PYF Recent Purchases: Please, don't shop-shame.

The Something Awful Forums > Main > Post Your Favorite: Carefully Curated > PYF Recent Purchases: Please, don't shop-shame.

GWBBQ: Jan 2, 2005

This weekend, I bought a paper hygroscope sword for newspaper printing. Patent date is 1934, it may be as new as late 1940s. You wave it around in the air for 30 seconds to set it to ambient humidity, twist the gauge face until it lines up with the needle, then stick it into the middle of a stack of newsprint to measure relative humidity of the paper. You want it to be between 5 and 8 percent above the humidity of the room to avoid wrinkling and warping. They asked me what I was going to do with it, I said "I'm going to put it on a display shelf, but I'm also going to measure the humidity of stacks of paper with it just because I can."

It's made by Accurate Machine & Tool Corporation and the gauge says it's patented by the Lithographic Technical Institute. I can't find anything about it other than the patent (filed 1931, granted 1934.) I bought it at a tag sale, so no link to buy one for yourself.

ninjahedgehog posted:

\

quote:
- Please give a description of what you've bought, and if it's something relatively obscure or hard to find, a link to where it can be purchased.

Looks like it's a Chaparral Corotor II Plus with C-band and Ku-band feedhorns.
http://www.chaparral.net/feed-horns/corotor-ii-plus-feedhorns/

The center part rotates to tune to different satellites and the bolted-on parts are LNBs, which receive the satellite transmission and output an RF signal over a coax cable. In his picture, the part connected to the left feedhorn is a C-band LNB (Norsat brand?) and the one on the right is a Ku band LNB.

GWBBQ has a new favorite as of 20:37 on May 7, 2014

# ¿ May 7, 2014 20:35

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# ¿ Apr 25, 2024 23:32

GWBBQ: Jan 2, 2005

plainswalker75 posted:

My girlfriend and I also signed up to adopt a couple kittens next week (when they're large enough to spay/neuter, respectively).

I hope you lovingly hold the one on your left up to face level and speak to him in an offensively bad Italian accent.

# ¿ May 13, 2014 02:29

GWBBQ: Jan 2, 2005

I bought a $6 bottle opener/corkscrew and it's pretty flimsy as a corkscrew but great as a bottle opener and I need to share it with all of you.

# ¿ Jul 24, 2016 02:01

GWBBQ: Jan 2, 2005

Wowporn posted:

Why do so many people buy lockpick sets

They're a cheap and accessible way for people to try out a technical skill and indulge in the fantasy of doing something illicit without actually doing something wrong.

# ¿ Jul 25, 2016 03:03

GWBBQ: Jan 2, 2005

Yes, I was drunk, why do you ask?

# ¿ Aug 5, 2016 03:06

GWBBQ: Jan 2, 2005

That's pretty cool and also gave me a flashback to my middle school chorus class with a piano that used floppy disks for recording and playback.

# ¿ Aug 8, 2016 01:13

GWBBQ: Jan 2, 2005

I sometimes get impulses to buy random stuff and hit eBay. On Friday, I decided I wanted night vision gear and made an offer of $90 on a monocular with a gen 2 tube that was listed for $100 and it was accepted. We're almost into triple digit temperatures on the CT coast and upstate in Hartford it hit 108 today, so I ordered an evaporative cooling vest and headband made by Ergodyne. I'm sure I'll look like a huge dork, but I almost passed out from the heat when mowing the lawn a couple of weeks ago and I'd rather not die.

Spy_Guy posted:

I do have one sitting at my desk, although doing taxes in Sweden is vastly different compared to how it is in the states.
Generally I try to use one whenever I have an excuse. One good example is using the Curta I as a DnD health tracker.

I also have my pick of calculators to use, depending on mood and what I'm doing.

DnD health tracker lives in the wooden box under the glass dome

One of the things I love about SA is seeing all the nifty things people collect and being able to talk about them. I don't have any questions since I've seen your other posts, but those are awesome.

