Covid 19 Sling Shot Building

Building a Sling Shot made from Californian Lilac during Lockdown

I've got a large (15ft high)  dead (lack of water) , blue flowering (it was when it was alive), Californian Lilac. This is a really super hard, hardwood species, that produces many forked branches which are perfect to make a natural slingshot from, preferably when dead as these are specimen plants.
I used an el cheapo bush saw to cut off a suitable fork. Lilac is a great hardwood if you can find it. Big trees make a great show piece for anyone's garden so the chances that a dead one comes along is rare. They produce many even sized forks and this stuff is really strong not to mention looks great when sanded down.

Notice the crack, no problems as this wood is so hard it will not propagate any further; I'm going to fill this crack anyway with epoxy resin. I used my trusty RaidOps titanium frame lock to carve off most of the bark-but not all, this was important, as I wanted to use that bark as a "guide" layer when grinding the grip.

Now with most of the bark gone, I wanted to get rid of those knots but not all of them because I'm going to put them to use in the grip design. Seen here again using my trusty RaidOps titanium frame lock folder, which is absolutely perfect for carving wood with.

Titanium and aluminium alloy sling shots look just fantastic ( i want one too BTW) but the home made organic look and feel of nature's own composite material; WOOD, has a bit of an enduring thing to it! it's also light weight but strong (if you pick the right wood to work with). Plus I made a simple forked branch one when i was a kid and we could easily dispatch small game and punch holes in water filled cordial bottles when we loaded up those rubbers with small rocks (bearing were too hard to come by when i was a kid-unless u took them from ball races yourself).

Using both the knife's serrated edge and a bush saw I roughly removed most of the protrusions

Bush saw to quickly remove most of the small side branches.

Using a HB pencil, I marked out the boundaries of where i would remove excess material from.

Starting to take shape

From this fork to......

From this......

 To this!

Given a good coating of bee's wax, fitted a leather pouch and carry krab, almost ready to test fire!

Fitted with low power "exercise bands"

Fine tuning the custom grip

Set up for OTT bands, these ones were totally under powered...... stick around for some gutsy ones!

Video coming soon on BCT!

How to cool an ECO DRIVE watch being charged in the full Sunlight

How to cool an ECO DRIVE watch being charged in the full Sunlight!

Citizen BN 0176-08E Eco Drive Promaster marine 300m diving watch.

My Citizen Eco Drive Promaster Marine BN 0176-08E being charged in full sunlight but being kept cool by placing it atop of a recycled heat pipe from an old computer CPU (it was a old mac)

Between the watch back and the copper heatsink I have placed a fully wetted chunk of tissue paper. Thus there will e some evaporative cooling (it's windy) and this will also transfer heat to the heat pipe and thence onto the cooling radiator. The whole system relies upon there being a cool wind blowing.

Narrow Blades verses Wide bladed knives

Narrow Blades verses Wide bladed knives

What’s the difference?

To help illustrate this article, I choose to use as examples, one military knife and one knife intended for outdoor enthusiasts.

Extrema Ratio NFG Fulcrum Military Knife

FKMD RIMOR wilderness knife

FKMD RIMOR is a wide bladed knife

361 grams knife only

 

Extrema Ratio (ER) Fulcrum NFG is a narrow bladed knife.

385 grams knife only.

Therefore a difference in weight of only 24 grams is inconsequential in terms of transportation.

Both of these knives feature tangs which are approximately the same thickness of about 6mm or ¼ inch.

There is no outwards curvature on the ER knife and the cutting edge is therefore straight. The tip of this knife is also straight.

Conversely, the FKMD knife features both an outward curved blade portion and a slightly inwardly curved blade portion closer to the hilt of the knife. It may be apparent to the hunter that a outwardly curved blade will fare much better during tasks of skinning as apposed to a blade which only features straight edges. The reason being one of comfort and allowing good technique in order to avoid unnecessary puncturing/damage to the hide.

Of course it is possible to use a straight edged knife for skinning however, this is like using a crow bar to dig a hole, it can be done but not as efficiently as a shovel.

Immediately we can see the different end use applications of the FKMD knife and it's intended market.

