What Did You Do Today (2016)

[Danny M2ZParticipant @dannym2z]

When I was a teenager at a certain London Grammar school I remember frogs being put into a chamber with a drop of chloroform. When they were 'under' we had to push a sharp needle through their brain and then dissect the unfortunate creatures to display the still beating heart. – Biology classes at 16 y/o.

The school did have a pretty decent Planetarium and a well equipped darkroom though where basic skills were soon acquired.

So today I learned that needle roller bearing cages require a press fit into a hole of about 0.001" undersize to fit a nominal shaft diameter. Total overkill for my rotary fly-tying vice but what the heck. All bits are from the scrap box and the rotary shaft fitted the bearings precisely thanks to using a shear tool to make the final cuts.

Also, just for tricky jobs I find that is most thereauputic to sleep on the job and visualise the set-up in one's mind as one nods off.

The trick is to remember the dial settings the next day

[richardandtracyParticipant @richardandtracy]

Posted by Circlip on 11/12/2016 12:37:06:

…

Polycarbonate will stop a bullet, dependant on its thickness….

I saw an interesting article on one way bulletproof glass once. It was a laminate of polycarbonate and acrylic. The acrylic was placed on the 'bulletproof' side & the polycarbonate on the non bulletproof side. The idea being that a bullet coming from the bulletproof side would be grabbed by the acrylic, jammed & then caught by the polycarbonate which was much tougher and stronger in tension while the high compressive strength acrylic just grabbed the bullet harder & harder as the PC deformed into a cup shape. With a bullet passing through the other way, the PC would grab, but the brittle and low tensile strength acrylic would prevent the 'catching' element, shatter away, permitting the bullet pass to through. Heaven knows how good the accuracy would be. It was being proposed for bank shields so the tellers could fire back in a robbery.

Did an investigation with this laminate in mind for submersion-proof yacht windows (30m high rogue wave) and found that it may be cheaper/thinner, lighter and more effective than monolithic acrylic or glass doing the same job.

Regards,

Richard.

[mark smith 20Participant @marksmith20]

Posted by Roger Head on 12/12/2016 00:19:40:

Mark, I got a (very small) bottle of methylene chloride from our local plastic fabricators when I needed to do some repairs to a box of electronics. It worked fine, and I put the remainder away carefully in my general 'glues' cabinet, but a month later the bottle was bone dry. They had warned me about its volatility, but this was a glass bottle with a tightly-fitting lid and seal!

How do you store this stuff long-term?

Roger

I had mine in a large 2 1/2 litre glass bottle from a chemical supplier, it had a screw on plastic top. Never noticed it evaporating ,but i know it would quite quickly if the top was left off.

I can only think that the bottle seal supplied was not very good. You shouldnt be able to smell it through the top if its effective. Strange !

Its evaporation is a problem with paint strippers which is why it was always mixed with something that looked like wallpaper paste and best to cover with cling film.

[Martin KyteParticipant @martinkyte99762]

We do quite a lot of perspex 'gluing' at work and always use a fume cupboard. Quick google search on the toxicology of methylene chloride gives whats below. Do ensure lots of ventilation and if you have pre existing conditions really make sure you want to use this stuff. Again certainly not saying don't but be aware.

regards Martin

DCM is the least toxic of the simple chlorohydrocarbons, but it is not without health risks, as its high volatility makes it an acute inhalation hazard.^[16][17] It can also be absorbed through the skin.^[1][13]

Symptoms of acute overexposure to dichloromethane via inhalation include difficulty concentrating, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, headaches, numbness, weakness, and irritation of the upper respiratory tract and eyes. More severe consequences can include suffocation, loss of consciousness, coma, and death.^[1][13]

DCM is also metabolized by the body to carbon monoxide potentially leading to carbon monoxide poisoning.^[18] Acute exposure by inhalation has resulted in optic neuropathy^[19] and hepatitis.^[20] Prolonged skin contact can result in DCM dissolving some of the fatty tissues in skin, resulting in skin irritation or chemical burns.^[21]

[Martin KyteParticipant @martinkyte99762]

t may be carcinogenic, as it has been linked to cancer of the lungs, liver, and pancreas in laboratory animals.^[22] Other animal studies showed breast cancer and salivary gland cancer. Research is not yet clear as to what levels may be carcinogenic.^[1][13] DCM crosses the placenta. Fetal toxicity in women who are exposed to it during pregnancy, however, has not been proven.^[23] In animal experiments, it was fetotoxic at doses that were maternally toxic but no teratogenic effects were seen.^[22]

In people with pre-existing heart problems, exposure to DCM can cause abnormal heart rhythms and/or heart attacks, sometimes without any other symptoms of overexposure.^[13] People with existing liver, nervous system, or skin problems may worsen after exposure to methylene chloride.^[8]

Regulation

[Martin KyteParticipant @martinkyte99762]

With regard to loss of concentration and fatigue, how could we tell?