# ¿ Jul 2, 2018 01:01

GWBBQ: Jan 2, 2005

Android Apocalypse posted:

Deets on that gen 2 night vision device please.

I'm having trouble finding the manual now, but it's a Bering Optics monocular. I'll see if I can find it once I'm home.

# ¿ Jul 5, 2018 21:59

GWBBQ: Jan 2, 2005

gschmidl posted:

Good idea, will probably save you from a fun washer flooding.

And dryer fire.

# ¿ Jul 22, 2018 20:12

GWBBQ: Jan 2, 2005

I'm a gigantic dork and use a Pilot Metro.

# ¿ Jul 27, 2018 15:01

GWBBQ: Jan 2, 2005

Just thinking of pen chat, there was a trend 8-10 years ago after someone realized you can just cut 1/8" of plastic off of a Mont Blanc refill and it would fit perfrectly in a Pilot G2. It's a nice way to get $200 ballpoint pen quality for $15

Coffee And Pie posted:

I give it 5 years until the 35mm trend dies out and the cool kids start taking high angle selfies with thrifted digital cameras from 2007

Part of the appeal of 35mm is getting a high quality camera cheap and developing film yourself is also a big part of the fun. I could see it happening, but I don't think it's likely since we'll always have Instagram and Snapchat filters.

Rolo posted:

Nice shots. You have a pretty good eye for composition and this one immediately reminded me of this painting I have.

# ¿ Aug 5, 2018 11:21

GWBBQ: Jan 2, 2005

Argyle posted:

I now own an extremely tiny piece of Apollo 11.

I probably paid way too much but I don't care, I like the display case and I'm getting a raise soon.

This is awesome and is comparable in price to the chunk of the planet Mercury I bought.

Big Bowie Bonanza posted:

did 7 days at a resort + disney world with my gf last week, was definitely worth it

Awesome. Are you still with Lego Princess?

JEEVES420 posted:

RFID stuff is for embedding chips into wood/metal hybrid rings and laser etched leather bracelets/watch bands. Need the read/writers connected to Arduino for copying existing cards/tags and eventually adding into my home automation for door locks. The Wiegand encryption is what most HID corporate card readers use ("its secure" lol) so I can clone someones employee badge if they want one. I also hope to tie the chips into tap/wave pay and be able to unlock devices. Might be a long shot but having "one ring to rule them all" so to speak, that opens car door/keyless start car, opens home/work doors with wave of hand, unlocks computer when hands are above keyboard, unlocks phone when you pick it up, etc. However I have a feeling its going to end up being a Thanos gauntlet with all the different RFID chips

The pressure pot is for making resin hybrid blanks for turning projects. Mainly Spheres and other decorative art pieces. On the list is a vacuum chamber (using a communal one, but each run is 24h in the chamber) for creating stabilized wood blanks. You can add dye and powders to both the resin and stabilizing juice to give different colors and effects to the pieces.

Other projects in various states of completion are; never ending Home Automation system, Android app controlled mini submarine with camera, Android app controlled floor mopper/detailer (based on a remote control one I built in HS like 20 years ago), IN 16 Nixie clock, wooden stem wine glass with brass inlay (inlay keeps popping out while I am filing it down), spiral turned candle holder, 3d Laser scanned part I am fixing in Fusion 360 for 3d printing in either SLA or ABS, 2 Bookcases, coffee table/end tables, and bedroom set. On the list of things to learn by the end of the year is metal forging/welding/milling both CNC and by hand.

I also just found a source for $4 4"x12"x9' live edge planks of cedar so probably a resin/wood river table. And picking up a busted microwave in a few days for the transformer to make Lichtenberg figures into wood and have a plan to make a humidor with some of the cedar and oak outside with the Lichtenberg design on it. I need more power to capture them in resin so now I am also researching Van De Graaff generators.

Not quite new, but I use a Proxmark3 for RFID stuff and I take great joy in asking coworkers if I can see their university ID and cloning it to a keyfob based on the 5 digit ID on the back. I also love the reactions I get to opening doors with the chip implanted in my hand, but that's even less recent.

