flybefree
Well-known member
Holy cow I hate snakes...why did it have to be snakes?
Shaun
Shaun
Above 1200 Sq/FT The ASYLUM - Happy 40th Birthday to Me! (Est. 2005)
- Thread starter shopnut
- Start date
Wokspaces above 1200 squarefeet.
Red Leader - I'm terrible at taking compliments so the best thing I can come up with is "You're welcome". I'm not sure if it comes through in this thread, but I truly love this stuff. This place has become a big part of my life, probably almost to the point of it being an obsession. And this forum provides a great means of sharing all this with others out there. I pour my heart into whatever I do and this place is no different. The end of the build is near and I'm sure it will be a bitter-sweet time for me to stamp it "DONE".
I will admit however, I've been researching the different directions I can go with the Chevelle project lately and I'm getting really excited about it. And that's what this building was all about in the first place. I nearly lost sight of that. But in the end, I picture myself working on the various car and bike projects I have lined up and it just brings a huge smile to my face thinking about having a great place to work on them.
FBF - Hey, we didn't pick the snake, the snake picked us. Actually, he was probably just trying to mind his own business and got caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. I'm just glad no one was bitten. I would have rather had it turn out to be a harmless little armadillo or something (which are not that uncommon out here and have startled me many times rustling around at night). At least I wouldn't need to be researching things like Snakebite Kits and such right now
BTW, don't believe what you see in the old Westerns - cutting the bite area and sucking the venom out is NOT recommended! 
Shoottx - I guess I won't find out about the taste - the neighbor killed it so they get to do what they want with it. It actually looked like it had quite a bit of meat on it.
I will admit however, I've been researching the different directions I can go with the Chevelle project lately and I'm getting really excited about it. And that's what this building was all about in the first place. I nearly lost sight of that. But in the end, I picture myself working on the various car and bike projects I have lined up and it just brings a huge smile to my face thinking about having a great place to work on them.
FBF - Hey, we didn't pick the snake, the snake picked us. Actually, he was probably just trying to mind his own business and got caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. I'm just glad no one was bitten. I would have rather had it turn out to be a harmless little armadillo or something (which are not that uncommon out here and have startled me many times rustling around at night). At least I wouldn't need to be researching things like Snakebite Kits and such right now
BTW, don't believe what you see in the old Westerns - cutting the bite area and sucking the venom out is NOT recommended! Shoottx - I guess I won't find out about the taste - the neighbor killed it so they get to do what they want with it. It actually looked like it had quite a bit of meat on it.
TIME FOR SOME TEMPORARY WEATHER-PROOFING…
I hesitate to even show this because it’s not real pretty, but its all part of the overall process. As I mentioned earlier, the donor siding to clad this outside façade in full-height sheets is still on the building above the doors. I probably could have left the truss beam exposed to the elements until the material become available, but I decided to play it safe and recycle the fiberglass panels removed for the clerestory window project.
Here it is with about half of it done. It’s actually 2 overlapping rows to cover the full 32” height.
And here it is all finished up. It’s not the greatest looking, but it buys me some time and protection to work on the actual loft project in the upcoming months. Plans are to redo this siding this fall when the summer rains subside (and the material is available)
I had to do a little bit of trim work to match up to the new siding. In this picture, there is still one piece of siding missing by the door hinges of the lumber loft.
This shows graphically what will be done with the front façade in fall when time permits. Tan and fiberglass siding will be removed and the taller siding removed from above the doors will be recycled on the outermost wall. The fake loft door will be re-installed in a lower position to center it on the larger face. I’m hoping this original door doesn’t end up looking too small.
Of course, I still may get a wild hair and make that lower part a powered swing-out awning as discussed in the other thread. It depends on how ambitious I’m feeling when the time comes.
I hesitate to even show this because it’s not real pretty, but its all part of the overall process. As I mentioned earlier, the donor siding to clad this outside façade in full-height sheets is still on the building above the doors. I probably could have left the truss beam exposed to the elements until the material become available, but I decided to play it safe and recycle the fiberglass panels removed for the clerestory window project.
Here it is with about half of it done. It’s actually 2 overlapping rows to cover the full 32” height.
And here it is all finished up. It’s not the greatest looking, but it buys me some time and protection to work on the actual loft project in the upcoming months. Plans are to redo this siding this fall when the summer rains subside (and the material is available)
I had to do a little bit of trim work to match up to the new siding. In this picture, there is still one piece of siding missing by the door hinges of the lumber loft.
This shows graphically what will be done with the front façade in fall when time permits. Tan and fiberglass siding will be removed and the taller siding removed from above the doors will be recycled on the outermost wall. The fake loft door will be re-installed in a lower position to center it on the larger face. I’m hoping this original door doesn’t end up looking too small.
Of course, I still may get a wild hair and make that lower part a powered swing-out awning as discussed in the other thread. It depends on how ambitious I’m feeling when the time comes.
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mdbeck1
Well-known member
...I would have rather had it turn out to be a harmless little armadillo or something (which are not that uncommon out here and have startled me many times rustling around at night). At least I wouldn't need to be researching things like Snakebite Kits and such right now
I was watching a show the other day about myths (not mythbusters) and they said that there are like 10-20 deaths/year in the US attributed to snake bites. They attributed most of the reason there were so few to number of cell phones here. That being said... The statistics say that the people getting killed will be :
1. Male.
2. Between the ages of 21 and 30.
3. Will have alcohol involved.
Well, I normally fit 2 out of 3 of those
What I read recently matches what you said - very few snakebites are actually fatal. The first step on every list I saw was "Call 911" (which goes along with the cell phone theory). Other things are stay calm, keep the bite area below heart level, and immobilize the bite area to slow the spread of the poison until the anti-venum is administered.
