Staus

I have a project that requires cutting pieces of 316 stainless rod to custom lengths from 6 mm x 2m stock. As long as the cut is clean and square I am happy. This is done in a research lab, not a shop, so a minimim of mess and sparks would be good. The ends of the rod need to remain 6 mm and round after the cut is made. Some clean-up with a file is fine but wholesale turning or grinding would be good to avoid.

This stuff is currently chewing up hacksaw blades like crazy. I can't seem to get through even one cut without losing teeth. Is there anothrr tool that would do the job better (and faster)?

Say I bought some US-denominated ETFs through an Australian vendor such as VTS through Vanguard Australia. Is this only available for trading on the ATX? Is there any advantage to buying this or an equivalent on another (US-based) exchange?

I'd like to get out of the city and do some camping or hiking over the weekend. No car, but I'm not opposed to a few hours on public transit and some walking to get there. I know Sydney is surrounded by national parks. Are there any good spots you can get to with the public transit system?

A friend is spur-of-the-moment coming up to Baltimore for the weekend. The SO and I already grabbed a pair of O's tickets through work for Friday but now need a third. We're waaaay up in the cheap seats (section 376, row 23) and want an extra ticket for nearby, or at least somewhere that we can shuffle seats to sit together. There are a few available on the O's website, plus some on Craigslist, but I figured I would ask here first.

Anyone have an extra they don't need?

1) What is your budget?

$500 - $1000 (lower is better)

2) What size notebook would you prefer?

Thin and light, please. Smaller is better than bigger.

3) Where will you buying this notebook?

USA

4) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?

Have had good luck with IBM/Lenovo, but not too loyal.

5) Would you consider laptops that are refurbished/redistributed?

Hell yes.

6) What are the primary tasks will you be performing with this notebook?

Powerpointing, word processing, Netflix, and a tiny bit of MATLAB and gaming.

7) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places, leaving it on your desk or both?

Mostly at

Just got a job offer for what sounds like a pretty decent gig in Sydney doing the tiny little corner of my field that I enjoy. I'm trying to put together a counter-offer and make sure that the details are actually in my favor. Concerns that of mine:

• How does $80k compare to a typical salary in Sydney? Like one you'd get as a first job out of college? With an advanced degree?

• Bringing over the GF with me - she's similarly over-educated as I. Should she find a job before coming over with her own employer-sponsored visa or is there a better/simpler way?

• Neighborhoods within a bike/run commute of UNSW Kensington campus that are affordable on the above salary and not completely dod

Single male plus cat looking for someone to do fortnightly cleaning (floors and bathroom) in a 1 BR/1 bath Canton rowhouse. Anyone have a recommendation for a maid service in the area? I have tried one that offered a Groupon but was less than impressed. I am not picky about letting people into ly house, so bonus points if they can come by while I am at work.