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How Vacuum Cleaners Work...

Posted by admin in Vacuum Cleaner on August 27, 2009 | No Comments

Even though it may appear to be a very complicated machine, the conventional vacuum cleaner is actually made up of six essential components:  intake port, exhaust port, electric motor, fan, porous bag, and  a housing that stores all of the other components.

When you plug the vacuum cleaner into the outlet and turn it on, the following happens:
1.  First of all, the electric current will operate the motor, which is attached to the fan, which resembles an airplane propeller.
2.  As the blades begin to turn, they will force the air upwards, towards the exhaust port.
3.  When the air particles are driven forwards, the density of the particles will increase in front of the fan and therefore decrease behind it.

The pressure drop that occurs behind the fan is similar to the pressure drop when you take a drink through a straw.  The pressure level in the area that is behind the fan will drop below the pressure level that is outside of the vacuum cleaner.

This will create a suction inside of the vacuum cleaner.  The ambient air will push itself into the vacuum cleaner through the intake port because the air pressure that is inside of the vacuum cleaner is much lower than the pressure on the outside.

Picking the dirt up
The stream of air that the vacuum generates is just like a stream of water.  The air particles that move will rub against any loose dust or debris and if it is light enough, the friction will carry the material around the inside of the vacuum cleaner.

As the dirt continues on to the exhaust port, it will pass through the cleaner bag.  They tiny holes in the vacuum cleaner bag are large enough to let the air pass through, although too small for the dust particles to fit through.  Therefore, when the air current gets into the bag, the dirt and debris will be collected there.

You can stick the bag anywhere along the path between the intake tube and the exhaust port, just as long as the air current passes through.

Suction
The power of a vacuum cleaner’s suction will depend on several factors.  The suction can be stronger or weaker depending on:
1.  Fan power – In order to generate a strong suction, the motor needs to turn at a good speed.
2.  Air passageway – When a lot of debris builds up in the bag, the air will face a greater level of resistance on the way out.  Each particle of air will move slowly due to the increase in  drag.  This is the reason why a vacuum cleaner works much better once you’ve replaced the bag than when you have been using it for a while.
3.  Size of the intake port – With the speed of the vacuum fan being constant, the amount of air that passes through the vacuum cleaner per second is also constant.

The Power Tools Everyone Should Own and Why...

Posted by admin in Power Tool on August 22, 2009 | No Comments

Owning your own power tools is much easier than having to rent them or buy them when a household project comes up. It is much cheaper than hiring someone else to do the work if you are able to do it yourself. Since power tools aren’t cheap, you can reduce the expense and still accomplish most day to day projects at home with these tools. They are versatile and can be used for a variety of jobs.

A power screwdriver may not seem essential, but for those of us who have fought endlessly to get a screw in our out of somewhere in the home, we know all too well what a luxury they can be. It just a few seconds you can get that screw out of the wall or put in anchor screws to hang up picture frames. I keep my power screwdriver fully charged and ready to go. It is the power tool I reach for the most. Since they come with a tip that can be changed from Phillips to a flat head, there is no need to have any other screwdriver around.

A power drill, either with a cord or without, is very versatile. The biggest investment here is going to be on the various drill bits that you will need. The size and the type of drill bits you need depend on the project. You can purchase them individually, but you will get a better deal if you purchase an assortment that are sold in a package. Just make sure you only use the right drill bit for the type of drill you have and for the type of material you are drilling into.

Saws are the most commonly used of the power tools out there. You should purchase four different types of saws, and you will be set to take on most any project. A miter saw is fairly inexpensive. It works well for cutting angles on the edges of wood and other materials. This is great for getting the perfect fit on the corners on the first try. A jigsaw is great for placing circular cuts and square cut outs. One of the most common uses for a jigsaw is to cut out the power outlet when installing paneling. Most jigsaws are adaptable for a variety of saw blades and are easy to handle.

