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Carpentry: Tools and Tips

By: Joanna Harris

A carpenter is the person who works with wood to make different utility products like furniture, doors, boxes, tables and other things. Carpentry is the skill of making different things form wood. A carpenter uses different types of tools to make these things. A construction team must have a carpenter to do their woodworking jobs. Once the house gets ready, it is the job of the carpenter to make it more comfortable by making right furniture. It is a very laborious work which needs special skills.

Carpentry Tools

Carpenters use various special tools to carry out their job. These tools are categorized into hand tools and power tools. Most often carpenter uses hand tools for carrying out simple or even complex jobs. Power tools are used when working with heavy wood or large amount of work is to be done. Some very popular tools used for carpentry are mallets, hammers, chisels, saws, file, clamp, pliers, punches and measuring tapes.

Some useful tips about Carpentry

A carpentry job may include many small functions as part of a big project. These functions include measuring, marking, cutting, sawing, striking, chiselling, checking, boring, lengthening, sharpening and framing of joints.

Cut once after measuring twice, this is the most important rule of the carpenters who believe in making perfect objects in perfect time. This is why measuring tape and 90 degree angled tool are among the most important tools for carpenters. An end product is always perfect if you measure right and cut materials perfectly. A square is used for drawing straight lines and measuring tapes give you right measurements.

Simple saw is the best choice for cutting wood in straight lines, especially for the beginners. Coping saw is used for cutting curves. But for beginners, it is not recommended to use electric saws and cutters as they may injure themselves. Even if you are using it, you must read all the instructions carefully, about its usage.

Drill machines are the perfect carpentry tools to make holes in walls and wood. These are the power operated tools which make the job very easy and less laborious. Various kinds of nails and glue are the other elements you would need for any kind of carpentry job. Nailing requires skill which a person learns with practice. A beginner can start making simple things like bookshelves, simple tables, closet fixtures, etc.

While going for a project, choose the wood carefully. Measure and mark it even more carefully. If you have drawn some wrong marking, make a cross sign over it to differentiate it from the other lines. Job of carpenter involves too much precision without which you cannot make a perfect product.

After you have chosen an object and the appropriate wood for it, you can start your first carpentry project. Measuring is important for making a perfect carpentry object. So measure you wood twice according to the pattern before cutting it. Mark them with pencil and cross out the lines drawn by mistake. After you have cut wood pieces, it is time to put them together. Use nails and screws and according to the thickness of your wood, they should not stick out of the wood. Along with nails, you can use wood glue as well to make the joint stronger.

Article Source:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/home_improvement/article_4234.shtml

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What is the Difference Between Bottled Water and Tap Water When it Comes to Safety?

By: Olivia Romero

Congratulations! If you’re reading this article then that means you’re concerned about the safety of the water that you and your family are drinking. Many consumers, just like you, want to know, “what is the difference between bottled water and tap water.”

Well, when it comes to safety, they are one in the same. Let me explain.

You see, while bottled water may seem like an attractive alternative to tap, you need to know that the industry is under NO legal obligation to make their water any safe than tap. The government does not regulate the safety of bottled water.

Despite their claims of “crystal clear” “spring fresh”, etc., they could be filling the bottles with water from a hose hooked up to a faucet behind a gas station and you would never know it.

Now I know that sounds a little ridiculous, but I’m just trying to make a point. When you ask, “what is the difference between bottle water and tap water?” I believe you deserve the truth.

Which leads us back to tap water.

In recent years, scientists’ warnings about increasing levels of tap water contamination have become much louder.

The Ralph Nader Study Group recently released a report compiled after a review of over 10,000 documents acquired through the Freedom of Information Act.

This shocking report confirmed that “U.S. drinking water contains more than 2,100 toxic chemicals that can cause cancer.”

Herbicides, pesticides, industrial/household waste, as well as, a slew of pharmaceutical drugs have been detected in almost every public water supply.

While some people count on their local water utility to get rid of all this contamination, they aren’t aware that most of these water treatment systems continue to utilize out-dated disinfection technology.

While chlorination is useful for getting rid of dangerous, disease-causing parasites and bacteria, it can’t do anything to remove toxic chemicals.

Powerful filtration is the only way to clean up our tap water supplies. Unfortunately, this calls for costly re-design and equipment re-fitting that most cities and towns are reluctant to undertake.

So this leaves the responsibility of water safety in the hands of consumers.

And now that you know what is the difference between bottled water and tap water, why not spend your time looking into effective clean water solutions for your home? I can assure you that there are plenty of viable alternatives to both bottled and tap water.

As a result of my personal research, I discovered a new technology called multi-stage filtration.

