I couldn't find the "Just a tradesman" kinda post.

SEEMEFIRST
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Arlington, TX US
2/16/2026 10:21am
SEEMEFIRST wrote:
It'll be alright, just put a bigger breaker in it...

1000000504 0.jpg?VersionId=w tljxJMgjqwZDCeI81dsPzlDHuIt'll be alright, just put a bigger breaker in it...

What is that? A low water cutoff ?

Definitely a harsh environment. . . .

It's a control switch for a pump on a steam trap that goes to a large compression distiller. It only distills water, unfortunately.

1
davis224
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Cornland, IL US
Fantasy
2/16/2026 4:10pm
davis224 wrote:
We had another line crash and ended up filling the corrugator with plastic that hardened, and they had to resort to destroying blocks to get this...
10000275811000027578

We had another line crash and ended up filling the corrugator with plastic that hardened, and they had to resort to destroying blocks to get this out and did a lot of damage in the process. It's filled with chilled glycol that cools the inside of the pipe after it comes out of the die into the corrugator, and someone tried doing a jb weld fix before giving it to me. Not perfect, but I made it work in a short turnaround.

Have you heard of or used belzona?I've used it on roll end where bearing ate through the shaft to reshape the shaft I was skeptical first time...

Have you heard of or used belzona?

I've used it on roll end where bearing ate through the shaft to reshape the shaft 

I was skeptical first time I saw it but it holds up superbly and is A LOT cheaper than welding and machining or buying a new roll.

Faster too. . .

I'll have to look into it

davis224
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Cornland, IL US
Fantasy
2/16/2026 4:16pm
davis224 wrote:
We had another line crash and ended up filling the corrugator with plastic that hardened, and they had to resort to destroying blocks to get this...
10000275811000027578

We had another line crash and ended up filling the corrugator with plastic that hardened, and they had to resort to destroying blocks to get this out and did a lot of damage in the process. It's filled with chilled glycol that cools the inside of the pipe after it comes out of the die into the corrugator, and someone tried doing a jb weld fix before giving it to me. Not perfect, but I made it work in a short turnaround.

Melted pvc smells like a dirty diaper ,cpvc is even worse . Nasty stuff.

When it burns it takes your breath away in a similar fashion as ammonia. The purge we use to start up/shut down a die smells pretty gnarly too. The pvc mix we use (super secret recipe blended on site) is too hard to get flowing again after it cools.

davis224
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Cornland, IL US
Fantasy
2/16/2026 4:30pm
davis224 wrote:
We had another line crash and ended up filling the corrugator with plastic that hardened, and they had to resort to destroying blocks to get this...
10000275811000027578

We had another line crash and ended up filling the corrugator with plastic that hardened, and they had to resort to destroying blocks to get this out and did a lot of damage in the process. It's filled with chilled glycol that cools the inside of the pipe after it comes out of the die into the corrugator, and someone tried doing a jb weld fix before giving it to me. Not perfect, but I made it work in a short turnaround.

Had a hydraulic extruder crash once and mix setup in it... Operator tried to restart after too long and broke all anchor bolts off flush at...

Had a hydraulic extruder crash once and mix setup in it... Operator tried to restart after too long and broke all anchor bolts off flush at floor and moved extruder back 2 feet!!!!

Made for a huge headache.....

I've also seen a fire pump run and pipe break under security shack.  It filled with mud 2 feet thick and couldn't open the door to get out because water was 2 feet on top of mud!

  Security had to crawl out truckers window to get out...

It was the best of times .... 😆 

I'm just glad the plastic didn't find its way past the drive gears in the corrugator and fill the cavity that has all the gears/shafts/bearings with 30k psi of pvc. It took 2 weeks of hacking at the mess with drills/saws/cutoff wheels to get the cooling mandrel out and blocks freed up. Glad I was busy with this project and stuck the new guy on it!

The Shop

Chance1216
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Carson, CA US
2/16/2026 6:59pm Edited Date/Time 2/16/2026 6:59pm
sumdood wrote:
On water lines I use tape and teflon paste, just a little help it slide in bettter. I make sure the tape doesn't "overhang" the end...

