Author Topic: WDYDT (What Did You Do Today) (Read 1337018 times)

KensAuto · « **Reply #9600 on:** March 29, 2019, 04:11:47 PM »

Man that looks like a blast! Be sure to get the wife to video the first dump for us, if you don't mind.

dave945 · « **Reply #9601 on:** March 29, 2019, 09:17:46 PM »

Wanted to get some thoughts on a problem I have at the house. There is a retaining wall that was not backfilled right and had no drainage, it’s at the bottom of the driveway and when it rains, it all gathers there. Not as much since I bought the place because I’ve redirected the flow, but still a little.
Take a look at the pictures, it’s leaving about 11 or 12 degrees off vertical.
So do I cut it a few feet out from the house and drop the entire old wall, then either put in a new wall or grade the dirt out?
Or do you think it would be possible to use an excavator and trench out behind it and see if I can get it pushed back up fairly straight and brace it, core drill it for drainage and put stone and drainage tile behind it?

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longball · « **Reply #9602 on:** March 29, 2019, 10:17:25 PM »

When you sink a bucket it exerts lateral force to both sides. The intact dirt opposite the wall is stronger than the wall. Energy will take the path of least resistance and my guess would be it will go to the wall and knock it over. That’s been my experience anyway.

If it were mine I would either put up a new wall or grade it out, place some large, flat rocks on it, then fill the empty spaces with monkey grass or similar. From the pictures it looks like you already have some stone there.

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dave945 · « **Reply #9603 on:** March 29, 2019, 10:31:28 PM »

Yeah, that’s kind of what I was thinking might happen if I try to dig it out. I may still try just for experimentation sake. And who doesn’t like to operate heavy machinery.

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JR · « **Reply #9604 on:** March 29, 2019, 10:36:54 PM »

That wall is pretty bad, call it a loss. Knock it down and put a proper wall.

Nate · « **Reply #9605 on:** March 29, 2019, 10:38:00 PM »

This tells me 2 things.

1. This says the wall is completely toast and needs to be replaced.

2. If this happened this close to the garage, i wonder what it did to the foundation walls of the garage?

dave945 · « **Reply #9606 on:** March 29, 2019, 10:40:31 PM »

I don’t need the two garage doors below that wall, I could easily live with having a single door. I could remove the left hand door, use either concrete block wall or poured concrete and then grade it out over that distance. Shouldn’t need a wall anymore at that point. Question is, do I cut the wal as close to the house as I can and then drop the wall and leave it, or break it up and haul it out?

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dave945 · « **Reply #9607 on:** March 29, 2019, 10:43:06 PM »

Inside the garage, there is a single crack, not even open enough for the point of a pencil. On the other side of the wall, where it meets the house/garage wall, it is cracked so I think the pressure was released there. I’ll see if I can get some mOre pictures tomorrow.

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JR · « **Reply #9608 on:** March 29, 2019, 10:47:16 PM »

Just make sure the water has a way out where the garage and wall meet. That may need addressing like sealing and a French drain.

Bob Smith · « **Reply #9609 on:** March 29, 2019, 11:59:02 PM »

If it were me, and there isn't a water problem or movement in the basement wall, I would just remove the existing retaining wall. Provide drainage for the curtain drain around the house footings, the existing down spouts, and footing for the new wall. Type of new retaining wall system will depend on space and how much area you want to give up.

Flyin6 · « **Reply #9610 on:** March 30, 2019, 08:43:44 AM »

Quote from: Sammconn on March 29, 2019, 10:20:58 AM

Waiting for train crew.
New sled day today.
Long story but I bit the bullet when I was up north.
Will put pics up later.

Samm
That's funny
Hate to break it to ya, but you're always "up North!"

Flyin6 · « **Reply #9611 on:** March 30, 2019, 08:51:12 AM »

Quote from: dave945 on March 29, 2019, 10:31:28 PM

Yeah, that’s kind of what I was thinking might happen if I try to dig it out. I may still try just for experimentation sake. And who doesn’t like to operate heavy machinery.