The ER knife looks like a Military knife simply because it is one. The enlisted personnel is unlikely to be hunting except under the most extreme circumstances and the Fulcrum NFG's features reflect this. A simple straight edged knife for foolproof quick sharpening in the field (in fact, a sharpening plate is integrated as part of the scabbard system). A western styled Tanto tip for added strength and reduced chances of breaking a tip. This sort of blade may be used for: simply levering, penetrative strikes; chopping and of course cutting. It features a small set of serrations in order to facilitate rapid cutting of fibrous materials. Having a narrow blade width also means the actual Real estate of the carry system will be narrower by default compared with a wider bladed knife. This is of importance when numerous objects may be strapped to a pack or ones body and not of such an issue for a outdoor knife, where one is usually carrying a pack and a knife but not much else strapped to their body (even a knife can be carried within the pack to minimise the risk of getting things caught up manoeuvring in dense bush land.

Can these knives swap roles?

It is doubtful in a practical reality. The ER NFG features the ability to cut wire, 

Cutting barbed wire, no problems for the Extrema Ratio NFG.

there is no such thing for the FKMD RIMOR. That means if you want to cut wire carrying the RIMOR you must carry an additional tool with you. You must also carry a sharpening device if one plans to exist for extended periods away from civilization. Again, this is not necessary with the ER NFG as it forms a "One stop" solution for the soldier and last thing they want is to be carrying extras like sharpening stones etc. with their modern day kit. The ER NFG would be extremely unsatisfactory for any hunting purposes with the exception of fishing; due to the straight edge of the blade.

Is one Better than the other?

Certainly I would not suggest that their intended roles be swapped unless it be absolutely necessary. In other words one doesn't have a choice for a cutting instrument.

I've used the NFG for fishing. Actually, it was used to stun and kill the caught fish, simply because the knife inside its scabbard forms quite a small club that can be easily wielded in the absence of an appropriate stick! (the scabbard is rigid FRN and stainless steel).

The RIMOR inside itճ scabbard is not suitable for the same task because it does not provide the mass necessary for such an action. I have yet to take the RIMOR hunting as I have numerous dedicated hunting knives however, I would say with a little bit of discomfort, the RIMOR could be used for skinning and gutting animals if need be although a smaller easily wieldable hunting knife would be ones best bet.

So in summary, there really isn't one knife which can do all. Where one may excel in "Urban/combat survival" it may be lacking in other features which would be more appropriate for wilderness survival/wilderness usage. It's a good idea to put away biased opinions and likes, simply to own a tool if it isn't really appropriate for the intended end use. That's just my opinion and of course ignores the collectors out there who collect simply because they like what they collect and donմ have to justify their motives to anyone except themselves (or wives or husbands or boyfriends or girlfriends LOL).

My personal preference (when hunting and camping and having to walk in some distance carrying everything) has always been towards a medium sized hunting knife (fixed blade) 

Linder (made in Germany using Japanese ATS-34) ATS34 Super Edge 2 Hunting knife, superb utility knife good for general camping as well.

and a sturdy folding knife, 

Built like a tank, Extrema Ratio RAOII folding/come fixed blade knife

More than capable of weekends away, the Extrema Ratio RAOII roller lock knife

preferably a lock back knife. 

Neito Large lock back folder

What type of distances are we talking about? I'd say approximately 10Km round trip maximum. It may not sound very far but negotiating 10Km of trackless bush carrying a bow and a pack can take some time and effort, so one needs to be thorough with what they carry.

The situation and environment will dictate what I choose to carry. For example: fishing on a deserted island in the tropics, I would choose differently again.

Addendum

Maybe this article is exactly what you want, in that you will now have a valid excuse to purchase several different knife types in order to satisfactorily kit your self out for your various different excursions. :)!

BushCampingTools

Here are some FAQ's from Citizen re your ECO DRIVE.

Here are some FAQ's from Citizen re your ECO DRIVE.

