Metal

If you are remodeling, you most likely will want to use 3 5/8-inch, 25-gauge steel studs that are typically sold in lengths of 8, 9, 10 and 12 feet. These studs are suitable for interior walls, but…

Awnings not only protect home furnishings from intense sunlight, but they can also save on energy costs by keeping your house cooler. Metal awnings are generally made of aluminum, a durable and…

Flues are metal lengths of piping that carry hot exhaust air out of a heating system or fireplace duct system to the roof. Sometimes there are gaps between the flooring or drywall and the pipe itself.…

Microwaves have become one of the most popular appliances in American homes. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration ensures that new ovens conform to safety standards. However, the responsibility for…

If you have a set of metal posts that are part of a fence set, then you may need to take the posts apart from time to time. The top of the post will disconnect from the base of the post with a little…

Welding is a process of joining two metal objects together using heat and sometimes a third filler metal to flow between and join your objects. If you have a metal gate, welding is one way to attach…

When it comes to style, no cowboy boot is complete without the iconic metal spurs. Metal spurs are generally fitted behind the boots to facilitate and encourage the rider to control the horse in a…

Metal bread boxes make an attractive and practical addition to a rustic-style kitchen. Available new from many home furnishing stores or used from antique stores, bread boxes provide a handy storage…

If you are looking for a creative way to display a photograph, try an art technique known as photo-etching. Photo-etching is the process of transferring a photograph onto a piece of metal, such as…

If you're looking to increase your home's curb appeal, garage door hardware is the perfect place to start. Hardware is a functional and decorative accessory that makes the outside of a garage more…

Metal carports are prefabricated in countless styles and sizes, providing spaces to protect parked vehicles somewhat from the elements. A concrete floor, or “slab,” is laid before a…

A metallic ceiling can lend charm and style to any room, but the cost and work might not be something you are prepared to invest. Instead of installing an actual metal ceiling, fake it with faux metal…

Instead of covering your backsplash with a traditional material, such as tile, think outside the box and use an unexpected element. Metal is a versatile material that is easy-to-clean, fairly easy to…

Several different kinds of metal materials can be used for kitchen or restaurant countertops. Stainless steel, copper, zinc and pewter are all top choices for this application. The most popular option…

The 51-episode anime "Beyblade: Metal Fusion" is a TV show aimed at kids. As with other "Beyblade" incarnations, the series features teams of kids called "bladers" who…

You can set up your own personal library or one for your church or other organization with the same type of shelves that official libraries use. These cantilever-style steel shelving units are strong…

Metal machining tools are used in a wide range of production environments, from small shops to large manufacturing plants. Metal pipe grinding machines remove excess metal left over from casting,…

Metal chambers in fireplaces, furnaces and air conditioners are potential condensation sources. You may notice wet metal walls, water dripping down the chamber’s sides or openings, or even water…

An inlay is a decorative piece placed into a base material so that it is flush with the surface. So it must be smooth and appear as part of the original material. To inlay metal into granite, you…

When it comes to electricity physics, electricity interacts with three types of materials electricity: conductors, insulators and semiconductors. Conductors allow electricity to easily pass through…

The "Beyblade" anime revolves around young kids who engage in non-violent fights with each another by launching beyblades -- special spinning tops -- at one another during team tournaments.…

Changing the way you dress can reduce the stress and shorten the time it takes for you to walk through security checkpoints. Most alarm systems can detect common metals. However, you do not need to…

A mattress is largely responsible for the quality of a person's sleep. While the idea of a metal mattress might not seem comfortable, metal actually is the primary component of most mattresses. If you…

Silicone rubber sealant or adhesive bonds to many different surfaces, including metal, through a combination of mechanical and chemical adhesion. To understand the process of curing and bonding, it's…

In order to be of any use, your cabinets will need to hang where they’re accessible and safe from tipping over. The best way to ensure that your cabinet will stay where you mount it is to mount…

If you and your family love the taste of smoked meats, you may want a smoker of your own to prepare meats at home. Smokers are generally made of steel, with an area to hold the fire for smoking and…

White metal shelves work well indoors or out because they provide a durable surface that withstands moisture and weathering. Metal also doesn't stain and wipes clean with a damp rag. You can't drill…

Forging is the process of shaping metal by "plastic deformation," which means changing the shape of an item permanently without breaking or fracturing it by applying great force. Metal is…

The threshold under your exterior door is mounted under the vertical sections of the door frame and helps keep the weather outside. Rubber weather stripping attached to the underside of the door makes…

A patina treatment is a technique for aging and antiquing any metal object. You can recreate this look at home, using objects like a bronze vase or silver bowl. By mixing certain chemicals to make a…

Unlike wood handrails, metal railings have a bracket connected to the bottom of each support post that allows it to be surface mounted to the flat surfaces of steps or floors. The correct mounting…

An Elite Product Metal Round Arm Futon may look different from some other styles of futon frame, but the essentials of its assembly are like most other standard brands. The biggest difference is the…

Handmade metal planters add a distinctive touch to your landscape design without costing a lot of money. Creating your own metal planters by re-purposing objects is also environmentally wise. All you…

The sound of metal rattling in your Frigidaire dryer is due either to coins inside the baffle or looseness of the baffle. The baffle is the “V” shape paddle inside the dryer drum. Loose…

Flighting is a narrow strip of metal that is fabricated into spiral or helical shapes. Flighting is then mounted to a rod and is used in digging or grinding augers such as those used on snow throwers,…

Joining or repairing metal objects can be problematic, especially when the metals are dissimilar. If the objects being joined won't be subjected to much stress, glue can be used. This method will work…

All modern engine pistons are made from an aluminum alloy. The alloy behaves somewhat differently under use according to how the piston is made, so an understanding of the manufacturing process is…

Metal decking is a long-lasting, low-maintenance alternative to wood decking. Metal decking is available in a modular system, where prefabricated aluminum panels fit together, or a plank system, where…

Plywood is a relatively inexpensive and easy-to-use building material, which is why do-it-yourselfers often choose it for projects in and around the home. Plywood is also very versatile. Many…

Metal gates can be expensive, so spending even more money to hire a contractor to install one is something to avoid if at all possible. Fortunately, most metal gates feature simple shaft-and-barrel…

Your attic stairs need to be durable and strong enough to not only support you, but also any objects you carry with you into and out of the attic. Once you find that your wood attic stairs are…

Adding hardwood flooring to metal stairs gives a warmth to the area. Except when used with ultra-modern decorating styles, metal pieces often look out of place. Their cold appearance may take away…

A metal gate is a welcome addition to any lawn, whether placed across your driveway or the entrance to a formal garden. An elegant metal gate, whether wrought iron or painted aluminum, can give your…

Whether you live on a working ranch, on a farm or in the suburbs, knowing how to make gate latches as you need them is handy, and the know-how is simple to learn. It requires few materials and very…

Houses built using a metal frame are prone to losing heat as a result of thermal bridging. This problem causes heat to escape from your home through conduction. When the metal studs in your walls are…