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Dave
I am having a lot of good luck with stacking good sized flat rocks as retaining walls. If they move, you don't notice. And dirt will naturally settle in and fill the cracks
The best technique for uber strong is to backfill as you go with dense grade gravel. The work goes fast and who could see a mistake, heck you can't make a mistake.
Just need a healthy supply of coffee table and larger sized stones.
BTW you nave ten thousand of them under your feet. They are around eight feet down at my farm site, then below them another eight feet or so is mother earth sized stuff.
The stacked wall around the pond, subject to all manner of frost heaving just settled into place and backfilled itself naturally over the past winter.
Looks better than plain old urban kon-kreet

Sammconn · « **Reply #9612 on:** March 30, 2019, 11:15:12 AM »

Quote from: Flyin6 on March 30, 2019, 08:43:44 AM

Quote from: Sammconn on March 29, 2019, 10:20:58 AM
Waiting for train crew.
New sled day today.
Long story but I bit the bullet when I was up north.
Will put pics up later.
Samm
That's funny
Hate to break it to ya, but you're always "up North!"

I suppose...BUT.
I have an all season road. So I don’t consider myself trapped.
But yeah I guess I am there. But it’s still up north to me. Lol.

KensAuto · « **Reply #9613 on:** March 30, 2019, 11:28:36 AM »

Wall has to go no matter what imo.
A transition would be needed for the high ground next to the garage, then maybe a short wall the rest of the way... something good to sit down on.

dave945 · « **Reply #9614 on:** March 30, 2019, 12:23:03 PM »

Wow Ken, first beautiful floral bouquets, now artwork a la smartphone? You’re just so artsy fartsy.
What you drew is kind of where I’m leaning towards, closing off the left garage door and sloping the hillside down. Hadn’t bought of just having a smaller wall down below. That could definitely work to keep the rest from sliding and control the water runoff too.

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Farmer Jon · « **Reply #9615 on:** March 30, 2019, 01:04:08 PM »

2 weeks after the flood we were able to get into my buddy's house. We started cleaning but It's shot we had to quit. The floor is rotten and he fell through. He's ok but we decided it was too dangerous to continue. He and his son have been staying with us. His son was driving an hour one way to school every day. Starting today they will be staying with his pastor. That's only a 20 minute drive from school.

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Flyin6 · « **Reply #9616 on:** March 30, 2019, 08:50:45 PM »

Quote from: Farmer Jon on March 30, 2019, 01:04:08 PM

2 weeks after the flood we were able to get into my buddy's house. We started cleaning but It's shot we had to quit. The floor is rotten and he fell through. He's ok but we decided it was too dangerous to continue. He and his son have been staying with us. His son was driving an hour one way to school every day. Starting today they will be staying with his pastor. That's only a 20 minute drive from school.

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Wow!

That is some reality settling in for a long visit right there

You folks have it hard

We who were spared (for now) ought to be on our faces thanking God we didn't have deal with all those apolitic conditions.

Sammconn · « **Reply #9617 on:** March 30, 2019, 09:06:06 PM »

Jon that’s tough. I wish all of you affected the best.

Me, it’s about 15* today. Really nice. Yeah yeah. But it is.

Maiden voyage for the new sled. Worked like a champ for its first four miles...

I’m also beat all to snot from the 500 odd mile ride for the dog race, and have the sauna heating up.
I’m at 140* now goal of 180*.

My bad back is screaming and my knees are answering so I need a heat soak.

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KensAuto · « **Reply #9618 on:** March 30, 2019, 09:06:48 PM »

Agree with Don. That sounds pretty terrible.

Bigdave_185 · « **Reply #9619 on:** March 31, 2019, 09:37:59 AM »

Quote from: dave945 on March 29, 2019, 09:17:46 PM

Wanted to get some thoughts on a problem I have at the house. There is a retaining wall that was not backfilled right and had no drainage, it’s at the bottom of the driveway and when it rains, it all gathers there. Not as much since I bought the place because I’ve redirected the flow, but still a little.
Take a look at the pictures, it’s leaving about 11 or 12 degrees off vertical.
So do I cut it a few feet out from the house and drop the entire old wall, then either put in a new wall or grade the dirt out?
Or do you think it would be possible to use an excavator and trench out behind it and see if I can get it pushed back up fairly straight and brace it, core drill it for drainage and put stone and drainage tile behind it?

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https://www.thisoldhouse.com/ideas/all-about-retaining-walls

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Sammconn · « **Reply #9620 on:** March 31, 2019, 09:01:55 PM »

So it was a sunny day. Smoked wings. They were delicious.

The sauna was still warm this morning so I threw a couple more sticks at the stove.