:0)

Martin

[Roger HeadParticipant @rogerhead16992]

Thanks for your reply Mark. Perhaps there was something amiss with the seal, even though it looked ok. This now has me wondering about exactly what soft / flexible / plastic materials are used in the lid seals of strong solvent containers in general.

Anyway, next time I need some MC I'll get it from a chemical supply place. Even if I have to buy a larger quantity than I need, at least I would expect it to be in a suitable container.

Roger

[Neil WyattModerator @neilwyatt]

Posted by Danny M2Z on 12/12/2016 08:26:16:

When I was a teenager at a certain London Grammar school I remember frogs being put into a chamber with a drop of chloroform. When they were 'under' we had to push a sharp needle through their brain and then dissect the unfortunate creatures to display the still beating heart. – Biology classes at 16 y/o.

They call it 'pithing'.

At college there was a cartoon of a headless frog wobbling on its hind legs.

"Are you drunk?"

"No, I'm completely pithed!"

[MuzzerParticipant @muzzer]

Just got completely fleeced by DHL. Paid $20 for some die chasers (yes, quality still to be ascertained) plus $15 carriage to said wurst merchants, only to be confronted with a demand for £16 / $20 in VAT charges. When I asked if VAT had gone up to 100%, I learned that £11 of the charges were their flat rate admin fees. So total $35 charges for a $20 part. I have suggested to the seller that he avoids DHL if he values repeat business. Avoid them at all costs.

Can anyone recommend a service that doesn't rip you off so blatantly? Obviously I hope they choke on their sausages. This was from India but the Chinese seem to have more user-friendly carriers. I forget which ones I've seen them use in the past.

Murray

[Anonymous]

Posted by Muzzer on 13/12/2016 17:01:22:

Just got completely fleeced by DHL.

Bummer – Andrew

[mark costello 1Participant @markcostello1]

Went to ordera R-8 to Jacobs Taper #3 adapter from a local store that I use all the time. USD $98. . Hate to do Asian but theirs was USD $12 with free delivery. Take a guess Who got the business?

[Neil WyattModerator @neilwyatt]

Posted by Muzzer on 13/12/2016 17:01:22:

Just got completely fleeced by DHL. Paid $20 for some die chasers (yes, quality still to be ascertained) plus $15 carriage to said wurst merchants, only to be confronted with a demand for £16 / $20 in VAT charges. When I asked if VAT had gone up to 100%, I learned that £11 of the charges were their flat rate admin fees. So total $35 charges for a $20 part. I have suggested to the seller that he avoids DHL if he values repeat business. Avoid them at all costs.

Can anyone recommend a service that doesn't rip you off so blatantly? Obviously I hope they choke on their sausages. This was from India but the Chinese seem to have more user-friendly carriers. I forget which ones I've seen them use in the past.

Murray

OUCH! All for the sake of 76p – this is from GOV.UK, next time tell the sender to split it into two consignments.

"commercial consignments ie goods you have purchased, of £15 or less are free from Customs Duty and import VAT. Note: This does not include alcohol, tobacco products, perfume or toilet waters; these items are excluded from the relief of duty and VAT at import. In addition, commercial consignments sent to the UK from the Channel Islands do not benefit from any relief of import VAT"

[Richard S2Participant @richards2]

Posted by Richard S2 on 23/11/2016 15:12:47:

CH Boiler had been playing up recently. Found online that my specific brand/type was prone to PCB fault.

Sure enough all signs and symptoms pointed to this fault. Ordered a complete Control Unit yesterday at 1400.

Postman delivered it at 0945 today. Removed the old unit, cleaned, then installed the new one,

All checked and fired up first time. Not bad really, as I installed the CH system nearly 15 years ago and some owner's units failed within 4 years. Not used every day though. Nice and warm now!.

