Campbell Hausfeld Recalls Air Compressors Due to Fire Hazard

The recall involves the Campbell Hausfeld model HU200099AV air compressor with 20 gallon tank. The recall includes date codes ranging from January 2009 through June 2009 and were exclusively sold at Walmart.

The compressor's thermal overload, which shuts the unit off when it overheats, can fail. This can lead to overheating, melting and a risk of fire.

For information on this recall go to CPSC website.

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Welding Safety Apparels

For welders, safety is one that cannot be taken for granted and safety apparels are part of keeping safe. Good reliable safety equipments are a must because welding is inherently dangerous profession.

Hobart Welding Product just introduced a variety of welding apparels which includes leather and flame retardant cotton welding jackets, leather aprons and flame retardant cotton welding sleeves.

Hobart's Leather Welding Jacket is available in three sizes: L, XL, XXL. MSRP $60. The cloth welding jacket is available in three sizes: L, XL, XXL. MSRP $35. Aprons MSRP is $20 and the sleeves are selling about $8.00.

For more information on these products visit Hobart Safety Acessories.

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Save Energy, Save Money

During this lean times, everyone is looking to save a buck and you can start by saving energy at home and a good one to start is replacing those incandescent light bulbs we use all over our homes.

According to the EPA and the US Department of Energy if every American home replaced just one light bulb with ENERGY Star qualified bulb, we would save enough energy to light 3 million homes for a year. That amounted to $600 million in annual energy cost, and prevent greenhouse gases equivalent to the emissions of more than 800,000 cars.

Replacing those incandescent light bulbs with Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs makes a lot of sense and eventually will save you energy cost. Compared to the incandescent light bulb, CFLs use about 75% less energy, 75% less heat which means they are safer to use, last 10 times longer which means all this could save you $35.00 for each bulb's lifetime use.

CFLs comes in different sizes and shapes, for indoors and outdoors, warm or soft lighting and are great to be used in all areas of our homes.

Some CFLs works with dimmer switches but make sure to read the labels because majority of CFLs will not work with these switches.

It's a small start but it makes sense, it will save you energy cost in the long run and also great for the environment.

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Is Your Water Heater Needs Replacing?

Don't get caught unprepared when your water heater fails. Water heaters lasts about 10–15 years or so, so if your water heater is getting close to the end of it's service life, start looking around for a replacement and replace them before they actually fail.

Take in consideration of all the available options and models of water heaters in the market today and choose one that will save you energy, operating cost and the one that will meet the hot water demand of your home.

Some of the available types of water heaters are Heat Pump Water Heaters, Gas Storage Water Heaters, Gas Condensing Water Heaters, Whole-Home Gas or Electric Tankless Water Heaters, Solar Water Heaters and Heat Pump Water Heaters.

Here are some of the checklist you can use before purchasing.

• Check for product availability in your local area and on the web and do a research comparison.

• Decide on what size you need according to your household hot water demand, your plumber or sales person will be able estimate them for you.

• Get quotes on water heater cost and installation, get them in writing.

• Find out about warranty on the water heater, parts and labor.

• Make sure you have the available space for your new model and size you choose.

• Take in considerations any additional expenses such as additional electrical wiring or additional plumbing.

• Find out if there are special deals and any tax credits for purchasing a qualified Energy Star compliant water heaters.

• Find out if your contractor will obtain all the necessary permits for you.

• Get references for your contractor.

• Check the companies you are dealing with the Better Business Bureau.

By preparing and acting before your water heater fails, you will save money, more in control of your purchase and a lot less mess on your hands.

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Change your Clock, Change your Smoke Alarm Batteries

March 8, 2009 at 2:00 am is the start of daylight saving time, don't forget to set your clocks before you go to bed but most importantly, this serves as a reminder for all of us to replace the batteries of our smoke alarms.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA),

• A 2004 telephone survey found that 96% of U.S. households had at least one smoke alarm, yet in 2000-2004, no smoke alarms were present or none operated in almost half (46%) of the reported home fires.

• An estimated 890 lives could be saved each year if all homes had working smoke alarms.

• 65% of reported home fire deaths in 2000-2004 resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.

Some facts to ponder, smoke alarms really do a great job saving lives, but we must maintain them.

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Reclaimed Greywater to Flush the Toilet?

