Building a Greenhouse - 10 Important Things to Consider

If you're getting ready to build a greenhouse, there are a number of questions you should ask yourself before beginning. What size greenhouse do you need? Do you have a good, sunny location planned out? Do you have easy access to build on that location? These are just a few important considerations that you should evaluate during the planning stages of your project to ensure a successful result. The following is a list of 10 important things to consider before you begin building your new greenhouse or hothouse:

1. Insure that the greenhouse you choose fits your own needs. The interior must allow enough room for potting plants and moving around easily.
2. Choose a clean, level site that will be easy to build on.
3. Remember that the location of your greenhouse is critical. You don't want to block a traffic path in your yard; however, the greenhouse should be close enough to your home that it's easily accessible on a daily basis.
4. Be sure to plan for snow removal. In the wintertime, you don't want to have to trudge through piles of snow to get to your plants.
5. Be sure there are no trees nearby that will excessively shade your greenhouse. You want maximum sun gain in your greenhouse. Also remember that deciduous trees will not cast shade on your greenhouse in the wintertime; however, evergreen trees will cast shade year-round.
6. Consider the change in angle of the sun from winter to summer and study how much solar gain you want for your particular climate. If possible, align the longest side of your greenhouse to face south. This will allow the roofline to catch the maximum amount of sunlight during the daytime. Also, if you need to use shade cloth during the hottest part of the summer, you'll probably only have to shade one side of the roof instead of two, thus reducing the labor and cost of materials.
7. Be sure to include potting benches inside your greenhouse of an appropriate height. You'll want a surface that's high enough so you're not constantly bending over.
8. Some potting benches are designed to fold down and out of the way when not in use. If you have a smaller greenhouse, these may be a good option. Also, some benches are designed with slatted surfaces so dirt falls through to a collection bin below, and this can be advantageous as well.
9. Remember that you'll need to water the plants in your greenhouse. Will you be able to run a hose in? Or will you have to carry watering cans back and forth? Furthermore, will you want a source of water inside the greenhouse, such as a utility sink that you can use to wash your hands or tools?
10. Don't forget storage for your gardening tools. A small workbench with shelves or a pegboard back can do wonders for organizing your gardening implements.

Remember, to ensure a good successful result to any project, it's important to devote plenty of time and thought in the planning stages. Building a greenhouse is a big investment in time and money. Be sure that you make the most of both by doing your homework before you begin. A little time invested in the beginning in good planning will pay you big dividends in the end. Happy greenhouse gardening!

Autor: Ellen Bell Ellen Bell
Level: Platinum
Ellen Bell is a joint owner of Home Products n' More, a retail website dedicated to providing high quality products for your home, garden, and ... ...

For more information on building a greenhouse, visit Home Products 'n' More, where you'll find a variety of greenhouse kits and wholesale greenhouse supplies, all with free shipping!

Added: January 30, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Do it Yourself Solar Energy - Save Electricity With Solar Power

One of the fastest growing home power solutions is a Do It Yourself solar energy system. Our homes consume large amount of power. We use electricity to run all of our electrical appliances. In fact, we never thought of how we use energy until we receive the monthly utility bill or when there is a blackout. At the current housing growth rate, very soon we will have an energy scarcity and that in effect will raise its cost. Are there any ways we can reduce our home electricity consumption? One option is to explore the concept or renewable energy such as solar. This article will provide some information of the process of using solar power at home.

In the past, a home solar power system was quite expensive hence making it impractical. With a Do It Yourself solar energy system, the cost is substantially less making it available for the average home owners. To build a solar generator at home is quite simple. All you have to do is build a solar array to collect the sun energy. The array is made of multiple solar cells joined together. Solar cell or Photovoltaic (PV) has the ability to create electric current when exposed to sun light. The electric current generated by the array can be flowed into a deep cycle batteries bank via a charge controller. The stored energy can be used to power our homes. Since battery can only hold Direct Current (DC), we need to use an inverter to convert to DC to Alternate Current (AC). AC is use to run all our household electrical equipment.

To reduce your home electricity bills, you can start with a Do It Yourself solar energy system. If you are not well versed with hand tools, you can outsource the construction work to a professional contractor. With a minimum investment, you will be reaping the benefits of solar power at home year after year.

Autor: Will D. Kepper

Want to know how you can build your own Home Solar Panels to reduce your electricity bill for under $300? If you are good with hand tools, start a Do It Yourself (DIY) project to construct a residential solar array to harness free energy from the sun. What you will need is a step by step instructional guide. Get a comprehensive Solar Power For Homes guide review at http://www.DIYSolarHomes.com/

Added: January 29, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

DIY Wind Power - Great Energy Option For Home Or Business

An increasing number of people prefer alternative sources of energy these days. Wind power is perhaps the most extensively used among all the renewable sources of energy. It has also become very economical and practical option to build a homemade windmill these days. A typical do it yourself or DIY windmill can help you save substantial amounts of money on energy bills over a period of time. DIY wind power is also the best option if you are serious about contributing towards the betterment of the environment.

The best thing about DIY wind power is that you need not spend a fortune building a windmill. You need not have miles of land or loads of money to build one. All that you need are the necessary equipment coupled with the knowledge to assemble the various different parts. There are many online guides available nowadays which can help you with the whole process of building your own windmill.

