Project: Workbench

So, I know I generally just write blog posts to complain about crap or to tell you about some awesome new product or service that I've recently started using, but today, I wanted to tell you about a project that has been keeping me busy for a couple of months - My workbench.

Now, sure, I could have gone out and purchased a workbench from the local hardware store or used a prefabricated counter top and bolted it to the wall, but where is the fun in that?!

For this project, I started by researching some workbench designs and talking to friends and family about different options. I wanted something substantial. Something tall. Something that wasn't too deep or shallow. something that would give me storage, but not look like an eyesore.

Mostly, I wanted to rip out the old workbench (made of scrap parts by the previous owners) and build one that meets my needs and expectations.

This gave me the excuse to do several things:

1. Hang out with my dad and several of my friends.
2. Play with power tools.
3. Learn something new!

Once I had an idea of what I wanted to build, I quickly realized that I HATE drawing up designs using paper and pencil. I HATE it.

It's difficult to do and when you make a mistake you have to start over or do lots of erasing. it's terrible.

That's where SketchUp Make came in handy! This software is awesome. It took a little bit of trial and error, but it's really easy to learn and use. Their tutorial videos are fantastic! [No, I'm not sponsored by these guys. they make a great product and deserve to be recognized for it.]

SketchUp gave me the ability to tweak the design and try different things in a 3D space ultimately designing a MUCH better product. I can't stress how much I love this software. The rendering above is the workbench without the 3/8" plywood top and shelves.

UPDATE (2/4/2015): I decided it would be nice to provide the SketchUp design files so that you can view the design and pick it apart at home. I'll try to keep this link active.

I wanted the workbench's primary aesthetic to be the 2x4 frame and the 4x4 legs. I also wanted to recess the plywood top and shelving so that the edges would be covered by the 2x4 framing. I achieved this by inlaying bracing the held the top and shelves.

We started with the 2x4 frame for the top of the bench and worked our way down. The photo on the right shows the plywood top laying inside the frame (placed there to verify the measurements for the legs and bracing.

Here is a rendering of one of the legs. SketchUp allows you to group and duplicate elements.
This comes in handy especially when you want to make an exploded view.

The bandsaw made short work
of the notching process

Just needed to notch the 4x4 and them move on to the bandsaw.

The 4x4 legs were notched to allow the top frame to sit down into the 4x4 to support the frame and the top.

Forstner bit used to make a nice flat resessed hole for washer
and lagbolt to hold 4x4 leg flush against the frame.

This bit of scrap wood was roughly
the width of the bandsaw blade.

Next we needed to notch the rear 4x4's on the inner face to make room for the 2x4 that runs the length of the bench. We decided to dado (without a dado blade) the notch just enough to make room for the bandsaw to to take care of the rest of the cut.

Once the notch was cut, we were able test fit the 2x4.

We waited until this point int he build to actually chop the legs to lenght. We decided it would be best to get our notching done first just in case we messed something up.

Chop! Chop!

Time to attach the legs to the top!!!

Then we measured, cut, and ripped some 2x4s
for the recessed bracing.

The original plans did not have this, but we decided that it would be nice to notch the long 2x4 on the back to better support the bracing that runs from front to back on the shelving rather than screw it together from behind the 4x4 leg.

To do that, we had to fit the long 4x4 into place and then mark the notch points. Since this was a shallow cut, it was easiest to do the entire cut on the table saw. We were only making 2 notches after all.

At this point in the build we did a lot of measuring, cutting, and assembling. I did not, however, do a lot of photographing. As a result, there isn't much documentation of the lower bracing (that holds the shelving and makes the bench nice and sturdy.)

The bracing sure looked nice once it was assembled, though. The front and back bits of inner bracing are the ripped section of 2x4. I wasn't too concerned about the lower shelving needing a lot of lip to sit on all the way around, so I used some of the wood that was left over from ripping the upper 2x4s.

