Categories: all aviation Building a Biplane bicycle gadgets misc motorcycle theater
Sun, 27 May 2007
The Xtracycle is having teething problems. It turns out, due to the way I have to attach it to the frame, the chain is grinding into the frame. The Xtracycle attachment can be attached either above or below the frame behind the crank. Right now, I have it below, because that makes a favorable angle with the frame, so that the attachment point of the X's nose is naturally self-tightening. If I put it on the other side of the frame, the angle is such that it's naturally self-loosening, which is definitely not a good situation. This picture shows the mounting angle reasonably well:
I'm not sure how to solve this problem. The real, correct solution is to find a different frame. However, this is an expensive-sounding solution, because I'm unlikely to settle for a cheap frame. The much cheaper, but technically more challenging solution, is to move the X to the other side of the frame, and figure out some kind of angled spacer to eliminate the self-loosening problem.
For a very short-term fix, I've put a series of zip-ties around the X's frame, where it's being abraded by the chain. However, that won't last for long, and they'll need to be checked frequenty. I have pondered getting a piece of teflon to go there, which may end up being the best/easiest solution. It's far from ideal, but it would solve the problem in a permanent-enough way that I could live with it.
I'll have to check in with the local plastics store, and see if they can sell me a small strip of teflon.
Posted at 23:52 permanent link category: /bicycle
So, for a few weeks now, I've been working towards painting the inside of the house. It's been delayed by all sorts of things, including flooring work (fumes!), schedule conflicts, and pure laziness. However, I've finally gotten to it.
My first room, which was something of a test, is basically done. A solid wash with mineral spirits, followed by a coat of primer and two coats of paint. We'll see if that's enough; hopefully I don't need to put on a third coat (that'd throw my paint quantity estimation all out of whack).
It's pleasing to finally make visible progress. Still, it probably took over a week from the first wall-washing until now. That's not very encouraging. Of course, once I had all the bits and pieces together, things went a lot faster for subsequent work. I expect, for instance, that I can have the hallway (which is the next area to be painted) completely primed if not with a first coat of color by the end of tomorrow. As a bonus, I might even get room number two ready for wall washing (it still needs random stuff like shelves, hooks and curtains taken down). My ambition knows no bounds! (Unlike my actual abilities.)
Anyway, yay progress!
Posted at 23:41 permanent link category: /misc
Categories: all aviation Building a Biplane bicycle gadgets misc motorcycle theater