# ¿ Sep 14, 2018 05:01

GWBBQ: Jan 2, 2005

Me, sober: I really don't need that
Me, tipsy: When am I ever going to get that kind of a deal on a theremin again?

# ¿ Nov 17, 2019 04:42

GWBBQ: Jan 2, 2005

Dear Postmaster General,
I am generally pleased with your service, but seriously, where the gently caress is my theremin?
Sincerely,
GWBBQ (disgruntled)

Mister Speaker posted:

I actually paid money for Toronto Maple Leafs tickets. I've never seen a hockey game (barring my stepdad's old timers league, and some college classmates) in my entire life. Seen everything else there is at the ScotiaBank Arena: concerts, the Raptors, even the Toronto Rock, but never hockey.

So I treated myself to two tix, to their December 4th game against the Avalanche. Mostly to see my favourite player, Kadri, who is just killing it since the Leafs traded him to Colorado.

Seeing games live is awesome. You're going to have a blast.

Grumbletron 4000 posted:

Really excited about the radio though! It's in beautiful condition cosmetically. The cord is totally hosed so I don't know if it actually works. Being in such good shape I'm optimistic that with a new cord it'll fire up for some wonderful AM and shortwave goodness. There's even a phono input! Even if I can't get it to work I'm just going to appreciate it as nice antique furniture.

I've done zero research into what I've got so if anyone knows anything about old radios I'd appreciate some info and advice.

That radio is absolutely beautiful and for the love of God, do not plug it without bringing it to an expert. You will spend a couple hundred dollars having it restored but it's worth it. First of all, the cord is undoubtedly bad at this point and will immediately set itself on fire and/or electrocute you. Second, bringing the tubes up to line voltage abruptly rather than using a variac will blow some or all of them and may also set various components on fire; forget the amplifier circuit, the 6G5 Macic Eye tube from the display is $70 alone. Third, I can't remember if that model uses a selenium rectifier or not, but if you plug it in and the inrush current blows it out, you will spend several weeks or months in exile and your garage in quarantine until the rest of humanity is able to tolerate the smell.

If you don't know exactly what I mean by "pop off the back and watch for bad tubes as you bring it up on a variac," don't try. Don't be afraid to admit you're not an expert and consult one.

skooma512 posted:

Got a pair of black Johnston and Murphy dress shoes from a thrift store for 17 bucks.

The upper is almost like new and the sole is very gently worn. Hell of a deal.

I�ve been putting off buying new dress shoes for like 5 years at this point

Get the soles and heels replaced as needed and you have a pair of shoes that will last you a lifetime.

GWBBQ has a new favorite as of 03:17 on Nov 21, 2019

# ¿ Nov 21, 2019 03:10

GWBBQ: Jan 2, 2005

Grumbletron 4000 posted:

Really excited about the radio though! It's in beautiful condition cosmetically. The cord is totally hosed so I don't know if it actually works. Being in such good shape I'm optimistic that with a new cord it'll fire up for some wonderful AM and shortwave goodness. There's even a phono input! Even if I can't get it to work I'm just going to appreciate it as nice antique furniture.

I've done zero research into what I've got so if anyone knows anything about old radios I'd appreciate some info and advice.

Double posting to reiterate DO NOT PLUG THIS IN, IT WILL CATCH FIRE, KILL YOU, MAKE YOU SMELL LIKE SATAN'S rear end in a top hat FOR TWO MONTHS, OR A COMBINATION OF THE ABOVE.

# ¿ Nov 21, 2019 03:13

GWBBQ: Jan 2, 2005

Grumbletron 4000 posted:

Very much understood. I can do minor electrical stuff around the house and in the car. Definitely out of my element with this thing. Here's what it looks like around back.

That cord is beyond hosed. Everything seems complete though. The cord that connects that big drum antenna to the dial on the front is missing but I'm guessing that's the least of what needs done. The label with the model and patent info is even there, as well as the envelope which was supposed to contain the manual. Unfortunately there isn't anything inside.

