Kevin, Author at Fabville

Exploring the Tesla Cybertruck Arcade: Games at Your Fingertips

Automotive, Cybertruck, Electric Vehicles, Tesla / May 17, 2024

When it comes to redefining the driving experience, Tesla never fails to impress. The Tesla Cybertruck, with its futuristic design and cutting-edge technology, is no exception. One of its standout features is the Cybertruck Arcade, an integrated gaming system that transforms your vehicle into a mobile entertainment hub. Let’s dive into the world of games you can enjoy on the Tesla Cybertruck Arcade. A New Era of In-Car Entertainment The Cybertruck Arcade is a testament to Tesla’s commitment to innovation and user experience. Whether you’re waiting for your vehicle to charge, taking a break on a road trip, or simply looking to unwind, the arcade offers a variety of games to keep you entertained. Top Games Available on the Cybertruck Arcade 1. Castle Doombad A tower defense game where you play as the villainous Dr. Lord Evilstein, defending your lair from heroes attempting to rescue the captured princess. Utilize traps, minions, and various devious devices to thwart the heroes’ progress and maintain your sinister stronghold. 1-2 PlayersGame Controller Required 2. Beach Buggy Racing 2 If you’re a fan of racing games, “Beach Buggy Racing 2” is a must-try. This game offers an exhilarating off-road kart racing experience with a variety of tracks, power-ups, and vehicles. The best part? You can use the Cybertruck’s steering wheel and pedals to control the game, adding a layer of realism and fun to your gaming session. 1-2 PlayersGameplay: Steering Wheel Control, Game Controller, or Touchscreen 3. Vampire Survivors A rogue-like survival game where players fend off relentless waves of monsters, trying to survive as long as possible. With simple controls, players can collect power-ups and evolve their abilities, making each play through a thrilling fight against the odds. 1-4 PlayersGameplay: Touchscreen, Game Controller 4. The Battle of Polytopia A turn-based strategy game where players lead a tribe to explore, expand, exploit, and exterminate in a quest for dominance. With a blend of strategic depth and minimalist design, players must manage resources, develop their civilization, and engage in tactical combat to conquer rival tribes. 1 PlayerGameplay: Online Features, Touchscreen 5. Mahong A classic tile-matching game originating from China, where players aim to clear the board by pairing identical tiles. Featuring intricate designs and a variety of layouts, the game challenges players’ memory and strategy skills, providing a relaxing yet engaging puzzle experience. 1 PlayerGameplay: Touchscreen 6. Sudoku A timeless single-player card game where the objective is to organize a shuffled deck into ordered suits, each starting with an Ace and ending with a King. Played on a tableau with seven columns, it combines elements of strategy and luck, making it a perfect pastime for those seeking a contemplative and rewarding challenge. 1 PlayerGamplay: Touchscreen 7. Sky Force Reloaded An exhilarating shoot-’em-up game that combines classic arcade action with modern visuals and gameplay. Players pilot powerful aircraft through waves of enemies and challenging bosses, upgrading their ships and unlocking new features to enhance their combat capabilities. With its dynamic levels and captivating graphics, the game offers an intense and rewarding aerial combat experience. 1-2 PlayersGameplay: Touchscreen, Game Controller 8. Solitaire 1 PlayerGameplay: Touchscreen 9. Cat Quest An enchanting action RPG where players embark on an epic journey as a brave feline hero in a vibrant, open-world kingdom. With its charming art style, engaging combat, and a plethora of quests, the game offers a delightful adventure filled with magical spells, fearsome dragons, and feline puns. 1 PlayerGameplay: Game Controller 10. Fallout Shelter Step into the post-apocalyptic world of “Fallout Shelter,” where you manage a vault and ensure the survival of its inhabitants. This game combines strategy and simulation, allowing you to build and expand your vault while keeping your dwellers happy and safe. 1 PlayerGameplay: Touchscreen 11. Stardew Valley For those who prefer a more relaxed gaming experience, “Stardew Valley” is a delightful farming simulation game. You can manage your farm, engage with the community, and explore various in-game activities. Its charming pixel art and soothing gameplay make it a great option for unwinding during long drives. 1 PlayerGameplay: Touchscreen 12. Backgammon The classic board game of strategy and luck, where two players move their pieces around the board according to dice rolls, aiming to be the first to bear them off. Combining skillful tactics with elements of chance, the game offers engaging and competitive gameplay that has been enjoyed for centuries. 1-2 PlayersGameplay: Touchscreen 13. Cuphead This indie classic brings its distinctive 1930s cartoon-style graphics and challenging gameplay to the Cybertruck. “Cuphead” is a run-and-gun game that focuses on boss battles. Its retro aesthetic and demanding difficulty level make it a perfect fit for gamers who enjoy a good challenge. 1-2 PlayersGameplay: Game Controller 14. Chess A timeless classic, chess on the Cybertruck Arcade lets you challenge either an AI opponent or another player. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned chess player, this game offers endless strategic fun. 2 PlayersGameplay: Touchscreen 15. 2048 For puzzle enthusiasts, “2048” is a simple yet addictive game where you combine tiles with the same numbers to reach the elusive 2048 tile. It’s perfect for quick gaming sessions and keeps your mind sharp while you’re on the go. 1 PlayerGameplay: Touchscreen Future Cybertruck Arcade Games Tesla is known for its frequent software updates, and the Cybertruck Arcade is no exception. As new updates roll out, we can expect to see an expanding library of games and improved features. Tesla’s partnership with game developers and its strong community support ensures that the gaming experience will only get better with time. Conclusion The Tesla Cybertruck Arcade is more than just a gimmick; it’s a glimpse into the future of in-car entertainment. With a diverse selection of games ranging from intense action to relaxing simulations, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a hardcore gamer or just looking to pass the time, the Cybertruck Arcade has you covered. As Tesla continues to innovate, the integration of gaming into their vehicles highlights the company’s commitment to enhancing the driving experience in unique and exciting