A circular saw is great for a variety of projects. You need to be very careful with a circular saw as many power tool injuries occur with this particular power tool. Always use a circular saw with a safety guard attached to it. Circular saws cut through most any kind of materials if you use the right saw blades. They can also cut through thick materials. You will also get a very smooth cut with a circular saw.

A table saw is usually an expensive power tool to invest in, but it will be very handy and last for years. It will only take a couple of ties using it to be glad you purchased one. There are many things you can do with a table saw. It is very helpful when you are cutting long pieces of material or heavy materials because you have a table to balance the weight on. It is also great for join pieces and getting a very straight cut.

These next two items are debated as to their necessity when it comes to power tools. It really depends on your preference and the types of projects you will be doing. A sander that works with or against the grain is something I recommend if you will be doing any type of sanding. This can be on a vehicle, furniture, or a number of other projects. Having a power sander is going to save you hours or even days of sanding by hand, depending on the size of the project. You will also get a nicer finish. Make sure you use the right grade of sandpaper. Start of with a very coarse grade and finish up with a finer grade for a very smooth finish.

A router is a great tool for detail work. If you will be engraving or doing finishing work, this is the tool you don’t want to be without. There are so many accessories for routers that you can be very creative with your designing.

While the power tools you purchase are completely up to you, this is a list of the ones that you should have as well as a brief explanation why. With these tools on hand, you will be ready to tackle a variety of household projects that are sure to materialize over the course of time.

An introduction to hydraulic excavators...

Posted by admin in Landscaping on August 18, 2009 | No Comments

Coit Tower is a typical San Francisco landmark located on Telegraph Hill to the north side of the Financial District. Coit Tower could be seen from many places of the city, and is reachable via a steep road and from the usual walking path. Coit Tower stands 180 feet tall, and many visitors like to contact the top of the tower for eye-catching looks of San Francisco and the nearby areas. Coit Tower as well features a series of murals painted in the Works Progress Administration, portraying local occupations and neighborhoods.

Coit Tower was built with funds provided by Elizabeth Wythe
Lillie Hitchcock Coit, who donated a third of her fortune upon her death during 1929 to smarten the city of San Francisco. Lillie Coit was a world voyager, and brought back many relics from her experiences, but in fact regarded San Francisco as her true home and desired to stay a permanent legacy to the city. The funds were used to build two memorials: Coit Tower, and a sculpture in Washington Square that depicts three firemen.

It is generally believed that Coit Tower was built as a memorial to the firemen of San Francisco, as Lillie Coit was a lifelong enthusiast of the fire department. However, in spite of the tower’s similarity to a fire nozzle, many historians agree that Coit Tower was just built to improve the beauty of the city. Coit Tower is as well surrounded by steep sceneries grounds which are as well pretty pleasant to be walked through.

Visitors to Coit Tower could take a pulley to the top, appreciating the mind blowing murals along the way. The murals have been reinstated and as well particularly treated so that they would always remain integral, and are considered a very vital part of the history of San Francisco. Among other things, the murals portray farmers in the fields, a bank robbery, and a view into the port, a busy city street, and a lot of variety of other scenes as well. San Francisco Shuttle Tours are accessible of Coit Tower in which the murals are explained in detail. The walk is extremely physically demanding, and space for cars is also limited. Getting to Coit Tower is well values the attempt, however, as visitors are content with a peaceful setting and the striking views of a beautiful city.

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Decline in Home Building...

Posted by admin in Home Building on August 15, 2009 | No Comments

The financial crisis is affecting everyone. People are losing their jobs and some have to foreclose their homes. As a result, there is a decline in home building making some doubt that now is now the right time to build a home.

But what if there was no financial crisis? What if you can borrow money from the bank? What if you have the cash on hand? If there were no problems, then yes why not build your dream home.

To help you along, this is what you have to do.

First, get in touch with the local builders that have constructed houses similar to the size, quality and features that you want. By talking to them, you get a straight answer as to how much it is going to cost for the entire project plus what materials they will use.

