Use for a broken bandsaw blade??

[pyotr filipivich]

Greetings all
Whilst cleaning out yet another box/container marked "Stuff" I
found that I have two "bits" of 1 inch band saw blade, about a foot
and a half in length. Having seen videos on how to turn spade bits
into router irons, I have two questions:
1) "What was I thinking?"
2) what can be done with a piece of band saw blade? It is not
exactly stiff enough for use in plane, although it might work for a
knife blade.

Any ideas for "alternative" uses?
--
pyotr filipivich.
Discussing the decline in the US's tech edge, James Niccol once wrote
"It used to be that the USA was pretty good at producing stuff teenaged
boys could lose a finger or two playing with."

[Bill]

On 8/20/2022 6:05 PM, pyotr filipivich wrote:
> Greetings all
> Whilst cleaning out yet another box/container marked "Stuff" I
> found that I have two "bits" of 1 inch band saw blade, about a foot
> and a half in length. Having seen videos on how to turn spade bits
> into router irons, I have two questions:
> 1) "What was I thinking?"
> 2) what can be done with a piece of band saw blade? It is not
> exactly stiff enough for use in plane, although it might work for a
> knife blade.
>
> Any ideas for "alternative" uses?

You could probably fashion a blade for the end of your favorite "box
cutter". Maybe it would last longer than the kind you buy 12 for $2. An
envelope opener also comes to mind. Filet knives (for fish) have
flexible blades. Good luck with your project! : )

[Markem618]

On Sat, 20 Aug 2022 15:05:57 -0700, pyotr filipivich
<ph...@mindspring.com> wrote:

>Greetings all
> Whilst cleaning out yet another box/container marked "Stuff" I
>found that I have two "bits" of 1 inch band saw blade, about a foot
>and a half in length. Having seen videos on how to turn spade bits
>into router irons, I have two questions:
> 1) "What was I thinking?"
> 2) what can be done with a piece of band saw blade? It is not
>exactly stiff enough for use in plane, although it might work for a
>knife blade.
>
> Any ideas for "alternative" uses?

I have a knife my dad made out of 1 1/4 inch wide blade, it is 1/16
inch thick was from a LARGE metal cutting bandsaw. A marking tool is
also a possibilty.

[Clifford Heath]

On 21/8/22 08:05, pyotr filipivich wrote:
> Greetings all
> Whilst cleaning out yet another box/container marked "Stuff" I
> found that I have two "bits" of 1 inch band saw blade, about a foot
> and a half in length. Having seen videos on how to turn spade bits
> into router irons, I have two questions:
> 1) "What was I thinking?"
> 2) what can be done with a piece of band saw blade? It is not
> exactly stiff enough for use in plane, although it might work for a
> knife blade.
>
> Any ideas for "alternative" uses?

They work well as scraper blades for woodwork. Hone both sides and the
edge to form *sharp* 90-degree edges, use a hard metal (shaft of a good
screwdriver) to form a microscopic lip, and scrape. It cuts wood grain
cleanly, rather than shredding it and filling it with dust like
sandpaper does, and removes material faster than sandpaper too. Treat
with a good Danish oil and you have a superb finish.

Clifford Heath

[Puckdropper]

pyotr filipivich <ph...@mindspring.com> wrote in
news:khl2gh5h2dt3m6k8v...@4ax.com:

> Greetings all
> Whilst cleaning out yet another box/container marked "Stuff" I
> found that I have two "bits" of 1 inch band saw blade, about a foot
> and a half in length. Having seen videos on how to turn spade bits
> into router irons, I have two questions:
> 1) "What was I thinking?"
> 2) what can be done with a piece of band saw blade? It is not
> exactly stiff enough for use in plane, although it might work for a
> knife blade.
>
> Any ideas for "alternative" uses?

I've thought about drilling holes in either end of a broken blade and
just making it into a bow saw. I just never got around to it when I had
a broken blade with still very sharp teeth.

A simple striking knife could be created by sandwiching the blade with
two pieces of wood and grinding the profile to match. I wonder if the
teeth would come off faster in a vise wiggling them back and forth with
pliers or if you just ground them down. (Or you could tie a string
betwen the tooth you want gone and the door knob and slam the door?)

A bandsaw blade might be good for making a profile cutter. You file the
profile you want into the blade and run it along the wood until you get
the profile you cut. If you want to get fancy, you can add handles or
even add some support behind the blade.

Puckdropper

[Jim Wilkins]

"pyotr filipivich" wrote in message
news:khl2gh5h2dt3m6k8v...@4ax.com...

Greetings all
Whilst cleaning out yet another box/container marked "Stuff" I
found that I have two "bits" of 1 inch band saw blade, about a foot
and a half in length. Having seen videos on how to turn spade bits
into router irons, I have two questions:
1) "What was I thinking?"
2) what can be done with a piece of band saw blade? It is not
exactly stiff enough for use in plane, although it might work for a
knife blade.

Any ideas for "alternative" uses?

-------------------------
I mainly use thin hard steel from razor blades to car springs and flat pry
bars for custom and replacement springs. The pry bar leaf spring cushions my
sawmill's blade tensioner, which I set at 1000-1200 lbs. I forged a froe
from a car spring.

Is this a wood or metal cutting blade?

Bandsaw blades for wood are soft enough to sharpen with a file and can be
bent somewhat without breaking, as to set the teeth. When the one-man shop
that resharpens my sawmill bands had trouble with his ageing equipment I
made a roller filing guide and doubled the service life of my blades by
touching up the 256 points. The custom spring in the guide indexes on the
tooth gullet.

Metal cutting blades are much harder and difficult to rework, except by
grinding or annealing and then hardening and tempering.

I ground the back edge of a long wood-cutting recip saw blade to a knife
edge for a camping knife+saw but found it wasn't hard enough to stay sharp.
As a saw it's been very useful, I even used it on the computer of an Apollo
IC design workstation to allow a slightly larger replacement power supply to
fit. Thus a hand-made tool helped me design a DRAM controller IC.

[pyotr filipivich]

Markem618 <mark...@hotmail.com> on Sat, 20 Aug 2022 17:59:46 -0500
typed in rec.crafts.metalworking the following:

Marking knife - aye.
--
pyotr filipivich
"With Age comes Wisdom. Although far too often, Age travels alone."

[Bob La Londe]

They could be used in a decent pro scroll saw that has clamps instead of
pin hooks.




--
This email has been checked for viruses by AVG antivirus software.
www.avg.com

[Bob La Londe]

P.S. I have a couple worn out unbroken blades laying out in my scrap
metal pile that I have no idea why I saved them. I guess I could
resharpen them in a pinch. I guess I might do that only if I didn't
have a spare on hand. Otherwise that would take longer than its worth.

