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Messages - stlaser

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1
Nice score  :likebutton:

I must say though JR, when I get overwhelmed by all of my projects I just come here to see the next hundredth one you’ve recently picked up and then I feel ok about my situation again!  :facepalm:

2
Hide Site / Re: NWMT Cabin
« on: March 23, 2024, 04:15:21 AM »
Idk, something lumber yard wrote on that for the order a year ago…..

3
Hide Site / Re: NWMT Cabin
« on: March 22, 2024, 09:11:26 PM »


Water closet framed, moving to the low bay ceiling now.


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4
Hide Site / Re: NWMT Cabin
« on: March 21, 2024, 08:04:29 PM »
It is, I’m going to make it so I can access it easy enough. I may even put a screen type vent on there so warm air can get back to it. The cadet heater will be mounted in wall opposite this drain as well. So it will be blowing in that direction. Shouldn’t be an issue

5
Adventure / Re: 2025 Alaska trip
« on: March 21, 2024, 07:28:50 PM »
Ok, so Don asked me to post up. I reached out to him this morning to give him a heads up.

All of it revolves around this trip being more of a Sept trip for the wife and I. With that said we’re ok doing it by ourselves too and don’t expect anyone to change or meet our time frame. Just so we’re clear not demanding or expecting anything from anyone else.

After speaking with a friend up there we feel leaving Late August and heading up works better for our priorities. The reasons are as follows.

First, we personally had no interest in the artic portion. I’ve seen plenty of North slope desolate pictures. It does have a cool factor but the wife is a max 3 weeks available for this trip. Along those lines she has a requisite board meeting last week every month. So I could leave the last week of August to travel up with the rig and she could fly in after that meeting.

Second, I’m basing some of this off of Phil’s feedback. The wife likes the idea of every fourth night getting a hotel. This is technically off season and stuff is less expensive.

Bugs, drastically are less in Sept. two legged ones as well…….

Fishing, prime time is Sept. we’d love to pack some coolers and bring thet home. So maybe a guided portion near the end. Bring ferry back south, wife would like to experience that too.

I’m building the truck to get off the beaten path, how much unsure of atm but may not be a Dually or trailer type portion of it.

We don’t have kids to worry about so this works for us still.

Temps are 40-50’s in Sept and more rain. Ok by us, possible snow again not concerned. Should still be 9 hours a day sunlight yet.


6
Hide Site / Re: NWMT Cabin
« on: March 21, 2024, 07:13:24 PM »
True, drain pipe is about a 1/4” from the wall. Plan is to spray foam behind it once I get plumbing squared away.

7
Hide Site / Re: NWMT Cabin
« on: March 21, 2024, 06:11:03 PM »




Started framing water closet, doing a half wall on outside walls to get some insulation between concrete and drain and water line. I’d have preferred the waterline be in the wall but concrete guys screwed that up. I’ll hide it best I can under slop sink. Room will get cadet wall heater, fart fan along with toilet, waterless urinal and the slop sink.


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8
Bob, I don’t break rules in properly setup and run HOA’s. (My current one is neither for the record) I just use their rules against them………

Big difference  :wink:

9
D.O.T. / Re: WDYDT (What Did You Do Today)
« on: March 21, 2024, 09:21:18 AM »
Absolutely, we have a resident deer population that lives between our homes. Safety and ability to see and sense predators at night along with abundant food source keeps them here. Rarely, we see bucks, mostly does and fawns etc.

10
D.O.T. / Re: WDYDT (What Did You Do Today)
« on: March 20, 2024, 11:08:36 PM »
Corn? Doubtful, wife has a plan. These will be for a fenced in garden area.

11
D.O.T. / Re: WDYDT (What Did You Do Today)
« on: March 20, 2024, 10:46:24 PM »
Yup, way I figure it just the lumber is right shy of $1k per bed. We paid a 1/10th of that per unit plus add that there’s labor and some large screws included.