Initially, I was going to go with either a reverse osmosis or distillation system. But when I found out how multi-stage filtration out-distances these two older systems in terms of effectiveness, cost and convenience I became very curious.

However, what really sold me, was the fact that the water produced by multi-stage filtration possesses a powerful health benefit that the other two systems don’t.

The naturally-occurring minerals that usually get filtered out by both r.o. and distillation, are left entirely intact by multi-stage filtration.

Bottom line? My family and I enjoy water that is safe, clean, great-tasting AND healthy.

But don’t take my word for it. Do a little looking around for yourself. I’ve complied some helpful information gathered as a result of trying to answer the question, “what is the difference between bottled water and tap water.” Visit my web site to read more about what I discovered.

Article Source:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/home_improvement/article_4179.shtml

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5 Modern Sculptors Who Have Inspired Modern Wall Sculpture Art

By: Alyssa Davis

Which sculptures should we consider as modern? Ironically, modern in the world of art, can refer to artists, artworks, and styles that have been popular during the past decade or even century. Much of today’s wall art resembles contemporary styles. People may one day consider the works of these artists as classics, in the same sense that Medieval, Baroque, and Renaissance sculptors are today. Here are some of the most renowned modern sculptors:

1. Constantin Brancusi (1876-1957)

Brancusi was a Romanian sculptor who made France his home. In the 1900s, Brancusi refined sculpture as an art form. While he showed the basic beauty of sculpture, he also attached an aura of mystery to it. Brancusi attended various art schools before creating Ecorche(1902), which Bucharest’s medical school still uses as a model. The works of Auguste Rodin greatly influenced Brancusi, teaching him that a force within a sculpture creates its surface. Within time, Brancusi would use a somewhat minimalist approach, attempting to represent sculptures in their most basic form.

2. Naum Gabo (1890-1977)

Born in Russia, Gabo later became an American. During World War I, Gabo lived in Norway and began developing his stereometric method of sculpting. This approach would ultimately influence some of today’s wall sculpture art. Gabo’s first sculptures were Cubist, and utilized the materials of celluloid and sheet metal. He would continue to use interesting materials, including plastic, wire, and glass. The goal was to create an impression of movement.

3. Ivan Mestrovic (1883-1962)

Mestrovic was a Croatian-American sculptor who once worked as a shepherd. Classic Greek Auguste Rodin sculptures greatly influenced Mestrovic’s typically huge and serious works. Mestrovic often used materials such as bronze, marble, and wood. Common subjects that Mestrovic used included:

- Yugoslav history

- Yugoslav folklore

- churches

- Biblical scenes

4. Pablo Picasso (1881-1973)

Picasso began to demonstrate his artistic skills as a young painter. Very quickly, he became renowned worldwide for his original and abundant painting. Although Picasso mainly used the medium of painting, he also used other media, such as sculptures. Other sculptures also influenced Picasso’s paintings. For instance, Iberian (far southwestern Europe) sculpture contributed to the style Picasso used in his painting Portrait of Gertrude Stein (1906). African sculpture also influenced Picasso’s use of Cubism.

5. Auguste Rodin (1840-1917)

Rodin’s works were quite visionary and have certainly inspired some of today’s wall sculpture art. The Frenchman perceived the materials of his sculptures as objects that required shaping, in order to create different effects on the surface. Rodin also perceived his sculptures as pieces of material that existed in space. He made an important trip to Italy, during 1875. There, the works of masters such as Michelangelo and Donatello amazed Rodin. Rodin’s first major sculpture, The Age of Bronze was so realistic that experts wrongly believed that Rodin had used a mold of a living human!

Some of today’s most lovely metal wall sculptures are based on modern sculptors. While modern is relative, the beauty that they reveal is very concrete.

Article Source:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/home_improvement/article_4157.shtml

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The Design of Platform Beds is Elegant and Functional

By: Mike Gonzales

A platform bed is a fantastic example of an effective fusion of form and function. It is sturdy and space-efficient, yet it is simple in every way. Essentially, a platform storage bed is comprised of a flat and rigid frame with a mattress nested in it. With a storage platform bed, no box spring is necessary. These beds often come equipped with a headboard, but almost never a footboard. This makes them very sleek and space-efficient, while maintaining their characteristically simple aesthetic.

This minimalist aesthetic is what truly defines platform beds. But just because they are simple, do not assume that they aren’t stunningly beautiful! In fact, the subtle designs and shapes of these beds, while practical, are also often painstakingly planned and designed by expert craftsmen, engineers, and artists. In other words, quality modern storage platform beds are designed by people who know how to do "a lot with a little," and produce quality – if not quantity- in their designs.

