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#1
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Sideboard Strategies?
"Swingman" wrote in message news:...
There was an article (have a copy, thanks) many years ago in FWW, by the subject name, whereby the author, a teacher at a respected woodworking school in Boston, taught/proposed a four part, casework construction method that was a bit unusual for traditional sideboard construction - basically a dovetailed box, turned on its side, with legs attached (although, sans legs, not unusual in many *cabinet* casework methods). Having sought out, seen, and paid particular attention to the construction used in many old and antique sideboards these past few years, and having consistently noted problems that seem to be commonly shared among even the best made of the bunch(cracks/racking/sagging, etc.), there are many things I like about the author's ideas: wood's dimensional instability is pretty well nullified as an issue, many fewer joints needed, pretty much sag proof, etc The first part of this experiment with an alternate method of designing and building a sideboard, the casework, is basically complete: http://www.e-woodshop.net/Projects13.htm Although quite fussy to effect, I am impressed with the "method" thus far, as this dovetailed case, with the partitions being housed as well as joined with through tenons, and the laminated end panels, makes for unbelievably strong basic framework. Another advantage, which has become more apparent as the project progresses, is the relative low cost for a project of this size due to the amount of secondary wood being utilized. Here's hoping the surprises continue to be pleasant. -- www.e-woodshop.net Last update: 2/20/07 |
#2
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Sideboard Strategies?
I seem to remember earlier discourse from you on this method. Now
seeing it on your site makes it easier to understand. So... let me see if I do. You are building a dovetailed box, then veneering it with the appearance grade wood of your choice. You are then using hidden mechanical joints as needed in the final assembly. Yes? No? The CAD sketch looks quite elegant, but in the construction phase it looks like a gun safe. How much will that weigh when it is finished? One more thing... I see the detail of the tenon sticking out top and bottom to attach the legs. Will those be the only points and means of attachement? (Think of Artie Johnson's voice here...) Veeeeery intersting.... Robert |
#3
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Sideboard Strategies?
wrote in message
So... let me see if I do. You are building a dovetailed box, then veneering it with the appearance grade wood of your choice. Side panels only are "veneered" with the primary wood. In this case, the primary QSWO veneer is 5/8" thick, and, with the 3/4" thick secondary wood that it is veneered to the oak (poplar, containing the dovetails that hold the top and bottom to the sides), the sides give you a 1 3/8" thick, long grain-long grain, glue surface for the legs. I chose those particular dimensions to allow a 1/4" reveal on the 1 5/8" thick legs when all is assembled. You are then using hidden mechanical joints as needed in the final assembly. Yes? No? The legs are joined as below ... all other components use traditional joinery methods, but way fewer "joints" are necessary with this method than with traditional frame and panel sides. The CAD sketch looks quite elegant, but in the construction phase it looks like a gun safe. How much will that weigh when it is finished? A bit more than traditional frame and panel construction. The extra will come from a double top, (the real one, which will be fastened to the casework top ... which, BTW, also acts as a kicker for the top drawers), and the thicker, laminated sides, All other components of the sideboard (web frames, drawers, doors, etc) would be there any way, plus the frame/casework construction is of secondary wood, which is lighter than the primary wood. .... and cheaper. The additional weight should be offset by a marked decrease in susceptibility to wood movement (all grain in the basic "frame" of the piece runs in the same direction), plus a huge increase in structural strength, with less susceptibility to the racking and sagging that plagues these wide, four legged pieces over time. One more thing... I see the detail of the tenon sticking out top and bottom to attach the legs. Will those be the only points and means of attachement? Those mortise and tenons you mention, plus 2 more on each leg (the ones you don't see yet are an addtional M&T joint attaching the front and side bottom aprons to the legs), PLUS a long grain to long grain glue joint between the legs and the 1 3/8" thick case sides, running the full height of the case work. ... actually more leg joint strength than what you get with traditional frame and panel construction. (Think of Artie Johnson's voice here...) Veeeeery intersting.... I thought so too ... this is a big piece (63" long) and other than making it 8 legged, which has traditionally been the method to keep long sideboards from sagging and racking, I was looking for another method. That said, it is an experimental piece, but with the same degree of planning and thought that goes into a more traditional project, and with the hope that it turns out as well in final appearance/design as if it were more traditional construction. We'll see ... -- www.e-woodshop.net Last update: 2/20/07 |
#4
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Sideboard Strategies?