Metal gates are common, because they are strong and last many years. The problem with them for many people, however, is that they offer little or no privacy. If you would like your gate to stop people…

The vent openings that allow air to move through the enclosed areas of a house, including the attic, also allow rodents, insects and fire embers into the same areas. Covering the openings with a…

Like all versions of Venetian blinds, metal blinds can become stuck for a number of reasons. Keep your blinds clean to avoid assorted film buildup from items such as food and beauty products, which…

An over-the-counter microwave is supported by metal brackets secured to the back wall, so you can't see how it attaches to the wall. An over-the-range microwave, on the other hand, is first attached…

Metallic appliances come in smaller sizes, including toasters and blenders and in larger sizes, such as stoves and refrigerators. With regular use, the appliance develops scratches, stains and scuff…

Preparing a materials list for a remodeling project requires many decisions including what type of wall stud to use in the walls. While most people recognize wood as an option, metal studs are also…

Metal edging made for counters gives the sides of counters a finished appearance, while also protecting the counter edges from potential damage. As the name implies, snap-on metal edging allows the…

As with any exterior surface, metal and wood railings become weathered and dull over time. The wood loses its finish and turns gray, and the paint starts to chip off of the metal. If this happens, you…

Carports are good options for people without garages or other large buildings who need to shelter cars, trucks, campers and recreational vehicles. They are made from wood, plastic, fiberglass and…

Want your personality to shine through? Let your megawatt metallic clothes do the talking. Sequined skirts, shiny pants and shimmering jackets are all fashion do's when you want to make a statement…

Inexpensive metal desks are available in most sizes and many styles from thrift stores and recycled furniture outlets. A lot of these desks have survived because they are well made and sturdy. Metal…

Even though they serve an important purpose, metal basement poles will stick out like a sore thumb in a remodeled basement. No matter how well you decorate the basement, those metal poles will draw…

Metal and aluminum ladders are used for a wide variety of jobs around the house, ranging from changing light bulbs, to painting to accessing the roof of your home for minor repairs. These ladders are…

Make metal borders in Photoshop CS3 by filling rectangular selection regions created with the "Rectangular marquee" tool, with gradients from the "Gradient fill" tool. Gradient…

Setting up a successful metal fabrication garage, whether for hobby use or commercially, can require a large up-front expenditure due to the large and complex nature of the equipment. Basic metal…

The handrails for spiral staircases can be simple railings to prevent falls or grand affairs meant to showcase metalwork artistry. Your choice largely depends upon your budget because the more ornate…

Metal doors are sleek, with an elegant appearance, but sometimes they can be irritating if you want to give them some extra functionality. You cannot hammer a hook or a nail into a metal door.…

Balancing the height of your metal headboard and where it falls on the wall as well as where it lines up with the bed is important to ensuring it remains functional and continues to display the metal…

An old metal desk that has outlived its usefulness as a desk can still be of value -- and might provide information that can even save a life down the road. When police go through firearms training,…

Metal sculpting and welding use many of the same techniques, but generally for different purposes. Metal sculpting refers to the shaping and joining of metal for artistic or decorative purposes.…

Scroll patterns are intricate design patterns often used in metal engravings to create an antique or medieval theme or motif to the object. The scroll pattern resembles the image of a loosely rolled…

Most daybeds require some assembly, but you'll rarely need more than a screwdriver or Allen wrench to complete the project. Hardware for a daybed consists of screws and bolts necessary to hold the…

Once metal has been extracted from its ore and refined, it must be reshaped to make the final product. Metal forming and metal casting are two classes of techniques manufacturers use to shape metal.…

A futon serves the dual purpose of a chair and a bed. It is a useful piece of furniture that transforms from a seat to a bed. For that reason, a futon is ideal as a guest bed and a couch that can be…

Catalytic combustors are used in wood-burning stoves to increase efficiency and reduce air pollution. They work by burning off the gas created by wood in the stove. This generates more heat and…

Metal stairs, whether spiral or straight, can be constructed of steel, stainless steel or aluminum and may be finished in a variety of ways, including galvanized, powder-coated or painted. Some metal…

Breakfast bars and basement bars are tall counters where people sit to have a morning meal or converse over an evening drink. Metal stools are one option for sitting comfortably at these waist-high…

Whether building a new fence or replacing an old gate with a wooden one, properly securing a wooden gate to new posts is important. A strap hinge is required for most wooden gates, as wooden gates are…

The ocarina is a type of small flute – small enough to be carried in a pocket – that can play between three and five notes. You blow in through one hole, cover one or all the others to…

The natural ore that is mined and from which 99 percent of the world’s supply of aluminum metals is extracted is hydrated aluminum oxide or bauxite. Bauxite is impure aluminum oxide that…

The Esky Honey Bee II is a remote control (RC) helicopter flown by RC enthusiasts. The RC helicopter features a 120-degree cyclic-collective-pitch-mixing (CCPM) head design that uses three servos to…

Sludge metal is a heavy metal sub-genre that blends elements of traditional doom and southern metal. Bands in this genre, such as Acid Bath and Superjoint Ritual, exhibit loud and abrasive vocals.…

Some HVAC (Heating, ventilation and air conditioning) ductwork is custom-formed, but must be assembled as part of a system. Many of those systems are designed for round ducts. Straight sections are…

Instead of heating an ore to its molten core and pouring it into a cast, forging requires you to heat the metal to a point where it can be manipulated and beaten into shape. Carbon steel is forged…

In "Beyblade: Metal Fusion" for Nintendo DS, players compete in tournaments featuring spinning tops called Beyblades. The characters in the game have different enhanced Beyblade attacks that…

Steel and cast iron are actually iron and carbon alloys, since carbon is added to iron to form both. When forming metal alloys, manufacturers must turn them into liquid to pour into a mold, where they…

The metal duct work in your house transports heated or cooled air, keeping the inside temperature comfortable. Sometimes the ducts may make popping, ticking or other noises that can be annoying.…

The oxygen in Earth's atmosphere is essential to most forms of life. When it comes to the machines you use, however, oxygen plays a more undesirable role. In the presence of water, oxygen can combine…

Homes that have hard water usually battle hard water deposits in sinks, dishwashers, cookware and tubs. Calcium and magnesium deposits -- often called lime scale -- can also stain a metal showerhead…

Metal decking offers an alternative to pressure-treated wood and composite boards as a surface for outdoor decks. Metal products companies offer waterproof aluminum deck planks under names including…

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects more than 20 million Americans, according to the Cleveland Clinic website. Blood-pressure control is essential in the early stages of this irreversible five-stage…

Metal stairs can become extremely slick during the winter months, especially when snow gets stepped on repeatedly and condenses into ice. Chemical ice melt does a fine job of breaking up ice on…

While some drawers still slide in and out on a wooden rail, most now use a metal runner that screws into the side of the desk, dresser or cabinet. This metal runner provides drawers that slide in and…

Whether you’ve made your own pair of drapes or want to update older curtains, grommets can add a modern touch to your fabrics and the room. Grommets are speedy to install and literally go…