These beds have a long history that is deeply rooted in Asian tradition. Initially, they were used to keep the sleeper off of the cold floor, but eventually they grew to be elegant symbols of luxury and affluence. Now, thanks to online sales and advanced manufacturing methods, they can be produced to be just as beautiful as they have always been, but at a fraction of the price. This means you can find great platform storage beds that fit your budget.

One of the most popular and desirable features of modern platform storage beds is the storage space they provide. Whether in drawer form or the more complicated "lift" style platform beds, you will surely love the way your bed makes your whole room feel more organized and cleaner. These features are designed just as the rest of the bed is designed: with elegance, beauty, and utility always in mind. No space is wasted with platform beds; you get an artistic, space-efficient, and very useful bed that will last you a lifetime.

For an even greater sleeping experience, it is recommended that you pair your platform beds with a memory foam mattress, as the combination of a malleable mattress and a sturdy frame makes for unparalleled support and comfort.

Article Source:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/home_improvement/article_4244.shtml

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Tiling: Plan, Prepare and Install

By: Joanna Harris

Tiling the surfaces enhance the looks and the utility. Tiling a surface is not an easy job. You should be very careful right from measuring your surface area through selection of tiles to laying it. Tiling can be done on walls and floors as well. For the areas, which tend to stay damp and wet like kitchen and bathroom or the areas of high traffic, tiling is a perfect choice. Before laying tiles, you should follow some important guidelines and tips which we are discussing here.

Before anything else, you must measure the area of the surface to be tiled. Measure exactly all the edges and corners of the room. Calculate the surface and divide it with the area of one tile. It will give you an idea about number of tiles to be purchased. You can find tiles of many shapes, sizes and colours. Select these which suites and matches the decor requirements of your room. Don?t forget to purchase some extra tiles as they come handy in case of breakage or replacement later.

Before laying the tiles, you must prepare the base floor. Clean the floor by removing all grime, dust and oil. Adhesive will not stick to the dirty and greasy places. Floor should be plain and level one. High or low areas on the floor will show in tiles and also tiles will not adhere there perfectly.

Start from the centre of the surface. Do not make the mistake of starting it from the edge or the corner. Ignore the irregularities in the room as they will set off later. Mark a line from the centre to the edge of the wall. Now check first by laying loose tiles along the marked lines. It will give you opportunity to make adjustments later, in case centre is not exactly marked.

After you have purchased the tiles, open all the cartons and mix all the tiles. There may be slight variation in colour of the tiles in different cartons. This procedure will prevent noticeable variation in the colour. Also check the pattern and lay tile according to the pattern. In case, the tiles are of single colour without any pattern, arrange them according to the grain. It is a must to plan the pattern of laying tiles in advance.

Apply cement to adhere tiles to the floor. First apply adhesive to one fourth of the floor. If you are using self-adhering tiles, skip this procedure of spreading adhesive on the floor. Depending on the temperature and humidity of the area, cement sets accordingly. Mostly, it takes about 15 minutes to get set.

Start applying tiles from the centre of the room. First tile should be laid neatly as all other tiles depend upon this. After the tiles are laid, seal the grout carefully as the appearance of your tiles depend upon the grouting.

Article Source:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/home_improvement/article_4205.shtml

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Build a Solar Hot Water System Yourself

By: Kieran Gracie

Build a Solar Hot Water System

Solar power is a wonderful way to get free hot water in your home? You can make a solar water heater easily and cheaply, perhaps for under $100 depending on the materials you have available. Buying a ready made solar hot water heater will cost upwards of $1,000 so building your own solar water heater will save you several hundred dollars, paying for itself in just a few months. After that your hot water will cost you nothing!

Solar heating works anywhere and at any time of the year ? even wintertime! It might not heat all your hot water (it often does, however) but it will certainly make a huge difference in your heating costs. Expect to save at least one third. Solar water heaters are simple devices, very efficient and environmentally friendly. Making a solar water heater is easily a weekend project, provided you plan the job in advanceand get all the parts assembled.

A typical solar water heater system simply includes a collector box with integral water pipes that are connected to the existing domestic hot and cold water pipes near your hot water cylinder. Normally a drain valve is fitted should you need to empty the system for some reason, such as leaving the house empty in winter. You will find the assembly easy and will not need any special skills or tools. Position the collector box so that it faces the mid-day sun, mounting it on the roof if you wish, or attached to a wall, but ideally close to your hot water tank to minimize heat losses through the pipes. All necessary materials will be available from your local hardware store, although you will probably find you already have some of them in your shed.

