Miscellaneous DIY Projects (or bits of jobs)

[plaques]

A down to earth job. Christmas eve the belt on the vacuum cleaner broke. Sprang into action immediately with one I had bought years ago but for a different vacuum. More than a tad tight but put it on and started it up. Plumes of blue smoke which stopped when the belt burnt though. On to Hoover spares via internet. Millions to chose from. Found the model number and ordered 2 off. Belts arrived today but looked smaller than the original that had broke. Re-checked model number against those supplied which were 'similar to' and will fit XXXX identical to YYYY with a different part number for your vacuum. Now totally confused.
Decided that the difference in size could be down to the old one stretching before it broke so went ahead and fitted one.
Result, tight fit but no blue smoke YET.

[Big Kev]

Mrs P 'suggested' that she would like one of those Tiffany type chandeliers. No problem all you have to do is...
Switch the power off. Take the old one down.
Get a ceiling rose paint it then glue it up.
Assemble the new chandelier.
Hang it up, reconnect the wires and switch the power back on.

Voila. 10 minute job.

I like that

[Stanley]

Why am I always suspicious when someone says "It's a ten minute job"?

[Big Kev]

Much better use of the space.

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[Stanley]

Very tidy Kev.... I sink into genteel shabby as I wait for that bloke with the scythe. But I have splendid vise jaws!

[plaques]

The gas man cometh (Flanders and Swan) It all makes work for the working man to do.

More straight forward than expected. Our imitation gas fired wood stove had been showing a few white flames especially on the pilot light. Guessed that it was an accumulation of dust and oxides that had been built up over the years.
First move.. Take a picture if the log arrangement. Putting these back together beats any jigsaw puzzle.
Sure enough loads of dust and clinker.
Re-assembled. Thank God for the photo. Another job done

.

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[Stanley]

I have a story about gas fired imitation fires.... My late wife Vera used to clean for Margaret Sharples across the road as she was running her herbalist's shop in Rainhall Road. They got a fireplace fitted with artificial coals and ash in it and it was so realistic Vera cleaned the grate and relaid the fire with sticks and coal. Everyone thought it was very funny except Vera!

[Big Kev]

Today I have been repairing a hot water cylinder at youngest offspring's house. He's getting a new combi boiler in the summer so a new cylinder wasn't a financial option. Thanks go to Ken for pulling some copper sheet from his shed. A box of stainless screws and some liquid gasket finished the job.

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[plaques]

Today I have been repairing a hot water cylinder at youngest offspring's house.

By Isambard Kingdom Big Kev.

[Big Kev]

Today I have been repairing a hot water cylinder at youngest offspring's house.

By Isambard Kingdom Big Kev.

[Stanley]

It was Humphrey Bogart in the African Queen that came into my mind. Well done Kev, that'll last longer than the cylinder!

[Big Kev]

that'll last longer than the cylinder!

I hope so

Everyone was very happy to have the opportunity for a shower apparently.

[Big Kev]

Demolition of the fireplace has started in the front room.

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[Big Kev]

Getting there

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[plaques]

Looks very much like the one I pulled out a few years ago. In our case we were able to widen and deepen the cavity to get a wood burning stove in with room to spare. The base, sides and back were granite from the firm at Fence to our measurements. Not cheap but quality stuff never is. Anyhow best of luck with your project.

[Big Kev]

Thanks Ken, the messy bit is out of the way now

[Stanley]

When we took the modern fireplace out of the front room at Hey Farm there was enough rubble to make a base for another garage. Vera barrowed it all out while I did the destructive bit.

[Big Kev]

A bit more loose brickwork consolidation this morning.

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[Big Kev]

Slow and steady, things are starting to feel a bit more solid
Just needs a skim but that's a job for another day.

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[Big Kev]

Bought this from the Earby Grammar School charity Facebook page. Should finish the job nicely.

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[Stanley]

Must be someone I gave Ellenroad engine nameplates to. Who could that be? (Or is someone manufacturing them out there?)

[Big Kev]

Must be someone I gave Ellenroad engine nameplates to. Who could that be?

Definitely me

[Stanley]

I didn't think it was your photo Kev because it's out of focus!

[Big Kev]

Dodgy phone camera.

[Stanley]

I thought there must be something, not the standard we expect from our chief snapper!