A table saw is a woodworking machine with a circular saw blade driven by an electric motor. There are three main types: portable, contractor, and cabinet. Accessories like a sliding cross slide and extension tables can be added. Safety is important, including wearing safety glasses and using the appropriate blade. A table saw is a […]
Motor controllers are electronic and electromechanical devices used to start and operate electric motors in a predefined manner. They can gradually increase motor speed, increase starting torque, or reverse the direction of motor rotation. They can be simple or sophisticated and fall into two categories: electronic and electromechanical controllers. They are necessary for larger and […]
The lathe tailstock supports the workpiece and prevents wobbling. It can accommodate different length parts and has various center points. A live center rotates with the stock, while a dead center is fixed. The tailstock can be removed when turning a bowl. The tailstock of the lathe is used to keep the end of the […]
Mantrips are small vehicles used to transport miners in and out of mines. They can be rail-mounted or use rubber wheels, have low profiles, and safety features. They reduce travel time, keep workers on a controlled path, and provide a quick way out during emergencies. A mantrip is a small vehicle or shuttle used to […]
A bicycle hoist uses pulleys to lift a bike off the ground for storage. The system includes hooks that attach to the bike frame and a rope that is secured to an anchor. It is not recommended to use the hoist for lifting other objects. A bicycle hoist is a device used to lift a […]
Advertising mail, also known as direct or bulk mail, is delivered by courier services to a targeted audience. Advertisers can include coupons, brochures, and other information. Postal services can negotiate special rates for mail handling to generate revenue. Critics raise concerns about identity theft and environmental waste. Some countries allow customers to opt-out of receiving […]
Chess pie is a sweet dessert similar to pecan pie, but without pecans. It may have originated in England and is sometimes called a translucent cake. The name’s origin is unclear, but it is not related to the game of chess. Recipes typically include sugar, butter, eggs, vanilla, and cornmeal, and variations may include chocolate, […]
Gear teeth are protrusions on gears that mesh with compatible teeth on another gear or rack to transfer force and perform mechanical work. Different styles and sizes of gear teeth can be adjusted for efficiency, and helical gears have angled teeth for smoother meshing. Gear teeth are vulnerable to damage and wear over time, but […]
Fire dynamics simulators are computer programs that model the spread of fire, helping predict how it will react to different scenarios. They divide fires into small sections, incorporating factors such as materials, temperatures, fuel sources, and wind. These programs rely on computational fluid dynamics and data from previous fires. Firefighters, manufacturers, and code developers use […]
Modular offices are buildings that are not permanently attached to the ground and can be used as temporary or permanent workspaces. They are cost-effective and can be portable or semi-permanent, with electrical and plumbing hookups. They have a shorter lifespan than traditional buildings, but quality plays a factor. They have advantages like cost and easier […]
A long reach forklift, also known as a telehandler, has a telescopic boom that allows for lifting to greater heights than conventional forklifts. They are commonly used in outdoor agricultural, industrial, and construction environments but can be unwieldy in tight spaces. The telescopic boom can cause instability, and operators must be trained to use the […]
A heat engine converts heat into mechanical work by passing through a hot source and a cold sink in a specific thermodynamic cycle. Examples include steam engines and gas turbines. Efficiency depends on the temperature difference, and is limited by the cold sink’s temperature. The efficiency of heat engines varies, with car engines achieving around […]
A broadaxe is a heavy, broad-bladed ax used for squaring wood. It requires skill and strength, which are becoming rare due to mechanized logging. The ax has two sides, one flat and one blunt, and was used to create hewn beams and railroad ties. It can also be used for making octagonal beams and floorboards. […]
Vertical rolling mills punch holes in metal. Boring machines are used for accurate drilling and honing engine cylinders. CNC milling machines are required for high-quality products. Vertical boring machines can also drill holes in a sequence, re-machine bearings, and repair engine parts. A vertical rolling mill is a machine used to punch holes in metal, […]
Pulse transformers conduct electrical currents in a pulse-like rhythm, making them ideal for telecommunication circuits, digital logic situations, and lighting situations. There are two main types: signal and power. Power models require low coupling capacitances and high breakdown voltage and insulation resistance. High voltage pulsed transformers have pulse output voltages ranging from 100 to 500 […]
A flue is a metal pipe used to carry smoke and fumes out of a building’s living space. Regular cleaning and maintenance are necessary. Metal flues can be installed inside damaged masonry fireplaces to avoid dangerous chimney fires. In new construction, metal flues are often installed within walls and vented outside. Modern heating systems require […]
Balloon frame is a wooden frame used in construction to build buildings. It consists of wooden studs, plywood, and rafters. The term “balloon frame” came from critics who thought it was fragile, but it allowed for rapid construction and shipping of homes across the US. It did not require skilled workers and used nails to […]
Neuroarchitecture explores the impact of man-made structures on the human nervous system and brain. It uses neuroscience to evaluate the effects of different elements on the body’s central nervous system. The Neuroscience Academy for Architecture promotes research on the relationship between buildings and the human body. Neuroarchitecture is a discipline that seeks to explore the […]
Angle blocks are tools used by wood or metal workers to cut materials at specific angles. They consist of precision-engineered metal triangles and can be used to measure angles, locate objects, and install them in the correct position. Angle block sets contain a variety of triangles with different angles, and more expensive sets offer greater […]
A fire alarm control panel displays the location of fire fighting equipment, including smoke detectors, fire alarm switches, and sprinkler systems. It is used in commercial buildings and can detect open doors and windows. The panel helps determine where a fire is in a building and can automatically call the fire brigade. It must comply […]
