The Treasure Box

Collaboration – a real life example, a wooden box, some video editing, some amazing music and artwork.

Certainly worth a read during this lockdown.

Where to start?

Well, let me explain the goal here first, that may help?

The plan

The plan was a simple one.

Try to gain traction for my Linked2U website.
Engage with and create engaging blog, video and Facebook presence.

But how?

I came up with a simple idea. We are all (well those non-key workers etc) in lockdown, we can’t go out, see friends, have visitors etc.

So let’s do something – said my inner voice.

But what “something” I hear you ask.

Well I, like many others, have various materials laying about. Be it wood offcuts, Amazon cardboard (other cardboard providers are available) and lots of time to kill.

I also have an interest in making things in general and a background in IT. So the idea of meeting like minded people, making new friends and sharing our adventures in the “making with that to hand” seems like a good idea?

I’d never really done much YouTube either, so that was going to be a challenge.

Ok, so the plan is to ask folks (complete strangers) what they think I should learn, make and video / blog about? Yep! That’s about it.

What’s YouTube got to do with it?

Good question.

Those whom have read a bit of my blog will see that I recently (since lockdown started in UK) started watching a guy called Steve Ramsey (Google him, he is the wood working for mere mortals guy).

In one of his videos he calls the viewers to arms and show where they call “workshop” and what they’re up to.

This is where the lightbulb lit for me. I have a website. This blog. Why not answer Steve and post here about his new YouTube follower?

Anyways, moving on a few days and I wanted to make something.

The box

I’m an old school kind of guy and find comfort in tried and tested. To this end, I decided that whatever it was to be made would be as big as my offcuts would allow and would be simple.

Yeah, the box idea WAS simple but it got more complex.

I hadn’t planned a design, just grabbed what was to hand and enough of.

Then I set about working out how to video it.

I have a small camera that I got for my 3d printing and so rig that up. Nice and high – hah! Well it was on the roof of the “workshop” and did give a great view of work being done.

The videoing

It isn’t easy. I decided that if I had to, I’d record a voice over later, so I threw audio out straight away. I’ll get to music later.

I got on with the task while the camera just kept recording.

I had plenty of video to work with but felt I’d need to limit to around 10 minute video for the end result. I think that is wrong for this type of video but time will tell.

The accident

During the cutting of some thin strips of wood, I did manage to get myself a fat bloody lip and very very sore nose.

It still hurts now (2 days since happening).

The story goes, I had cut the wood I needed but saw the offcut heading toward the spinning blade.

Now I know that this was potentially a fast projectile possibly heading at me and with such a small amount of room in the “workshop”, I have to be super careful.

Well, there’s careful and there’s catching your push stick on the blade and it being ripped from your hand to play kiss kiss with your face before heading off for a rest.

I got the accident on film too but it’s not in the final YouTube release.

The editing

Oddly, I had a brief venture into the editing early on as the aforementioned accident, I felt, deserved a health warning type of video of its own (I may post it to YouTube channel).

So an hour after my accident, I was learning about transferring files via USB being slow via the camera etc and that my phone does a great job of text overlays and speed changes etc.

All in, I ended up with 2.5 hours of footage (granted there was a lot of “planning” filmed (I mean sitting about with coffee).

So the editing took a day. Taking 2.5 hours to 10 minutes was a challenge.

If I’m honest, I could be better (and will probably) but I’m happy with the work done.

The music

So sound.

Let’s face it, we all know what a tablesaw sounds like. Many hate it (like me… It forces a healthy respect for its power).

The decision, as I said, was not to voiceover. Instead this is where that collaboration comes in.

A few years back, my eldest son became interested in music making. The editing of, the laying of beats and more recently (now 17) he is producing music, songs, videos and amassing a great following (insert link to his YouTube).

So, I asked him nicely if I could use three of his tracks in the video.

Luckily he said yes and this provides a brilliant background accompany for the “action”.

I love the tunes and considering he was only a tike at the time, super proud daddy here!

The artwork

As for the title and credits artwork, collaboration again here. My youngest is a photo editing super hero and whipped out those artworks in a matter of minutes.

I literally sent him a picture and some ideas and he was off to the races.

I am truly blessed to have such a wonderful family and not a day goes by without being thankful for them.

The result

Well

is the result and I welcome you to visit the Facebook page and comment on what you think I should make next or learn.

More photos

Not really mentioned here is the fact that this box is a treasure box for a reason.

The box was intended as a secret compartment box for my son’s 15rh birthday.

The story goes that he, being a teenager, would rather ask for nothing for his birthday than hold a long enough conversation to be able to determine what he may want.

So, to this end, the box was intended to house some cash and a few other bits in the main compartment.

The actual finished box had a hidden compartment / draw in the base. To access it, you needed that small strip of wood you see me insert in the video while glueing up the box.

