building material / tools

[wyatt]

has anyone tried this product. I read about 2 years ago. and came across it at my Ace Hardware on Oahu,
http://www.justforcopper.com/

it replaces solder for copper plumbing.
if i was just building an out building or un permitted cabin I might try this.

[leilaniguy]

It works! I used this about a year ago to replace my Paloma, no leaks yet! Pahoa Hardware carries it.

[HADave]

On the subject of tools:

Automatic Level / Laser Level

Both work on the same principle and when set up it will define a horizontal plane at a known height around 360 degrees from which accurate measurements can be taken to establish point levels. An automatic level uses line of sight, while the laser emits a visible beam. Both rely on a graduated staff to measuere the difference between the level plane and the point to be established. Some automatic levels are equipped with a stadia reticle so you can make simple distance measurements.

This tool is invaluable for sight work, foundation work, septic systems and establishing and finding property lines and pins. You will probably find this tool being used by every contractor out there as they are very accurate and require very little set up time.

They range in price for a kit containing Level/tripod/grad rod, of good quality, from $200.00 To $400.00 and can be purchased online as well as most local building supply outlets.

They also can be rented from most tool rental outlets @$40.00 per/day (check locally)

I personally own one and would not attempt to build without it. I purchased mine on Ebay David White AL8-26 it has a magnification of 26X and a range of 300 feet with accuracy of 1/16" at 200 feet. It also comes with a limited lifetime warranty.

Dave

[wyatt]

Dave I've seen them but not owned one. I have a
small carpenters level with laser and find it helpful. I just might get one those laser levels to set my catchment and set grade.

[wyatt]

Probably the wrong topic but. I just installed a tankless water heater in our condo here in Oahu yesterday. I've heard good things about them so went for it. We're putting in cabinets anyway. So I took out the 20 gal elec. and bought the Powerstar Ae115 at Homedepot. It took 4 #8 conductors and 1 #8 ground. Yes 5 #8 wires and two 220volt breakers. Slight delay in receiving hot water but not bad. I gained a cabinet and am happy so far.

[Yep, wrong topic - Moderator]


Edited by - Rob Tucker on 11/20/2005 16:07:14

[adias]

Claims to save 10% on your electric bill as well. Is this standard equipment on the Puna homesteam?

http://www.solardyne.com/solardyne/powae1eltanw.html

Ajit

[pslamont]

i think the gas versions are much more common in the Puna area. Aquastar and Paloma put out decent units. I have a Paloma and it is working out just fine.

Just another day in P A R A D I S E !!

[wyatt]

I may use gas on the my new house. They are more money. We went to J&J hardware over by Ken's pancake house. He has working units istalled with a sink and will show you how they work. He does have one gas one.

Wyatt

[leilaniguy]

I don't know if everyone out there is aware that Pahoa Battery & Propane now carries flash heaters, in fact, they have major gas appliances, ranges, refs. pumps, uv filter set-ups, inverters, complete catchments & parts, all kinds of off-grid supplies. Sure beats running to Hilo when you need something. Also,Pahoa Hardware next door rents tools, jackhammers, cement mixers, scaffolding, etc.

[Scott_S]

David posted this link under water catcnment but they also make lava crete which I thought was great. http://pacificgunite.com/index.html

Scott