Matt Matty answers:

Being in NY city your tv signal should be more then strong enough.

Sounds like you already have a digital tv so all you really need is a set of rabbit ears or a digital antenna.

You can find a nice selection here: http://www.tv-converter-boxes.com/dtv-antenna/comparisons-review.html

Matt Matty answers:

A regular antenna is usually omnidirectional. That is, it picks up signals equally in strength from all directions simultaneously. Some regular antennas (like aerial TV antennas on top of your house) are somewhat directional, which means they pick up signals better if they’re pointed in a certain way at the broadcast source. But, they are installed facing in the direction where they pick up the best TV signals and then they’re fixed in place.

A smart antenna is a directional antenna that has a servo motor in it. This antenna sweeps around and stops when it’s pointed in the direction where the signal it’s picking up is the strongest.

If you’re going to be watching a lot of over-the-air programming and you have the TV signals coming from different directions, a smart antenna might be worth the purchase. But, if you get good reception with a fixed antenna, don’t bother with the extra expense.

Matt Matty answers:

You don’t use converter boxes with HD tvs. They are already digital and the box is to convert digital to analog for older tvs. So it’s worthless for your new tv. You can try an antenna for tv reception and you may be able to pick up local stations that way, any in HD will show in HD. The larger the tv, the worse it will look with SD shows, but if you can pick up HD it will look good.

Matt Matty answers:

If you have hd tv, don’t use a converter box. Converter boxes CONVERT hd channels back to sd analog signals.

What you need is a external digital tuner like this one: Digital-Atsc-Box-Tuner-HDtv

Instead of converting the picture, this will display the digital signal the way it was intended to be seen on your hd tv.

Matt Matty answers:

$10 extra in my area, but you get the DVR too, and yes it does support HDMI

Matt Matty answers:

Have a great site for you to visit that answers your questions and more.  Find reviews and recommendations too.

Best Printers for Macs and iPads

Matt Matty answers:

Garrett ACE 250 works great for me, is very user friendly and the price is very reasonable. I just bought one and really enjoy it.

Matt Matty answers:

Yes they do have lumber at 12″ in diameter. Your lathe manual is saying that you can cut diameters in this size. Like one post said most glue blocks together to get a larger size. However the size you are referring to is at board foot. Today’s lumber is new growth and the likely odds of you getting a premium board of this size of good quality is very slim.

Matt Matty answers:

If you asked at your local large hardware store, they will tell you where you can learn welding; they might even run courses themselves. Your local TAFE will also run courses. (Also, you could study it at school in Technics for the HSC.

There are three common processes:
Oxy Acetylene welding. The most common process, used for pipes and repair work; but probably not strong enough for motorcycle work,

Arc welding. Using an electric arc and consumable electrodes. The most versatile process, and the one most often taught at TAFE.

Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding. Uses a tungsten electrode and shield of inert gas such as Argon to protect the surface. Used to weld thin sheets, etc. The most difficult of the three to learn.

Matt Matty answers:

You can use any kind of wood on a lathe, but some are easier to work than others. Start out with a soft wood such as knot-free pine for practice. A good next step is poplar, it’s harder but a very consistent density. Then go on to hardwoods such as cherry or walnut. Oak is one of the more difficult woods to work since each ring is a combination of hardwood & softer wood. The most difficult is burled wood as the grain goes in many different directions.

As others have said, a lathe is one of the more dangerous woodworking tools. Obtain and follow all safety instructions. A spinning block of wood isn’t going to be at all forgiving if a mistake is made.
Good luck with your lathe projects!

You may also want to visit this blog post about  How to Select the right Wood for your Hobby Project