The Society for Creative Anachronism, or the SCA, is a living history organization that holds events recreating the Middle Ages and Renaissance periods of Western Europe. For those seeking to play the…

Cutting square metal in a milling machine is common because it can sit well in a vise or fixture. On a lathe, it is a whole different story because the chuck jaws are made to hold round stock. You can…

In nautical jargon, a bulkhead is any wall on a boat or ship. In home improvement circles, bulkheads are outdoor metal basement doors, usually set low, on an angle. Sometimes called "Bilco"…

Inlayed turquoise adds color to plain metal jewelry and objects. Crushed turquoise allows the greatest flexibility for beginners. The stone pieces are mixed with epoxy and pressed into a groove in the…

A handheld rotary tool made by Dremel is essentially a small electric motor with a device for attaching different tools. These tool bits, such as drills, cutting wheels and polishing attachments, give…

Working with a handheld power unit and a preprinted stencil, you can permanently etch letters or numbers on most conductive metals. The unit sends a low-voltage electric current through gaps in the…

Jewelry can last for centuries if it's properly taken care of. Jewelry needs to be cleaned and inspected regularly to maintain good condition. Without proper care, metal can rust or turn green,…

Metal casting is a major part of manufacturing, with the Department of Commerce reporting that metal casting is one of the 10 largest industries. Students may not understand how metal products they…

Metal ceilings add to your home or business because they stand out from traditional drywall ceilings, adding a decorative touch to your building. They also are long lasting. Hanging a metal ceiling…

According to the American Iron and Steel Institute, hardness refers to and is defined in terms of a substance's resistance to indentation. The American Federation of Mineralogical Societies measures…

Airbrushing metal uses the same techniques and general equipment as all airbrushing, with the exception that metal requires paint that is designed especially to adhere to it. However, when airbrushing…

Thin metal is also known as sheet metal. This metal comes in various sizes. While it is mainly used for plumbing and PVC applications, it can also be used for different crafts around the house. This…

"Spectrobes: Origins" tells some of the history behind the characters from the popular "Spectrobes" TV series. There is also a cheat available to unlock metallic versions of both…

An airbrush enables you to have fine control over the flow of paint by using air to create a misting effect that is difficult to achieve with any other paint application device. Using an airbrush on…

If you own a metal clarinet, it is safe to say that you own a valuable vintage instrument. In fact, according to The Silver Clarinet Site, very few metal clarinets were even manufactured after the…

The art of airbrushing requires a delicate hand and takes years of practice to master. However, once mastered, the effects produced with an airbrush turn heads and attract admirers. When airbrushing a…

Porcelain coating over metal is used in appliances, industrial applications and handmade jewelry. Because the colors are vivid and durable, this finish creates one of the most economical and…

Artists who work with metal and stone are experts in brazing, or bonding, these two materials together. Stone and metal are joined by melting a filler metal, usually made of silver, copper or…

A decoupaged bucket makes a sweet trick-or-treat pail, centerpiece base or place to stow kids' toys or your knitting supplies. A decoupage medium is used to adhere scraps of fabric to a metal bucket…

Metal spline is used as a part on various boats and automobiles and is formed out of sheet metal. These pieces are used in the drive shaft of automobiles. While it is most common to buy pieces of…

Dental inlays are small patches that restore the surface of a tooth after caries have formed or the enamel has cracked. The inlay fits within the contours of the tooth's surface. The general purpose…

Ceiling mounted furnishings with light-bearing arms, metal chandeliers can add a rustic look to a room. Make a dull looking chandelier the focal point of a dining room or living room by creating a…

Don't throw away your old metal trays. Refinish them with the art of decoupage. You don't need to possess any advanced skills for this art -- just cut out attractive images and paste them onto your…

Crystallized metal can be welded together to form one larger piece just like any other type of metal is welded. It is man-made by depositing amorphous silicon into glass and then capping it with…

The metal fastener, or waist button, on jeans consists of the button head that faces outwards and is visible, and a tack that has a flat base and enters into the button head from the other side of the…

Textures are backgrounds you apply to objects within an image. They add diversity to images, buttons and text, bringing them to life. Photoshop CS3 allows you to use existing textures or to create…

Heat and heat conduction is one area of physics which makes an especially interesting area of study within the field of physical science. Conduction is one of the three methods of transferring heat…

Heavy-metal singers are known for big hair and even bigger voices. Sometimes high-pitched, other times a guttural growl, metal singing requires a unique skill set. In addition to standard vocal…

The first records of metal casting have been traced to 645 B.C. By the year 1,300, Europeans improved this process when they invented the blast furnace. Today, metal casting takes on a variety of…

Every element on the periodic table has certain measurements that make it unique as a material. One of these measurements is the hardness, commonly thought of as how strong that particular material…

Metal zippers are incredibly useful devices, used in items as diverse as jackers, handbags, sporting goods and tents. A zipper is fitted with a slider, which is a small mechanism that allows users to…

The vocals on a metal track must compete with thrashing guitars, machine-gun drumming and thunderous bass lines for space in the mix. To help your metal vocal track stand out in the song, apply…

Decoupage is an enjoyable approach to satisfying creativity. Metal tubs are decoupaged to create wonderful centerpieces or other decorations. The simple craft uses ordinary items to create the look of…

Spin casting is a process by which metals are cast from rubber molds using centrifugal force, so this is also known as centrifugal rubber mold casting. This is a unique process which utilizes…

From jewelry to gleaming bowls, metal art clay allows for easy shaping and carving by even the most inexperienced of metalworkers. The clay is comprised of metal suspended in clay that eventually…

Metal extraction involves the removal of a metal from its surroundings and may occur above or below ground. Different phases may be required for extraction and are determined by factors such as the…

Mounting a bird house on a metal pole is a great alternative to hanging it from a tree or other high place. Such a set-up allows for more security and stability during potentially harmful weather…

Decoupage is a great technique to dress up any surface using your favorite photos, tissue paper, or just about any type of paper you can think of or recycle. While wooden furniture, cardboard boxes…

"Sonic & SEGA All-Stars Racing," released in 2010, is a video game that features several of SEGA's famous video game characters racing against each other in a variety of environments…

When precious metals are sold in the U.S., they must be stamped with a purity mark. This mark will denote that the item is silver and how much it contains. Pure silver is marked .999. sterling silver…

Metal swings are a cozy addition to a deck, patio or garden seating area. They seat two or three people and provide a bench seat cushion for comfort. However, because metal swings are outside most of…

Bondo, a two-part putty filler, hardens into a solid patch that hides dents and holes in a metal door. After finishing a Bondo patch, a painter coats the metal door with primer before applying a…

Several applications make use of rod-type clamps, but none utilizes the rod clamps and extensions like laboratory equipment racks. There are many companies who make proprietary lab rack systems. Each…

Lamps are made in a variety of metals. With so many varieties to choose from, you'll never worry about finding a lamp to match your home decor. From bright new metal to antique, metal lamps are…