I still worry a little bit because the Asylum is out in the sticks and I'm not sure how quickly someone can get there. And if I'm bitten, you can bet I'll be hell-bent on killing a snake as step #1
Red Leader
Well-known member
Well, I normally fit 2 out of 3 of those
What I read recently matches what you said - very few snakebites are actually fatal. The first step on every list I saw was "Call 911" (which goes along with the cell phone theory). Other things are stay calm, keep the bite area below heart level, and immobilize the bite area to slow the spread of the poison until the anti-venum is administered.
I still worry a little bit because the Asylum is out in the sticks and I'm not sure how quickly someone can get there. And if I'm bitten, you can bet I'll be hell-bent on killing a snake as step #1
In the US there are 4 venomous snake species - the Coral Snake, the Cottonmouth, the Rattlesnake, and Copperhead (and others within those groups)
In the limited knowledge I've done on snake research, all the snakes above except for the Coral snake have a venom that attacks the muscular system via proteins that break down the tissue (whereas the Coral snake's venom is neurotoxic in nature, which attacks the nervous system).
Unfortunately, the research done on snakebite kits shows little/no benefit to them and depending on the kit, can increase damage to tissue. The 'cutting' method opens up the wound to more bacteria, as does sucking (saliva). When thinking of the way a snakes fangs work...think of a cat - long pointed fangs/teeth that have a very concentrated point and drive bacteria way down deep into tissue in a very localized spot, so any suction method can't really reach it, in addition to traumatizing tissue already in the bite area.
When I did some research, there was some promise shown with enzymes that naturally broke down protein (which is, in essence, what this snake venom is) - which include bromelain and papain supplements. So...snacking on a papaya right after a rattlesnake bite might do better than a snake bite kit? I don't think their is a lot of research out there yet about it, but it seems the theory of proteolytic enzyme breakdown of snake venom protein seems sound.
As far as neurotoxins are concerns (if bitten by a Coral snake), I've heard that the Coral snake injects its venom over a period of time longer than the quick snap of a rattlesnake or some such, so pulling it off as soon as it latches on can minimize envenomation. However, if one does bite, there is a slightly more modern technique to combat neurotoxic envenomation called pressure immobilization (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snakebite -see section 4.3). Sounds like it may be good to know as it sounds like there is no more snake antivenom as it is not profitable for the phamaceutical companies.
More info than you wanted..but hey, I was a Boy Scout!
Thanks R-L - you just made me regret not joining the Scouts when I was younger. Do you think a guy in his forties can still join?
The first thing I learned from your reply was that I was spelling venom wrong - just proving I'm an engineer, I guess.
Seriously, it's all great info. I guess I'll spend that money on a spare cell phone battery rather than blowing it on a useless snakebite kit. And maybe plant that papaya tree I always wanted
I never encountered a poisonous snake growing up in Wisconsin, so this was a new concept to me moving to Florida. So far, I've seen full size and pigmy rattlesnakes, cottonmouths, and one king snake (the corral snake look-a-like). By far, the young 12" long pigmy rattler was the most aggressive of the bunch I've been exposed to here. That little guy actually chased me and kept striking my boot. He reminded me of the little chicken hawk after Foghorn-Leghorn in the Looney Tunes.
Again, thanks for taking the time to share your knowledge on the subject.
The first thing I learned from your reply was that I was spelling venom wrong - just proving I'm an engineer, I guess.
Seriously, it's all great info. I guess I'll spend that money on a spare cell phone battery rather than blowing it on a useless snakebite kit. And maybe plant that papaya tree I always wanted
I never encountered a poisonous snake growing up in Wisconsin, so this was a new concept to me moving to Florida. So far, I've seen full size and pigmy rattlesnakes, cottonmouths, and one king snake (the corral snake look-a-like). By far, the young 12" long pigmy rattler was the most aggressive of the bunch I've been exposed to here. That little guy actually chased me and kept striking my boot. He reminded me of the little chicken hawk after Foghorn-Leghorn in the Looney Tunes.
Again, thanks for taking the time to share your knowledge on the subject.
mdbeck1
Well-known member
More info than you wanted..but hey, I was a Boy Scout!
Ya don't say.... How far did you get? I was in cubs but dropped out after grade school.
My son got his Eagle in January. He's 17 and out of school for the summer. He stays at home by himself, cooks, cleans (a little bit), goes to work, and on his days off and in the evenings helps me when I need it. Right now he's loading my trailer with brush so we can take it to the compost facility after work. I don't worry too much about him cause I know he can handle most of what the world throws at him. ...and is smart enough to ask questions if he's not sure (in other words smarter than me sometimes).
Thanks R-L - you just made me regret not joining the Scouts when I was younger. Do you think a guy in his forties can still join?
I think you're trying to make a joke but YES you can join. You would end up being an "Adult Leader" that teaches the kids. We have a few of them that come to our troop to help. However we have more that make the rounds to the different troops and teach:
- Electrical engineer that teaches Electricity and Electronics
- Mechanical engineer that teaches Engineering
They are always looking for volunteers (especially for that 6 week summer camp). I teach a wide variety of things for our troop:
- Totin' chit (knives, axes, and hand saws)
- Fire'em chit (matches, flint/steel, gas stoves, fire extinguishers, ...)
- Rifle merit badge
- Shotgun merit badge
- Engineering merit badge
...and assist in more than I want to think about. There's over 120 merit badges to choose from so I'm sure there are things there that you would like to help with (see http://meritbadge.org/wiki/index.php/Merit_Badges for a list).
It's a good feeling to get to know some of these boys and watch them turn into useful members of society. In the last two years I've watched/helped turn out over a dozen eagles. Kind of makes you feel funny all over (in a good way).
