#Alignment Shims

[livelaughlouistomlinson]

I Still Get Jealous.

Genre: Fluff with slight suggestion.

Warning: Jealous Louis and hickies!

Photography has always been your number one passion. Your parents had always encouraged you to work on your craft, which eventually paid off and led to owning your magazine publication. This meant working with a wide array of journalists and fashion assistants. You also had the luxury of meeting many faces, some famous, leading you to Louis.

You were sat at your kitchen table, typing away on your MacBook as Louis walked into your house. You had just recently given him a key to your place after a year of dating and he had zero hesitation about using it.

You had been swarmed with work emails all morning and you hadn’t even realized his presence until he put your usual iced coffee order down on the table beside you.

You momentarily jumped, causing an immediate devilish grin on your boyfriend’s face. You eyed him up and down taking in how handsome he looked, which was no surprise to you.

“It’s quite alarming how you didn’t hear me come in. It makes me wonder how easily someone could come in here and just kidnap you” he teased, but you knew he had a slight undertone of worry in his voice.

You took a sip of your coffee, silently thanking your lucky stars that you had a boyfriend who paid enough attention to get your coffee order right. Louis truthfully thought you were a bit wild for drinking an iced coffee in the middle of winter but he didn’t say anything about it regardless of his thought.

“You have a key! You know I keep every door and window under a tight lock and key” you giggled, standing up to properly greet him. You lunged into his arms, wrapping yourself around his waist, and pulling him in for a kiss before he could give a quick-witted response.

“Are you still coming to work with me today?” You knew that’s the only reason he was up at this hour, his beautiful blue eyes accompanied by his sleepy gray eye-bags. He had been asking to join you at work for months now and when your schedules finally aligned he refused to miss the opportunity even if he was exhausted.

“Of course love! That’s why I’m here. I’m excited to see you in your element.” He loved that you both were passionate about your work and you had been to several shows while he was on tour so assisting you at work felt like a no-brainer.

“Did you forget that’s how we met? ” you smiled as you walked to your bedroom, with Louis following closely behind you. You turned on the space heater you had on his usual side of the bed, knowing he ran a lot colder than you.

“I mean, of course, I remember. But I don’t usually get to go to work with you. You see me in action all the time!” He sat beside the heater, making you smile at how well you knew one another.

“Very true” you hummed as you changed into a work-appropriate outfit, throwing your pajamas to the side.

Louis kept his eyes on you as you jumped into your jeans, shimming the denim over your butt. You put on some classic Adidas sambas a T-shirt and one of Louis oversized jackets.

“I had wondered where that went” he let out a soft chuckle as you motioned for him to follow you, finally ready to leave for the day.

Louis slid into the passenger seat of your jeep. “This feels so weird to me, I should be the one driving” he scoffed before putting his seatbelt on.

“I like driving to work! I’m used to my car and all my stuff is in here anyway. ” You giggled as you put your purse in the backseat behind you before getting into the driver's side.

“Clara will be there today. She’ll be my assistant photographer, and I’m not sure who else will be there on the team this morning but everyone’s super excited you’ll be there.”

Louis felt a sense of pride hearing that, knowing you probably spoke highly about him to the people you work with made him feel butterflies in his stomach.

“Is Clara the one who made fun of my accent at your Christmas party?” He jokingly narrowed his eyes at you as he sipped on his remaining coffee.

“Baby! She didn’t mean to!” You couldn’t help but giggle at how often Louis brought this up. “When Clara gets nervous she just does a British accent. It’s like engrained in her DNA or something. She’s been doing that for years!”

Louis giggled, placing a comforting hand on your thigh and squeezing it as you pulled into the parking lot. “I know love! I’m only teasing! It’s fun to see you get worked up though.”

You scoffed playfully and put your car in park, Louis quickly made his way to your side to open your door and help you unload some of your equipment from the back.

Clara saw you and Louis arrive in the parking lot, she rushed to open the door for the two of you to come inside the building. Clara would never admit it to Louis but you were well aware that she was a big One Direction fan and was excited to pick his brain all day.

“Hey, boss lady!” She hummed as she held the door open.

“Good morning” you chirped, happy to see her familiar face.

“Good morning Clara” Louis narrowed his eyes at her playfully.

“Good morning Louis” Clara giggled as she helped you start to set things up before your client came in.

“Do you need me to help with something?” Louis stood close to you, shifting his weight back and forth on his feet, seemingly bored out of his mind without a task given to him.

“Jason in the wardrobe department actually did want a male perspective on today’s looks!” Clara suggested and Louis quickly followed the signs to wardrobe.

“Jason? A male perspective? Now I know you’re lying” you whispered as Louis disappeared into a nearby room.

Clara blushed innocently, “he’s excited to meet Louis and I didn’t know what else to say.”

“I promise this won’t be the only time he comes with me, you guys!” You giggled knowing everyone was eager to get their five minutes with him.

Krystal, who works in the lighting department couldn’t help but chuckle to herself as she set up the room. “Bring your beautiful boyfriend to work day huh? I didn’t get the memo! I would’ve brought mine.” She teased.

“Isn’t he? Beautiful I mean.” Morgan another lighting specialist walked into the room, making the room roar with audible laughter.

Your face grew warmer by the second, “don’t let him hear you. He is well aware!”

You secretly loved that everyone was fawning over your Louis.

Jason and Louis quickly brought a rack of clothing options out onto the set. Louis was confident with the outfits he suggested, sitting down with the rest of the crew as you gave him a quick peck on the lips before excusing yourself to get the person you were photographing today.

When you two walked back into the room it felt as though time stopped, and all eyes were now on him.

Lars Kipton.

A Russian model, who bares the weight of being the only son of a very wealthy hotel heir. He had been in a lot of publications recently, as he had struck his first deal with Gucci, he was rich, tall, and extremely photogenic, a winning triple threat.

