Does anybody know anything about using melamine sponges to dry sand or wet sand brushing lacquer?

The valve in our shower is leaking.  I opened the wall to start getting things dried out.  I need to replace the valve; it has a slow drip even when turned off.  The shower is tiled.  From the back I can see a metal valve body mounted to a round plastic mount.  The mount is mounted against the back of the tile and the back of the plastic mount is flush with the back of the backer board - there's a hole in the backerboard for the plastic mount.  There is no framing or anything holding the valve in place.  There are 4 bolt ends sticking out of the valve body.  I've installed 2 shower valves (none in several years) and both of them were installed mounted to framing.  Is this one screwed through the tile under the escutcheon? I am hoping it is not some kind of adhesive as I don't want to be messing with the tile.

Cleaned, handle refinished, put into action today, cuts perfectly:

   

   

Finishing a black walnut natural edge bowl. This bowl was roughed out years ago and sat on a shelf because the mortise warped too badly for the chuck to grab it to final turn. After gluing on a waste block and finish turning, it was sanded to 600 grit, Myland's sanding sealer applied and finished with acrylic enamel.

I have a new to me Delta 14in band saw model 8-30C.  Serial # suggest manufacture in 1952.  This saw has the slow speed gear drive and 4-step pullies for sawing steel.  

One of the shoulder bolts that attach the wheel covers apparently vibrated the female threads in the lower casting the point that the 3/8 -16 threads on the shoulder bolt no longer hold the wheel cover in place.  

My plan is to replace the oem shoulder bolt with a bolt having 7/16 - 14 threads on the casting end while having the standard 3/8 -16 threads on the end attaching the wheel covers using the original threaded knobs.

The shoulder bolts have a total length of 3 1/2in.  threads on each end are 1/2in long, leaving the  central 5/8 in diameter shoulder portion 2 1/2in long.  

Now the question.  Is there a machinist among us who would turn a shoulder bolt?  I can tap the 3/8 and 7/16 threads, but I do not have access to a metal turning lathe for turning the 3/8 and 7/16 ends on a 5/8 shaft.   

This is a paying proposition.  I will pay by check the agreed price.  Machinist keeps the bolt until she/he is satisfied the check is good before shipping the bolt.  

any takers?  Private messages may be the best means of concluding discussions.   

thx,  tom

Hi, 
Had my floors professionally sanded/coated with Bona HD some time ago and some annoying surface scratches. 
It seems like those furniture felt pads actually trap grit after a while because I moved a couch with the pads and they scratched pretty bad.
In the future I will only lift furniture. 

I have read the recoat procedure and watched a Bona training video. 
I could pay to have it done but to be honest I was very disappointed with the quality, lots of brush marks had to call them back for another coat and still not that great. 
They told me it was drying too fast but I noticed Bona has a retarder so no excuse.
I had the base off and I knew high risk of dragging the applicator into the dirt at the edge so covered with duct tape and they still managed to pull dirt out. 
One room is only 150 sq ft so can try that first. 

So first step is to clean the floor thoroughly because they warn that even slight contamination can ruin finish. 
I have a HW floor cleaner concentrate, is that good enough?

Next step is sanding with 220. Can I do by hand? I have a 1/2 sheet sander. 
I'm a bit concerned about cutting through or missing spots since floor is not dead flat. 
Perhaps sanding with a soft backer? 
They did use an amber additive and it appears that is used in the sealer not the topcoat. 
My baseboard is installed and really cant remove as will force a repaint.

Application with the T bar and cut in pad, they make it look easy. 
Seems like most important thing is to have good lighting.
Should I tape off the baseboard?

Thanks

[attachment="52017]These are Fine Woodworking books on various subjects. $8.00 each or $50.00 for all eight books. Plus shipping or pick up in Norristown, Pa

Attached Files

Thumbnail(s)
   

Hardly used Lie Nielsen No 4. Part of my effort to part with tools I rarely use. I prefer my little Krenov style smoother over this one. Only used on a couple of projects. Comes with original box.

Sold

This piece was made from Maple first turned hollow on the lathe then the image was hand drawn and colored with Faber-Castell brush pens. The piece finished at 8" x 17" and the final finish is satin lacquer.

Attached Files

Thumbnail(s)
       

   
Vakuum Products Inc VAK Pump Kit with VP2 Pump and a Quick Disconnect 5M/1F. It is their VP2 Kit. This is brand new, never used. $75.00 with free shipping to 48 States or pick up in Norristown, Pa