On water lines I use tape and teflon paste, just a little help it slide in bettter. I make sure the tape doesn't "overhang" the end of the pipe to keep it from leaving any inside the pipe, as well as wipe away any paste. On gas lines I use just paste, no tape. Only on the male end and wipe the end of the pipe clean to make sure no paste winds up inside the pipe. I've seen gas valves get boogered up from sloppy guys who get more paste inside the pipe than in between the threads lol.  

Chance1216 wrote:

Give yellow RectorSeal a shot. It’s what I use on anything plumbing related besides Megalock for lubing the threads and, ferrules on angle stops.  

Yellow snot, give it a shot ... 😆 

It’s pretty thick stuff. I like it because it doesn’t harden and, crack like other brands such asTrue Blue…. 
I use it on anything from 1/2” to, 4” steel threaded pipe.

Joey Bridges
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2/17/2026 4:08am
Dirtydeeds wrote:

Gotcha, the main house the shitters all have their own room. Including his and hers shitters in the primary suite

Always like turning to the blueprint pages relevant to me, and seeing "water closet".

Then later on looking at the tiny room you close yourself off in to take care of business. 

Multi million dollar homes, and you dump in a tiny little room.

🤔

2/18/2026 11:11am

Nothing like Dirtydeeds or Joey, but I built this pantry.  I did everything but the butcher block (I did have to cut to size and finish).

Pantry 0.jpg?VersionId=d48rI.SZkqYomZd0EOdMHQOze
11
2/18/2026 11:36am

The stuff one can learn here is invaluable. These are things you learn from things that weren't supposed to happen. I know the next generation has access to more information than we did and will advance the technology, but when things go south, that's when experience is king.

Just sayin

6
Joey Bridges
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2/18/2026 12:38pm
Nothing like Dirtydeeds or Joey, but I built this pantry.  I did everything but the butcher block (I did have to cut to size and finish).

Nothing like Dirtydeeds or Joey, but I built this pantry.  I did everything but the butcher block (I did have to cut to size and finish).

Pantry 0.jpg?VersionId=d48rI.SZkqYomZd0EOdMHQOze

Looks damn good to me !!!

3
2/20/2026 7:54am

Was doing some math last night and realized we have $676,000 worth of work bid out which feels great. Especially when I take into account we only grossed about 550 last year. Here’s to a great year for all in this thread 🍻 

4
2/23/2026 5:39pm
Nothing like Dirtydeeds or Joey, but I built this pantry.  I did everything but the butcher block (I did have to cut to size and finish).

Nothing like Dirtydeeds or Joey, but I built this pantry.  I did everything but the butcher block (I did have to cut to size and finish).

Pantry 0.jpg?VersionId=d48rI.SZkqYomZd0EOdMHQOze

Looks good brother! 🤙

4
Joey Bridges
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2/28/2026 4:27am Edited Date/Time 2/28/2026 11:30am

All new projects have to start (from scratch) from a trailer load of material. 

20260228 071712
3
Spurdo
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2/28/2026 8:12am
176917701773
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TeamGreen
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3/1/2026 1:07pm
All new projects have to start (from scratch) from a trailer load of material. 

All new projects have to start (from scratch) from a trailer load of material. 

20260228 071712

Have you given an extensive…exhaustive…explanation of “selecting your lumber”…? 🤣

1
SEEMEFIRST
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3/1/2026 1:16pm
All new projects have to start (from scratch) from a trailer load of material. 

All new projects have to start (from scratch) from a trailer load of material. 

20260228 071712
TeamGreen wrote:

Have you given an extensive…exhaustive…explanation of “selecting your lumber”…? 🤣

One thing I can tell you is, that didn't come from Home Depot.

1
TeamGreen
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3/1/2026 2:07pm
All new projects have to start (from scratch) from a trailer load of material. 

All new projects have to start (from scratch) from a trailer load of material. 

20260228 071712
TeamGreen wrote:

Have you given an extensive…exhaustive…explanation of “selecting your lumber”…? 🤣

SEEMEFIRST wrote:

One thing I can tell you is, that didn't come from Home Depot.

What gave it away?

Too straight?

Too dry?

Edges are too square?

🤣

Joey Bridges
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3/1/2026 2:15pm

Underneath, 3/4" pre finished birch ply.

Next layer, 5'x5' Baltic birch ply. (drawer boxes)

4 Sticks of 8/4 maple, eventually a counter top. And drawer face inlays. 

And 5/4 sapeli for the finished ends, face frames, and drawer faces of a 3pc dresser.