That is 185* F. It was closing on 95C 200*F when I went in for a sweat. Only lasted about 7 minutes. Too hot.

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Bigdave_185 · « **Reply #9621 on:** April 01, 2019, 07:42:41 AM »

Theme park with the kids yesterday

Max loves the rides while his brother hates them

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Flyin6 · « **Reply #9622 on:** April 01, 2019, 10:55:30 AM »

Quote from: Bigdave_185 on April 01, 2019, 07:42:41 AM

Theme park with the kids yesterday

Max loves the rides while his brother hates them

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Ah-Ha!
Proof that all kids love channeling the inner helicopter pilot in them!

JR · « **Reply #9623 on:** April 01, 2019, 10:58:52 AM »

Looks like fun Dave.

JR · « **Reply #9624 on:** April 01, 2019, 11:02:38 AM »

OK, so done with moms house. Left there at 1430 Sunday.

Beam came out nice, did what feels like a million little things, I was burned out!

Now I get to go through what I brought over. My garage has never been more clogged!!

JR · « **Reply #9625 on:** April 01, 2019, 11:06:07 AM »

Oh, and today I get the taxes done,,,,,,,,,,,,,

longball · « **Reply #9626 on:** April 01, 2019, 11:11:32 AM »

Finally got to throw a line in saltwater this weekend and caught quite a variety of critters. First thing I ever pulled out of the ocean was a stingray. Then we caught a couple crabs, one eel, one small whiting, and several catfish.

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JR · « **Reply #9627 on:** April 01, 2019, 12:35:17 PM »

Catfish=good bait!

Could you have used a bigger hook on that eel?

longball · « **Reply #9628 on:** April 01, 2019, 12:55:10 PM »

Quote from: JR on April 01, 2019, 12:35:17 PM

Catfish=good bait!

Could you have used a bigger hook on that eel?

We were using shrimp and squid as bait. I heard the whiting are good bait but when we caught it we were about to leave so we just threw him back.

I’m ignorant enough about fishing in general that I don’t know if the thing about the hook is a question or a joke.

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JR · « **Reply #9629 on:** April 01, 2019, 05:27:44 PM »

Maybe it was just a small eel. The hook looks HUGE.

longball · « **Reply #9630 on:** April 01, 2019, 08:26:41 PM »

It was a small eel but you’re right, a much bigger hook wouldn’t have fit in its mouth. I’ve caught more stingrays than I have fish. Two more today.

Strange looking critters.

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Nate · « **Reply #9631 on:** April 01, 2019, 09:58:30 PM »

Think those are wierd.....wait till you catch a halibut.

dave945 · « **Reply #9632 on:** April 01, 2019, 09:58:38 PM »

Poor thing looks like he’s screaming. I think you scared him.
<eye roll>

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longball · « **Reply #9633 on:** April 01, 2019, 10:04:34 PM »

He’s probably never seen anything that ugly before. Are halibut the ones that have both eyes on the same side of their head? That ain’t right.

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Nate · « **Reply #9634 on:** April 01, 2019, 10:13:28 PM »

Halibut start out as normal fish then over time their head grows to one side of their bodys

Farmer Jon · « **Reply #9635 on:** April 02, 2019, 07:47:43 AM »

My ducks started laying eggs! My first duck egg breakfast of the year today. Also looks like we got 2 or 3 inches of snow.

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Flyin6 · « **Reply #9636 on:** April 02, 2019, 09:38:45 AM »

Quote from: Nate on April 01, 2019, 10:13:28 PM

Halibut start out as normal fish then over time their head grows to one side of their bodys

Seriously????????

I used to fish Flounder in the brackish water of eastern shore and the chesapeake bay. That is a flat headed fish that when on line feels like you are winching in a mud filled truck tire!

Taste is worth the hassle though!