Dad asking for me to bring him a sarsaparilla. (We're not done yet, pops!)

Something I didn't consider in the design phase: Garage floors are NOT level. They are uneven. They require leveling feet.

Have you ever priced heavy duty leveling feet? Those sonsofbitches ain't cheep.

So, I did some research and came across Dan's Shop. Great work, Dan!

One thing I found out, however, is that coupling nuts can be a little steep for what they are....

3" Carriage bolts from Lowe's
Under a buck each.

1/2" Coupling Nuts from Lowe's
Just shy of $4 each.

12 pack for $20

For less than the $32 I would have spent at Lowe's for the coupling nuts, I rummaged through eBay and found a box of 100. I figured the math made sense and I also purchased 35 carriage bolts for $10 while I was there. It saved me a trip and I've got plenty to spare.

'X' marks the spot.

Ka-Chunk!

The floor stand drill press was hard to
move around, but it sure was handy
for drilling these holes

Threading the bolt into the joining nut made
it easier to hammer the bolt down. I recessed
the nut a bit because my bolts were so long.

Stop. It's Hammer Time.

We used a wood bit slightly smaller than the
diameter of the bolt head and the hockey pucks
actually hold tightly to the bolt.

All that was left was to cut the 3/8" plywood and drop it into place for the bottom shelving.

Look. It's a shelf. With stuff on it!

It still needs a bit of sanding and I'm not sure how and if I'm going to coat it. Overall, I'm quite pleased with the build and am excited to start my next project - now with a functional workbench at my disposal!

For those who want to know, I spent about $200 on materials for this project not counting tools.

Google Reader

I use Google Reader. A lot.

Google Reader is how I consume internet. Well, Google Reader is how I consume internet that I WANT to stay up to date with. I also use StumbleUpon and Facebook, but Reader is where I go to see what blogs, comics, and youtube channels have made updates.

I got a message today that said that Google Reader would be retired on July 1.

At first, I thought - "Wow, Google is starting those April Fools jokes a little early!" but then as I read through it, I realized (much to my dismay) that it wasn't a farce.

Now I'm left wondering what service I'll need to use that gives me the same abilities. I have to admit, there may be better products out there. I've never looked. Google Reader gave me everything I needed and it was already wrapped into my Google Ecosystem, so I didn't have to login on another website - why look for a replacement when this has worked so well for me for so long?

Google says this is part of their goal to focus attentions to their most popular services... maybe that means they'll finally make a 64Bit version of Google Chrome? Who knows.

What alternatives have you found for organizing RSS feeds and monitoring what you've read/watched?

Did you know I still have a blog?

Today I read a post from my sister's blog. It forced invited me to answer a list of questions.

Here goes:

1. If you could have any job for a day, unpaid, what would it be and why?
   I'd probably want to work for Lego designing new toy lines... seriously, where did all the cool Lego sets go? I don't feel the urge to spend $500 on legos anymore (not that I ever acted on that urge). But I used to wanted to... all the time! Now, I feel content with the legos I have. Though the Mindstorms line is still awesome... more so than before...
2. Are you prepared for the Zombie Apocalypse?
   No. You can never prepare for the Apocalypse... Zombie or otherwise.
3. Which Doctor is your favorite?
   Dr. David F. Jimenez
4. Christian Bale is the best Batman.  Explain why.
   Because he looks the most like Adam West without talking like Adam West. Actually, I think this whole thing might be backward... Adam West is probably the best batman because he talks the LEAST like Christian Bale. :-P
5. What do you do for fun?
   I draw a web comic.
6. What is the best cleaning or organizing tip you have ever put into practice?
   The very best tip when it comes to organizing comes from Nike: Just do it. One of the hardest things for me was letting go of the sentimental attachments. Once I got over that, I was able to throw away all sorts of useless clutter.
7. What is the worst advice you were ever given?
   Someone once told me to break up with a girl I was dating. I think that was the worst advice I've ever been given. Fortunately, I ignored that advice and we are happily married.
8. What is your biggest pet peeve?
   The general sense of self entitlement that folks seem to have these days. I don't care if you earned it or not. The fact that you expect it at all times means you don't deserve it. Life isn't fair. You're not the center of the universe. Stop pretending like you're the only person that matters...
9. What is your favorite book?
   Probably The Name of The Wind by Patrick Rothfuss...
10. 3D movies?  Fan or no and why?
    I think that 3D is cool when it's used in a documentary like Aliens of The Deep. I don't like when it's used instead of good story telling. I find that 3D takes away from my viewing experience more often than add to it... Those 3D for the sake of 3D moments got old really quick. Just use traditional methods of adding depth to your scenes by composing them artistically and I'm happy.

