Alfred Chow - Maker of Things

Professional maker, in wood and metal, from miniatures to museum installations. #MakersHour #ActuallyAutistic and a #Carer. He/Him/They #LGBTQI friendly.
Currently building a community workshop in Salford, and writing the story of Harriet Board and Daisy Bell.
https://www.makerofthings.org.uk/theraton-back-story/

Public Key

npub1wtjah6suzyg2c74acv6f0s5n8kxs8480dzzd55kgvm0z48v4mzushy25y8

NIP-05 Address

Maker_of_Things_at_strangeobject.space@mostr.pub

Profile Code

nprofile1qqs89ewmagwpzy9v027uxdyhc2fnmrgr6nhk3px62tyxdh32nk2a3wgpz4mhxue69uhhyetvv9ujumt0wd68ytnsw43qmpasg0

Publishing to

relay.mostr.pub

Author Public Key

npub1wtjah6suzyg2c74acv6f0s5n8kxs8480dzzd55kgvm0z48v4mzushy25y8

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Last Notes

2024-09-13 18:13:58

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@npub1nhw…g2sy
Before your time?
Oh that makes me feel old.
Good bass playing by Level 42 though, I was learning to play then.

2024-08-30 14:16:11

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@npub10zv…nz7m
Yeah, that's not really the deal is it!
I mean, we could all just work 2 days a week if we wanted to do all 48 hours of it!

2024-08-30 11:02:18

The phrase "All mod cons." is an abbreviation of 'All Modern Conveniences.'.
However, I am thinking it is really just 'All Modern Cons.'. That's it.
#AllModCons

2024-08-25 14:42:04

#SilentSunday
https://files.strangeobject.space/media_attachments/files/113/023/172/205/253/210/original/4509be2efdaacc5d.jpg

2024-07-28 17:17:16

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@npub1k6h…0wx7
That is lovely!
We have some Laburnum logs at the community workshop that we should do similar with.

2024-07-28 11:13:24

We have been trying to work out this alphabet rug and it has beaten us.
It's not in any of the languages we are familiar with.
#Language #Alphabet #BygoneTimes
https://files.strangeobject.space/media_attachments/files/112/863/804/515/947/638/original/9f78cb90d2d7bf0b.jpg

2024-07-24 20:35:58

I have had to shave off my beard again. My skin isn't coping well with face fuzz.

2024-07-24 10:58:39

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@npub10zv…nz7m
I did zoom in to check earlier!

2024-07-19 20:27:49

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@npub10zv…nz7m
That would be a good one for #Skying in a roundabout way!

2024-07-05 06:25:08

#GoodMorningWorlds
Off to work earlier today, and finisheing earlier.
Then a small EBay collection to get, before getting back on the garden clearing.
#BloomScrolling
https://files.strangeobject.space/media_attachments/files/112/732/448/368/414/742/original/926e00f3dc2d5346.jpeg

2024-07-02 14:25:00

Do I know anyone here who is into Citroen 2CV cars?
I have a front and back axle, a set of wheels and tyres, and a gearbox, that will need to be disposed of somehow.
Before I put on EBay at a low price is anyone interested?
Collection from Eccles, Salford, UK.
Thank you.
#Citroen #Citroen2CV

2024-06-20 20:56:17

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@npub10zv…nz7m
It's quite calming trundling back and forth collecting passengers.

2024-06-20 20:46:02

I have just been playing this cute tram animation.
https://alexanderperrin.com.au/paper/shorttrip/

2024-06-18 19:05:51

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@npub10zv…nz7m
Trouble is, they wouldn't have anything to say.
Not that that is a bad thing, but it should be.

2024-06-13 08:20:31

#WritersCoffeeClub 13. What's your favourite antagonist to write? Villains, anti-heroes, rivals?
To be honest I don't like to write about any of them.
I draw character personas from my own life experiences of people and the antagonists are all compilations of those who have caused me hurt and harm.
It means they can be very real and relatable to for the reader, but also very real and relatable to me.