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TesCooler – A Freezer/Fridge for Your Tesla – Install and Review

Automotive, Electric Vehicles, Tesla, Tesla Model X / April 14, 2024

Tescooler T-36 subtrunk electric cooler (fridge/freezer)

Back in 2023 a friend of mine shared with me a crowdfunding project for a Tesla freezer/fridge electric cooler from TesCooler. I went ahead and ordered it, knowing the version for the Model X would be the last to get manufactured. It was originally estimated to be delivered in December of 2023, but there were delays. I finally received our TesCooler from AcoPower in mid-April 2024. TesCooler for the Tesla Model X Meet the TesFridge – your ultimate road trip companion for making memories and keeping things cool, no matter where the journey takes you. Picture this: seamlessly fitting into your Tesla’s sub-trunk, it’s all about maximizing space while packing in up to 40 liters of goodness. But here’s the kicker: thanks to its top-notch cooling compressor, this bad boy can transform a lukewarm 50°F (10°C) to a chilly -4°F (-20°C) in just half an hour. It’s currently available for the Tesla Model 3, Model Y, and Model X – No Tesla Model S option as of this post. TesCooler Specs Here’s the specs directly from the manufacturer: Optional Battery Power I did not opt for it, but there is a portable battery you could also take if you plan to use your cooler away from your vehicle. The optional battery provides up to 10 hours of power, it’s like having your own personal fridge on the go. Ready to chill out and explore like never before? Packaging The packaging of the Tescooler was pretty solid, the only concern is the outer box did not have the same message about keeping it upright. Sure enough, FedEx delivered it with it up on it’s side. Unboxing the TesCooler T-36 (For Tesla Model X) Here’s the TesCooler for our Tesla Model X unboxes, there’s some protective plastic over the power controls and some quick reference instructions on the lid. Everything Included with the Tesla Electric Cooler Open the lid and you’ll find everything that comes with the cooler. There’s separate bags for the following: Installing the Tesla Electric Cooler As mentioned above, you’ll want to install the foam spacers first. These provide a tighter fit for the cooler and will install in the sub trunk on the wall closest to the rear of the vehicle. They simply attach with velcro. Connecting the 12v Power Cord Before simply placing your cooler into the rear sub-trunk of your Tesla, connect the power cord. Some years of the Tesla Model X might have the 12v power supply in another location, but our 2020 has it located here on the left. Installation Complete That’s all it takes to install the TesCooler from ACOPower in your Tesla Model X. Once you’ve plugged in the cooler, you can short-press the power button to get it powered up. TesCooler Review I just installed our TesCooler, made sure everything powered up, but will have to take some time to actually use it. The cooler could have been made a bit wider to fit the full width of the sub-trunk, but this could allow for some small items to still be stored in the sub-trunk. I’ll check to see if the mobile connector bag fits, but expect more to come as we get a chance to actually use this cooler.