This strip has a nail in the end and when poked through a hole made in the bottom of the box, pushes a lever that then allows the draw to open.

I thought it would make a nice present and was interesting to make.

There are very few images though as the box needed to be shipped off to my son in time for his birthday.

Then problems then started.

The potentially lost treasure box

I needed to ship this box. I filled it with some goodies. I put a short story in the box that alluded to the compartment and wrapped it in cardboard, with loads of brown parcel tape.

Once wrapped and I’d paid for the postage online, I set off to find a drop box.

For those not aware, a drop box is a post box that takes small packages for shipping. Pay online, stick a label on the parcel and drop in a box. Magically it arrives at the destination.

Buuut. The drop box allowed me to put the box in and the mechanism slide shut to trap my handmade beloved box between the drop box holding areas and the opening mechanism. My box had become a doorstop!!!

Some panic calls later and all that could be done was leave a note on the drop box machine begging the next potential user to not smash the parcel / box up. I’m not hopeful.

Needless to say, the box may be lost, may be broken, may be perfectly fine but I have never felt so annoyed at an inanimate object as I was staring at the loss in front of me.

Get over it! I tell myself, have the video online and that’s fine.

What else you got planned? ?

Visit the Facebook page and let me know (there should be a Facebook icon around here somewhere?)

Don’t forget the newsletter signup – I don’t spam, I will send you a roundup occasionally in case you forget to come back

https://www.facebook.com/linked2u.co.uk/

I’ve gone YouTube! – The Press Box

Its Steve Ramsey's fault! - Seriously check out his Videos!

So what is so cool about Steve? well let me tell you.

It was (is) 2020 and we (the planet pretty much) is lockdown due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Steve is a seasoned YouTube creator and has been running woodworking for mere mortals for some time.

Just before the “outbreak”, I had treated myself to a much wanted tablesaw. A cheap one (as saws go) but I had been watching it’s price drop since last year and the stock of them in my local Wickes store.

Anyways, I stumbled upon Steve as I searched for tablesaw and usage videos. It looked to me like he had just started the same lockdown I had been in for a few weeks already (work from home, hadn’t been out for a few weeks before UK shutdown).

So I began to watch Steve set about making a printer stand and learned quite a few useful things along the way – like people make mistakes but you just learn and move on.

To make a long story longer, I had (have) just watched Day 22 of his lockdown videos and he asked us what we do in our workshops and if we are making anything now etc.

Well Steve, here is my effort.

The "Workshop" Tour (Constructed July 2018)

First the “WorkShop” isn’t really a workshop. In fact after factoring in the amount of “stuff” that a shed collects, the new tablesaw and a stool to sit on, I have very little room to move.

You can see that is it an odd shape too. It’s wider on the right hand side.

Completed Shed (decking for garden remodel)

So what to make in LockDown2020?

I designed a “Box” in SketchUp.

The box is to contain a print press machine that my wife uses to press her designs on fabrics (bags, hats, cups, t-shirts etc).

The box needed to be strong enough to hold the press while being used.

You can see from the SketchUp image, that the box “was” going to be 18mm ply but the lockdown and overall weight of the material was too much, so 12mm was used (manual adjustments made in head).

The original cutting list was written and various costs worked out before I stocked up with 18mm (I also got 12mm by chance while I was there).

The Make

The actual build isn’t something I thought to document with pictures.

What I can tell you is that all the box joining corners are cut at 45 degrees as this left not so much ply end grain (no I hadn’t seen Steves video on edging at that point).

If you look again at the bad image on sketchup, you can see that there is in fact three boxes here (Lower left of image is Inner, Right of that is Lid and Right of that is Sleeve. Above Inner is the removable top / base for press parts compartments and press to sit on.

The random box, top right of image is my rough press template to size with and the far right shows the lid, sleeve and inner (minus final top and inner parts / bottom).

The Sleve isn’t a box and is a “notched” sleeve that creates the lower half of the overall closed box. This goes around the inner box which is .5mm taller than the lid height overall and therefore creates a 5mm gap between the sleeve and lid parts when stored away.

Super difficult to explain in text but basically, its a box in a box with an oversized lid with doesn’t quite reach the lower “sleeve”.

In the inner box, there are sectioned compartments for the presses attachments and a “false” top to that which is where the press sits on when packed away. Phew!

I'm not a master craftsman

In the image above, you can see that the box is quite large (yes, that is on my tablesaw. Yes, they are my knees. NO, there isn’t more room to get out of the way and YES, the “workshop” is that small! 🙂

This is actually an image of the sleeve as I needed to sand down inside and apply some wax to help with friction as my little knowledge and clamp collection means that its not 100% square (keeping in mind the three boxes must slip over each other etc).