Red Leader
Well-known member
Got my Eagle on May 17, 2001. What is funny is that I tried Cub scouts but was a dropout
I remember getting just one of those 'cub scout' merit badges that you slid on your belt: marbles
Well I was a little ahead of you, Eagle Scout January 1971
Yeah I am old and slow now!
mdbeck1 - Wow, that's quite a list for the merit badges - I had no idea. I'm sure I could help out with a few of them. And I'm guessing it would be very satisfying to help the young kids in our community - and maybe keep some out of trouble by getting them interested in the good things our life has to offer. It's time to do find out more about how I can pitch in. Thanks for taking the time to suggest it.
Red Leader - When I was young, I was good at "loosing my marbles". I guess that's why I'm doing time in an asylum now
Shoottx - You're not getting old, you're just getting aged to perfection.
Red Leader - When I was young, I was good at "loosing my marbles". I guess that's why I'm doing time in an asylum now
Shoottx - You're not getting old, you're just getting aged to perfection.
ADDING REINFORCEMENT TO THE BACKSIDE OF THE TRUSS BEAM…
The process of adding the 2x6’s on the front side was repeated on the back side.
If you look closely, you will notice lag bolts were not added yet on the upper horizontal row of 2x6’s for the beam and there is a reason for this. The loft floor joists will rest on them but final height will be determined when they are installed. For now, I just ran in some 3" deck screws to hold it up. The joists will also tie into the vertical 2x6’s, on the painted part just below those metal brackets. I sketched one in as an example.
Here’s a shot looking at where the beam ties back into the column next to the lumber storage loft. Again, no lag bolts on the top 2x6 yet.
So basically, I’m ready to punch a hole in the building and build the floor - Yippee! Next will be adding the floor joists for what’s labeled as the “Storage Platform” in this cross section view. It’s a pretty old picture and the truss beam wasn’t even planned back then.
Unfortunately, I fear my water pressure tank may have ruptured it’s bladder since the well pump seems to be cycling a bit too often. So that may delay work on the front loft a bit while repairs are made. It’s amazing how important having running water can be.
The process of adding the 2x6’s on the front side was repeated on the back side.
If you look closely, you will notice lag bolts were not added yet on the upper horizontal row of 2x6’s for the beam and there is a reason for this. The loft floor joists will rest on them but final height will be determined when they are installed. For now, I just ran in some 3" deck screws to hold it up. The joists will also tie into the vertical 2x6’s, on the painted part just below those metal brackets. I sketched one in as an example.
Here’s a shot looking at where the beam ties back into the column next to the lumber storage loft. Again, no lag bolts on the top 2x6 yet.
So basically, I’m ready to punch a hole in the building and build the floor - Yippee! Next will be adding the floor joists for what’s labeled as the “Storage Platform” in this cross section view. It’s a pretty old picture and the truss beam wasn’t even planned back then.
Unfortunately, I fear my water pressure tank may have ruptured it’s bladder since the well pump seems to be cycling a bit too often. So that may delay work on the front loft a bit while repairs are made. It’s amazing how important having running water can be.
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mdbeck1
Well-known member
Since I'm not sure where you are in Florida I put in the following Google search ("boy scouts of america" troop florida) and came up with quite a few troops near you. PM me if you have questions about scouts.
NIGHT TIME PICTURES…
I was all finished up with the beam and nighttime fell on this sleepy piece of property. I was admiring this step of the project being completed with a cold beer in my hand, so a pulled out the camera. This shot shows the small lights installed initially by the builder. They do a decent job of illuminating the ceiling and not much else. At about 20’, not much light makes it down to the ground. Once the loft floor is built, some of those surplus 4’ fluorescent fixtures will replace them.
Since the camera was out, I decided to snap a couple with the doors opened. Unfortunately, the place is so cluttered with building materials that it’s hard to tell what’s going on. Still, they're probably some shots you've never seen before.
I also thought this one was rather interesting - the library ladder rail and trolley as spied through the new clerestory windows.
I was all finished up with the beam and nighttime fell on this sleepy piece of property. I was admiring this step of the project being completed with a cold beer in my hand, so a pulled out the camera. This shot shows the small lights installed initially by the builder. They do a decent job of illuminating the ceiling and not much else
. At about 20’, not much light makes it down to the ground. Once the loft floor is built, some of those surplus 4’ fluorescent fixtures will replace them.Since the camera was out, I decided to snap a couple with the doors opened. Unfortunately, the place is so cluttered with building materials that it’s hard to tell what’s going on. Still, they're probably some shots you've never seen before.
I also thought this one was rather interesting - the library ladder rail and trolley as spied through the new clerestory windows.
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Amazzen
Well-known member
Hey Shopnut.... newest project is really shaping up!
Sorry I've been away so long and what's up with the snake?!?
We were so close to buying our winter home in Florida a few years back and decided on Arizona instead. I've spent many winter months in Florida in my time and have even come across the odd bad snake or Gator on your golf courses so I know that "scares the beejeesus outta me feeling" quite well.
If its any consolation to you (and I know it won't be), I personally think the desert has the swamp easily beat when it comes to the animal dangers that may cross our residential paths!
I have to do a night "sweep" of every corner of the house for scorpions about every 2 or 3 days (inside and out), because I'm paranoid about them (haven't found too many this past winter, but the odd one still makes it in). When its "snake season" here (hottest months), you shouldn't venture into the desert. Sounds easy to avoid huh? Well my property is desert landscape and I don't always hit my tee shots on the grass fairways when I'm golfing, LOL!
Here's a partial list... various poisonous snakes (predominantly the Diamond Back), Javalinos, Bobcats, Killer Bees, Mountain Lions, Fire Ants, killer spiders and did I mention the freakin Scorpions??? Thank God I'm only here for the Winter!
Well, like anywhere, you need to get properly informed to protect your family from preventable injury. AND you need to have a bigger than pea size brain to start with.... i.e. this past Easter a number of small children were bitten by snakes because their dumb *** parents hid Easter eggs behind the odd cactus in their back yards.....hellooooo?