Scientists and designers have found many applications for metal foams, which are made using several different methods. From cooking pots to lubrication systems, metal foams are increasing efficiency…

Powder welding is among the lesser-known welding processes as it is a less common practice. Sometimes the technique is used to deposit iron-based alloy powder and flux from a hopper attached to an…

A type of electrical cable used in both residential and commercial devices and structures, metal-clad cabling can be used both outdoors and indoors. The cabling includes a built-in grounding conductor…

A greasy metal filter on a fan in the kitchen is a fire hazard, blocks the flow of air venting out of the fan, and can smell stale. Removing the built-up grease on the filter is easy and is an…

"Beyblade: Metal Fusion" is a Nintendo DS game based on the fighting game, "Beyblade." Players use small tops to combat each other and to explore a fantasy realm and earn ranks.…

Tapping is typically defined as drilling a hole through the metal, and then adding threads to the inside of the hole to insert a screw or bolt. Tapping metal is an appropriate and educational…

Filling holes in a metal door is a useful way to extend the life of the door. Whether the door has drilled holes or dents, you can fill them and repaint the door to give it a new look. While the…

You can create a new look with your metals by antiquing them. This is the process of manipulating the metals with sandpaper and paint to give it a finish of something that is an antique. Certain…

The most reactive metals are found in the far left column of the periodic table, and the closer you get to the bottom of the column, the more reactive they become. Drop elemental potassium in water…

Electronic components can overheat. Whether the components are in a cell phone, computer or e-reader, any electronic equipment that has a circuit board generates heat and needs a way to draw that heat…

After removing some sheet metal from the garage after long-term storage, you notice tiny pore-like holes on the surface. This type of corrosion is known as pitting, and it occurs when oxidation…

Over time, most metals will lose their color and become dull-looking to some degree. The only way to lighten the dull color of metal is to polish it so that it returns to its original brilliance and…

Webster's dictionary defines a gusset as a metal plate at the joint of a framed structure. In modern house construction, gussets are most often the metal elements used to fasten parts of a roof truss…

While modern crutches are often made from metal, in the past crutches were made from wood, as it is inexpensive and easy to work with. If you use a crutch regularly, you may find it worthwhile to make…

A forced air heating and cooling system uses two sets of ducts to move air around a building. The supply duct work delivers the conditioned air to the rooms and the return ducts bring the air back to…

Shields hold a certain appeal for many people who enjoy old world weaponry. Although you could spend your hard-earned money buying a metal shield, it is more rewarding when you make one on your own.…

Spinning metal on a lathe is an effective way to form sheet types of metal into rounded shapes. Cones, in particular, are far easier to form using a metal lathe than shaping with a hammer and anvil.…

Half-round dimples are circular pressings into metal that produce an indentation on one side of the metal and a protrusion on the other. Metal can be dimpled when creating decorative pieces, jewelry…

Heating, ventilation and air conditioning, or HVAC, professionals use both general purpose and specialized tools to assemble round metal duct for main and branch lines. Although prefabricated round…

Casting metal parts, while not easy, is an efficient means of ensuring you have secondary copies of original pieces. While casting does not always produce exact likenesses, beginner and novice casters…

In many cases, using a metal gasket between two pieces of metal will not provide long-term adequate sealing. For this reason, many parts require a silicone gasket sealer to aid in the process. This is…

Use a scroll bending tool to create beautiful scrolled metalwork. A scroll bending tool allows you to shape metal strips or thin rods into curves or folds without heating. Using a technique called…

In the world of "Beyblade," players build their own Beyblades, spinning tops that battle each other. Among the many versions of Beyblades are the Metal Fusion versions from the…

A dishwasher with an unpleasant metallic odor can be a sign of various malfunctions and issues. As long as the unit is functioning normally and there is no burning smell or signs of smoke, the best…

The term "wire mesh" often brings to mind standard chain link or chicken wire. But wire mesh takes on many forms and has many uses. Artists bend wire into a mesh form armature to give strength to…

Making metal railings will boost the aesthetic appeal to any business or home. Aged wood railings, for example, may splinter or damage over time. Many wooden railings are cut with specific designs or…

Carports are like garages without a front door. Sidewalls and back walls are optional, and carports rarely if ever have doors. The roof is the only component that carports share in common with…

In metalworking, a satin finish does not produce a high-gloss shine but it does have a smooth, silky feel. When you're buying or remodeling your home, terms like "satin finish" are very important. But…

The thickness of the metal plate is referred to as the gauge. The thinnest metal plates are sometimes pliable, increasing their utility, and are other times hard and durable. Thin metal plates are…

Installing rubber-coated metal is often an essential means of providing corrosion protection in professional facilities. Food manufacturing companies use rubber-coated metal conduit, for example, to…

Science classes teach the various states of matter -- solids, liquid and gasses -- as well as a fourth state -- plasma. The nature of each state is determined by the degree of stability or activity of…

The fashion or design of metal legs for benches, chairs, tables, night stands and plant stands vary in length, shape, finish and type of metal. Metal legs add a clean, crisp edge to the piece of…

Metal handlebars are strong, lightweight bent tubes used on motorcycles for steering the front wheel. Over time the finish on handlebars can become scraped, exposing the bare metal. Exposed metal…

Standing metal roll seam roofing is one of the most durable and inexpensive roofing options available. At a fraction of the cost of traditional shingle or tile roofs, metal seam roofing resists…

Drills bore holes into wood, plastic, metal and other materials using different types of drill bits. While the drill is the instrument that makes the boring of the hole possible, it is the type of bit…

Unique and beautiful tessens were actual folding fans with iron ribs incorporated into them. Metal tessens served two purposes in the ancient Japanese cultures. One of the functions was to keep people…

A variety of musical instructors across the country have students stand or sit on portable stages made of metal. Music instructors sometimes refer to portable stages as "risers." Depending on the type…

The strength and resistance levels of metals is generally calculated and recorded at an ambient temperature, or room temperature. Once a metal object has been manufactured into a usable object, the…

A metal press is a hydraulically operated unit that moves two surfaces together under extreme pressure. When the metal is inserted between these surfaces, you can apply a wide variety of bending,…

Hardening metal is a process in which the physical properties of the metal are altered to create new strength. It often involves the use of extreme temperatures, either by superheating or chilling the…

Building a metal tub is a great project for anyone from gardeners to parents. By making your daily needs by hand, you can stand to save hundreds of dollars per month that you would otherwise waste by…

Air ducts form the pipeline through which air travels to adjust the temperature in the rooms throughout your home. Ducts come in many different shapes and sizes, and are constructed from a variety of…

Certain types of metal can be strengthened through a specific sequence of heating and cooling. Steel is a prime example of a metal that fits this bill, but it must high in carbon -- like tool steel or…

Burnishing metal can be a labor-intensive process, but it's worth it in the end because it has a shine and lasting glow that is hard to match. There are a number of burnishing techniques available to…