[Scott Lurndal]

pyotr filipivich <ph...@mindspring.com> writes:
>Greetings all
> Whilst cleaning out yet another box/container marked "Stuff" I
>found that I have two "bits" of 1 inch band saw blade, about a foot
>and a half in length. Having seen videos on how to turn spade bits
>into router irons, I have two questions:
> 1) "What was I thinking?"
> 2) what can be done with a piece of band saw blade? It is not
>exactly stiff enough for use in plane, although it might work for a
>knife blade.
>
> Any ideas for "alternative" uses?

They make good scrapers for getting into corners and
other small places where a full-size scraper won't fit.

Cleaning glue squeezeout in corners.

[Jim Wilkins]

"Bob La Londe" wrote in message news:tdtv7g$1rk6$1...@gioia.aioe.org...

P.S. I have a couple worn out unbroken blades laying out in my scrap
metal pile that I have no idea why I saved them. I guess I could
resharpen them in a pinch. I guess I might do that only if I didn't
have a spare on hand. Otherwise that would take longer than its worth.

----------------------

The shop that sharpens my 16' long, 3/4" tooth pitch sawmill blades has been
charging $10 apiece, before the plagues of disease and inflation. (Frogs,
locusts??) When his quality declined I made a filing jig that took about
10-15 seconds per tooth. Filing and setting them doesn't make sense
cost-wise but it's a welcome seated rest for my knees after standing and
carrying heavy cut planks and beams.

Dull metal-cutting blades can be used for friction sawing.
https://www.practicalmachinist.com/forum/threads/refitting-bandsaw-for-friction-cutting.264463/

[Bill]

On 8/21/2022 2:57 PM, Bob La Londe wrote:

> P.S.  I have a couple worn out unbroken blades laying out in my scrap
> metal pile that I have no idea why I saved them.  I guess I could
> resharpen them in a pinch.  I guess I might do that only if I didn't
> have a spare on hand.  Otherwise that would take longer than its worth.

I have a broken garage door spring that I've been saving for when
I have a project idea and more time. I was thinking small cutting tools
for woodcarving.

[pyotr filipivich]

Bob La Londe <no...@none.com99> on Sun, 21 Aug 2022 11:57:52 -0700

typed in rec.crafts.metalworking the following:
>
>

>P.S. I have a couple worn out unbroken blades laying out in my scrap
>metal pile that I have no idea why I saved them. I guess I could
>resharpen them in a pinch. I guess I might do that only if I didn't
>have a spare on hand. Otherwise that would take longer than its worth.


--

pyotr filipivich
"Sawdust is Man Glitter"Some day, when I have time, and there is
nothing more important, I fully intend to fix / use that, for
something."

[pyotr filipivich]

"Jim Wilkins" <murat...@gmail.com> on Sun, 21 Aug 2022 07:56:33
-0400 typed in rec.crafts.metalworking the following:

>
>I ground the back edge of a long wood-cutting recip saw blade to a knife
>edge for a camping knife+saw but found it wasn't hard enough to stay sharp.

I recall reading an article {back in the days when "the web" was
something spiders made in the corner} about doing just that.

>As a saw it's been very useful, I even used it on the computer of an Apollo
>IC design workstation to allow a slightly larger replacement power supply to
>fit. Thus a hand-made tool helped me design a DRAM controller IC.

See!!!?!

[pyotr filipivich]

Bob La Londe <no...@none.com99> on Sun, 21 Aug 2022 09:21:57 -0700

typed in rec.crafts.metalworking the following:

Do they make a scroll saw which will handle a blade 1 (one) inch
front to back?

[pyotr filipivich]

Bill <none...@att.net> on Sun, 21 Aug 2022 20:40:26 -0400 typed in
rec.crafts.metalworking the following:

I gave the one left spring bundle to a smith friend. The other
one I kept because maybe some day ...

[knuttle]

That is my downfall also. Whenever something breaks or wears out it
does not get thrown away, on the chance that I will be able to use it
for something someday.

Fortunately in my younger days we move ever 6 to 8 years, so those items
had definite expiration dates and disappeared when we moved.

We have lived in this house longer than any house before, and the
crevases are filling up. My wife does not want to move again, so I am
going to have to look for another solution.

[pyotr filipivich]

knuttle <keith_...@sbcglobal.net> on Sun, 21 Aug 2022 22:12:32
-0400 typed in rec.woodworking the following:

>On 8/21/2022 5:14 PM, Scott Lurndal wrote:
>> pyotr filipivich <ph...@mindspring.com> writes:
>>> Greetings all
>>> Whilst cleaning out yet another box/container marked "Stuff" I
>>> found that I have two "bits" of 1 inch band saw blade, about a foot
>>> and a half in length. Having seen videos on how to turn spade bits
>>> into router irons, I have two questions:
>>> 1) "What was I thinking?"
>>> 2) what can be done with a piece of band saw blade? It is not
>>> exactly stiff enough for use in plane, although it might work for a
>>> knife blade.
>>>
>>> Any ideas for "alternative" uses?
>>
>> They make good scrapers for getting into corners and
>> other small places where a full-size scraper won't fit.
>>
>> Cleaning glue squeezeout in corners.
>That is my downfall also. Whenever something breaks or wears out it
>does not get thrown away, on the chance that I will be able to use it
>for something someday.
>
>Fortunately in my younger days we move ever 6 to 8 years, so those items
>had definite expiration dates and disappeared when we moved.

When I moved out of room I rented, the stack by the computer desk
"for later" was almost as tall as the desk ...

>
>We have lived in this house longer than any house before, and the
>crevases are filling up. My wife does not want to move again, so I am
>going to have to look for another solution.

We started about a year before the move trying to stick by
"nothing comes in unless there is a space for it, or something will go
out to make said space."
Now, "What exactly will you do with it? And when? Be explicit."
--
pyotr filipivich
This Week's Panel: Us & Them - Eliminating Them.
Next Month's Panel: Having eliminated the old Them(tm)
Selecting who insufficiently Woke(tm) as to serve as the new Them(tm)

[Bob La Londe]

I have one too. I have mixed feelings about it though. If it has one
fracture (the failure) from fatigue it may have more that just haven't
failed yet. I don't think I'll use it unless I get it up to welding
heat and beat on it to reforge any invisible fractures.

[Bob La Londe]

I'll have to take a look at my big scroll saw and see what I think. It
doesn't use the regular pinned scroll saw blades (it can), so it might.
Maybe with some massaging of the blade shape at the ends. I can't
think of why I would want to. Maybe if society breaks down, spares
become unobtainium, and somehow I still have electricity.

[Leon]

Would not a band saw blade make a scroll saw relatively pointless? I
mean are scroll saw blades so expensive that you would want to use make
one out of a band saw blade? Would a scroll saw have the oomph to
power a 1" wide blade?