The Sloan Valve Company's new Sloan® AQUS® Greywater System does exactly that, reclaims greywater from bathroom lavatory drains and reuses it to flush toilets, which could mean savings of gallons of water annually. The system is currently ideal for hotels, schools and many commercial applications, a common household probably will not generate enough greywater for this system to be practical but if Sloan Company can come up with a home model, it will be a great one for household use, but who says you cant try this one for your home?

The systems basically, funnels water collected from sink drains, sanitizes, cleans and filters the water. The water then stored to a reservoir under the sink for future use. When a toilet that is connected to the system flushes, water from the reservoir is used to flush the toilet, a very ingenious way to save and tap greywater.

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Electrical Cords Safety

Electrical cords that are damage or used improperly can posed a serious risk, they can be a source of shock hazards, fire hazards or tripping hazards.

Here are some few tips to prevent injuries or accidents involving electrical cords from occurring.

• Before using electrical cords, make sure they are not damage, check the insulation make sure they are not chafed or cut. Make sure all the prongs are there and not damage.

• Use GFCI along with your electrical cord when working outdoors, in close proximity with water, or in damp conditions.

• Remove all cords out of foot traffic paths, they pose a tripping hazard when stepped on. If this is not unavoidable, use duct tape to keep them flat and secure on the floor, use this only as a temporary solution.

• Move cords or furniture so cords are not covered. Heavy weights or traffic can damage cords, crushing insulation or breaking wire strands, creating a fire or shock hazard.

• Unwrap cords. Wrapped cords trap heat that normally escapes loose cords, which can lead to melting or weakening of insulation.

• Do not use nails or staples to fasten electrical cords, nails and staples can tear or crush the insulation or cut the wires inside, presenting a fire or shock hazard.

• Do not overload cords, make sure extension cords are not carrying too much load than what they are supposed to, if so replace cords with a higher capacity cords (16 AWG handles 1375 W, use 14 or 12 AWG for heavier loads). Too much current will cause the wires to get hot. If the cord, plug, or outlet feels warm, it may be overloaded, and can be a fire hazard.

• Do not use extension cord as a permanent wiring, extension cords are not as safe as permanent house wiring. Have additional outlets installed, installed wiring can carry more current and is protected from accidental damage that could cause shock or fire.

• Do not pull on the electrical cord itself when unplugging, remove them by the plug.

• When using electrical cords, make sure they do not come in contact with water, water and electricity do not mix and can result in serious shock or fire.

• When done using them, unplugged and remove them from electrical source.

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Handy Solutions for Common Interior Paint Problems

Tips from the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute

Now is the perfect time to look around your home and take stock of areas in need of repair or an inexpensive spruce up with the holiday season behind us and warmer weather still months away.

“A simple change of paint color can rejuvenate a tired kitchen, warm a family or living room or help to create a restful bedroom. But, before opening that first can of paint, correct surface issues and make sure your walls are clean and sound. Good surface preparation coupled with top quality paint, brushes and rollers will help to insure a long-lasting and beautiful finish,” Debbie Zimmer, color and decorating expert with the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute explains.

Common Interior Surface Paint Problems

1. Foaming or Cratering
This occurs during the formation of bubbles and results in small, round concave depressions when those bubbles break during paint application and drying.

Possible causes include shaking a partially filled can of paint, use of low quality paint or very old latex paint, applying paint too quickly or excessive rolling and brushing, using a low quality roller cover or wrong nap length or applying a gloss or semigloss paint over a porous surface.

Solution
All paints will foam to some extent during application: however, higher quality paints are formulated so bubbles break while the paint is still wet, allowing for good flow and appearance. Apply gloss and semigloss paints with a short nap roller, and apply a sealer or primer to porous surfaces before painting.

2. Mildew
The black, gray or brown areas of fungus growth can occur on paint or caulk surfaces. Mildew forms most often on areas that tend to be damp with little or no sunlight. Ideal areas include bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms.

Possible causes include use of a low quality paint, with minimal or no additives to prevent growth, painting over a surface where the mildew has not been removed or applying paint in “too thin” of a coat.

First test for mildew by applying a few drops of household bleach to the discolored area, then rinse; if it disappears it is probably mildew.

Solution
Remove all mildew from the surface by scrubbing with a diluted bleach solution (one part bleach, three parts water), wearing proper safety protection, including rubber gloves and eye protection. Rinse thoroughly, prime bare surfaces and paint. To protect against mildew, use a top quality latex paint and clean when necessary with bleach/detergent solution. Consider installing an exhaust fan in high moisture areas.