Thanks for the detailed reply. I am probably thinking about the
process and mechanical design wayyyy more than I should, but I see from your post you too were thinking of the savings when using more secondary appearance materials. A design like that could also be a great answer help with the low quality of woods that seem to be the norm. Every time I go the hardwood store it seems that they either have really good material (rare) at unbelievably high prices, or they have so so material at unbelievably high prices. They also sell crap that should probably be burned. I like the whole strength consideration, and looking at the design I am wondering why it took so long for someone to come up with it. But you are certainly the first one I know to try it. I remember seeing that mag with the guy's article, but I think your site explains it better. I had no interest when I saw the article. I sure hope you let us know (me especially!) how this piece progresses and how your hands on time compares to the more traditional way. Robert |
#5
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Sideboard Strategies?
wrote in message Thanks for taking a look, Robert. Thanks for the detailed reply. I am probably thinking about the process and mechanical design wayyyy more than I should, but I see from your post you too were thinking of the savings when using more secondary appearance materials. ~Pro's: Wood cost Strength Mitigation of wood dimensional instability Overcome racking and sag Fewer joints ~Con's (thus far) Weight Design limitations (?) Fussy to obtain RCH square on casework .... and I am a _square_ freak!! A design like that could also be a great answer help with the low quality of woods that seem to be the norm. Every time I go the hardwood store it seems that they either have really good material (rare) at unbelievably high prices, or they have so so material at unbelievably high prices. They also sell crap that should probably be burned. The secondary material is poplar, which is ubiquitous, can be bought at midnight at a BORG, and, compared to the primary stock, is reasonable priced even at those prices. I like the whole strength consideration, and looking at the design I am wondering why it took so long for someone to come up with it. But you are certainly the first one I know to try it. I remember seeing that mag with the guy's article, but I think your site explains it better. I had no interest when I saw the article. I was originally interested because I wanted a long sideboard, but with four legs instead of eight, and most of the old ones I see have ill fitting doors and drawers because of racking and sag over time. I sure hope you let us know (me especially!) how this piece progresses and how your hands on time compares to the more traditional way. Don't worry ... I'll bore the crap out of everyone with the details as it goes along. -- www.e-woodshop.net Last update: 2/20/07 |
#6
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Sideboard Strategies?
Swingman wrote:
: In this case, the primary QSWO veneer is 5/8" thick That ain't veneer. , and, with the 3/4" : thick secondary wood that it is veneered to the oak : The additional weight should be offset by a marked decrease in : susceptibility to wood movement (all grain in the basic "frame" of the piece : runs in the same direction) Is the rate of expansion for QSWO the same as for flatsawn poplar? if not, you're likely going to have some problems. -- Andy Barss |
#7
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Sideboard Strategies?
"Andrew Barss" wrote in message ... Swingman wrote: : In this case, the primary QSWO veneer is 5/8" thick That ain't veneer. If it is not structural and is attached over another material it's a veneer. Most brick homes are Brick Veneer. Is the rate of expansion for QSWO the same as for flatsawn poplar? if not, you're likely going to have some problems. Hummm,,, might be a good reason the rebate the legs. |
#8
Posted to rec.woodworking
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Sideboard Strategies?
Leon wrote:
: "Andrew Barss" wrote in message : ... : Swingman wrote: : : : In this case, the primary QSWO veneer is 5/8" thick : : : That ain't veneer. : If it is not structural and is attached over another material it's a veneer. : Most brick homes are Brick Veneer. Yeah, okay. But veneer construction has a property that solid wood construction doesn't: you don't need to worry that the veneer and its substrate will differentially expand and contract, breaking the piece of furniture. When one is gluing one 5/8" thick board to another 3/4 thick board of a different species and cut differently (QS vs. flatsawn), you really do need to worry about this. : Hummm,,, might be a good reason the rebate the legs. Might be a good idea to redesign the entire case, actually. -- Andy Barss |
#9
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Sideboard Strategies?
