MIMF

So, where can we get some potassium carbonate and what does it cost? Does it require any special handling? I've done the deed with table salt in a ziploc bag but calibrating a hygrometer at 75% humidity doesn't really tell you if it's accurate around 40%.

One of the cheap electronic thermometer/hygrometer devices (Acurite from Walmart) that I have has a wired probe (thermocouple) for outdoor temperature (and an internal thermocouple for indoor temperature. The device is next to useless as a hygrometer but the temperature part is pretty good. It has a...

You could shine the IR thermometer on the back of the mirror.

I have made one baritone. It had a 27" scale and used a .068" (and later .070) string for the low B. I used the same slope as for the normal 6 strings that I make (1/4" over 6 inches--the same as what you cited above). I used a 1/8" wide saddle. I don't remember what I used for m...

You can get a pneumatic stapler at Harbor Freight for $22. Borrow a compressor and you're done. I just lent my compressor to someone who got the stapler from Harbor Freight to put up wire fencing. The stapler was still working at the end of the job. Harbor Freight usually sells tool-shaped objects b...

It looks like he made it.

It all depends on the string gauge. The D to D guitar probably uses normal guitar strings. Put a capo on the second fret and you have an E to E guitar with approximately the same scale length as a normal E to E. A B to B baritone often uses a heavier set like .070 to .014. I've made one that works w...

I've never been able to make any of the rules work for fingerboard width--the rule has to take into account nut width and string spread at the bridge. I have always just drawn out the entire scale length with the outside strings, and then measured a sufficient ledge (I always use 1/8" on both s...

The used tool folks work used to work with a phone call. You call and describe exactly what you need and they send it. I suspect they have large stores that aren't listed on the website. For 8.95, I'd buy it and be done with the problem.

If the new part won't work: http://www.stanleytoolparts.com/knobscrew1.html
Try these guys: http://www.antique-used-tools.com/comparts.htm
I'm pretty sure I used the latter quite successfully several years ago when I needed to fix one of my planes.

"Seems" accurate may not be close enough. I have several of digital hygrometers. The best is within 2 points of actual, the worst is sometimes 20 points off depending on the temperature--that one was advertised as "accurate" by StewMac. The others are usually off around 10 points...

I like to keep my house above 40% to protect my instruments. (I build in the 40 to 45% range). Before you do anymore, find a way to calibrate your hygrometer. Most affordable hygrometers aren't very accurate--you can spend a long time chasing a non-problem. Calibrating it near the value that you wan...

I wouldn't use a Blanchard-style rod without both end blocks being firmly supported in the neck. The LMI two-way TRSDS rod is 12" long before the nut (really 11 7/8) but doesn't have the dual thread pitch that makes the Blanchard-style rod so nice. It does work--I've used them in classical guit...

Good point, Chuck. Mine, an 18" Rikon, instructs that it is to be bolted to the floor (which I didn't do). It might be a bit tippy on a narrow mobile base. A mobile base wide enough to sufficiently support it might be in the way of the operator. Imagine reflexively catching it if it started to ...

I've used big rubber bands in the past. I like the hose clamps. No more shooting blocks. I'm going to get some of those big clamps.

Mine has a hoist ring on the top. I hired a tow truck to lift it down my basement stairs. Maybe a block and tackle or a come-along to an eyebolt in the ceiling joist (if you have enough ceiling clearance)?

I just saw a summary of the damage and lives lost in New York. Wow! I'm sorry I was so insensitive this morning. It appears that many had a bad, bad night up there. What happened here was much less than was forecast.

It seems to be over here in Fredericksburg, VA. No local damage that I'm aware of. I expect I'll be paddling whitewater by the end of the week after the rivers go down a bit. We needed the water.

So far, we've only seen 2+" of rain and 40 mph winds here in Fredericksburg, VA. The prediction is for more of both. How was Woodstock? I couldn't go this year. There were already other things on the schedule when the date was changed.

Supergrit (Red Hat) has them : http://supergrit.com/products/products_ ... rconia.asp

I ordered a few and didn't feel that I got much more life out of them than I did with the regular aluminum oxide. I go for cheap with (with no bump) so I can change them without emotion when they stop cutting.