2024-05-22 07:34:02

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@npub1k6h…0wx7
Mine is on track to pay me all of about £2.50 a week at the moment!
I thought about pulling the money out of the fund a couple of years ago. Maybe I sould have done as it has reduced noticeably.

2024-04-30 09:27:50

I am starting to suspect that as an #ActuallyAutistic person my superhero skill is having an awareness of my environment and the space around me.
[Redacted rant about people.]
It definitely seems to be a superhero skill that not everyone has. 🤔
I guess you can tell I have been out where people are.

2024-04-27 13:24:04

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@npub1k6h…0wx7
Interesting hearing your voice. I will have to remember and imagine you sounding like that when I read your toots.

2024-04-15 10:28:12

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@npub1e7m…7x48
Finding the keys?
Don't you keep the keys on your person?
You could have a combination lock.

2024-04-15 08:26:07

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@npub1e7m…7x48
I would just change the lock to a 'dumb' deadlocking mortice lock.
Then add an anti jemmy plate to cover that gap.

2024-04-12 10:24:16

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@npub1e7m…7x48
Is this a conventional insurance company or an 'insurance' company?

2024-04-11 08:19:12

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@npub1k6h…0wx7
Well done!
You can do this, one day at a time.

2024-04-03 10:51:09

Just to let you all know, my Dad passed away this morning at about 10 am.
We are now trying to just get on with a little normality while grieving happens, so I just did the bins. It's blue (paper) and pink (food/garden) recycling bin this week.
#Carer

2024-04-01 08:15:40

#GoodMorningWorlds
I have a lot of admin to do today, and I will have to make a list of all the things to do when Dad dies.
I am going to phone the care home and ask them to pack up all of Dad's belongings so that I can collect them later. I have informed relatives of Dad's condition, and will continue to keep them updated.
Everything else will depend on when Mum wants to be at the hospital, and how long for.

2024-03-29 20:09:11

It comes to something when my 91 year old Mum, who has English as her second languge and no computing knowledge, watches the news and tells me that AI is not that good a thing. And we end up having a discussion about how it is useful for some things, like spotting cancer cells, but not good for writing, arts, and the environment.

2024-03-24 10:44:49

#WritersCoffeeClub 24 March. What websites do you rely on most to help you with your writing?
I use Duck Duck Go to search for reference material. That has taken me to look at workshop machines, some legal issues around housing, checking historical details, names of people and places, and Government sites to check the dates of events during the Covid pandemic and lockdown.
I also use YouTube to link to music that is used at events and that characters mention.
This only works because I publish digitally on my website, but I would like to use a better method.

2024-03-21 21:26:23

Today we went to the #CommunityWorkshop,
I started making a couple of stepped corner planters out of old corner shelves.
I had a think about how to get a giant Belfast sink into the car,
And dealt with a load of emails.
Took Mum to visit Dad in the care home,
Then did caretaking job.
Got some not so good news from a friend,
So offered many hugs.
Took part in #MakersHour,
But also have a headache.
Going to head off to bed in moment,
See if that sorts it.
#NightAll
#BloomScrolling
https://files.strangeobject.space/media_attachments/files/112/135/784/585/974/122/original/8c66f4a1a47fcdbf.jpg

2024-03-10 09:01:44

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@npub1k6h…0wx7
I was worried about Mum coping with an electric hob, given the slow heat up and the very long cooling down.
Checked on her this morning and she had already cooked a sucessful porridge and was busily setting it out for Dad.
It was interesting, while doing the kitchen yesterday, listening to Mum talking Dad in Chinese while Crufts was on.
"Can you see the cute doggies?"
"They are having races to see who is the fastest."
"They are really fluffy."
"Can you see, look, doggies?"
It was both very sweet, and very sad.