The Finished box (needs a "finish")

Inner "top" removed and Sleeve taken off

Inner on Sleeve (in slots), lid on - right height for use

I hope you enjoyed your read through – Please join the mailing list to be notified of more random woodworking, making and general madness here at Linked2U.co.uk

Sad Unicorn Spell

I believe in Unicorns

That’s the first thing you need to tell yourself.

I have spent decades now looking lovingly at these magnificent beasts, albeit via the forms we give them – so basically a horse with a horn yeah?

That is the thing, I’m convinced that they want us to believe this “normal” way we see them? In fact, I have some theories on Unicorns in general but first you must truly believe that Unicorns exist!

They don’t do spells

So you’d be forgiven for thinking that such a thing as magical as a unicorn should , well be magical yeah?

I think it’s closer to the truth to say that they move in the next dimention.

By this, I mean that they are able to be anywhere they like in what we call time.

Time shifting Unicorns?

No, not shifting. Think of time like a bubble. The surface is what we call time. It starts when you’re born (for your bubble) and ends, sadly, when you get round the other side of the bubble.

Unicorns can simply see our bubbles and appear whenever and wherever they choose. So they appear magical to us – do you see what I mean?

Ok, no magic for unicorn?

Yeah ok, you got me. The unicorn is a very rare thing indeed but if you imagine that you could “pop into” anyones life, at any point, then you’d think that was magic.

However, consider this: are the unicorns influencing things for the general human population?

Vegan Unicorn

I’ve mentioned this before but it’s definitely something that needs thinking about.

I think Unicorns are slowly and I mean generations slowly, making themselves more known.

Think about the past 10 years or so. Unicorns where but a picture in a book or comic or picture.

Now they make moving ones in animatronics as well as realistic ones in films that would scare the living daylights out of you should you bump into it in Tesco (other supermarkets are available :)).

So what’s this about vegans then?

That’s simple. In those last 10 years, how many vegans did you know of, meet, see?

I don’t know about the rest of the world and I’d love to, but as far as I can tell, vegans were mostly those that were around in the 60s and found that LSD worked better without heavy meats etc in? (Disclaimer, I don’t know any better and I’m just guessing)

Well, I think the Unicorn overlords are putting these things into mainstream society now.

Don’t misunderstand me – I THINK THAT’S FINE!

Buut…

There’d be no Xmas without Unicorns!

You see, the unicorns have been at this for years. They have been “helping” mankind along our happy little way in the oddest of ways.

When you think about it (and with the absence of any form of proof), Unicorns do have Unicorn dust.

This Unicorn dust is not a Unicorn spell. Think of it more like dandruff.

Over the years, they have been using this dust to develop and deliver stories and folk lore.

Ever wonder what came first? Fairies or Peter Pan? ( Fairies, I think) but on from that, what about Santa?

Santa is propelled but Unicorn dandruff dust

At some point, the unicorns dived into our timeline, dropped off instructions for Santa to sprinkle some dust on a reindeer and voila! Sub Dimentional Flying Reindeer!

I mean, it makes so much sense, doesn’t it?

If you really think about it, in the last 20 years or so, the Unicorns have gone from strength to strength.

You see them on adverts, in films, shop windows and clothing.

Support this writer!

I enjoy writing blog entries like this. It amuses me that my ideas like this one are purely for entertainment purposes, so please don’t go emailing me if you’re Vegan or a Unicorn.

I love both equally and believe in diversity (take a look around the rest of the website etc – you’ll see it’s all very tame – like me :)).

If you would like to stay informed of my next rambling or actually useful blog post, then please do subscribe (should be a form about here somewhere).

If you also feel strongly, impassively or just want to support me, then please do check out amazon.co.uk, search for Linked2U – My t-shirts are truly epic ?

If not, thanks for reading anyway.

Justop Wireless Controller

I recently purchased and have been using the Justop Backlit Mini Wireless Keyboard With Touchpad and Multimedia Keys.

I have found it to be a brilliant bit of kit. It allows me to control my recently made TV from the laptop screen project and sit comfortably away from the TV.

Typing on the keyboard is reminiscent of the old Nokia “brick” phones with the Spectrum rubber but manual “click,click” for each key press.

I love the backlight as this means that you can see what you’re looking for in the dull setting of a TV screening of your favourite online streaming service (with the help of the built in Raspberry Pi Zero W).

Can’t recommend this one enough really unless you really are looking to type essays, this is perfect to reply to messages on Xbox or Playstation etc while perfect for point and click application on the large screen – say business presentations etc.

Go get one!

2020 arrived and January has all but disappeared!

Happy New Year all!

First off, the apology. I’ve been busy, ill and picking up new skills since my last post.

It was a busy Xmas which saw our family getting together, present deliveries and oddly a big rush on work items.

Since the festivities and year end, I’ve spent some time building a couple of desks for both my 3d printers and my good wife’s crafting.

