I used the backhoe to tear down most of the trailer, but due to the hillside behind the trailer, I could not get the tractor into position to tear the building completely down. Lucky I had some chain and a receiver hitch shackle like the one pictured.
I simply clipped the chain to the shackle and the other end to the walls I wanted to pull down and away we went. This is not rocket science, and the video of my Dad’s truck pulling down a trailer wall is pretty short.
We just filmed it so I could show my wife that I do work when I go to the land.
She thinks I go to get out of the house and we don’t really do anything out there. To be fair, when I do convince her to come visit the land she can’t really tell what has changed.
Developing a homestead can be overwhelming, especially when you live far away and have budget AND time issues.
However, there is a big difference in the place now that I have most of the trailer down and gone.
The first couple of times we wrapped the chain around the ball, but that was dangerous and it kept slipping. Eventually I bought a shackle and it helped immensely in Pulling Down a Trailer Wall
This is an experiment in using spray foam alone to insulate a conex box.
This particular spray foam in a conex box idea did not work. The problem was the box developed condensation inside which caused the spray foam to fall off.
If I had supported the spray foam by adding a sheet of foam or other backer the spray foam in a conex box would have stayed up.
Additionally, I think that if I would have done it in a warmer time, or roughed the pain to allow better adhesion it would have worked better.
The next plan is probably better (and cheaper) as I will use my foam cutter to slice foam board into strips to glue into the conex side corrugation and then I will use spray foam to seal the sheets into a single mass.
In reality, I bought a foam nozzle that spread the foam into a wide stream and wanted to try it out. I did not really think this would work, and kinda did not want it to.
This is because a can of foam is around $5.00 and it took a can to do about one and a half strips.
Which would mean it would be cheaper to pay a commercial spray foam installer to come and puts pray foam in a conex box
I bought a cheap craftsman wood lathe from craigslist. It was cheap because it had problems. The tube the tailstock and tool stand rode on was torqued out of place placing the tailstock 45% off center. It was rusty, and did not have a belt.
An afternoon of work brought it back functional and while I still need to build a stand and tweak it a little I am happy with my purchase.
I was looking for an easy first lathe project so I decided to make a nightstick
So far, the only thing I can do is turn nightstick shaped objects. My goal is to turn wood bowls, but right now all of my disposable income (and some that is not disposable) are building AR-15‘s in the event of another attempt at gun control that only makes guns more expensive.
My lather skills are non-existent, but my boy likes playing with the objects I have made.
With all the micro USB items that need charging at my house, my wife and I are always fighting over power cords. To solve this problem I found a neat outlet that contains two 115v outlets with 2 USB outlets.
It installed easily and looks great. More importantly, the outlet is behind my chair so I have dibs on the cords….
Seriously though, this is a great USB wall outlet and when I get around to building our house and a workshop, I will install many of these for the convenience.
This USB Wall Outlet was easy to install, but I needed to buy a new outlet cover.
Now that it is installed, I want to buy more, as this makes things a lot easier. I put this one by the sofa so I can charge my phones in the evening and still have them available.
I need one in the bedroom, and another by the computer. Additionally I think I need a couple in the conex box at the land.
These devices are not expensive, the one shown in the picture costs about $16.00. They are easy to install by any DIY’er. Best of all it impressed my wife as she thought it was amazing.
In the recent past, we’ve witnessed extreme weather-related calamities that have caused immense destruction regarding property damage and loss of human lives.
Scientists are warning that massive disasters are not only currently occurring at an increased rate but also increasing in magnitude.
To ensure your family stays safe all the time, you must invest in a good electric generator. An electric generator, other than supporting your lighting systems, will support important appliances in your home, among very many other functions. Loss of electric power brings about many difficulties to homes, more so, households with persons with disabilities.
A generator provides an exceptional way of cautioning your family members against sudden lose electricity.