I've researched the anti venom stuff and in the end (no pun intended), you simply need to get to a hospital fairly quickly (you can research how much time is adequate on the net). I thought I could simply keep anti venom stored at home, but the various types, doses and shelf life make it impossible to do so.
I too, found out soon into my snake bite research that sucking the blood out of the wound is a myth. I also now know that while a dangerous scorpion can kill an infant with a sting, its not usually life threatening to older kids or adults. Learned that the best way to avoid a swarm of killer bees is to lay face down on the ground and be still....I heard that jumping in a pool is not good, because they will wait for you to come up for air...
So while its not likely for us to have a surprise encounter with one of these critters, I'm going to improve that probability with information and vigilance.
On a "garage note"...I installed auto close timers on my overhead door contacts here (doors close automatically after they've been open for 10 minutes) in order to minimize the opportunity for a critters to hide under my tool box!
Hope I haven't been a PEST!
PS I also saw that you used this as a lame excuse to get back on a ladder..... you're pathetic.
Sorry I've been away so long and what's up with the snake?!?
We were so close to buying our winter home in Florida a few years back and decided on Arizona instead. I've spent many winter months in Florida in my time and have even come across the odd bad snake or Gator on your golf courses so I know that "scares the beejeesus outta me feeling" quite well.
If its any consolation to you (and I know it won't be), I personally think the desert has the swamp easily beat when it comes to the animal dangers that may cross our residential paths!
I have to do a night "sweep" of every corner of the house for scorpions about every 2 or 3 days (inside and out), because I'm paranoid about them (haven't found too many this past winter, but the odd one still makes it in). When its "snake season" here (hottest months), you shouldn't venture into the desert. Sounds easy to avoid huh? Well my property is desert landscape and I don't always hit my tee shots on the grass fairways when I'm golfing, LOL!
Here's a partial list... various poisonous snakes (predominantly the Diamond Back), Javalinos, Bobcats, Killer Bees, Mountain Lions, Fire Ants, killer spiders and did I mention the freakin Scorpions??? Thank God I'm only here for the Winter!
Well, like anywhere, you need to get properly informed to protect your family from preventable injury. AND you need to have a bigger than pea size brain to start with.... i.e. this past Easter a number of small children were bitten by snakes because their dumb *** parents hid Easter eggs behind the odd cactus in their back yards.....hellooooo?
I've researched the anti venom stuff and in the end (no pun intended), you simply need to get to a hospital fairly quickly (you can research how much time is adequate on the net). I thought I could simply keep anti venom stored at home, but the various types, doses and shelf life make it impossible to do so.
I too, found out soon into my snake bite research that sucking the blood out of the wound is a myth. I also now know that while a dangerous scorpion can kill an infant with a sting, its not usually life threatening to older kids or adults. Learned that the best way to avoid a swarm of killer bees is to lay face down on the ground and be still....I heard that jumping in a pool is not good, because they will wait for you to come up for air...
So while its not likely for us to have a surprise encounter with one of these critters, I'm going to improve that probability with information and vigilance.
On a "garage note"...I installed auto close timers on my overhead door contacts here (doors close automatically after they've been open for 10 minutes) in order to minimize the opportunity for a critters to hide under my tool box!
Hope I haven't been a PEST!
PS I also saw that you used this as a lame excuse to get back on a ladder..... you're pathetic.
Amazzen - Yep, the foundation for the loft is now in place at both front and rear.
The snake was just an unfortunate soul that slithered into the wrong place at the wrong time. I'm just glad the snake isn't saying that about me right now. The neighbors had the pleasure of dealing with him.
It looks like you have us beat with those critters, but this is one time I don't mind loosing. I'm going to have to look up Javalinos now that you got me curious. No thanks on the big cats - the neighbor had a leopard until it got too big. That thing just stared at me like I was diner when I stopped by.
I'm not a big fan of scorpions either, but luckily, we just have tiny little brown ones here. They say their bite is close to a bee sting, but I've never been bitten. My first encounter was while I was getting something out of the back of the truck. I had a tonneau cover on the bed and with it still in place, I was climbing in head first to grab something up by the cab. About the time I was all the way in, I spotted this guy coming at me full speed with tail up. You never seen anyone crawl backwards so fast.
Another time, a spider bit me in the chin. Within about an hour, I looked like Jay Leno when my chin swelled up about an inch. A couple more hours, I was back to normal. I lived.
Being informed is probably your safest bet, but a good cell phone signal doesn't hurt either.
Thanks for stopping by.
Edit: I didn't know they made those auto door closers. They sound pretty cool. I picture myself get locked out on a regular basis though - would definitely need a outside keypad!
The snake was just an unfortunate soul that slithered into the wrong place at the wrong time. I'm just glad the snake isn't saying that about me right now.
The neighbors had the pleasure of dealing with him.It looks like you have us beat with those critters, but this is one time I don't mind loosing. I'm going to have to look up Javalinos now that you got me curious. No thanks on the big cats - the neighbor had a leopard until it got too big. That thing just stared at me like I was diner when I stopped by.
I'm not a big fan of scorpions either, but luckily, we just have tiny little brown ones here. They say their bite is close to a bee sting, but I've never been bitten. My first encounter was while I was getting something out of the back of the truck. I had a tonneau cover on the bed and with it still in place, I was climbing in head first to grab something up by the cab. About the time I was all the way in, I spotted this guy coming at me full speed with tail up. You never seen anyone crawl backwards so fast.
Another time, a spider bit me in the chin. Within about an hour, I looked like Jay Leno when my chin swelled up about an inch. A couple more hours, I was back to normal. I lived.
Being informed is probably your safest bet, but a good cell phone signal doesn't hurt either.