12
D.O.T. / Re: WDYDT (What Did You Do Today)
« on: March 20, 2024, 08:37:31 PM »


Neighbor & I scored some cedar raised garden beds. We were able to haul 8 at a time with my dump trailer. & yes men those are in fact 4x4 solid cedar posts!  The units measure 8’ x 4’ x 2’ tall


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13
D.O.T. / Re: WDYDT (What Did You Do Today)
« on: March 18, 2024, 02:28:30 PM »
Tyson just made the list too…..

14
Hide Site / Re: NWMT Cabin
« on: March 17, 2024, 11:35:18 PM »
It’s in 2 car garage still, hanging in the official holding position. People decided to pay me to build axles so it took back burner atm. Read : “high dollar junk collecting bench atm”

15
Hide Site / Re: NWMT Cabin
« on: March 17, 2024, 09:40:38 PM »


Lazy Sunday, cutting various pieces for several projects.

Below are two well used acorn tables 5’ sq I picked up last fall. I need to fix a couple cracks and then have them Blanchard Ground to same thickness. Currently about .120 difference in height.














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16
Hide Site / Re: NWMT Cabin
« on: March 17, 2024, 09:37:21 PM »
Yup, 50-70’s are awesome work weather!

What do you want pics of JR? The joists are up in the pic I posted and the two post and jib being erected are in an older post.

17
Get an rv cover……

18
Hide Site / Re: NWMT Cabin
« on: March 17, 2024, 04:36:27 PM »
The plan for this low bay section beyond the front man door and facilities is to be a 12’ x 27’ space that I use as a front counter of sorts and final axle assembly in the back of it. I will also package and ship from this area daily small parts. It will be a clean area of sorts off the main shop and many days in the winter I may not heat the main shop but just work from the separately heated low Bay Area.


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19
Hide Site / Re: NWMT Cabin
« on: March 17, 2024, 04:28:47 PM »


Not a lot to report, it’s been cold and I’ve been busy with axle building. We finally received a 4 day stretch with high 50’s and low 60’s.

I’ve been playing musical chairs with shop items. For the most part moving them up out of the way into the mezzanine I built last fall. I’ve setup the 2 post and jib crane.

Then proceeded to move items out of low bay section. Mainly so I can start to finish the 12’ tall ceiling in here.

Somewhere along the way I ended up with 4 extra 20’ I joists. This front corner is where the bathroom is roughed at and needs framed. In order to make best use of materials I cut the I joists to 150” and created what will be the ceiling for facilities along with a 3’ tall area that is roughly 12’ x 6’ for more storage. Win win….


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20
Pretty sweet set up,

shame to see you beat that all the way to the artic and back though. And you’re right, you’re stuck to wide two tracks with it too now.

21
When / If you pass thru NE IN tell em I said Hey!  :likebutton:

Assuming you’re going to Mishawaka/ Elkhart area……

22
Build Threads / Re: Don's 2024 Ram 3500
« on: March 13, 2024, 06:48:00 AM »
Dave, do your research on the miles you’ll get from those tires. I used to only buy bfg, they sponsored the race teams and it seemed like a good idea and I used to get the miles out of them on the 1 ton trucks. At some point around 2012 they changed compounds and quality. Several sets out of round and got half the mileage. I ditched them permanently as a tire supplier.

23
Faith Discussion / Re: Prayer request please.
« on: March 12, 2024, 09:27:33 PM »
Sorry to hear that, will lift your family up

24
Firearms / Re: New 7mm08 jeep rifle
« on: March 11, 2024, 10:44:11 AM »
Bob, that is unfortunate. My day is shot now w/o those pics. Guess I’m going to have to go to work now and drown my sorrows in gear oil……  :wink:

25
Build Threads / Re: Don's 2022 Ram 3500
« on: March 11, 2024, 09:27:25 AM »
Yeah, but Don’s got Tesla history……  :tongue:

26
Build Threads / Re: Don's 2022 Ram 3500
« on: March 10, 2024, 10:10:30 PM »
Maybe he bought that cyber truck at auction……  :tongue:

27
Firearms / Re: New 7mm08 jeep rifle
« on: March 10, 2024, 06:31:31 PM »
Pics or it didn’t happen Bob!

29
Build Threads / Re: Don's 2022 Ram 3500
« on: March 10, 2024, 02:45:37 PM »
Compounds? A military grade trailer to haul H around for Ken? A dream catcher on the rear view? Or maybe some fuzzy pink dice and a spinning disco ball?