The instructions didn't seem to require me to do anything additional, so I'm going to slowly back away from the keyboard...

UPDATE: I've been informed that I'm supposed to tell you 5 things that my sister doesn't already know about me. Wow... That's probably easier said than done. I probably way over share with her, so let's see...

1. When I was little, I actually believed that I was a robot that my father had built and that when I slept he would plug me in so that I could charge.
2. The first time I went to confession as a child, I confessed to Fr. Phillips that I had hit my sister in the head with a rollerskate (even though I didn't do that on purpose... It was honestly just a really lucky hit.) It had been a few years since it happened but I still felt super guilty about it.
3. I hate reading books in printed form. Physical books annoy me so much that I'd rather not read them at all... Having to remember where you put the book, having to use a book marker, having to physically hold it in your hands... the shortcomings go on and on. I much prefer the Kindle app on my iPhone, iPad, and desktop. I also love Audible and am tempted to use Whisper Sync so that I can read when I'm at home and listen when I'm in the car...
4. I feel like Amazon, Newegg and Apple should give me money because I convince so many people to use their services, but I suppose that wouldn't make any difference since I do it anyway.
5. I'm not at all ashamed that these last 2 items are somewhat of a cheat.

An open letter to the Google Chrome Team

Dear google,
Before I start, I want to get something off my chest. I love you, Google. Your software and services have always made me happy. Until last week. Maybe that's what makes me so angry... you've always been there for me, and right now I feel like you've let me and my users down.

I can't count how many people I've recommended Google Chrome to... Hell, I can't stand using other browsers... but last week, I did the unthinkable. I started telling my users to use Firefox and Safari.

Why? Because you failed to keep up with the times. You're a 32bit program in a 64bit world. Apple has dropped Java from OSX. Sun has released a 64bit only version of Java. Java is required for a large portion of my users' daily tasks.

The reason I first tried Chrome was for it's speed and security. I stayed because it was able to deliver everything I wanted, everything I needed, and more. But the greatness of the past does not guarantee greatness in the future...

Safari now does all the things that I love about chrome... the difference? It also does the things that Chrome currently can't.

Google, you have a pressing need. Chrome 64bit needs to be released before you lose more users. Users who love your product, but will find an alternative if necessary... users who hold grudges. Users who change loyalty quickly, but don't easily regain trust in software that fails them.

I know my customer base and I fear for the future of Chrome.

Google... I'm begging you... Get with the programming.

The sound of silence

Today I had a scare. I was filled with a sense of panic. For several moments I thought I was going to have to rebuild my music collection.

I've got about 10 GB of music. That isn't as large a collection as many folks I know, but it's a fair amount of music. Today I was syncing to my iPad and I was getting errors from many of the tracks.

For each track that wouldn't sync, I noticed the ID3 tags and album art were missing. They were still full size and the length was showing up properly, but the songs would not play.

At first I thought it was just one or two tracks... It was a lot more than that.

So I thought to myself... "Self, you're a pretty competent tech user. Whe are your backups?"

Well, I have Windows 7 Ultimate, so I checked for previous versions... Nothing from more than a month ago... And those were just as useless.

