I Have a Question - Volume 132 - Dynamic Dave

***** This thread is now closed, please CLICK HERE to go to Volume 133 *****


In this thread you may ask any question for which you need help, advice, suggestions or whatever.

It does not need to be motoring related. In fact, in this thread it should not be.

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Any of the above will be deleted. If the thread becomes difficult to maintain it will simply be removed.

However, as has been said a couple of times, there is a wealth of knowledge in here, much of which is not motoring related, but most of which is useful.

This is Volume 132. Previous Volumes will not be deleted,

A list of previous volumes can be found here:-
www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=18847


PLEASE NOTE:

When posting a NEW question, please "Reply to" the first message in this thread, i.e. this one. This keeps each question in it's own separate segment and stops each new question from getting mixed up in amongst existing questions. Also please remember to change the subject header.

Digital Cameras - Film Cameras? - drbe
I have a Canon EOS 650 FILM (not digital) camera with 35-105 zoom lens and a longer focal length spare lens.

Is it worth anything?
Digital Cameras - Film Cameras? - Altea Ego
Use the online valuation service - ebay!

one there for 30 quid with two hours to go
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TourVanMan TM < Ex RF >
Digital Cameras - Film Cameras? - drbe
Use the online valuation service - ebay!


Well! That's good news! It only cost me - what - about £500 or so, some years back.
Digital Cameras - Film Cameras? - Stuartli
>>It only cost me - what - about £500 or so, some years back.>>

Yes, but you can almost certainly buy its modern equivalent for around a third of that price and, what's more, most likely with an even better specification...:-(
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What\'s for you won\'t pass you by
Digital Cameras - Film Cameras? - cheddar
Buy a Canon digital SLR body (EOS350D) and use the lenses? IIRC the EOS620 is more sought after than the 650, slightly better spec and rarer.
Ultrasonic cat scarers - pmh
I have a (comliant) Pooleye laser guard installed around my pool in France to comply at least with with the spirit of the French Legislation.

A neighbours new cat has decided it likes the luxury of poolside relaxing and has caused some problems. A possible solution maybe one of these Ultrasonic repellers, has anyone experience of whether they work?

I have already thought of turning up the laser power to cut the legs off, but am worried that it may then flop legless into the pool (like some of my friends), and be unable to get out and cause me contamination problems.

PS I am still friendly with the neighbour.
--

pmh (was peter)


Ultrasonic cat scarers - Martin Devon
Most air rifles work abroad!! only joking. vbr...md
Ultrasonic cat scarers - Gromit {P}
Yes, ultrasound repellers work - but check you get one that emits at a frequency chosen to repel cats and dogs. Many are intended for use against rodents and are rated as 'cat friendly'.

They work best on line-of-sight, as obstructions tend to deflect the sound wave.

Still, if you also have mouse problems, cats are much more effective mouse repellents than any ultrasound gadgets!
Electricity prices ?? - Petel
Have been asked to establish the cost difference between having electricity billed, card metered or key metered.

Can anyone please advise at what point ( financially or usage wise ) a key meter or a card meter would become too costly and the user should switch to a billing system ?
Thank you. Pete.
Electricity prices ?? - Stuartli
>>the cost difference >>

This is United Untilities' information regarding water meters:

www.unitedutilities.com/?OBH=2301

My best mate has a water meter at his bungalow and says that, because he and his wife are out for most of the day at work, water bills are lower than if they were unmetered versions.
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HJ on the web - SjB {P}
Not a question, but anyway: By chance on visting www.volvoclub.org.uk/forum/index.php I noticed reference to a www.alexa.com ranking that placed it the 113,181st website by traffic.

Following the Alexa link I queried for this site:

Traffic Rank for honestjohn.co.uk: 40,764
Speed: Fast (61% of sites are slower), Avg Load Time: 1.6 Seconds
Other sites that link to this site: 159
Online Since: 20-Dec-1999

So there we go!
HJ on the web - Pugugly {P}
What scares me is the sites also visited by people who visited HJ.
Included such lumieries as the Jellybelly Sweet co. Linda's lolly co and the beigefordfocusfanclub
HJ on the web - SjB {P}
and the beigefordfocusfanclub


Heh heh heh ;-)
Two stroke engine problem - stevek
I have inherited a Gardenmaster cultivator which is fitted with a JAP two stroke single cylinder engine.
It has not run for maybe 5 years at least until yesterday.
After a little cleaning and new two stroke mix (24:1) I got it running with the choke lever pulled out -i.e full choke and it runs quite happily with the choke out with low power.
As soon as I push the choke in it dies and will not run.

