Thursday, July 25
My Old House Journal Has Moved
Monday, June 2
Installing patio pavers
My latest accomplishment is installing 2'x2' raised aggregate pavers. This is for a secluded corner of the enclosed "secret garden". There are a number of ways to install these; some more professional than others. The way I did it (and I often do things my own way):
1. Got my kids to help remove the sod.
2. Placed sand on this de-sodded area.
3. Installed the pavers, leveling each one as we went. We eyeballed the spacing between the pavers.
This area is at the rear corner of the fenced area and is more private. Makes a nice place to meditate, postulate, communicate, or get intimate. Nice quiet place to sit and read also. Plan to put a small table and couple of chairs here.
Result: Looks great and very inviting.
1. Got my kids to help remove the sod.
2. Placed sand on this de-sodded area.
3. Installed the pavers, leveling each one as we went. We eyeballed the spacing between the pavers.
This area is at the rear corner of the fenced area and is more private. Makes a nice place to meditate, postulate, communicate, or get intimate. Nice quiet place to sit and read also. Plan to put a small table and couple of chairs here.
Result: Looks great and very inviting.
Saturday, May 31
New tools from Home Depot
I have acquired some really good professional tools from Home Depot at extremely good prices. They seem to have "specials" on a regular basis. As I mentioned, I got my Milwaukee 14.4v Battery operated drill (including flashlight, extra battery, and case) for only $99. Then I got my Ridgid 18v heavy duty 1/2" Hammer Drill (which included 18v reciprocating saw, and extra battery) for only $139. This one is regularly about $290.
I always find these "specials" in the main aisle. You do have to keep your eye open though. They are generally quickly grabbed up, and when gone they are gone. With the Ridgid drill they were out at the 1st store, I quickly went to another store to get one (that store was down to the last 2). I wish, now, that I had bought one more to give my son as a birthday present.
And now: I have been wanting a 4-1/2" Angle grinder for about 2 years. I would regularly visit Home Depot looking for a "special" on this item. Well, the other day I was in the store and, LO & BEHOLD, they had a special on the Makita 4-1/2" Angle Grinder where you got two of them for the price of one. So, I ended up with 2 for a grant total of $71.00, which makes them $36 each. That means I have one to give away as a birthday present to one of my sons! These are professional quality grinders (heavier duty, higher amp, higher rpm, etc). They also included a grinding wheel. You can also get cutting wheels (for concrete or metal), and a more expensive diamond blade for serious cutting. Grinding/stripping brushes & sanding disks are also available.
Anyway, it is a tool I have occasional need of but could make do without until a "steal of a deal" came up. You have to differentiate between needs vs wants and have the necessary patience for the needs. As I get older, I find myself more frequently asking myself "do I really need this?" This doesn't just apply to material things.
Friday, May 30
Further comments on repairs & parts (Specifically Kitchen Aid)
Continuing on on the high cost of repairing some things:
1. I bought and installed a Kitchen Aid dishwasher when I built my new kitchen in 2000. This was one of the deluxe models (had stainless steel interior, etc). Anyway, the dish detergent compartment has a little "door" that is held shut by a real small plastic latch. This latch is on a timer which opens it at the appropriate time to dispense the detergent. The latch is spring loaded and probably doesn't cost a $1. Anyway, around 2005 (it had evidence of being slowly being eaten away for awhile) this plastic latch finally deteriorated to the point where it would no longer hold the detergent door closed (probably from the chemicals in the detergent, because it was gradually being eaten away). The "estimated" cost to have an appliance repairman come out and replace was near $250.00. I declined. What I have done since is "put up with it". We use the solid detergent (which dissolves a little slower).
2. I had called Kitchen Aid to complain that this latch was made of inferior material which could not hold up to rigors of dishwashing. They essentially told me it wasn't their problem, and tough luck: call a repairman. That is where I got the above quote. This little $1 item requires removal of the main dishwasher door, taking it apart, etc. My concern was that it would be replaced with another similar one which would also deteriorate within 3-5 years.
3. Although Kitchen Aid is and used to be known for quality products, I will not buy another Kitchen Aid product. This is because of their refusal to own up to their responsibility in recognizing this as a mfg flaw. My next dishwasher is going to be Bosch. As previously mentioned we bought a Samsung French (double) Door fridge (freezer below) last September. We looked at several mfgrs models, but Kitchen Aid was not under consideration. Also bought a new JennAir stove. Again, Kitchen Aid not considered.
What I think Kitchen Aid has done is cheapen their product (quality wise) while capitalizing on their good name and reputation. They are going to lose that reputation if they continue to treat customers the way they treated me.
If you are thinking of purchasing a Kitchen Aid appliance, do your homework. If you google "Kitchen Aid complaints" you will see alot of issues.
1. I bought and installed a Kitchen Aid dishwasher when I built my new kitchen in 2000. This was one of the deluxe models (had stainless steel interior, etc). Anyway, the dish detergent compartment has a little "door" that is held shut by a real small plastic latch. This latch is on a timer which opens it at the appropriate time to dispense the detergent. The latch is spring loaded and probably doesn't cost a $1. Anyway, around 2005 (it had evidence of being slowly being eaten away for awhile) this plastic latch finally deteriorated to the point where it would no longer hold the detergent door closed (probably from the chemicals in the detergent, because it was gradually being eaten away). The "estimated" cost to have an appliance repairman come out and replace was near $250.00. I declined. What I have done since is "put up with it". We use the solid detergent (which dissolves a little slower).
2. I had called Kitchen Aid to complain that this latch was made of inferior material which could not hold up to rigors of dishwashing. They essentially told me it wasn't their problem, and tough luck: call a repairman. That is where I got the above quote. This little $1 item requires removal of the main dishwasher door, taking it apart, etc. My concern was that it would be replaced with another similar one which would also deteriorate within 3-5 years.
3. Although Kitchen Aid is and used to be known for quality products, I will not buy another Kitchen Aid product. This is because of their refusal to own up to their responsibility in recognizing this as a mfg flaw. My next dishwasher is going to be Bosch. As previously mentioned we bought a Samsung French (double) Door fridge (freezer below) last September. We looked at several mfgrs models, but Kitchen Aid was not under consideration. Also bought a new JennAir stove. Again, Kitchen Aid not considered.
What I think Kitchen Aid has done is cheapen their product (quality wise) while capitalizing on their good name and reputation. They are going to lose that reputation if they continue to treat customers the way they treated me.
If you are thinking of purchasing a Kitchen Aid appliance, do your homework. If you google "Kitchen Aid complaints" you will see alot of issues.
My DeWalt 18v drill
Got back my "overhauled" DeWalt 18v Battery operated Hammer drill. The overhaul was guaranteed not to exceed $99. That is the amount I paid plus sales tax (the legalized extortionists need their cut). Anyway, the "supposed total" would have been $250 if not for the $99 guarantee. It's funny how the various parts when all added up usually end up costing far more than if you just bought a new item (tool, lawnmower, appliance, etc).
Anyway, I am extremely pleased and happy with the "overhaul". It supposedly included all labor, new motor, new clutch, new switch, new chuck, etc. It actually seems to be more powerful and work better than when it was new!!! They even cleaned the drill. I was impressed.