Ok, what about Carbonite? Negative. The online versions were the same damages versions.

I could try to recover them from my iPod... But my iPod often skips and distorts... I'm pretty sure it's not a reliable source.

Where else can I check... Ah! My MacBook Pro! - Maybe... Perhaps... YES!!!

All the tracks I tested play fine!

Now to back them up in like 30 new ways.

That was a close one....

Scrolling

I've searched lightly on Google for an answer to a question that has been plaguing my mind lately, and I've yet to find an answer. My goal here is to spark a conversation. Before I ask you the question, I want to discuss scrolling.

For as long as I've used a computer, scrolling has been an important feature. Whether coding in basic, working in a word processor, or browsing the web, scrolling is an important feature. We've been given handy widgets on screen that we can manipulate with the mouse, but the advent of the scroll wheel made the job faster and easier. And, since we were all used to "scrolling down" by clicking the down arrow on the scroll bar or dragging the slider down the page, it was only natural that scrolling the wheel towards you would do the same thing.

I think a great deal of this has to do with what we call the top and bottom of the page. Page Up and Page Down mesh perfectly with scrolling as we've known if for years.

But it wasn't natural. My mind always thought it was backwards... I "scroll down" and the page itself moves ... UP.

Apple recently decided that scrolling should be "natural." And although it took me some time to come onboard, I agree. Natural scrolling makes sense! You move the page... not the scroll bar. To make things even easier, Apple has hidden the scrollbar by default.

This brings me to my question... A question that I've yet to find an answer in my own mind. When we want to have someone scroll towards the bottom of a page, we say "scroll down." To have them scroll towards the top of the page, we say "scroll up."

Is this still the correct way to refer to our scrolling? We're now moving our two fingers up the trackpad to "scroll down" which moves the page up. Conversely, we move our fingers down the trackpad to "scroll up" which moves the page down. Should we also change our vocabulary? Has this revolution in scrolling just confused things? Should we say "Scroll towards the top of the page?"

It seems only natural to question this advancement. What do you think?

Hands-free

I'm so glad that someone finally turned this:

into this:

because hands free devices are too difficult to figure out... I wish I could just have something hold my entire phone to my head...

Wow. Just wow.

Back That Ass(et) Up!

So I was working on tomorrow's post for POV Comic and I needed to pull some elements from a few of my past comics (to use in the background). When I tried to open one of my Adobe Illustrator files I got an error message. I hadn't opened this particular file in CS5.1, so I thought it might be a compatibility issue. I quickly fired up Illustrator CS3 and tried to open the file again - different error - same result.

It was at this moment that I almost got very sad. Note that I said ALMOST.

I keep 3 types of data backups. That's right... three.

1. I use a mirrored hard drive configuration to protect against hardware failure.
2. I use Windows 7 Ultimate and take advantage of the "System Protection" options which keeps "Previous Versions" of all my files.
3. I use Carbonite - Just in case of Fire/Flood/Theft etc.

I've never had to fall back on Carbonite, but it makes me feel a lot better knowing that it's there. I have done some test recoveries from Carbonite and they've all worked well.

Today, I was able to use the "Previous Versions" option in Windows 7 to recover a working copy of my Illustrator file and that made me quite happy.

If you're not using a data backup solution, I highly recommend that you start! There are plenty of easy ways to keep you files backed up... Don't wait until it's too late!

28c3: The coming war on general computation

Invest a few minutes and watch this video...

Snowman...

My neighbors have a Nazi snowman...

Microsoft Live Mesh

Ok, how did I not know about this sooner?!

I've been toying with Microsoft Live Mesh... and I'm very surprised that it has so much functionality and so far works VERY well.

I hardly have to think when selecting folders to synchronize. Best of all, Live Mesh syncs between Mac and PC! That's right! I'm able to synchronize my pictures, music, and documents between computer systems OVER THE WEB! This synchronization happens in real time and regardless of location. If I'm at home, or work, or abroad, my photos are kept synchronized between my MacBook Pro and my home desktop... now THAT is impressive!