The first step in the entire process involves choosing a location to build your own windmill. The location should be such that there is free access to wind currents. One need not live in a wind tunnel to generate wind power though. Some amount of wind, on a consistent basis, throughout the year is what you should look for. You can choose from either wooden or aluminum when it comes to the material of the windmill. This said though, a vast majority of people these days prefer aluminum over wood because of the durability factor.

An increasing number of people are switching over to DIY wind power these days. They offer the best way to tackle all the problems caused by rising levels of pollution around the world.

Autor: Ashish K Arora Ashish K Arora
Level: Platinum
I am a research analyst and my best topics to do research is gaming devices though i also take interest in Technological subjects....

For detailed information on DIY wind power, visit Earth4Energy. You can build your own windmill by following the instructions given on this online guide.

Added: January 27, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Stone Pebble Tiles - Fast Easy Redecoration Solution!

Did you know that Stone Pebble Tiles remodeling can easily transform any surface and room setting modern and unique in just few hours of work? These natural panels give you the opportunity to provide your home interior and exterior the natural-yet-luxurious look you've always wanted. Want to learn more about easy do-it-yourself tiling options? Read the following article.

Basic introduction

What is the secret of Stone Pebbles Tiles redecoration? It is the fact that it is made of a set of similar looking natural pebbles glued over supportive mesh backing that eventually creates a seamless tile. Ever wondered about the origin of these unique stones? Well, you'll probably be surprised to find out that most of them are originated from the S.E Asian seashores. Decoration ideas provided by this easy tiling technique are countless: a) Bathrooms b) Kitchens c) Internal and external flooring (patios for example) d) all types of backsplashes etc.

What are the main benefits?

By using this quick solution we gain the following:

* Provides natural and luxurious look and feel to any coated surface.

* Available in various colors and shapes that can easily fit almost any surface and room setting.

* It can easily be adjusted to very small / narrow surfaces where other fixed size tiles such as conventional ceramic tiles can't.

Helpful tips!

* In order to ensure an even color layout of the tiles, sort them before installation.

* If this is the first time you install these tiles, it is recommended to learn from other's experience - there are plenty of forums and demonstrational videos on the internet where you can find useful information about first time installation.

* Avoid using any ready-made grout on wet areas like shower floor/backsplashes - use any other standard dry powder based cement.

We could easily find many other great benefits provided by this popular and easy home improvement alternative simply because it offers countless opportunities for professional and unprofessional installers whether they decorate at home or in the office.

Conclusions

Installation of Stone Pebble Tiles technique had just got easier and much faster in recent years, so it requires minimum time and effort on your side. If you wish to succeed with your first installation it is recommended to keep the above advices as you are ready to begin with the installation process.

Autor: Yaron Lavie

Get creative! - Learn more about how you can easily decorate any surface at home or in the office with Stone Pebble Tiles.

Visit: http://www.homepebbletiles.com

Added: January 24, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Winter Home Improvement Tips

Most people wouldn't think of the end of the fall or early winter for home improvements, but making small home improvements can save you big on your home energy costs this winter.

Let's look at some winter Home Improvement ideas:

The fireplace - Getting our fireplace ready will certainly yield to better savings. Make sure that the dumper is tightly sealed when not using it. A small space would let the cold air rush in and send the warm air out. If you are using an electric heating system, an opening in the fireplace will mean a lot more work to maintain a warm, energy efficient home.

When you decide to use the fireplace, you can turn down your heater. This will save you as much as 8% on heating cost.

The furnace - The furnace will work extra effort if the filter is full of dirt. This will equate to home energy waste since the furnace will consume more power against the service it brings. To avoid this, make sure that your filter is clean. The owner's manual will tell you how to clean the filter. A clean filter will let you breath clean air around your house. A clean filter saves you 5% on heating cost.

The duct - Small leaks in the duct will certainly result in lost heat so make sure that this is regularly checked. Insulate the ducts by wrapping it with R-6 or higher fiberglass. Never use cloth-backed tapes. You can also wrap them with UL-approved metallic or plastic tapes and mastic sealants. Note that leaking ducts make your heating system work 30% more so make sure they are sealed and secured.

Solar heat - You don't need to have solar panels on your roof to use the sun as a source of heat. All you have to do is use open your drapes during the day to warn your room without using electricity. Just close them at night to keep the warn air inside. Reduction of the use of heating system during the day will let you cut as much as 10% on your home energy consumption. Now that's being efficient!

Openings - Openings around your doors, windows, and joints will let cold air outside come in and the warm air from your home go out. Make sure that these openings are sealed with either sealant or weatherstripping. It will help reduce the work of the heating system immensely.

The Thermostat - A programmable thermostat or a centralized heating system will let you save on heating costs. The programmable thermostat will let you set your desired at a specific period of the day. This is very useful if you are leaving your home or are going to sleep overnight. The centralized heating system on the other hand will give you the ultimate control of the temperature of every room. These 2 will let you decide how warm any one room can be. One interesting thing to note is that a centigrade lower on your heating system will let you save as much as 5% on your heating cost.

Many people neglect to truly prepare their homes for the winter season, and as a result, they pay for it big time in sky rocketed utility bills. Why? Because you need to warm you home and that doesn't come cheap these days. This consumes the biggest portion of our electric bill. Fortunately, there are measures we can take to lower our utility bills during the winter season.