BTW here is also a review of the watch shown here

Outside unfiltered late afternoon winer sun (as long as possible) Citizen BN 0176-08E 300m ECO DRIVE Promaster saturation diver's watch.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: CITIZEN ECO-DRIVE
What is Eco-Drive?
Citizen Eco-Drive watches use the simplest, yet most technically advanced power generating and storage system in the Watch Manufacturing Industry. A Solar conversion panel and energy cell are the power provider for these Quartz Watches. Eco-Drive’s ability to use light from any source to generate electrical power means that the supply is limitless and free. The absence of any added complex power generating machinery that would require additional upkeep is another big advantage.
What is a solar panel?
The Eco-Drive watch uses a microns thin disc of amorphous Silicon under the dial to convert light energy into electrical energy through the photovoltaic process. The electrical energy is then stored in a special energy storage cell . The charging is done in a more efficient manner than was ever before thought possible. Because of this newly developed technology, it is now practical to use a wide variety of attractive dials.
How is energy stored in my Eco-Drive?
A special Eco-Drive energy storage cell is used to store the electricity from the converted light energy. The high quality of the cell precludes it from being affected from the regular charge/discharge cycle as with an ordinary battery. With normal care and exposure to light, the owner can be assured of a lifetime of reliable and trouble free power. As an added benefit to the environment, the energy cell contains none of the chemicals used in ordinary watch batteries.
Why does my instruction booklet refer to a “Secondary Battery” if my Eco-Drive doesn’t have a battery?
The Energy Cell is referred to as a “secondary battery” since the primary power is from light that is converted to electricity. There is really only one energy storage cell in your Eco-Drive watch. Unlike Eco- Drive watches, most quartz watches use a silver oxide battery technically referred to as a primary power source or battery which is used until depleted and then discarded.
How long will the energy storage cell last in my watch?
The rechargeable cell featured in Eco Drive watches is a highly specialized unit. Many times, it is incorrectly referred to as a “capacitor”. This cell will last up to 40 years. Certainly charge capacity will diminish over

time, but even after 20 years, these specialized cells are rated to retain 80% of their original capacity. It is highly unusual for these cells to fail. Most commonly, if an Eco Drive is stopping it is more indicative of a low charge. If it is running slow, it may indicate it is time to have the movement serviced.
What does it mean when the second hand on my watch jumps two seconds at a time?
It means that the reserve power is getting low and the energy cell needs to be fully recharged by expos- ing it to light for a period of time outlined in your owner’s manual. This may also occur after fully recharging your watch after a complete discharge of the energy cell. If you have fully charged your watch and the second hand continues to move in two second intervals, you need to do an all reset of the watch. For simple analog models, pull the crown out to the time setting position for 30 seconds, then return the crown to the closed position next to the case, then set the time. For multi-function models, please refer to your owners manual.
How can I tell if the watch is getting enough light?
In normal use, the watch displays the time and the seconds hand moves in 1-second intervals. For mod- els that do not feature a seconds hand, the minute hand will move 1/3 of a minute every 20-seconds. A very important feature of Eco-Drive is the Low Charge Warning Mode which as a result of low energy cell voltage causes the second hand to jump two seconds at a time or the minute hand will move in 1-minute increments(while still keeping correct time). Additionally on models that have enhanced features such as a Chronograph, these features may not operate while in a low charge state.
When the low charge feature is activated, your watch should be fully charged by exposing it to bright light as outlined in recharging guidelines in your instruction manual and in the technical support
section of our website.
What does it mean when my second hand jumps alternately in one then two-second intervals?
It means that your watch has stopped and it needs to be charged up and set to the correct time. See Time Reset Advisory following.
Why does my watch appear to have lost time, even though it is still running?
A second important feature, Time Reset Advisory, warns that the watch has stopped completely and then been exposed to enough light to start running again. The time shown would likely be incorrect and need to be reset after recharging the watch sufficiently. To indicate this warning, the sweep second hand movement

alternates between two, one second jumps and a two second jump (hitch movement) with the following two exceptions: the Eco-Drive two hand models and the Eco-Drive Chronograph.
How do I get my watch to return to normal operation?
After the watch has completely stopped and been fully recharged by exposure to bright light, you may notice the watch continues an erratic operation. This is known as the Time Reset Warning (hitch movement) mode until one or the other of two things happen:
First, if the watch is set to the correct time after partial recharging, the hitch movement will change to a two step movement indicating that more charging is needed. While charging is continued, the watch will keep correct time and after sufficient charging, will go back to the regular one second step by itself.
Second, if the watch is not set until after it is charged up to a sufficient level where the circuit signals the watch to start the one second step again, it will stay in the Time Reset Advisory (hitch) mode. However, after it has reached the above charge level, and the time on the watch is set, it will go back to the normal one second step movement.
The amount of charging time, under varying light conditions, to go from a stopped watch to a one second step is shown in each instruction book.
When the watch has received the charging time recommended in its instruction book, the all reset has been performed and the time has been set, the irregular movement of the hands will stop The sweep second hand on the Three Hand models and on the Chronograph will then return to the one second step and the minute hand on the Two Hand models will return to the normal 1/3 minute stepping operation. Reminder: the re- charging time, shown in each instruction book will differ depending on the caliber number.
The ALL RESET procedure varies by model. For simple analog models, pull the crown out to the time setting position, leave for 30 seconds, then return to the closed position next to the case. For multifunction and perpetual calendar models, refer to your owners manual for appropriate procedures.
What is the quick start feature?
Many Eco-Drive watches are equipped with a Quick Start Feature. This feature activates after your watch has become completely discharged then exposed to light sufficient for charging. It takes only several seconds of exposure to bright light to start it running. The instant the watch starts running, it enters into the Time Reset Advisory mode. This is indicated by the irregular movement of the second or minute hand (described previously under the Time Reset Advisory section). Be sure to fully charge your watch as outlined in your instruction booklet otherwise your watch may stop once removed from the light. Once your watch has been completely charged, be sure to perform the ‘all reset’ and set the time (and other features your watch may have) to restore regular operation.