If you have the need to synchronize documents, pictures, and music between two computers Microsoft Live Mesh may be right for you! I understand it also works with some mobile devices, but I didn't see an Android application on the Market when I did a quick search, so I've not tested that.

I'm not getting paid by Microsoft... I just like to share with my friends and family when I find a good solid product (especially a great FREE service). I'll be testing it out for a few weeks and I'll give you an update when I learn more.

Film Bouquet

Whew, I just finished giving FilmBouquet.com a fairly massive overhaul. To celebrate, we're currently offering temporarily reduced prices!

If you or someone you know is planning a wedding, have a look at the newly designed website!

Feedback is appreciated!

Brother/Sister Duo with awesome sound

San Antonio's own Gilbert and Sarah Centeno have an awesome sound: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZbwZp67efI&feature=share

The video speaks for itself. Enjoy!

San Antonio Burger Co.

A flyer just arrived inside my apartment. Yes, you can just cram sheets of paper between my door and the door frame... Maybe that has something to do with my extremely high energy bills...

The flyer was from a local burger joint - San Antonio Burger Co. Not a very nice looking flyer, but I won't hold that against them. No. The thing that bothers me is their slogan: "Next to Dominos Pizza"...

Is that their location or a comparison on taste? Well, if you're hungry for a burger, you might want to consider us just after Domino's... I mean, honestly their pizza is a better choice... even if you're craving a burger. We're not very good... at marketing... or... Burgers. Oh, but we have hotwings! Damn, so does Domino's. And theirs are also better.

I am offended.

I find it offensive when I watch TV and have to hear about people being offended. Nothing upsets me more than hearing some ignorant American spouting off about how much some trivial thing upsets them.

Here is a thought.. next time something offends you, try looking closer at the real problem -- YOU.

I think a little self evaluation will go a long way to help you with those deep rooted emotional problems.

You find it offensive that your daughter is adopted?! Really?! That's terrible! I feel really bad for her. How about you explain to her that jokes are jokes and there is nothing wrong with being adopted... Maybe she would be better off if she was raised by parents that weren't leading her down the path of American Pussification.

Stop offending me.

REF: http://kotaku.com/5802908/portal-2-finds-a-way-to-offend

Portal 2

So, I just beat the single player mode on Portal 2, and I've got to say -- although it is SIGNIFICANTLY easier than the first game, it is also far more rewarding and fun to play.

The game dynamic has been made to sort of aid the player... Because of this, it is easier to get puzzles to work once you have solved them. Some of the puzzles themselves are more challenging, but once you've figured out how to solve it, you don't have to spend quite as much effort trying to make sure things line up - the elements in the game sort of know where to go.

I was actually very surprised about how much back story there is throughout the game. I was happy with GLaDOS just mocking and taunting me, but Valve has outdone themselves here... Not only is the back story great, but the way they let it unfold for you as you're going through pre GLaDOS era tests is really great.

If you've read reviews of the game, you probably already know about Wheatley and Cave Johnson -- these characters are fantastic and add a lot of life to the game.

The graphics are amazing and the test chambers are huge. I'm amazed how well the game runs (granted I am playing on an Intel Core i7 970 with an ATI Radeon HD5700 video card, but even with all the graphics settings maxed out, there is no lag or jumpiness... The game is flawless and beautiful.

The "Cooperative Initiative" goes above and beyond and really adds a lot of replay value to the game.

To say that I am pleased with the game would be an understatement. Suffice to say that I enjoyed playing it and I will enjoy playing it again and again. You should too.

Do you ever note?

So, has anyone else used Evernote?

Damn is it awesome...

I've been using it for things that I need to have quick access to where ever I am.