But for those who are conscious enough to notice, winter means larger electric bills. Yes, it is true. Aside from summer, winter is the season of the year where your electric bills skyrocket to digits that cost you financial burden.

As you can see, there are many trouble spots in your home which require some attention during the winter season.

Learn more about DIY home improvement at do-it-yourself-projects.info.

Autor: Jess Petroski

DIYHomepro

http://www.do-it-yourself-projects.info

http://www.energy-efficient-home-improvement.com

Added: January 22, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Natural Floor Tile - Why Spend Thousands?

Looking for a quick option that'll enable you to easily transform any surface luxuriously? Try Natural Floor Tile remodeling. These panels reflect 100% pure nature by their look & feel, especially when assembled on seamless surfaces. Thinking of redecorating surfaces at home or in the office? Read the following important review.

Some basics

It is based on 100% natural materials and indeed Natural Floor Tile redecoration technique is made of grouping similar looking flat stones that are mounted onto a standard size mesh backing. There are numerous sources for these special polished stones; however it seems like the Indonesian islands provide the largest selection, what explains their growing popularity. Many home-makers use this tiling technique in order to remodel the following: Kitchens, bathrooms and showers - walls, flooring, counters, and backsplashes.

Advantages

Going down to the bottom line we notice the following benefits:

* Can be used for virtually unlimited applications at home, in the office, in restaurants, hotels, etc.

* Provides unique atmosphere and contemporary look and feel to any surface.

* Provides natural and luxurious look and feel to any coated surface.

Quick tips to go!

* Make sure the surface you are about to tile is flat, clean, dry and free of contaminants.

* Order a small sample of the desired tiles prior to making a complete order - just to make sure it answers your expectations.

* These stone panels have their weight, so if you intend to install backsplashes use small carpenter's nails to hold the tile in place so you can easily grout it.

If we search a little more, we could easily find other benefits provided by this easy diy method simply because you quickly discover the wide variety and opportunities provided by these natural panels.

Article summary

Installation process is so much fun with this technique; this is probably one of the reasons why Natural Floor Tile solution is highly popular among many home-makers these days. For a simple and enjoyable installation process it is highly recommended to keep the above advices before you begin with installation.

Autor: Yaron Lavie

Get creative! - Learn more about how you can easily decorate any surface at home or in the office with Natural Floor Tile.

Visit: http://www.homepebbletiles.com

Added: January 21, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Washed Pebble Tiles - No Need to Hire Any Installer!

Looking for a quick option that'll enable you to easily transform any surface luxuriously? Try Washed Pebble Tiles remodeling. The best thing about these panels is that installing them requires no special technical skills. In this quick article learn how a simple tiling technique can easily help you on transforming your home's interior/exterior to be modern and luxurious.

Basic introduction

This easy to use tiling method is quite unique as Washed Pebble Tiles redecoration is based on unified smooth stones carefully sorted and then mounted onto a seamless mesh backed tile. South East Asia is known for its beautiful beaches and resorts; it is not surprising to find out that most of these 'Nature-Made' panels are originated from these seashores as well. Tiling options are numerous; here are some of the most popular ones: Flooring and countertops for kitchens and bathrooms, wall coverings, patio floors, pools, wine cellars and fireplaces.

Important advantages

Let's quickly examine what is in it for us:

* Can be used for dry surfaces as well as wet surfaces such as shower flooring or as a sink backsplash.

* Easy to be replaced if needed.

* Can be used on surfaces at home that have high traffic and that need to stand up to a lot of action.

Useful tips!

* Use only high quality materials such as grout and sealer - you don't want your tiles to fall apart after few months just because you wanted to save a few dollars.

* In order to ensure an even color layout of the tiles, sort them before installation.

* Most recommended grout is sanded grout - it is suitable for both internal and external use.

We could list many other important great advantages provided by this trendy redesigning technique simply because it offers countless opportunities for professional and unprofessional installers whether they decorate at home or in the office.

Bottom line

This special solution can easily fit to any budget size, especially due to the fact that Washed Pebble Tiles technique relieves you from hiring a professional installer or using expensive materials/tools. It is recommended to keep these tips and advices just as you are ready to begin with installation.

Autor: Yaron Lavie

Get creative! - Learn more about how you can easily decorate any surface at home or in the office with Washed Pebble Tiles.

Visit: http://www.homepebbletiles.com

Added: January 19, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Pebble Bathroom Tiles - 100 Natural Unique Results!

If you wish to quickly and easily remodel any room setting at home or in the office, Pebble Bathroom Tiles remodeling is an excellent option you should consider. These panels reflect 100% pure nature by their look & feel, especially when assembled on seamless surfaces. In this quick article learn how a simple tiling technique can easily help you on transforming your home's interior/exterior modern and luxurious.

Quick review

Pebble Bathroom Tiles redecoration is made of grouping similar natural stones fixed onto a sq/ft mesh backing. South East Asia is known for its beautiful beaches and resorts; it is not surprising to find out that most of these 'Nature-Made' panels are originated from these seashores as well. This is an excellent solution if you plan on redecorating in the following areas: Shower bases, bathroom walls & floors (including sink walls), kitchen walls, borders, patio floorings, fireplaces and even swimming pools and decks.

Main benefits

Let's quickly summarize the main advantages and benefits of this unique technique:

* Quick & easy installation that doesn't require any special skills or professional background.

* Feels comfortable to walk on.

* Easy to be replaced if needed.

