate a shipping container using foam sheet.

I am working on my 40 foot shipping container so that I have a nice condensation free insulated room that I can both heat and cool. the first thing I did was frame in a wall about 10 feet from the back of the box.

Next I got out my diy hot wire cutter and made a rigged up fence so I could cut 4×8 sheets of 3/4 inch foam to 3.5 inches so they could fit in the roof corrugation.

Next I used construction adhesive to glue the foil side of the foam to the metal roof. I did this because some glue will melt the foam, also because I wanted the vapor barrier on the metal side.

My dad and I rigged strips of plywood to hold the ends of the foam as the glue set. It was a two man job, but one person can do it if they are organized.

After I ran out of glue, we built a t-post to hold a piece of plywood in the center of the foam strips so they should set without sagging.

Later I will show the video of the framing, as well as show how we finish the roof. for now, I am out of money for materials and glue and spray foam are expensive.

This might not be the right way to insulate a shipping container. However, it is how I went about doing it. If you have a comment or a better way please share.

I still have 30 feet of this one, and 40 feet of my dad’s to insulate.

Spray Foam Would Have Been Easier

I still think spray foam is the best way to insulate a shipping container. However, it costs a great deal to do it right.

I don’t even want to spend the money to even attempt a DIY solution.

This is why I like the foam as I can buy a sheet or two every check. It may cost the same in the end, but it feels cheaper.

Using closed cell sheets is a decent alternative, and much better than any other ideas I can find online.

First we measured and saw that the depth of the corrugated channels in my roof were 3/4 inch deep (where not bent).

I bought some 4×8 sheets of 3/4 inch closed cell foam with a aluminum vapor barrier on one side.

In part one of how to insulate a shipping container, we cut and glued in the strips to level out the roof corrugations.

How We Insulated the Roof

The original slats were glued in using construction adhesive. However, some fell because of the condensation and flexing. Consequently, I did not want to rely on glue alone.

Side Wall For Support

What I did was build a wall along the back of the box that was 3/4 plus the width of a 2×4 (roughly 3.5 inches) from the top of the roof. This would allow a 2×4 joist and a sheet of foam to rest tightly against the wall.

I then cut joists that would span from the top of the wall in the back of the box to the divider wall we framed in earlier. I had to notch that 2×4 so it could sit against the stud wall and allow for the 3×4 inch sheet. (the video will show this)

Once the joists were cut we balanced them up on the walls. I put the two nearest the box sides close to where they were to rest.

Next, I spread the middle joints apart because the foam would have to bend toward the middle so I could wedge it up and around (Again, the end of the video will show this).

Once the joists were close to being in place, I spray foamed the gaps around my foam slats. I also put construction adhesive on the large sheets of foam (first cut to size). Neat we starting from the back and wedged them in place.

Once the first foam sheet was in place We rotated the 2×4 to lock the sheet up against the roof of the container.

The next sheet went in and was made to but up against the first and a temporary support was used to hold the two sheets up tightly against the roof without the support of any of the joists.

After the third and last sheet was placed, the 4 joists were nailed in place.

Now the foam sheets are held by glue, expanding spray foam, and 4 2×4 joist edged into place.

Next We Need to Insulate Side Walls

Now I have to frame the side walls. Next I need to figure out how I am going to insulate the shipping container walls. I am having problems because the sides are not as square as the roof.

I am not done, but you can get an idea about how I Insulate a Shipping Container.

18 Sep 2018

How to Build a Paintcrete Roof Outhouse

I need an outhouse at the land if I am ever going to have workshops and classes. Additionally I have been wanting to find a cheap and durable roofing material. I have lots of plans for domes that defy traditional construction. To this end, I decided to build an outhouse and perform a Pantcrete Roof Experiment to kill two birds with one cheap stone. This is also called latex cement

I first learned about latex roofs while researching ferrocement. While I still like ferrocement as a building material, this particular technique is a little better suited to roofs. The Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Notre Dame University did an experiment on disposing of latex paint inside of cement to replace the water.

They found the compressive strength of the cement slightly increased at relatively low latex paint rates. I am not worried about strength, I am wanting the flexibility and slight waterproofing aspects the paint brings.