2024-03-10 08:51:57

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@npub1k6h…0wx7
We bought a 2 ring electric worktop hob, a free standing thing as it is less likely that stuff would be put on it while it is still hot.
I am going to wire it into a fixed wall outlet, along with their worktop oven, and have a hidden switch that Mum can use and Dad doesn't need to know about.
That will save the risk of him waking up at 2am and going to cook dinner!
They also have a rice cooker and a microwave, both are slightly less of a fire risk at the moment.

2024-03-10 08:13:21

#GoodMorningWorlds
We are going to take parent's old gas cooker to the tip.
Then I will carry on with their kitchen renovation work.

2024-02-25 18:08:21

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@npub1k6h…0wx7
Oooh, lovely!

2024-02-11 19:05:19

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@npub1k6h…0wx7
I only wish it was easier to add an air compressor, a winch, and to convert the alternator to do welding!
Some kind of crane wouldn't go amiss either!

2024-02-11 18:31:30

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@npub1k6h…0wx7
I liked the towing specs on the VW Touareg, but way out of my price range back when they were new.
Defenders are silly money for something that is a bit dated, but not dated enough!
I have a Skoda Octavia Scout for its 2000kg towing and all wheel drive for off road traction with a trailer. But mostly because it was cheap when we needed a car.

2024-02-11 17:18:20

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@npub1k6h…0wx7
Well done!
What did you get?

2024-02-11 11:54:39

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@npub1k6h…0wx7
Good luck!
I can't say it is my favourite task either, though more afraid of getting caught behind the wheel of an untaxed uninsured car, or buying one that has been stolen.

2024-02-10 12:01:52

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@npub1k6h…0wx7
At school swimming classes for some daft reason (probably due to public demand and use times) us kids got the indoor pool when it was warm outside, and the unheated outdoor pool when it was cold outside, even in winter.
I remember the instructor only once refusing us a lesson in the outdoor pool because it was snowing!

2024-02-10 11:41:04

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@npub1k6h…0wx7
I haven't had a swim in decades! I miss it but don't like cold water.
I'm also doing housework. bedding and laundry, and with a nice treat activity later.

2024-02-10 08:07:11

#GoodMorningWorlds
One of those days off. I'm not used to them yet. I think I will do some miniaturing.
#HarrietAndDaisy #Miniatures
Daisy "I've got the shutter up."
Harriet "Cheers, hun."
Daisy "You have control."
Harriet "Check. I have control. I hate these phone apps!"
Daisy "You're old!"
Harriet "Oi! Not by much! Okay, bringing Beryl in now."
Daisy "Slowly does it, you're clear of the pallet truck..."
Harriet "Good. Should clear the bandsaw."
Daisy "Clear of the band... STOP!"
Harriet "All stop!"
Daisy "Just gotta move your bike."
Harriet "Ahhh, thanks."
Daisy "Team work!"
https://files.strangeobject.space/media_attachments/files/111/903/502/168/386/121/original/7670412d146b6643.jpg

2024-02-08 20:47:59

Q5 If you had to charge into battle right now but could only use the nearest tool, or craft impliment, to you as a weapon, what would you use to smite your foes with? #MakersHour
@npub18x6…awnc

2024-02-08 20:36:36

Q4 Do you document your creating in any way such as on a blog or YouTube channel? #MakersHour
@npub18x6…awnc

2024-02-08 20:24:08

Q3 On a scale of '1 to PARDON?', how loud is your making or crafting activity? #MakersHour
@npub18x6…awnc

2024-02-08 20:12:06

Q2 How did you get into making or crafting, or has it always been in your blood? #MakersHour
@npub18x6…awnc

2024-02-08 20:04:38

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@npub1nhw…g2sy @npub18x6…awnc
Hello, @npub1v4q…458a, good to see the other side to you.
#MakersHour

2024-02-08 20:00:24

Q1 Say Hello and tell us what you’ve been doing this week. #MakersHour
@npub18x6…awnc

