Flutterby™! : Silly Questions 2007-12-10 20:22:38.67633+00

Silly Questions

2007-12-10 20:22:38.67633+00 by Dan Lyke 4 comments

Silly random questions:

I've got some "white" LEDs scavenged from some of those solar walk light devices. With 2.4v with internal resistance from a pair of NiMH rechargeables, they're rather yellow. I don't remember how yellow they used to be when they were in the devices, as that's been several years. If I build a charge pump or other circuit to drive them at their full current (and hope I can guess what that current is), are they likely to get more white?
Anyone got a line on an LCD controlled with an HD44780 or similar easy-to-use controller that's got big characters, as in 3/4" or larger? I want to prototype a bike computer that's cheaper than some beast with GPS running Linux.
When making a rail and stile entrance door, how do you keep water from pooling in the dado in the lower rail, thereby causing rot? Actually, this is probably also a good question for panel doors for kitchen cabinets.
Anyone got good examples of architecture in the "anthroposophic" or "Waldorf" style, or perhaps a bit more rounded than that, especially for doors and entryways? I'm thinking like this picture or this one, but I'd like some more ideas for more solid doors.

>When making a rail and stile entrance door, how do you keep water from pooling in the dado in the lower rail, thereby causing rot? Actually, this is probably also a good question for panel doors for kitchen cabinets.

Caulk is one answer. If you want to get fancy drill some weep holes. If these are raised panel doors with the decorative half round or ogee carving on the inside of the rails and stiles this may not be a problem.

Anthroposophic Architecture- Is that like Feng Shui for Pagans? You might find more like you are looking for as Organic Architecture.

When making a rail and stile entrance door, how do you keep water from pooling in the dado in the lower rail, thereby causing rot? Actually, this is probably also a good question for panel doors for kitchen cabinets.

Molding, integral or added, as described by Larry above. Caulk shouldn't be at all necessary on kitchen doors. It might be useful on exterior doors, but over time it could harden and cause problems when the wood moves as the result of moisture and temperature changes. A flexible film finish should be applied. This should seal the space between the molding and the floating panel.

The easiest way to make floating panel doors is with a set of cope and stick router bits. Such bits for kitchen cabinets usually include a molding curve detail that will shed water as well as soften the rail and stile appearance. Different bits are required for exterior doors and kitchen cabinets because of the thicknesses of wood required. Try the cabinets first. Exterior doors are rumored to require much more skill.

I have only made one set of kitchen cabinets, but there were no problems with water in the joints over ten years. Have not had occasion to make an exterior door.

Meuon, yes, I am a pack rat, but now they're torn apart and in my parts drawer and the plastic has been disposed of. I'd like 'em a little bit whiter, but mostly it's about getting the most brightness for the power that I can.

That LED display is gonna suck down way more power than I wanted for a bike computer...

M, thanks, on the exterior doors I couldn't see making some of the cuts with standard bits unless I upgraded to a shaper, so if I go the "make my own" route I'm looking at jigs and a straight cut bit for the bevel on the panels, and if I can find enough references to convince myself that it's the right thing to do I was thinking about building an extra thick door with a foam core, to try to get closer to the insulating abilities of an insulated steel door. With a good wood door starting at $2k and going (way) up, I figure even at $10/board foot I can afford to build one to see if it'd work.

And Charlene's brother has worked in a door shop, and will be in our neck of the woods next weekend, so I'll ask him for what I can.