Thanks for stopping by.
Edit: I didn't know they made those auto door closers. They sound pretty cool. I picture myself get locked out on a regular basis though - would definitely need a outside keypad!
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Red Leader
Well-known member
So it was snakes, now spiders? Where the heck do you live again?
When I was a kid I had a pretty bad allergic reaction to spiders. I think it has gotten better. I visited my sister last year, who lives in AZ. They had a mild infestation of Black Widows in the back yard. I almost tripped right over one of the webs. We would hunt scorpions with UV lights at night, and I found another Black Widow web, with the spider tucked clear down there, almost out of sight. I grabbed a piece of grass and just started to touch one of the parts of the web. Not more than 3 seconds later, that spider shot up faster than any I had ever seen to see its latest 'catch'. And I thought they were slow movers...
RL - Luckily, I'm not allergic to too much. We definitely have plenty of spiders here. The banana spiders I've seen on this lot have been as big as 4" leg-span. They're pretty harmless and docile though, but their yellow-colored web is incredibly strong. We have widows and brown recluse - really don't want to meet up with those.
The fastest ones in the shop are the wolf spiders. They look like small brown 3" taranchulas with their hairy legs. They don't really build webs, but go out hunting for their prey at night. They have enough meat to them that you can hear them scurrying across a cardboard box. I think they kill a lot of other bugs, but I still don't like them - they can leave a pretty nasty welt if they bite you.
The fastest ones in the shop are the wolf spiders. They look like small brown 3" taranchulas with their hairy legs. They don't really build webs, but go out hunting for their prey at night. They have enough meat to them that you can hear them scurrying across a cardboard box. I think they kill a lot of other bugs, but I still don't like them - they can leave a pretty nasty welt if they bite you.
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flybefree
Well-known member
Coming right along...
Shaun
Shaun
Vernmotor
Well-known member
Just checking in..I don't like spiders and snakes !! ya all can keep them ! LOL
FBF - Its going, but not nearly as fast as I would like it to. We are into the summer heat now and ambition drops some this time of year for me. Maybe it's my subconcious protecting me from heat stroke
Vernmotor - I would prefer to eliminate them all together, but haven't been successful yet. Some of the web-spinning spiders really do make a mess inside this place so I need to come up with an extermination plan when the Asylum is all finished.
Vernmotor - I would prefer to eliminate them all together, but haven't been successful yet.
Some of the web-spinning spiders really do make a mess inside this place so I need to come up with an extermination plan when the Asylum is all finished.mdbeck1
Well-known member
shopnut;2409130[B said:Vernmotor[/B] - I would prefer to eliminate them all together, but haven't been successful yet.
I can see it now.... A "roomba" type patrolling robot with a laser (or maybe an air rifle) on it to "take care" of the spiders and snakes. It could double as the "first alert" system for the Asylum....
...or maybe a "roomba" that can climb and go GET the spiders and snakes????
Well mdbeck1, it just so happens I have a piece of that puzzle already. Referring all the way back to Reply 214 (and 222/226), the base of the tank is poised and ready for action. All I need is a laser turret on top and I'm ready for battle with those critters 
(That, and maybe some suction cup tracks for scaling walls )
(That, and maybe some suction cup tracks for scaling walls )nkachur
Well-known member
A simpler solution would be to use a Air Gaurd Konk dispenser. I know, I know, simpler might not be the Shopnut way but they work really well at doing in the little critters.
We have one, correction, had one in the barn and it did in all the bugs'and spiders. Unfortunately it didn't take very well to our winter and it didn't work in the spring. Oh well one of these days we will get a new one.
The loft is coming along nicely. What load is that truss designed to hold anyways?
We have one, correction, had one in the barn and it did in all the bugs'and spiders. Unfortunately it didn't take very well to our winter and it didn't work in the spring. Oh well one of these days we will get a new one.
The loft is coming along nicely. What load is that truss designed to hold anyways?
mdbeck1
Well-known member
Well mdbeck1, it just so happens I have a piece of that puzzle already. Referring all the way back to Reply 214 (and 222/226), the base of the tank is poised and ready for action. All I need is a laser turret on top and I'm ready for battle with those critters
How did I know??????
...but I was expecting something more like the one on this web site...
http://www.irobot.com/en/us/robots/defense/packbot.aspx
Omphaloskeptic
Well-known member
Shopnut, there are hack forums out there specifically for the Roomba if you care to get 'creative' with your Shop Dog. The official Roomba code is encrypted but there are alternatives. Considering your inventiveness and technobvious (my own creation for a 'Super Nerd' adjective) approach to problem solving, I can foresee you somehow rigging a pneumamechanielectro device which rides atop your shop 'library ladder' rail. The beast you create (ArachnAin't) would cycle back and forth, changing direction when it 'bumps' into the ladder trolley. ArachnAin't would be equipped with arms 'armed' with various devices to combat the persistent pests. These devices might be anything from a feather duster to destroy and tidy their webs, to a laser movement detector combined with a spring-loaded spider-splatterer! In the spirit of Rube Goldberg, your ArachnAin't might resemble a mobile mobile or a ceiling fan gone inverted and psychotic. Think of Spiderman's nemesis, the arch villian 'Dr. Otto Octavius'.
Attachments
nkachur - I looked at the AG-Konk website and it lists everything I have seen inside this building - roaches, spiders, and silverfish. It sounds like it’s worth a try since it comes highly recommended by a trusted GJ’er. Thanks.
Of course, I could still put a Shopnut spin on it by mounting it on the back of the iRobot vacuum like the mosquito fogger trucks
mdbeck1 - WOW. I didn’t know iRobot was into all that serious Defense hardware. Very cool. I just know them from Mrs. Shopnut praising their vacuums. With two big dogs in the house, ours get a workout.