Well, it's 'Life in the Freezer' again !. Managed to get about 2 weeks of occasional use out of the unit before it failed last Sunday morning. Lucky I was standing next to it to shut it down, as it started up fine, then with in a minute or two, started to bang and pop. Unit had started up without starting the Pump and no Warning Lights etc. All showed Ok!!. Pump is good and very clean.

Just sent it back for a refund. Ordered another in the hope that I may just be luckier this time. Also replacing the Heat and Temp sensors even though checked ok.

Not holding any hopes with the luck part, as when I went to post the item, my car that has only done 4 miles since it had it's 2yr service at 7800mls/23months last week at the Main Dealers, the Engine Service/Fault light has appeared!. So going to have to Lower the Drawbridge and get that sorted now.

Roll on Winter Equinox, at least it will get lighter longer after that. Also in 'Bah Humbug' mode U.T.F.N.

Hope everyone is having a better time

[Richard S2Participant @richards2]

Posted by Andrew Johnston on 13/12/2016 17:10:12:

Posted by Muzzer on 13/12/2016 17:01:22:

Just got completely fleeced by DHL.

Bummer – Andrew

Yes it's not good. I've imported many new/used parts for various classic/vintage machines as a hobby for about 8 years, from the U.S and learnt quickly to consolidate purchases to keep costs down.

Can't avoid them with lower value/shipping costs. I have used the Global Shipping Programme to purchase items via E-stray, which are/were reasonable, and only recently fallen foul to their shipper issues. (Don't get started on Auction Site support).

Import charges will get worse with the fluctuations of Exchange rates, so I'll be cutting down on Importing..

[NJHParticipant @njh]

Oh dear Richard – a tale of woe indeed!

I wish I could inject an optimistic note – but they do say that things often come in threes!

Maybe go back to bed, pull the bedclothes over your head and wait until Christmas is all over.

Norman

[Neil WyattModerator @neilwyatt]

When I bought my Nikon 520D as a 'grey import' the seller specifically stated that they would cover all duties and taxes, which was just as well as it wasn't cheap even then! This is legal & fair but only offered by some companies – obviously the amount is allowed for in the price I paid, but for a small amount more I avoided the gamble.

Neil

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

Posted by Muzzer on 13/12/2016 17:01:22:

Just got completely fleeced by DHL. Paid $20 for some die chasers (yes, quality still to be ascertained) plus $15 carriage to said wurst merchants, only to be confronted with a demand for £16 / $20 in VAT charges. When I asked if VAT had gone up to 100%, I learned that £11 of the charges were their flat rate admin fees. So total $35 charges for a $20 part. I have suggested to the seller that he avoids DHL if he values repeat business. Avoid them at all costs.

Can anyone recommend a service that doesn't rip you off so blatantly? Obviously I hope they choke on their sausages. This was from India but the Chinese seem to have more user-friendly carriers. I forget which ones I've seen them use in the past.

Murray

.

Murray,

Whilst I'm 'sorry for your loss' … the fact is that these are merely the standard arrangements prescribed/approved by HMRC.

I have posted the link to HMRC's guidance document several times already … but I'll find it again.

MichaelG.

.

.

Here's the text of a post from 2012:

Dougie,

Just one note of caution … not about vendors, but about HMRC.

The current threshold for VAT on imports is only £15 … and if you cross that threshold they charge VAT on everything. i.e. the purchase price plus the carriage charges.

Just to make matters worse, the UK carrier [e.g. ParcelForce] will charge you for the "service" of collecting the VAT.

Of course you might hit lucky … but do be prepared for the worst.

 

MichaelG.

 

Here is the link to HMRC Guidance, and more

________________

and a more recent one, from 2015:

For reference: here is HMRC's guide

The biggest catch is that when they introduced the £15 threshold on the value of the item, they also made the cost of shipping subject to VAT.

Thus: £14.99 plus £100 shipping will clear OK, but

£15.01 plus £100 shipping will be charged VAT on £115.01

[ I am not certain what happens if the value is exactly £15.00 ]

MichaelG.

Edited By Michael Gilligan on 14/12/2016 17:08:39

[Richard S2Participant @richards2]

Posted by NJH on 14/12/2016 16:30:57:

Oh dear Richard – a tale of woe indeed!

I wish I could inject an optimistic note – but they do say that things often come in threes!