I really would appreciate any advice as to what I should look at next. Also is there any source of information on these engines to anyones knowledge?
Two stroke engine problem - 1066
ja prestwich of leicester made a lot of engines and the majority were made for the outboard engine market.
try
www.seabeeoutboard.co.uk

they have been very helpful with my outboard restoration
Two stroke engine problem - Zebra
I don?t know this particular engine, but here?s some generic info dragged from my memories of past struggles with 2-stroke singles.

It sounds like a weak mixture (too much air/not enough petroil).

Air side:
Is there an air cleaner box/fitting of any kind? If so, does it actually have a filter in it (assuming one should be fitted)?
Are relevant nuts tight, e.g. those holding the carburettor to the engine, to prevent unintended air inlets?

Fuel side:
Are there any obstructions in the fuel supply pipes/taps/filters?
Inside the carburettor: Are any jets obstructed? Is the float needle stuck in a partially closed position?

If I can think of anything else, I?ll return.

Zebra
Two stroke engine problem - stevek
Zebra
Many thanks-You were spot on. The jet was partially blocked so it would not allow enough petrol through when the choke was off.
Mobile phone battery life ? - Petel
The time has come for an upgrade in the mobile phone dept. Could Backroomers please advise which phone they have or have had, which will run for the longest period on one charge of its battery and will not die when a call comes in, despite the battery indicator reading more than 75%

Make or model is not important and the unit only has to function as a phone, not a games machine, web brouser, camera, MP3 player or fashion accessory.
Thanks, Pete.
Mobile phone battery life ? - David Horn
Nokia 62xx something-or-other. What my next phone is going to be. Simple, clear screen, easy to use, small, massive battery life, bluetooth, big keypad etc.
Mobile phone battery life ? - Altea Ego
Nokia 6310i

Still some new ones around on ebay, but they fetch BIG money for a 4 year old design (100 quid is not uncommon)

Battery life, ooo charge it now and it will run out some time week after next (seriously 6 days is not uncommon). Talk time? your ear will drop off before the battery gives out. Blue tooth? will talk to anything (provided its got the latest level software on it)

Finest phone ever made. Turned down several upgrades to keep this beast.


------------------------------
TourVanMan TM < Ex RF >
Mobile phone battery life ? - pmh
Because I have 3 Carkits installed (that take the 6310i that I use), I converted my wife to using a 6210, which fits the same cark91.

The 6210 does not have all the facilties, but battery life still approaches 1 week and can be found on Ebay at about £20-30 for good condition privately owned examples.

These phones are the old corporate standard and many people fight to keep them!

But beware I have been told that there are some fake copies around of both models. Hence better buying from a private user who has had the personal use of the for phone several years.
--

pmh (was peter)


Mobile phone battery life ? - Cyd
Nokia 6310i

i have two - one employer supplied for business and one bought privately for myself.

My own was off ebay and then I got a new cover for it - good as new now.

Nothing touches it.
Neighbours tree & Satellite Recpt. - R75
We are having a problem at the moment - a neighbours fir tree is starting to block the reception to our dish. We had this problem last year and had the dish moved higher up the wall of the house, but in the last few days the problem has occurd again - obviously trees grow and this one grows very well indeed!!!! it is now above the guttering level. I have heard that firs are a nuisanace and therefore I could ask the neighbour to top the tree - but I can't find any real evidence of this via google. I haven't done the obvious yet and knocked on his door as I would rather know where I stand first - it may well be that he will top it and be quite amicable, but he may just shut the door in my face, in which case I would like to know if I just walk away or argue the point. Any help gratefully received.
Neighbours tree & Satellite Recpt. - Stuartli
You can take steps through your local council but the cost varies according to where you live.