You were eager to snag him up for your February Valentine's cover story, and he was quick to say yes, much to your surprise.

Lars quickly stole the energy in the room, and Louis felt the shift immediately. A wave of relief came off of him, knowing the attention was on someone new. The relief didn’t last long once he realized how mesmerized Lars was by you, his captivating green eyes latched to you as you introduced him to everyone and gave direction.

Louis sprang out of his seat, quick to introduce himself as your boyfriend. The firm handshake exchanged by the two did not go unnoticed by you and the rest of the room.

Lars was easy on the eyes, and you could see why girls all over the world were so smitten with him but you only had eyes for Louis, and you were confident he knew that.

Right?

“It’s a pleasure to work with all of you. I’ve heard great things” Lars immediately turned on the charm which didn’t go unnoticed by Louis. Especially because he addressed the room but only made direct eye contact with you.

You and your team worked quickly, as Louis sat and watched the entire exchange. You’d adjust Lars clothes every so often, giving him some direction and trying your best not to be too handsy ( not that Lars was complaining.)

“You have such a gentle touch, I like it. There’s nothing like the touch of a beautiful woman.” Lars smiled, keeping eye contact with you, his dimpled cheeks prominent on his perfectly chiseled face.

Louis shifted uncomfortably in his seat, trying his best not to make it too obvious that he was beyond irritated.

He pulled his phone out, trying to distract himself from what he had just heard, gnawing on the inside of his cheeks instinctively.

You awkwardly laughed off the exchange, politely thanking Lars before walking back to your monitors to see what photos had been taken so far. You noticed the flush look on Louis face and walked over to him.

“Are you okay? Are you hungry? We have-“

“I’m fine” he replied coldly, as he scrolled on his phone. He refused to look up at you, avoiding your eye contact as you stood in front of him.

“What’s wrong?” You whispered, trying not to draw any attention to yourselves as Clara took over.

“Nothing” he lied before putting his phone down in his lap. He faked a smile, but you knew him better than that, feeling the sass radiate off of him. You didn’t have the time to concern yourself if he wasn’t ready to discuss it so you nodded and got back to work.

“Lars? Can you put your right foot out in front of you? The pattern of the pants will elongate your legs.” You demonstrated what you meant but Lars pretended to not get it.

“Can you physically show me? I don’t think I understand” he smirked, looking past you and over to Louis. Louis was never great at biting his tongue, immediately popping up from his seat for a smoke break, the door shutting loudly behind him.

Clara looked at you and you nodded, excusing yourself but not before you quietly asked Jason to step in and help with wardrobe.

You rushed to follow Louis to the side of your building where he was already halfway through a cigarette, he was angrily mumbling to himself when you stood before him.

“What the fuck was that about?” You felt a wave of emotions come over you, on one hand, Louis had slightly embarrassed you in front of a client but on the other hand, if he was actually jealous, you might kind of love it.

“Baby!” His voice was high-pitched and defensive as he waved around a cigarette. “You can’t be fucking serious! You know that fucking guy in there has been flirting with you from the second he walked in!”

He didn’t give you a moment to respond before he continued to ramble. “You thanked him too! I know this is your job so I’m trying not to overreact but seriously fuck that guy! You should’ve told him to-“ he paused noticing the giant grin on your face.

“Louis? Are you seriously jealous?” You folded your arms against your chest as you watched him take an unnecessarily long drag of his cigarette with his eyes fluttering closed. The smug look on your face was enough to drive him crazy.

“Louis Tomlinson- are you jealous?” You giggled, slightly more excited than you meant for it to come out.

“No” he lied, realizing only now that he really had nothing to worry about. “I don’t get jealous, not ever.” He was lying through his teeth and his shy smile was a dead giveaway.

“No?” You stepped closer to him, closing the space between you two now as Louis backed up against the wall of the building.

“Nope,” he rolled his eyes as he took another drag, trying to avoid your gaze as he blew the smoke away from you.

“Not even when he told me I had a…” you smiled knowing exactly what you were doing before you leaned into his ear “Gentle touch?”

Louis couldn’t hide it anymore, and he knew you were well aware. He threw his cigarette down, stomping it into the ground, his hands were entangled in your hair within seconds, passionately kissing you like you were the air he needed to breathe. His kisses grew sloppy and more passionate by the second, he didn’t care who saw and hoped more than anything that Lars would walk out of that building at any second.

“Admit it” you moaned between kisses, your hands getting lost in his hair, the two of you could hardly breathe.

“Okay, fuck, I’m jealous” he rasped as he fought for breath against your lips, he had no plans of stopping anytime soon as he suddenly latched onto your neck, something he had never done before.

“Lou!” You gasped, feeling the pit of your stomach growing warmer at the sensation against your neck. He was marking his territory and you hated to admit you were enjoying every second of it.

“Now you know how I feel” you smugly replied as you pulled away from him, checking your neck in the reflection of your phone.

“You? Jealous?” He seemed surprised but he rather enjoyed this slight toxicity.

“Every single room we walk into people are already madly in love with you. It was a nice change, I won’t lie” You rubbed your neck slightly making him blush as he admired the love bite he left on your neck.

“I only care if you’re madly in love with me though” he lit another cigarette as you leaned over to kiss his cheek.

“You already know that I am and you have nothing to worry about, you know that right?”

He nodded, pulling you closer to him as he finished his cigarette.

[ccinagalaxyfaraway]

He stumbles back to the barracks. Catch is waiting for him. There are no supplies in the medbay. There have been riots and injuries. What are they going to do?

Let it all burn. What does it matter? What does any of it matter? Wolffe is beyond caring.

Wolffe regains consciousness a few seconds later flat on his back, his face and skull throbbing. He spits out a mouthful of blood. Catch is the angriest Wolffe has ever seen him. So much for professionalism.

A number of four-letter words and related directives spill from Catch's mouth.