2024-02-06 07:53:34

#GoodMorningWorlds
Taking parents shopping this morning. Then after lunch their Social Worker is making her first visit to see how Dad is coping.
#HarrietAndDaisy #Miniatures
Harriet "There you go. Is it at the right height?"
Daisy "Oh, my @npub1k6h…0wx7 print! That is perfect, thank you, love."
Harriet "I made the frame to match the one in the bedroom."
Daisy "You have, and I do like simple frames with no twiddly bits. Nice and contemporary."
Harriet "And easier to make, too! Not that I'd begrudge the effort..."
Daisy "No, of course not. It's perfect. Thank you."
Harriet "You're going to buy more art now, aren't you?"
Daisy "Hehe, yes, when I can afford it."
https://files.strangeobject.space/media_attachments/files/111/880/730/162/398/416/original/3382a8c5c181e000.jpg

2024-02-05 11:56:45

#WritersCoffeeClub 5 Feb. Can you feel the emotions of your characters when you write them?
Oh heck yes!
When I am writing I am lost in their minds and emotions and if it is a difficult time for them I need time after to recover.
Even in just general bits of their lives I have to read back to see where they were, before, how they were feeling, what their voices were, to provide continuity and to remind myself of what they are going through and how they are feeling.
The only place that has come apart has been the daily #HarrietAndDaisy vignettes where I just write their conversations to go with the image.
There has been too many gaps in my writing now, and I really miss being lost in their lives on a regular basis.

2024-02-04 18:32:43

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@npub1g0t…tvm4 @npub1kt3…5004
I have recently read the who series and I think it is fantastic. It took a moment to get into it, understand how the characters work and to realise that there are flashbacks.
But after that, I want more!

2024-02-01 09:03:43

#WritersCoffeeClub 1 Feb. Intro update: Shameless Self Promotion. Tell us about yourself, published work, WIP or anything else people should know.
Most of my info is in my bio, I am a maker (wood, metal, miniatures) but at the moment I am mostly a carer for two elderly parents while holding down a job working for Manchester Quakers.
I volunteer with Repair Cafes, a Working In Wood group, and spent the last year and a half (and counting) volunteering to build a community workshop.
I wrote and illustrated one small book back in the 90s about the adventures of an MGB and a Land Rover to remember my late brother (unpublished - see image).
Now I am writing about the adventures of #HarrietAndDaisy. I have made their homes, workshop, garden railway, and created their whole world as an ongoing pandemic lockdown project.
I love writing about them as much as photographing their vigettes and dioramas.
https://files.strangeobject.space/media_attachments/files/111/855/383/870/574/500/original/a084f390f2278d03.jpeg

2023-08-24 19:48:27

Q5: Tell us what you’d make, given the prompt…. “Orange”. (Bonus kudos is you actually get round to making it!) #MakersHour
@npub18x6…awnc

2023-08-24 19:36:54

Q4: Under what circumstances do you procrastinate & what do you do? #MakersHour
@npub18x6…awnc

2023-08-24 19:27:58

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@npub1e7m…7x48 @npub18x6…awnc
I do love my little (cheap) Ender 2 printer.
In manyways what I need is a higer resolution printer that isn't any bigger.
I tend to only print tiny things hence two rolls of filament has lasted me nearly 3 years!
#MakersHour

2023-08-24 19:24:52

Q3: Which tool did you wish you'd bought much, much earlier, why, and why didn't you? #MakersHour
@npub18x6…awnc

2023-08-24 19:12:04

Q2: Is there anyone else here that you'd like to collaborate with, and what would you make together? #MakersHour
@npub18x6…awnc

2023-08-24 19:06:49

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@npub1e7m…7x48 @npub18x6…awnc
I was imagining it like a moon phase clock, with the face slowly darkening as an eclipse occurs somewhere in the world, and turning red for a lunar eclipse.
#MakersHour

2023-08-24 19:04:38

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@npub1e7m…7x48 @npub18x6…awnc
Does it show eclipses?
#MakersHour

2023-08-24 19:00:15

Q1: Hello! Say hi, and tell us what you’ve been up to this week. #MakersHour @npub18x6…awnc

2023-08-24 18:50:33

This is your 10 minute reminder for #MakersHour. Please remember to follow and tag @npub18x6…awnc in your replies.
Thank you.