Since its been months or even a few years that these homes were built, you have to expect that it is going to cost more now to construct something similar. The rooms which will be the most expensive to make will be the bathroom and kitchen. The number of windows and their size is another factor as well as the vaulted ceilings and high roof pitches.

You will also have to include inflation because building a home increase from 3% to 6% annually. With this information, only look at homes that were built within the last 6 months.

Don’t forget to put a 10% additional allowance to your budget when you make your estimate because plans change and in most cases, you and you contract will encounter unforeseen circumstances. Naturally you have to deal with the situation otherwise there will be delays when everything will be finished.

Believe it not, the cost per square foot is higher for a small home than a big one. Why? Because the cost of items is spread over and a two story home if that is what you want has a smaller roof and foundation. The same goes for plumbing and ventilation.

Another thing that could reduce cost is the shape of the home. Houses that are shaped like a rectangle, square or dome shaped are more affordable to build since there are not that many angles or corners which increases the amount of labor and the materials that will be needed.

It will be much easier to select the final blueprints, which is the basis of the project once you have estimated the construction expenses.

As much as possible, work with even numbers because this reduces wasted materials. The ideal home to make should be not less than 32 feet deep otherwise your roof trusses will have to be custom made which will cost more.

If you had this property for a long time, then chances are the neighborhood around you is already well developed. You don’t have to haul a lot of dirt, do grading, clear trees or blast through large rocks if your property happens to be somewhat secluded.

No one in his right mind will construct a house when there is a decline in home building due to the financial crisis. You just have to keep these tips in mind when the economy does improve so you will already have an idea how much money you need to build it.

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Building With Windows In Mind...

Posted by admin in Window Treatment on August 12, 2009 | No Comments

There is a lot to think about when designing a home, as many people simply overlook window treatments. In this article, I’m hoping to help you avoid the common pitfalls involved and help you save some money.

When using decorative casing such as shutters and 2 inch plantation size wooden blinds, you should always make sure that you have at least 2 1/2″. When you have a double or triple window encased within one window opening, you may want to use a vertical trim strips between each window. Make sure that you include this when measuring the depth. Even though it is less common decorating sliding doors, make sure that you include the handle when you measure, as the usual depth for this is 4 inches.

There are several different styles of window treatments, such as circular, arced, eyebrow arched, or even angles. All of them are beautiful and appealing, although very restricted when it comes to choices, especially when you are working with eyebrow and 1/4 arches.

When you are dealing with French doors there are a few things to keep in mind. The doors will normally swing open into the home, which could cause problems with the valance you use. Consider using a valance mounted to the door or allowing the doors to swing outward. When you are considering shades, blinds, or shuters, don’t forget to consider the handles and locks.

Make sure that when you are considering window treatments that you remember window placement as well. There are many restrictions when you have chair rails or base boards going around the opening of the window. There could also be a problem with the placement of the drapery as well.

The drapery may not stack back sufficiently or the outside edge may not extend to the outside of the window. Things can go much easier if you have the same amount of space on each side of the window, so you should try to center the window whenever you can.

When you place the window, make sure that you leave enough space between the top of the window and the ceiling. There should be at least 2 inches for bracket placement. When installing a wood header, make sure that it extends to the ceiling and that the heavier treatments are mounted in the wood. If you aren’t using wood headers but instead mounting into sheetrock you should use molly or toggle bolts for the best possible protection.

There are other things you need to consider when it comes to windows. First, you’ll need to make sure that all windows are accessible even those in an unfinished attic. This will help make things easier for future decorating or expansion of the room. Also, make sure that the windows in the room are the same style.

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Your workshop-garage heater...

Posted by admin in Garage Remodeling on August 9, 2009 | No Comments

Why do you need a heater for your remodeled garage? The answer for this question is pretty obvious: one of the major disadvantages of using your garage as a workshop or a home office is that it wasn’t meant for that. The garage is the special place reserved for your car, the garage is the room where you keep your lawn and garden accessories.