Quick Tips!

* If this is the first time you install these tiles, it is recommended to learn from other's experience - there are plenty of forums and demonstrational videos on the internet where you can find useful information about first time installation.

* These stone panels have their weight, so if you intend to install backsplashes use small carpenter's nails to hold the tile in place so you can easily grout it.

* Order a small sample of the desired tiles prior to making a complete order - just to make sure it answers your expectations.

It won't be that difficult to find other advantages provided by this popular and easy home improvement alternative simply because any average and unprofessional home-maker can do it easily by him/herself.

Conclusions

Installation of Pebble Bathroom Tiles technique had just got easier and much faster in recent years, so it requires minimum time and effort on your side. For a smooth and successful installation it is recommended to use the following tips & advices before installation.

Autor: Yaron Lavie

Get creative! - Learn more about how you can easily decorate any surface at home or in the office with Pebble Bathroom Tiles.

Visit: http://www.homepebbletiles.com

Added: January 17, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Pebble Rock Flooring Tiles - How to Get the Most Out of It!

After the first time you use it you quickly understand why Pebble Rock Flooring Tiles remodeling became so popular in recent years. If you want to provide a natural look and feel to your home decoration, then these natural tiles are an option you should consider. Learn more about innovative ideas that will easily enable you to quickly and easily decorate any surface at home or in the office.

Quick introduction

This unique tiling solution is quit simple - Pebble Rock Flooring Tiles redecoration is made of identical smooth beach-stones selected by hand and then fixed onto a sq/ft mesh backing seamless tile. We may find that these panels are made of stones originated from various beaches and rivers from all over the world - mostly from S. East Asia. Where can you use it? Practically anywhere inside and outside your home: All bath surfaces including showers, kitchens, walls, flooring, backsplashes, patios, fireplaces, and pools.

Advantages

This special technique as described in this article, enable us with the following:

* Available in various colors and shapes that can easily fit almost any surface and room setting.

* Considered inexpensive compared to other similar solutions.

* Can be used on surfaces at home that have high traffic and that need to stand up to a lot of action.

Useful tips!

* Avoid using any ready-made grout on wet areas like shower floor/backsplashes - use any other standard dry powder based cement.

* Epoxy based grouts are considered stronger than conventional grout, however take in mind that they are less forgiving to the ignorant installer.

* Upon completion, it is important to wait the adhesive's recommended drying time before you begin on grouting.

There are plenty other advantages provided by this quick solution simply because anyone can do it by himself quickly, at no risk, and at minimal effort.

Bottom line

This affordable Pebble Rock Flooring Tiles technique is probably one of the easiest and most effective coating choices available today. If you wish to succeed with your first installation it is recommended to remember the above tips and advices just before you start installing.

Autor: Yaron Lavie

Get creative! - Learn more about how you can easily decorate any surface at home or in the office with Pebble Rock Flooring Tiles.

Visit: http://www.homepebbletiles.com

Added: January 16, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Mosaics Designs Tiles - Fast Easy Redecoration Solution!

By using Mosaic Design Tiles remodeling you get an excellent opportunity to bring nature into your home design. These panels are already being used to decorate surfaces at homes, hotels, offices, and restaurants. Tiling and remodeling surfaces at home doesn't have to be a tedious task - read more in the following review.

Basic introduction

Quite quickly you get to understand why it is different than any other tiling solution: Mosaics Designs Tiles redecoration is actually based on a collection of unified flat stones glued onto a 12" x 12" mesh back. South East Asia and especially Indonesia are known for the large variety of colorful and designed seashore stones that are used for these natural tiles. It is important to remember that you can easily remodel almost any surface in the inside or in the outside: Kitchens, bathrooms, backsplashes, and floors.

Quick advantages

By now we clearly notice how this unique solution transforms our home design easier:

* Can be used on surfaces at home that have high traffic and that need to stand up to a lot of action.

* Quick & easy installation that doesn't require any special skills or professional background.

* Easily installed over existing surfaces such as old ceramics or plain concrete.

Useful advices!

* In order to maintain these natural stones properly, it is recommended to apply sealants every two to three years.

* Order a small sample of the desired tiles prior to making a complete order - just to make sure it answers your expectations.

* Laminate the stones with a sealer prior to installation - it'll protect it from liquids, dirt and detergents transforming it even more durable.

We could easily find many other benefits provided by this fun & easy coating technique simply because most people find it extremely easy to install and maintain.

Summary

Many home-makers quickly discover how this Mosaic Design Tiles technique easily opens their imagination as the possibilities for adding beauty and value to any home are endless. It is recommended to keep these tips and advices as you are ready to begin with the installation process.

Autor: Yaron Lavie

Get creative! - Learn more about how you can easily decorate any surface at home or in the office with Mosaic Design Tiles.

Visit: http://www.homepebbletiles.com

Added: January 15, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Flood Damage - 3 Easy Steps to Mitigate the Amount of Damage Water and Sewage Can Do to Your Home!

Water and sewage damage is a serious issue because it can cause structural damages and health problems especially in coastal areas. In some areas the probability of water/sewage damage increases after heavy rains. Being a universal solvent, water can corrode steel and dissolve granite and wood. But more than that, stagnant water can soon become a breeding ground for bacteria and mold, which can pose serious health risks.