2023-08-24 18:00:56

One hour to #MakersHour! Just one hour to tonight's @npub18x6…awnc folks.

2023-08-21 16:09:28

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@npub12ca…q8m2
My birthday is the anniversary of my brother's funeral, he died 8 days before.
The date was offered by the undertakers, and I accepted it as it was.
It meant I lost one birthday, my 25th, but every one since has been a day to be happy, to have happy thoughts, and be positive about my life,and the life my brother had.
I was determined it should not be a day, nor time, to mourn forever.

2023-08-17 19:24:13

Q3 Have you developed your own technique for any part of your making - something that you won't find in any conventional teaching of that making process? #MakersHour @npub18x6…awnc

2023-08-17 19:16:32

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@npub1k6h…0wx7 @npub1ckw…z9cs @npub18x6…awnc
Not too soon for making Christmas decorations.
Too soon to start putting them up or selling them though.
#MakersHour

2023-08-17 19:12:26

Q2 Why did you start making? #MakersHour @npub18x6…awnc

2023-08-17 19:00:45

Q1 Say hi, and tell us what you’ve been doing this week. #MakersHour @npub18x6…awnc

2023-08-15 08:30:12

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@npub12ca…q8m2
Ahh good. Hopefully they can get the right part.
If not, I can see if I can make one.

2023-08-15 06:59:12

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@npub12ca…q8m2
Do you need it fixing, or have you got it covered?
If you want, and don't need it too urgently, I could have a go at making one in solid aluminium for you.

2023-08-07 07:55:09

#GoodMorningWorlds.
Got to take parents to their optician's appointment this morrning.
Then I need to be in the workshop biscuit jointing. Dowels would be easier but somehow I don't have enough dowels in stock.
https://files.strangeobject.space/media_attachments/files/110/847/232/517/213/748/original/e995331ab5447ae2.jpeg

2023-08-06 20:43:11

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@npub12ca…q8m2
That was a long wait!
What were they able to do to get you mobile?

2023-08-06 16:30:24

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@npub12ca…q8m2
Ahh, I see. I hope it isn't too long a wait.
I am still very unsure about the whole not having a full size servicable spare wheel thing.

2023-08-06 16:16:38

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@npub12ca…q8m2
Oh no! What happened?

2023-07-29 12:37:38

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@npub1e7m…7x48
A client asked to make a fidgeting codpiece for a dressing up event.
They paid for it but in the end didn't need it.
The video is quite poorly lit.
#Maker #Client #OddItems
https://files.strangeobject.space/media_attachments/files/110/797/386/651/954/831/original/7b2fc97e1e8fd9da.mp4

2023-07-19 21:14:51

Today we cleaned the church and hall,
Then had coffee at the forest school.
Home to do the bins,
And found my deliveries were early.
I modified my new ladder,
And added new adjustable legs.
The ladder now works on uneven ground,
A bonus for safety.
The other delivery were 10x mono earbuds,
Advertised as 118cm, but only 40cm long!
Did caretaking,
And resecured a rainwater pipe.
Read and annotated a report,
And checked on parents.
Did some admin,
And caught up on YouTube.
Sorted tools for tomorrow,
Now time for bed.
#Night all.
#Bloomscrolling
https://files.strangeobject.space/media_attachments/files/110/742/812/040/431/384/original/0c8d8923edbb593c.jpeg

