Replies

1. 
   jet | Jan 15, 2007 05:03am | #1

   So exactly how are ya goin' ta git rid of the debreeeee!
   And what is the next project gonna be???

   "No doubt exists that all women are crazy; it's only a question of degree." - W.C. Fields
1. 
   mwgaines | Jan 15, 2007 05:55am | #4

   "So exactly how are ya goin' ta git rid of the debreeeee!"

   Big dumpster - little wheelbarrow - lot's of breaks."And what is the next project gonna be???"

   Probably back surgery. (grin)

   MichaelNew knowledge is priceless. 

   Used knowledge is even more valuable.

2. 
   McDesign | Jan 15, 2007 05:04am | #2

   Can't argue with that!

   What, did your chimney make you angry?

   Forrest

1. 
   mwgaines | Jan 15, 2007 05:58am | #5

   "What, did your chimney make you angry?"

   Nah. Just prefer the wall space and an additional window. Can always install a portable fireplace later. Besides, I never removed a chimney before. Now I have.

   MichaelNew knowledge is priceless. 

   Used knowledge is even more valuable.

1. 
   intrepidcat | Jan 15, 2007 06:20am | #8

   >>>Besides, I never __________ before. Now I have.<<<

   That's as good a reason as any there is.

   <G>

    

    "Being a cowboy aint all ridin and shootin" - Tim Mooney 

1. 
   caseyr | Jan 15, 2007 07:51am | #9

   I bought a $19.95 4 1/2" angle grinder from Harbor Freight to cut some stucco to replace some windows. The guy I was working with cut about 240 feet of stucco before smoking the thing. I think it would have lasted a lot longer except that he cut for over an hour straight with it without so much as taking a break. When I went to pick it up with my ungloved hand, it was too hot to touch... I think I got my money's worth even if he did trash it. (He ended up about two feet shy of completing the job, so I gave in and let him finish with my Makita...)

3. 
   MSA1 | Jan 15, 2007 05:08am | #3

   I dont mean to poop in your corn flakes, but all the chimneys ive ever dropped came down quite easily with a 20 oz hammer. Start at the top and tap on the bricks. They break right apart.

1. 
   mwgaines | Jan 15, 2007 06:09am | #6

   "I dont mean to poop in your corn flakes, but all the chimneys ive ever dropped came down quite easily with a 20 oz hammer. Start at the top and tap on the bricks. They break right apart."

   This house partially burned about 25 years ago due to the poor construction of the fireplace. Embers somehow got between the chimney and walls. The mason who "repaired" the problem installed a new flue and a river of concrete from the bottom to the top. I started out with my sledge, but gave out and gave up in about 30 minutes. The demo hammer proved to be a real asset. However, it weighs in at 37.5 pounds, so I still ended up working my butt off.

   Michael 

    New knowledge is priceless. 

   Used knowledge is even more valuable.

1. 
   MSA1 | Jan 16, 2007 02:38am | #13

   I wasnt working on your chimney so I guess I shouldnt talk. All the chimneys ive worked on have been at least 50 years old and were evidently ready to give up.

2. 
   MisterT | Jan 15, 2007 02:47pm | #10

   he didn't even plug it in...

   just held it by the bit and wailed away...

    Peace

1. 
   MSA1 | Jan 16, 2007 02:36am | #12

   Money well spent.:>)

4. 
   intrepidcat | Jan 15, 2007 06:17am | #7

   Pretty dramatic.

    

    

    

   "Being a cowboy aint all ridin and shootin" - Tim Mooney 

5. 
   renosteinke | Jan 15, 2007 11:20pm | #11

   I've been singing the praises of "Cheap Chinese Junk" stuff for some time. There is a role for everything...

   Not all the stuff is worth even 50 cents; other stuff does just fine. At least, if you try a dog, it won't set you back much.

   A cheap tool on the truck beats a great tool back at the shop.

   If a tool is used rarely, or you are not sure if the tool will be worth having, investing in a cheap tool is one way to reduce your risk.

   Often, you don't really know what you seek in a tool until you use it a bit; again, a cheap tool is an inexpensive way to learn what really matters to you.

   Finally, if a tool is likely to be lost, stolen, or abused ... there's not much point in spending a lot.

   A few examples to illustrate my points:

   1) I use a "rotozip" type tool maybe twice a year. Having a $20 HF on the truck works out well for me;

   2) I have a $20 HF angle grinder. It has been a godsend. When it wears out, though, the replacement will have a paddle switch - and changing wheels will be easier;

   3) When the time came to buy a recip saw ("sawzall"), I skipped the $20 HF POS, and went straight to the $200 Makita. I've already learned the value of tool-less blade change, vibration absorption, and a blade clutch; and,

   4) For similar reasons, I never seriously considered the cheap cordless tools.