Stay At Home ?

[warrior12]

Well, the title of the post is about the most used phrase in the last two weeks.  The other is wash your hands.  

So, I was curious how people who are in this lock down situation passing the time and what are some of the innovative ideas and things that they are doing within the day.  Some have houses that need the fixing up and sort, and this time can be useful for that.  Many though have apartments and not much to do after the daily chores.

The company I work for is a service company that was listed as essential, so some of us was kept on to work, while quite a number was sent home till things get back to normal.  I was given an offer to either take three months off and go get unemployment and if things recover early, would be called back, OR  to keep on working. I took the latter as my apartment is very small and can't see three months in there everyday with nothing to do to keep me occupied .  Could only read so much and don't want to spend all that time on the computer and could easily fall into eating too much.

So are you willing to share your ideas and what you are actually doing and some projects that you came up with.  Some people who are bored may pickup on some ideas and get themselves occupied too.  

I see a danger with staying in long and that is the temptation to eat a lot and not exercise, therefore the couch potato syndrome, which is not good for health.

I went out to kick around my soccer ball this afternoon and after about ten minutes into that alone, a guy who was jogging came up and ask if he can goalie.  Afterwards, I witnessed to him. He said he was an atheist. He was from India.

So, lets hear those inventions and ideas if you are so willing to share them.

[OneLight]

Being retired, there is not much of a difference for me.  What I have lost is the ability to go climbing at the gym or outside, as they have closed all the climbing areas except for the most obscure areas which require a bit of a hike to get to.  I've also found myself shopping more to find what I need as the shelves are pretty bare and the pickings slim.  Everything else is the same.

[Jostler]

try your hand at something new  

https://www.amazon.com/AMACO-AMA46318R-Clay-White-lbs/dp/B0009RLJZ4/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=sculpting+clay+25+pound&qid=1585362103&sr=8-3

 

https://www.amazon.com/Sculpt-Pro-Pottery-Tool-Starter/dp/B00CTTLZOA/ref=sr_1_7?crid=EFO6JTVTA6B3&dchild=1&keywords=sculptors%2Btools&qid=1585361054&sprefix=sculptors%2B%2Caps%2C399&sr=8-7&th=1

 

less than fifty bucks and you can try your hand at sculpture   See if you can make a thought take on three dimensions...you might be surprised.   25lbs of clay is enough to make quite a few different 4 to 8 inch tall figures

 

Add one of these if you can manage  it, they make the work a lot easier:

https://www.amazon.com/US-Art-Supply-Sculpting-Construction/dp/B00PR9P91Y/ref=sr_1_12?dchild=1&keywords=sculptors+stand&qid=1585362644&sr=8-12

Edited March 28, 2020 by Jostler

[R. Hartono]

How many or isnt there anybody who meditate on God, Jesus n Holy Spirit ?  Unless people find it boring.

[warrior12]

My boss was giving us updates as the covid thing was hitting Europe and barely starting here.   Talk around the shop and with other Techs, about the possibilities of lockdown had me thinking of how I would past the time.   I will post what comes to memory and in subsequent post as they come back.

So here is my first.  All of us has knives in our kitchen and I don't know about anybody, but I like my knives sharp.   I have in my earlier years done carpentry and still have my first sharpening stone that I bought.  I have been using it to sharpen my knives for all these years, but it sure take a lot of time and has to work hard to get close to razor edge which I like.

Thank you youtube, as there are generous people who have shown us their talents and some info on how to sharpen a knife quickly and perfectly.   Now there are many methods, types of equipment that can run into hundred of dollars, but I was looking for a DIY method which is cheap and fast and get the job done.

There is a system named the "Lanksy sharpening system" that comes in a package that is fast and what IMO the best method for home users.    Some youtubers has made their own homemade versions  and I always wanted to try my hand at my own.  Well I have done so and is so happy with the results.

It is not refined as yet as I had to brainstorm the materials and mechanics of this very simple device.  I will see if I can get a photo uploaded time permit.

So, all you frustrated knife users, this could be a project to past those hours.   see Lansky sharpening system on youtube for the system..  Don't have to buy that system, but you can make it yourself with some home make things you have around.  You have to buy a sharpening stone or something to sharpen with.