[Bill]

I never thought of trying to repair it. But one could easily get dozens
of cutting tools "out" of it. The part that sounds inconvenient is that
you would have to anneal it before shaping it, and then harden it
(properly). Because of it's location (I had to borrow something to stand
on to replace it), I'm not interesting in trying to reuse it. That said,
if it breaks again, I would replace it myself again, and I recommend the
job to the interested DIY-er.

More recently, I declogged a bathroom sink drain with a 25' snake, which
was $16, at the (infamous!) H.F. tool emporium. ; ) I thought I was
going to use the tool without a drill, but I quickly changed my mind.
To be honest, I had to do the job twice to clear it, but I was
successful on my second try (more turning, less pushing!).

[k...@notreal.com]

On Sun, 21 Aug 2022 18:34:09 -0700, pyotr filipivich
<ph...@mindspring.com> wrote:

>Bill <none...@att.net> on Sun, 21 Aug 2022 20:40:26 -0400 typed in
>rec.crafts.metalworking the following:
>>On 8/21/2022 2:57 PM, Bob La Londe wrote:
>>
>>> P.S.  I have a couple worn out unbroken blades laying out in my scrap
>>> metal pile that I have no idea why I saved them.  I guess I could
>>> resharpen them in a pinch.  I guess I might do that only if I didn't
>>> have a spare on hand.  Otherwise that would take longer than its worth.
>>
>>I have a broken garage door spring that I've been saving for when
>>I have a project idea and more time. I was thinking small cutting tools
>>for woodcarving.
>
> I gave the one left spring bundle to a smith friend. The other
>one I kept because maybe some day ...

Hoarding much? ;-)

[Markem618]

On Mon, 22 Aug 2022 19:02:53 -0500, Leon <lcb11211@swbelldotnet>
wrote:

Cutting out a hole is about the only thing a scroll saw can do that
you can't with a bandsaw. Unless you want to break and reweld the
blade over and over.

[pyotr filipivich]

k...@notreal.com on Mon, 22 Aug 2022 21:43:50 -0400 typed in

rec.crafts.metalworking the following:
>On Sun, 21 Aug 2022 18:34:09 -0700, pyotr filipivich
><ph...@mindspring.com> wrote:
>
>>Bill <none...@att.net> on Sun, 21 Aug 2022 20:40:26 -0400 typed in
>>rec.crafts.metalworking the following:
>>>On 8/21/2022 2:57 PM, Bob La Londe wrote:
>>>
>>>> P.S.  I have a couple worn out unbroken blades laying out in my scrap
>>>> metal pile that I have no idea why I saved them.  I guess I could
>>>> resharpen them in a pinch.  I guess I might do that only if I didn't
>>>> have a spare on hand.  Otherwise that would take longer than its worth.
>>>
>>>I have a broken garage door spring that I've been saving for when
>>>I have a project idea and more time. I was thinking small cutting tools
>>>for woodcarving.
>>
>> I gave the one left spring bundle to a smith friend. The other
>>one I kept because maybe some day ...
>
>Hoarding much? ;-)

Nah. Hoarding is what _they_ do.

_I_ maintain a stock pile of necessities.

[pyotr filipivich]

Bob La Londe <no...@none.com99> on Mon, 22 Aug 2022 15:14:04 -0700

typed in rec.crafts.metalworking the following:
>

>>> They could be used in a decent pro scroll saw that has clamps instead of
>>> pin hooks.
>>
>> Do they make a scroll saw which will handle a blade 1 (one) inch
>> front to back?
>
>
>I'll have to take a look at my big scroll saw and see what I think. It
>doesn't use the regular pinned scroll saw blades (it can), so it might.
> Maybe with some massaging of the blade shape at the ends. I can't
>think of why I would want to. Maybe if society breaks down, spares
>become unobtainium, and somehow I still have electricity.

I have in my notes, plans for a "walking beam" saw which _could_
use these for cutting wood. I also have some plans for using a
bicycle gear box and a treadle for powering a lathe. ...

[Bill]

It occurred to me that after welding a broken garage door spring it
would take a lot of "fortitude" to then crank it up to tension! ; )
It would be a good way to test ones welding skill however!

[Jim Wilkins]

"Bob La Londe" wrote in message news:te0upt$33j$1...@gioia.aioe.org...

I have one too. I have mixed feelings about it though. If it has one
fracture (the failure) from fatigue it may have more that just haven't
failed yet. I don't think I'll use it unless I get it up to welding
heat and beat on it to reforge any invisible fractures.

----------------------

At red heat cracks may become visible as abrupt color differences. I
practiced on used springs but bought a new piece of 5160 leaf spring stock
to make anything important and time-consuming, and the cheap flat pry bar I
made into a spring was new.
https://knifesteelnerds.com/2019/04/01/how-to-heat-treat-5160/

The froe prompted me to complete an electric furnace project so it could be
tempered for an hour, twice, per the blacksmith's recommendation. It turns
out the furnace may have a Platinel thermocouple which tracks type K closely
at higher temperatures but not in the range I was using, so more effort is
needed, some day. Since a froe is pounded through the wood being split with
a thick stick rather than a metal tool it doesn't really need toughness.

[Scott Lurndal]

Do you have a copy of Audels Engineers and Mechanics Guide? Lots of
useful mechanical ideas therein. A good introduction to steam engines
in volume 1.

Check antique stores and flea markets. It is really fascinating reading.

[Leon]

ROTFLMAO

[k...@notreal.com]

On Mon, 22 Aug 2022 19:15:51 -0700, pyotr filipivich

<ph...@mindspring.com> wrote:

>k...@notreal.com on Mon, 22 Aug 2022 21:43:50 -0400 typed in
>rec.crafts.metalworking the following:
>>On Sun, 21 Aug 2022 18:34:09 -0700, pyotr filipivich
>><ph...@mindspring.com> wrote:
>>
>>>Bill <none...@att.net> on Sun, 21 Aug 2022 20:40:26 -0400 typed in
>>>rec.crafts.metalworking the following:
>>>>On 8/21/2022 2:57 PM, Bob La Londe wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> P.S.  I have a couple worn out unbroken blades laying out in my scrap
>>>>> metal pile that I have no idea why I saved them.  I guess I could
>>>>> resharpen them in a pinch.  I guess I might do that only if I didn't
>>>>> have a spare on hand.  Otherwise that would take longer than its worth.
>>>>
>>>>I have a broken garage door spring that I've been saving for when
>>>>I have a project idea and more time. I was thinking small cutting tools
>>>>for woodcarving.
>>>
>>> I gave the one left spring bundle to a smith friend. The other
>>>one I kept because maybe some day ...
>>
>>Hoarding much? ;-)
>
> Nah. Hoarding is what _they_ do.
>
> _I_ maintain a stock pile of necessities.