How long will my watch run after it is fully charged?
Your watch is designed to run continuously and will do so if it is regularly exposed to bright light. Your watch uses very little energy and that is easily replenished during normal use. If your watch is put away where no light is available to it while in a fully charged state, depending on the model, it will run for from 45 days to 5 years (for models with power save feature). Most models have a 180 day power reserve.
Why doesn’t my watch seem to be charging?
The predominant reason for failure to charge is that the watch is not getting sufficient light. Influencing this are the short cloudy days and long nights of winter. It is advisable that the watch be used normally, but exposed to bright light on a regular basis in order to enjoy its carefree use.
How can I be sure that the watch is not faulty?
If your watch is an Eco Drive model, be sure to ensure it is fully charged. Follow the guidelines in the instruction manual that came with your watch to fully recharge, perform the “all reset” and set the correct time on your watch. After that is done, if the watch still does not operate normally, you should send your watch to your nearest Authorised Service Centre for review. If you are located in the United States, you should send it to our Torrance location.
NOTE: The vast majority of the Eco-Drive watches returned to us for service only need recharging to restore proper operation. Be sure to try fully charging your watch and perform the all reset before sending for service.
What should I do if I had the energy cell replaced after my watch stopped, but it still doesn’t run?
An occasional repair request received by our Repair Department is due to Eco-Drive watches that have had ordinary silver oxide batteries substituted for the original Eco- Drive energy cell. In some instances, the movements have been damaged as the special cells which feature soldered contacts have been pried out of the movement causing physical damage. In almost every case, all that was needed was a full recharge
of the watch.
A warning label, placed on the inside case back of each Eco-Drive model, states, “do not put other than the energy cell designated” and the part number for the rechargeable energy cell, 295-XX, appears prominently on the movement cover. Additionally, the correct energy cell may feature a spot welded gold coloured connecting strap which is necessary to make contact with the circuit of the watch. There is no such connector on a silver oxide substitute so no connection can be made to the circuit, consequently the watch will not run. In some watches, the original energy cell has been pried out, damaging the circuit and displacing parts, which

may result in the need to replace the entire movement.
As replacement of the original energy cell is not the result of a manufacturing defect, correction is not covered by the warranty. We recommend that you send your timepiece to your nearest Authorised Service Centre for review and estimation for the cost of correcting this issue.
Is it possible to damage my Eco-Drive watch with excessive heat during charging?
Although not a frequently occurring problem, the Repair Department receives Eco-Drive watches which are damaged due to excessive heat during recharging. Warning is given in the instruction books not to subject the watch to conditions where the temperature may exceed 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Examples given are: charging the watch on the dashboard of a car, using an incandescent lamp (regular light bulb) closer than 20” or using a Halogen lamp.
How can I recharge my Eco-Drive in a safe manner?
Once your watch has been fully charged, exposing it daily to ambient light is sufficient to keep it charged but not sufficient for full charging from a full depletion of power. If you find your watch needs supplemental charging, it can be safely charged with a fluorescent desk lamp by placing the watch with the dial (face) up and within about 8 inches or an incandescent lamp (regular light bulb) no closer than 20 inches. Be sure to refer to your owners manual for recharge times for your model. If your watch has stopped completely or is in a low charge state, we do not recommend this type of light as it can take a very long period of exposure to fully charge your watch. The best type of light for this purpose is the sun.
Never use a halogen or flood type of lamp since the heat generated by these can cause certain components to become deformed and unusable (this type of damage is not covered by the warranty.) If your watch has become fully discharged, the most efficient and the quickest is in direct bright sunlight (not a window sill as glass windows filter light frequencies and never on the dashboard of a car.)
How can you help me recharge my Eco-Drive?
Eco-Drive timepieces feature a variety of functions and specifications. For optimal performance, we recommend the watch be exposed to light each and every day. In most instances, your watch has stopped or appears to operate erratically it is simply in need of full recharging. Charge rates and run times
vary by model.
If the watch has lost complete power, be sure to perform the ALL RESET and 0- POSITION PROCEDURE (if applicable) as outlined in your instruction manual before setting the time.