 

Need to finish up another project tomorrow, and clean up a bit before diving into this one. 

 

It needs to match an existing king size bed frame.

20260215 14225620260215 142240
1
SEEMEFIRST
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Arlington, TX US
3/1/2026 2:19pm
TeamGreen wrote:

Have you given an extensive…exhaustive…explanation of “selecting your lumber”…? 🤣

SEEMEFIRST wrote:

One thing I can tell you is, that didn't come from Home Depot.

TeamGreen wrote:

What gave it away?

Too straight?

Too dry?

Edges are too square?

🤣

D: All of the above.

2
Joey Bridges
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3/1/2026 2:24pm
SEEMEFIRST wrote:

One thing I can tell you is, that didn't come from Home Depot.

TeamGreen wrote:

What gave it away?

Too straight?

Too dry?

Edges are too square?

🤣

SEEMEFIRST wrote:

D: All of the above.

None of that is available at the depot.

They do though, have better soft close drawer slides. 

SEEMEFIRST
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Arlington, TX US
3/1/2026 2:26pm
TeamGreen wrote:

What gave it away?

Too straight?

Too dry?

Edges are too square?

🤣

SEEMEFIRST wrote:

D: All of the above.

None of that is available at the depot.

They do though, have better soft close drawer slides. 

"None of that is available at the depot."

 

Yeah, just Joshin'.

2
Joey Bridges
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3/1/2026 2:29pm
SEEMEFIRST wrote:

"None of that is available at the depot."

 

Yeah, just Joshin'.

Yeah unlike others, I know a humorous comment when I see one.

😉

SEEMEFIRST
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3/1/2026 3:05pm
SEEMEFIRST wrote:

"None of that is available at the depot."

 

Yeah, just Joshin'.

Yeah unlike others, I know a humorous comment when I see one.

😉

👍

Joey Bridges
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3/1/2026 3:33pm
Chance1216 wrote:
IMG 4160 1.jpeg?VersionId=fGsL9yEQmMO9f32WEE131WwRNd3RfjIMG 4175 1.jpeg?VersionId=IXkmhQyG3YxTWxpdED8QjomIdIMG 4169 5

I think I've said this before in this thread. 

It's a damn shame how many tradesmen have their work covered by sheetrock. 

2
Spurdo
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3/17/2026 2:41pm
2266.jpg?VersionId=JRP.RqpTl0PPiq39aIMC4 5Gao2268.jpg?VersionId=0C4ln8J X93Lw8g91Y2RCnZVMR6IupY2270.jpg?VersionId=TG t7i1vJiWyS55Guq MoVm.5

Spin it back 3 teeth to tighten. I ain't done one of those in 15 years. 

1
3/17/2026 2:56pm
Chance1216 wrote:
IMG 4160 1.jpeg?VersionId=fGsL9yEQmMO9f32WEE131WwRNd3RfjIMG 4175 1.jpeg?VersionId=IXkmhQyG3YxTWxpdED8QjomIdIMG 4169 5

Chance, I am assuming you do alot more pro press than I do. We still work in some buildings that wont allot it, such as verizon telecomm buildings. Whats your opinion? It's great when valves are leaking by, its fast and mostly dummy proof but hard to make it look good. Specifically in long straight runs/mains running across a ceiling. Always pulls dog dicks unless its hung in split rings/kush clamps. 

SEEMEFIRST
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Arlington, TX US
3/17/2026 3:38pm

Did things get deleted?

Chance1216
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Carson, CA US
3/17/2026 4:29pm Edited Date/Time 3/17/2026 4:36pm
Chance1216 wrote:
IMG 4160 1.jpeg?VersionId=fGsL9yEQmMO9f32WEE131WwRNd3RfjIMG 4175 1.jpeg?VersionId=IXkmhQyG3YxTWxpdED8QjomIdIMG 4169 5
Chance, I am assuming you do alot more pro press than I do. We still work in some buildings that wont allot it, such as verizon...

Chance, I am assuming you do alot more pro press than I do. We still work in some buildings that wont allot it, such as verizon telecomm buildings. Whats your opinion? It's great when valves are leaking by, its fast and mostly dummy proof but hard to make it look good. Specifically in long straight runs/mains running across a ceiling. Always pulls dog dicks unless its hung in split rings/kush clamps. 