Wolffe declines to follow the suggestion and stumbles to his feet. He offers to overlook the insubordination.

Catch rejects the offer with more four-letter words. He'd sooner procreate with a Zygerrian.

Wolffe suggests he might know where one could be found.

Catch suggests Wolffe might try first since his moral compass was clearly similarly aligned. How else could he turn his back on everything Plo Koon had stood for?

There is a brawl.

Afterwards, they are both sat in medbay while Shim cleans them both up with the meagre water rations and rags available.

His last suggestion was perhaps uncalled for, Catch offers.

No one could get to the truth of things like a brother, Wolffe concedes. He has been consumed by regret for so many things lately. For action and inaction. For being blinded by fear. For letting everyone down.

It wasn't too late to change, Catch says. Not while they still drew breath.

He sounded like Plo, Wolffe says.

Fancy that, Catch says.

Shim finishes up and leaves them alone.

What now? Catch asks. They have no supplies. There have been riots and injuries. They are facing decommissioning, and the Republic has already shown they will decommission anyone who gets in the way of their plan.

Wolffe makes a face like his namesake. He's been thinking about insurrection lately. Maybe Catch would like to hear more about it.

[themontess]

WIP Wednesday

Tagged (again) by @the-font-bandit as (this time) she knows I am working on something. Feather and Scale is getting a bonus content (mainly 🔥🔥🔥) offshoot, starting with the Rook x Spite hand stuff mentioned in the latest part. It starts pretty sweet though...

“Come on, you,” Rook ordered, climbing out and leaving the bedroll open for him. “Strip and get in.” By the time the flap was closed, Lucanis was down in his base layers, curled up on his side between the blankets. His shakes had lessened to a gentle shiver, though his breath still puffed up like steam. “Oh, caro mio.” Rook was sympathetic as she shimmed in behind him, aligning her chest to his back, her knees to his knees. She wormed one arm beneath his side and the mat, then brought the other around the top to join it in a tight embrace. She clasped his hands in hers. “We need to get you some better gloves.” “We need to stop climbing fucking mountains.” Lucanis was adorable when he complained. Rook hooked her chin over his shoulder and nipped at his earlobe. “Even when it gives us time alone like this?” she asked. Lucanis laughed out a breath. “If you start extolling the survival benefits of sharing body warmth…” “Would I be wrong?”

Open tag if you see this - tag me back so I can read your words 🤩

[collectivelibrary-archived]

hi hi! we have a headmate looking for goth/lovecore neos, would you please be so kind to help us out? (please please please w a cherry on top :>)

thank you, and no rush!!

hello! that sounds really cool! and fun fact ; you're our last request before our trip on Wednesday its for our (bodily) birthday! :D /pos Since you didn't name a preference I'll just do neutral :3

lovecore ;;

neu; soft/softie (or softy) fluff/fluffie (or fluffy), pink/pinks, pas/pastel, stuffie/stuffies, bun/buns, kit/kitten, pup/pups, hug/hugs, love/lover, love/loves, heart/hearts, cud/cuddle, cuddle/cuddles, cu/cute, cu/cupid, vale/valentine, luv/luvs, lover/kid, loverkid/loverkids (alternatively, loverboy or lovergirl if they're binary-aligned), cher/cherish, tend/tender, rom/romantic, blu/blush, shim/shimmer, glitter/glitters, flutter/flutters, ang/angel, ethereal/ethereals, cher/cherub, pearl/pearls, ru/by, rub/ruby, ruby/rubys

gothic ;;

neu; nyct/nycto, fog/fogs, dark/darks, shadow/shadows, odd/odds, vamp/vamps, vamp/vampires, fang/fangs, ghost/ghosts, crypt/cryptid, spir/spirit, pol/poltergeist, geist/geists, spec/spect , bo/bones, skull/skulls, spider/web, web/webs, swo/sword, spear/spears, scythe/scythes

We hope these work for them! If not, feel free to send in another ask when requests are open again :3

[bubbledragum]

kinda sat on the update for a bit to get my feelings on it. big post, i'm sorry. i'm open to hear about what uses people have found for effects i'm not a fan of, though! i'd like to broaden my customization tastes, and i might be thinking too narrowly when it comes to uses they have.

Dragon Only

a few are really nice, and subtle enough that they won't deeply impact a dragon's appearance. foil, shimmerscale, and glitz are surprisingly neat, with glitz being on the more heavyhanded end but still makes for a fine alternative to the other two that would fit well on a few dragon concepts off the top of my head.

i'm not a fan of the void one as far as 'subtle' ones go; it looks too 'stock image' like for my tastes and feels like looking at one of those light projectors you'd buy for halloween. i'm sure someone has a use case for it. pastel pulse isn't great for me, either; its texture map is a grid of perfectly aligned circles of varying saturations, ending with some of them being warped and some swooshes with high contrast. the intensity of the pastel makes it really hard to see the effect, too, so it feels like another stock image situation. i suppose it'd make for an alright stained alternative if you needed to use the tertiary slot for something else, but it's so heavy on the pastel that it's hard to fill that role. maybe a smoother gradient could have made it an effective (ha ha) animated iri/shim. dearly departed is a super cool concept but the result is a little off. the foggy effect on the lower end of the image is neato, but it's miserable on dragons whose faces are low (mirrors, everlux male, female imp...), or are more top heavy so it doesn't show well. i'll probably get a copy anyway, and do have an idea of which dragon could use it. Apparel Only sheen absolutely could be used on almost anything. simple, effective, does what it needs to and doesn't overstay its welcome. it's personally the best of the bunch to me as an avid shiny-things lover (probably a crow). possessed possessions looks like it's best used on dragons with minimal apparel, since the effect heavily reduces the lineart visibility of each piece and can turn it into a big blob of purple slime. i wish it could be on select pieces instead of all of them, but it's one of those limitations we need to hope for a solution to. all the same, that big blob of purple slime is neat looking on some heavily dressed dragons if you coordinate the clothing right. also you need to imagine chicken/bird/snake/frog spirits. do it for your mental health. spooky chickens. All-Over:

sunrise, moonrise feels like it was their first attempt at something fitting the role of an animated skin, and it's so hyper niche due to the landscape part of the effect. a day/night cycle effect without the landscape probably would have had more use for a wider audience. it likely appeals to some of the folks who like landscape skins, though, and i live in fear of the ones who make it work really well. i can't tell if it's supposed to be an all-over one, though-- i can't see it affecting the apparel at all in its animations? (sidebar: living painting dragons seem like a neat idea that this effect can lean into) flutterby is really cute, though, and makes me excited to see what they do with the new system. i hope they can make effects similar to it most of all; gimme other little guys, or flowerfalls, or elemental effects like lightning, little meteor showers, or smouldering ash. floating books or NOTN living objects would be really cool! TL;DR: the idea needed more time to be polished, but i think it's an overall positive addition to the website. if they balance the kinds of effects they distribute (keeping in mind people who like subtler stuff as much as the grander ideas, as well as the spectrum between) and should they choose to expand their customization and layering systems in the near future, i can absolutely see this system being much more loved my the wider community and more users finding the benefits in it that suit their needs.

[anemoiawithatouchofobsession]

From top to bottom and left to right:

Lee Sang Ah - Lee Mi Yeon - Lee Ji Yeon, Choi Jin Shil - Choi Soo Ji - Ha Hee Ra - Shin Ae Ra, Shim Eun Ha - Lee Seung Yeon - Kang Susie

I think the stars aligned with this collage 😂 I featured 80-90s Korean nostalgic female celebs! I specifically wanted it to be actresses +singers that don't appear on TV frequently nowadays and are "tied" to that generation.

(The cartoon shown is Jjangu/Shinchan with Shinchan's parents and his little sister and dog. It is known as 짱구는 못말려 in Korea)

[yuripoll]

I know it's purely a matter of what I like not necessarily (well, quite rarely, clearly) aligning with public opinion, but god this has been a brutal poll bracket. So many of my faves are already out (Ano Koro no Aoi Hoshi, my beloved! And round 1, of all times! Not to mention all of Ōsawa Yayoi's works), and I'm honestly feeling like I've got worse luck with this than I do with office March Madness brackets haha

oh fr 😔😔😔...... ayahiro and shim chong both getting axed this round is agonising...

[victorgrovearts]

Shout out to my boi Shimmer. Shimmer, or some variation of them, is my go to character for for DnD type role playing games. A sweet, good alignment, generally nice, lunar moth boy rogue, who likes questing for gold. The gold goes to funding Shim's candle collecting hobby✨️

I put this illustration through some ai filters and I don't hate them 😅 they turned out much more typical anime and less Brian Froud.

[twinklingwatermellon]

Shim Jung Woo is Darcy coded in that he’s a man in a position of power who has a moral code aligned with those of his time, but starts out the story by not caring much about other people and thinking that it’s fine if he just stays in his lane and doesn’t do anything bad. But then, enter the female lead who makes him see that it’s not enough to just do your own thing, and that those in a position to help the downtrodden have the responsibility to do so. And then he does learn that lesson, and additionally has a chance to help the female lead out of a dire family situation/marriage-related scandal with her sister

[st4rb0xd-sysh3lp]

Catcrowic-Boygirlthing/Girlboything

A gender that relates to or feels like a mixture of a cat and a crow, while also being a girl, a boy, and a thing, all at once.

This xenogender is a mixture of Catcrowic by @nyanbinary-saltshaker and Girlboything/Boygirlthing by @decayedgender

Catcrowic is defined as:

A combination/Subset of both Catgender and Crowgender. When your gender feels like a cat that wants to sunbathe and sneak around; but it also feels like a crow who wants to cause chaos and steal shiny things. This gender doesn’t align to any binary gender, but can be paired with them like Catcrowicboy/Catcrowicgirl

Girlboything/Boygirlthing is defined as:

A gender where the user is both a girl and a boy but also a thing at the same time

A catcrowic-boygirlthing/girlboything can use any pronouns, but some examples of pronouns one might use are:

she/her, he/him, they/them, shey/shem, hey/hem, hi/hir, she/sher, shi/shim, it/its, caw/caws, nyah/nyahs, purr/purrs, fea/thers, or fur/furs

[thebestpooltablebrands]

How To Balance A Pool Table?

A perfectly balanced pool table is the heartbeat of every billiards game. If you've found yourself struggling with uneven rolls or biased gameplay, it’s time to master the art of leveling your pool table. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the steps to ensure your table is balanced like a pro. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a passionate beginner, ensuring your table is level will improve your game and enhance your overall experience. Get ready to transform your playing surface and up your billiards game!

Why Balance Matters

Consistent Gameplay

A balanced table ensures that the balls roll true. If your table is unbalanced, you might notice balls veering off course or stopping unexpectedly. This can seriously affect your game, making it difficult to play accurately.

Read more at here

Prevents Wear and Tear

Over time, an unbalanced pool table can lead to uneven wear on the felt and cushions. This not only degrades the quality of your table but can also become costly in the long run. Balancing your table helps distribute the weight evenly, extending the life of your playing surface.

Enhances Skills

Playing on a balanced table helps you improve your skills more effectively. When the table is level, you can trust that your shots are accurate. This allows you to focus on technique rather than compensating for an uneven surface.

Tools You Need

Spirit Level

A spirit level is your best friend when it comes to leveling a pool table. It measures whether a surface is perfectly horizontal (level) or vertical (plumb). Opt for a high-quality, accurate level for the best results.

Shims

Shims are thin, wedge-shaped pieces of material that you place under the legs of your pool table to adjust its height. They come in various materials, including wood, plastic, and metal. Keep a selection handy for precise adjustments.

