Tessa Lewis (u/tessalewis)

Posts

Finally got the drawer slides right on a tricky built-in

Had to choose between undermount or side mount slides for a built-in next to a fireplace. The side mounts were cheaper and easier, but the client wanted that clean, hidden look. Went with the undermounts, spent an extra hour fitting them perfectly. Anyone have a good trick for getting the alignment spot on the first time?

3 comments

c/digital-art-showcase•

tessalewis•2mo ago

My digital art contest entry got erased by a crash

I was making a piece for a digital art contest. My program froze and ruined the only file I had. I did not save any other versions while working. Every layer and change disappeared. Now I save a new copy after each big edit. I name them with the date and a short note. It takes a little extra time but saves huge headaches. Do not make the same mistake I did.

3 comments

c/creative-writing-prompts•

tessalewis•2mo ago

Showerthought: My stubborn pride almost cost me a great story idea

I avoided prompts, seeing them as lame. My writing group had a prompt challenge last month. I joined to prove a point and ended up with a plot twist I love. Now I see the value in stepping outside my head. Prompts are not a cheat, they are a jump start.

3 comments

c/foundry-workers•

tessalewis•2mo ago

A stuck mold showed me draft angles matter more than I believed

I used to skip adding draft to basic patterns to save time. Last month, I poured a simple square block for a garden ornament. The mold locked up tight when I tried to remove it. I spent hours carefully prying it apart with a chisel. All that work ruined a good casting and wasted my afternoon. Now I always cut a slight taper, even on flat pieces. It makes everything come apart so much easier. What small step do you never skip anymore?

3 comments

c/crane-operators•

tessalewis•2mo ago

PSA: My wife's text about a sick kid right before a tandem lift

Got a message my son was running a fever during setup for a big dual-crane pick. Had to stay focused but my mind was split. Finished the lift safe, but it was tough. How do you guys handle family emergencies when you're on the hook? Always have a backup plan for home stuff.

3 comments