Check out her shop for some brilliant handmade items that could be perfect for that hard to shop for person. Maybe you know someone with a real drive for planet friendly products?

In and around the shop setup and building desks. I have also begun enjoying woodturning (mini wood lathe, some tools and an hour or so).

I hope to post soon with some pictures of the lathe and attempts at making things. So keep your eye out here at www.linked2u.co.uk

Salsa Dancers Do It On 2!

Amazon Salsa T-Shirt

Anyone whom knows us will be quick to tell you that one of the team is Salsa dancing barmy (meant in the warmest way possible).

To this end, there are a few items now in Amazon that have come directly from interactions with the “Salsa lot” (I lovingly call them).

This is just one of the Salsa t-shirts available under the “Linked2U” brand on Amazon.

This particular design is inspired by the Salsa “on 2” dancing style and maintains the humourous nature of the Linked2U brand.

The quality of this t-shirt is such that it can be comfortably worn day-to-day as equally as it can be used for those practice / lessons.

Combine Your Purchases

The above t-shirt goes great with the Salsa bag as you can fold the t-shirt and place in the bag as part of the “Need to get changed kit” when all that dancing demands it!

STOP and SEARCH!

Before you click away to check out the above items, when you’re there, search for “Linked2U” in the Amazon search to see more of our designs!

Unicorn Secrets Revealed

Here at Linked2u.co.uk we believe.

We believe that unicorns do exist. Moreover, believe that they’re being used to make things happen in day to day life too.

Think about it with me now. You recently found out about a huge movement of people that are Vegan? Well, is it possible they’re led by Unicorns?

A organised team of crack human manipulating Unicorns are popularising Veganism in, what could be, part of their ongoing mission to take over planet earth realms?

It’s believed that the Unicorns are responsible for the major events like Pokémon and telly tubbies through to Santa and old cartoon rehoming.

Truly shocking (Vegan) stuff!

More recently we have seen this sharp upturn in Veganism and while linked2u.co.uk has pretty much zero interest in the subject, we were asked to produce something to encompass both our love for both vegans and unicorns (they said I had too!)

PSVR Review

We got our PSVR pack a few months back and were instantly impressed.

The Unpack and Set up

The out of the box experience to playing wasn’t too much hassle.

The biggest issues were had with having to fish out the PS4 itself to be able to plug in all the new cables.

The actual PSVR control box is able to be placed closer / further away from your TV. Really helpful if you also have your PS4 under the TV too.

We noticed that the camera did seem a little on the light side and as such the recoiling cable for it means that we have to place something heavier on the cable itself to stop this.

The game playing setup

Once you have the PSVR and PS4 and the camera setup, the fun begins with the PS4 talking you through setup of the headset itself.

This involves adjusting the headset to your head size and comfort while also working with you through doing things like measuring the distance between your eyes for a much better experience.

Gaming it up

The first thing you’ll want to do once you have spent the time setting up your new toy is to play the included games.

I can’t even begin to tell you how cool some games are but all share one thing – they’re trying captivating, 360 degree, emotion and sometimes illness inflicting wonders!

Once you’ve worked out how to set it all up, play fruit ninja like a pro and enjoy your way through AstroBot, you’ll soon want to start spending more on games just to see what wonders await.

Gaming advice

It is so important to remember that VR induces motion sickness in some players.

This is not a bad thing if you’re unlucky enough to suffer this. You can immunise yourself by recognising the symptoms before you’re being physically sick and build up that time before it happens again with regular short playing sessions (5 – 10mins type).

Also, buying a game like the latest first person shooter (like you normally would) becomes a gamble as you may, like myself, never make it off of the menu screen and yet paid the full game price. Something these manufacturers will have to address going forwards with more demo packs.

Demo packs

Grab the Sony demo packs from the PS store as these will definitely give you a chance to see if you can play the game you intend on buying and my advice would be to not buy ANYTHING until you do make sure it’s not a waste of money for you.

Cricut Maker Tools Review

We took a look at Cricut Maker Tools

All the tools available for the Cricut are simple to remove and use.

The making process stops and asks the operator to change the tool when needed but can simultaneously hold and use both a pen and mechanical tool – so changes in tools can be minimal anyway.

We looked at the debossing tool in particular but have used the others too.

Check the tools out – it truly is amazing what you can do with this machine and it’s toolset!

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Top 3 Best 3D Printers For Xmas 2019

This is number 3 and is a great choice for those who want a well supported printer.

This is in 2nd place because even though it’s made of metal and has cyber Monday deals at Amazon, it’s therefore heavier – something to be considered on shipping side of things?

In at number 1 is this cheap printer that is perfect for anyone whom is interested in starting out in 3d printing and isn’t afraid to put a printer together.

Can’t go wrong!