On Feb 21, 5:08 pm, Andrew Barss wrote:
When one is gluing one 5/8" thick board to another 3/4 thick board of a different species and cut differently (QS vs. flatsawn), you really do need to worry about this. : Hummm,,, might be a good reason the rebate the legs. Might be a good idea to redesign the entire case, actually. I cannot think (unless it is San Antonio) of a better aquarium to test the tangenital differences of the two attached products than Houston. Average humidity... 1,040%, give or take. A drought for Houston is 3 weeks without rain. However, they have the distinct addition to this mix of getting hotter than hell in the summer. So da Swinger has a perfect lab to test. It should be interesting. Say both woods are dried down to between 8 - 12% then laminated. The piece is completed, then finished - inside and out. The unknown variable is the addition of the finish and the location of the piece in the house. I work on a lot of old houses, and have been told time and time again "that old table likes that spot". Meaning, when it is put in an area of heavy airflow they see joints open and drawers stick. Back in its happy place (a less drafty, more temperature stable area), it will reagain itself after a period of time. Jon Vogt of Vogt antiques had to confirm this not rare at all phenomenon, because I believed a little movement was possible, but not THAT much. As far as the finishing goes, today's finishes can really grind down the gears of expansion and contraction. The lacquers I shoot come in the can around 22% solids, and I understand others are even more. Some of todays polys are no less than 30% solids! About three coats of that and you have encased your project in plastic! (But remember Karl uses his own witches brew and method.... bubble bubble... toil and trouble...). If this is the protocol he describes on his website, it will be well sealed, indeed. While It may not prevent movement altogether, but it will make a huge difference in mitigating it. He might be asking for it, but to me it is a toss leaning towards there being no problems. Sealed properly I don't think the climate for expansion and contraction will be that drastic since it wll be inside a home. For him, it is a great science experiment that we will all benefit from. Just my 0.02. Go Swing Go! Robert |
#10
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Sideboard Strategies?
wrote in message
On Feb 21, 5:08 pm, Andrew Barss wrote: Might be a good idea to redesign the entire case, actually. He might be asking for it, but to me it is a toss leaning towards there being no problems. Sealed properly I don't think the climate for expansion and contraction will be that drastic since it wll be inside a home. For him, it is a great science experiment that we will all benefit from. Just my 0.02. Go Swing Go! I wouldn't have seen that if you hadn't replied to it, but I'm sure that dickhead would just love for his dire prediction to be the case. FYI, both woods were carefully selected in cut to have almost identical movement values, .0016 and .0018, respectively. Check out: http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/fp...tr113/ch12.pdf .... for the judge. While there is still the possibility of slight movement over the 16" span, sealing will most likely take that out as a factor. dickhead, still batting zero, should have learned his lesson by now. -- www.e-woodshop.net Last update: 2/20/07 |
#11
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Sideboard Strategies?
"Leon" wrote in message
"Andrew Barss" wrote in message That ain't veneer. If it is not structural and is attached over another material it's a veneer. Most brick homes are Brick Veneer. I used the term "veneer", because Robert did. You will note that it is first in quotes in my reply to Robert ... that was done on purpose. On the website it is "laminated". .... dickhead is still batting zero. -- www.e-woodshop.net Last update: 2/20/07 |
#12
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Sideboard Strategies?
Swingman wrote:
: wrote in message : I wouldn't have seen that if you hadn't replied to it, but I'm sure that : dickhead would just love for his dire prediction to be the case. You really are one class act. : FYI, both woods were carefully selected in cut to have almost identical : movement values, .0016 and .0018, respectively. Check out: : http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/fp...tr113/ch12.pdf : ... for the judge. If you had bothered to read my first reply in this thread, I asked the appropriate question. : While there is still the possibility of slight movement over the 16" span, : sealing will most likely take that out as a factor. Time will tell, as they say. (Whether you will is another question). : dickhead, still batting zero, should have learned his lesson by now. Aren't you a tough guy! And what lesson should I have learned there, sweetums? Hey, speaking of lessons: have you figured out what a jointer is for yet? -- Andy Barss |
#13
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Sideboard Strategies?
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#14
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Sideboard Strategies?
On Feb 21, 7:04 pm, "Swingman" wrote:
SNIP dickhead, still batting zero, should have learned his lesson by now. Sombitch... that got a loud guffaw. Whaddya really think? Hah! Robert |
#15
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Sideboard Strategies?