Might be worth having a quiet word despite your reluctance.

I have a next door neighbour who is the original version from Hell - he's had two or three visits over the years from Environment and Planning officers from the local council (at my request) to make him tidy up his normally disgraceful back and front gardens.

At one time his wife left washing out on the line for FIVE years because she couldn't get into the garden due to entry being blocked by an overgrown sycamore tree...:-)
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What\'s for you won\'t pass you by
Neighbours tree & Satellite Recpt. - Baskerville
>At one time his wife left washing out on the line for FIVE years

Wasn't that one of the exhibits at Chelsea Flower Show a few years back? Trendy neighbours I think. Burnt-out cars are big this year apparently, so you can look forward to that.
Neighbours tree & Satellite Recpt. - Altea Ego
how did hde get it out there in the first place?

------------------------------
TourVanMan TM < Ex RF >
Neighbours tree & Satellite Recpt. - AlastairW
A colleague got round this problem by mounting his dish in the tree.
Land Registry title plan - L'escargot
I've got a copy of the Land Registry title plan of a property I'm viewing tomorrow, and I'm curious about two sets of letters on the plan ~ GP and TCB. GP is on a grass verge and TCB is in a garden adjacent to a Tel Ex. Any ideas?
--
L\'escargot.
Land Registry title plan - Stuartli
TCB could be Track Circuit Block (communications wise) and GP could be anything (gas pipe?)
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What\'s for you won\'t pass you by
Land Registry title plan - rustbucket
L'escargot

TCB= Telephone call box
GP= Guide post (sign post)

these are common map abreviations


--
rustbucket (the original)
Mould in Bathroom - Robin
We have a wooden floor in our bathroom, which I think is one of those easy fit lock together floors (quick lok or something like that). I think that there is mould underneath it and I would welcome any advice about how to remove the mould without lifting the floor. We have noticed that when anyone has a bath, especially Junior who likes to splash around with his toys, the bathroom sometimes stinks of mould the following day. I did think that there may be mould under the bath but yesterday the floor was washed by the boss and this morning the bathroom really stank. Makes me think the mould is under the wood. I have not yet removed the bath panel as it is nicely sealed with silicone and I am useless with a silicone gun.
So, is there anything I can treat the floor with to kill the mould or do I have to lift the whole floor?

Cheers
Mould in Bathroom - daveyjp
Get rid of the 'quicklok' floor - most of it is unsuitable for bathrooms. Once flooring is removed let the floorboards have plenty of air to dry them out then board over the floorboards with oil treated hardboard, top with the final finish - lino or vinyl tiles are best for bathrooms.
Mould in Bathroom - Altea Ego
yup the floor needs to come up pronto. Its sealed at the top but not underneath and will be soaking up water like a sponge and grwing all sort under there.

Get it up and get rid, NOT suitable for bathromm use.
------------------------------
TourVanMan TM < Ex RF >
Mould in Bathroom - BazzaBear {P}
On a similar-ish subject, the en-suite in my new house has a bit of mould on the paintwork, are there any suggestions for permanent removal.
I'm assuming that some sort of mould-killing or inhibiting paint exists, and I can just clean, paint and be done. (If such a thing does exist, is it as an undercoating product?)
Mould in Bathroom - Stuartli
If you clean it with bleach (or bleach based product) and then wipe it down with a damp cloth, this will/should kill the mould.

We have a shower without any direct ventilation other than leaving the bathroom window open and therefore, in winter, it tends to become mouldy on the silicone grouting if not dried out properly.

A spray bottle filled with neat thin bleach (the cheap type from Lidl or similar outlet) is used as and when necessary to spray the grouting and it is left on for a while or overnight; the shower head unit is then used to wash off the bleach and the grouting is once more left bright and white.
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What\'s for you won\'t pass you by
Travel Ins with pre-exis med condition - BobbyG
Just an update on my previous query on an IHAQ thread, most companies were quoting roughly extra 50-75% premium due to my son having peanut allergy (anaphylaxsis).

