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Old 02-17-2009, 08:06 PM   #1
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Creating more problems / installing weather instruments


I picked up a set of weather instruments at Lee Valley Tools today. Set consists of a thermometer, barometer and hydrometer. Each is round, 2 7/8" across with a brass bezel. Look great ( $36 for the set with tax ).

To install, I need to drill 2 1/2" holes which I planned to do in one of the spaces between cupboard doors. However, the instructions recommend you use a Forstner bit and a drill press. So, my options now are to place them in a door, which I can take off to drill the holes, or buy a piece of 1 x 4 oak and make a plate to attach. If I mess up, I can just get another piece of oak, so that's the route I'll probably take. So now, I guess, I have to buy a Forstner bit for $30 and hope my cheapo drill press is up to the job.

Maybe I should have just washed and waxed the floor.

baglo
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Old 02-17-2009, 08:18 PM   #2
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Re: Creating more problems / installing weather instruments

Glenn I vote for the mounting on oak idea.
(You could probably get a piece off Reace
so it matches the cabinets or drawer fronts.)

ps:- a hole saw will work also....
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Old 02-17-2009, 08:50 PM   #3
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Re: Creating more problems / installing weather instruments

Glen, like Doug mentions, you could use a hole saw freehand if you wanted to do the drilling in place.

I too would put them in a separate board though.

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Old 02-17-2009, 08:51 PM   #4
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Re: Creating more problems / installing weather instruments

Hmmm. breaking out the dreaded drill!! Oooooo nooo Mr Baglo
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Old 02-17-2009, 10:27 PM   #5
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Re: Creating more problems / installing weather instruments


A life of regrets....

Before I can do anything stupid, I have to take the hydrometer back and exchange it. I corrected the reading on the thermometer and made a slight adjustment on the barometer, but the needle won't move on the hydrometer. Only needs a slight adjustment, but I want a new one.

I think I'll go with the hole saw and a chunk of oak. I need 11/16" depth and I don't think the oak Reace uses is that thick, which wouldn't be a problem if I had the nerve to drill through a door. The chances of me doing it right three times in a row are slim to none.

On the other hand, I could take the door to a shop and have them drill the holes and that would be tidy.

Or maybe I should just return all three instruments. The thermometer will tell me what the temperature is inside Toad, but it won't tell me if I'm warm or cold. Barometers, from my experience, tell you if it's raining outside or if the sun is shining. I could just look out the window. The hydrometer would let me monitor moisture over the winter storage, so maybe it's useful.

But, they'd look so damn good properly mounted in the right place.

baglo
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Old 02-18-2009, 12:12 AM   #6
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Re: Creating more problems / installing weather instruments

"A life of regrets...."

Better to do something imperfectly than to do nothing flawlessly.
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Old 02-18-2009, 07:20 AM   #7
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Re: Creating more problems / installing weather instruments

Quote:
Originally Posted by D. Priestley
"A life of regrets...."

Better to do something imperfectly than to do nothing flawlessly.
Great quote Doug, is it yours?
I sometimes found myself guilty of this, but also have really enjoyed the results of just going for it anyway.
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Old 02-18-2009, 10:45 AM   #8
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Re: Creating more problems / installing weather instruments

The triple combo probably can be purchased already mounted (probably pricey), and then that could be mounted in one of your more sturdy spots for use. I'm going to have Reace mark the places where it it safe to place screws, like on the side of the fridge cabinet. I think making your own weather station would be more fun, however. Besides, the barometer could tell you what is coming.
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Old 02-18-2009, 02:27 PM   #9
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Re: Creating more problems / installing weather instruments

I love the idea of the barometer (and I think it's fairly useful - like, do I go outside now or wait out the storm?). And it would look amazing with the oak around it.
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Old 02-18-2009, 07:06 PM   #10
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Re: Creating more problems / installing weather instruments

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jim Bennett
Quote:
Originally Posted by D. Priestley
"A life of regrets...."

Better to do something imperfectly than to do nothing flawlessly.
Great quote Doug, is it yours?
I sometimes found myself guilty of this, but also have really enjoyed the results of just going for it anyway.
Just something I used to say, considered by my better half to be idle babbling....
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Old 02-18-2009, 07:09 PM   #11
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Re: Creating more problems / installing weather instruments

Because the proper saw bit will run me $30 and because my drill press is a flimsy device that you attach your drill to, and because my drills are too small to accept the shank on the bit anyway, I've decided to take a door off and take it to a proper woodworking shop and have them drill the holes.

It was neat to get up this morning and see that the barometer had risen considerably and that we were in for a day of sunshine.

baglo
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Old 02-18-2009, 07:29 PM   #12
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Re: Creating more problems / installing weather instruments

Too bad you weren't in Calgary, I woulda done it up for you. I have all the tools needed.

BTW Glen, where do you live?
Edit: Never mind, North Vancouver. I shoulda clicked your bio before asking a silly question.
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Old 02-18-2009, 07:48 PM   #13
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Re: Creating more problems / installing weather instruments

I've got all the equipment too! I'd love to help you do it. Southwest Virginia is just a little over 2500 miles. Come on! Nice drive
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Old 02-18-2009, 08:43 PM   #14
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Re: Creating more problems / installing weather instruments


Thanks guys. I may take you up on the offer, if I can't find a shop here to do it for a reasonable price.

baglo
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Old 02-19-2009, 06:17 PM   #15
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Re: Creating more problems / installing weather instruments


Guy at woodworking shop said he'd drill the holes for $20. He has a hole saw and drill press. I think I'll install them in the cupboard door above the fridge ( we went with 5cu. ft. fridge and cupboard - no microwave ).
I just used tape to hold them in place for the pic. They'll be recessed into the door.

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Old 02-19-2009, 06:30 PM   #16
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Re: Creating more problems / installing weather instruments

That will look great Glenn. I would space them just a wee bit more though.
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Old 02-19-2009, 06:55 PM   #17
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Re: Creating more problems / installing weather instruments


I was afraid the tape would fail so I didn't spend a lot of time working on spacing. I'll work on that when I have the door off and can easily move them about. I was also thinking about putting them in the cupboard door above the wardrobe. In that case, I think I'd group them to the right, rather than centre them, since the door is wider.

baglo
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Old 02-19-2009, 08:51 PM   #18
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Re: Creating more problems / installing weather instruments

Glenn you will have to show Reace when you get them done...... it would be a nice option.
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Old 02-19-2009, 08:55 PM   #19
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Re: Creating more problems / installing weather instruments

Quote:
Originally Posted by D. Priestley
Glenn you will have to show Reace when you get them done...... it would be a nice option.
I am thinking about it myself.
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Old 02-19-2009, 09:00 PM   #20
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Re: Creating more problems / installing weather instruments

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jim Bennett
Quote:
Originally Posted by D. Priestley
Glenn you will have to show Reace when you get them done...... it would be a nice option.
I am thinking about it myself.
Soon as I saw Glenn's picture, I was past the thinking of it stage......
ps:- nice photo.... :
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