A quick search reveals that it's pre-war. Manufactured from '40-'41. Seems like there's plenty of info out there. Right now I just plan on reattaching the grill clothe and the trim piece near the top and polishing it up real nice. Getting it fixed is gonna have to happen sometime down the road. So many projects with the new house that have priority over the old radio.

I cleaned the spider eggs out of it, gave it a good wipe down and moved it out of the garage. I really love it. The kitty seems to like it too

Your fire hazard is beautiful. I count at least spots where it might catch fire if you plug it in and another 7 where it will almost certainly do so. Here's a link to the schematic so you don't have to give some random rear end in a top hat your personal information for access to a document that's in the public domain.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_3f5-LoufWhQUR2T0tYbWVMRHhzQklYVkRlc2RZODVjSWtz/view?usp=sharing
I have to commend you and any previous owner for storing it as the only wear I can see is from aging and not bad conditions (unlike two I had to junk after a basement flood and still want to cry about)

GWBBQ has a new favorite as of 03:22 on Nov 23, 2019

# ¿ Nov 23, 2019 03:20

GWBBQ: Jan 2, 2005

I got myself a double breasted wool overcoat with zip-up sweater lining at Kohl's.
https://www.kohls.com/product/prd-1537834/chaps-double-breasted-wool-blend-overcoat-men.jsp?color=Black&prdPV=2

I didn't realize it was on sale and was fully willing to pay full price at $250 because at 6'8" (203cm) tall, it's nearly impossible to find something that can be tailored to fit, nevermind fit off the rack. My current full length Ralph Lauren overcoat is starting to show its age after ~15 years and the shoulder my laptop and/or messenger bag goes over is starting to get threadbare, so this was a very timely find.

OSU_Matthew posted:

A stupid big �justice magicians castle� because, why not?

Because building things is fun. I'm trying to justify the SIV to myself but I don't really have a place to put it and I'm thinking modeling and 3D printing a scale replica so I can't justify that one.

I also got a lower footprint vertical microphone stand for my theremin because the three-footed one is a bit big and my mic is already mounted overhead. The theremin is a unique beast to master, but I had hoped to be a concert violinist before I hosed up my shoulder, so a lot of technique transfers more directly than you would expect.

# ¿ Nov 26, 2019 04:47

GWBBQ: Jan 2, 2005

I bought a box with funny looking metal pieces sticking out of it. Is this one of those CIA mind control things I've heard of?

# ¿ Dec 18, 2019 16:38

GWBBQ: Jan 2, 2005

lookslikerain posted:

Cool!

But that wall bothers me.

Once spring comes, that wall is being ripped out and insulated since it's interior and I can literally feel breezes through it. Going to spruce it up with new paint (not sure if I want to go with a classic Art Deco pattern or a solid color with accent trim.

MA-Horus posted:

If you think the B36 is big, you should see the XB-70 they have. It's menacing.

I mostly say this about space program stuff in museums, but it applies to planes, too. You can look at and understand the specs, but until you're right up next to it and seeing it from outside, you don't fully understand how big everything is. My favorite examples are the half of a Saturn V F1 engine bell in the NASM. You can step up onto the short platform it's on and literally stand inside it. My reference for "big" is that I'm 6'8" (203cm for the civilized world) and I can stand up inside that engine bell with my arm stretched out and still barely reach halfway to the top.

bar88537 posted:

I was looking at these things earlier this year. Is it reasonable to do a driveway with it, or is it like one run down a sidewalk? Also, is it heavier than a shovel, cause I imagine you'd have to haul a huge motor around when you can just haul snow instead

The 10v is underwhelming, but if you're willing to go out every inch or two and clean it, you'll be fine. For $40, at the very least have something to clear off the steps and walkway, if you have a bit of patience and don't keep pushing it to stall, the whole driveway.

# ¿ Dec 23, 2019 20:03

GWBBQ: Jan 2, 2005

GoGoGadgetChris posted:

I don't really know why I bought it. Maybe because I heard how difficult it was to get one, and Best Buy restocked them right as I logged on to buy an Air Purifier

Their list of exclusive games is... not exciting

How many exclusive games were you really expecting on your [checks picture] air purifier?