However with Esure there was no additional premium, they consider it an allergy rather than a medical condition. Have spoken to them on phone and the documents will state on them that this allergy / condition already exists and is fully covered.

Just in case anyone else is in the same situation.
I want to start running - Happy Blue!
My wife completed the Manchester 10K run yesterday in 1hr 8 mins. She has been training for about six months and is really pleased and raised £2,700 for Leukemia Research. She is quite fit anyway and did not push herself too hard. However she felt lonely on the course and would like me to join her next year.

I am not so fit, but swim about three or four miles during the week and today did exactly one mile in no more than 36 minutes (33 seconds per 25m length). I am 41 years old, and also suffer from exercise induced asthma (although swimming does not affect it at all) and flat feet, so I wear arch supports.

Any advice regarding training regime, running shoes etc.

Ta
--
Espada III - well if you have a family and need a Lamborghini, what else do you drive?
I want to start running - daveyjp
Start by having a good read:

www.humankinetics.com/

And check out 'Lore of Running' or '5k and 10k Training'. Company is US based, but they have a UK office.

I want to start running - borasport20
Gareth - remember
www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=39381&...e

Runners World www.runnersworld.co.uk/ has lots of advice, and I suppose the most important is to get decent advice on the right sort of shoes (not from a high street chain !) - beyond that, everything is down to you.




--
Go on, get out of the car...
www.mikes-walks.co.uk
I want to start running - Happy Blue!
Ta Mike - how did you get on in the 5K (sorry 3.123456789mile) run?

--
Espada III - well if you have a family and need a Lamborghini, what else do you drive?
I want to start running - Stuartli
I'd run a mile to avoid such involement...:-)
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What\'s for you won\'t pass you by
I want to start running - borasport20
35 minutes - not that bad considering it was 2.5k downhill then 2.5k uphill - I did struggle on the way back.

and I am a year or two older than you.

Adam does mention his occasional forays at fitness. Perhaps at the next north west meet we should talk about a Backroom team for next years Manchester Bupa 10l run....

g'night ;-)


--
Go on, get out of the car...
www.mikes-walks.co.uk
I want to start running - David Horn
[pedant]
5km is actually 3.10685596 miles.
[/pedant]
I want to start running - L'escargot
[pedant]
5km is actually 3.10685596 miles.
[/pedant]


3.1068559612 correct to 10 places of decimals ~ and I bet there's a lot more to come after that!
--
L\'escargot.
I want to start running - blue_haddock
>> Adam does mention his occasional forays at fitness. Perhaps at the
next north west meet we should talk about a Backroom team
for next years Manchester Bupa 10l run....


But then again maybe we shouldn't! i personally do not see how the words fun and run can ever be used in the same sentance.
I want to start running - Adam {P}
>>Adam does mention his occasional forays at fitness. <<


Hahahahahahahahahahah. Occasional is the word. At over 16 and a half stone, I guess I should do something though. Quickly!
I want to start running - Altea Ego
Hahahahahahahahahahah. Occasional is the word. At over 16 and a half
stone, I guess I should do something though. Quickly!



At over 16.5 stone nothing gets done quickly
------------------------------
TourVanMan TM < Ex RF >
I want to start running - Adam {P}
I have long legs.
I want to start running - Martin Devon
I have long legs.

I am not overweight. Just 4ft too short! MD.
I want to start running - drbe
. She
is quite fit anyway and did not push herself too hard.
However she felt lonely on the course and would like
me to join her next year.
I am not so fit, but swim about three or four
miles during the week and today did exactly one mile in
--
Espada III - well if you have a family and need
a Lamborghini, what else do you drive?

>>

Have you and/or SWMBO considered joining a local running club?

They will give you advice, training tips and provide company especially during cold and dark Winter training runs.

Most will let you go along for a few runs to see if you like it/them.
Need a new electric shaver? - cheddar
For info:

I bought a Braun 7680 from Currys last November on offer at the time as under half price at £64.99, complete with clever "Clean & Renew" system , an excellent shaver.

Well I noticed today that they have the 7680 in our local Currys for £54.99, now an end of line top-of-the-range model, the new equivalent is around £190.