Nate · « **Reply #9637 on:** April 02, 2019, 10:10:45 AM »

from Wikipedia:

Physical characteristics

The Pacific halibut is the world's largest flatfish.[5] The IGFA record was apparently broken off the waters of Norway in July 2013 by a 515-pound 8.6 foot fish. This was awaiting certification as of 2013.[6] In July 2014, a 482-pound Pacific halibut was caught in Glacier Bay, Alaska; this is, however, discounted from records because the halibut was shot and harpooned before being hauled aboard.[7]

Halibut are dark brown on the top side with an off-white underbelly and have very small scales invisible to the naked eye embedded in their skin.[8] Halibut are symmetrical at birth with one eye on each side of the head. Then, about six months later, during larval metamorphosis one eye migrates to the other side of the head. The eyes are permanently set once the skull is fully ossified. [9] At the same time, the stationary-eyed side darkens to match the top side, while the other side remains white. This color scheme disguises halibut from above (blending with the ocean floor) and from below (blending into the light from the sky) and is known as countershading.

longball · « **Reply #9638 on:** April 02, 2019, 11:08:30 AM »

My wife’s uncle shared some interesting fishing stories during our visit. They were tremendously entertaining due to his gift of story telling. I don’t share that gift but I will hit the high points.

He spent a lot of time fishing off of Paris island when stationed there years ago. After constantly having lines broken he bought a spool of 100lb test and a deep sea rod. One day he hooked into a 6’ wide, 115lb stingray and kicked off a 2 hour fight to get it to shore. Took him and three other marines to get it out of the water. Later, when something started breaking the 100lb test he set out building himself a shark rig. He acquired a 3,000lb rope, some steel line to make his own leader, and a large shark hook. He would throw us out as far as he could then rick rack all the slack on the shore before tying the other end onto the bumper of a Plymouth. This went on for weeks until finally something took his bait and ran with it, stretching the 3k pound rope tight enough to turn it into a musical instrument. Him and his buddies decided the only option they had was to use the Plymouth and drag whatever they’d hooked to land. They never found out what they’d hooked because shortly after the bumper of the car started bending the rope broke. There’s always a possibility that the line got tangled up on the bottom of the ocean but something had to pick it up and put a serious stretch on the rope to begin with. The moral of his story was that if he ever finds himself back at Paris island, he won’t be swimming.

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JR · « **Reply #9639 on:** April 02, 2019, 11:16:32 PM »

So onto a diff subject I got this Lifetime cooler at Wally for $78. Looks vacuum formed vs roto molded and this is the 28qt, vs the 55.

I like the flat 1 handed latches and mostly flush sides less the handle. Handle is just OK being a rigid tube that can be folded either way and locks up. No drain either but for the size it is not a big deal, yet.

So I throw a 10lb bag of ice into it and 3 drinks (unchilled) to do the longevity test. Its around 65* at 1400 and I will open it up every day like you would when in use.

So 24hrs later it has about 1/2in water in it, and all the drinks are cold.

longball · « **Reply #9640 on:** April 03, 2019, 07:24:33 AM »

Good coolers are like good optics. You don’t realize how handy they are until you have one.

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JR · « **Reply #9641 on:** April 03, 2019, 11:10:16 AM »

Speaking of optics, I have been looking at thermal stuff. ATN seems to be the "go to" and now owned by flir. Pulsar gets better reviews.

JR · « **Reply #9642 on:** April 03, 2019, 11:48:21 PM »

Cooler holding up well. Pic is around 1500 and left it open for a few minutes. About 1 inch of water.

Bigdave_185 · « **Reply #9643 on:** April 04, 2019, 07:28:04 PM »

Just booked us a hotel in Moab for June for the whole family. Jeepin and hiking

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Bigdave_185 · « **Reply #9644 on:** April 07, 2019, 12:02:02 AM »

Went out to visit grandparents today, nice sunny warm drive. They donated us some bunk beds for the twins and grandpa gave me some ol tools

I’ll clean them up and return.
Does anyone on here have an idea of what this machine might be?

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rpar86 · « **Reply #9645 on:** April 07, 2019, 12:46:03 AM »

Some kind of forge/furnace thing? Flame underneath that flat top thing? Clean it up and make it a griddle ;)

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Bigdave_185 · « **Reply #9646 on:** April 07, 2019, 09:33:22 AM »

I was thinking forget as well my thought is that part your saying skillit is really really thin. Not sure how it would handle heat for extended time. I feel like some parts are missing

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KensAuto · « **Reply #9647 on:** April 07, 2019, 11:19:48 AM »

Shawn's old grill?

.. thinking some kind of mining classifier maybe.

Bigdave_185 · « **Reply #9648 on:** April 07, 2019, 11:27:47 AM »

I had a guy on a vintage tool page on FB suggest a cement block mold

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KensAuto · « **Reply #9649 on:** April 07, 2019, 06:09:34 PM »

Burning brush today