Often used as decoration or to hold plants in a garden, spheres made of metal mesh add a unique look to your household. Metal mesh, sometimes called hardware cloth, is a pliable material that is…

Metallic conduit is used to channel wires from one part of a circuit to another. They can contain lines that transmit power or signals. A line that transmits signals that oscillate in the radio…

Most elements are predictable in their ion-forming interactions with other elements. A notable exception is the set of 38 elements that lie between groups III and XII of the periodic table. In these…

Metal spikes are sharply pointing pieces of metal in the shape of a cone. There are many uses for metal spikes, such as clothing decoration or fixed to the bottom of your shoes for extra traction.…

Seashells are desirable for decorating because of their soft colors, natural shapes and often calming associations. You might have seashells from a trip to the beach, or they might be store-bought.…

Galvanized metal containers can resemble stainless steel containers, but come with certain risks or dangers. The containers sometimes work as small coolers for entertaining and as the base for…

Whirligigs are a form of lawn ornament that have one or more rotating elements driven by small sails that catch the wind like a pinwheel. Most whirligigs are simply decorated in a way that makes their…

If you are working with metal for a jewelry piece or other project, you may have noticed that it has become soft from manipulating and working with it, especially if you used heat. Occasionally you…

Slotted holes in metal can be used for a variety of manufacturing purposes, including tools, appliances and machinery fittings and decorative patterns. The holes are commonly punched through the metal…

When you are dealing with metal components, you need to be aware of something known as metal fatigue. Each metal component has a maximum amount of weight that it can handle being loaded on top of it…

Welding is an effective way to repair damaged metals or join two metal surfaces together. But the job can be difficult when surfaces are damaged due to impact stress or friction. These two sources of…

D2 metal or tool steel is highly sensitive to overheating during the hardening process. D2 steel has a high carbon content, which causes it to have a tendency to decarburize, or lose carbon when it is…

Make a custom metal key chain that displays your name or a unique design to make your keys easy to identify. Use metal letter stamps and a basic stamping procedure to add any kind of text to the metal…

Creating your own craft model rectangular shield is an artistic way to express your interest in the history of knighthood and sword fighting. The Medieval period, for example, saw an increase in the…

Dry lubricant is a spray lubricant designed to be used in areas prone to the build-up of grime. It sprays on wet, then cures quickly into a dry film to prevent attracting dirt and debris. One of the…

Trusses form the roof of homes. They are most often made out of 2-inch by 4-inch pieces of lumber, but can also be constructed of metal, similar to how steel studs are constructed. Before you begin to…

Scraping a metal object by hand to prepare it for paint or another type of finish results in the finish adhering better and lasting longer. Metal items often have a slick surface you must roughen to…

Whether you are making some home repairs or working on a decorative craft project, you may need to adhere a piece of plexiglass to metal. Connecting these two durable materials is fairly easy. In just…

An electrical raceway typically refers to a surface-mounted channel designed to contain electrical wires or cables that run from one point to another. Raceways are commonly made of either plastic or…

Fresnel lenses don't look like traditional lenses. Where a traditional lens has at least one surface that curves in a smooth spherical arc, Fresnel lenses are flat sheets of glass or plastic that are…

Smelting is the process of extracting metal from rocks known as ore. Extracting metals from ore has been essential for human development through the ages. Smelting is a simple process, using heat to…

A fresh paint job can give old metallic file dividers a new life. Metallic file dividers are durable and can withstand repeated daily use, but over time, the paint will become worn or dull. Color…

An abacus is a computing system for numbers made up of a frame and beads that slide back and forth on a piece of wire or wood. The earliest record of an abacus is in Mesopotamia between 2700 and 2300…

Melting metal as a hobby or side business can be a very rewarding venture. Metals like aluminum, copper, tin and gold found in old components can be recycled by melting them into ingots and selling…

Fluorine is the ninth element on the periodic table. It is extremely reactive, and it does not occur freely in nature. Therefore, it is typically found in a compound form. Fluorine compounds are…

Steel targets that are used at a shooting range are designed to be locked when a target has been hit. This is to indicate that a successful shot was made and to keep the target out of sight. There are…

Unsightly holes in the body of an automobile can be fixed without having to break the bank or sending your car to an expensive body shop. Patching a hole in any metal automobile part, whether due to…

If you're interested in trying some chrome-plating at home, do-it-yourself chrome plating kits are the way to go. Trying to get all of the materials individually can be an almost impossible task,…

The hippie, bohemian look is coming back into fashion, bringing a renewed interest in head-wear. Unlike the woven hemp headbands of the '70s, today's styles are metal, comprised of chains and charms…

Chrome plating can give a dull-looking metal surface a new, shiny look. In fact, most metal surfaces, including those made of copper, aluminum and bronze, can be plated. While you can chrome plate a…

Casting metal miniature figures is fun and rewarding for both hobbyists and serious collectors. Kits are available that include tools essential to creating die-cast figures. The process involves…

Metal is a material commonly used within building structures due to its strength load-bearing ability. However, the material is also used within the internal spaces of residential design, providing…

Pitted metal is caused by rust eating down below the surface of the metal. It causes an uneven surface that must be smoothed out before it can be used or painted. It's vital to remove all the rust…

Not every water treatment plant is meant to tackle sewer water. Some of them are part of metal-producing factories that produce wastewater considered dangerous to the environment as-is. One step in…

Printing or transferring the surface of one metal to the surface of another has been done for over a century now via electroplating. During the electroplating process, two metals are placed in a…

At the atomic level solids have three basic structures. Molecules of glasses and clays are very disordered with no repeating structure or pattern to their arrangement: these are called amorphous…

There are many types of seams for duct work. The Pittsburg lock and pipe seam are two of the most common types. The Pittsburg lock is used mainly on rectangular duct, while the pipe seam is used…

Long an integral part of carpentry and general construction, the composition and form of nails evolve to improve old techniques and suit new applications. By definition, the shafts and heads of all…

The process of applying thin metallic films is an important part of the semiconductor and magnetism industries. The two main types of processing involve the growth of metallic films and the etching of…

Metals such as copper and aluminum conduct electricity because the electrons in their atoms are loosely bound. A small amount of energy sets them in motion, producing an electric current. Metals…

Ribbed and other textured metal panels can be difficult to bend because of the shaped surface. They can be bent the same way as traditional sheet metal, using a brake or hammering them over a wood or…

The ankh, or Egyptian cross, is one of the most recognizable of all known heiroglyphic images, featured in some of the most famous ancient Egyptian archeological finds. This symbol now enjoys common…

The process of melting metal is called smelting. Mined ores or metals are smelted to isolate the metal of interest. The purpose of melting metal is to separate the valuable components from the…

"Castle Crashers" is a multi-player brawler-style game released for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. The large metal guy in "Castle Crashers" is one of the many bosses in the game. Known as the…

The elements in the first column of the periodic table are often called the alkali metals. All of them are very reactive and hence seldom if ever found in pure form in nature. As you go down the…