You could do a lot worse.
Need a new electric shaver? - smokie
I need a new shaver: which branch was this in? (They don't have it on line)

Ta.
Need a new electric shaver? - cheddar
Bristol, Winterstoke Road.
Need a new electric shaver? - Big Bad Dave
"the new equivalent is around £190.

You could do a lot worse."

You could do a lot better. Gillette Mach 3 for a fiver including three spare blades. Real men prefer wet shaves and you never know when this crucial, well-honed skill will come in handy for performing this delicate task on a lady...
Need a new electric shaver? - Martin Devon
"the new equivalent is around £190.
You could do a lot worse."
You could do a lot better. Gillette Mach 3 for a
fiver including three spare blades. Real men prefer wet shaves and
you never know when this crucial, well-honed skill will come in
handy for performing this delicate task on a lady...

How BIG and bad are you Dave? But, yeah! you're right.......MD.
Need a new electric shaver? - Nsar
I figured some of those Polish birds might be a bit Gdansk shipyard welder, but beards?
Need a new electric shaver? - Altea Ego
ROFL
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TourVanMan TM < Ex RF >
Need a new electric shaver? - David Horn
Agreed. I'm chronically lazy about shaving and by the time I actually do it with the electric shaver (Philips thing, damned expensive when I bought it) it sounds like a wood chipper digesting a particularly tough log.
Need a new electric shaver? - cheddar
performing this delicate task on a lady...


Reckon it is better for women to wax, just dont let her near you with the stuff....
"Best" side of fence - L'escargot
We're going to have a fence (slotted concrete posts and wooden panels) erected between us and an obnoxious neighbour. Am I right in thinking that there is no legal requirement for the most attractive side to face the neighbour? I know it might seem petty but the neighbour really doesn't deserve to see the best side of the fence.
--
L\'escargot.
"Best" side of fence - The Lawman
I have only come across this in teh context of a boundary dispute where neighbours couldn't agree teh exact position of a boundary.

I believe that there is a legal presumption that the boundary line runs along the "nice" side of the fence. It may be a rebuttable presumption though.

Not sure if there is any kind of legal requirement.
"Best" side of fence - Stuartli
>>Am I right in thinking that there is no legal requirement for the most attractive side to face the neighbour?>>

We have a similar neighbour whose constant refusal to cut the Leylanddi tree roots facing our garden eventually caused the brick built party wall to become highly dangerous.

So we had the wall taken down and a concrete posts/concrete panels erected by a gardening specialist who lives further up the road; at the same time he killed the offending tree roots (at least one of the trees was around 50ft or more high and towered over our house!)

The concrete panels were installed so that the "attractive" side faced our garden - certainly there is no legal requirement for a neighbour to reap the benefit.

These type of neighbours are a constant pain. Fortunately the neighbours on the other side are warm and friendly, quick to share any mutual costs of any work for which we are jointly responsible and to help out with doing the job when necessary.

Yet, at the same time, they are "not in your face" - just ready to help if and when needed and vice versa. So much more pleasant.
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"Best" side of fence - L'escargot
certainly there is no legal requirement for a
neighbour to reap the benefit.


I'm pleased to hear that.

It irks me somewhat that we're having to pay for the removal of the hedge plus the erection 35 metres of fence just because the neighbour is obnoxious every time we trim the hedge, but at least it will end the drudgery and the danger of teetering about on step ladders. Fortunately I was able to get a copy of their property register and plan from Land Registry so I know exactly which their boundaries are even if they don't.
These type of neighbours are a constant pain. Fortunately the neighbours
on the other side are warm and friendly, quick to share
any mutual costs of any work for which we are jointly
responsible and to help out with doing the job when necessary.
Yet, at the same time, they are "not in your face"
- just ready to help if and when needed and vice
versa. So much more pleasant.


Sounds as if you are in a very similar situation to us.
--
L\'escargot.
"Best" side of fence - drbe
Yes, but isn't there also a legal presumption that the owner of the fence has the posts on their side?

A legal eagle will be along shortly, I bet.
"Best" side of fence - The Lawman
If you think about it its the same thing.
"Best" side of fence - Stuartli
Yes, but isn't there also a legal presumption that the owner of the fence has the posts on their side?>>


The posts have to be centrally placed to maintain the boundary line - in any case concrete posts are pretty compact size wise.