30
Firearms / Re: Trying to buy new rifle while in Az for winter
« on: March 06, 2024, 09:23:08 PM »
Bob, can you not order it from a million places online and send it to a local ffl? Typically the local ffl’s who work out of their homes will hold them and work with you. At least mine in Colorado would. They normally charge $15-$30 for the transfer so aren’t too worried about it.

31
D.O.T. / Re: WDYDT (What Did You Do Today)
« on: March 02, 2024, 08:43:17 PM »
JR, what I’m saying to Charles is maybe the eBay sellers are selling items they bought from amazons returned pallet system and then sell it on eBay versus thieves walking it out of stores and selling on eBay.

Furthermore, the issue isn’t if pp protects your money it’s whether you just bought stolen chit or not.

32
D.O.T. / Re: WDYDT (What Did You Do Today)
« on: March 02, 2024, 07:20:42 PM »
“Open Box” on eBay means all the stuff the theft rings walked out of Home Depot with…

Hey Don. This was in your backyard.  Did you attend??

https://www.wdsu.com/article/kentucky-couple-gets-married-inside-gas-station-disco-bathroom/46944375


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You don’t think it’s in the pallets of returned junk you can buy from Amazon? Not arguing just asking.


33
Hand Tools, Power Tools, Welders, etc / Re: Bridgeport Mill, rebuild
« on: March 02, 2024, 03:45:15 PM »
Copy, that’s built into my Mathews mill. In the past I’ve just run a small disconnect blade box on the wall behind them.

34
Build Threads / Re: 2001 Excursion Alaska Overlander
« on: March 02, 2024, 03:29:37 PM »
Copy, I run Cooper tires pretty much exclusively now. Planning on 37” sst’s for the excursion. I’ve had really good luck with them on several trucks. I agree 3/8-1/4 tread and I sell them to those less fortunate (typically of Spanish heritage) who like to pay me for the worn out carcasses.

Be aware those duratracs have thin sidewalls. I gutted one in the middle of suburbia hippyland CALorado hell one summer with a glass bottle somehow.

Thanks for the insight.

35
Hand Tools, Power Tools, Welders, etc / Re: Bridgeport Mill, rebuild
« on: March 02, 2024, 01:13:32 PM »
I run mine on breakers for a kill switch.

36
Build Threads / Re: 2001 Excursion Alaska Overlander
« on: March 02, 2024, 01:12:06 PM »
Don, prior to kids taking it to college it was 10-12 regardless if I pulled a small trailer with it or not. I’m going to 37’s on it and 5.13 gears which will be almost spot on to the tires and 4.30’s I have now. So I’ll assume 8 and may be surprised? At 8 with 44 gallon tank I’m 350 miles, if I can add 4 cans to rear rack like Phil did then that gets me to 500 miles maybe more. Obviously stop and go cuts the mileage considerably.

I’m hoping one spare tire unless Phil comes back saying he gutted sidewalls like it was his job.


37
Build Threads / Re: 2001 Excursion Alaska Overlander
« on: March 01, 2024, 10:42:28 PM »
Ok Phil, let’s dive a bit deeper on a couple items.

First the double spare tire thing. Is two really necessary? Are you cutting sidewalls? Reason I ask is I follow a you tuber and he actually lives in Alaska and drives all over. He has one spare and it’s not even close to the correct size. Granted he drives a Ford so maybe it’s a Dodge thing?  :tongue: In all seriousness I carry a plug kit and compressor. What was your actual experience?