Ah, I see. To conjugate "save":

Singular:
I "squirrel away"
You "stockpile"
He/she/it "hoards"

Plural
We "collect"
You "accumulate"
They "prep"

Got it.

[k...@notreal.com]

On Mon, 22 Aug 2022 20:55:35 -0500, Markem618 <mark...@hotmail.com>
wrote:

I don't think I'd like to make a puzzle with a bandsaw. Scroll saw
blades are a lot thinner and are be made with different tooth patterns
and materials. They're also a whole lot cheaper.

OTOH, Pegas has both a classical "scroll saw" and a "scroll bandsaw".

<https://www.highlandwoodworking.com/search.aspx?manufacturer=1575>

[Jack]

On 8/21/2022 2:57 PM, Bob La Londe wrote:
>>> On 8/20/2022 6:05 PM, pyotr filipivich wrote:
>>>>     2) what can be done with a piece of band saw blade? It is not
>>>> exactly stiff enough for use in plane, although it might work for a
>>>> knife blade.
>>>>
>>>>     Any ideas for "alternative" uses?
>>>

>> They could be used in a decent pro scroll saw that has clamps instead
>> of pin hooks.

1" blade is pretty big for a scroll saw blade. I did this with my old
24" Delta/Rockwell scroll saw and 3/16th" BS blade, and while it worked,
not as well as a scroll saw blade and basically was not worth it. I used
a rough, 3 tooth skip blade, not the best for scroll work.

I'd go for the scraper blade myself, but there again, is it really worth it?

--
Jack
Tolerance is the virtue of the man without convictions.

[Jim Wilkins]

"Scott Lurndal" wrote in message news:Zq5NK.93622$Sf2....@fx34.iad...

Do you have a copy of Audels Engineers and Mechanics Guide? Lots of
useful mechanical ideas therein. A good introduction to steam engines
in volume 1.

Check antique stores and flea markets. It is really fascinating reading.

---------------------

https://www.forgottenbooks.com/en/books/AudelsEngineersandMechanicsGuide7_10522311

There's also an Audels Millwrights and Mechanics Guide which I have.

[Scott Lurndal]

I prefer the leatherbound, gilt-edge original editions myself.

I have volumes 1-7 of the Engineers and Mechanics[*], all four of the
Carpenters and Builders guides(two sets), the Diesel engine one, reading
blueprints, volumes 1-4 of the Plumbers and Steam Fitters guide and the Electric
Dictionary.

[*] Picked up a month ago at an antique shop in San Juan Bautista
for USD50.

[Jim Wilkins]

"Scott Lurndal" wrote in message news:wD7NK.176232$Me2.1...@fx47.iad...

I prefer the leatherbound, gilt-edge original editions myself.

---------------------

I buy old technology books as reprints to read and learn from, and leave the
collectible ones for collectors, including a Segway engineer who showed me
his magnificent library of the originals like Lindsay used to reprint.

I'm not intentionally trying to assemble a museum, it just happens.

[Leon]

On 8/23/2022 10:54 AM, Jack wrote:
> On 8/21/2022 2:57 PM, Bob La Londe wrote:
>>>> On 8/20/2022 6:05 PM, pyotr filipivich wrote:
>>>>>     2) what can be done with a piece of band saw blade? It is not
>>>>> exactly stiff enough for use in plane, although it might work for a
>>>>> knife blade.
>>>>>
>>>>>     Any ideas for "alternative" uses?
>>>>
>
>>> They could be used in a decent pro scroll saw that has clamps instead
>>> of pin hooks.
>
> 1" blade is pretty big for a scroll saw blade. I did this with my old
> 24" Delta/Rockwell scroll saw and 3/16th" BS blade, and while it worked,
> not as well as a scroll saw blade and basically was not worth it. I used
> a rough, 3 tooth skip blade, not the best for scroll work.

LOL, Hell a 1" blade is pretty big for some band saws. ;~)

Was a single tooth doing all the work on that 3 tooth blade?

[Bob La Londe]

Apparently you CAN criticize even if you didn't read what was written.
LOL.

[Bob La Londe]

No, I was just thinking about how guys on gun groups will go to extremes
trying to reheat treat (they often miss-say re-temper) a spring that has
gone soft over the course of 100+ years instead of taking a piece of
spring steel sheet and making a new one with no issues that is sitting
there on a shelf for just such a purpose. Yeah, I can't imagine
standing there on a lander with a pair of winding bars cranking up a
garage door spring with a weld in it. I just don't have that much
nerve. Its kind of scary just winding up a garage door spring when its
brand new.

Brrrrr!!!!

[pyotr filipivich]

"Jim Wilkins" <murat...@gmail.com> on Tue, 23 Aug 2022 13:21:10
-0400 typed in rec.crafts.metalworking the following:

Ayup.

While in tech school I went to a trade show in Portland. (Teacher
would approve the absence if we brought back "goodies".) Powell's
Technical Books had a copy of the Machinery Handbook, 7th ed (1940). I
bought it for the cool factor, then discovered it covered areas I'd
not thought of. Hard a whole section on railroad specific issue. I'd
not thought of railroads as potential source of employment as a
machinist before then.

[pyotr filipivich]

Jack <jbst...@comcast.net> on Tue, 23 Aug 2022 11:54:45 -0400 typed
in rec.crafts.metalworking the following:

Like so many things: is "making it yourself" worth it? As the
saying goes "I'm going to spend 29.95 on supplies to make something I
could buy for 2.50."

When making something from scratch, do you make your own scratch?

[pyotr filipivich]

sc...@slp53.sl.home (Scott Lurndal) on Tue, 23 Aug 2022 14:24:57 GMT

typed in rec.crafts.metalworking the following:
>pyotr filipivich <ph...@mindspring.com> writes:
>>Bob La Londe <no...@none.com99> on Mon, 22 Aug 2022 15:14:04 -0700
>>typed in rec.crafts.metalworking the following:
>>>
>>>>> They could be used in a decent pro scroll saw that has clamps instead of
>>>>> pin hooks.
>>>>
>>>> Do they make a scroll saw which will handle a blade 1 (one) inch
>>>> front to back?
>>>
>>>
>>>I'll have to take a look at my big scroll saw and see what I think. It
>>>doesn't use the regular pinned scroll saw blades (it can), so it might.
>>> Maybe with some massaging of the blade shape at the ends. I can't
>>>think of why I would want to. Maybe if society breaks down, spares
>>>become unobtainium, and somehow I still have electricity.
>>
>> I have in my notes, plans for a "walking beam" saw which _could_
>>use these for cutting wood. I also have some plans for using a
>>bicycle gear box and a treadle for powering a lathe. ...
>
>Do you have a copy of Audels Engineers and Mechanics Guide? Lots of
>useful mechanical ideas therein. A good introduction to steam engines
>in volume 1.