On Feb 21, 11:16 pm, Andrew Barss wrote:
I always thought the solids percentage was the in-the-can ratio of solids to solvent (so once the solvent evaporates, the effective solids go up to 100%, regardless of what they started as). That is true. However, look at it this way: If you put finish "A" on that has 20% solids, compared to "B" that is 30% solids, you will have an extra 10% more solids on the material with just one coat of B compared to A. With two coats of B, it is like having three coats of A. Lots more resin on the project. In the end though, it is about mil thickness. They all dry to 100% solid resin if they are a curing product. Does the stated solids amount affect transfer of water vapor? There was an old FWW article on how well finishes resist that, with thick wax coming out on top (really thick, not what you'd actually put on something), followed by shellac, followed by various varnishes, with oil at the bottom. I didn't understand the question. Are you meaning resistance to outgassing vapor transfer from uncured wood, or vapor penetration through the finsh to the wood? Robert |
#16
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Sideboard Strategies?
wrote in message oups.com... That is true. However, look at it this way: If you put finish "A" on that has 20% solids, compared to "B" that is 30% solids, you will have an extra 10% more solids on the material with just one coat of B compared to A. With two coats of B, it is like having three coats of A. Lots more resin on the project. Joining the nit picking contest, ;~) If can A has 20% solids and can B has 30% solids, you will have 50% more solids on the material coated with can B. 2 coats of B would indeed be like 3 coats of can A. |
#17
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OT nail gun
BTY the Bostitch gun worked great although I spent more time dealing with
the tail which I have not had to deal with in the past. That however is no fault of the gun, it was my decision to go with air operated. On a plus side, the guard teeth on the Bostitch gripped far better than the ines on the gas operated Paslode that I have used and toe nailing was never a tough task. |
#18
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Sideboard Strategies?
On Feb 22, 8:01 am, "Leon" wrote:
wrote in message oups.com... That is true. However, look at it this way: If you put finish "A" on that has 20% solids, compared to "B" that is 30% solids, you will have an extra 10% more solids on the material with just one coat of B compared to A. With two coats of B, it is like having three coats of A. Lots more resin on the project. Joining the nit picking contest, ;~) If can A has 20% solids and can B has 30% solids, you will have 50% more solids on the material coated with can B. 2 coats of B would indeed be like 3 coats of can A. Hey.... leeme 'lone. Let me pick right back at you, bub. =;^) If you read it the way I wrote it in my head, I would be accurate because we were talking about solids in relation to a can, or volume. So 10% per can, or by volume. Anyway, you are certainly right about the relation of the numbers. Glad you like the new gun. They are a nice piece of equipment. I like the non-tailed too, but they don't deliver 100% consistent power throughout the life cycle of the cartridge which is imperative for some of the uses you detailed. You will get used to the tail when you realize you are getting 100% compression every shot, and when you don't have to replace cartridges. Robert |
#19
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Sideboard Strategies?
wrote in message ups.com... Hey.... leeme 'lone. Let me pick right back at you, bub. =;^) When my son just started to talk he would say "leeme lone." I have never heard that anywhere else. He would also say, "Don't say me that". If you read it the way I wrote it in my head, I would be accurate because we were talking about solids in relation to a can, or volume. So 10% per can, or by volume. I figgered you knew what you were talking about but I was bored. LOL. Glad you like the new gun. They are a nice piece of equipment. I was much more impressed with the gun after using it for 2 days. I like the non-tailed too, but they don't deliver 100% consistent power throughout the life cycle of the cartridge which is imperative for some of the uses you detailed. IIRC the Gas Paslode was pretty consistent. We never had any warning of a close to empty cartridge except when the gun would simply stop firing. You will get used to the tail when you realize you are getting 100% compression every shot, and when you don't have to replace cartridges. Well, almost. The compressor that I am using will provide 12 shots before refilling. The last 2 shots are a bit light however I only had to follow up with a hammer once or twice.. That's using a 50' hose. I wonder if I connect another 75-100' to the 50 if the recharge cycle will be less often? I have to stay relatively close to a 20 amp circuit with a 25' 14 gauge extension cord. I am looking at another 105' fence job that runs directly away from my power source and I will need more hose or a much longer really HD extension cord. I suspect the hose would be cheaper. Got any advice? Thanks again. Leon |
#21
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Sideboard Strategies?