3. Brush and Roller Marks from Poor Paint Flow and Leveling
Failure of the paint to dry to a smooth film results in unsightly marks or patterns after the paint dries.

Possible causes include use of low quality paint or wrong type of roller cover or low quality brush, adding additional paint to “touch up” partially dried painted areas, re-brushing or re-rolling partially dried painted areas.

Solution
Use high quality paints to prevent this problem from occurring. Quality paints contain ingredients that enhance paint flow and form a smooth film. When using a roller, be sure to use a cover with the recommended nap length for the type of paint being used. Use a high quality brush, a poor brush can result in poor flow and leveling.

About the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute
The Paint Quality Institute(SM) was formed by Rohm and Haas Company in 1989 to educate people on the advantages of using quality interior and exterior paints and coatings. The Paint Quality Institute's goal is to provide information on the virtues of quality paint as well as color trends and decorating with paint through a variety of vehicles, including television appearances, newspaper and magazine articles, and instructional literature. Be sure to visit the Paint Quality Institute at www.paintquality.com.

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Winter Tree Care Tips for Homeowners

Winter brings frigid temperatures, icy winds, and plenty of snow. Just as people battle Mother Nature at this time of the year, so do trees, with one major exception: trees can't avoid exposure to the elements.

"While your trees seem to be in a state of hibernation in the winter, exposure to the tough conditions can cause them major stress," said Jim Skiera, Executive Director of the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). "Minimize that stress by helping your trees through the cold months, a little at a time. If you take care of your trees in the winter, you'll be rewarded in the spring."

1. Put composted organic mulch under your tree in the fall or early winter to help retain water and reduce temperature extremes. A thin layer of mulch will act like a blanket and give the tree's roots a little extra winter protection.

2. Give your trees a drink. Winter droughts require watering as much as summer droughts. If temperatures permit, an occasional watering during the winter on young trees can be a life saver. But be sure to water only when soil and trees are cool but not frozen.

3. Prune your trees. Winter is actually one of the best times to prune because it is easier to see the structure of trees without their leaves. But limit pruning to deadwood and poorly placed branches in order to save as many living branches as possible.

4. Prevent mechanical injuries. Branch breakage or splitting can be caused by ice and snow accumulation, or chewing and rubbing by animals. Prevent problems from occurring on young trees by wrapping the base of trees in a hard, plastic guard or a metal hardware cloth. Wrapping trees with burlap or plastic cloth also can prevent temperature damage. Just remember to remove the wraps and guards in the spring to prevent damage when the tree begins to grow.

The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) is a nonprofit organization supporting tree care research around the world. Headquartered in Champaign, Ill., ISA is dedicated to the care and preservation of shade and ornamental trees. For more information, contact a local ISA Certified Arborist or visit www.isa-arbor.com.

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New Welding Helmets from Lincoln Electric

Lincoln Electric expanded it's Vista line of auto-darkening welding helmets and upgraded the entire line's headgear, making them more ergonomic and comfortable for use. Newly redesigned headgear features improved ventilation along with fore and aft adjustments for a more individualized fit.

Red Rod™, the first new design, features hot rod flame graphics over candy-apple red metalflake paint, to appeal to the classic car enthusiast. The new retro-inspired SurfRod® helmets, pay tribute to the pinstripes and matte black finish used by street rodders of the 1950s and today. Additionally, Lincoln now offers an all black helmet, ideal for factory orders and individuals who prefer a more traditional look.

The Vista line also features:

• Solar powered auto-darkening, eliminating operator error and alkaline corrosion
• Grind and TIG modes, as well as variable delay settings for greater operator control
• Four independent arc sensors to ensure reliability
• Different view sizes, for every budget and preference, including the 3000series, with one of the largest views in the industry

Other styles available in the Vista® line include Heavy Metal™, Patriot, and NASCAR®.

For more information visit their website at www.lincolnelectric.com

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Tenon and Mortise Joinery the Easy Way

If you are looking for a fast, easy and revolutionary way of doing mortise and tenon look no further.
Festool has a revolutionary tool called Domino Joining System. The system consist of the Domino joiner and prefabricated tenons in various sizes. It offers a far more stronger joints that of biscuit or dowel joinery and has more area for gluing surface. Festool offers the tools in two models the Festool Domino DF 500 E (574258) or the Domino DF 500 E Set (574283) with additional accessories.