Nope. Lot of other interesting books.

>Check antique stores and flea markets. It is really fascinating reading.

Sigh, so many books, so little time. Been saying that since High
School.

[pyotr filipivich]

k...@notreal.com on Tue, 23 Aug 2022 10:32:14 -0400 typed in

_I_ stockpile
_You_ squirrel away.
...

>
>Plural
>We "collect"
>You "accumulate"
>They "prep"
>
>Got it.

Yep.

[DerbyDad03]

On Wednesday, August 24, 2022 at 6:46:03 PM UTC-4, pyotr filipivich wrote:
> Jack <jbst...@comcast.net> on Tue, 23 Aug 2022 11:54:45 -0400 typed
> in rec.crafts.metalworking the following:
> >On 8/21/2022 2:57 PM, Bob La Londe wrote:
> >>>> On 8/20/2022 6:05 PM, pyotr filipivich wrote:
> >>>>> 2) what can be done with a piece of band saw blade? It is not
> >>>>> exactly stiff enough for use in plane, although it might work for a
> >>>>> knife blade.
> >>>>>
> >>>>> Any ideas for "alternative" uses?
> >>>>
> >
> >>> They could be used in a decent pro scroll saw that has clamps instead
> >>> of pin hooks.
> >
> >1" blade is pretty big for a scroll saw blade. I did this with my old
> >24" Delta/Rockwell scroll saw and 3/16th" BS blade, and while it worked,
> >not as well as a scroll saw blade and basically was not worth it. I used
> >a rough, 3 tooth skip blade, not the best for scroll work.
> >
> >I'd go for the scraper blade myself, but there again, is it really worth it?
> Like so many things: is "making it yourself" worth it? As the
> saying goes "I'm going to spend 29.95 on supplies to make something I
> could buy for 2.50."

Or $1900 on something you could buy for $900, like the cedar sectional
I just built.

Define worth it.

To me, it was worth it. We got the size we wanted, the look we wanted, the
feel we wanted. We sized it for not only our deck, but also for ourselves.
We're shorter than the average bear. Most furniture has our feet off the floor
when our butts are back against the cushions.

I was able to set the exact height we needed and pull the back cushions
forward so that when our backs are on the cushions, our knees bend right
at the front of the seat, feet on the floor.

We tested a few store-available styles and none of them fit us the way we
wanted.

Plus there's the satisfaction, the pride, and the oohs-and-ahs from family
and friends. Priceless!

> When making something from scratch, do you make your own scratch?

No, but I spend a lot of scratch.

[Jim Wilkins]

I really need to sort my old book collection better. Audel's Machinist and
Tool Makers Handy Book doesn't belong between The Victor Book of the Opera
and Flavius Josephus.

The rough planks for more shelves should be properly seasoned by next
spring.

[Leon Fisk]

On Wed, 24 Aug 2022 21:40:57 -0400
"Jim Wilkins" <murat...@gmail.com> wrote:

<snip>

>I really need to sort my old book collection better. Audel's Machinist and
>Tool Makers Handy Book doesn't belong between The Victor Book of the Opera
>and Flavius Josephus.

They'll be even harder to find after you sort them. You'll find
yourself staring at where they used to be and not recalling where
they moved to...

--
Leon Fisk
Grand Rapids MI

[Leon Fisk]

On Wed, 24 Aug 2022 15:45:54 -0700
pyotr filipivich <ph...@mindspring.com> wrote:

<snip>

>>Do you have a copy of Audels Engineers and Mechanics Guide? Lots of
>>useful mechanical ideas therein. A good introduction to steam engines
>>in volume 1.
>
> Nope. Lot of other interesting books.

There are some decent 1921 copies at Archive. Try this search:

https://archive.org/search.php?query=title%3A%28Audels%20Engineers%29%20AND%20collection%3A%28cdl%29%20AND%20mediatype%3A%28texts%29

[Scott Lurndal]

The American Libraries scans are missing most of the diagrams.

The California Digital Library versions are much better.

[Leon]

Like icons on your smart phone! LOL

[pyotr filipivich]

Leon Fisk <lfi...@gmail.invalid> on Thu, 25 Aug 2022 11:08:15 -0400

typed in rec.crafts.metalworking the following:

When putting things away, I have a tendency to put them where I
was last looking / expecting them to be.

And then there is the issue of "Why is this here? Because it made
sense at the time."

[Jim Wilkins]

"pyotr filipivich" wrote in message
news:33efghlggegmahdcn...@4ax.com...

When putting things away, I have a tendency to put them where I
was last looking / expecting them to be.

And then there is the issue of "Why is this here? Because it made
sense at the time."

----------------------------

That works fairly well unless you put it away hastily to get it out of the
way of something else that occupied your attention.

[k...@notreal.com]

On Thu, 25 Aug 2022 11:17:39 -0700, pyotr filipivich
<ph...@mindspring.com> wrote:

>Leon Fisk <lfi...@gmail.invalid> on Thu, 25 Aug 2022 11:08:15 -0400
>typed in rec.crafts.metalworking the following:
>>On Wed, 24 Aug 2022 21:40:57 -0400
>>"Jim Wilkins" <murat...@gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>><snip>
>>>I really need to sort my old book collection better. Audel's Machinist and
>>>Tool Makers Handy Book doesn't belong between The Victor Book of the Opera
>>>and Flavius Josephus.
>>
>>They'll be even harder to find after you sort them. You'll find
>>yourself staring at where they used to be and not recalling where
>>they moved to...
>
> When putting things away, I have a tendency to put them where I
>was last looking / expecting them to be.
>
> And then there is the issue of "Why is this here? Because it made
>sense at the time."

Everything is in its place. I just can't remember where that place
is.

[pyotr filipivich]

"Jim Wilkins" <murat...@gmail.com> on Thu, 25 Aug 2022 18:32:48

-0400 typed in rec.crafts.metalworking the following:

That falls under the heading "It made sense at the time".

Like why my phone is "over there" - because I put it down to do
something else ...

I keep opening containers and finding the "I know I have one ...
somewhere" which is why I now have three of them.

[pyotr filipivich]

DerbyDad03 <teama...@eznet.net> on Wed, 24 Aug 2022 16:49:56 -0700
(PDT) typed in rec.woodworking the following:

>
>> >>> They could be used in a decent pro scroll saw that has clamps instead
>> >>> of pin hooks.
>> >
>> >1" blade is pretty big for a scroll saw blade. I did this with my old
>> >24" Delta/Rockwell scroll saw and 3/16th" BS blade, and while it worked,
>> >not as well as a scroll saw blade and basically was not worth it. I used
>> >a rough, 3 tooth skip blade, not the best for scroll work.
>> >
>> >I'd go for the scraper blade myself, but there again, is it really worth it?
>> Like so many things: is "making it yourself" worth it? As the
>> saying goes "I'm going to spend 29.95 on supplies to make something I
>> could buy for 2.50."
>
>Or $1900 on something you could buy for $900, like the cedar sectional
>I just built.
>
>Define worth it.

