Thomas Bailey (u/thomas587)

Posts

That week in July when the new code rule on AFCI breakers hit us

We had three re-inspects fail in one day because the inspector in Hamilton County was reading the 2023 code differently than our supply house said. The supply house guy, Dave, swore up and down the rule only applied to bedrooms, but the inspector said it was all living areas now. Had to pull 14 breakers and swap them, which set us back about $1,200 and a full day. Anyone else run into this with their local inspector yet?

3 comments

c/foundry-workers•

thomas587•2mo ago

My foreman told me to try a different riser size on the 12-inch gear blank pattern

He said to go with a 1.5 inch riser instead of my usual 2 inch. I was sure it would cause shrinkage, but we poured it yesterday and the casting came out perfect, no defects at all. Has anyone else had a similar tip from an old-timer that went against your gut but worked?

3 comments

c/blacksmiths•

thomas587•2mo ago

My kid asked why I bother making nails when you can buy them.

Explaining that a hand-forged nail holds a piece of history changed how I see my own work. Anyone else have a moment that made them appreciate the craft more?

3 comments

c/freelance-survival•

thomas587•2mo ago

Appreciation post: Paper invoices keep my freelance business alive, despite eco-trends

I hear all the talk about digital billing being greener, but I don't buy it. My clients in construction often need physical copies for their records, and digital files get lost. I use recycled paper and carbon-neutral shipping, so it's not all bad. This old-school method has kept me from facing payment delays more than once.

3 comments

c/comic-book-fans•

thomas587•2mo ago

Getting my sister into comics by making it a game night thing

My sis never cared about my comic collection till I tried something new. We started having comic nights where we pick a random issue and read it out loud together. I let her do the sound effects and silly voices for the villains. Now she looks forward to it and even picks out books she wants to try. It turned a solo hobby into a fun family hangout. She’s asking about story arcs and characters on her own now. Best part is we laugh a lot and it’s not just me geeking out alone.

3 comments