The Defense part of the business might explain where the awesome technology for the commercial products trickled down from. I wouldn’t be surprised if some of my taxes paid for a bit of the development
Omphaloskeptic - Now, how do you know about all these “hack forums”? I kind of get the feeling you’re one of those guys I want on my side when the going get rough
Thanks for the creation of some new words (technobvious pneumamechanielectro), they will be submitted to Webster shortly.
I like the idea of the ArachnAin’t “ridin’ the rail” - it would be right up there where a lot of the 8-legged creatures hang out (I think they like the new windows too). If I’m building one, I might as well duplicate it so there can be one on each side of the trolley for full coverage at all times. Depending on how violent it ends up being, I may want a remote shutdown switch because I’m not going to climb the ladder with those things active - I may be seen as a “hostile”.
Of course, I could still put a Shopnut spin on it by mounting it on the back of the iRobot vacuum like the mosquito fogger trucks
mdbeck1 - WOW. I didn’t know iRobot was into all that serious Defense hardware. Very cool. I just know them from Mrs. Shopnut praising their vacuums. With two big dogs in the house, ours get a workout.
The Defense part of the business might explain where the awesome technology for the commercial products trickled down from. I wouldn’t be surprised if some of my taxes paid for a bit of the development
Omphaloskeptic - Now, how do you know about all these “hack forums”? I kind of get the feeling you’re one of those guys I want on my side when the going get rough
Thanks for the creation of some new words (technobvious pneumamechanielectro), they will be submitted to Webster shortly.
I like the idea of the ArachnAin’t “ridin’ the rail” - it would be right up there where a lot of the 8-legged creatures hang out (I think they like the new windows too). If I’m building one, I might as well duplicate it so there can be one on each side of the trolley for full coverage at all times. Depending on how violent it ends up being, I may want a remote shutdown switch because I’m not going to climb the ladder with those things active - I may be seen as a “hostile”.
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flybefree
Well-known member
Ok, I vote, and I'm not sure voting is relevant here but since we are about to celebrate the birth of our very own democracy I will throw it out there, for the uber-complicated technobviously awesome laser iRobot solution. It may not work, but like the Appollo missions, if it did work you would be....immortal...or at least we would think you were cool...same difference.
Shaun
Shaun
Omphaloskeptic
Well-known member
Shopnut, I can assure you that I'm no hacker (N.S.A. - are you listening; do you have that on record?). lol
Years ago, when I convinced the ex that with a Golden Retriever in the house, we needed a Roomba, I searched the web for a Roomba A.P.I. (Application Programmer's Interface) so I could tailor its firmware to accommodate our needs. Before I actually did any 'hacking', I got fed up with the hassle of popping the cleaning head apart to tediously extract all those 'lovely' golden strands of fur that wound up choking the Roomba. Score - dog fur '∞', Roomba '0'!
Glad you like the new words, here's hoping Webster adds them to our lexicon.
You could try a 'natural' solution rather than the 'technobvious' choice -
Drill a series of small holes (~7/8") through the walls just below the soffits and wait for the scissor-tailed flycatcher birds to invade the Asylum. They will take care of all the bugs, spiders, silverfish, and other critters then all you'll have to do is then clean up the bird droppings! Of course, you then have the problem that the birds do not have an On/Off switch and you would probably get strafed when you are on the ladder; with your problem of heights/gravity, I would opt for the technobvious solution.
Speaking of gravity, I don't know how much weight you intend to store on the new loft, but wouldn't it be wise to add a steel post between the two roll-up doors below the outside gable end? A second benefit of the post might be that it provides a solid anchor point for the strut brace of the possible (?) future awning. A third benefit of the post involves a vertical rack track and pneumamechanielectro-driven elevator platform to the external loft door; but I won't open that 'can'o'worms'. (heh-heh)
Years ago, when I convinced the ex that with a Golden Retriever in the house, we needed a Roomba, I searched the web for a Roomba A.P.I. (Application Programmer's Interface) so I could tailor its firmware to accommodate our needs. Before I actually did any 'hacking', I got fed up with the hassle of popping the cleaning head apart to tediously extract all those 'lovely' golden strands of fur that wound up choking the Roomba. Score - dog fur '∞', Roomba '0'!
Glad you like the new words, here's hoping Webster adds them to our lexicon.
You could try a 'natural' solution rather than the 'technobvious' choice -
Drill a series of small holes (~7/8") through the walls just below the soffits and wait for the scissor-tailed flycatcher birds to invade the Asylum. They will take care of all the bugs, spiders, silverfish, and other critters then all you'll have to do is then clean up the bird droppings! Of course, you then have the problem that the birds do not have an On/Off switch and you would probably get strafed when you are on the ladder; with your problem of heights/gravity, I would opt for the technobvious solution.
Speaking of gravity, I don't know how much weight you intend to store on the new loft, but wouldn't it be wise to add a steel post between the two roll-up doors below the outside gable end? A second benefit of the post might be that it provides a solid anchor point for the strut brace of the possible (?) future awning. A third benefit of the post involves a vertical rack track and pneumamechanielectro-driven elevator platform to the external loft door; but I won't open that 'can'o'worms'. (heh-heh)
TehMooSe
Member
This has to be one of my favorite shops ever. Awesome work.
nkachur - Sorry, forgot to answer your question about the beam. The truth is, I really never took the time to calculate the strength of that beam. It's spliced in a few spots so that is definitely reducing its overall strength. Considering I was just planning to stiffen up the existing rafter to support the loft, I think I'm much better off now. I don't recommend "winging it" to anyone unless one has confidence in their own abilities. Even then, I've seen too many people still get themselves into trouble.
flybefree - "Immortal" seems like a proper goal. What could go wrong? (famous last words)
Omphaloskeptic - Yep, I'm sure N.S.A. keeps tabs on my thread - you are now cleared
I could see the long hair of a Golden Retriever causing some havoc with the Roomba, especially in shedding season. Luckily, our current 2 dogs are shaved pretty short (mainly due to our heat) so the robots have been roaming now successfully for about 5 years. They do require maintenance from time to time, and Mrs. Shopnut has a whole service area set up in the laundry room. In fact, I believe I heard her mention the need for a 2-post lift several times. I should be jumping all over that with a 1/10 scale BendPak or something.