2023-07-18 21:01:30

Today we took parents shopping,
Then drove into Manchester.
I have a work meeting,
While Sue explored the city.
Home for a late lunch,
And fell asleep on the sofa.
Did caretaking,
And admin.
Into the workshop,
To dissassemble a car jump pack.
It has a dead battery,
Not economical to repair.
Checked on parents,
They are well.
Watched a load of YouTube,
On restoring toy cars.
Now tired and headachy,
So off to bed.
#NightAll.
#Bloomscrolling
https://files.strangeobject.space/media_attachments/files/110/737/097/755/714/331/original/601c7c079feedbee.jpeg

2023-07-17 21:04:08

Today we looked out at the rain,
Then at the heavier down pour!
As soon as it stopped I sorted out tools,
And loaded winches and chains into the car.
Sat and waited with Mum for a phonecall,
It never came.
It never came last Friday either,
Someone is taking the piss.
Went to the community workshop,
And winched an oak beam into place.
Removed and reinstalled bolts,
This time they are in a straight line.
Did caretaking,
And dealt with some emails.
Checked on parents,
Dad needs repeat meds.
Repaired my old ladder,
And also repaired my headtorch.
Watched a bit of YouTube,
But now time for bed.
#NIghtAll.
#Bloomscrolling
https://files.strangeobject.space/media_attachments/files/110/731/442/830/737/417/original/6d7289a5ba248789.jpeg

2023-07-16 20:56:34

Today we had eggs for breakfast,
As is tradition.
Then I decided it is a day of rest,
And I should do nothing.
I vacummed the house,
And mopped the kitchen floor.
I cleaned the rust off a wheel,
It's for one of Sue's projects.
Then went outside,
To help with some gardening.
Ended up cutting the hedge,
And filling the (pink) garden waste bin.
Trying to recharge a jump start pack,
To see if the battery is no good.
It's a repair for a friend,
But holding out hope.
Checked on parents,
And sorted Mum's meds.
Watched a load of YouTube,
And a French B&W comedy.
Time for bed now,
#NightAll.
#Bloomscrolling
https://files.strangeobject.space/media_attachments/files/110/725/746/121/326/700/original/f2f89c28b6821cf3.jpeg

2023-07-15 21:13:07

Today I did the laundry,
And packed all the tools.
Went to #RepairCafe,
It was really busy!
I did lots of repairs,
And also had 'homework'.
Had chips for lunch,
Then went on to a client job.
Sorted a few minor jobs,
And put up pictures.
Went to the cash and carry,
And bought some groceries for stock.
Home to unload tools,
And have a brew.
Dismantled the skull money box,
And removed the broken arm.
Screwed the break together,
And TIG welded the repair.
Checked on parents,
Then caught up with YouTube.
Time for bed,
#NightAll.
#Bloomscrolling
https://files.strangeobject.space/media_attachments/files/110/720/151/034/229/306/original/6ca80e1abe81cfc8.jpeg

2023-07-12 11:32:44

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@npub1k6h…0wx7 @npub107u…6km9 @npub127c…dadw
I use accelerator quite often at #RepairCafe, because there isn't time not to.
I have heard that that the joint isn't as strong (or maybe brittle?) afterwards though.

2023-07-07 20:26:39

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@npub17ge…hgsu
I feel sure that Adam did a video, years ago, when that was first a thing.
It has come on a good way and now feels like it will be much more like the 'getting your photograph taken' type of service.
I am imagining a future photobooth where you step in, get 'flashed' and then recieve a miniature while you wait.
If that happens I can imagine the future trend in the 'first snog in the photobooth' type of prints!