Typical uses of a generator in a household
Backup during Power outages
Any urban resident already knows how often power outages occur of late. You simply can’t leave the use of all household appliances in the mercy of unpredictable utility power. A generator will reliably power your major home appliances, including electric heater, lights and air conditioners. A good generator, therefore, will help you maintain the comfort of your loved ones at all times.
Recreational use: Camping, tailgating or RV power
Are you a fan of outdoor camping? Then you need a portable generator. With a portable generator, you will be able to transform your camping expedition into an unforgettable event. Your family members will still enjoy all the luxuries of the city in a countryside setting. It will power security lights and hence secure your surroundings. The generator will also enable you to watch your TV, charge your phones, helping you maintain your connection to the outside world among, other purposes.
Construction Projects
Since most constructions projects take place in regions where there is no electricity supply, you cannot depend on electricity from your utility company. That there have been widespread power blackouts lately implies that utility power is unpredictable. So, even if power is available, to predict with certainty how long it’ll take to complete the project, a reliable energy source is crucial. One such trusted source is a generator. Your choice of the type of generator to go for depends entirely on the magnitude of your project.
Types of generators to consider
Standby Generators: This genset is large, typically runs on natural gas or liquid propane and mostly stationed outside far from the house. Due to their immense outputs power, it can power all the appliances in your home during a power outage. It also costs a lot to buy, install (which is usually done by skilled personnel) and connect to your household’s consumer unit. However, once installed, a standby generator runs for a very long time without necessitating refueling, servicing or maintenance. One outstanding feature of this generator type has to be its ability to start automatically, supplying your house with power even when you are away, and there is no one around.
Portable Generators: They are smaller generators that can be moved around with a lot of ease. Besides their smaller fuel tanks, portable generators are either attached to a trailer or fitted with wheels for increased mobility. Smaller fuel tanks present one minor challenge; the generators have to be often refueled, especially when they’re used for extended periods of time. They are, however, suitable for smaller families who probably need a generator they can use while camping outdoors, among other purposes. On account of their low outputs, portable generators tend to be cheaper that standby generators and do not need expert installation. From the best portable generator reviews, you will learn more on what to look for when buying portable generators, typical output ranges, among many other crucial aspects
Solar Generators: Supply green energy that is safe to use and entirely renewable. Persons who live in places with hot and regular sunshine and have sufficient initial capital will find this generator type ideal. Solar generators deliver totally quiet operations, require minimum repairs and maintenance and do not require refueling since they convert solar energy to electrical energy. Initially, the cost is high thanks to the fact that a solar generator unit requires other components including an inverter, a battery pack, and solar panels. You may also have to hire the services of a trained installer.
During a blackout follow these electrical safety tips
Switch off and unplug unnecessary electrical appliances, including sensitive devices
Disconnect any equipment, appliance or electronics that were being used before the power went out When power returns, spikes or surges can damage the appliances
Leave one light bulb on so that when the power comes back, you will know
Eliminate all unnecessary travels, particularly by car because traffic lights will not be on
Connect the appliance you wish to power with a generator directly to the generator outlet.
A backup generator is a must-have for all households. Regardless of whether you need insurance during emergencies or your do not want to sustain the comfort of your family members, a generator is all you need. Find out your electric power needs, buy a suitable generator and enjoy your life to the fullest.
About the author: Victor Hill is the founder of Trustworthy Power, a website that provides expert generator reviews, click here to find out more. He is a graduate in Mechatronics and currently works as a Quality Assurance Engineer at DENSO. He has a passion for generators and also loves helping users get value for their investment while shopping for generators.
I bought a cheap craftsman wood lathe from craigslist. It was cheap because it had problems. The tube the tailstock and tool stand rode on was torqued out of place placing the tailstock 45% off center. It was rusty, and did not have a belt.
Since most constructions projects take place in regions where there is no electricity supply, you cannot depend on electricity from your utility company. That there have been widespread power blackouts lately implies that utility power is unpredictable. So, even if power is available, to predict with certainty how long it’ll take to complete the project, a reliable energy source is crucial. One such trusted source is a generator. Your choice of the type of generator to go for depends entirely on the magnitude of your project.