Measuring Tape

A measuring tape helps you ensure that your table is aligned correctly in its space. Accurate measurements prevent any discrepancies that could throw off your leveling efforts.

Initial Setup

Position Your Table

Before you start leveling, make sure your table is in its final position. Moving it after leveling can undo all your hard work. Make sure there’s enough room around the table for players to move freely.

Check the Floor

Ensure the floor where your table will sit is as level as possible. An uneven floor can complicate the leveling process. Use your spirit level to check for any major discrepancies.

Assemble the Table

If you’re setting up a new table, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for assembly. Ensure all bolts and screws are tightened properly but do not secure them fully until the table is leveled.

Leveling the Table

Use the Spirit Level

Place the spirit level on the playing surface of your table. Check the level in multiple directions (lengthwise, widthwise, and diagonally). This will give you a comprehensive view of any tilt in your table.

Adjust the Legs

Most modern pool tables come with adjustable legs. If yours does, use the built-in adjusters to raise or lower each leg until the table is level. If your table doesn’t have adjustable legs, you’ll need to use shims.

Insert Shims

For tables without adjustable legs, shims are the way to go. Carefully lift each leg and insert shims as needed. Check the level after each adjustment to ensure you’re moving in the right direction. Be patient—this process can take some time.

Fine-Tuning

Recheck the Level

Once you think you have the table level, double-check all your measurements. Place the spirit level in various positions on the table to ensure consistency.

Tighten the Bolts

After confirming that your table is level, tighten all bolts and screws securely. This helps maintain the adjustments you’ve made and keeps the table stable during play.

Test with Balls

Roll a few balls across the table to test your work. Watch how they move and adjust if necessary. This final step ensures that your table is perfectly balanced for gameplay.

Maintenance Tips

Regular Checks

It’s essential to check the level of your table regularly. Floors can shift, and tables can settle over time. A quick check every few months can save you from major adjustments later.

Clean the Felt

Keeping the felt clean can affect the balance and performance of your table. Dust and debris can accumulate, causing uneven surfaces. Use a table brush or vacuum to keep it pristine.

Avoid Excessive Weight

Avoid placing heavy objects on your pool table. Excessive weight can cause the slate to warp or the legs to become unbalanced over time. Keep your table for playing, not for storage.

Conclusion

Balancing your pool table might seem daunting, but with the right tools and a little patience, you can achieve a perfectly level playing surface. This not only enhances your gaming experience but also prolongs the life of your table. Whether you’re an experienced player or new to the game, a balanced table is crucial for accurate, enjoyable play.

Ready to take your billiards game to the next level? Sign up for our newsletter for more tips and exclusive offers from our community of enthusiasts. Happy playing!

[nouveau-riche-princess]

i gotta buy a flycutter so we can get this fucking piece in for the alignment on a machine like come on man you guys dont got a better idea than grind shims til its in??

[goldenowlomes]

Quality Door And Window Fitting: A Key To Comfort And Security

When it comes to home improvement, few upgrades offer as much impact as proper door and window fitting. Whether you're replacing old units or starting from scratch in a new build, knowing how to install doors and windows correctly is essential. Not only does it enhance your home's appearance, but it also boosts energy efficiency, security, and overall comfort.

Why Proper Door and Window Fitting Matters

Every homeowner understands the frustration of a drafty window or a door that won’t close properly. These issues often stem from poor installation or outdated fittings. High-quality door and window fitting helps solve these problems and provides long-term benefits such as:

Improved insulation: Prevent heat loss in winter and keep cool air inside during summer.

Noise reduction: A tight seal minimizes outside noise, creating a peaceful indoor environment.

Enhanced security: Well-installed units are harder to tamper with or break into.

Increased property value: New, properly fitted doors and windows add curb appeal and market value.

Steps to Install Doors and Windows Efficiently

The process to install doors and windows involves more than just inserting a frame. It requires precision, patience, and planning. Here are the general steps professionals follow:

Measure accurately Before any installation, measuring the opening is crucial. A miscalculation can lead to gaps or misaligned frames.

Inspect the opening Make sure the space is clean and structurally sound. This prevents long-term issues such as sagging or water damage.

Dry-fit the unit Place the door or window temporarily to confirm it fits before securing it permanently.

Level and shim Use a level to ensure alignment, and shims to hold the frame in place during installation.

Secure and seal Once aligned, the fixture is screwed into place and sealed with caulking to prevent air or water leaks.

Insulate and finish Gaps are filled with insulation foam, and the trim is added for a neat, finished look.

Tips for Successful Installation

If you plan to undertake door and window fitting yourself or supervise a project, keep these tips in mind:

Always double-check measurements before cutting or ordering products.

Use high-quality insulation and sealant for long-term durability.

Avoid installing during extreme weather, which can affect materials and sealing.

Pro tip: Even though some homeowners opt for DIY methods, hiring professionals to install doors and windows often results in better outcomes and longer-lasting results.

Choosing the Right Doors and Windows

Your choice of doors and windows should match your home’s style and functional needs. Popular materials include:

Vinyl – low maintenance, good insulation

Wood – classic appearance, but requires upkeep

Aluminum – durable and modern, but less energy efficient

Glazing options like double or triple-pane windows add extra insulation, while smart locks and multi-point locking systems improve security.

Maintaining Your Fitted Doors and Windows

Once your doors and windows are installed, regular maintenance can extend their lifespan:

Lubricate hinges and locks every few months.

Check weather stripping annually for wear.

Clean glass and tracks regularly to prevent buildup.

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Whether you're upgrading your entire home or just replacing a few units, Golden Owl Homes is your trusted partner to install doors and windows seamlessly and efficiently.

