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Shut up and take my money!! I want that beast

Only real difference besides the brands they carry, contractors go to HD, weekend warriors go to Lows. At least around my neck of the woods. I think it's all about branding, meaning Lows puts more effort into being approachable to the common folk.

Sorry brother, no matter the reason it can't be easy. I hope you don't live in California, although I would like to check out your shop... Out here she would own the house. I think you should rent that extra room to a Veteran attending college. But I'm biased, I was homeless for a bit while attending college the first year. In the end just keep doing the things that make you happy and the rest will fall into place. Go build something and post some more videos.

Although redheads are great, and the go to when mounting big stuff, maybe overkill for a workbench. One alternative are tapcon concrete screws. They are rated and approved by most city/state authorities and very easy to install. They come in a variety of shank sizes and head types. Sold right next to redheads and approved for cracked concrete. If you are setting lumber directly onto the concert floor you should use pressure treated where contact is made. Tapcons are recommended for this type of application. I used tapcons to secure a large steel manhole type cover over the tornado pit @ discovery science center. Lots of kids beating the hell out of the thing and it's standing strong. They come in the standard blue coated and stainless variety. Another benefit to tapcon vs redheads- no bolts or threads sticking up above the floor. Don't know if that matters to you. How secure do you need the bench? http://www.tapcon.com/products

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/978262034/1536265459?token=82860afa Spotted this Kickstarter pre campaign. Train made from laser cut wood.

first thing you need to do is plain out the location and size/shape. Then design with a free deck design tool (HomeDepot, Lows. Trex...) this will give you a good estimate of price, material, and general construction. Next look up the building codes and edit your design as needed. Submit plans and pull permits as needed. But most importantly, check to be sure external distractions won't delay progress. Check the weather and plain accordingly. Most contracts will advise for a fee.

Cry once now or pay twice later

I'm not a plumber but I don't think this is the correct way to support a gas pipe.

That last pic is a trim router with v-guide & handle.

Im working on making my solar generator a quick snap into the bed of my truck. Compressor can be modular as well. Also, have you thought about an off-road style system? ARB makes a dual compressor system that mounts to a truck/jeep. Plumb an extra tank.

I would try to use an inverter and AC compressor. Throw it in a box with a battery connected via disconnect (dual battery ) to trucks battery. When the truck runs, the compressor gets charged and runs with extra amps. The battery will run the compressor for short periods. Oil filled compressor should draw the least amount of amps. The inverter needs to be a pure sine inverter. Found on boats and RV's. If the load calcs work, you might be able to add a spiderbox.

I did pick up some of my grandfathers old nail guns & compressor. Nothing too fancy but it is nice working with the same tools he used. He was a finished carpenter who could do more with hammer and chisel then most men could accomplish with the entire festool product line.

Picked up a post hole digger and shovel. Digger is about useless with the big rock and boulders. Decided to use pre made footing with straps instead of poured. I'll still sink the footing and pour some cement. Decided to rake and grade the ground around the foundation. Trying to think about water flow before the new deck goes in. Mounding dirt and slopping away from foundation. I'm going to sink some brick & rock and build a few run-offs to help move more water. While grading I found out the propane pipe is pretty much on the surface. I'll have to dig some more and try to sink that thing a few feet. The next tool I want to pickup is the Milwaukee circular saw. I think it would be a workhorse on this build. I don't trust the electrical in this place anyway. I'm shooting for similar construction to this deck railing:

Yep, deck is rotten. Time to demo & rebuild.

That's what I'm thinking. I want to expand the back deck and its in really bad shape so I'm pretty sure that will be a full rebuild. I might be able to save the front but I'm doubtful

If you can convince the girls to cut the tree down I'm game. I think it's easier to keep it though.

I built one of these in a Ridgid case. It works great and has plenty of power. Mostly use it on camping expedition. Besides the charge controller, DC inverter is most important. There are two basic types. Pure Sin and Modified Sin. Modified Sin is the most common but due to the nature of the 'AC' produced, modified sin inverters are not recommended for inductive loads. That means you can't plug anything with a motor or heating coil into the inverter. This eliminates most power tools. A pure sin inverter produces a true sinwave and can operate motors and heaters. These are often found in RV's and big rigs or boats. Pure a Sin is better but also $$$$. I don't know if you have preformed any load calculations but please be sure to fuse your generator and size the wires properly. Otherwise your generator turns into a bomb. Also be aware that electronics produce gas, the gas is flammable and can explode with arc flash. Generally the battery should be isolated from any switching gear. Although this may not be practical, proper venting should minimize arc flash dangers. My version of the solar generator is not complete. In fact I only had a few hours to throw it together. Drilled a hole on the side of the case and used a plug to seal it. I use this to pass solar and power wires through. Eventually I will install proper bulkhead fittings. (Too many projects, not enough time) Ridgid Tools In Action - Pro Edition Solar Generator Messy but functional LED light strip, just because

With your CNC and a few days, you can build a 3D Printer. I would build a CNC with $1,000.

I'm trying to decide if I should attempt to refurbish the old deck or build a new one. The pressure treated frame is loose as most nails have pulled out and joist hangers have inch size gaps throughout. I'm putting together a CAD of the deck and checking county building codes.

The weather is turning and we expect lots of rain. Dumped gravel in the parking structure and around edges. Gravel/Rock guy located within walking distance and gathers materials locally. It always feels good to use local sources. First season here so I'm keeping my eye on water flow. Need to figure something out for the front yard.

I do all the work and my wife $ mother-in-law do the relaxing. At least it's an excuse to buy more tools.

Nestled in the San Jacinto mountains hides a sleepy throwback to small town America. Half the population seem to be named Bob, Bob Jr, and sometimes even Richard. Mcdonald’s doesn’t exist nor will you find a Subway. A majority of the population seem to be artist and the rest have conversation of draft days and heroic service. My wife and mother-in-law found this place and soon fell in love with the small town feel and fresh mountain air. So much so that shortly after returning they bought a cabin near town. Buying a cabin wasn’t a total surprise, we have all been talking about how much fun a mountain retreat would be. It was a combination of hard times mixed with good fortune that speed up the decision/action. After the initial ‘cuteness’ wore off, I went to work inspecting the structure. I don’t claim to be a builder but I know enough to be dangerous. One of the first things I noticed was the deck. It’s in very bad condition and pulling away from the house. Below are some pictures.

I'm back from my Island adventure. It was a blast! I will post some pics in another post later. I should be headed up to the cabin Wed. I need to take a look at the deck and get started replacing it. I'll take some PIC so you guys have a better Idea what I'm working with. Thanks for all the help guys.

65,000 miles. Warrant ended @ 60k

I don't know what the specs are for main/feed. I did do a quick check and found no grounds. I installed GFCI as a temporary solution. I will have to check the main panel and ground in the mudroom. The place doesn't use much power though, I'll try to do a power survey next time I'm up there. I'm going away tomorrow to a field bio trip with my wife. We are leading about 20 college students to Channel Island National Park, there's a restricted portion on Santa Cruz Island we visit. Mostly restoration and education, so no fun outdoors 4x4.. I should be back up in the cabin in a few weeks. I have never replaced a water-heater or tankless, I can sweat pipe, electrical, & carpentry though. You think I can handle the swap or should I hire a pro? I'm thinking I need a pro.