2023-07-06 21:01:44

Today I wasn't sure how I felt,
Still a little ill and sick.
Went to the Community Workshop,
And started boarding up the front of the roof void.
There was only me who could do it,
So I just had to bite down on the claustraphobia.
It was a good job,
And I'm glad I did it.
Home for a quick lunch,
Then took my to her physio appointment.
Sorted out her meds,
And uprated her grip exerciser.
Her hand grip has improved from 0.5 to 1.0kg,
Mine is about 80kg in comparison.
Migrated Harriet and Daisy to StrangeObject.Space,
And then did caretaking.
Ran #MakersHour tonight,
Using @npub18x6…awnc.
It was good,
Hopefully more folks will join in.
Tired now,
#NightAll.
https://files.strangeobject.space/media_attachments/files/110/669/151/045/114/535/original/a81d6834670f6ad3.jpeg

2023-07-06 20:01:56

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@npub1k3j…pdjj @npub1euz…2t93
How about an astrophysist?
@npub1cdd…50ku

2023-06-23 21:02:59

Today I woke up too early,
So feeling quite tired.
Sent some messages,
And made phone calls.
Went to meet Sue at work,
And cleaned the church of cobwebs.
Did some emails,
Then back in the workshop.
Worked on the chainsaw project,
And got a good proof of concept.
Did caretaking,
And cleaning.
Including vacuuming a lawn in the rain,
Don't ask! 🤦‍♂️
Checked on parents,
They are both good.
Caught up on YouTube,
But suffering hayfever and an upset tummy.
Repair Cafe in the morning,
So off to bed.
#NightAll.
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2023-06-22 13:17:14

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@npub1e7m…7x48
Are you the bear, or Goldilocks today?

2023-06-21 19:49:08

Q5 Give us a question for the bank, on any topic! #MakersHour

2023-06-21 19:37:18

Q4 You're in the park, but suddenly it's blazingly sunny and you forgot the sunblock. Can you bodge together something to protect yourself from the giant ball of flame, or will you crumble to ash before the power of its plasma? #MakersHour

2023-06-21 19:25:00

Q3 How complete do you like to have your makes - do you leave much to the imagination of the viewer or would you rather it was all prescribed and clearly showing your own vision? #MakersHour

2023-06-21 19:12:14

Q2 How do we create ideal conditions for imagination: acquiring? increasing/ improving it? #MakersHour

2023-06-21 19:00:40

Q1 Say hi, and tell us what you’ve been doing this week. #MakersHour

2023-06-19 20:07:56

If you wanted to join in with #MakersHour at 8pm UK time on Wednesday, these are the questions.
Q1 will be at about 8pm and each following question will be at 12 minute intervals.
Please reply to each question using the # tag, and I will try to respond somehow.
Bear in mind I am doing this on Twitter live at the same time, and also posting my own answers so may not do much more than favorite or boost your responses during the hour.
Also not sure if this will work as I can't schedule the questions in advance.
Thank you.
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2023-06-10 13:41:19

Is 'drug' an acceptable word for the past tense of 'drag'?
As in "I drug it along." instead of "I dragged it along.".
Hearing it more and more from Americans and I am not sure if it should bug me more than it does. 😉
#Language

2023-06-02 18:48:19

Memory is a funny thing.
When I listen to music and an Abba track comes on shuffle, and when I see a record player at #RepairCafe, I remember a chap called Tony French. He was a short friendly 'East end' lad. I think he did a bit of plumbing and window cleaning for a living.
Tony was Dad's best friend, he was always around when I was a kid.
He was an Abba fan and back in the late 70s' he asked me if I could repair his record player so he could play his Abba records again. I tried but, as a kid, I didn't know enough to fix it. It was a big piee of furniture and Tony had to put it out for the bin men to collect. He said he would save and buy a new one.
He never did. He found he had lung cancer from smoking and despite a number of operations he died a few months later.
The shock was what Dad needed to stop smoking. Dad never touched cigarettes again.
So when I hear Abba playing, and when I see a record player in for repair, I think of Tony French.
I have an Abba #earworm tonight!