Dynamic Dave is discussing a panel fence and the panels slot into each side of a concrete post.
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What\'s for you won\'t pass you by
"Best" side of fence - Dynamic Dave
Dynamic Dave is discussing a panel fence ....


Huh? I think you're confusing me for someone else.
"Best" side of fence - Stuartli
Sorry about that - I read the Thread Author: Dynamic Dave line rather than the genuine thread information...:-)

But I thought only National Hunt jockeys took offence...:-)
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Flat deposit - Statistical outlier
Hi,

I'm having trouble with the deposit on a flat I moved out of last month. I've just heard from the landlord and the inspection agent that there is damage to the flat, and cleaning, that they intend to bill me for.

Specifically, there is a broken pane of glass in a window unit, and the bathroom is shown in their photos to be unpleasant (urine encrusted toilet, that sort of thing). Trouble is, the glass wasn't broken and the bathroom was clean when I left, and I have photos showing that.

Am I in a situation where I can just disclaim all knowledge of the damage and claim that it must have happened after I returned the keys? I had been going to offer a £50 goodwill payment, as the flat was not quite as pristine as I would have liked as I ran out of time, but I was talking skirting needing dusting and windows cleaned outside, that sort of thing. Not the damage they are showing.

Anyone know where I'm likely to stand? Should I try and settle, or should I fight it all the way to small claims court?

Cheers,

Gord.
Flat deposit - Happy Blue!
Show your photos and threaten with small claims court and ARLA if they do not cough up.
--
Espada III - well if you have a family and need a Lamborghini, what else do you drive?
Flat deposit - Stuartli
>>I've just heard from the landlord and the inspection agent that there is damage to the flat, and cleaning, that they intend to bill me for.>>

Oldest trick in the book.

Several landlords tried it on with my two offspring over the years when they went to university.

We knew - and they knew - that it was a scam, told them exactly where to get off and, if they didn't, that various relevant authorities on whom they relied to attract students would be informed. Plus Press coverage.

Never heard any more afterwards and always got deposit back.


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What\'s for you won\'t pass you by
Flat deposit - Gromit {P}
If you have photos to prove damage wasn't done you should have a good case. AFAIK, the landlord should have inspected the property before you left and drawn your attention to any damage then. If there wasn't damage, you should have got your deposit back as you left.

As the landlord rents to students, consider submitting his name to the blacklist maintained by your students' union or uni accomodation office (if they maintain one) if you don't get satisfaction. At least it decreases the risk of someone else being scammed in the same manner.
Flat deposit - Gromit {P}
Apologies, Gordon M, just got your post confused with Stuartli's.

But, complaint to whatever professional body the letting agent you dealt with may carry similar weight to Students' Union in the case of student accomodation.

Either way, any rented accomodation I've lived in had a clause in the lease (both in the UK and Ireland) saying that the property should be inspected during the last week of the tenancy, the tenant should be given a chance to make good any damage done, and in any event the inspection should be complete before the tenant leaves the property.

Hope that helps,
- Gromit
Driveway - which gravel - BobbyG
After researching what kind of driveway to put down (yeah I know its been about a yesr), I am going down the gravel path (pardon the pun).

Now we both fancy the quartz gravel (sort of buff colour). However, I am a bit concerned that over the months it may lose its bright colour and go dull / dark with the car travelling over it.

Anyone any experience of this, will the rain just wash the dirt of it?
Driveway - which gravel - Stuartli
>>going down the gravel path >>

The people in my road who have gravel paths and park their cars on them are easily spotted.

Quite a bit of the gravel is on the pavement and road outside their properties.
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What\'s for you won\'t pass you by
Driveway - which gravel - pmh
Gravel, never again.

Looks good if you are prepared to rake it regularly and repatriate the escapees. If it large enough for white van man to do deliveries be prepared for the wheel spin and handbrake turns! If it gets on the lawn it either destroys cylinder mowers, or provides a VERY dangerous source of shrapnel for rotary motors.
Dont even think of doing any work on a car in the drive. Every dropped part just disappears!