Broken windshield, carry stone chip repair kits would be good idea I assume.

Spare parts, thinking new belts, rad hoses and maybe idler. I’ll get plugs swapped again before I go (triton engine bs). I did it 40k ago but it’s been a couple years now and they loosen up and tend to build up on threads exposed in combustion chamber. Toss in a spare alternator and starter? Service fluids and carry extra. These V10 do eat some oil between changes so I do carry extra oil already.

I’d say I’m not the normal vacationer to such places. With off road racing back ground and recreational wheeling in some remote places I’m used to cobbling things together to get back home or at least to a pit for a real repair.

38
Build Threads / Re: 2001 Excursion Alaska Overlander
« on: March 01, 2024, 04:43:01 PM »
All great info, I’ve been told two spares from others, bedliner will be on the exterior so no worries. It has 44 gal tank from the factory but was planning several rear sceptor 5 gallon cans. I doubt I go to the artic or that far north. I’ve seen plenty of pics and it’s desolate on north slope. I’m also not interested in paying $75 for a bus ride so I can dip my toes.

Goal is to keep the cog lower, once you go to 37’s they tend to get tall on these trucks. So I’m thinking 35’s and possibly shave the rear diff.


39
I’m not telling mine that’s an option….  :tongue:

40
Build Threads / Re: 2001 Excursion Alaska Overlander
« on: March 01, 2024, 10:40:38 AM »
So here’s the plan. Yes we own a fifth wheel but I refuse to tow it to Alaska and get beat to death. In bed campers are heavy, not for me. Add in the fact that the best trips wife and I have done were in my little work van with a full size mattress tossed in the back roughing it. Last minute and no real frills. The fifth wheel is luxury but at a cost.

*2005+ Superduty axles freshened up

Benefits
-coil spring front
-fits 35’s with stock oem coil springs or perhaps 37’s but I’m not a fan of the look of these on 37’s
-new wheels
-already own a custom set of new rear alcans
-much better braking
-tighter turning plus 1550 ujoint shafts
-Yukon lockouts if Tate ever releases them….
-4.88 or 5.13 gears versus 4.30 oem
-grizzly rear locker as I have one on shelf
-front locker already own a Spartan or go for an Ox cable actuated locker?
-will upgrade sway bars
-may add rear bags if needed but trying to keep it lighter so hoping not for now

*Paint & Body

-raptor line the exterior completely, (maybe a new brighter color so the old guys in the caravan can see me and not get lost?)

-bumpers front and rear with front winch (think pulling old guys out after them getting stuck in a mulch bed) this will be plate center sections and skeletal tubing wings to keep it lighter overall but still add needed protection for deer and accessories.

-roof rack & rear rack, it does have a 44 gallon fuel tank but would like extra fuel capacity and move spare tire to exterior. Our kayaks will be on the roof for trips. Possible bike racks on rear. Small propane tank mount.

-camp shower mount off upper rack, probably just use solar bags for warmer water.

*Interior

-remove all rear seats
-repair drivers seat bottom
-add / upgrade some electronics (communication, driving, cameras)
-12v chest fridge / freezer arb or dometic
-deep cycle battery and possibly roof solar
-cassette toilet for better half
-full size rv mattress from Wilderness RV which we have in fifth wheel and love it.
-under bed storage in rear
-rear cargo door storage upgrade and fold down tables
-window screen on rear side doors for ventilation
-modify rear upper window hatch to swing up farther, must for tall guys

Plan is to use this for Alaska trip then dirt bike trips to places such as Moab, KOH etc in the future. Our second camper type setup but definitely more nimble and easier to get into for off the road places.


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41
Build Threads / 2001 Excursion Alaska Overlander
« on: March 01, 2024, 10:20:32 AM »


2001 Ford Excursion V10 Limited w/ 190k on the clock.

We went to Bozeman for a long weekend last week and brought this back home with us. I loaned it to my middle daughter a couple years ago to have something to drive after her first semester at college. She drove it for nine months and then bought herself a low mileage Ford Explorer. So that September our youngest who joined her sister at college started driving it and has for the last 18 ish months. She just bought herself a low mileage Ford Edge.