For more information on the Domino joining systems visit www.festoolusa.com


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Enjoy Your Fireplace And Woods Stoves Safely

The high cost of energy are driving consumers to find alternative ways to reduce their home heating costs, they are rediscovering their fireplaces and wood stoves and using them more often to heat their homes. Although these are attractive alternatives there are many inherent dangers associated with using them.

Many times these fireplaces and wood stoves has not been used for a long time and may require some careful attention and inspections. It is recommended to contact a professional to inspect your fireplace, wood stoves and chimneys to make sure they are properly working and are safe to use. Careful attention to safety can also minimize their fire hazard.

Here are some safety tips you can follow before using your fireplace or wood stoves.

• Be sure the fireplace or stove is installed properly. Wood stoves should have adequate clearance (36”) from combustible surfaces and proper floor support and protection.

• Wood stoves should be of good quality, solid construction and design, and should be laboratory tested.

• Fireplaces, wood stoves and chimneys should be inspected annually and cleaned if necessary, especially if it has not been used for some time to ensure that they are in proper operating condition, (i.e., no cracks in fireplace masonry or wood stove linings).

• Keep children and pets away from fireplaces and wood stoves. They can be burned badly by touching such hot surfaces as fireplace screens or the exterior of a stove.

• Do not use flammable liquids to start or accelerate any fire.

• Keep a glass or metal screen in front of the fireplace opening, to prevent embers or sparks from jumping out, unwanted material from going in, and help prevent the possibility of burns to occupants.

• The stove should be burned hot twice a day for 15-30 minutes to reduce the amount of creosote buildup.

• Try to keep the fire at a moderate level. Continuous burning of wood at a low-fire level may contribute to creosote build-up, increasing the potential for chimney fires and the corrosion of metal parts. Inspect the chimney and chimney connector on wood stoves at least twice monthly and clean if necessary. Avoid over-firing the stove, since overheating may damage the stove and chimney connector or cause a fire in adjacent structures.

• Don’t use excessive amounts of paper to build roaring fires in fireplaces. It is possible to ignite creosote in the chimney by overbuilding the fire.

• Use only the proper fuel. Don't use charcoal in a fireplace or stove that is designed only for wood fires, burning charcoal can give off lethal amounts of carbon monoxide.

• Keep flammable materials away from your fireplace mantel. A spark from the fireplace could easily ignite theses materials.

• Before you go to sleep, be sure your fireplace fire is out. NEVER close your damper with hot ashes in the fireplace. A closed damper will help the fire to heat up again and will force toxic carbon monoxide into the house.

• If synthetic logs are used, follow the directions on the package. NEVER break a synthetic log apart to quicken the fire or use more than one log at a time. They often burn unevenly, releasing higher levels of carbon monoxide.

Photograph is licensed under GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1.2
Courtesy of Thomaswm

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Reminder to Replace Smoke Alarm Batteries

This weekend November 2 2008 is the end of the Daylight Saving Time. As we change our clocks, it is also a good reminder to change the batteries in our smoke alarms.

It is important to have fresh batteries in our smoke alarms so they can continue protecting us and our families.

Here are things to look for when replacing batteries and maintaining your smoke alarms.

If you have a smoke alarm with batteries:
*Smoke Alarms powered by long-lasting batteries are designed to replace the entire unit according to manufacturer’s instructions.
*In standard type battery powered smoke alarms, the batteries need to be replaced at least once per year and the whole unit should be replaced every 8-10 years.
*In hard-wired, battery back up smoke alarms, the batteries need to be checked monthly, and replaced at least once per year. The entire unit should be replaced every 8-10 years.

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Have A Happy And Safe Halloween

In the spirit of Halloween and for Safety's sake we are going off topic to bring you a Halloween safety message from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Happy Halloween to all!

Everyone can make this year's holiday a safe one by following these safety tips on costumes, treats and decorations.

Costumes

• When purchasing costumes, masks, beards and wigs, look for flame- resistant fabrics such as nylon or polyester, or look for the label "Flame Resistant." Flame-resistant fabrics will resist burning and should extinguish quickly. To minimize the risk of contact with candles and other fire sources, avoid costumes made with flimsy materials and outfits with big, baggy sleeves or billowing skirts.
  
  
• Purchase or make costumes that are light, bright and clearly visible to motorists.
  