Resistance to scratching, or hardness, is one of the important mechanical properties of a metal. This property gives an idea about the ability of a metal to withstand scratching. Another mechanical…

If you train the Dungeoneering skill in the online role-playing game "RuneScape," you can unlock dungeons that contain high-level monsters. The Brimhaven Resource Dungeon contains several steel and…

There are numerous types of razors, from straight-edged to disposable, that can be purchased today. The metals used for making razors have changed drastically since the first examples dating from the…

Metal rings attached to clothing are useful while fishing, hunting or hiking because they can be used to clip on various objects. They are also seen purely for style purposes on casual vests, pants…

The process of straightening metal is one that, while seeming easy, is actually a fairly difficult thing to do correctly. The reason for this is that metal tends to stretch when it is bent. In order…

Electroplating is often referred to as plating or metal plating. It is the fine metal covering of one type of metal on top of another metal. Jewelry is often plated with a thin layer of gold or silver…

Most metals are much denser than water, so when you put them in water, they sink. If you shape the metal so it surrounds a central air space, however, you increase the amount of water displaced by the…

While zippers offer versatility and style to clothing items, they can be somewhat temperamental and often malfunction and break. Fortunately, zippers can be simply and quickly replaced to give your…

Stud walls are often built out of wood in houses that have metal framing. These partitions are constructed separately from the house for an add on and are then attached to the metal rafters of the…

Low-melting-temperature metals, such as lead, pewter and tin, melt under the heat of the focused flame of a blowtorch, but metals with higher melting temperatures, such as aluminum, silver and iron,…

Metal stacking shelves are versatile pieces of furniture that may be useful in your laundry room, garage or pantry. Putting a metal stacking shelf together is a quick project any homeowner can…

Metal C-channel tracks are used in conjunction with steel framing to hold the vertical supports in position. The C-shaped tracks must be bent occasionally to accommodate corners, windows doorways and…

The smell of salt air can be intoxicating. Those who choose to live in coastal climates for most or all of the year, though, may find salt corrosion on assorted metal objects, such as stainless steel…

Metal Cooler is a character within the game Dragon Ball Z: Budokai 3. The game is based on the anime series Dragon Ball Z and is published by Atari specifically for the PlayStation 2. It is a 3D…

During the late 1950s, homeowners were given a gift: zero clearance fireplaces. The introduction of zero clearance fireplaces changed options and choices for homeowners and made fireplaces easier for…

Rolling a metal cone out of sheet metal may be a little easier than you may think. By determining the length of the slanted side and the circumference at the wide end of your cone, you can quickly and…

If you own a chain link fence, you may decide at some point to remove it or simply move it. Chain link fences can become damaged from severe weather, and may need repair or replacement. If you decide…

Scientists have identified hydrogen as a potential energy source of the future to replace fossil fuel sources. Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe and produces a large amount of…

Whenever you read something printed on paper, chances are good the printer used metal offset printing plates to produce it. Metal plates still dominate the printing industry, although some printers…

Silver filigree gives any art piece a touch of shine and elegance without dominating the piece. Filigree leaves offer a bit of understated grace to any necklace or set of earrings. Though filigree…

All types of metal and metal alloys experience shrinkage while cooling after the casting process. Shrinkage occurs due to the molecules changing from a "loose" liquid state to a solid state at room…

Handmade, cast metal toggle clasps add style to the necklaces and bracelets they connect, and blend in seamlessly when custom cast in a matching design. Toggle clasps consist of two elements: a circle…

Epoxy is an adhesive used to bond materials like metal, wood, stone and glass. The bond it creates can withstand physical force, heat, water and many chemicals. How durable the connection is depends…

Surface finishes or coatings for metal offers corrosion resistance, improves the appearance of a particular metal, protects against tarnishing, reduces the amount of wear and increases a metal's…

"Beyblade: Metal Fusion Cyber Pegasus" is an action game for the Nintendo DS based on the anime show. In the game you play as one a character that challenges other fighters to a beyblade battle, which…

Rhodium is a member of the precious metals, the most valuable of all metals used for the fabrication of jewelry and other implements. Identifying rhodium from the other metals of similar appearance is…

Metal beams are a sturdy way to build a structure or sculpture. If your design calls for a rounded section, the strongest way to create a bent metal beam is with the application of heat. Using a blow…

When a dishwasher is installed, you must connect the power supply, water inlet line and drain hose. The drain hose is connected to either the plumbing under your sink, or the side of your garbage…

Paint that is applied to exterior surfaces is prone to fade and chip more quickly than an interior surface because of the constant exposure to elements such as sunlight, moisture and changes in…

Electroplating is a quick and easy way to add luster to an object or provide additional protection from corrosion or rust. The process involves transferring the metal ions from one object -- such as…

Every playable character in "Beyblade: Metal Fusion" for the Nintendo DS is unlocked using the same process. Unlike other games, which require you to complete challenges or finish optional side quests…

When working with metal, the phrase "tough as steel" may be a bit discouraging, especially if you are trying to break the metal. Cutting through metal is not easy, but it can be easier with the…

Metal fails. It's a hard substance that's put to hard uses by industry. Usually, the signs of impending failure -- tiny cracks -- show first where the metal is stressed out the most, on the surface.…

Refractory materials are compounds that are resistant to high temperatures above 538 degree Celsius, and they can often withstand many chemicals. Refractories are mainly used in the furnaces of the…

Metal banding is used to secure packages for shipping tools, equipment, parts or machinery. When you install metal bands around a package, you must use a banding tool, banding material--which comes in…

Material that can be magnetized is known as ferromagnetic. Soft ferromagnetic material will lose its magnetism when it is not in the magnetic field any longer. Other ferromagnetic material will retain…

Metal fabricators turn unformed metal into a functional form, whether it's flat sheets or intricate fence work. While the raw materials for metal fabrication sets a cost basis on the process, the…

Casting metals involves bending and forming molds from metals heated to very high temperatures. The casting made from this molten metal is used in a variety of settings, such as households,…

The cold rolling process is normally used in the production of sheet metal in the manufacturing industry. The procedure includes a sheet of metal or other type of stock being placed between two…

Sawzalls are popular power tools that offer nearly endless applications in the construction industry. These tools can be found on almost any construction site in America. There are several metals used…

If you think you have what it takes to play the harshest, most distorted music ever, then you may just be the next up-and-coming death metal guitarist. Becoming a better death metal guitarist requires…

Metals are widely used in manufacturing to provide structure and stability to goods and equipment. Metal fabricators are manufacturing workers that create metal structures by cutting, bending metal…

Pennsylvania produces more hardwood than any other state in the country. Pennsylvania produces 10 percent of the total hardwood in the U.S. every year. The Pennsylvania lumber industry is important…

Chromium carbide coating (CCR) is a hard ceramic material or protective powder made from carbon, nickel and chrome that is generally used in piston rings, ball valves and seats, impellers, nozzles,…

Factories that manufacture pasta use industrial food machines to process the food. Home pasta machines, which are smaller and handle limited batches at one time, would not be able to output the…

