Author Archives: james

Solar Wax Melter mk2

Posted on July 2, 2024 by james

A few years back I took apart my original solar wax melter to rebuild as a steam-powered version. The original worked well enough, but it just didn’t have the capacity I wanted. Now I’ve reached the point where the expensive … Continue reading →

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First van out of the door

Posted on July 2, 2024 by james

Since I started in the job, at least. A Renault Trafic hi-top. At the back is a bed with a central section that lifts out to leave bench seating and towards the front a small kitchen with an oak worktop. … Continue reading →

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New job, new toys

Posted on July 2, 2024 by james

And here’s one. A CNC router capable of taking an entire 8’x4′ (1.2m x 2.4m) sheet. Mostly we’re using it for cutting ply and that’s generally 5.5mm unfinished sheets for lining vans and 15mm ply in birch, eucalyptus or poplar … Continue reading →

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A month without a post?

Posted on July 2, 2024 by james

Indeed so. It’s been somewhat busy. And not a little stressful. All down to the new job, but I’ll fill in some of the details as I go along and hopefully I can find the time to keep writing posts … Continue reading →

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Memory Lane, 26th August 2023: Tunnel of love apples

Posted on June 3, 2024 by james

Not yet ripe, but looking promising 😀

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Beehive paint

Posted on June 3, 2024 by james

Some of my wooden beehives boxes are a bit worn and tired (or just weren’t made too accurately) and only really suitable for use as bait hives. But how to tell them from my other wooden hives that I’m happy … Continue reading →

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It is done

Posted on June 3, 2024 by james

Today I finally did the deed. I started down the path of moving away from working in IT for a living. I’ve bought into a local business that does camper van conversions. On one level it’s a bit scary, but … Continue reading →

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Memory Lane, 26th August 2023: Damn vandals!

Posted on June 3, 2024 by james

I only made this path a few days ago! I suspect a badger has been hunting for worms. It could have left things a bit more tidy though 🙁

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Yet more planting out

Posted on June 3, 2024 by james

Another day of planting out in pretty warm sunshine which hasn’t exactly been common so far this year. Today more brassicas went in along with sweet corn and climbing beans (runner beans, green beans and borlotti beans). Took a while … Continue reading →

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Memory Lane, 23rd August 2023: Pendle Witches Brew

Posted on June 3, 2024 by james

As he’s at university in Lancaster and knows The Pendle Witch pub, he wanted to try to make this beer before he went back. I took the recipe from Graham Wheeler’s “Brew your own real ales at home” and then … Continue reading →

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