It’s a mix of brazing, sweating and, press. I prefer sweating honestly. Brazing for underground and, medical gas or, cryogenics. With press, my biggest problem is making sure I don’t work myself into a corner making it impossible to get the tool in place to press. It’s easier for me to get a torch head in most areas regardless of how tight they are. Do I trust it? Yes. I’ve pressurized press at over 200 psi at home using nitrogen one day when I was bored without issue. Code for max water pressure is 80 psi. As far as pulling one way or another, I hate it. Installer friendly while taking craftsmanship out of it. It’s hard to make look good. 

The biggest reason my company uses press is there is no need for a fire watch which, is the case when soldering. Each builder is different. Some require a 1/2 hr watch after all torch work is completed. Others require 2 hours. That could be ten hours of standing around doing nothing each week. 

My biggest Bitch sweating is, dealing with larger fittings. You ever deal with a 3” fitting that gets stuck at 1/2 make up? Then having to fight it off?  I got in the habit of reaming the inside of the edge of the fitting and, filling the outer edge of the pipe because of that. It really sucks when the fitting is bent at the edge. I just cut the fitting back with a band saw then clean it up if it’s not too bad anymore. The hell with trying to straighten a fitting out with a crescent lol. 


 


 

Chance1216
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3/17/2026 4:38pm
Chance1216 wrote:
IMG 4160 1.jpeg?VersionId=fGsL9yEQmMO9f32WEE131WwRNd3RfjIMG 4175 1.jpeg?VersionId=IXkmhQyG3YxTWxpdED8QjomIdIMG 4169 5

I think I've said this before in this thread. 

It's a damn shame how many tradesmen have their work covered by sheetrock. 

Sometimes you can’t wait for it to get covered. Especially when you had to do something slick the inspector didn’t catch. 😂

2
3/18/2026 3:09am
Chance1216 wrote:
IMG 4160 1.jpeg?VersionId=fGsL9yEQmMO9f32WEE131WwRNd3RfjIMG 4175 1.jpeg?VersionId=IXkmhQyG3YxTWxpdED8QjomIdIMG 4169 5
Chance, I am assuming you do alot more pro press than I do. We still work in some buildings that wont allot it, such as verizon...

Chance, I am assuming you do alot more pro press than I do. We still work in some buildings that wont allot it, such as verizon telecomm buildings. Whats your opinion? It's great when valves are leaking by, its fast and mostly dummy proof but hard to make it look good. Specifically in long straight runs/mains running across a ceiling. Always pulls dog dicks unless its hung in split rings/kush clamps. 

Chance1216 wrote:
It’s a mix of brazing, sweating and, press. I prefer sweating honestly. Brazing for underground and, medical gas or, cryogenics. With press, my biggest problem is...

It’s a mix of brazing, sweating and, press. I prefer sweating honestly. Brazing for underground and, medical gas or, cryogenics. With press, my biggest problem is making sure I don’t work myself into a corner making it impossible to get the tool in place to press. It’s easier for me to get a torch head in most areas regardless of how tight they are. Do I trust it? Yes. I’ve pressurized press at over 200 psi at home using nitrogen one day when I was bored without issue. Code for max water pressure is 80 psi. As far as pulling one way or another, I hate it. Installer friendly while taking craftsmanship out of it. It’s hard to make look good. 

The biggest reason my company uses press is there is no need for a fire watch which, is the case when soldering. Each builder is different. Some require a 1/2 hr watch after all torch work is completed. Others require 2 hours. That could be ten hours of standing around doing nothing each week. 

My biggest Bitch sweating is, dealing with larger fittings. You ever deal with a 3” fitting that gets stuck at 1/2 make up? Then having to fight it off?  I got in the habit of reaming the inside of the edge of the fitting and, filling the outer edge of the pipe because of that. It really sucks when the fitting is bent at the edge. I just cut the fitting back with a band saw then clean it up if it’s not too bad anymore. The hell with trying to straighten a fitting out with a crescent lol. 


 


 

I hear you on working into a corner. The press tools themselves are getting alot smaller but cant do much about the jaw size. 

We do alot of 3" and 4" copper for piping air handlers when we do change outs. I understand the fight with fittings. I definitely ream the inside of the fitting and file the pipe, still end up using some persuasion of some sort. I prefer to braze anything that large with a rosebud torch. Bigger hammer and more fire is how we roll. Haha

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