I don't really care for other the birds in Asylum - this place is only big enough for one Cuckoo! Seriously, I've had a couple of bird encounters. One time with all the doors open, I had a hawk fly in, circle twice, and just as quickly fly out. I'm just hoping the Sand Hill Cranes don't decide to do it someday - I don't have near enough room for their "turning radius".
The other bird encounter was about an hour before breaking my heel (and the following ER visit). There was a bird trapped up near the peak and I was trying to catch him while standing on the scaffold as he flew back and forth. He finally tired and I was able to capture him and set him free. It's truly a miracle I didn't plummet to my death that night from the third platform. I actually think I got off easy with a shorter fall from the ladder later on. The date 11/11/11 was just stacked against me.
Yes, a middle support post would probably be wise - but why should I start being wise now. I did take a very accurate (and repeatable) measurement from the middle of the beam down to the ground so I will be watching that closely. Of course, who can argue with all the benefits of the post being pointed out - it certainly could be a rock solid foundation for many "interesting" things.
TehMooSe - Thanks so much for the kind words. I will try to keep it interesting for you as I finish up this place. Thanks for stopping by - it's a real shot in the arm.
flybefree - "Immortal" seems like a proper goal. What could go wrong? (famous last words
)Omphaloskeptic - Yep, I'm sure N.S.A. keeps tabs on my thread - you are now cleared
I could see the long hair of a Golden Retriever causing some havoc with the Roomba, especially in shedding season. Luckily, our current 2 dogs are shaved pretty short (mainly due to our heat) so the robots have been roaming now successfully for about 5 years. They do require maintenance from time to time, and Mrs. Shopnut has a whole service area set up in the laundry room. In fact, I believe I heard her mention the need for a 2-post lift several times. I should be jumping all over that with a 1/10 scale BendPak or something
.I don't really care for other the birds in Asylum - this place is only big enough for one Cuckoo
! Seriously, I've had a couple of bird encounters. One time with all the doors open, I had a hawk fly in, circle twice, and just as quickly fly out. I'm just hoping the Sand Hill Cranes don't decide to do it someday - I don't have near enough room for their "turning radius". The other bird encounter was about an hour before breaking my heel (and the following ER visit). There was a bird trapped up near the peak and I was trying to catch him while standing on the scaffold as he flew back and forth. He finally tired and I was able to capture him and set him free. It's truly a miracle I didn't plummet to my death that night from the third platform. I actually think I got off easy with a shorter fall from the ladder later on. The date 11/11/11 was just stacked against me.
Yes, a middle support post would probably be wise - but why should I start being wise now
. I did take a very accurate (and repeatable) measurement from the middle of the beam down to the ground so I will be watching that closely. Of course, who can argue with all the benefits of the post being pointed out - it certainly could be a rock solid foundation for many "interesting" things.TehMooSe - Thanks so much for the kind words. I will try to keep it interesting for you as I finish up this place. Thanks for stopping by - it's a real shot in the arm.
THE WORKSHOP GETS A NEW BEER FRIDGE…
Well, I guess the conversation with Wingnut65 a while back finally made the old fridge decide to kick the bucket. It had served us well and was already a hand-me-down to the Asylum.
Here is the little guy next to its big Gladiator Freezerator brother out on the city house pool deck. It's a Sears Kenmore #95683 with 3.1 cu ft of space.
And here it is boosted up on the little caster cart I made for the other fridge about 10 years ago so we didn't have to bend down so far to wet our whistle. I will cover up the cart with some skirting to make it look better but I'm thinking the fridge should be lowered so the black trim of the freezer door lines up with the sink trim.
ANOTHER TREE TAKES A FALL…
And takes out a sapling with it Here's the latest tree to fall.
And here's the little tree that was in a very unfortunate spot.
Well, I guess the conversation with Wingnut65 a while back finally made the old fridge decide to kick the bucket. It had served us well and was already a hand-me-down to the Asylum.
Here is the little guy next to its big Gladiator Freezerator brother out on the city house pool deck. It's a Sears Kenmore #95683 with 3.1 cu ft of space.
And here it is boosted up on the little caster cart I made for the other fridge about 10 years ago so we didn't have to bend down so far to wet our whistle. I will cover up the cart with some skirting to make it look better but I'm thinking the fridge should be lowered so the black trim of the freezer door lines up with the sink trim.
ANOTHER TREE TAKES A FALL…
And takes out a sapling with it
Here's the latest tree to fall. And here's the little tree that was in a very unfortunate spot.
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HOTFR8
Banned
So do you have a wood heater ?
Amazzen
Well-known member
If he doesn't its on the LIST! Chop, chop Shopnut...
Guys - I've cut, split, stacked, and burned A LOT of wood when I was growing up in Wisconsin. But here if Florida, I only need serious heat maybe a maximum of 2 weeks out of the year. So all this wood just gets cut and stacked neatly (because I'm still programmed) and then eventually rots away. It's actually kind of sad because I know there are plenty of people in the colder climates that could put it to good use
HOTFR8
Banned
Wood - You know they say is is 3 times the warmth of other heating.
1, cut and cart it home.
2 split it and carry it to the heater
and
3 sit there relax and get warm.
Should have clicked with me you would not need the wood heater in Florida. Perhaps you can find a Charity that would take the wood and give it to some in a colder are that can use it.