Water/sewage damage is one of the most common hazards in the United States. Flood effects can be local, impacting a neighborhood or community, or very large, affecting entire river basins and multiple states.

However, not all floods are alike. While some floods develop slowly, sometimes over a period of days, flash floods develop quickly, sometimes in just a few minutes and without any visible signs of rain. Flooded and don't know what to do? Getting started is as easy as 1-2-3!

1. Minimize damage! If you are able to stop the water or sewage from continuing to flow - causing even more damage - do so AS SOON AS POSSIBLE! If you are unable to stop the flow, proceed to Step 2.

2. Contact your water/sewage damage specialist! The more quickly you contact a flood extraction company, the less damage from flooding will occur! They work with your insurance provider to handle your claim and relieve as much stress from you as they are able to.

3. Contact your insurance claims center to inform them of your flood loss, and open your damage claim. Make certain to let your insurance provider know that you have someone on the way who will mitigate the amount of damage caused to your property. This saves them the time and trouble of contacting a local company to extract your water or sewage.

Autor: Adam L Holland

Premier Emergency Water Removal

http://www.premierwaterremoval.com/

We offer flood mitigation services to the Puget Sound Area in Washington State. We're proud to provide the highest quality and standards of service for over 20 years! Please check out our website to see what we can do for info on how we can help you!

FLOODED? GIVE US A CALL!

Added: January 13, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

DIY - Drywall Basics

Handy homeowners who want to install their own drywall to finish basements or attics will benefit from a few basic tips before beginning this project. The first step should always be to check with local building codes to ensure that the drywall used is the appropriate thickness for the area. Measuring is another important step to ensure that the amount of drywall purchased will be the correct amount for the area requiring coverage.

Along with the drywall itself, it is also important to purchase enough supplies. This might include approximately seven pounds of nails, five gallons of joint compound and 500 feet of tape for 1000 square feet of drywall installed. When in doubt about how much to buy, it is always wise to consult with a professional at the store who can offer assistance with measuring and purchasing.

Once the correct amount of drywall is purchased and delivered, it will be time to begin the installation process. Many find that putting the drywall up is the easy part; taping the joints becomes infinitely more complex, however. In fact, some find that hiring a professional to apply the tape after the drywall is installed is a more cost-effective way to get a professional finish on a drywall project.

In this instance, the homeowner puts the drywall in place and fastens it to the frame with nails or screws specifically designed for this material. The professional contractor then comes in to tape the joints and provide any other repairs or installation as needed.

Drywall is an essential part of finishing a space in the home. Understanding how to purchase and install the material will help keep the cost down for many homeowners.

Autor: Billings Farnsworth

Drywall Xchange (http://drywallxchange.com) are your drywall contractors in Albany NY. Billings Farnsworth is a freelance writer.

Added: January 12, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

MIG Welding Basics - MIG Welding Machines

MIG welding machines can be broken up into four basics main parts or areas that are very critical to the successful operation of the machine.

The first area I will talk about is the power supply. The power supply on any mig machine is a key area in which controls many variables. Some of the "made to a price" mig machines are very basic in their functions and abilities. Take for example a small 110Volt or 220volt hobby or DIY type welding machine.

A lot of these machines will be made to run at very low maximum amperage outputs. They will have lower duty cycles and often used aluminium windings in the power sources.

Now lets take a comparative look at a tough industrial high workload mig welding machine like an OTC Daihen XD400 or XD500.

First thing you will notice is the sheer size of this machines power supply compared to that of a smaller hobby welder. The maximum power output will be much higher and this machine will run day and night in a production environment hassle and trouble free. The duty cycle will be much longer and there will also be a better current output from the machine which means you will have far superior weld beads.

The second area is the torch, or the mig welding gun. Once again on the lower end of the scale, the guns that are supplied with the cheapie mig welders are usually proprietary to that particular brand of welding machine. The mig torch welding consumables will not be as "main stream" and the quality of the actual welding torch can be of much lesser quality and durability, which will lead to failures and lots of swearing and cursing.

Industrial mig welding guns will offer higher duty cycles, many more consumable options, longer service life and a wider availability of spare. Also these industrial trade quality mig welding guns will be more comfortable to use which means less user fatigue, they will have smoother feeding resulting in far superior welds and if you are in business the reliability of these torches will save you money.

The third most important aspect of any mig is the mig welding wire. The mig welding wire is absolutely critical in the mig welding process. Selecting a quality mig welding wire is often very hard to do. Unfortunately people buy mig wire on price and usually price only.

Sadly though cheap things aren't good, and good things aren't cheap. This is very true with mig welding wire. The cheap wires will have bad copper coatings, sometimes even being sold with rust on the wire itself. The wire diameter tolerances will not be consistent which will result in irregular wire feeding, which will then result in burn backs, which will then result in having to replace contact tips which cost money and then you loose the production time as workers are walking around fixing welding machine feed problems all day.

The fourth and last critical area on a mig welding machine is the earth clamp or ground clamp.

You have to remember that when you are welding, you are simply creating an electrical circuit. And for that circuit to complete you must have a good earth connection. This can be solved by having an earth clamp that has clean contact faces. Over time little arcs will form on the ground clamp which will hinder its operation.

Then if you put the earth clamp onto rust steel or painted steel it will be even harder for the mig welding machine to complete the welding circuit. Resulting in the person welding getting angry because his mig welder isn't working properly.