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Unveiling the Future: The Production Tesla Cybertruck

Automotive, Cybertruck, Electric Vehicles / November 25, 2023

In a world where innovation is king, Tesla has been at the forefront of revolutionizing the automotive industry. With a vision that stretches far beyond the conventional, Tesla’s latest unveiling took the automotive world by storm – the Cybertruck. The futuristic, angular beast of a vehicle promised to defy norms and redefine what it means to drive an electric car. After some delays and just over 4 years after the initial unveiling, Tesla’s Cybertruck Delivery Event was finally scheduled for November 30th, 2023. Over the last several weeks leading up the delivery event, more and more “Release Candidate” Cybertruck’s had been spotted on the streets and highways, even off-roading trails. On various social media platforms, news began to circulate that Cybertruck’s were on their way to showrooms. On November 23rd, I saw a post on X that the Cybertruck was expected to be on display at their Bellevue Square Mall showroom in Bellevue, WA the following day which happened to be Black Friday. We headed down to see if it was in fact on display, and we weren’t disappointed! What Do People Think of the Tesla Cybertruck? People seem to remain divided on two opposite sides of the spectrum when it comes to the Cybertruck. People either love it’s bold design or absolutely hate it. There seems to be no middle ground. What Are People Saying About the Cybertruck? Being a Black Friday at a shopping mall, there were already large numbers of people shopping, but also checking out the Tesla Showroom, and with a large crowd constantly around the Cybertruck. I heard several comments from people such as: It looks like a tank! That’s absolutely insane looking! All in all the comments I heard from people seeing it for the first time were overwhelmingly positive. I do have some friends who haven’t seen it in person who feel quite differently. One who is an engineer said: Sorry, worst truck design ever. Cybertruck: Building the World’s Toughest Truck With the Cybertruck, Tesla set out to break the norm. They certainly did just that. One of their goals was to build the toughest truck available. The cold rolled 30x stainless steel body panels certainly help to achieve just that. I snapped this sign Tesla had at the showroom in front of the Cybertruck. Production Cybertruck Versus Previous Prototypes The production Cybertruck has certainly gone through some changes. Most notably it appears there will no longer be a sail pillar storage area. This was a feature that was not officially mentioned during the unveil, but there was a slide during the presentation showcasing it. Mirrors were also added later in various prototype builds. I was not looking forward to this at all, I thought the original looked much cleaner. They have however made changes and the production mirrors (in my opinion) don’t look as bad as some of the earlier prototypes. While the tonneau cover was closed at the showroom, recent photos and videos of the release candidate Cybertruck’s reveal the truck bed will likely be lined and no longer off the t-bolt mount rails along the floor. More Photos of the Cybertruck Here’s a couple more pictures I took of the Cybertruck. Here’s a closeup of the wheel and tire. This is a shot of the rear marker light and an interesting angle at the bottom of the bed sides. I assume the near 45 degree cut was to eliminate the sharpness of the corner edge. Conclusion The Cybertruck was barricaded off while we were at the showroom, so we weren’t able to get beyond the barrier or look inside the vehicle. One person tried touching the stainless steel body and was told by a Tesla employee not too. It remains to be see how the stainless steel holds up against finger prints and overall weathering. The Cybertruck is certainly different and I do find the stainless steel panel durability to be quite appealing. It won’t be too much longer before the official delivery event when we should learn more specifics including range, options, and pricing. It’s already rumored the price will be much higher than what was announced in 2019. Expect more articles on the Cybertruck to come soon.

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How to Fix Tacky Minwax Stain (and Others)