  
• For greater visibility during dusk and darkness, decorate or trim costumes with reflective tape that will glow in the beam of a car's headlights. Bags or sacks also should be light colored or decorated with reflective tape. Reflective tape is usually available in hardware, bicycle and sporting goods stores.
  
  
• Children should carry flashlights to see and be seen.
  
  
• Costumes should fit well and not drag on the ground to guard against trips and falls.
  
  
• Children should wear well-fitting, sturdy shoes. Oversized high heels are not a good idea.
  
  
• Tie hats and scarves securely to prevent them from slipping over children's eyes and obstructing vision.
  
  
• If your child wears a mask, make sure it fits securely, provides adequate ventilation, and has eye holes large enough to allow full vision.
  
  
• Swords, knives and similar costume accessories should be made of soft, flexible material.

Treats

• Warn children not to eat any treats before an adult has examined them carefully for evidence of tampering.
  
  
• Carefully examine any toys or novelty items received by trick-or- treaters under three years of age. Do not allow young children to have any items that are small enough to present a choking hazard or that have small parts or components that could separate during use and present a choking hazard.

Decorations

• Keep candles and jack-o'-lanterns away from landings and doorsteps where costumes could brush against the flame.
  
  
• Remove obstacles from lawns, steps and porches when expecting trick-or-treaters.
  
  
• Indoors, keep candles and jack-o'-lanterns away from curtains, decorations and other combustibles that could be ignited. Do not leave burning candles unattended.
  
  
• Indoors or outside, use only lights that have been tested for safety by a recognized testing laboratory. Check each set of lights, new or old, for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections. Discard damaged sets.
  
  
• Don't overload extension cords.

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Lincoln Electric's Ultimate Multi-Process Machine- The Power MIG 350MP

Featuring Stick, TIG, MIG and Flux-Cored Welding Capabilities

• Advanced Processes - Pulsed MIG, Pulse-on-Pulse and Power Mode

• Push-pull ready spool gun for enhanced aluminum welding

• 115-volt AC auxiliary power-easy to run lights or grinders

Cleveland – Lincoln Electric’s Power MIG® 350MP is the ultimate choice for process versatility and arc performance, featuring stick, TIG, MIG and flux-cored capabilities.

This multi-process wirefeeder/welder also features advanced welding processes such as Lincoln Electric’s Pulsed MIG, Pulse-On-Pulse® and Power Mode®, making the machine ideal for individuals involved in light to heavy job shop fabrication and manufacturing, especially involving aluminum applications.

Using Lincoln Electric’s Chopper Technology®, the Power MIG 350MP delivers high-quality welds with tremendous arc control – delivering enhanced starts, low spatter levels, excellent bead appearance, a wide operating “sweet spot” and improved stainless steel and aluminum welding performance.

This Power MIG model offers a robust output range from five to 350 amps for handling thin DC TIG welding through industrial sheet metal and medium structural applications. The Power MIG 350MP is the only machine, outside the Power Wave® family, to feature Lincoln Electric’s Nextweld® processes.

Its Waveform Control Technology® delivers customized welding parameters for every application with additional welding waveforms for download directly to the machine for future applications. Synergic control of voltage with the wire feed speed allows users to set weld procedures with only one control for simplicity.

Additional features include an extremely easy-to-use spool gun; a push-pull ready connection and a second gas solenoid to deliver gas to a spool gun or TIG torch without having to disconnect the main MIG gun. The Power MIG 350MP is the only model in its class to feature a 115 volt AC auxiliary receptacle, offering convenient AC input power for work lights, grinders and other shop tools.

Advanced Pulse-On-Pulse features improved arc cleaning action and reduces heat input on aluminum applications while delivering a TIG-like appearance to the weld beads. Power Mode maintains a stable, smooth arc for short-arc welding, minimizing heat input on thin materials. In addition, the Power MIG 350MP includes advanced parameter settings for maximum operability, including start, crater, pre/post gas flow, run-in and arc control.

The Lincoln Electric Company, headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, is the world leader in the design, development and manufacture of arc welding products, robotic arc-welding systems, plasma and oxyfuel cutting equipment and has a leading global position in the brazing and soldering alloys market.

This product is available at a welding supply store near you. Or, call (888) 355-3213 or visit www.lincolnelectric.com to obtain Bulletin E7.57 to learn about the Power MIG 350MP.