2023-06-01 20:39:38

Today we packed a few tools,
And went to the Community Workshop.
Started nail gunning roof trusses,
Until a broken jammed nail stopped play.
Out of time when I got it fixed,
So tea and a tidy up.
Back to meet a Knotweed expert,
And a chat about digging test pits.
Did a load of emailing,
And then caretaking.
Checked on parents,
Before more emails,
Planning work for tomorrow,
And volunteering in the autumn.
Watched a little YouTube,
And researched some stuff.
Knackered now,
So off to bed.
#NightAll.
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2023-06-01 08:14:55

Things I repaired at the Repair Cafe raining and awareness gig at Manchester Museum yesterday.
The pink headphones: They were donated as an example for me to repair. The three wires had been pulled apart so I soldered, hotglued, and heat shrunk a sleeve over the repair. A young woman fell in love woth them and so they were given to her.
A wobbly table: The feet are adjustable, and yet someone wedged it with cardboard. I removed the cardboard and adjusted the foot.
A loose toilet seat: No photo as it was in a toilet. The seat was so loose that it would have been potentially dangerous for someone unsteady. I used an adjustable spanner and tightened up the seat fixings. It was a good seat and fixing system but could have done with nyloc nuts as the plane nuts will just come loose again over time.
I also repaired a mini car tyre compressor, and converted an old head torch from the redundant 4.5V battery to 3x AA batteries with a battery case.
#RepairCafe #Repair #SimpleFix
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2023-05-30 20:23:57

Watching a programme on Channel 5 (UK TV) called 'The Blackouts of 74'.
I remember that clearly.
Outside the front of our house there was a lamp post. It was on a different phase to our house so when the house was blacked out the lamp post was on, and vice versa. We simply left the curtains wide open in the evenings to take advantage of the orange light. We also still had gas lighting at the back of the house over the stairs so Dad reinstated that. Our heating and cooking was gas, and I remember trolleying two one gallon containers to the local petrol station to buy paraffin for lamps, they let kids do that then.
Then there were the long queues for petrol for the car, and the refuse collection strikes leaving rubbish piled up everywhere.
I wonder if the programme is not just a 50th anniversary, but preparation for what we are to expect again.

2023-05-15 09:46:22

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@npub17ge…hgsu
Same.
((((hugs))))
My brother died 32 years ago and he would have been 59 this year.
His funeral was on my 25th birthday.

2023-05-06 12:40:30

On this Coronation day here's a little thing about the new King Charles and myself.
I designed and made 'Chair in Flight' and 'Hidden Feeling', a chair and table set, while at college.
The then Prince Charles was visiting and my pieces of furniture were requested and selected to be presented to him to use for the photo shoot and signing his portrait.
I wrote a brief about myself and my furniture pieces and made sure it was all well presented for him.
On the day all my identifying documents were removed and I was told not to attend as the college said I was a 'security risk', and offered no explanation.
Afterwards I was told that if I ever sold these pieces off the back of the Royal connection the college wanted 60% commission.
I would burn them before they get a penny!
#FurnitureMaker #College #WorkPlaceBullying
Photos 1&2 copyright Alfred Chow
Photos 3&4 copyright Burnley Express
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2023-04-08 21:11:05

Today we packed all the tools,
And went to #[0] #[1].
Not too many repairs,
Probably due to Easter.
Met a new repair volunteer,
Had a good chat.
Back home to change tools,
And hitch up the trailer.
Went to pick up more larch sleepers,
Then back to the planter job.
Built up the final layers of sleepers,
And lined the planter.
Home to tidy up the car,
And check on parents.
Watched a bit of YouTube,
But bedtime now.
#[2].
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2023-04-02 15:47:43

At one of the Repair Cafes we attend we are always struggling for enough light at the benches so I bring in a cheap Aldi USB rechargeable LED flood light.
The problem is that I want the light from above not below.
So I have now bought a cheap microphone stand and fitted the light to the end of it. The microphone clip has been removed and the light bracket bolted through the microphone clip holder.
The stand clamps onto the edge of the bench, or onto the raised handle of my trolley tool case allowing me to put light where I want it. The springs and the friction screws allow the light to go full reach without falling over.
This is an EBay link to the microphone stand I bought:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/134007144557
The light is old Aldi stock but they often appear again in various forms.
#[0] #[1] #[2] #[3]
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