Exactly. Hobbyists have an ability to make Fine Product because
we're not trying to get product out the door in order to meet
overhead.
Yes, I would really like to just go buy the computer / study desk
I want and be done with it. But I do not see what I want for sale.
"Add it to the list".

In the case of the cedar sectional - it is not something bought,
but made by Some One. (I made my younger brother a submarine for
Christmas when I was in the fifth grade. Years later, my Dad told me
he kept that for years, because his older brother had made it for
_him_.)

--
pyotr filipivich
This Week's Panel: Us & Them - Eliminating Them.
Next Month's Panel: Having eliminated the old Them(tm)
Selecting who insufficiently Woke(tm) as to serve as the new Them(tm)

[pyotr filipivich]

k...@notreal.com on Thu, 25 Aug 2022 18:38:00 -0400 typed in

rec.crafts.metalworking the following:
>On Thu, 25 Aug 2022 11:17:39 -0700, pyotr filipivich
><ph...@mindspring.com> wrote:
>
>>Leon Fisk <lfi...@gmail.invalid> on Thu, 25 Aug 2022 11:08:15 -0400
>>typed in rec.crafts.metalworking the following:
>>>On Wed, 24 Aug 2022 21:40:57 -0400
>>>"Jim Wilkins" <murat...@gmail.com> wrote:
>>>
>>><snip>
>>>>I really need to sort my old book collection better. Audel's Machinist and
>>>>Tool Makers Handy Book doesn't belong between The Victor Book of the Opera
>>>>and Flavius Josephus.
>>>
>>>They'll be even harder to find after you sort them. You'll find
>>>yourself staring at where they used to be and not recalling where
>>>they moved to...
>>
>> When putting things away, I have a tendency to put them where I
>>was last looking / expecting them to be.
>>
>> And then there is the issue of "Why is this here? Because it made
>>sense at the time."
>
>Everything is in its place. I just can't remember where that place
>is.

"I remember seeing it, now where was I when I saw it?"

[k...@notreal.com]

On Fri, 26 Aug 2022 11:30:51 -0700, pyotr filipivich
<ph...@mindspring.com> wrote:

>DerbyDad03 <teama...@eznet.net> on Wed, 24 Aug 2022 16:49:56 -0700
>(PDT) typed in rec.woodworking the following:
>>
>>> >>> They could be used in a decent pro scroll saw that has clamps instead
>>> >>> of pin hooks.
>>> >
>>> >1" blade is pretty big for a scroll saw blade. I did this with my old
>>> >24" Delta/Rockwell scroll saw and 3/16th" BS blade, and while it worked,
>>> >not as well as a scroll saw blade and basically was not worth it. I used
>>> >a rough, 3 tooth skip blade, not the best for scroll work.
>>> >
>>> >I'd go for the scraper blade myself, but there again, is it really worth it?
>>> Like so many things: is "making it yourself" worth it? As the
>>> saying goes "I'm going to spend 29.95 on supplies to make something I
>>> could buy for 2.50."
>>
>>Or $1900 on something you could buy for $900, like the cedar sectional
>>I just built.
>>
>>Define worth it.
>
> Exactly. Hobbyists have an ability to make Fine Product because
>we're not trying to get product out the door in order to meet
>overhead.

And it's something we do to entertain ourselves.

> Yes, I would really like to just go buy the computer / study desk
>I want and be done with it. But I do not see what I want for sale.
>"Add it to the list".

And what I do see looks like it came from Ikea.

[pyotr filipivich]

k...@notreal.com on Fri, 26 Aug 2022 22:43:44 -0400 typed in

Yep. Or Walmart (side note: it is funny to see the same people
whining about a new Walmart is a big box store which will bring lots
of traffic, and sells stuff made overseas just swoon when told of a
new Ikea, which is another big box store which will bring lots of
traffic, and sells stuff made overseas.)

Whatever I built will probably have a certain amount of 1970s
aesthetic: pine boards & plywood.

[k...@notreal.com]

On Sat, 27 Aug 2022 09:41:59 -0700, pyotr filipivich

I've seen that too. I don't know what anyone sees in IKEA. People
talk about how cheap it is to completely transform their kitchen, very
cheaply with IKEA cabinets. Wha?? The first sink overflow and the
stuff is gone. With all of the plastic in it, it'll dry out in a
decade and they get to do it all over again.

The one thing I did find there was butcher block countertops. They're
great for bench tops. I see them now at Home Depot now, too, so
there's no need to trek into the big city and deal with the IKEA
checkout mess.

[pyotr filipivich]

k...@notreal.com on Mon, 29 Aug 2022 14:22:01 -0400 typed in
rec.woodworking the following:
>

>>>And it's something we do to entertain ourselves.
>>>
>>>> Yes, I would really like to just go buy the computer / study desk
>>>>I want and be done with it. But I do not see what I want for sale.
>>>>"Add it to the list".
>>>
>>>And what I do see looks like it came from Ikea.
>>
>> Yep. Or Walmart (side note: it is funny to see the same people
>>whining about a new Walmart is a big box store which will bring lots
>>of traffic, and sells stuff made overseas just swoon when told of a
>>new Ikea, which is another big box store which will bring lots of
>>traffic, and sells stuff made overseas.)
>
>I've seen that too. I don't know what anyone sees in IKEA. People
>talk about how cheap it is to completely transform their kitchen, very
>cheaply with IKEA cabinets. Wha?? The first sink overflow and the
>stuff is gone. With all of the plastic in it, it'll dry out in a
>decade and they get to do it all over again.

When I was looking for shelving & bookcases, and Ikea was a
couple miles away - I stocked up. First time in my life I had
"Decor". Matching furniture.

>The one thing I did find there was butcher block countertops. They're
>great for bench tops. I see them now at Home Depot now, too, so
>there's no need to trek into the big city and deal with the IKEA
>checkout mess.

Cool.

I'm waiting for some Ikea Ivar shelves to return to stock, but
it's been months. Not feeling too positive about this ...

[DerbyDad03]

I bought a 4' length of butcher block counter top at Lowes back
in 2017. A 4' x 2' slab, sealed in plastic. They had 6' and 8'too.
I just looked it up the 4' piece and it's almost $200 now. I don't
remember what I paid, but it was nowhere near $200. I'm
thinking way less than $100. $60 comes to mind.