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Use GFCI When Using Electric Power Tools

The U S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends the use of a ground-fault circuit-interrupter (GFCI) with every power tool to protect against electrical shock hazards. Each year, CPSC learns of approximately 20 to 30 electrocution deaths associated with power drills, saws, sanders, hedge trimmers, and other electric power tools. Most of these deaths could be prevented by the use of a GFCI.

A GFCI constantly monitors current flowing in a circuit to sense any loss of current. If the current flowing through two circuit conductors differs by a very small amount, the GFCI instantly interrupts the current flow to prevent a lethal amount of electricity from reaching the consumer. The consumer may feel a painful shock but will not be electrocuted. Grounding may provide some protection for power equipment and double insulation of newer power tools presents lower risks of electrocution. However, GFCls are the most effective means for protecting consumers against electrical shock hazards.

Since 1973, homes built according to the National Electrical Code have varying degrees of GFCI protection. GFCIs were first required in outdoor receptacle circuits In 1973, bathrooms in 1975, garage wall outlets in 1978, some kitchen receptacles since 1987, and all receptacle outlets in unfinished basements and crawl spaces since 1990.

Three common types of GFCls are available for home use: circuit breaker, receptacle and portable types. The circuit breaker type needs to be installed by an electrician. The receptacle type may be installed by knowledgeable consumers familiar with electrical wiring practices. The portable GFCI needs no special knowledge to install Just plug the portable GFCI Into a wall receptacle and then plug the electric power tool into the GFCI. It is generally priced below $30 and is available at hardware stores, building supply centers and electrical supply houses.





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The Science of Autumn Beauty

For many people autumn weather brings a welcomed time of the year. Adding to the pleasure of the season are the vibrant colors displayed in nature. Leaf pigment, the physics of light, weather conditions, plant species, and geography all play important roles in the color of autumn.

Leaf Pigment and Light

Thanks to the physics of sunlight striking pigments in leaves, we see various leaf colors throughout the year. Leaf pigments play a crucial role in the colors we see. Chlorophylls, carotenoids, and anthocyanins present in a leaf help determine what color the leaf will display.

The pigment that gives leaves their green color is chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is used in photosynthesis which is the process that uses sunlight to transform carbon dioxide and water into carbohydrates (sugars) that fuel tree growth. During the spring and summer, with more hours of sunlight and warmer temperatures, this photosynthetic process is most active thus leaves are green.

When daylight hours become less and temperatures are cooler, photosynthesis slows down and there is less chlorophyll. This decline reveals a yellow or orange pigment- carotenoid. Carotenoids, the same pigment found in carrots and corn, are usually masked by the chlorophyll.

Unlike chlorophyll and carotenoids which are present in leaf cells throughout the growing season, anthocyanins are produced in autumn. Anthocyanins give color to familiar fruits such as cranberries, red apples, cherries, and plums. These complex water soluble compounds in leaf cells react with excess stored plant sugars and exposure to sunlight creating vivid pink, red, and purple leaves. A mixture of red anthocyanin pigment and yellow carotene often results in the bright orange color seen in some leaves.

Weather and Color

Weather conditions that occur before and during the decline of chlorophyll production can affect the color that leaves may display. Carotenoids are always present so the yellow and gold colors are the least affected by weather.

Colors most affected by weather are the red tones created by anthocyanin. On warm sunny days lots of sugar is produced in the leaves. Trees exposed to brighter sunlight generate the reaction between the anthocynanins and the excess sugar creating the bright red hue.

Cooler temperatures cause the veins in the leaves to gradually close preventing the sugars from moving out which preserves the red tones. Thus a succession of warm sunny days and cool crisp nights can paint the most spectacular display of color.

The level of moisture in the soil can also affect autumn color. A severe summer drought can delay the onset of color change by weeks. Ideal conditions for producing the most brilliant colors are a warm wet spring, favorable summer weather, and sunny fall days with the cooler temperatures at night.

Species and Geography

The genetics of different tree species help determine what color the leaves will turn. Color depends on the levels of iron, magnesium, phosphorous, or sodium in the tree and the acidity of the chemicals in the leaves. Some tree species displaying yellow foliage are ash, birch, beech, elm, hickory, poplar, and aspen. Red leaves are seen most often in dogwood, sweetgum, sumac, and black tupelo trees. Some oaks and maples present orange leaves while others range in color from red to yellow, depending on the specific species.