Now, no kidding, I can shave hair of my hand with my kitchen knifes.  The final step of stropping or what I find the best, using a sharpening steel to give that razor edge.

Edited March 28, 2020 by warrior12

[Jostler]

It takes a LOT of practice to really get a knife sharp freehand....  Lansky is a stellar option....anyone can precision hone a razor edge on about any knife with that.  I like sharp knives too.  I got a turn box as a gift and it's better than free hand but I never sprung for the five stone deluxe....I'm sure it's worth it

[warrior12]

10 minutes ago, Jostler said:

It takes a LOT of practice to really get a knife sharp freehand....  Lansky is a stellar option....anyone can precision hone a razor edge on about any knife with that.  I like sharp knives too.  I got a turn box as a gift and it's better than free hand but I never sprung for the five stone deluxe....I'm sure it's worth it

Yeh, Lansky system is small and compact, but it cost dollars which I think many would be trying to conserve right now .   With some simple items, your own version can be made at home and have it for a long time.

The key to sharpening any device is the angle which that device is best suited for.  As I understand it, kitchen knives is about 15-20 degrees and heavy duty knives like camping knives is at around 25.  The lansky type system allow an almost perfect angle without much effort and is fast.   

The key here is to occupy time and learn and at the same time can be worthwhile and useful for very cheap or free.   

Thanks Jostler for your input as it is valuable and appreciated.

[Jostler]

1 minute ago, warrior12 said:

Yeh, Lansky system is small and compact, but it cost dollars which I think many would be trying to conserve right now .   With some simple items, your own version can be made at home and have it for a long time.

The key to sharpening any device is the angle which that device is best suited for.  As I understand it, kitchen knives is about 15-20 degrees and heavy duty knives like camping knives is at around 25.  The lansky type system allow an almost perfect angle without much effort and is fast.   

The key here is to occupy time and learn and at the same time can be worthwhile and useful for very cheap or free.   

Thanks Jostler for your input as it is valuable and appreciated.

oh I can appreciate the challenge and enjoyment of doing a DIY version....the principles are simple enough.  Do you think you could build one for the cost of buying?  I never thought to see what stones would cost....but some scrap metal a drill and a few files might be about all you'd need otherwise...maybe some epoxy? 

[warrior12]

18 minutes ago, Jostler said:

oh I can appreciate the challenge and enjoyment of doing a DIY version....the principles are simple enough.  Do you think you could build one for the cost of buying?  I never thought to see what stones would cost....but some scrap metal a drill and a few files might be about all you'd need otherwise...maybe some epoxy? 

I built one. It is a bit crude as I don't have the time to refine it the way I should.  The hardest part was to get the stone to stay attached to the rod as I am using a six inch by 2 inch stone which is used for freehand sharpening.  This makes it even more challenging, especially for those who have the time to solve problems.   

Anyway this conversation would be ignored by  those who are not familiar with the device, so I would just post a pic and would take it from there.

Must say though, those who could make this, especially men for their wives or girlfriend ect. , they would give you better food, no kidding .

The saying by most chefs, is : A dull knife is more dangerous than a sharpen one. Why ?, Dull ones, can slip, while a sharp one cuts like butter.  

Using a knife is another kettle of fish  that should be mastered too.

[Jostler]

40 minutes ago, warrior12 said:

I built one. It is a bit crude as I don't have the time to refine it the way I should.  The hardest part was to get the stone to stay attached to the rod as I am using a six inch by 2 inch stone which is used for freehand sharpening.  This makes it even more challenging, especially for those who have the time to solve problems.   

Anyway this conversation would be ignored by  those who are not familiar with the device, so I would just post a pic and would take it from there.

Must say though, those who could make this, especially men for their wives or girlfriend ect. , they would give you better food, no kidding .

The saying by most chefs, is : A dull knife is more dangerous than a sharpen one. Why ?, Dull ones, can slip, while a sharp one cuts like butter.  

Using a knife is another kettle of fish  that should be mastered too.

I wouldn't have to look perfect to suit me if it just attached well and fast, and got the knife sharp.   I think epoxy might hold a clean stone on the guide?   dunno, over time honing oil my loosen it...

but I'm certain you're right about sharp knives being safer...you have to use more force with a dull knife and that contributes to accidents too.