If you start using this space for other projects that you have, you need to deal with one of the major inconveniences, that is warmth. During the summer you don’t have to worry too much about this but during cold seasons you might find some difficulties in continuing your project because of the very low temperature.

You can find many ways to warm up your workshop- garage. You can try one of the porcelain heaters; they work great and can warm up a good area but they are not meant to warm a large space for a long time.

Another solution for you would be to use a kerosene heater. These heaters are easy to turn on, most of them have an electric starter. It should have a thermostat to be able to regulate the temperature also they have a specific scent, they do function on kerosene! So if you think you cannot handle this smell, a kerosene heater wouldn’t be a good choice for you. They are quite dangerous for your children, if they have access to the garage and you would definitely want to ventilate very well the garage!

A very good and popular choice nowadays is a gas heater. Of course you have to hire a professional to install it. You can find a gas heater suited to your budget for remodeling the garage. There are many models and almost all of them are fairly inexpensive. The main advantage of a gas heater is that it gives you a consistently warm environment. They are available in both manual and thermostatic control types. You would probably prefer a model that has a thermostat, even though its price is a little higher than the price of a manual temperature control model. The only thing that you have to do is to set it on a desired temperature and leave it to do its job.

There are two types of gas heaters: vented and vent less. The vent less unit uses air from the room and the vented model has a system that vents directly out of the garage. The disadvantage of the vent less model is that you have to keep the room vented at all times because the unit uses the air from the room where it has been installed. The main advantage for the both types of gas heaters is that they have a pretty low running cost compared to the kerosene and electric heaters.

Remember that if you choose to install a more advanced heating system like a gas heater, you must ask for a professional’s help.

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Organized garage...

Posted by admin in Garage Remodeling on August 4, 2009 | No Comments

The garage is that one place where we all seem to love to be disorganized, however the sooner you get organized, the sooner you can make better use of that space. Organizing your garage  can be a tiresome task for many homeowners. When you think about organizing your garage you should keep in mind that this activity means to find a designated place for everything while keeping your goods available for everyday use. The following five steps compromise a simple system for garage organization.

Sort your garage items.
First of all sort and categorize all the items in your garage, for this you should empty your garage and start sorting everything into categories. Separate the tools from sporting equipment, electric tools, etc. You will realize how much stuff you have and only then you will be able to determine the best ways to organize and store everything.  Misplaced items in your garage should be returned to their proper place. Also you should sort the things that should be in the garage from the things that should actually be in the basement, attic or better, sold at a garage sale. Remember to recycle everything that you decide to throw away.

Separate seasonal items and equipment.
A special rack should be installed to hang lawn maintenance tools and to keep them accessible yet out of the way. If it is
near winter place snow related tools like snow blowers, ice scrapers, snow shovels and also skis, snowboards and sleds
grouped together. Also the items for warm seasons should be  stored in a special cabinet. Near the beginning of every season you should plan this activity and rotate the cold and warm items places in the cabinet. For the other sporting equipment, shelves and drawers should be designed.

Additional shelving and cabinets.
While organizing you should consider adding additional garage storage space to help you maintain the organization.
Shelves and cabinets should be mounted on the walls. The basic principle is to store the items that you use on a regular
basis in a way that makes them accessible every time you need them.

Create efficient working area.
Installing a bench or a table would be a good choice if you use your garage as a workshop. A sturdy tool chest and a pegboard are great in storing your tools and keeping them easily accessible.

Relocate trash and recycling bins nearby the garage.
To easily dispose unwanted items from your garage a good idea is to relocate the trash and recycling bins near to your
garage entrance.  This way you won’t be tempted to keep certain items because the trash bins are too far away.

Now would be the time to hire a handyman to have cabinets, closets and shelves built right into your garage. Invest in some good storage units as described before and start organizing, sorting and storing.

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