For further reading please visit

http://www.learn-how-to-weld.com/mig-welding-basics-1.html

Cheers,

Peter Apalais

Autor: Peter Apalais Peter Apalais
Level: Basic
Welding doesn't have to be that hard. Don't be confused by this and that. I have learned how to weld myself. Self taught I can ... ...

Making welding simple.

http://www.learn-how-to-weld.com

Added: January 11, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

A Sophisticated Storage Stool - Part One

Many problems of storage involve small items which are often irritatingly difficult to fit into the general storage scheme of your home. A child's coin or stamp collection, for example, and other items, are likely to get lost in a large cupboard. This storage stool provides a safe place for them.

The stool is also perfect for many of the range of small modern pianos that are on the market. If you wish to use it as a piano stool, make it in the same timber that is used to veneer the piano - in this case sapele is used.

General Construction

The construction of the storage stool is quite simple. It consists of four sides, or rails, housed together in a box shape. Legs are fixed to the two short sides, or rails, of the box. The base of the box is 13mm plywood panel. The lifting lid of the stool consists of two plywood panels. One panel is covered with foam and upholstered and then screwed to the other, lower, panel. This panel is hinged to the back rail with concealed cabinet hinges.

The Frame

The frame of the storage stool consists of four sides, or rails - a front and back rail and two side rails. The front and back rails have a housing cut in them to take the side rails. The legs of the stool are glued and screwed to the ends of the side rails and in the finished construction the outer wide surface of the legs is set back 3mm. from the ends of the front and back rails. The tops of the side rails and legs are covered with strips of timber, referred to as handles.

The first step is to make the legs. Cut the timber for the legs a little over length and place all four pieces together in a vice. Mark the exact length of the legs -432mm.- on the timbers and square lines through these points with a try square. Take the legs out of the vice and continue the squared lines right round the timbers.

Now cut the timber for the front and back rails over length, put them in a vice and mark out the finished length of 546mm. From these lines, down towards the center of the timber, mark a distance of 25mm. Then mark inwards a further 19mm, or the exact thickness of the timber you are using for the side rails.

Take the front and back rails out of the vice and square lines right round the timber at the points which mark the finished length of these pieces. Square a line through the points which mark the position of the housings, on the inner wide surface of the rails only. With a marking gauge set 4.7mm. Mark the depth of the housings on the narrow edge of the timber, within the area of the lines marking the housing.

With the two short rails held together in a vice, mark them to a length of 321mm. Take them from the vice and continue the lines right round the timber. Mark out the handles in the same way.

Now cut the side rails, the front and back rails, the legs and the handles to length. Use a ten on saw for this, cutting down the marked lines. With a saw and chisel, cut out the housings in the front and back rails.

Polishing the Components

The outer surfaces of the components are polished before they are glued together with a woodworking adhesive. Polishing the components before you glue them means that you have don't have to deal with awkward corners. It also enables you to lift surplus glue off the surface of the timber when the glue has dried. Removing dried excess glue from bare timber without damaging the surface is almost impossible.

To finish the components, first plane all the pieces to a smooth finish with a finely set smoothing plane. If the grain of the timber is rather wild and tears easily, a cabinet scraper will produce a smooth finish. Trails assemble the components and flush off the top and bottom edges of the box construction.

Smooth all the components with fine glass paper. Then mark the contact surfaces clearly - these are the surfaces that will be coated with adhesive later. Make sure that these surfaces remain free from polish or you won't be able to make a good glued joint between the components.

Coat all the outer surfaces - not the contact surfaces - with a cellulose sanding sealer. Alternatively, apply a thin coating of polyurethane varnish, mixed 50/50 with turpentine
substitute. Glass papers the surfaces when the coating has dried and wax polishes them.

Autor: Rahmat Suki

Hi, my name is Rahmat. I have been working as a craftsman for many years. I believe I have a passion for handicrafts work in wood,plastic and metal. Besides that, I like reading, listening to music, and traveling. Last but not least I like to surf the net. Visit my site http://www.mrhandicraft.com

Added: January 9, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Natural Bathroom Tile - Tips For Getting the Best Results!

Do-it-Yourself Natural Bathroom Tile remodeling is an easy and fast way to remodel various surfaces at home. When it comes to contemporary and easy DIY tiles, using this unique tiling technique is an alternative you should consider. If you feel that you want to remodel your home's interior/exterior by yourself - read the following review.

Some background

Let's quickly understand how it works - Natural Bathroom Tile redecoration is actually based on a collection of seamless naturally polished stones that are mounted onto a standard size mesh backing. It is probably about the unique natural conditions that made the Indonesian beach pebbles the leading source of these 'Nature-Made' tiles. Decoration ideas provided by this easy tiling technique are countless: Bathroom surfaces, kitchens, backsplash covering, patio floors, decks, pools, and even wine cellars.

What is in it for us?

Using this simple solution definitely brings various advantages:

* Can be used on surfaces at home that have high traffic and that need to stand up to a lot of action.

* Easy to be cleaned and maintained.

* Can be used inside as well as in the outside.

Quick Tips!

* Use only high quality materials such as grout and sealer - you don't want your tiles to fall apart after few months just because you wanted to save a few dollars.

* To appreciate the beauty of these 'Nature-Made' panels, it is recommended on removing the excess grout with a wet sponge. After all, you want to expose as much of the stones as possible.

