Recent comments in /f/BuyItForLife

bi_polar2bear OP t1_j92rhgx wrote

Reply to comment by SmplTon in If you shave, get a shaving handle that uses a simple disposable razor. The razor lasts much longer than anything at your local store and provides a better shave. by bi_polar2bear

I had a barber use a straight razor once, and I had razor burn for days. I really wanted to see if I could switch to one, so I went to a professional who was known for their shaves. Unfortunately, it would've taken months for me to get used to it. Not everyone has that issue, though I did.

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PeriqueFreak t1_j92qvk6 wrote

Reply to comment by caturdayz in If you shave, get a shaving handle that uses a simple disposable razor. The razor lasts much longer than anything at your local store and provides a better shave. by bi_polar2bear

Seconded. Been wetshaving for nearly two decades now. Always nice to see people waking up to the scam. Multi-blade cartridge style razors are way too expensive, wasteful, and actually promote a less comfortable shave.

The initial investment *can be* a little steep. $20-$30 for a vintage SuperSpeed in good condition, $50-$80 for a nice badger brush, $15 for a blade sampler to figure out which blade your face likes, and $10-$15 for soap. But you can always start with just the handle and blades and whatever can-o-foam you already have and get the brush/soap later on.

Of course if you end up being a "collector" it can get very expensive. But even then, at least you'll still get a better quality shave than those cartridge razors.

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ExHempKnight OP t1_j92qn5d wrote

Reply to comment by A_Light_Spark in "The longest-lived micrometer than can be bought." J.T. Slocomb micrometers and stand, all fully restored by myself. Each mic is between 70-120 years old, and they're all still accurate. by ExHempKnight

Mostly true. The threads, spindle and spindle bushing, and (most importantly) the measuring faces, are all subject to wear and corrosion. This brand in particular compensates for thread wear in a unique (and in my opinion, superior) way, compared to Starrett or Mitutoyo. The bushings are also replaceable, which I'm not sure is an option with the other brands.

And as old as these mics are, and as much work as I've put into them... They can almost certainly benefit from having the faces lapped. That's really the only thing keeping them from being good as (or better than) new. But I don't have the equipment to do that, and having it done is not cheap (especially for as large a set as I have).

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THE_CENTURION t1_j92q9rn wrote

Reply to comment by Occhrome in "The longest-lived micrometer than can be bought." J.T. Slocomb micrometers and stand, all fully restored by myself. Each mic is between 70-120 years old, and they're all still accurate. by ExHempKnight

I mean... That's a completely different kind of tool I don't know why you think that's applicable.

These kinds of standards can corrode and change or need to be re-lapped, or just wear. That doesn't ruin them, but you need to know how long they actually are so you can zero the micrometer correctly.

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ExHempKnight OP t1_j92ovww wrote

Reply to comment by VisualKeiKei in "The longest-lived micrometer than can be bought." J.T. Slocomb micrometers and stand, all fully restored by myself. Each mic is between 70-120 years old, and they're all still accurate. by ExHempKnight

Lol I dunno about all that. These mics are good, but they're not Etalon good.

I do wish I had the equipment to lap the anvil/spindle faces. That's really the only thing stopping these from being truly good as new.

But, I suppose I need to be realistic. The mics only read to thousandths, and the tolerances required in my little hobby shop aren't aerospace-grade. Pretty sure they'll be perfectly fine as-is.

Doesn't stop me from wanting to, though...

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ExHempKnight OP t1_j92o92l wrote

Reply to comment by tlove01 in "The longest-lived micrometer than can be bought." J.T. Slocomb micrometers and stand, all fully restored by myself. Each mic is between 70-120 years old, and they're all still accurate. by ExHempKnight

It really is. Since I've started this journey of precision work, I've really gained an appreciation for how important the tiniest of distances really are. And that everything is rubber.

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fazalmajid t1_j92mwlu wrote

Reply to Leather briefcase recommendation to go with suits by mcdownloading

I have several Montblanc bags, and while they are good quality, they are poor value. You will get the same craftsmanship from Picard, also made in Germany, for a much lower price. I bought my first briefcase in calf leather from them circa 1994, and it still looks new.

Otherwise Frank Clegg and Glaser Designs are great choices as well and they will make it bespoke for you.

Have a look also at this epic Styleforum thread

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ExHempKnight OP t1_j92m86d wrote

Reply to comment by thewander in "The longest-lived micrometer than can be bought." J.T. Slocomb micrometers and stand, all fully restored by myself. Each mic is between 70-120 years old, and they're all still accurate. by ExHempKnight

You're welcome!

I've thought about taking some classes in my spare time, fill in the gaps that the (probably thousands of) hours of machining YouTube I've watched have left in my knowledge.

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ExHempKnight OP t1_j92m00q wrote

Reply to comment by Occhrome in "The longest-lived micrometer than can be bought." J.T. Slocomb micrometers and stand, all fully restored by myself. Each mic is between 70-120 years old, and they're all still accurate. by ExHempKnight

I'm sure they will, as well. But as old as they are, I'm sure they're a bit worn. I don't need them to be exact, I mostly need to know exactly how off they are, so I can compensate when I calibrate the mics.

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