1, cut and cart it home.
2 split it and carry it to the heater
and
3 sit there relax and get warm.
Guys - I've cut, split, stacked, and burned A LOT of wood when I was growing up in Wisconsin. But here if Florida, I only need serious heat maybe a maximum of 2 weeks out of the year. So all this wood just gets cut and stacked neatly (because I'm still programmed) and then eventually rots away. It's actually kind of sad because I know there are plenty of people in the colder climates that could put it to good use
Should have clicked with me you would not need the wood heater in Florida
. Perhaps you can find a Charity that would take the wood and give it to some in a colder are that can use it.
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Wingnut65
Well-known member
OK, I've finally caught up on all the adventures in the Asylum... Great work on the beam and loft.
Wow, snakes, spiders, scorpions, beams, fiberglass panels, ArachnAin't... I missed a lot. Yes, we have all those creatures living here in Florida, but like any resident of any state, you learn what they do and where they are and learn to avoid them. What was not mentioned was the gators that frequent many (OK, most) bodies of water here, including in neighborhoods. Respect them and ignore them and we all live in harmony.
I'm thrilled to hear about all the fellow Eagle Scouts we have here at GJ. Mine was from June of '83. And as has been mentioned, BSA is always looking for adult leaders. Now that we are discussing it, I really need to get a Merit Badge Counselor application and turn it in. We have an active troop at our church.
Shaun, not sure why no one caught the reference to Dr. Jones, but that was the reason the floor was moving...
My experience with venomous snakes was when I picked up a baby pygmy and it put me in the hospital for three days. 8" long with no rattles, it looked like a hognose snake. I was just trying to move it out of the road...
Your new collage looks great, but now that you mentioned it shopnut, to get the full picture of the year's events, one of the small pictures should be replaced with an X-ray image. Just a thought...
We save the wood for a fire pit. Fun time for neighbors to hang out, socialize, drink, roast s'mores... Besides, it keeps the mosquitoes away...
Great work shopnut on the Asylum and your neighborly relations (aka, snake removal). One thought I had on the fiberglass panels, if you aren't planning on using them again as translucent panels, consider painting them now to match the other panels on the shop. Then the pressure to get them done is not as urgent.
As for the beer fridge giving up it's ghost, it was probably time to upgrade anyways. And the aligning the lines with the sink would either A) look nice, or B) show that OCD is really taking its toll on you.
And lastly, for the ArachnAin't, whether on the ladder rail or on the iRobot, I can just see shopnut under the Chevelle, reaching out to get a wrench and getting zapped by his defense system, jerking straight up and putting dents in the oil pan and his forehead... Maybe the codes can be adjusted to prevent such collateral damage,
Wow, snakes, spiders, scorpions, beams, fiberglass panels, ArachnAin't... I missed a lot. Yes, we have all those creatures living here in Florida, but like any resident of any state, you learn what they do and where they are and learn to avoid them. What was not mentioned was the gators that frequent many (OK, most) bodies of water here, including in neighborhoods. Respect them and ignore them and we all live in harmony.
I'm thrilled to hear about all the fellow Eagle Scouts we have here at GJ. Mine was from June of '83. And as has been mentioned, BSA is always looking for adult leaders. Now that we are discussing it, I really need to get a Merit Badge Counselor application and turn it in. We have an active troop at our church.
Shaun, not sure why no one caught the reference to Dr. Jones, but that was the reason the floor was moving...
My experience with venomous snakes was when I picked up a baby pygmy and it put me in the hospital for three days. 8" long with no rattles, it looked like a hognose snake. I was just trying to move it out of the road...
... Its always fun for me to look back on the some of the highlights even though things were a little slow this year. At least I have a decent excuse for the limited progress (and have X-rays to prove it
Your new collage looks great, but now that you mentioned it shopnut, to get the full picture of the year's events, one of the small pictures should be replaced with an X-ray image. Just a thought...
We save the wood for a fire pit. Fun time for neighbors to hang out, socialize, drink, roast s'mores... Besides, it keeps the mosquitoes away...
Great work shopnut on the Asylum and your neighborly relations (aka, snake removal). One thought I had on the fiberglass panels, if you aren't planning on using them again as translucent panels, consider painting them now to match the other panels on the shop. Then the pressure to get them done is not as urgent.
As for the beer fridge giving up it's ghost, it was probably time to upgrade anyways. And the aligning the lines with the sink would either A) look nice, or B) show that OCD is really taking its toll on you.
And lastly, for the ArachnAin't, whether on the ladder rail or on the iRobot, I can just see shopnut under the Chevelle, reaching out to get a wrench and getting zapped by his defense system, jerking straight up and putting dents in the oil pan and his forehead... Maybe the codes can be adjusted to prevent such collateral damage,
mdbeck1
Well-known member
Gotta agree that the fire pit would be a good idea. ...of course in Oklahoma you'd have to save it for a COOLER evening. Right now it's around 80 degrees in the morning and 100+ in the afternoons.
Hey Shopnut... when you get that iRobot - ArachnAin't set up you need to PM the IP address so we (the software technical savvy members) can "adjust" it's programming.
richtersrodz
Well-known member
Just trying to catch up here.. That's a pretty big snake! I felt bad, (just a bit) after killing a 5 ft rat snake at my place. He crawled up into my car's floor board, while I was working on it with the doors open. A couple of weeks later, I didn't feel bad at all, for killing a copper head that I found, with my 4 year old baby girl standing right next to me. It was in the barn, and my son and I couldn't flush him out, so the 12 ga took care of him, right where he was. And took care of the 2x4 that was right next to him too. Took a big chunk out, but at least I didn't blow a hole in the side of the barn, so it was a successful shot. Now the brown recluse spiders, that's a whole other story..
Great looking progress as always..
Great looking progress as always..