Wood Projects / November 11, 2023

I recently had a wood staining project that didn’t go to plan. I was rushing to stain some oak barrel staves for a railing project one evening to have the wood ready to install by the weekend. After about 3 days the stain was still tacky, and wasn’t in a condition where I wanted to try transporting it, let alone install it. Fixing Tacky Stain I was able to find a couple possible fixes on the Minwax website. The first was to use mineral spirits. This was the option I chose to go with. Their site mentions that you can dampen a cloth with mineral spirits to wipe off the excess stain. Depending on how much excess stain in on your wood, it may require some heavier scrubbing, but this method worked well in my project. Second option Minwax suggests is to apply another coat of stain, wait a couple minutes for it to soften the previous coat of stain, then take a cloth to wipe away the excess. How Long Should Minwax Stain Take to Dry? It should take 2 hours for Minwax stain to dry. At least that’s what it says on the label for the particular stain I bought. Why Is My Wood Stain Still Tacky? Humidity, temperature, and excess stain are the primary factors of stain not properly drying. Troubleshooting Tacky Stains: A Guide to Fixing Over-Applied Minwax Stain Minwax stains are popular choices for enhancing the natural beauty of wood surfaces, but sometimes, even the most experienced DIY enthusiasts find themselves in a sticky situation. If you’ve applied too much Minwax stain and your project is still tacky after several days, don’t panic. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to troubleshoot and remedy the situation. Upcoming project reveal: Upcycling Oak Barrel Staves for Railing Conclusion to Fixing Tacking Stain Things don’t always go according to plan, and that’s no different for applying wood stain. Correcting a tacky Minwax stain can still be fixed. By addressing the issue promptly and following these steps, you can salvage your project and achieve the beautiful, durable finish you desire. Hopefully this article gets your project back on track if you’ve ran into a similar situation.

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Best Material for Soffit Vents and Tips for Preventing Rodent and Bird Damage

The Cabin / October 10, 2023

using stainless steel hardware cloth for soffit vent screeens

Soffit vents are an important part of your home’s exterior, as they help to ventilate the attic and prevent moisture from building up. When choosing soffit vents, it is important to select a material that is durable, resistant to pests, are long lasting, and easy to maintain. If you have a new house, shop or other structure being built, it’s certainly worth looking at upgrading the soffit vents now, before they potentially have issues later. Material Options for Soffit Vents The best material for soffit vents is stainless steel. Stainless steel is highly durable, resistant to rust and corrosion, and easy to clean. It is also pest-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about rodents or birds chewing through the vents. If the stainless steel mesh is merely stapled on, they could however allow pests to eventually push them loose. This happen on my sister’s house, and birds were able to get into the attic. Other materials that are commonly used for soffit vents include aluminum and vinyl or a fibermesh. Aluminum is also a good choice, as it is durable and resistant to rust. However, it is not as strong as stainless steel and can be more easily damaged by pests. Vinyl is the least expensive option, but it is also the least durable and can become brittle and crack over time. Here’s a picture of our soffit vents where the squirrels chewed through. In total, they chewed through four different locations. If you have had problems with rodents or birds chewing through your soffit vents, there are a few things you can do to prevent this from happening again: At our cabin, I had to deal with squirrels that chewed through the fibermesh screens. Squirrels Chewing Through Soffit Vents at My Cabin Earlier this year, I started to notice that some of the soffit vents at my cabin were damaged. I could see holes in the screens, and there was evidence of squirrels chewing on the wood. After believing I had eradicated the squirrels, I didn’t want to take the chance of trapping any inside. I ended up duct taping some paper over the damaged soffit screen areas to make sure there wasn’t any signs of squirrels trying to chew their way back out (or into the cabin). For this repair, I had to remove the fascia board and tongue and groove soffits in order to access the vents. I then replaced the vents with stainless steel hardware cloth. I bought a roll of hardware cloth from the local hardware store. Unfortunately, they didn’t have any smaller rolls, so I have to buy one that was about 3 feet wide. The plan was to cut them down to size with an angle grinder, but I was out of cutting discs. I didn’t have many other metal cutting tools at the cabin, but I did have my reciprocating saw with just a wood cutting blade. Fortunately, the wood cutting blade was able to go through the stainless steel hardware cloth fairly easily. Make Your Soffit Vents Stronger I was told by an exterminator to make sure to use screws for attaching the new screen material. Birds and rodents can push through screen and eventually work staples loose. I’m sure as wood contracts and expands over the years, it can cause the staples to loosen on their own too. The local hardware store didn’t have many exterior wood screw options available in shorter lengths, so I ended up using 3/4″ roofing screws. This will make it much more difficult, ideally impossible, for rodents to get back in. One side of the cut out was ride on the edge of the tongue groove, so I did have to stick with only staples on the one side. Since I didn’t have a staple gun at the cabin, I bought one from the local hardware store. The gun wasn’t able to drive all the staples in, so I had to go back with a hammer to get all of them down. Additional Tips for Protecting Your Soffit Vents Here are some additional tips for preventing rodent and bird damage to your soffit vents: By following these tips, you can help to protect your soffit vents from rodent and bird damage. Best Material for Soffit Vents and Tips for Preventing Rodent and Bird Damage Soffit vents are an important part of your home’s exterior, as they help to ventilate the attic and prevent moisture from building up. When choosing soffit vents, it is important to select a material that is durable, resistant to pests, and easy to maintain. The best material for soffit vents is stainless steel. Stainless steel is highly durable, resistant to rust and corrosion, and easy to clean. It is also pest-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about rodents or birds chewing through the vents. Other materials that are commonly used for soffit vents include aluminum and vinyl. Aluminum is also a good choice, as it is durable and resistant to rust. However, it is not as strong as stainless steel and can be more easily damaged by pests. Vinyl is the least expensive option, but it is also the least durable and can become brittle and crack over time. If you have had problems with rodents or birds chewing through your soffit vents, there are a few things you can do to prevent this from happening again: Soffit Vent Fire Safety Since our cabin is in a brush fire zone, I took advantage of the free fire safety inspections our local fire department provides. The inspector actually called out the fibermesh screens in our soffit vents. A big focus for fire prevention is making sure there aren’t small areas that embers can set, eventually creating a fire. Replacing the soffit vents with stainless steel had been on my list of to-do items, but with other projects I put it off a while longer until squirrels forced the issue. Conclusion The wrong material or not using the right fasteners