Warbird posted:

Got tired of my butt/back hurting from this chair I found in the literal garbage back in college so I ordered a Gesture. Thankfully my corp has a pricing deal with Steelcase so it wasn�t as painful as it could be. I got a Craigslist special a couple of years back and loved it, but the wife has laid claim and good drat luck finding one used even before �Rona.

I strongly recommend Madison Seating. Free shipping to the US, 10 year warranty on new/open box chairs, I don't know if they figuratively fell off a truck, literally fell off a truck, or what, but I'm sitting in a $350 Steelcase Leap and my brother (bit different ergonomics since I'm 6'8" and he's a bit over 6'10) has a $500 Herman Miller Aeron. Work paid twice as much as I did for exactly the same chair I have at home five years ago and it's still going strong.

As for me, I recently got an 8x8 inch section of kapton foil (the crinkly gold stuff you see on spacecraft) that was removed from the Service Module of Apollo 11 while it was on the pad and needed to be serviced, with letters from the rocket surgeon who removed it and was allowed to keep it, establishing its authenticity. It's hanging out with the Buran (Soviet space shuttle) thermal tiles and other memorabilia until I get it mounted.

# ¿ Sep 29, 2020 06:10

GWBBQ: Jan 2, 2005

Signed and numbered Dali - Homage to Venice

# ¿ May 22, 2021 21:35

GWBBQ: Jan 2, 2005

Yeah, dental covering 20% is what you usually get with high end plans.

# ¿ Jan 29, 2022 19:54

GWBBQ: Jan 2, 2005

I'm going to circuit bend the gently caress out of this thing until until it synthesizes languages that don't exist.

# ¿ Jul 29, 2023 04:39

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# ¿ Apr 25, 2024 23:32

GWBBQ: Jan 2, 2005

big mean giraffe posted:

Someone hit and totaled our old car when it was parked on the street overnight so was forced to buy a new one (thank god used car prices are inflated, got a great value from insurance for the old one)

Got very lucky and someone had to give up their spot in line the day we went to look, heard horror stories out of Canada of 6-12+ month waits

I recently got a new car after an accident, too.
On June 12, I skidded off the road due to bad conditions and an unfortunately timed sneeze, and my face looked like this:

The next day, at the tow yard, my car looked like this

I'm probably going to have permanent scars on my left arm from airbag burns (link and cw for injury and blood, even though it's not too bad)
https://i.imgur.com/Qucc72s.jpg

All things considered, I consider myself lucky that I stayed conscious after hitting a concrete bollard at 45mph and was able to walk away.

Epilogue:

Yesterday, I drove home in this with a family discount and 4y/5.15% financing since loans through my credit union start at 4.99% because of some bullshit they call "the economy," while CarMax offered me 8.7% last week and had to re-run it for some reason yesterday and offered me a generous 10.4%

I always like the looks of that generation of Volvo wagons, and it feels so much lighter and nimble while driving than the S60 did despite having 10hp less that I really like it. Plus, it has paddle shifters so I can pretend I'm driving a sports car when I'm rolling through construction zones at 5mph.

Of course, someone hit the front passenger fender and bumper in the parking lot less than a week after I bought it :mad:

Josh Lyman posted:

I had a chance to (maybe) get a new Aeron at cost during early covid since my friend�s sister works for Herman Miller, but she didn�t reply the couple times I DMd, and it seems like after the Knoll merger they�ve cracked down on extra discounts. HM and DWR have a 20% sale on gaming, plus my Capital One card giving 8% bonus cash back on DWR means it�ll never be cheaper.

I'm not affiliated in any way with them and this isn't a referral link, but Madison Seating has a lot of high-end furniture for 1/4-1/3 of retail price, free shipping, and a 10y warranty. I have a Leap and my brother has an Aeron, both are great chairs and it comes down to personal preference.

# ¿ Sep 25, 2023 20:43

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