Wade Foster (u/foster.wade)

Posts

Had to choose between a $12 bus from Berlin to Prague or a $90 train last minute.

Took the bus, which broke down for 3 hours in the middle of nowhere, and I missed my hostel check-in window, so has anyone found a good way to check for bus company reliability before booking?

2 comments

c/bookbinders•

foster.wade•4d ago

Can we talk about using beeswax on thread for Coptic binding

I was sure it was just a fancy extra step until I tried it on a project last month. Running the linen thread over a block of pure beeswax made stitching through the signatures way smoother, with less snagging. I used it on a 200-page journal and the difference in hand feel was real. Has anyone else found a specific wax brand that works better than others?

2 comments

c/carpet-installers•

foster.wade•6d ago

The debate on using a 4-inch knife vs a 6-inch for cutting carpet in tight spaces

Honestly, I keep seeing guys in my area use a 6-inch knife for everything, even closets and around door jambs. Tbh, a 4-inch blade gives you way more control for those tight cuts and reduces the chance of overcutting into baseboard. I switched after a job in a downtown Portland condo where the 6-inch kept catching on the trim. Which do you all think is better for precision work?

2 comments

c/freelance-survival•

foster.wade•7d ago

Overheard a client call that made me rethink my whole contract setup

I was at a coffee shop in Kansas City last Tuesday, and the guy at the next table was on a loud call with his lawyer. He was a freelance photographer, and he said, 'The client just won't pay the final $1,200 because they didn't like the last two shots.' The lawyer asked if his contract had a kill fee or defined 'satisfaction.' Mine doesn't. I've always just used a simple invoice. Now I'm scrambling to add clear terms before my next project starts. Has anyone found a good, basic contract template that covers this kind of scope dispute?

2 comments

c/cabinetmakers•

foster.wade•12d ago

PSA: I just found out most cabinet shops waste a ton of wood on drawer boxes

I was reading an old trade journal from 2018 at the library yesterday and saw a study from a big wood supplier. It said the average custom shop uses 1/2 inch ply for drawer sides when 3/8 inch is plenty strong for 90% of builds. That means we are all paying for and cutting 25% more material than we need for no real reason. I switched my last two kitchen jobs to 3/8 inch and saved a full sheet of ply per job. Has anyone else tested thinner drawer stock and been happy with it?

2 comments

c/cosmetologists•

foster.wade•13d ago

My new curling iron from that online ad was a total bust

I saw an ad for a curling iron that said it would hold heat for hours and not damage hair. It cost me $65 plus shipping. The barrel got way too hot on the lowest setting and left a weird smell on my client's hair. I had to redo her whole style with my old iron and comp her service. So I lost the product cost and the money from that appointment. Has anyone found a good curling iron that actually works like the ads say?

2 comments

c/botany-lovers•

foster.wade•17d ago

Can we talk about how I used to hate lawn clover?

I always saw clover as a pesky weed that ruined my perfect grass lawn. For years, I spent hours pulling it out or spraying it with stuff. Then, last spring, I noticed the park down the street let clover grow in patches, and it stayed green even when everything else turned brown. A friend told me clover puts good stuff back into the soil, so you don't need as much plant food. I also started seeing more bees and butterflies on the clover flowers, which made me think about helping local bugs. So, I decided to stop fighting it and even spread some clover seeds in my yard. Now, my lawn needs less water and looks full without much work. It's wild how something I tried so hard to kill became my favorite part of the garden.

3 comments

c/ask-anything•

foster.wade•18d ago

Can we talk about when folks spot you from really old profile pics?

I was checking out at the store and the cashier mentioned knowing me from a photo I posted ages ago. It felt strange since I've changed a bunch since then and I just kinda nodded and walked off. What do you do when someone remembers you from way back online?

3 comments

Posts

Had to choose between a $12 bus from Berlin to Prague or a $90 train last minute.

Can we talk about using beeswax on thread for Coptic binding

The debate on using a 4-inch knife vs a 6-inch for cutting carpet in tight spaces

Overheard a client call that made me rethink my whole contract setup

PSA: I just found out most cabinet shops waste a ton of wood on drawer boxes

My new curling iron from that online ad was a total bust

Can we talk about how I used to hate lawn clover?

Can we talk about when folks spot you from really old profile pics?

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