Recent content by .mike.

Old stove, new stove install (expanded room size, so we rotated stove 90 degrees, with new chimney (stainless steel double walled pipe))

Not my pic, but it was this model.

I have the Neo 2.5. Mine is about 10 years old. Glass is super easy to clean, cleanout is easy. Blower is temperature activated. Occasionally noisy due to vibrations or needing cleaning, but relatively minor. I like that it can be mounted close to the wall (I have it about 12" off the drywall)...

I have a Pacific Energy stove. They have some modern designs with close setbacks from the wall (can be as close as a few inches). Both inserts and freestanding models. I have the Neo 2.5. Stupid simple, no knobs, just a single lever for adjusting the damper. Built-in Blower.

I have a pair of all black ones. Only a few months old, but sitting outside 100% of time. So far they seem fine. Cats keep squirrels away, so no issues there.

I use these. I typically have enough coals in the morning to restart, so maybe use 1-2 a week at most. I keep it going as close to 24/7 during winter as a I can, since I'm on oil heat.

3/4 stall mats are great, but build a platform or stack mats if you are deadlifting heavy and repeatedly, as you will crack the slab underneath the mats. Zane's Leg blaster is cool and I'm sure it was innovative at the time, but it's 2021 and there is all sorts of newer and more versatile...

It feels great. Just as smooth as the Rogue Monster lat pulldown at my commercial gym. You can do bicep curls, there is a roller for it just under the seat. You will need to use a length of chain to get the ROM correct, otherwise you may bottom out the stack travel. It's my favorite piece from...

It's the selectorized lat pulldown and low row with a 300lb stack. Awesome buy for the price (I snagged mine when it was still under $1k), but the new price is still a good deal.

I love my home gym. I can get quality workouts in, and still spend time with my kids while they goof off and play outside/inside.

I have a bunch, some for a 12x22 gym space, and some for parking my subcompact tractor. The mats protect the floor from the bucket and the counterweight. Gorilla tape on the seams will keep them from shifting, same with mending plates underneath.

Newer ones burn cleaner and more complete. I have a 5yr old Pacific Energy wood stove, and my chimney pipe is much cleaner than its ever been. Also, the newer stoves can be much closer to the wall than older models. Our previous stove required a 36" standoff, whereas the new one could be as...

Just rotate the Cs. It's a lot less work, and even easier if you upgrade them with Crane or Reid knuckles. Truss the housing for the needed strength.

This is my garage setup. Hardest part is preventing the dirty shop stuff from dirtying up the equipment. I have to vacuum pretty much before every workout, and spend time wiping/oiling equipment since its not a conditioned space.

I prefer the pin, but keep a super short extension handy when swapping sockets often.