Installing a solar water heater will not harm your existing domestic hot water system. In fact, by lowering the use of the existing heaters, the solar hot water heater will help prolong the life of your boiler or immersion heater as well as save on utility bills. A further advantage is that solar heat is a renewable resource, so there is an green bonus for installing a solar hot water system as well.

And it could have other uses. Solar hot water systems can be used for heating swimming pools by providing a gentle, all-year-round source of free heating. Are you thinking about underfloor heating, or do you already have such a central heating system? This typically uses a constant supply of warm (not hot) water with a low flow rate. Solar hot water is a great way to heat your home for very little cost. You can find out more at www.buildthingsdirect.com.

It is amazing how satisfying it is to build a simple system that provides constant hot water without hurting our planet.

However, even though these systems are simple, it is easy to make mistakes during installation if you are not experienced enough. It makes a lot of sense to get expert guidance and advice at the planning stage and before you start to build. This is a small but vital investment that costs surprisingly little but will ensure you do everything safely and efficiently. If you want more ideas and recommendations, please visit buildthingsdirect.com for further details. In summary, we can assure you that making and installing your own solar water heater is a satisfying and fun project that will give you years of savings, so why not give it a go?

Article Source:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/home_improvement/article_4142.shtml

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What Every Homeowner Should Know About Minimum Lighting Requirements

By: Jessica Ackerman

A 1620 Plymouth Pilgrim transported in time to the future in 2009 would be pleasantly surprised to find – not the all-purpose Betty lamps lighting up homes, but lights that not only seem to issue from nowhere, and which become brighter or darker as if by magic, but lights of many kinds illuminating rooms in a variety of tones and intensities. Indeed, there’s so much available in the market today that the Pilgrims of five centuries ago might be, in a sense, lucky. Having only the Betty lamp, they have a much easier task lighting their homes than any modern man.

In spite of that, it remains doubtful whether anyone would exchange places with the Pilgrims and their Betty lamps. In the area of home lighting, as in probably all other areas of endeavor, modern man never had it so good. Here are a few more things you, the modern home decorator, needs to know about lighting:

Entrance

Wall-mounted bracket lights should be enough to illuminate the area outside the door to enable those inside to see the person outside. Back entrances should be similarly lighted.

Entry Halls

A 15-watt floodlamp recessed into the ceiling should be enough to light up a 75-square foot space.

Hallways

The average hall can be lighted using 40- to 80-watt incandescents recessed into the ceiling every 10 feet.

Living Rooms

The average-sized living room must have at least four table or floor lamps of between 100- and 150-watts for table lamps, and between 150- and 500-watts for the floor lamps. To give enough background light and to eliminate shadows when using task lighting, each wall must have around 200 watts. Lamps tasked with lighting up an entire corner should deliver at least 200 watts.

Dining Rooms

Incredibly, chandeliers are best placed in dining rooms. The chandelier and the dining table are a veritable visual feast and are the piece de resistance in some homes. Of course, the chief piece of furniture, the table, has to be lighted. Do this by having low-wattage recessed downlights on either side of the chandelier or pendant. Round everything off to perfection using candles on the table, placed high enough so that the diners don’t have to look through the flame. Often, the dining table doubles as a study table or a work surface, so illumination from either the center fixture or other lamps must be increased. Pendants must be 30 to 36 inches from the table top, and must have at least 150-watts.

Bedrooms

A relatively low-watt, glare-free ceiling fixture is recommended for the bedroom which is used not only for sleeping, but also for reading, writing, and sewing. Small bedrooms should make do with 40-watts, while bigger ones need 100-watts. Mirrors and dressing tables might have bracket lights. A wall candle holder on each side of your mirror or dressing table would also be perfect. It’d also be good to have retractable 100-watt reading lights on a three-way switch. This reading lamp should be installed 12 inches from the bed , level with the reader’s shoulder. Use a 100-watt recessed in closets.

Kitchen

Have a central light of at least 150-watts for general illumination. To avoid the potentially dangerous shadows a single central light brings, the stove, sink, and counter tops have to be illuminated separately with at least 40-watts each.

Laundry, Workshop, Garage

In the laundry or home workshop, either fluorescent or incandescent light may be used over the work area or workbench; same with the garage.

Bathrooms

The mirror is an important lighting center in the bathroom, and is illuminated using either bracket lights or encircling light of 60-watt incandescent. Often this should be enough in a small bathroom, although recessed ceiling lights of 100-watts should be had as well. If yours is a big bathroom, consider a pair of wall candle holders bracketing your bathroom mirror.

Study Rooms or Dens

These receive the same lighting provisions as the living room if as big.

Article Source:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/home_improvement/article_4188.shtml

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