* If this is the first time you install these tiles, it is recommended to learn from other's experience - there are plenty of forums and demonstrational videos on the internet where you can find useful information about first time installation.

We could list many other important great advantages provided by this effortless home improvement option simply because it offers countless opportunities for professional and unprofessional installers whether they decorate at home or in the office.

Article summary

Natural Bathroom Tile installation process is considered extremely easy and in average it takes no more than just several hours. For a simple and enjoyable installation process it is highly recommended to keep these tips and advices just as you decide on using these natural panels.

Autor: Yaron Lavie

Get creative! - Learn more about how you can easily decorate any surface at home or in the office with Natural Bathroom Tile.

Visit: http://www.homepebbletiles.com

Added: January 7, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Mosaic Top Patio Tiles - You Won't Believe How Easy it Is!

By using Mosaic Top Patio Tile remodeling you get an excellent opportunity to bring nature into your home design. These panels are already being used to decorate surfaces at homes, hotels, offices, and restaurants. Read the following review and find out how you can quickly remodel any surface at home.

Getting some basics

It is based on 100% natural materials and indeed Mosaic Top Patio Tile redecoration technique is made of grouping similar looking natural stones organized and then mounted onto a standard sq/ft mesh backing. It seems like the most popular tiles are those originated from the shores of the exotic S.E. Asian islands. Tiling options are numerous; here are some of the most popular ones: Backsplashes for kitchens, bathrooms and showers, flooring, wall coverings, patio floors, fireplaces, and pool surfaces.

Important advantages

There are many benefits for using this solution; here are the most important ones:

* Can be used for virtually unlimited applications at home, in the office, in restaurants, hotels, etc.

* Available in various colors and shapes that can easily fit almost any surface and room setting.

* Easily installed over existing surfaces such as old ceramics or plain concrete.

Important advices!

* Don't rush! - make a plan; make sure you know how to install these panels, even make a small trial first just to see that you can handle it with no problem.

* Use only high quality materials such as grout and sealer - you don't want your tiles to fall apart after few months just because you wanted to save a few dollars.

* Make sure the surface you are about to tile is flat, clean, dry and free of contaminants.

There are probably many other great benefits provided by this fun & easy coating technique simply because most people find it extremely easy to install and maintain.

Quick summary

If you wonder why this Mosaic Top Patio Tile technique is highly popular it's because it offers countless options, as these 'Nature-Made' panels come in many shapes and colors that easily match the decor of any home or office setting. It is advised to look at these tips and advices before installing these panels.

Autor: Yaron Lavie

Get creative! - Learn more about how you can easily decorate any surface at home or in the office with Mosaic Top Patio Tiles.

Visit: http://www.homepebbletiles.com

Added: January 6, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Outdoor Tiling Pebble Tiles - You Won't Believe How Easy it Is!

It is considered as a perfect alternative to traditional tiling such as ceramics - DIY Outdoor Tiling Pebble Tile remodeling. When you see these natural panels for the first time you quickly understand how to use them. Tiling and remodeling surfaces at home doesn't have to be a tedious task - read more in the following review.

Some basics

This unique tiling solution is quit simple - Outdoor Tiling Pebble redecoration is made of a set of similar looking small flat stones selected by hand and then fixed onto a sq/ft mesh backing seamless tile. In most cases these small colorful rock tiles are imported from South East Asia. This is an excellent solution if you plan on redecorating in the following areas: All shower and kitchen surfaces including walls and flooring, patios, swimming pools, counters and counter tops, and much more.

Benefits

Finally, when looking at the bottom line, there are several important advantages:

* Installation process is quick and takes only a few hours.

* Available in various colors and shapes that can easily fit almost any surface and room setting.

* Saves extra expenses on hiring a professional installer.

Useful tips!

* Measure the designated area first, and then add 5%-7% more to your order just as a backup for future use and in case you may need to repair or cut small tile pieces in order to tile small /narrow spaces.

* Don't rush! - make a plan; make sure you know how to install these panels, even make a small trial first just to see that you can handle it with no problem.

* To appreciate the beauty of these 'Nature-Made' panels, it is recommended on removing the excess grout with a wet sponge. After all, you want to expose as much of the stones as possible.

We could list many other important great advantages provided by this stylish home redesigning option simply because anyone can do it by himself quickly, at no risk, and at minimal effort.

On the bottom line

Redesigning with this affordable Outdoor Tiling Pebble Tile technique isn't just about a tedious technical installation; it is fun and full of satisfaction. For a successful installation it is advised to keep these tips and advices once you prepare for installation.

Autor: Yaron Lavie

Get creative! - Learn more about how you can easily decorate any surface at home or in the office with Outdoor Tiling Pebble Tiles.

Visit: http://www.homepebbletiles.com

Added: January 4, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Smooth Pebble Tiles - Be Unique Get Amazing Results!

By using Smooth Pebble Tile for home/office remodeling you easily gain numerous aesthetic benefits. These panels are already being used to decorate surfaces at homes, hotels, offices, and restaurants. In this article you will be able to explore the latest ideas that can help you to easily redecorate any of your home's surfaces.