Randsburg, California and its surrounding areas have been sites of ore mining since the first deposit was discovered in 1895. Once the word spread that there were ore deposits and money to be made,…

Brass is an alloy, or combination, of copper and zinc. Ancient civilizations in the Near East and the Roman Empire produced it in small amounts more than 2,500 years ago, using it for decorative…

"Our Iceberg Is Melting," by John Kotter and Holger Rathgeber, is a fable about dealing with change. It tells the story of a colony of penguins living on an iceberg that discover that their iceberg…

Metallurgy is inextricably linked with industrial development. From the first metal tools in the Bronze Age to the industrial revolution across Europe, the United States and industrialized nations…

Oil lubricates and cools hot moving mechanical parts in industrial machinery. The oil's composition must be free from contaminants that can damage internal machinery parts. Line oil analysis provides…

Although plastic miniatures make up much of the "Warhammer 40,000" range of miniatures, each army has a selection of metal models. From monsters such as the Tyranid Hive Tyrant and the Necron C'Tan to…

So there you are: sitting in the basement, drinking Jolt Cola, rocking out to Hell Bent for Leather with the stereo set to 11. A sliver of light descends from the top of the stairs, and you hear a…

Lacquer, though often associated with wood and wooden projects, can be applied in many thin coats to protect objects of some other materials, such as metal. Just as with wooden lacquer projects, it is…

Roofing contributes to the cooling of a building, based on its ability to deflect the sun's rays. Unpainted Galvalume metal roofing offers a practical solution for reflecting solar rays, and it's…

Accumulation conveyor belts offer businesses a functional and cost effective way to move product within manufacturing facilities. Business owners must ensure the safety and efficacy of their…

A flow restriction orifice has many industrial uses. The orifice itself is simply a metal plate with a calibrated hole drilled in the center. This plate is placed in a pipeline between two flanges. As…

Shell and tube heat exchangers contain a bundle of tubes connected by internal baffles and fixed to a tubesheet. The bundle is inserted into the heat exchanger shell, and the shell heads are sealed.…

The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) is the regulatory law that governs hazardous waste management in the United States. It was written in 1976 by the U.S. Environmental Protection…

Welding thin metal is a matter of maintaining optimal weld strength and appearance while avoiding warping, burn-through and excessive heat affected zones. You can choose from a few different welding…

Monel metal is an alloy made of copper, nickel, iron and other trace elements. It was discovered by Robert Crooks Stanley and named in honor of Ambrose Monell. This metal alloy is used in a range of…

Precious metals are naturally occurring metallic elements such as gold, platinum and silver, which are less reactive than other forms of metals. These metals are rare and have high economic value.…

Binder clips are traditionally used as office supplies. They can bind thick stacks of paper together without the need for punching holes or using staples. The strong binding power of these versatile…

According to engineer S. K. Garg, there are eight main tools for marking off sheet metal. As well as mastering the use of each of these, metal fabricators need to be capable of careful and precise…

Aging metal furniture may lose its luster and begin to fade. This makes it look dull, but repainting can make it look new again. The process is nearly the same as painting outdoor furniture, except…

The Cincom L20E Type IX is a Swiss turning center that has simultaneous Cincom System M7 control. The system features seven cutting axes and one bar loader axis for use in various applications.…

Corrugated metal pipes have many different uses, most of them in construction. The specifications for these pipes can vary widely depending on what the intended use of the pipe is. Corrugated metal…

Rod mills, which also often double as bar mills, can turn out huge amounts of metal fashioned into rods of various thickness. These rods are cooled and sliced into desired lengths and are manufactured…

Because oil prices are rising and the major oil-producing regions of the world can be unstable, threatening oil imports, companies are exploring new sources of energy and oil. Solid waste, or trash,…

Metal fasteners can be used to join materials such as wood, sheet metal, plastic or even fabrics together. Made from steel, brass, aluminum or other metals, these fasteners come in a variety of shapes…

Metal files are popular hand tools for shaping, cutting and finishing metal. These files can be used to remove excess material or create a new texture on the surface of steel, brass and other metals.…

Having flamingos in your yard or garden add character and color. Most people purchase their flamingos that are made from plastic or metal. To have them unique and any size you want, you can make them…

Planning for a metal shop building is an involved process. You must ensure that you have all the proper permits and clearances to operate a business, especially one that may deal with explosive…

Pricing a metal pole barn requires knowledge of certain details, such as the size and type of pole barn and the condition of the building site. Some companies offer metal barn kits so you don't have…

Piping can be made from various materials, such as plastic. In particular, metal piping is used to move liquids, but can require other components, such as gaskets, for attachment to other piping.

Separating precious metals from ceramic computer chips, gold-plated antique dishes and lamps, and other ceramic and glass items is becoming a new way to make money from recycling. Ceramic computer…

Expanded metal, also known as metal mesh, is created by cutting slits in sheet metal and stretching the metal up to ten times its original size. Once expanded, mesh metal becomes flat, with equal…

Incineration, or burning, is an option for disposing of waste. Technologies and processes vary throughout the world, but a few keys components, such as mechanical processes, are practiced to keep the…

According to Minnesota Public Radio contributor Marianne Combs, rubber stamps were first introduced to the office environment in the late 1800s (see References). For modern-day offices that deal with…

Sheet metal is a thin, flexible metal that can be shaped into panels and used in the automobile industry. On occasion, metal panels are damaged in traffic accidents and require bodywork. These metal…

If you've forgotten or misplaced the combination to your Master Lock, you don't need to hire a locksmith or buy a new lock. As long as your Master Lock has a keyhole in the back, you can attempt to…

Offshore pipelines in the sea are exposed to corrosion. Cathodic protection of these pipelines helps protect them from corrosion. Cathodic protection systems apply a protective voltage to the…

Metal coatings are used to provide a layer of protection for metals or other types of materials that are subjected to corrosion. These coatings are used in industries such as aerospace, defense,…

Ace Clipper Staplers are lightweight staplers fashioned like a pair of pliers. They are often used by companies in fields such as dry cleaning, office-based, and factory-based. However, these types of…

Dental labs use a variety of products and substances to create crowns, dentures, molds, amalgams and bridges. Some of these substances are toxic and others cause allergic reactions in certain…

Electrostatic spray guns utilise a series of different technological paint styles including High Volume Low Pressure (HVLP) application and airless coatings. The guns provide an electrostatic feed to…

A variety of seams are used to connect pieces of sheet metal in construction, auto body creation and fine art sculpture. The type of seam used depends largely on the application; some seams are…

Catalytic converters use platinum group metals to clean auto emissions. While these rare metal resources are already endangered, demand continues to increase. Efficient recovery of catalytic…

Metal has been an important part of human civilization since gold and other precious metals were discovered by ancient Egyptians in 3400 B.C. While metal production has continuously evolved into…

Scarcity of precious metals makes their recovery valuable. Many more precious metals are in use than remain to be mined. Global efforts are being launched to refine recovery methods and increase…