This gives the watch a “starting” point after losing power. If this is not done, the watch may continue to operate in an irregular fashion, although fully charged.
Many of the Eco-Drive watches incorporate special features, such as a low charge warning, power save function or quick start. Features specific to your model are outlined in your instruction booklet.
What is the Low Charge Warning?
Low charge warnings are visible clues that your timepiece is in need of a full recharge. These warnings include irregular movement of the second or minute hand and special positioning of indicator hands on some of the more complicated pieces. Your instruction manual will outline the specific low charge warning
for your timepiece.
What is the Power Save Feature?
Some Eco Drive models incorporate a special power save function to conserve power when the watch is not exposed to light sufficient for charging. This enables the watch to have extended run times from a
single full charge.
Power Save features activate automatically when the watch has sufficient power stored for normal operation but is not receiving light sufficient for charging. Although certain functions “shut down”, the correct time is kept internally.
What is the Quick Start feature?
Some models incorporate a quick start feature in which although not charged, the watch will start running after only a few seconds of exposure to light. Be sure to note that the watch is in need of a full charge as it does not have sufficient power stored to maintain normal operation when not exposed to light
sufficient for charging. 

Now here is my super detailed review of the Citizen PROMASTER MARINE ECO DRIVE BN 0176-08E 300M DIVER.

Old Citizen 100m with Radioactive markers!

Vintage (well not really unless you call a 30 year old watch vintage) Citizen 281 9280 100m watch.

150 counts per second with a scintillation counter. Ok it's a sensitive counter but that's quite a bit over background levels.

Citizen 100m watch with Radioactive markers!

How to keep your ECO DRIVE COOL** whilst charging in full sun*

How to keep your ECO DRIVE COOL** whilst charging in full sun*

Even 20cm from a 125W CFL lamp, it will take many hours for a full charge.

Here is a quick video of a small computer fan rigged up to blow cooler air onto my watch whilst it charges in full sunlight! 
Note that for interior lighting, your ECO DRVE will never become fully charged. I believe I obtained 20 plus years from my 7878 movement ECO DRIVE by making sure the watch saw full sunlight on my wrist until I had satisfied the approximate charging times as stated by Citizen. Then to make sure it was not covered by my sleeve. This is how I wear a watch anyway.

Remembering the main cause of returning ECO DRIVE watches to some service centres globally is because people have simply cooked their batteries. Abide by the temperature ranges set in the charging guidelines!

*As long as the ambient air is cool!

** No responsibility taken for over heating your watch and frying your battery!

Late afternoon (full) winter sun, isn't going to cook your watch.

Correct charging will help to get you best possible longevity from your ECO DRIVE!

Banned from WATCHUSEEK over some posts about this watch! The Citizen BN 0176-08E

Well it seems I must have offended someone over at WATCHUSEEK forum about a couple of posts about the Citizen BN0176-08E because after less than 10 posts I received what appears to be an automated message telling me I have been banned forever LOL! Interesting, as I broke none of their guidelines but then when one reads the fine print of the many guidelines, it says it's all on the discretion of the moderators etc. then, that basically means one is allowed to post (like on any forum I guess) as long as some moderator isn't offended in reality, not the people who actually come there. If this was the case then there are Zero apologies forthcoming from me, as I tell it like it is and won't banter to someones ego just to "hang out" in some clicky group or give any forum bullies the chance to exercise their bravado hiding behind anonymity of the internet.

Anyway if you want to read some cool facts and some field based opinions about this watch and not just hearsay then this is the blog for you. 


And the offending video LOL



And here another blog about the great monster of a watch, the Citizen BN 0176-08E PROMASTER