On Feb 22, 12:14 pm, Andrew Barss wrote:
wrote: : I didn't understand the question. Are you meaning resistance to : outgassing vapor transfer from uncured wood, or vapor penetration : through the finsh to the wood? Both, I think, though the focus of the article was on limiting seasonal expansion in a humid environment, so I was thinking mostly the latter. -- Andy Barss In either case, the answer is probably essentially the same. More solids on the wood will limit penetration. Limit can be read all the way from "slow down" (wax) to outright "block" (spar varnish). This is my opinion in really broad terms based on my experience only, as this is a testy subject among finishers. Wood finishing is unique from the stand point that we look for penetration in the finish to help with adhesion. Theortetically, longer drying oils will get better penetration and allow a thicker coat of resin due to increased cure time. Shorter drying solvent based finishes, specifically lacquer, have much less resin in them (and with me thinning 20%, even less per coat!) will dry much faster after the carrier evaporates and leave behind less resin behind to catalyse. In a very general way, this lack of penetration coupled with a thin layer of resin is why you can set a sweating water glass on a lacquer finished table and leave a ring as opposed to setting a water glass in a table finished with poly. After all, the ring under the glass is nothing but water vapor. Think about it like this: ever spray lacquer on a really humid day with off temps and get finish blush? Same thing. Wax provides little or no protection as it gets little or no penetration. Wax sits on top of the surface and forms a film over the wood. There are lots of different waxes for different purposes (liberon wax, butchers wax, finishing wax, buffalo wax and all manner of colored waxes,) but they all perform in the same manner with some being better than others. For the most part, the strong point of wax is to make the surface more abrasion resistant (slicker), and easier to clean (slicker, less adherance of dirt). Some like that soft feel that wax leaves, too. That would be the reason I would use it. Robert |
#22
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Sideboard Strategies?
Leon -
I typed out a detailed response, but it went to cyberspace. Somewhere. Here 'tis again. For the compressor, take off the cap on the tank regulator (not the pressure regulator to the gun). It may or may not have a diagram inside the cap; the diagram will show the adjustment screw between the exposed switches (at this time, the compressor should be unplugged!!) with some arrows pointing with labeled with detailed instrcutions like "hogher" and "lower". Sometimes the adjustment screw in on the side, but most of the time it is in the middle. Adjust the tank pressure gauge up and it will maintain a higher pressure in the tank, but more importantly raise the pressure at which your compressor will refill the tank. You can usually only get ten pounds or so out of the deal, but with a framing gun it is worth every pound. Brad guns - who cares. As for the hose vs. electrical, unless you need more electrical cords buy hose. You can buy a good 50' rubber hose (most flexible no matter what the weather, but little abrasion resistance) by Goodyear at HF for something like $24. It is good to have this one behind the gun as on a cold day it will easily flex. DO NOT buy a rubber hose from anywhere but the US. I found out the hard way they don't cure the rubber the same. I use the poly reinforced hoses, and they are available everywhere. They will take a helluva beating, are extremely abrasion resistant, punture resistant, and they are cheap. The only knock I have is in the dead of a cold winter they will not unroll. Buy your fittings at HF, as they have pack of 4 males and one female fittings and couplings for about $2.50, or about half the price of one fitting at HD. They are on sale for this about every other week. They are solid brass with stainless internals. I have had no luck with steel fittings as the plating gets scratched off from dragging them around on the jobs (slabs, asphalt, roofs) and they rust. HF fittings last well and cheap enough ot keep a couple of extra sets around. I wouldn't use 14 ga extension cords, no matter what the length on anything but a weedeater. No matter what the manufacturer says, remember he is giving you specs that are based perfect lab conditions, and that just isn't so out in the field. Many house operate at less than optimum voltage due to bad wiring, low input, too much attached to the panel, or at peak times of population use it can even be low at service box. Use heavier cords as a matter of course, and it seems to help the tools when they surge or draw more power than the lab specs. There is a really noticeable difference in using a 14 ga cord and a 12 gauge cord when using even my smallest saws. The final pointer for cord determination came to me when I had a compressor that wouldn't run more than 30 minutes without overheating at most houses on regular 110v with a 50' 12 ga extension which was well in manufacturer's specs. Jumped to a 10 ga, and it ran all day everywhere I went. Substituted a $15 hose and $2 worth of fittings for the $65 10 ga cord, and plugged the compressor straight into the outlet. Best solution yet. Every tool is happier with the least amount of extension cords. So the compressor was happy being plugged straight into the outlet, and I didn't have that expensive cord in the truck. And yes, believe it or not, if you get enough hose on the compressor it will make a difference. Quicker minds than mind could determine how many cubic feet extra a 3/8 or 1/2 hose would carry under pressure, but I found that out when I used to put 300 or so feet of house on my compressor when framing houses. I am not sure what one hose would do, and it certainly won't make up for a large tank, but you could get some extra mileage out of a couple or three hoses on the machine. Anything else, leeme lone. Just kiddin... let me know. ;^) Robert |
#23
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Sideboard Strategies?