Deciduous forests and trees, with their many broad leaves that change color almost in unison, display the most noticeable fall color. Evergreen species also display fall colors, only slowly and gradually. The appearance of autumn color starts as early as mid September in more northern latitudes, and moves southward reaching its peak in October, but color continues to appear in more southern regions and higher elevations in the west throughout November.

Only a few places in the world have the combination of tree species and climatic conditions necessary for the most vivid fall foliage. Some of the best locations with broadleaved deciduous trees and favorable conditions for brilliant fall color are:

• Northeastern U.S. (New England)
• Southeastern Canada
• Adirondack, Appalachian, Smokey, and Rocky Mountain Regions
• Select areas around Seattle, Portland, and San Francisco.

Remember that cooler higher elevations will display color before lower warmer geographic regions.

The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), headquartered in Champaign, Ill., is a nonprofit organization supporting tree care research and education around the world. As part of ISA's dedication to the care and preservation of shade and ornamental trees, it offers the only internationally-recognized certification program in the industry. For more information, or to contact a local ISA Certified Arborist, visit www.treesaregood.org.

Photo is licensed under
Creative Commons Attribution Sharealike 3.0 Unported license
Courtesy of Sujit kumar

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General Welding Rules to Follow

This list a general list that a welder can apply to have the very best weld possible, by far not a complete list but a good one to follow.

*Use only high quality welding machines, electrodes, and welding accessories.

*Know the base material that you are working on.

*Select the proper welding process that gives the highest quality welds for the base material used.

*Select the proper welding procedure that meets the service requirement of the finished weldment.

*Select the correct electrode for the job in question.

*When preheating is specified or required make sure you meet the temperature requirement. In any case, do not weld on material that is below 32 degrees Fahrenheit without preheating first.

*Clean the base metal of all slag, paint, grease, oil, moisture, or any other foreign materials.

*Remove weld slag and thoroughly clean each bead before making the next bead or pass.

*Do not weld over cracks or porous tack welds. Remove defective tack welds before welding.

*Be particularly alert to root fusion on the first pass of fillet and groove welds.

*When groove weld root gaps are excessive, be sure you increase the size of the fillet weld to the size of the root gap to maintain the strength requirement. In some cases, it is advantageous to make a groove weld to avoid extremely large fillet welds.

*Inspect your work after completion and immediately remove and replace any defective weld.

*Observe the size requirement of each weld and make sure that you meet or slightly exceed the specified size.

*Make sure that the finished appearance of the weld is smooth and that overlaps and undercuts have been repaired.

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Bosch Releases New Cordless Circular Saw and Cordless Saber Saw

Press Release

Highest cutting performance in their class:
New cordless handheld circular saws and cordless saber saws for professionals with 18-volt lithium-ion battery
The mobility that professionals need

*Premium lithium-ion battery delivers energy for the highest sawing performance

*Long lifetime due to Electronic Motor Protection (EMP) and Electronic Cell Protection (ECP) from Bosch