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Cabinet Repair Man: Tips to Restore and Refresh Cabinets

Cabinets in kitchens and bathrooms see a lot of daily use, and it shows. Scratches, loose hinges, peeling finishes, or warped doors can leave even sturdy cabinets looking worn out. Instead of ripping out all your cabinets for new ones, hiring a skilled cabinet repair man often makes more sense.

A pro can fix damage, restore finishes, and even update your cabinet style for far less than full replacement. You'll not only save money, but you'll keep your space looking sharp and functional with less mess and stress. Investing in cabinet repairs helps extend the life of your cabinets and keeps your kitchen or bathroom looking its best without unnecessary waste.

What Does a Cabinet Repair Man Do?

A cabinet repair man takes care of everything from fixing wobbly doors to giving tired, old cabinets a brand-new look. These pros handle small fixes and major repairs across all kinds of cabinet materials—whether you have solid wood, laminate, or painted MDF. Their work covers both the structure and the style so your kitchen or bathroom works well and looks inviting.

Structural Repairs and Hardware Replacement

Cabinets take a beating over the years—from jammed drawers to loose handles and banged-up corners. A skilled cabinet technician tackles these common headaches, keeping your cabinets sturdy and useful.

Typical services include:

Hinge repairs and alignment: If cabinet doors sag or won’t close right, repair techs adjust or replace hinges. They use specialized screws for three-way adjustments so doors swing smooth and close flush.

Drawer slide repair: Broken or sticking drawers are fixed by lubricating metal tracks, swapping out worn plastic rollers, or installing entirely new slide assemblies.

Handle and knob replacement: Stripped screw holes, missing pulls, or outdated handles are swapped for new, secure options.

Box and door repairs: Cracks, water warping, holes, or splinters in the cabinet box or doors can be patched, straightened, or rebuilt so everything lines up like it should.

It’s not just about quick fixes. When wood is damaged by moisture, pests, or heavy impact, a cabinet repair man may need to cut out affected areas, replace sections, and seal them to prevent future problems. Cabinets that shift due to foundation settling are realigned by shimming and refastening hardware. All repairs use sturdy materials that blend in with your existing cabinets, no matter if they’re oak, maple, pine, or composite.

Refinishing and Refacing Cabinets

Sometimes, what your cabinets need most is a fresh face. Instead of gutting the whole kitchen, repair pros use refinishing and refacing techniques to restore beauty and protect surfaces.

Refinishing usually means:

Deep cleaning and sanding to remove grime or scuffs.

Staining or painting for a fresh color or to bring back original wood tones.

Adding a sealer or topcoat to resist moisture and scratches.

Refacing goes a step further:

Swapping old cabinet doors or drawer fronts for new ones, often in a modern style or wood species.

Applying high-quality veneers to exposed cabinet frames and sides.

Upgrading hardware for easy-open doors with a stylish flair.

These updates work wonders for cabinets made from any material—wood, laminate, or painted. Homeowners love this route because it improves both looks and longevity without the big price tag or long wait of replacing everything.

Custom Upgrades and Modernization

Cabinet repair isn’t just about fixing what’s broken—it’s also about making upgrades that reflect how you use your home today.

Popular requests include:

Modern hardware installation: Soft-close hinges, under-cabinet lighting, or sleek pulls give even older cabinets a current look and feel.

Eco-friendly finishes: Water-based stains or low-VOC paints update cabinets with less impact on indoor air quality and the environment.

Storage improvements: Drawer organizers, lazy Susans, and pull-out shelves deliver custom solutions for tidier, more usable spaces.

Many pros keep up with design trends so they can recommend upgrades that match the latest looks, whether it’s a two-tone painted finish or a minimalist shaker door. Repairs and updates are tailored to your cabinet’s material type and finish, so everything fits together seamlessly.

A cabinet repair man does much more than patch up problems—they bring your cabinets back to life and adapt them to your needs. Whether you want to fix, refinish, or modernize, a pro helps extend the life and style of your cabinetry, saving you money and hassle.

How to Choose the Right Cabinet Repair Professional

Getting your cabinets fixed right the first time means finding someone who knows their way around wood, hardware, finishes, and custom details. With so many contractors and handymen advertising cabinet repair, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by choices. Instead of leaving things to chance, use a focused approach to pick the best pro for your home and budget. Here’s how to start.

Researching and Vetting Local Experts

Don’t settle for just any repairman. Finding the right fit starts with gathering recommendations and doing a bit of detective work.

Ask friends, neighbors, or your local hardware store for referrals. People who have had good (or bad) experiences speak honestly about the quality and attitude of the repair person.

Check online reviews on sites like Google, Yelp, or Angi. Consistent good feedback is a strong sign, but also scan for how the pro handles any complaints.

Look for proof of experience by asking for before-and-after photos of past repairs. The best cabinet repair pros have a well-documented portfolio and are proud to share it.

A well-reviewed repair professional values reputation. Check their website or social media for photos and stories about past jobs. Be cautious about anyone who can’t show recent work or who dodges your questions about experience.

Key Questions to Ask Before Hiring

Talking in detail with your potential cabinet repair man helps prevent surprises later. Ask clear questions to find out:

Are you licensed and insured? Insist on both. Licensed pros know codes, while proper insurance protects you if things go wrong.

What kind of repairs do you specialize in? There’s a big difference between patching wood, aligning doors, and full refinishing.

Have you worked on my type of cabinets before? Different materials (solid wood, MDF, laminate) require different skills and products.

What is your process, step by step? Listen for details on prep, cleaning, sanding, repairing, painting or finishing, and cleanup.

How long will the repair take? Pin down an estimated timeline, and ask how they’ll keep your space safe and protected during the work.

Which products or finishes do you use? High-grade primers and water-resistant finishes last longer and look better.

Do you offer a warranty? A solid repair professional stands by their work for at least a year.

Can I see references or talk to past clients? The right pro has customers who are willing to vouch for them.