wrote in message ups.com... Leon - I typed out a detailed response, but it went to cyberspace. Somewhere. Here 'tis again. For the compressor, take off the cap on the tank regulator (not the pressure regulator to the gun). It may or may not have a diagram inside the cap; the diagram will show the adjustment screw between the exposed switches (at this time, the compressor should be unplugged!!) with some arrows pointing with labeled with detailed instrcutions like "hogher" and "lower". Sometimes the adjustment screw in on the side, but most of the time it is in the middle. Adjust the tank pressure gauge up and it will maintain a higher pressure in the tank, but more importantly raise the pressure at which your compressor will refill the tank. You can usually only get ten pounds or so out of the deal, but with a framing gun it is worth every pound. Brad guns - who cares. Thanks I'll look in to that. As for the hose vs. electrical, unless you need more electrical cords buy hose. You can buy a good 50' rubber hose (most flexible no matter what the weather, but little abrasion resistance) by Goodyear at HF for something like $24. It is good to have this one behind the gun as on a cold day it will easily flex. DO NOT buy a rubber hose from anywhere but the US. I found out the hard way they don't cure the rubber the same. I am using a 50' rubber Goodyear now. I use the poly reinforced hoses, and they are available everywhere. They will take a helluva beating, are extremely abrasion resistant, punture resistant, and they are cheap. The only knock I have is in the dead of a cold winter they will not unroll. Buy your fittings at HF, as they have pack of 4 males and one female fittings and couplings for about $2.50, or about half the price of one fitting at HD. They are on sale for this about every other week. They are solid brass with stainless internals. I have had no luck with steel fittings as the plating gets scratched off from dragging them around on the jobs (slabs, asphalt, roofs) and they rust. HF fittings last well and cheap enough ot keep a couple of extra sets around. I have plenty of fittings but will look into the poly hose. I wouldn't use 14 ga extension cords, no matter what the length on anything but a weedeater. No matter what the manufacturer says, remember he is giving you specs that are based perfect lab conditions, and that just isn't so out in the field. Many house operate at less than optimum voltage due to bad wiring, low input, too much attached to the panel, or at peak times of population use it can even be low at service box. I'll keep that in mind. I do prefer to plug the compressor directly in to the wall. Use heavier cords as a matter of course, and it seems to help the tools when they surge or draw more power than the lab specs. There is a really noticeable difference in using a 14 ga cord and a 12 gauge cord when using even my smallest saws. The final pointer for cord determination came to me when I had a compressor that wouldn't run more than 30 minutes without overheating at most houses on regular 110v with a 50' 12 ga extension which was well in manufacturer's specs. Jumped to a 10 ga, and it ran all day everywhere I went. Substituted a $15 hose and $2 worth of fittings for the $65 10 ga cord, and plugged the compressor straight into the outlet. Best solution yet. Every tool is happier with the least amount of extension cords. So the compressor was happy being plugged straight into the outlet, and I didn't have that expensive cord in the truck. Yeah, I suspected the hose would be a lot cheaper. Just more tail to keep track of. ;~) And yes, believe it or not, if you get enough hose on the compressor it will make a difference. Quicker minds than mind could determine how many cubic feet extra a 3/8 or 1/2 hose would carry under pressure, but I found that out when I used to put 300 or so feet of house on my compressor when framing houses. I am not sure what one hose would do, and it certainly won't make up for a large tank, but you could get some extra mileage out of a couple or three hoses on the machine. Anything else, leeme lone. Just kiddin... let me know. ;^) Thanks again Robert, you have been a big help. |
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