Mills grind grain into flour and were historically important to communities. They were powered by cattle, slaves, water or windmills and typically located near a power source. Farmers bring in clean grain for milling and the miller takes a portion of the proceeds. Some communities still have working mills for local use or tourism. A […]
Capacitors store and release energy quickly, making them useful in car audio setups. To charge a capacitor, connect it to a power source via a resistor or light bulb. When charging, be cautious as a charged capacitor can release a large amount of power quickly and can be dangerous. Capacitors are devices that store energy […]
A unit load is a collection of goods packed for easy transportation, often stacked on a pallet and wrapped together. It can be any quantity of product similarly packed for transport, from pushcart-sized units to intermodal shipping crates. The load unit is secured as one solid piece, and can be wrapped using packing wrap or […]
Photovoltaic tiles generate solar electricity by absorbing sunlight into their solar cells. They are more expensive than traditional roofing materials but are durable and energy-efficient. Prices have fallen due to advances in technology and manufacturing. PV roofing materials are cheaper in areas with high utility rates and can be economically viable in sunny climates. Photovoltaic […]
Roof construction is crucial for protecting buildings from the elements. Design factors include roofing materials, construction process, and suitability for the application and local weather conditions. Local conditions also affect roof construction, with sloping roofs for snow and low, wide roofs for wind. Durability, aesthetics, and cost are also important considerations. In the process of […]
Common beams are used in sloped roofs and are made of wood lumber. They form the sloping sides of a traditional gable roof and are tied together at the base by ceiling joists. The correct length for each unit can be calculated using online calculators or manufacturer charts. Prefabricated trusses are a faster and more […]
Protective coatings are used to protect items from damage and improve their function. Examples include polymer coatings on electrical wiring, nonstick coatings on cookware, and metallic coatings on outdoor metal products. Coatings help products last longer and hold up well under normal use. Protective coatings are coatings intended to provide a layer of protection from […]
Hydraulic rock drills are heavy equipment used in construction, excavation, and drilling. There are two types: manual and industrial. Coolant is used to prevent overheating, and regular maintenance is necessary for peak efficiency and longevity. Hydraulic rock drills are a type of heavy equipment that can be used in a number of different construction, excavation […]
Salt wells are used to extract salt from underground deposits. The process involves pumping water into the deposit, dissolving the salt into a saline solution, which can be pumped to the surface and evaporated to obtain a dry salt product. Salt has been used for food, tanning, and preserving meat since ancient times. Salt wells […]
A universal router is a milling machine capable of performing multiple functions. It was first created by Joseph Brown in 1861 for automated manufacturing. Universal routers can handle different types of tasks and are available in different sizes and capabilities. They are more maintenance-intensive and expensive but popular for their flexibility and versatility. Milling machines […]
Lobster buoys are attached to traps to help lobstermen locate and identify them. They are usually brightly colored and made of wood or plastic. Laws regulate their use and hunters must register their buoy colors and patterns. Buoys have become a symbol of the New England coast and are sometimes sold as vintage decorations. A […]
TIG welding uses a tungsten electrode to create an arc between metals, with shielding gas to prevent oxidation. Argon is the preferred gas and steel and aluminum are commonly used. Different joint types can be welded, with a filler rod used for heavy metals. Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding is the process of mixing reactive […]
The forest industry includes companies involved in forest management and the use of forest resources, such as lumber and paper manufacturers. Timber harvesting, forest management, and supply chain monitoring are all aspects of the industry. Regulations are in place to ensure sustainable logging and protect natural resources. The forest industry is a collective of companies […]
Autofrettage is a metal fabrication process that strengthens metal pressure vessels by subjecting them to high pressure to induce residual compressive stress. The process is used in industries such as aeronautical and petrochemical, and also in the manufacture of gun barrels. The technique allows components to handle stress from pressure, temperature, or repetitive use. The […]
A hook wrench is a hand tool with a flat handle and a hook that can be fixed or hinged to fit various sized parts. It is used to tighten, loosen, or hold round, notched, or faceted machinery components. Hook spanners are made of durable materials and come in different sizes and weights. They are […]
Cedar lumber is a natural, high-quality building material that is resistant to water damage, insect infestation, and warping. It is commonly used for outdoor structures and comes in various shapes and sizes. Cedar has a distinct fragrance and is visually appealing, but may require treatment after several years. Pressure treated lumber is an alternative, but […]
Scaffolding tools include common tools like hammers and wrenches, as well as specially designed tools like the podger for adjusting scaffold tubes. Levels ensure proper alignment and prevent instability, while tool belts and leashes prevent tools from falling. Hoists can lift materials to higher levels. Several scaffolding tools are required to properly erect the scaffold […]
A building inspector checks construction projects for compliance with building codes. They may work for the government or be hired by a homeowner. Education and certification requirements vary, but continuing education is often necessary. A building inspector is one who inspects buildings, roads, bridges, dams, tunnels, and almost any other type of construction job to […]
A concrete mixer is used to mix and pour concrete, and comes in various sizes. The process requires precision in blending sand, water, and aggregate, with Portland cement being the most common mix. The rotating drum with blades mixes the concrete, and the size of the mixer depends on the job. In construction, a concrete […]
Ceramic mold casting creates tools and parts using materials like bronze or stainless steel. The process involves pouring ceramic slurry onto a mold pattern, hardening it, removing volatiles, firing it in a kiln, and pouring in the steel. It’s expensive but creates accurate, detailed, and smooth surfaces. Common parts include cutting tools, impellers, and plastic […]
