Downloads

Optimized for 1024 x 768

HOME	Instructions These programs are for IBM-type PC computers only. They have been written using the Visual Basic 5 programming language. The first three were written in 1997 (I'm guessing) and have not been updated since then, so some things such as my email address referenced in the programs may no longer be valid. NOTE: Visual Basic requires a "run-time" DLL. This must be in the C:\Windows\System folder. If you do not have it, is available below. The file required for VB5 is MSVBVM50.DLL (674K zipped). These programs make NO changes to your registry. Just delete the file if you wish to remove it from your hard disk. Timber! also has two bit-maps (Timber1.bmp and Timber2.bmp) in addition to Timber.exe. It is recommended that you put the programs in a sub-folder, NOT the root directory.
Download LumberCalc.zip	LumberCalc LumberCalc is a simple VB5 program which attempts to answer the question: Why does lumber cost so much? You may change any or all of the values which contribute to the price of lumber, or reduce to zero charges which do not apply. When you get the values set properly for your operation, you can save them and they will be available the next time you open the program by pressing "Load Defaults".
Download Stairs.zip	Stairs Stairs is a VB5 program which calculates the rise and run of stair treads and risers when you input the total rise and run. Design and code violations are flagged to insure the stairs meet UBC standards. Be sure to read the tool tip when hovering over the Calculate button. This is how you find Help.
Download Timber.zip	Timber! Timber is a VB5 program which calculates the board feet of lumber in a log according to the three major log scales. Also it calculates board feet of lumber in sawn boards and gives the weight (at 12% MC-not when green as stated in the program) of 200 wood species. Be sure to read the tool tips--especially when hovering over the Calculate button. This is how you find Help.
Download MSVBVM50.zip	MSVBVM50 This is the DLL which is required to be in your C:\Windows\System folder in order for these VB5 programs to run. It is the file which is distributed by Microsoft. If it is already in your system folder, you don't need to download this one.
Download justdoors.xls Download justdoors.zip	JustDoors JustDoors.xls is an Excel spreadsheet written by Roger Medbery for Excel 2002. (Also works in Excel 2000.) It calculates the cut list for cabinet and passage doors and wainscoting. An instruction sheet is included.
Download emc_1.xls Download emc_1.zip	Moisture Content of Wood in Equilibrium with Stated Temperature and Relative Humidity This is an Excel 2000 spreadsheet which calculates the equilibrium moisture content of wood (EMC), given the temperature and relative humidity. A customer wanted a temperature- and humidity-contolled music room. The temperature was to be 72°F and the wooden musical instruments were to be maintained at 8% moisture content. What would the relative humidity need to be? Using this spreadsheet I was able to determine that the relative humidity would need to be maintained at about 42%.
Download Jake_DWG_R13.zip Download Jake_DXF.zip Download Jake_BMP.zip	Jake's Adirondack Chair Parts Drawings "First of all I'd like to express my thanks to Thomas Gauldin for his great creation called "Jake's Chair" and then allowing all of us to use the plans freely. I was totally amazed at how comfortable the darn thing is when I completed my first one last week. The purpose of creating actual CADD drawings is to help, not only myself but, others in laying out the parts for making the templates. I've used Generic CADD and Visual CADD for many years and am very comfortable with them. I have been as faithful to Tom's plans as is possible and hope that you're able to put them to good use. I'm making these files available in two formats: .DWG (289KB, 747KB unzipped), and .DXF (405KB, 8.5MB unzipped). My only request is the same as Tom's, please do not sell them...use them and give them away as much as you like." -Scott Brownell - scott1@net-link.net There is a Readme1st.txt file for additional information on using the files. NOTE 1: AutoCAD LT 2000 users: This version (saved in Release 13 format) appears to work properly. NOTE 2: Here is a source for the plans for Jake's Chair.
Download SS_1941.xls Download SS_1941.zip Download SS_1948.xls Download SS_1948.zip	When Should You Start Collecting Social Security Retirement Benefits? These are Excel 2000 spreadsheets which calculate the cumulative retirement benefits for a 61-year-old person at age 62, age 65 plus 8 months (100%), and age 70; and for a 53-year-old person at age 62, age 66 (100%), and age 70. Makes the choice a no-brainer, unless you are sure you will live longer than average. NOTE1: There was an error in the original ssbenefits1.xls file (65+8 column). It has been corrected in ss_1941.xls. NOTE2:: If you have a minor child at age 62 your child will receive additional benefits when you sign up! If you wait until 65 you will have lost all that money. (In my case over $22,000.) NOTE3: If you have substantial income between age 62 and 65 (say ~$30,000+ per year) you may find that there is no advantage to taking early benefits due to the earnings limit reductions.
Download ira_min.xls Download ira_min.zip	IRA Minimum Distribution Withdrawals Ira_min.xls is a spreadsheet written for Excel 2000. It calculates the IRA Minimum Distribution withdrawals for people who have reached age 70 1/2. Just enter the year in which you reach 70 1/2 and the amount in the IRA account. You should read IRS Form 590 for complete details.
Download Mileage.exe	Mileage.exe This is my first vb.net program. It was a learning exercise that taught me quite a bit. Probably only of interest to those who cross the US/Canadian border, maybe Austrailians also.
Revision History	Initial Release: 03/03/02 - Added LumberCalc, Stairs, Timber! and the VB5 DLL. 07/07/02 - Added EMC_1.xls, 07/24/02 - Updated Jakes Chair download, Added jakes_bmp.zip. 08/04/02 - Added SSBenefits.xls 10/27/02 - Added IRA_Min.xls 04/08/03 - Added Notes to When You Should Start Collecting Social Security Benefits 09/23/10 - Added Mileage.exe http://www.xmission.com/~sherwin/download1.htm

E-mail Comments and Suggestions