I used it to repurpose an old hutch as an kitchen island for my
daughter's apartment. The bead board from the top section of
the hutch was used to finish the back of the island.

https://i.imgur.com/APe7QHo.jpg

[k...@notreal.com]

They're not giving anything away but it's not unreasonable for a
countertop, IMO. A 10'x25"x1.5" Maple top. ~$500

<https://www.homedepot.com/p/HARDWOOD-REFLECTIONS-Unfinished-Maple-10-ft-L-x-25-in-D-x-1-5-in-T-Butcher-Block-Countertop-1525HDMPL-120/310601299>

Or 6'x25"x1.75" for $240

<https://www.samsclub.com/p/ultrahd-72-inch-adjustable-height-heavy-duty-wood-top-workbench/prod22651720?xid=pdp_carousel_rich-relevance.rr0_2>
And throw away the legs. ;-)
BTW, it's a really good bench. I have two but mine aren't adjustable.

[DerbyDad03]

They might be OK for a fairly large shop but all that emptiness underneath
seems like a huge waste.

My main workbench has a full depth shelf on the bottom and half depth
shelf half way up. There's a couple of full depth, full extension drawers too.

My narrower side bench/miter saw station has a chest of drawers
underneath it. (Leon says I need to refinish that)

[Leon]

So do as I did, Build a drawer'd cabinet to fit between the legs and
under the top.

[k...@notreal.com]

On Fri, 2 Sep 2022 18:52:22 -0700 (PDT), DerbyDad03

It's pretty easy to install any of that under it, particularly a
shelf. It's built like a tank and as stable. I have two in my shop. I
use one with a bench vise and the other with a woodworking vise. For
the price, you can't beat them.

[DerbyDad03]

I'm pretty sure I beat the price with my set-up.

The main bench, 96" x 32", came with the house. Made from 1950's era
2 x material. (1 3/4" x 3 3/4", 1 3/4" x 9" for the shelves, etc.) Rock solid.
Free.

The 6' solid wood chest of drawers was obtained via a Craigslist curb
alert. Rock solid. Free.

The 1 1/2" thick melamine topper for the chest of drawers came from
my dentist's office when he remodeled a quarter century ago. Rock
solid. Free.

But! If I ever need to set up a new shop, I'll certainly consider the ones
that you suggested.

[k...@notreal.com]

On Sat, 3 Sep 2022 16:06:29 -0700 (PDT), DerbyDad03

You mean that I can't talk you into replacing all that with a
Sjöbergs?

[DerbyDad03]

Does it have Bluetooth?

[Brian Welch]

On Friday, September 2, 2022 at 11:01:06 AM UTC-4, k...@notreal.com wrote:

Not sure if you have any around you, but keep an eye out for a Lumber Liquidators...I have seen butcher block tops at a reasonable cost, (full transparency, a pre Covid...)
I would stay away from IKEA, I don't think I have the space to assemble a wood counter ;)

[k...@notreal.com]

I bought a couple of really nice butcher blocks from Ikea. It's been
some number of years, though. Home Depot had some nice looking ones,
too.

[DerbyDad03]

Can you imagine how many cam lock screws you'd have to tighten? All those little pieces of wood! ;-)

[John Grossbohlin]

On Saturday, August 20, 2022 at 6:06:49 PM UTC-4, pyotr filipivich wrote:
> Greetings all
> Whilst cleaning out yet another box/container marked "Stuff" I
> found that I have two "bits" of 1 inch band saw blade, about a foot
> and a half in length. Having seen videos on how to turn spade bits
> into router irons, I have two questions:
> 1) "What was I thinking?"
> 2) what can be done with a piece of band saw blade? It is not
> exactly stiff enough for use in plane, although it might work for a
> knife blade.
>
> Any ideas for "alternative" uses?

I'm late to this... was off doing another one of my expedition bicycle trips. ;~)

Anyhow, broken bandsaw blades make good stock for shop made scratch stocks. These can be used for making decorative beads on furniture, guns, etc. An associate of mine uses one to make a trench into which contrasting wood can be inserted on small projects.

If you aren't familiar with them Woodcraft sells a fancy one by Hock.

https://www.woodcraft.com/products/hock-scratch-stock?gclid=Cj0KCQjwnP-ZBhDiARIsAH3FSRdE8V7uDs05dQKfyMxMKBuG5Hs6ZhMZDnDi1QJCnubNjPgR0St0_VcaAuC1EALw_wcB

[Ralph E Lindberg]

After the wood crap is cleaned off a friend uses mine for knives...
puts sections in canisters with metal powder

[pyotr filipivich]

John Grossbohlin <gros...@gmail.com> on Fri, 7 Oct 2022 08:10:13

-0700 (PDT) typed in rec.woodworking the following:

Looks cool.

Now to make my own.

There is an old saying about how when one is young, one has time,
but no money; but when one is older one has the money, but no time. I
seem to be in a paradox, I have little time. and little money. Hmmm
... maybe I'm just middle age.

[John Grossbohlin]

...and when you retire you'll be so busy you'll wonder how you ever had time for a job. At least that has been my experience... kids, grandkids, elder care, maintenance on aging homes.... all this in the face of diminished capacity...

[pyotr filipivich]

John Grossbohlin <gros...@gmail.com> on Mon, 10 Oct 2022 16:20:11

-0700 (PDT) typed in rec.woodworking the following:
>

>> Now to make my own.
>>
>> There is an old saying about how when one is young, one has time,
>> but no money; but when one is older one has the money, but no time. I
>> seem to be in a paradox, I have little time. and little money. Hmmm
>> ... maybe I'm just middle age.
>> --
>> pyotr filipivich
>> "With Age comes Wisdom. Although far too often, Age travels alone."
>
>...and when you retire you'll be so busy you'll wonder how you ever had time for a job. At least that has been my experience... kids, grandkids, elder care, maintenance on aging homes.... all this in the face of diminished capacity...

I know. I retired to become a full time care giver and maintenance
guy.

We sold the house, so now all I have to do is "care giving"", and
driving. And ....

[k...@notreal.com]

You forgot, going to the gym, then to the doctor, so you don't have to
see ever more doctors.

I told my wife that I'm collecting "ists", so far I have a
cardiologist, electro-physiologist, two orthopedists, a
rheumatologist, a neurologist, and an endocrinologist on hold.

My wife replied that there is one I can't have, a gynecologist. I told
her that these days, who knows???

[DerbyDad03]

You can tell your wife that she is wrong, if you dare.

https://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/health/2013/12/10/you-were-wondering-can-a-gynecologist-see-men/3924725/

[k...@notreal.com]

I didn't realize that they weren't allowed to treat men or lose their
board certification. I just thought it was one of those "it's just
not done" things.

I'm surprised most of those things aren't treated by urologists. OTOH,
I thought a gynecologist might get involved in breast cancer but I
guess that's in the purview of oncologists. The edges of some of these
things gets fuzzy.