The new, compact Cordless Handheld Circular Saws GKS 18 V-LI Professional and Cordless Saber Saws GSA 18 V-LI Professional from Bosch offer maximum performance and mobility. The fully charged 18-volt Premium lithium-ion battery with 2.6 ampere hours provides sufficient energy to cut up to 50 chipboards (900 x19 millimeters) to length with the handheld circular saw, or to cut up to 100 spruce beams (100 x 100 millimeters) to length with the saber saw. Bosch has also designed both saws for long lifetime: the unique Electronic Motor Protection (EMP) from Bosch automatically shuts down the motor if it stalls, therefore preventing it from burning out.
The Handheld Circular Saw GKS 18 V-LI Professional with a 165-millimeter saw blade and a cutting depth of 52 millimeters is specially designed for the hard demands of skilled construction site workers such as carpenters, bricklayers or roofers, but also for exhibition fitters. It provides a clear view of the saw blade and score line. Precise cuts and good handling are ensured by the robust base plate, the softgrip coverings on both handles, the ergonomic design and the weight of only 4.1 kilograms.
The Saber Saw GSA 18 V-LI Professional offers two stroke speeds: 2,400 strokes per minute for metal and 2,700 strokes per minute for wood. With a maximum cutting length of 250 millimeters, it is ideal for electricians, gas fitters, plumbers, window fitters, carpenters and other skilled construction site workers. The ergonomic handle with softgrip and the weight of only 3.4 kilograms ensure easy working. The gear housing made of die-cast aluminum also makes the saber saw robust. The accelerator switch permits careful pilot sawing. Thanks to the SDS saw blade holder, the saw blades can be quickly replaced in just one movement.
Bosch Premium lithium-ion technology
The innovative Premium lithium-ion technology from Bosch with its unbeatable battery runtime and 400 percent longer lifetime is vastly superior to other battery technologies. The long lifetime is thanks to the Electronic Cell Protection (ECP) from Bosch. It reliably protects the battery against overload, overheating and total discharge. Moreover, the battery pack is so robust that it can withstand being dropped from a height of two meters onto concrete and remain fully functional. Another advantage of the Premium lithium-ion technology is the unbeatable battery runtime provided by the Bosch high-performance battery cells and the intelligent power management. The special cells with very low internal resistance and the high current capable design of the battery pack ensure low energy losses during charging and during operation. This results in extremely resilient battery packs with high performance capability. Moreover, the perfect coordination of the Bosch Hightech electronics with the motor and gearbox ensures high efficiency of the drive and optimum utilization of the power in the cells. There is also no memory effect and the batteries are fully ready for use, even if they have not been used for months.
Bosch was the first to introduce lithium-ion technology in professional cordless tools, thereby redefining the power tools market. The Premium lithium-ion technology is more than just lithium-ion technology. It is the result of continual further development, geared towards the day-to-day requirements of professional tradesmen: long battery runtime and long lifetime. The Premium lithium-ion technology is available in all voltage classes from 3.6 to 36 volts for professionals from professionals. Bosch therefore offers an optimized power tool for every application performed by professional tradesmen.
Bosch supplies the new cordless saws as standard in a carrying case with a one-hour charger and two batteries. Both tools are available at retail outlets, each at the recommended retail price of 349 euros plus VAT.

Additional information can be accessed at www.bosch.com.

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Smoke Alarms are Life Savers

Oct. 5-11 is National Fire Prevention Week
"Prevent Home Fires"

Smoke alarms have been proven time and time again that they are life savers and one of the best safety devices we can buy to protect our family. Although smoke alarms can one day save our lives we tend to neglect them.

Properly installed and maintained smoke alarms will give an early warning for the whole family so everyone can get out in the event of fire. So check around your household and see where your smoke alarms are and start maintaining them, and if they are not functioning or don't have them, go to local hardware store and buy them and have them installed.

There are two basic types of smoke alarms, ionization and photoelectric. Ionization alarms sound more quickly when a flaming, fast moving fire occurs. Photoelectric alarms are quicker at sensing smoldering, smoky fires. There are also combination smoke alarms that combine ionization and photoelectric into one unit, called dual sensor smoke alarms.

Dual alarm sensor smoke alarms are recommended due to the fact that no can predict what type of fire might start, so having both type of sensors gives you added protection to two distinctly different types of fires. Take in consideration also if you have family members with hearing disability, you might want to install a smoke alarm with visual or vibrating alarms to alert them in case of fire.

Newer homes have smoke alarms that are hard wired, they are wired together so if one smoke alarm goes off all the other ones will sound the alarm also, most have back-up batteries in the event of power failure. This type of smoke alarms need a qualified electrician to install. The other type is your battery operated smoke alarms, they are easy to install, usually requiring only a screw driver, and some brands sells them with adhesive backing on them. Wall-mounted detectors should be located between 4 and 12 inches below the ceiling, and ceiling-mounted detectors at least 4 inches from the nearest wall.

For smoke alarms to be effective, they must be installed on all levels of your home, including the basement. They should be installed both inside and outside sleeping areas.

Maintaining your smoke detectors is a must so they can keep protecting your family.

Here are some things you need to know:

If you have a smoke alarm with batteries:
*Smoke Alarms powered by long-lasting batteries are designed to replace the entire unit according to manufacturer’s instructions.
*In standard type battery powered smoke alarms, the batteries need to be replaced at least once per year and the whole unit should be replaced every 8-10 years.
*In hard-wired, battery back up smoke alarms, the batteries need to be checked monthly, and replaced at least once per year. The entire unit should be replaced every 8-10 years.

Some of the other important fire safety and prevention information.

*Plan and practice escape plans several times a year.
*Make sure your whole family knows when and how to call emergency telephone numbers.
*Obtain and learn how to use a fire extinguisher.
*Install carbon monoxide detectors.
*Consider installing residential fire sprinklers in your home.

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