What I used to Make the Paintcrete Roof

For this experiment I actually used type s mortar and some 100 acrylic waste paint. I started with a quart of mis-mixed paint I got on sale, but quickly ran out and had to use some once frozen bathroom ceiling paint with a anti-mold additive. I didn’t mind using the old paint, except it was frozen and did not mix well. You can see some small balls of unmixed paint in the “semi” finished product.

I bought a few 8 and 10 foot 2×4’s and build a 4×4 frame and then a 5×4 foot frame. The ends of the 5×4 frame were beveled so that the ends were perpendicular to the ground as the actual frame was at a slight angle.

The slope is enough to shed water, but not so steep that I cannot come back and retrofit a green roof over the top if I still desire.

How I Put the Latex Cement on the Roof

I mixed the paint into the mortar and making a pretty high slump mix. For those with even less construction knowledge than me – it was soupier that normal. It could be poured – but it was not soupy.

I spread it over fiberglass window screen that was stapled tightly over the wooden frame. Next, I used 3 rolls of 36×84 fiberglass screen to ensure no area had only a single layer of screen.

I poured this mix on and spread it lightly with an old broom. I found that pouring it on, lightly brushing it down and pouring new mix over covered mesh and pulling down in batches worked better than trying to fill a section completely in one try. The older mix got into a few holes and held the next pour better.

After about 2/3 of an 80 pound bag and a gallon and a quart of paint completely filled the roof. The last few layers were much more soupy and served to coat the mortar mix already on the screen. It pretty much self leveled – with the bits of old balls of frozen latex making small bubbles that I imagine will cause problems later.

Remeber this is an experiment in feasibility and will be the roof of an outhouse. Perfection was not the object – to see how easy and cheap this can be while achieving some strength and basic waterproofing is what I am looking for.

In the event you want more information to try top do this Besides the book above, and the paper I linked to, below is a document from the US Army Corps of Engineers.

Latex Admixtures for Portland Cement Concrete and Mortar.

[pdf-embedder url=”https://www.tngun.com/wp-content/uploads/Latex-Admixtures-for-Portland-Cement-Concrete-and-Mortar.pdf” title=”Latex Admixtures for Portland Cement Concrete and Mortar”]

Underside of the Paintcrete Roof

In working with my concrete experiments, I figured I should show the latex cement underside of my outhouse roof. You can see the effects of mixing paints. However, it does not seem to impact the strength of the roof.

None of the original latex cement dripped through the screen. There were places where my staples and the bottom layers of window screen were not fully contained inside the cement.

It is my plan to make a thin mix of paint and cement (probably the PVA Primer because it is the cheapest and seems to be the best) and paint over the bottom. This will give a more finished look and hopefully will be one final bit of water proofing.

I am pretty happy with the project so far, I was planning on finishing the base this weekend, but the local habitat for humanity store was out of doors. I have all the wood I just need a door.

As a side note, I plan on trying out the forever floor concept found in backwoods home magazine as a cheap and durable floor covering.

Update on the Latex Cement Roof

I wanted to give a . It has dried and is in good shape. While it can’t quite hold my weight, it does hold the kid’s weight well.

It is light enough that two people can easily place it on the outhouse structure.

Using thick mortar mix worked well. It did not drip through the screen like my wife expected it to. I did use a lot of mortar and a fair bit of paint. However, it was not so much as to be excessive or overly expensive.

I still need to build the outhouse frame. However, I could not decide if I wanted to continue with the paintcrete theme for the walls. In the end I will probably go with board and batten siding. I have some logs, I just need to get out my sawmill and cut the siding

Right now, I am waiting to see how my paintcrete over bed sheets experiment works on my rabbit hutch before I decide how to finish the outhouse.

I am not in a hurry to finish the outhouse as local thieves have broken into my shipping container again. This time they took the time and energy to use a grinder rather than a bolt cutter. Since they did not break the lock to my gate, the only way I can see for them to bring in a truck to steal is by coming through my neighbors yard.

He just got back out of prison and hasn’t found a job. So I don’t know why he didn’t tell me someone was stealing small and easily sold items from my property…. I do know the lady that lives with him yelled at me for calling the police over the theft- which I think is odd.

Monthly Archives: September 2018