Maybe go back to bed, pull the bedclothes over your head and wait until Christmas is all over.

Norman

Thanks Norman, The third item will be the ongoing issue since 3rd November where some idiot Courier Driver failed to deliver my Used Tractor parts and instead sent them back to their Unit for 'Return to Sender' !!…..in the U.S!. I won't mention a name, but it sound's like 'Herpes' I'm still hoping to get it on the second attempt and will have travelled about 10,000 miles since October.

[SamsarandaParticipant @samsaranda]

In respect of Muzzer's post about being fleeced by DHL, I recently received an item through Royal Mail that had been handled by their International Mail Handling Centre in London, I was required to pay a hefty handling charge before Royal Mail would release the item, which had cost me less than half the handling charge. I would be wary of Neil's idea of splitting down the consignment because my experience is that you could end up paying multiple handling charges irrespective of whether any VAT is charged or collected.

[Neil WyattModerator @neilwyatt]

Posted by 12 Bore on 14/12/2016 17:14:20:

In respect of Muzzer's post about being fleeced by DHL, I recently received an item through Royal Mail that had been handled by their International Mail Handling Centre in London, I was required to pay a hefty handling charge before Royal Mail would release the item, which had cost me less than half the handling charge. I would be wary of Neil's idea of splitting down the consignment because my experience is that you could end up paying multiple handling charges irrespective of whether any VAT is charged or collected.

They can't charge if the good have value less than £15 as the charge is only for processing VAT and duty..

Think of the zillions of Chinese pocket money purchases off eBay that you never get charged for receiving.

Neil

[MuzzerParticipant @muzzer]

What really pi**ed me off was having to pay the buggers £11 for the privilege. That pretty much doubled the cost of carriage and trebled the total cost relative to the cost of the part when you include vat.

[John Stevenson 1Participant @johnstevenson1]

I have stopped buying from the States as nothing seems to get in under the radar and you get hit for handling etc.

Whilst the Chinese stuff usually gets in under the radar every time.

The last large commercial items I bought from the US had a 23% import duty and China 3%.

It's no wonder that we buy from China.

[SamsarandaParticipant @samsaranda]

What will happen once we finally break from the EU, if we buy from them will items be despatched without VAT being charged, as happens with sales taxes in the US, and will we then have to pay VAT on receipt and the handling charge to collect said VAT?

[mark smith 20Participant @marksmith20]

Posted by John Stevenson on 14/12/2016 22:06:25:

I have stopped buying from the States as nothing seems to get in under the radar and you get hit for handling etc.

Whilst the Chinese stuff usually gets in under the radar every time.

The last large commercial items I bought from the US had a 23% import duty and China 3%.

It's no wonder that we buy from China.

Ive noticed in around 75% of the stuff ive received from China they have stated a lower value than the actual price i paid ,so probably would get under the radar..

I have a Craftsman radial arm saw left by my father in law who died in the 1980`s. It was produced in the late 1970`s /early 80`s . I discovered in 2003 that the product had been recalled in the States years ago or a retrofit kit was provided for a new guard system .

I contacted them out of the blue and to my surprise they said they would send out the new guard system and switches etc. I thought what great customer service.A few weeks later a large wooden crate weighing 40-50 kg appeared at my door (they even send all the mdf for a new table.)

My surprise was short lived when the shippers wanted £70 for customs duty .and VAT etc… on the shipping cost which was almost $200, even though i didnt pay anything to Sears .

I paid it because the saw is useful and meant to check into whether i should have been given a refund but didnt get around to it .

[Anonymous]

I've been working today, but yesterday I picked up my new glider radio from the gliding club. This is needed since EASA have decreed that all gliders shall have radios capable of 8.33kHz channel spacing from January 2017. For both gliders I'm now about £700 out of pocket.

I also cleaned up all the recently acquired Britan collets that I am going to keep, and put the rest in the duplicates pile. I also cleaned up all the other accessories for the Britan that came as part of the lot.

I gave my high speed milling spindle a 30 minute run to keep the bearings in good condition, like what it says to do in the instructions.

Finally I made a spigot for the arbor press plate I have been making recently. I screwcut the 5/8" BSF thread to ensure that it was square. So I can now proudly say that I've actually managed to finish a project:

Upon reflection I have decided not to bother writing up about making the plate.

Andrew

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