I drove this home 5 hours and it’s got a bit more wear and tear on it now and the steering isn’t as tight any longer. I was unsure what to do with it honestly. It needs paint, some steering love at some point and a couple other small things. I do still have a pile of new parts for it I had gathered prior to loaning it out. However, it’s been extremely reliable and does what we have asked of it for the last 5 or so years.

Then enter Don’s Alaska trip which has been on my bucket list for some time………

Yes, I know. You could make a meme from the photo. The other project sitting looking at the new project with jealousy.


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42
Adventure / Re: 2025 Alaska trip
« on: February 28, 2024, 10:01:43 PM »
This trip has been on my bucket list for at least five years. Seriously considering it, gotta line up a couple things.  :likebutton:

43
Everything Trailer, Camper, or RV related / Re: What about a truck camper?
« on: February 28, 2024, 08:24:52 PM »
Some insperation for you!

I would like to go back again, dont know where you going to get on the ferry but if you have time please visit Kennicott and the Kenai Peninsula is very nice.  I went all the way down to Valdez.  Please give yourself 4-6weeks or you will see most of it thru the windshield of you truck

I drove all the way from LA up and back down!  I think it was like 12K miles all said and done.

Also largest seaplane airport in the world in Anckorage and really good Wiley Post musuem in Fairbanks

Canada crossing will be fun if you have boom sticks or even if you dont, dont recommond taking the boomsticks thru Canada.

You sleep in the ram charger the whole trip?

44
Everything Trailer, Camper, or RV related / Re: What about a truck camper?
« on: February 28, 2024, 08:19:51 PM »
Last time I tried, I called that stupid boom stick number for a week straight. Never got them to answer, pretty sure it was intentional.

45
Everything Trailer, Camper, or RV related / Re: What about a truck camper?
« on: February 28, 2024, 04:23:16 PM »
If you guys need a place to rendezvous you can use my place before heading north. I can’t make that time line but I could host for a night or two.

46
Message from the Owner / Re: Renewal fees, your call
« on: February 28, 2024, 04:20:36 PM »
When is the deadline?


Edit, I see fine print now April 13th

47
Everything Trailer, Camper, or RV related / Re: What about a truck camper?
« on: February 28, 2024, 10:07:09 AM »
You'll need to add 2nd 100 amp battery and good heavy cables and dc to dc charger to keep the batteries charged, 400 watts of solar will help a lot but with DC ref, you're going  to be using more power every day. We did Michigan to Arctic Ocean in 17 with a popup truck camper, Truck Campers are the only way to see Alaska! You can get to so many more places it's mostly State or Federal land so if you see a 2 track down to a river most of the time you can camp there, we found lots of dry camping in Canada and Alaska!

That trip you did put it on my bucket list of things to do.

48
Hide Site / Re: NWMT Cabin
« on: February 24, 2024, 04:46:39 AM »
As temps get back up in the 40’s I’m slowly erecting equipment in the shop. The jib boom on the skid loader is invaluable. Half the battle is finding where I boxed stuff up when moving out of Colorado shop. Of which it did sell a couple weeks back. Paid final electric bill on it yesterday. So my ties to hippyland are officially in the rearview.











One of my neighbors met a tragic end, here kitty kitty….

We do have one in the vicinity as we've come across tracks and scat on our walks / runs several times recently. 


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49
What are you building? / Re: Drawer system for overlanding
« on: February 23, 2024, 08:18:48 PM »
Oooof, tac topper…..  :tongue:

50
D.O.T. / Re: WDYDT (What Did You Do Today)
« on: February 21, 2024, 07:44:56 PM »
Soooooo, I showed this to the wife and her response was this is why I need goats! :rolleyes:

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