Block paviers if you can afford it, tarmacadam with flecks as a cheaper option.

If you have services under the driveway which are in anyway doubtful, lay in new water and gas pipes and possibly duct for telecoms.




--

pmh (was peter)


Driveway - which gravel - Xileno {P}
We got rid of the gravel as the cats thought it was a big litter tray.
Driveway - which gravel - Hugo {P}
You need to get the lager golden flint or similar.

Travis Perkins charged me around £45 plus vat per tonne delivered for gardens in various properties a couple of years ago. I bought about 6 tonnes in total.

The stones are much too large to be attractive to cats (around 25mm or bigger)I can testify to this as we have 4 that will plant little presents in sharp and builders sand, pea shingle, and most other fine aggregates, but not in this. If cats are using it then whoever specified it has chosen a size that is much too small for the purpose. A lot of people think that pea shingle will work in driveways - it won't. It gets caught in the treads of the tyres, and as cars pull out onto the road, yes it spreads all over the road.

The Golden flint shouldn't do this too much. All you're likley to get are stones that may be kicked up by the driven wheels whilst entering the drive, and most people don't accelerate when they turn into their drives.

And as for darkening, it shouldn't. The stones are churned regularly as the drive is driven over and rain washes it regularly. Provided it is laid properly onto the right sub base and a good quality anti weed membrane specifically specced for driveways is used, all should be well. Occasional topping up may be necessary, but that should be all.

The only problem you're likely to have is if the driveway is on a slope. The stones may ride down. Just rake them back up agan every 6 months.

H
Driveway - which gravel - BobbyG
Thanks for your input guys. The reason I am going for gravel is purely a financial one. Reckon the gravel driveway could be done for about £2500 whereas the cheapest monobloc / tarmac price I have got is £5k.

I don't mind re-raking it and I wouldn't be too bothered if I had to get a fresh delivery of a ton or so every couple of years to top it up.

There are no risks of handbrake turns etc as it is just the driveway up to my house from the street.
Driveway - which gravel - BobbyG
On the same subject, I need to clear my existing driveway which is a combination of soil / clay / embedded gravel etc. To do this I will need some sort of excavating machine.

Question is, is there anything that Joe Public can hire that will do this? Will Plant Hire companies let you hire these things? What thing would I need to hire - total area is 180square metres and I probably want to take, say the top 6-8 inches off it?
Driveway - which gravel - Altea Ego
Its not the hiring the mini JCB thats the problem, its getting rid of the old stuff thats the pain. You can easily end up with tons and nowhere to dump it.

Should be loads of adds in your local paper for "man with mini jcb" £100 day


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TourVanMan TM < Ex RF >
Driveway - which gravel - BobbyG
Thats the thing RF, there is not a single advert for that! Its exactly what I am looking for , have even tried my Yellow Pages but plenty of hire companies but no "mini jcb & driver" for hire!

If I did go down the route of hiring it myself ( I have emailed a few of the local plant hire companies), how do I make sure that I avoid any pipework? A Search on the web tells me that gas pipes should be a minimum of 375mm under the ground when they were originally installed. But ground levels change over the years...... Logic says that the gas pipe should go in a straight line from where it comes out the house to the pavement at end of driveway. If this is the case, then I should be fine as that will be under the slabs that I am keeping. But if my logic is wrong..
Driveway - which gravel - harry m
i think you will find if you ring the relevent utilitys they will come round and mark them up for free,i'm sure bt don't charge but probably worth checking.
Driveway - which gravel - Nsar
BG can you buy the Farmer's Guardian where you live? If so check out the classifieds, it's real treasure trove for stuff like this
Driveway - which gravel - BobbyG
Farmer's Guardian? Never heard of it - will see if its about next time I am "browsing" the mags! Does it come in a plain brown wrapper?? :)
Driveway - which gravel - BobbyG
Phoned a few firms today - they will hire me out a mini digger, 1.5 or 2.5 tonne for approx £80 for the day including fuel and delivery!