These questions give you a sense of the repair person’s skill, honesty, and reliability. Reliable pros answer willingly and clearly, with nothing to hide.

Balancing Cost, Quality, and Customization

A cabinet repair job should be a good investment, not just a quick fix. Here’s how to make sure you get your money’s worth:

Get detailed, written estimates from at least two or three professionals. Compare not only the price, but what’s included—type of materials, repair steps, and finish quality.

Watch for red flags. Super low bids can mean one of two things: the pro cuts corners or uses cheap products. Missing details or vague answers about materials, prep, or timing are warning signs.

Weigh quality over price. Quality craftsmanship lasts longer, feels sturdier, and looks sharper. Cheap repairs often need fixing again within a year or two.

Ask about customization options. Good pros can color-match, add new hardware, or recommend upgrades to fit your taste and needs.

Review warranties. Trustworthy repair pros aren’t afraid to guarantee their work. A warranty signals confidence and real accountability.

Focus on clear, transparent communication. Ask for a detailed breakdown rather than a simple “flat fee.” Trust your instincts—if communication is easy and answers make sense, you’re one step closer to the right choice.

With the right research, honest questions, and smart comparison, you can hire a cabinet repair man who brings your cabinets back to life and fits your budget.

Understanding Costs and Value of Cabinet Repair

Budgeting for cabinet repair shouldn't feel like a guessing game. Knowing the typical price ranges, what factors affect your estimate, and when it makes sense to repair, reface, or replace your cabinets helps you focus your investment for long-term results. Let's break down the costs and value so you can plan the best move for your home and wallet.

Average Costs for Common Cabinet Repairs

Cabinet repairs vary widely depending on the size of your kitchen, the scope of work, and the type of updates you want. Here’s a look at current national average price ranges for some of the most common cabinet repair and restoration services:

Minor Repairs

Fixing hinges, drawer slides, or replacing a single panel: $15–$150 per item

Small patching of scratches or chips: $50–$250 per job

Cabinet Refinishing

Stripping, sanding, and applying stain or paint to existing cabinets: $2,000–$4,500 for an average kitchen

National average: about $3,100

Complexity (like ornate trim or islands) bumps the price higher

Cabinet Refacing

New doors and drawer fronts, veneer on boxes, hardware: $4,000–$10,500 depending on kitchen size

Most jobs land between $6,000–$9,000

Refacing is about 50–70% cheaper than full replacement

Major Structural Restorations

Fixing water damage, replacing cabinet boxes, or challenging repairs: $500–$2,500+ per cabinet

Full kitchen replacements: often $25,000+ for mid-range materials

Hidden expenses—like hardware upgrades, glass inserts, or special finishes—can also impact your final bill. Always ask for a detailed written estimate with line items for labor and materials, so you’re not blindsided later.

Factors Influencing Cabinet Repair Costs

Why do costs swing so much between homes? Four critical factors make the biggest difference:

Cabinet Material

Solid wood repairs cost the most. They need experienced hands and matching stains.

Laminate or MDF is cheaper but can be tricky to patch if there’s deep damage.

Cabinet Size and Layout

Larger kitchens, islands, or lots of tall uppers mean more material and time.

Customization and Finish

Fancy edge details, glass panels, roll-out shelves, or upgrades like soft-close hardware raise labor and part costs.

Painted cabinets typically cost 10–15% more to repair or refinish than stained ones because painting is labor-heavy.

Damage Severity

Light touch-ups run cheap and quick.

Water, mold, or structural fixes take more time—often requiring partial rebuilds.

Labor rates also crank up your bill, especially in cities or for highly skilled woodworkers. Expect to pay $75–$150 per hour for specialized labor, with premiums for emergencies or challenging jobs.

You may also see price swings based on:

Accessibility (e.g., cramped spaces cost more)

Urgency or after-hours work

Multiple cabinets or bulk discounts

When to Repair, Reface, or Replace Cabinets

Deciding whether to repair, reface, or replace comes down to your cabinet’s condition, your budget, and the results you want. Here’s how most homeowners make the call:

Repair

Best for: Solid cabinets with localized damage (a broken hinge, chipped panel, or one shaky drawer).

Sample scenario: Your 10-year-old wood cabinets have great bones, but a puppy chewed an edge or a couple of doors got banged up. Spot repairs and a little touch-up keep everything running and looking good for a few hundred dollars.

Refinishing

Best for: You like your cabinet style, and your boxes are still sturdy, but the finish is scratched, yellowed, or outdated.

Sample scenario: Your white kitchen has turned yellow after years of sun. A professional sanding and a fresh coat of paint costs thousands less than refacing or replacing.

Refacing

Best for: Your cabinet boxes are solid, but the doors look dated, or you want a style upgrade without ripping everything out.

Sample scenario: Those 90s oak cabinets drive you nuts, but the boxes are sturdy. By installing new shaker fronts and fresh hardware, you get a modern look for a much lower price than custom cabinets.

Replacement

Best for: Your cabinets are falling apart, water-damaged, or your kitchen layout needs to change.

Sample scenario: Major water leaks rotted the bottom cabinets. Or maybe you're re-doing the entire kitchen and want better flow or more storage. This is a full remodel—budget $25,000 or more for most average kitchens.

Key Takeaways:

Repairs are the fastest, lowest-cost way to fix small problems.

Refinishing makes tired cabinets look new without changing doors or layout.

Refacing changes the cabinet appearance for big visual impact, with less expense than replacement.

Replacement is needed for severe damage, new layouts, or if nothing else makes sense.

Think of cabinet repair as patching and freshening up. Refacing gives you the style change without the mess and high cost. Only full replacement makes sense for completely worn, broken, or outdated layouts.

By understanding where your cabinets stand—and what upgrades fit your budget—you can tackle the right fix, avoid hidden costs, and keep your kitchen feeling fresh for years.