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A Winter Wonderland Adventure Right Out Our Door: The Unique Sledding Platform at Our Cabin

Outdoor Activities, The Cabin / September 28, 2023

The previous owner of our cabin built a fairly unique sledding platform just off of the deck. Our cabin is located East of the Cascade Mountains in Washington state where we receive approximately 89″ of snow every year. The platform stands about 7 feet off the ground, fun winter activities for our family and friends when enough snow hits and we’re not out on the snowmobiling trails. Innovative Sledding Platform Design At its core, it boasts a unique design feature that makes it a true standout: a tilting “staging area.” This ingenious addition adds an extra layer of convenience to the sledding experience. Rather than trying to get the sled (and yourself) onto the slide, it tilts down to make it easy for the rider to get read. When a sledder’s weight shifts forward, the staging area tilts downward, propelling them down the slide and into a world of snowy adventure. Keeping the Snow in Place The use of 2×4’s in the slide not only keeps the snow packed but also prevents it from sliding down with the rider. This design choice, however, comes with its quirks, such as the tendency to accumulate pine needles throughout the year. It can also collect rain water. To combat this, a single drainage hole was drilled in each section, allowing most of the rain water to drain away (assuming the hole isn’t blocked by pine needles). I’ll have to work for ways to improve this later. Safety First (Well, Next After 2 Years) While exhilarating, the initial version of the platform raised some safety concerns for our family. We had worries about the absence of railings both on the slide, however, my wife later decided she wanted railings added to the platform itself. DIY Pallet Repurposing To address these concerns, I decided to repurpose some pallets for the build. We were able to get some 12 foot long pallets that used 4×4’s for the lower structure. I was able to re-use these to build up the framing to support some 2×4’s to mount railing balusters. This addition not only enhanced safety, but will also added a rustic charm to the structure. Current State and Future Plans Here’s a short video showing the first phase of the sledding platform and how the “staging area” functions: I still need to buy some cedar and cut additional balusters. The balusters I used came from the railing of one of the lofts, but it wasn’t enough. We may also consider adding a second slide later as well. I’m also going to build a roof, which we’ll cover next… Keeping the Snow Off (Adding a Roof) Our 13 year-old daughter suggested another addition: a roof above the platform to reduce the snow accumulation. Secondly, it would protect the platform from the elements, extending its usability throughout the year, our 7 year-old is already calling the structure her clubhouse. I’m trying to see if I can install the roof before the weather turns too cold, we’ll see how things go as I have other projects still on the list as well. UPDATE: I did get the roof built just before the weather turned too cold and wintery. I’ll update this section more soon. Here’s the railing balusters finished up: Conclusion: Our cabin’s sledding platform is a true testament to the creativity and craftsmanship of its previous owner. With its unique design, ongoing improvements, it’s a staple of our winter adventures, especially for our kids. As we eagerly anticipate the coming winter, we look forward to sled-filled days and nights under the stars with this incredibly fun sledding platform that has brought joy and excitement to our cabin. I’ll add more pictures and videos when we get our first decent snow accumulation of the season!