Now where's my yellow hat


Bob da Builder......
Is this legally imported? - Bromptonaut
Local shop has started selling Polish beer, Tyskie in cans and Lech in bottles. Neither has any english at all on the label and some cans are flashed for competitions apparently relevant to the Polish home market. Apart from a few au pairs there's no Polish community in the area.

Is this likely to be a duty scam, or is there an emerging market for the stuff?

Is this legally imported? - pmh
www.beersofeurope.co.uk/prices.pdf

Available above - see page 33. I would guess the price of your local supply maybe a give away. If it illegal I would expect the price to be significantly below the street legal price.


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pmh (was peter)


Emptying a septic tank - L'escargot
What will happen if we don't have our septic tank emptied often enough? In the past it's been emptied every twelve months but last year it cost £90 and I'd like to reduce the yearly bill.

It's a Klargester 3-stage (whatever that means) 600 gallon tank with a perforated pipe soakaway system. If it gets too full will the solids overflow into the perforated pipe system? Or will they just back up the inlet pipe?

(I'm not sure how many trips to the toilet it would take to create 600 gallons of solids. It's not a subject I want to go into too deeply!)
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L\'escargot.
Emptying a septic tank - Zebra
I think that before you get to stage of solids backing up the inlet pipe, you?ll find the liquids won?t be going down it!

Don?t skimp on emptying is my advice, based on my own experience of not following it.

Zebra
Emptying a septic tank - No FM2R
The liquids and diluted solids will enter the soakaway causing an interesting aroma and a particularly interesting puddle.

That will happen long before any chance of backing up the inlet.

Subjetc to your own particular installation, of course.

What I can't say is how long 600 gallons takes to fill up - probably a long time, although do make sure you're not sending too much bleach down there.
Emptying a septic tank - Nsar
I know someone who claims to have had a septic tank "blow back" via their downstairs loo. They moved house.

The cheapest supplier round our way is the Council, in fact I'm a bit overdue so thanks for reminding me to get it sorted.

Emptying a septic tank - drbe
THEORETICALLY, a septic tank SHOULD be maintenance-free ( please excuse the capitals), but, the best laid plans etc. The Local Council may be your best bet.

Have a look at: www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/A873876 it gives quite a good description of the working of a septic tank - not to be confused with a cess pit.
Emptying a septic tank - L'escargot
Have a look at: www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/A873876 ......


Fascinating. I'll stick to the 12-monthly emptying.
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L\'escargot.
Emptying a septic tank - Xileno {P}
Ours has never needed emptying in the 17 years we have lived here. However we are extremely careful not to use anything that might upset the reaction, no bleach etc. You can buy chemicals to put down if you suspect the natural reaction is declining, usually this is easy to tell since you get a good whiff in the loos.
Emptying a septic tank - Altea Ego
Then, in order to ensure that the scum (that naturally forms in the tank like the head atop a pint of stout, but crispier, like a biscuit), neither impedes influent nor escapes as effluent,

I knew, I just KNEW there was a good reason not to drink Guiness.
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TourVanMan TM < Ex RF >
Sat Nav errors - former farmer
Is there any way one can correct the database used by these systems?
Most couriers and trademen use these days and judgjing by the take off of sales,they must be a worthwhile extra.
Not having satnav myself,and not conversant with the details,am I correct in thinking that usually the post code of the destination is dialled in and directions given out? When users do that for this property, they are directed to a former military camp approx half a mile distant, down a rough farm track road.
Pheasants in garden - Xileno {P}
Two plump pheasants have taken up residence in our garden, a male and a female. We don't know what to do with them. Do we just leave them or should we report them to someone? And who?
They don't seem to be causing any harm and the cats aren't interested in them.

What would you do?
Pheasants in garden - adverse camber
casserole or roast?

or both since you have a pair.
Pheasants in garden - David Horn
They're yours to do what you want with.
Pheasants in garden - PhilW
I could lend you a couple of foxes if you like. Now got the two "parents" and 5 little bouncy cubs - they disposed of a wood pigeon the other day, a couple of pheasants should be no problem.
Why would you want to "do" anything about a couple of pheasants though, apart from the fact that they would make a very tasty meal? Do you report sparrows?
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Phil