[Bill]

On 10/13/2022 12:03 AM, k...@notreal.com wrote:
> On Wed, 12 Oct 2022 18:58:23 -0700 (PDT), DerbyDad03

> I'm surprised most of those things aren't treated by urologists. OTOH,
> I thought a gynecologist might get involved in breast cancer but I
> guess that's in the purview of oncologists. The edges of some of these
> things gets fuzzy.

I used to have an optometrist who did ophthalmology "as sort of a hobby"
(I think "hobby" was his word, he said he "kept up" with it). He
billed the insurance company (and me) for his exams as though he was an
ophthalmologist too. When he got to the point of being on the verge of
prescribing medication for me, I informed him that I would visit a
credentialed ophthalmologist before that happened. He did not refer me
to one or even suggest that I visit one either, which seems a little
irresponsible to me now, in retrospect. The pressure in my eyes has
been a little high all of my life, so it doesn't alarm me as much as it
alerts optometrists (it's the "changes" which are most significant, and
most doctors don't possess the long term view of the patient). Like it
is was said above, the edges of some of these things can get fuzzy (no
pun intended).

[DerbyDad03]

While there is history of Glaucoma in my family, I have elevated pressures
but it's not related to Glaucoma. I have thick corneas which tend to make
the pressures read higher. (My brother has the same "issue".)

re: "most doctors don't possess the long term view of the patient"

I have not found that to be the case. Every optometrist I've ever been to
have put me on a regular Glaucoma testing schedule (field of vision, etc.)
No one has said "It's just thick corneas, don't worry about it." They factor
in the few points higher due to the corneas but they don't ignore the family
history.

In a couple of weeks I'm having cataract surgery. I've reached the point where
glasses just don't work anymore. The foggy vision, the muted colors, etc. The
headlight glare from the new LED headlights is becoming a safety issue. I'm
going above and beyond the basic replacement lenses that insurance covers
in the hope of eliminating the need for glasses all together. Worst case is I'll
still need reading glasses for very fine work. I'm hoping and praying for the
best case.

The thing about going back to "sometimes needing readers" is that you are
always looking for those damn readers. Just like having multiple tape measures,
there's never a pair of readers nearby when you need them. When you need
to wear glasses 24-7, you always know where they are. ;-)

[k...@notreal.com]

My eye pressure was normal, even low normal, but developed glaucoma
anyway. Eye pressure doesn't tell it all. I have an optometrist
looking after it and she has prescribed drugs for it (to lower
pressure even more). Yes, she bills my insurance company for an eye
exam once a year and vision test (eyeglass prescription and cataracts
once a year.

AFAIK ophthalmologists are surgeons. Optometrists can do everything
less.

[k...@notreal.com]

On your head? I've been known to lose glasses. I've been known to walk
out of the house without them. I can see distance OK (not well) and
sometimes don't notice it until I have to see something close.

A couple of weeks ago I was picking up my wife and noticed that I
wasn't wearing my glasses? Huh? I couldn't have been going all day
without them. I went to the gym, where I change glass (wear an old
pair at the gym). I couldn't figure out what happened to them. I
found them. Under my butt. Fortunately, the optometrists tech could
fix them.

[Bill]

On 10/13/2022 8:42 PM, DerbyDad03 wrote:
> On Thursday, October 13, 2022 at 2:39:01 PM UTC-4, Bill wrote:

> re: "most doctors don't possess the long term view of the patient"
>
> I have not found that to be the case. Every optometrist I've ever been to
> have put me on a regular Glaucoma testing schedule (field of vision, etc.)
> No one has said "It's just thick corneas, don't worry about it."

Yes, I agree. They all keep records. Especially the optometrist I
mentioned. His testing was on the order of $350 per visit. He seemed to
enjoy that he had a patient that made his work slightly more interesting
for him. We would compare pictures of my retina, etc.

>
> In a couple of weeks I'm having cataract surgery. I've reached the point where
> glasses just don't work anymore. The foggy vision, the muted colors, etc. The
> headlight glare from the new LED headlights is becoming a safety issue. I'm
> going above and beyond the basic replacement lenses that insurance covers
> in the hope of eliminating the need for glasses all together. Worst case is I'll
> still need reading glasses for very fine work. I'm hoping and praying for the
> best case.

Please accept my best wishes with your surgery! Each of my parents had
it and they both had outstanding results--and that was several decades
ago. They just had to wear some particularly protective sunglasses for
a few days following the procedure.

[DerbyDad03]

LMFTFY: procedure*s*

Each eye will be done 3 weeks apart. They do one eye (the non-dominant eye),
then I go back the next day for a follow-up, then another follow-up a week later,
then the other eye 2 weeks after that., then the 2 follow-ups. About a month later,
I go back to my optometrist for a final exam and prescription for glasses if needed.
Hopefully not.

With Covid testing 3 days before each surgery session, I'm looking at 9
appointments over about 8 weeks.

The interesting part will be the 3 weeks between surgeries. One new lens,
one old one. I've been told that they can give me a contact for the "bad" eye
or a clear lens for my current glasses. Since I wear bi-focals, I don't think
a contact will work.

I have a friend who just went through this with the same surgeon and he
went with the clear lens. He said he had a bit of double vision for the first
week but then his brain adjusted and he was fine. After the second eye
was done, he doesn't need glasses for anything, not even reading or threading
a needle.

[k...@notreal.com]

One of the "tricks" they use to get focus at both close and infinity
is to use a different lens in each eye and let the brain figure it
out. I'm not so sure about that, though. It doesn't always work.

[DerbyDad03]

They have newer technology: Multifocal lenses. They use concentric
circles for the various distances and let the brain figure it out from there.

Nothing is perfect, there are pros & cons, YMMV, yada-yada-yada.

<https://www.eyecenterrockies.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-multifocal-intraocular-lenses-iols>

[k...@notreal.com]

On Sat, 15 Oct 2022 07:56:12 -0700 (PDT), DerbyDad03

It seems like the macula would only focus at infinity and anything
closer would be lower resolution. It would seem weird (not that
different lenses aren't).

They're not cheap, either. Unless I missed something, these are also
needed to correct astigmatism.

I guess I have a couple of years to worry about it.

[DerbyDad03]

No, they are not cheap. Over $3.2K per eye after insurance covers the
basic surgery. And I do have astigmatism.

>
> I guess I have a couple of years to worry about it.

I don't have the option of waiting - unless I want to continue with poor
vision and hazardous nighttime driving. Early sunsets are upon us and
most of my driving will be in the dark until spring and I just don't want
the stress anymore. Could I go with the basic surgery and then continue
to deal with glasses? Sure. Do I have the cash available for the surgery.
Sure. My only decision left is this: Accept their free financing and invest
the cash during this down market or just pay for it and be done? The
former probably makes more financial sense.

I trust what they say about the brain adjusting to the concentric lenses
and I trust what my friend - who was in the same situation as me - tells
me: It's well worth the money.