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DIY Overhead Storage Door with Block and Tackle Pulley

The Cabin, Wood Projects / September 18, 2023

There’s something about a cabin in the woods that brings a sense of tranquility and nostalgia. But when it comes to practicality, sometimes a little DIY magic is needed to make your cabin space more functional and visually appealing. In this blog post, we’ll take you through an inspiring woodworking project to enclose an overhead storage area with a custom built diy overhead storage door using repurposed wood and a block and tackle pulley system. The Challenge The previous owner who built our cabin had a fairly small shed with an overhead storage area. Unfortunately, this storage area was completely open and I wanted to come up with a solution to close it. We used this space to store some blow mold Christmas decorations, but it certainly looked a bit tacky. From the street, the decorations could be seen as well. It was time to transform this neglected space into something more practical and aesthetically pleasing. The Materials I had some damaged tongue and groove slats from a closet I removed to make room in the game loft for our racing arcade cabinets. Previously, I had already cut these slats down to remove the damaged area. With these slats laying around for a few months now, it seemed like the perfect usage to make the overhead door with these. Repurposed Wood Here’s the closet I removed… The tongue and groove is quite thin, as far as I know it’s nearly, if not completely impossible to remove without damaging it. Lots of cutting down, running the slats through the table saw. Staining the Overhead Door I need to pick up some more stain, but I’ll use the same stain I used for the main door of the shed. It does have a decent amount of weight to it, so I’m not sure if I’ll take the door back down to stain or leave it in place. Stay tuned for that… Conclusion What started as an open and unsightly overhead storage area in the cabin’s shed was transformed into a functional and visually appealing space. This woodworking project showcased the power of repurposing materials and creative problem-solving. The use of a block and tackle pulley system added a touch of nostalgia, harking back to simpler times. If you’re looking to enhance your cabin space and have some repurposed wood lying around, consider taking on a project like this one. Not only will it breathe new life into a neglected area, but it will also infuse your cabin with rustic charm and character. Happy woodworking, and may your cabin always be a haven of peace and creativity!

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Ski-tastic Deck Balusters: A Unique Twist for Your Mountain Cabin Deck on a Budget

Projects, The Cabin / September 5, 2023

When you’re decking out your mountain cabin, it’s natural to want something that captures the essence of the outdoors and your adventurous spirit. If you’re looking for an unconventional and cost-effective way to make your deck stand out, consider using snow skis as deck balusters. This creative approach combines rustic aesthetics with a touch of adventure without breaking the bank. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the process of repurposing snow skis as deck balusters and explain how this option can save you money compared to traditional balusters. Enclosing Our Deck My wife wanted to fully enclose the deck at our cabin so that we could have our dogs there too without worry of them running off. The previous owner built a large, 900sf deck, but it wasn’t fully enclosed. With how expensive wood has gotten, I chose to go with a more creative approach by upcycling old snow skis that might wife picked up. We were able to get some of the skis for free at our neighborhood “free” day where neighbors put items they no longer want at the end of the driveway. She also found several pairs at Goodwill for only $1-2 when they had the clearance sales. Why Snow Skis? Using snow skis as deck balusters is a brilliant idea that brings a touch of winter magic to your mountain cabin year-round. Here’s why this approach is not only unique but also budget-friendly: Materials and Tools Needed Before you get started, gather the following materials and tools: Installation Steps Follow these installation steps for your budget-friendly ski balusters: Conclusion Repurposing snow skis as deck balusters is not only a unique design choice but also a budget-friendly one. At the current price of cedar 2x2s, choosing used skis that were free or only $1-2 per pair is a much cheaper option that allows you to achieve a stunning deck makeover without breaking the bank. So, embrace the charm of ski-tastic deck balusters, save some money, and enjoy the outdoors in style!

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Fence for Life – Concrete Fencing Review

