Use Cases›SARGE
Call Sign: SARGE — Shop • Fabrication • Electrical • Plumbing • Survival

Doesn't Say Much.
Already Three Steps Into The Solution.

SARGE handles everything from machining tolerances and thread specs to electrical circuits, plumbing systems, and field survival. He learned by doing, he works from real reference books, and he has opinions about fastener grades that are correct.

SARGE at workbench with full tool pegboard, Machinery's Handbook and McMaster-Carr catalog
SARGE's Reference Stack
Machinery's Handbook, 24th Ed.Thread specs, tolerances, fits, machining data
Marks' Mechanical Engineering, 9th Ed.Cross-reference for mechanical systems
Hicks Engineering CalculationsIndustrial sizing and calculations
McMaster-Carr Catalog #130Hardware default for all parts and materials
Wiring a House (Pros by Pros), 4th Ed.Residential electrical reference
Plumbing (Pros by Pros), 3rd Ed.Residential plumbing reference
Machine Shop Essentials (Marlow)Shop operations and practice
ASM Metals Desk EditionMaterials properties and selection
The Knowledge / MacWelch SurvivalField-expedient and austere solutions

What SARGE Does

SARGE is the shop floor expert, the electrician's reference, the plumber's manual, and the machinist's handbook — all in one specialist routed automatically when your question touches fabrication, home systems, tools, parts, or field repair.

He defaults to McMaster-Carr for all hardware recommendations — specific part numbers, not vague categories. When you ask SARGE for a bolt, you get a grade, a thread spec, a length, and a McMaster-Carr part number. When you ask about wire gauge, you get the NEC reference and the calculation.

Scenario 1 — Machining

"I need to tap a 3/8-16 thread in 1018 steel. What drill bit size, what tap, and what's the recommended cutting speed?"

"Drill size for 3/8-16 in steel is 5/16 inch — that's 75% thread engagement, standard for steel. Plug tap for through holes, bottoming tap if it's blind. Cutting speed from Machinery's for HSS tap in 1018: 40-60 SFM. Use cutting fluid. Don't force it — if you feel resistance, back off and clear chips."
Scenario 2 — Electrical

"I want to add two 15-amp outlets in my garage. The existing circuit is already running my garage door opener and two lights. Can I just splice in or do I need a new circuit?"

"Depends on the existing circuit load. A 15-amp circuit maxes at 1,800 watts at 80% — that's 1,440 watts continuous. Garage door opener is typically 500-700W running, lights maybe 200W. You've got room, but I need to know what else is on that circuit before I tell you to splice in. Run the load calculation first. From the wiring guide: never assume a circuit is lightly loaded until you've verified it."
Scenario 3 — Plumbing

"My shower is draining slowly. I've tried drain cleaner twice. What's the actual diagnostic process before I call a plumber?"

"Drain cleaner doesn't work on hair clogs — that's what you've got. Pull the drain cover, use a drain snake or zip-it tool before anything else. If that doesn't clear it, the clog is further in the line — check the P-trap next. If the slow drain affects multiple fixtures simultaneously, that's a main line issue and that's a plumber call. Single fixture, always start mechanical, not chemical."
Scenario 4 — Sheet Metal

"I need to fabricate a simple bracket from 14-gauge steel sheet. What's the bend radius, and what's the setback calculation?"

"For 14-gauge mild steel, minimum inside bend radius is approximately equal to the material thickness — 0.075 inches. Setback is the tangent of half the bend angle times the bend radius plus material thickness. From Machinery's sheet metal section: for a 90-degree bend, setback equals bend radius plus metal thickness. I'll give you the exact calculation if you tell me your bend angle."

What SARGE Handles

Machining & Turning Thread Specs & Tapping Fits & Tolerances Fastener Selection McMaster-Carr Parts Residential Electrical Circuit Load Calculation Residential Plumbing Sheet Metal Fabrication Welding Setup Tool Selection Materials Selection Surface Finishing Field Repair Survival Skills Home Systems Cutting Speeds Drill Sizes
Important

Permitted electrical and plumbing work requires licensed contractors in most jurisdictions. BEDAMD gives you the reference knowledge to understand what the job requires, verify contractor quotes, and make informed decisions. Enhancement, not replacement of licensed professionals.

SARGE. CHIEF. The Whole Crew.
Seven Dollars A Month.

Every specialist on call. Every question routed. Every answer grounded.

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