Construction Projects

Now that I've been back in town for a few days, and have caught up on the basics of life (laundry, housecleaning, data analysis, and hard drive upgrades), I started working on things around the lab that have I've been meaning to fix for a while.

Item 1: There's a hole in my test hut dear Liza dear Liza--it's a bit embarassing that every time it rains, we have to put a bucket in place to catch the water that comes out of the seal around the mast we have our weather measurement equipment mounted to. Especially considering we're the guys who tell people Not To Do Stupid Shit In Buildings on a professional basis. I have done a repair that should work for the next few years at least (and no, it is not the "throw more caulk at it" solution).



In case you're wondering, that white rubberized flexible skirt is made out of DuPont™ FlexWrap™ ("A flashing tape for window sills and custom shapes")--it is actually a totally cool product that has a multitude of uses.

Item 2: I've built many things to organize the test hut, including new overhead power outlets, temperature/RH control setups, and a rolling tool chest. I put a paper towel holder on the side of the tool chest. My labmates make our space into an accelerated wear facility, so they broke off the plastic paper towel holder in short order. I finally got around to replacing it:



Yeah. Break that, ya bastids.

Instructables-style geekery: Parts required: (all pipe parts are steel/"black iron" 1/2" IPS): 90 degree elbow, pipe flange (x2), 12" pipe nipple, 3" pipe nipple. Yes, you really call short pipe lengths "nipples." Therefore, I do have a "nipple extractor" in my plumbing kit. In fact, I have several sizes of nipple extractors. Stop snickering, you.

Thread everything together wrench tight, except for the last flange, which is left finger-tight as an endcap. Install the flange that attaches to the wall with the screw holes in an "X" pattern, as opposed to a "+," so that you can put screws into all of them.