Short background

This unique Smooth Pebble Tile redecoration method is created by fixing together similar looking smooth stones attached onto a 12" mesh backing, thus providing that seamless desired tile. Ever wondered about the origin of these unique stones? Well, you'll probably be surprised to find out that most of them are originated from the S.E Asian seashores. If you think of it you can easily decorate any surface and any room setting: 1) Bathrooms: sinks walls, shower floors, shower backsplash 2) Kitchens: countertops and backsplashes 3) Other: patios, swimming pools, decks, fireplaces, and wine cellars.

What are the main benefits?

Using this simple solution definitely brings various advantages:

* Can be used inside as well as in the outside.

* Saves extra expenses on hiring a professional installer.

* Durable to any extreme temperatures such as around fireplaces and stoves for example.

Looking for useful tips?

* When you prepare the grout avoid adding too much water in the initial mix - that additional water can result in weak grout that can flake.

* Most recommended grout is sanded grout - it is suitable for both internal and external use.

* Make sure the surface you are about to tile is flat, clean, dry and free of contaminants.

We could easily find many other advantages provided by this easy diy method simply because it provides virtually unlimited remodeling options to any space and surface at any size and location whether for interior or exterior uses.

Quick summary

Many home-makers quickly discover how this Smooth Pebble Tile technique easily opens their imagination as the possibilities for adding beauty and value to any home are endless. It is recommended to use the following tips & advices just as you decide on using these natural panels.

Autor: Yaron Lavie

Get creative! - Learn more about how you can easily decorate any surface at home or in the office with Smooth Pebbles Tiles.

Visit: http://www.homepebbletiles.com

Added: January 3, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Patio Interlocking Tiles - Forget About Expensive Remodeling!

It is considered as one of the easiest tiling options available today - Patio Interlocking Tile remodeling can be used by almost anyone. These nature-made panels are so versatile that they can easily stimulate your creativeness providing you countless remodeling ideas and opportunities. In this article you will be able to explore the latest ideas that can help you to easily redecorate any of your home's surfaces.

Short background

It is known for its ease of use but mostly for what it is made of - Patio Interlocking Tile redecoration is created by assembling together similar looking smooth stones manually sorted and then glued onto a sq/ft mesh backing. The seashores of S. East Asia are rich with these flat pebbles, and indeed most of these tiles are originated from that part of the world. This is an excellent solution if you plan on redecorating in the following areas: Kitchens, bathrooms and showers - walls, flooring, counters, and backsplashes.

What are the main benefits?

Let's quickly examine what is in it for us:

* Durable to any extreme temperatures such as around fireplaces and stoves for example.

* Their surfaces are flush and in fact, are safer to walk on than most conventional hard flooring as they offer more traction to prevent slipping.

* Can be used for dry surfaces as well as wet surfaces such as shower flooring or as a sink backsplash.

Helpful tips!

* If this is the first time you install these tiles, it is recommended to learn from other's experience - there are plenty of forums and demonstrational videos on the internet where you can find useful information about first time installation.

* Epoxy based grouts are considered stronger than conventional grout, however take in mind that they are less forgiving to the ignorant installer.

* Avoid using any ready-made grout on wet areas like shower floor/backsplashes - use any other standard dry powder based cement.

We could count other important great advantages provided by this effortless home improvement option simply because it provides numerous opportunities whether for the average or professional home-makers.

Conclusions

Installation of Patio Interlocking Tile technique had just got easier and much faster in recent years, so it requires minimum time and effort on your side. It is advised to keep in mind the following advices once you decide on installing these panels.

Autor: Yaron Lavie

Get creative! - Learn more about how you can easily decorate any surface at home or in the office with Patio Interlocking Tiles.

Visit: http://www.homepebbletiles.com

Added: January 2, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Patio Walkway Pebble Tiles - Anyone Can Afford It!

With Patio Walkway Pebble Tiles you get the opportunity to easily remodel any of your interior and exterior home surfaces. When you see these natural panels for the first time you quickly understand how to use them. Find out how to quickly and easily decorate any surface.

Some background

Patio Walkway Pebble Tile redecoration is made of grouping identical flat stones fixed onto a sq/ft mesh backing. Most of these stone panels are imported from the exotic island of Bali - Indonesia. This tiling method easily enables you to remodel any corner and surface at home: Bathroom and kitchen walls, flooring, shower bases and backsplashes, patios, wine cellars, pools, and fireplaces.

Benefits

Going down to the bottom line we notice the following benefits:

* Their surfaces are flush and in fact, are safer to walk on than most conventional hard flooring as they offer more traction to prevent slipping.

* Easy to be cleaned and maintained.

* Saves extra expenses on hiring a professional installer.

Important tips!

* If you want to enhance the color of the stones transforming it glossy or matte finish, use natural stone color enhancer right before applying the sealer.

* Epoxy based grouts are considered stronger than conventional grout, however take in mind that they are less forgiving to the ignorant installer.

* Order a small sample of the desired tiles prior to making a complete order - just to make sure it answers your expectations.

We could easily find many other pluses provided by this effortless home improvement option simply because it provides numerous opportunities whether for the average or professional home-makers.

Conclusion

Installation process of this unique Patio Walkway Pebble Tile technique takes no more than just few hours (pending the size of the surface you are about to cover), not including drying time. If you wish to succeed with your first installation it is recommended to look at these tips and advices as you are ready to begin with the installation process.

Autor: Yaron Lavie

Get creative! - Learn more about how you can easily decorate any surface at home or in the office with Patio Walkway Pebble Tiles.

Visit: http://www.homepebbletiles.com

Added: January 1, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/