Conclusion

Working with a skilled cabinet repair man can give your kitchen or bathroom a whole new feel without breaking the bank. Strategic repairs fix problems at their source and help you avoid the bigger costs that come with full cabinet replacement. A professional understands older and newer cabinet styles and knows what it takes to refresh finishes, realign doors, and tackle tricky damage.

You’ll get more life out of your cabinets while keeping your space looking sharp and up to date. When you focus on repairs or refacing, you cut down on mess, save time, and keep waste out of landfills.

Trusting an expert means your investment goes further and your home looks its best. If your cabinets are bringing down the value or style of your space, consider reaching out to a cabinet pro for advice or a quote. Thanks for reading—feel free to share your repair wins or questions in the comments!

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Comprehensive Guide to Sliding Door Track Repair

Understanding Sliding Door Track Issues

Sliding doors are a hallmark of modern architecture, particularly in regions like Florida, where open, airy spaces are cherished. These doors, often referred to as Florida sliding doors, seamlessly connect indoor and outdoor living spaces, offering both aesthetic appeal and functionality. However, the tracks that guide these doors can develop issues over time due to constant use, weather exposure, or debris accumulation. A damaged or misaligned track can cause doors to stick, wobble, or become entirely inoperable, disrupting the flow of your home. Addressing these problems promptly through sliding door track repair is essential to maintaining the beauty and utility of your sliding doors.

The tracks of sliding doors are typically made of metal or durable plastic, designed to withstand significant weight and frequent movement. In Florida’s humid and salty coastal environment, corrosion can weaken these tracks, while sand and dirt can clog them, impeding smooth operation. Homeowners may notice grinding noises, difficulty sliding the door, or visible dents in the track. Recognizing these signs early allows for timely repairs, preventing more extensive damage that could require costly replacements.

Common Causes of Track Damage

Several factors contribute to the need for sliding door track repair, especially for Florida sliding doors exposed to unique environmental challenges. Humidity and salt air accelerate rust formation on metal tracks, particularly in coastal areas. This corrosion can create rough patches that hinder the door’s movement. Additionally, debris such as sand, leaves, or pet hair often accumulates in the track, creating friction that strains the door’s rollers and track system. Physical impacts, such as accidentally stepping on the track or heavy objects falling onto it, can cause dents or bends, further complicating operation.

Misalignment is another frequent issue. Over time, the constant opening and closing of heavy glass doors can shift the track out of its original position. This is particularly common in homes with high foot traffic or in households with children who may not handle the doors gently. Seasonal temperature fluctuations in Florida can also cause the metal or surrounding materials to expand and contract, loosening the track’s anchoring. Understanding these causes helps homeowners take preventive measures and identify when professional intervention is necessary.

Steps for Effective Track Repair

Repairing a sliding door track is a manageable task for those with basic DIY skills, though complex cases may require professional expertise. The first step in sliding door track repair involves thoroughly cleaning the track. Using a vacuum to remove loose debris and a stiff brush with a mild detergent to scrub away stubborn dirt can restore smooth operation in minor cases. For Florida sliding doors, where sand and salt are common culprits, rinsing the track with fresh water after cleaning can prevent future corrosion.

If cleaning doesn’t resolve the issue, inspect the track for visible damage. Small dents can sometimes be smoothed out using a rubber mallet or a block of wood to gently tap the track back into shape. For more significant bends or cracks, replacing the damaged section of the track may be necessary. This involves removing the door from its frame, which requires caution due to the door’s weight. Ensure the new track section matches the original in size and material to guarantee compatibility.

Alignment issues demand careful adjustment. Using a level to check the track’s position and tightening any loose screws can correct minor misalignments. In cases where the track has shifted significantly, shims may be needed to restore balance. After repairs, lubricate the track with a silicone-based spray to reduce friction and enhance the door’s glide. Regular maintenance, such as periodic cleaning and lubrication.

When to Seek Professional Help

While many homeowners can handle basic sliding door track repair, certain situations call for professional assistance. Severely damaged tracks, particularly those with extensive corrosion or structural failure, require specialized tools and expertise to replace safely. Professionals can also address issues with the door’s rollers or frame, which often accompany track problems. For Florida sliding doors, where environmental wear is a constant challenge, a technician familiar with local conditions can recommend materials and coatings that resist corrosion and withstand the elements.

Hiring a professional ensures the repair is done correctly, preventing further damage to the door system. They can also assess whether the track’s damage indicates broader issues, such as foundation settling or improper installation, which could affect the door’s long-term performance. While professional services involve a cost, the investment protects the functionality and value of your sliding doors, especially in a region where they are a central feature of home design.

Preventive Maintenance for Longevity

Preventing track damage is often easier than repairing it. Regular maintenance is key to keeping Florida sliding doors in optimal condition. Cleaning the tracks every few months, particularly after storms or heavy beach activity, removes debris that could cause friction or corrosion. Applying a protective sealant to metal tracks can shield them from Florida’s humid climate. Additionally, inspecting the door’s rollers and ensuring they are free of wear can prevent undue stress on the track.

Homeowners should also be mindful of how they use their sliding doors. Avoiding forceful opening or closing and teaching household members to handle the doors gently can reduce wear. Installing a track cover or brush seal can further protect the track from debris, particularly in homes near sandy beaches. By incorporating these habits, you can significantly reduce the frequency of sliding door track repair and enjoy the seamless operation of your doors for years.

Enhancing Home Value with Functional Doors

Well-maintained sliding doors enhance both the aesthetic and market value of a home, particularly in Florida, where outdoor living spaces are a major selling point. Functional Florida sliding doors create a welcoming atmosphere, allowing natural light to flood interiors and providing easy access to patios or pools. Conversely, doors that stick or appear worn can detract from a home’s appeal, signaling neglect to potential buyers. Investing in timely track repairs ensures your doors remain a standout feature, contributing to your home’s overall charm.

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