At work it's a great way to take notes about tasks I'm working on, or document mileage quickly... When I get in the car, I pop opened the Android client and enter my starting mileage and then my ending mileage when I get to my destination. Then when I'm back at my desk, I just open the client on my desktop and copy the data into the spreadsheet I have to turn in each month.

It's also a great place to keep a to-do list because I can bring it up on my phone or computer... not to mention from any computer with internet access!

There is a web version, a downloadable client, and iPhone/Android apps... I can't believe how useful it is... and FREE! Check it out!

What? A good blog!

Recently I stumbled across a surprisingly good blog.

It was surprising for a few reasons:

1. Great writing style
2. Comedic delivery
3. Well chosen subject matter
4. I had no idea that it existed
5. Oh yeah, it was written by MY SISTER!

My sister is a far better writer than I ever knew. I'll let those of you who don't know my eldest sister (Rachael)in on a little secret - She has a long track record of being an introvert. This blog is so far outside her bubble that I was shocked when she told me that it existed --- I was floored when I saw how much content she already had --- I was blown away as I went through a string of emotions (Laughing at one moment, concerned the next, and then on the verge of tears ... only go return to laughing again). I mean, come on! How cute is this?!

She has done a great job of establishing the theme of her blog and is doing an amazing job of interlinking previous posts to easily bring new readers up to speed on things she refers back to.

I really admire my sister for breaking out of her shell -- I've been impressed with how much she has changed over the past 15 or so years... I remember when she was afraid to make a phone call, didn't like to talk in front of strangers, and would much rather curl up on the couch and read a book than engage in conversation with a large group of people. After college, she worked at a bank and a call center -- those were two jobs I NEVER expected to see her in, yet she did them both - and she did them well!

Now, here she is... Opening up to the whole world and doing an AMAZING job of it. My cyber hat goes off to you, sis. Keep it up -- I think the best is yet to come and I'm brimming with anticipation.

I've been a long time fan of blogs from Scott Adams and The Hobo Teacher for many of the same reasons that I now enjoy the hell out of my Sister's Blog.

I highly recommend you check it out -- it makes for a good read.

Windows Live games... you can play them when you're dead.

Today I had my first experience with a "Games for Windows Live" title...

I heard Batman: Arkham Asylum was on sale on Steam and I've been interested in playing it or some time now...

I logged into steam, purchased the game, downloaded it... installed it... launched it... had to copy a key code to the clipboard... had to paste the key code into a box that came up on first launch... several extra things were installed/configured after that... then nothing... I had to re-launch the game... then paste the key code into a different box... Then I was told to log into my windows live account...

I'd forgotten my windows live password, so I hopped over to Chrome and went to hotmail.com to reset my password... logged into my gmail to open the email I got from hotmail... I reset my password... I then logged into my live account in the game and got a message that said I had to update Live... so, I told it to update, it closed the game, and installed the update...

Now it's re-launched the game (and thankfully remembered the key and my live credentials)...

Maybe I can play the game now?

Nope... Wife is calling...

Oh well --- Maybe I can play it some other time.

UPDATE: OK - so I thought I was in the clear, but I tried a few times while talking to Jamie to log in... it allowed me to, but each time it told me that there was another update. I downloaded and installed at least 4 updates... weather they were just not installing, I'm still not sure.

So, finally it allows me to get past the "YOU NEED AN UPDATE!!" screen and tells me that I don't have a gamer tag associated with my live account.

So it minimized the game and took me to a page that is asking me for my name and required me to accept an agreement that I did not read. It then offered me all sorts of options that I don't care about... I JUST WANT TO PLAY BATMAN DAMMIT!!!

I don't think I'll ever buy an X-Box because of this experience...

Addicted to my phone.

So, I find that I am far more connected than before. It's not like I didn't have a smart phone before... it's just that my new phone (Evo Shift) is so much faster and has so many more options/apps... I don't know how I lived with my Pre for so long... sorry, Palm.... google has stolen another of your fan boys...