Azure Wave's DIY

Welcome!

2006-12-31T23:59:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Azure Wave's DIY Web page.
There're always people asking around before they starting their own home projects.
Since I've done a few projects of my own so I'd like to share my experiences with the people who is interested.
Please check the topics from the sidebar to see if there's one to match your upcoming project.
^.^

Build Your Own Patio

2006-09-22T09:28:00.000-04:00

1. remove grass and dirt and dig down about 8" deep.
2. put about 4 inches thick of gravel and then 1"+ inch thick of stone dust and tamp the sub-base firmly and don't forget to make a gentle slope(the near side is about 1" or 2" higher).
3. put a thin layer of sand and use a long wooden stick to level the base.
4. start to lay the patio stone from one corner until all the stone is in place(stone cutting may be necessary). You may use rubber hammer to tamp the patio stones.
5. spread a very thin layer of sand and sweep it in to the edge/gap of the patio stones.
6. water the newly built patio.
Repeat the step 5 and 6 several times until all the gap is filled.
You may use stone dust to replace the sand. The difference is if you use sand, it'll be easier to fix the patio later; if you use stone dust, it'll be more secure.

Tires: shopping & reviews

2006-04-27T00:11:00.000-04:00

There are couple of ways you may consider when you are going to replace your tires.
1. Do the research online and select the tires you like the most. Then have the replacement done through the local dealer. You need to phone around to get the best price from the local authorized tire/auto dealer. It's one stop shopping but total cost may be higher.
2. Buy your tires online and delivered to the place you prefer and have an authorized tire/auto dealer installed for you. The dealer usually charges you $10 per tire with balance and the total cost could be the lowest you can get.
Either way, you can get the tires best suit your need.
Please note, for the tires listed on the following Web sites, you may not be able to get them from local department store or wholesale store. I guess the reason is those stores sale OEM only (correct me if I am wrong).
The following Web sites will give you the price, specifications, quality ratings and consumer reviews/feedback.
http://www.tiretrends.com/ is a Canadian site.
http://www.tirerack.com/ is on south of the boarder.
http://www.1010tires.com/ is good for both sides at your choice.

Tires - when to rotate/replace

2006-04-26T12:15:00.000-04:00

it's a simple DIY.
The article http://webguide.chatelaine.com/web_...ire_replace.htm will tell all you need to know.
If your tire is puctured, you may want to check the following site at http://www.michelinman.com/care/buy_when.html

Resurface the rust spot on your car

2006-04-25T14:00:00.000-04:00

Difficulty: 6 or 7 out 10
Remark: You may failed the first time but you can always get chance to re-do the job or even do it next year.

The material you need:
1)rust converter, which converts the rust to black primer sealer. I've been told that the black primer is good for dark color car. If your car has light color then you have to confirm with the salesperson what kind of primer converter or primer you need to buy. I bought a mar hyde's ONE-STEP which worked fine for me.
2)matching paint(spray can) - the color code is usually in your trunk.
3)clear coat(spray can) - you may not need it if your car doesn't have the clear coat.
The resurface/auto paint suppliers are the best resources to get stuff listed above and you can find them from your local listing under Automobile Body Shop Equipment & Supplies category. The price tag should be around $50 to $60 in total.
You can bring your car to your local supplier and ask the staff to help you to determine the rust converter, paint and the clear coat.

You also need sand paper(1000 grit) for polishing.

The procedures:
1)Wash your car and make it dry completely.
2)Apply the primer converter to the rust spot and remember do not clean the rust, otherwise the primer converter will not work.
3)After the primer is totally dry, sand it to your satisfaction.
4)Tape the surrounding area before painting.
5)Spray your paint evenly and let it dry for 20 minutes or as instructed. Have a second coat and let it dry for overnight.
6)Sand the surface to make it smooth.
8)Apply the final coat of the paint and leave it dry completely.
9)Spray a clear coat.
If you've done a very good job, you don't need to sand the surface. Otherwise, you need either to sand it to bring it shine or to sand it completely and to re-do the clear coat.
Please read the instructions from the products' labels for intervals between each procedures.

The temperature should be between 21 to 24 degree Celsius with the air as clean and calm as possible to do your resurface job.
Before you start the real one, practice on other similar surface until you have the skill and confidence.
The result will heavily depend on your preparation especially the surface of the primer before painting, and as well as your patient and your skill.
One thing for sure, the practice will bring better outcome.