Reviews / August 11, 2023

Concrete Fencing – Product Review At our previous house we had a wood fence that despite being stained every couple years was noticeably weathered. I had to replace two posts, repair the gate a couple times (mostly from sagging issues), and also straighten multiple posts that began to lean. I remember when we had the house built and a fence was including the build. The building inspector mentioned that the fence would probably last 5 years or so, we managed to double that. However, if I had to guess, it probably didn’t have too much longer to go. Our Needs for a Fence Keeping Our Dog Contained Needing to keep our dog from running off, we were looking to have a fence installed when we moved. I was looking for something would be long lasting and very limited on maintenance. Atop the wish list was something that would not rot, rust, and would not need tons of maintenance. Cost was also a major factor. I was also concerned about the durability of plastic fences that were available, both structurally and against UV discoloration. Low Maintenance, Long Lasting While I was searching for options, I came across Fence for Life who serves Western Washington. They mentioned the downside to metal or wood fences on their website and the advantages their fences offered with the motto “do it once for life”. Their fences are pre-casted from a reinforced concrete with several different styles and height options available, even the posts are made from concrete that is reinforced with rebar. Posts are often times the first failure of traditional wood post fencing. Therefor, seeing they offered concrete posts certainly was intriguing. These fences are advertised as maintenance free and are supposed to withstand 85mph winds, but you may need to give them a pressure wash every couple years. My only real concern at this point is if the ground gets too wet and if that causes the posts to lean. The posts are 2-3 feet in the ground, so hopefully everything holds up. Installing a Concrete Fence While Fence for Life does sell the panels and posts for owner-installation, this wasn’t a project I had any desire to take on. We had zero hesitation having them do the installation. Just two crew members, they were able to install the entire fence in just 3 days. They showed up with their flat bed truck and just enough posts and panels to keep them busy for the entire day. On day 2, they arrived with another batch of panels and posts. For day 3, it was a small remaining batch and they finished up in the early afternoon. Some photos of our concrete fencing installation: The inward facing side of the fence panels do not have a decorative pattern like the outward facing, rather they are just flat. Having the pattern on both sides would certainly have improved the overall aesthetics, but it is what it is. I imagine other companies may have their fences patterned on both sides. This view shows how the 3.5 panels were stacked and slid inside the post slots. Installing a Concrete Fence On a Slope (or Any Fence) Our backyard gradually slopes down and major excavation was never a consideration, so the majority of our concrete fencing gradually descends in a bit of a staggered manner. Bringing in an insane amount of fill really wasn’t an option. How Much Does Concrete Fencing Cost? When we first purchased our fencing, the price was surprisingly comparable to traditional cedar wood picket fencing. If we went with a cedar fencing and decided to stain it ourselves, the cost likely would have been greater than the precast concrete fence. Inflation has definitely caused prices to go up for several materials including lumber and concrete. It’s best to check current pricing in your area. Concrete fence pricing will certainly vary by location as well, but I would recommend getting a couple of quotes for more traditional fencing to do a direct comparison for your area and exact needs. Concrete Fence Review Updates Quick April 2020 Update – Living in Western Washington we get a lot of green algae build up outside. I thought for sure we’d experience this on our fence, especially on the north side, but no signs yet! August 2023 Update: We do have some discoloration and some of the green algae finally starting to appear on some northern facing sections. The dark discolorations seem to be mostly at the top. I’ll have to get the pressure washer out and see how it handles the darker areas and the algae, but other than that, no issues whatsoever. Summary We’ve had ours installed since just May 2015 now, so far so good. Certainly pleased with how everything has held up and so far as been completely maintenance free. I’ll probably have to do some pressure washing at least on some of the north facing panels. Check out the custom pedestrian gate I built: https://fabville.com/custom-diy-steel-gates-the-52%e2%80%b3-four-foot-gate

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DIY Foosball Revival: Upcycling an Old Foosball Table with Solid Wood Craftsmanship!

Projects / July 27, 2023

custom diy foosball table from upcycling an old and neglected foosball table with inspirational concept renderings

Here’s an upcoming project we’ll be working on, a DIY foosball table with some recycled parts. I was dropping off my daughter to a birthday party at a friend’s house and along the way we saw an old, broken down foosball table someone had put at the end of their driveway with a “free” sign. When I asked my daughter if she wanted to take a closer look at it, there was no hesitation. With the cheap particle board construction that was already damaged, we immediately had visions of building a new structure out of solid wood. While it will be several more weeks before we start looking at building this, here’s some inspiration I generated using MidJourney: AI Generated Foosball Table Renderings MidJourney didn’t always place handles or get the playfield in the right orientation, but I think it’s still a great tool to generate some ideas. I won’t have anywhere near the time, money, tools, or skills to build anything near these, but it can prompt some ideas. Solid Wood Foosball Table Renderings Futuristic Foosball Table Designs Here’s a couple more designs I made with a futuristic concept. Acrylic sign panels could be an interesting way to go… The Build It will be a several more weeks before we start the build, but we’ll add more to this post once we do!

DIY Foosball Revival: Upcycling an Old Foosball Table with Solid Wood Craftsmanship! Read More »