The Little Man Cave - Page 2

Monsoon65 · 07-02-2014, 16:38

So, when are you gonna adopt me so I can have something like that!?

DIYPatriot · 07-03-2014, 09:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by PSM

Stay away from refractors as a first telescope...or a tenth for that matter, unless you are rich.

This is the beginner scope I recommend: Astroscan! I have an 8", 5 1/4", and, until recently, an Astroscan. It's easy to use, has good optics with a nice wide view, and can take a beating. It was the one I always took camping. It was almost 35 years old when I gave it away. I also took it as carry-on until it started freaking out airport security.

ETA: Another good beginner tool is a good pair of 7x50 binoculars that can be mounted on a tripod. A lot of amateurs, with very large scopes, end up in a recliner looking through the binos far more than the scope. They are also often needed to "recon" the area of the sky you want to aim the scope at. Plus, they have everyday uses, as well.

Thanks for the tips, Pat! I'm definitely looking for something budget friendly that can also survive the wrath of a 5 yr old. I like the idea of the bino's, too. That makes sense and as often as we camp/explore I can see him using them, no pun intended.

DIYPatriot · 07-03-2014, 09:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Monsoon65

So, when are you gonna adopt me so I can have something like that!?

The truth is that I built it so that I'll have a sweet set up when I'm old and worn out and he's having to take care of me. He just thinks its his!

DIYPatriot · 12-16-2014, 09:18

I couldn't find my son or a couple strands of Christmas lights that I bought to put on the trees outside. I heard him in his room and could tell he was busy at work doing something, so I just let him do his thing. After a little while, things were quiet and this is what I found.

JJ_BPK · 12-16-2014, 09:40

Awesome..

Javadrinker · 12-16-2014, 10:15

really cool!

cbtengr · 12-16-2014, 14:51

A kid who knows how to be a kid, must be a lot of fun being his Dad!

JimP · 12-16-2014, 14:56

Well Done Patriot!! You are a good man.

PSM · 12-16-2014, 17:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by PSM

This is the beginner scope I recommend: Astroscan! I have an 8", 5 1/4", and, until recently, an Astroscan. It's easy to use, has good optics with a nice wide view, and can take a beating. It was the one I always took camping. It was almost 35 years old when I gave it away. I also took it as carry-on until it started freaking out airport security.

Pat

UPDATE: I was looking to buy another Astroscan and found that they are made in China now and the QC is inconsistent, so I'm pulling my advice on this until I can check it out. That is all!

Pat

DIYPatriot · 12-16-2014, 22:07

Thanks everyone and thanks for the update, Pat. I have been researching and still haven't made a purchase, yet. For now, he uses one of my less expensive spotting scopes. Figured no age is too young to learn how to use the tools of the trade. He's such a good kid, too. A couple weeks ago, he came up to me and said, "Dad- I need to stack some firewood and help in the garage."

I admired his offer to help. I wasn't expecting him to say that since he had a friend over. He went on to tell me that I spent enough money on the family and he wanted to help buy some Christmas presents with his own money. For a little man like that, I'll bust my ass twice as hard. He is an old soul with a heart of gold. You never have to tell him to do something more than once and he's a self-starter.

I'll tell ya a funny story about one of those gifts. He ended up buying a little $15 ring for his 4 year old sister. Like most kids, she was begging to open it up. He decided to let her take a peek and unwrap her present. She loved it and thanked him by giving him a big hug. Just when I think they're gonna have a sweet moment, he tries to take it back because he wants her to wait until Christmas since no one else has opened their gifts, yet.

She started to cry. I had to have a talk with him and explain that when we give a woman a gift, especially a ring, that there's simply no "getting it back". He said, "I don't like that. Next time she's getting a fishing pole." It's never too young to learn that particular life lesson.

DIYPatriot · 04-29-2016, 11:46

I'm adding a second bunk below my son's top bunk. Been thinking about building a jeep style bottom bunk (to make it look as if it is backed up and sitting underneath the top bunk). Considering wiring it up with an iPod/iPad & USB interface, speakers a working CB radio, headlights to serve as night lights/cool lights for effect and storage underneath (in between the wheels). I'm not a fan of TVs, especially in kids rooms, but have considered adding a mini projector to the windshield so he can kick back and watch movies on special occasions on the wall directly in front of the jeep/bunk.

I sure could use input from anyone who's BTDT, especially regarding underbed storage/cabinet work or might have an alternate idea for a second bunk. Also, the little sister is pissed that she doesn't have something just as cool, but I'm working on plans for her, too. She said, "I want a princess cottage with a machine gun like his!". So, that'll be interesting.

DIYPatriot · 04-29-2016, 11:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by craigepo

Amazingly cool.

One possible cheap addition: the old 101st Airborne Club in Nashville had sandbagged walls. A couple of old burlap sandbags, filled with something lighter than sand, might make an interesting, cheap, addition to your motif.

We took your sandbag idea and are incorporating it into an outdoor clubhouse/fort for the kids. Once we're finished, I'll post pics. Got a lot going on this spring/summer.