iFixit.com has posted their “Repair Manifesto” and it just so happens to be everything that I believe in. Why waste by throwing things out when it could just be fixed? I repair everything I can from electronics, cars, plumbing, lawn mowers, computers, musical instruments, furniture, toys…basically anything!
iFixit.com Repair Manifesto
I am so excited, I had to share. Lit, my favorite band from the time I was about 15, is back. And they’re country. Their new song “Fast” actually just made it to #1 on CMT’s 12 pack count down!
I love wooden rulers, and even more so, wooden yard sticks. I just found out about a local company that makes them, and they even do the brass end plates that I love so much on the end of the yard sticks. I haven’t purchased one from them yet, but from the pictures on the site, they look exquisite! Check them out for yourself: skowheganwoodenrule.com
This seems to come up every now and then in conversation. I use copper pipes. Almost everyone I know is switching to running PEX due to low cost and easy installation. Here is my take on the situation.
Copper
Copper pipes have been used for hundreds of years and typically have a lifespan of 50-100 working years in domestic water situations. The only thing that brings this lifespan down is acidic water, and frozen pipes. A split copper pipe can be easily repaired though, so freezing isn’t all that bad. Plus, unfreezing copper is easy – heat it with a torch! On the downside, copper is twice as expensive as PEX. Installation of copper pipe requires a basic propane torch, solder, and flux.
PEX
PEX piping is relatively new (a few decades) and has an unknown lifespan. PEX is plastic and all plastics leach some chemical into the water. If this is a safe amount or not, I’m not sure, but I feel unsafe using it in my home. PEX is cheap, flexible, and when it freezes it typically doesn’t burst (though it can). On the downside, PEX can be chewed through by mice and rats and it can’t deal with high temperatures or UV rays (no outdoor exposure). PEX requires special tools to install.
Conclusion
I will gladly pay more for the copper and sweat it in myself. I like the fact it doesn’t leach chemical. I like that it looks nicer when exposed (PEX is ugly). I like that it is safe around rodents (mice and rats are commonplace on the homestead at times). And I also like that I can heat it with a torch if it freezes.
I helped design a watch with MWC, and they are now on their website for sale in black and olive!
MWC’s production version of my redesign of their “vietnam” watch.
To be fair, I only redesigned an existing watch dial. The rest is all MWC. It all started with me asking a bunch of questions about their “vietnam” watch. They were very responsive and even gave me manufacturing details as far as movement type (Miyota 2035), and manufacturing location (Japan). I wasn’t sure on the 24hr design, but it was such a handsome watch that I ordered one anyway. After getting it in, I decided to do a little photoshopping to adjust it more to my liking and then shared the results with MWC. I specifically removed the 24 hour numbers, reshaped the hour indices and changed their color. They liked it so much that they decided to make it. MWC then added a pheon, making the design officially theirs, not mine. They have recognized me officially on the website though and will be sending along an official letter stating my help in the design of this watch as well. Way cool! They also sent me a couple of the watches and two of their nice zulu straps as well. What a great company. Right from the get-go they’ve been very fun talking to back and forth and a real joy to work with.
Left: MWC “vietnam” watch. Right: My photoshopped redesign of the “vietnam” into a 12hr dial.
Screenshot showing where they mention my name on the website.