Industry search engine ThomasNet is a comprehensive directory of industrial services and suppliers. Niche suppliers such as metal processing facilities are represented in company profiles, which…

Metal and fiberglass are completely different materials in every aspect. Attempting to join these two dissimilar materials may seem nearly impossible. However, certain modern adhesives have been…

Precious metals such as gold and silver find use in the aviation industry, as does platinum. The industry uses these metals in the manufacture of aircraft engines, as well as in the manufacture of…

Anyone needing a shop for auto repair, small manufacturing purposes or a warehouse would do well to research metal--or steel--buildings as an option to traditional construction. The improved design…

Bitumen-rich mud, also called tar sands, has, as of 2010, only recently become cost-effective to exploit for oil. Yet oil is not the only valuable substance that tar sands contain. They also have…

Precious metals can be found in ore deposits along with sulfur, and are known as sulfides. Cadmium, cobalt, copper, lead, molybdenum, nickel, silver, zinc, and gold and platinum group metals can be…

An oil analysis is a battery of tests performed on a sample of lubricating oil to determine the condition of the machine and the remaining life of the oil. A small sample bottle of oil, usually around…

"Recovery" of precious metals is industry lingo for salvaging and recycling precious metal components from any used materials that contain them. Numerous well-established businesses focus on this…

Usually, cyanide leaching or gravity concentration processes are sufficient to get ores to yield gold. However, if an ore is refractory---which means the gold is atomically bound to other substances…

Metals can be broken down by hydrogen corrosion, which results from many different sources, including dissociation of moisture, thermal decomposition of gases, and cathodic reactions. Hydrogen…

The Ricoh Aficio MP2000 is capable of copying, network printing, network scanning and network faxing at the rate of 20 pages per minute. In order for the MP2000 to print PostScript files, it must have…

Whether you need it for work or at a special event, going through your wallet or searching through your purse while trying to get an ID out can be inconvenient. Having your ID tag handy is essential,…

A hand lens, or loupe, is a magnifying lens that is available in a durable, portable design. Choices in design are in the area of magnification, materials and size. Some hand lenses come in plastic…

Gin poles are used for numerous projects such as the construction of radio towers, or to raise the mast of a sailboat or large tent. Gin poles consist of a single pole--made of wood or metal--that has…

Texas is home to many different construction, industrial, oil and farming jobs. Metal buildings are used here frequently due to their strength and durability to outlast bad weather conditions and…

Large buildings contain steel skeletons. Every "bone" or piece of steel carries a piecemark, or label, to differentiate it from the others. Each piece of steel started as a single blueprint, or detail…

Office partitions, commonly referred to as cubicles, provide privacy and personal space for many workers, while not taking up the space required to build full offices. Office partitions are portable…

Participants in a metal lathe training session acquaint themselves with procedures that professionals use to set up and tend lathe and turning machines. Trainees also polish their mechanical acumen…

The history of metal forging is in many ways the history of human civilization. As humanity attempted to shape the natural world to its needs, the development of metal forging was essential. Entire…

Precious metals have long been a lure for many investors. The supply of precious metals is limited and their value has held up for thousands of years. There are two ways to invest in precious…

Selling precious metals such as platinum and gold might seem like a challenge when the nearest pawn shop doesn't want to pay what these metals are worth. The best way to sell precious metals really…

Working with metal requires stretching and bending the material in small, incremental steps. Different metals have various fatigue levels, so some are brittle and some are soft and malleable. When…

Forging metal from raw materials is a precisely controlled process to mix and fuse the ingredients from a detailed formula. As ore is heated, its basic molecular structure changes and makes it…

Metal detectors have become an indispensable part of the food processing industry. Simple systems appeared in Europe shortly after World War II. Improvements were made over the years, and by 1980…

Factories are often required to have fences around them to keep out people who do not work at the factory or those who may harm, steal from or vandalize the factory. The fences serve as a type of…

In the banquet and catering industries, stackable tables are widely favored over fixed-leg models. Event planners appreciate that a stack of collapsed tables can be set up quickly to accommodate a…

Metal tubing is used for conduit of various media: gas, liquid and cable. Different metals are used for different applications. Determining the correct material for the tubing is vital not only in…

Magnetic Particle Inspection is a widely used method to detect defects. The method is popular since it is a non-destructive technique that requires less surface preparation than some other methods.…

The first Monel metal was a binary alloy made up of nickel and copper. While the metal is generally a manmade alloy today, it was based upon a naturally occurring ore with approximately the same ratio…

Solar thermal collectors are designed to harness and transfer heat from the sun's rays to other areas of a building. Unlike photovoltaic systems that produce electricity, the main purpose of solar…

People have been casting metal since at least 3000 B.C.E. Over time, the practice became more and more sophisticated as our understanding of metal and its properties became clearer. There are…

Metal fabrication shops have a number of inherent dangers. Working with heavy materials and machinery can create crushing and dropping injuries. Grinding operations can cause eye injuries, and welding…

A shower diverter is a very important pipe and valve assembly that fits on all bathtubs that have shower heads. This diverter is located at the knob that you turn, pull, or push to switch the water…

Metal fabrication is the design and assembly of products made from steel, aluminum, copper, brass or any number of metal alloys used in specific industries. Many types of manufacturers use fabricated…

Electroplating requires a specific pH to make sure that the metal particles remain in solution and are deposited evenly on the target. Solutions may be acidic or basic. Using the wrong pH can deposit…

Selling precious metals secondhand is a potentially lucrative endeavor; however, in Florida, as in many states, secondhand precious metal dealers must abide by licensure requirements. These…

Organizing your paperwork is easy if you have a binder to store it. Some forms, however, don't have three holes on the sides and require a binder with a two ring set up, in which case you'll need to…

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, metal detecting is required in some commercial food processing operations. The installation and testing of the equipment comes under the authority of…

A metal alloy is a blend of at least two different materials, at least one of which is a metal. Alloys are used to make a product that is better suited for various uses than pure metal obtained from…

Sintering metals is a fabrication process with history. Sintered metals are heated and formed to create durable metal and alloy functioning parts. They can be used in combination with other materials…

Sea water has high levels of salt and minerals, too high for human consumption. By using the principles of water evaporation and vapor condensation, you can pull pure water vapor from sea water and…

Arc flashes, sometimes called arc blasts, are severe short circuits that frequently occur around electrical workers. The term "arc flash" refers to the intense light and heat from the short circuit.…

There are several types of metal beds, and therefore there are many ways in which they are manufactured. The typical metal bed frame includes two lengthwise metal frame channels and vertical supports.…

Heavy metals are pollutants that can enter the drinking water system when they seep through soils into groundwater. Arsenic, cadmium and lead are just a few of the heavy metals in the environment at…

Meteorology is the study of the earth's atmosphere, especially its weather. In order to be able to predict weather (the condition of the air at a specific time and place), meteorologists use various…

Lapel pins are generally made of metal and are suitable to be worn on the lapel of a suit jacket or blazer. There are many businesses ready to make you a custom lapel pin if you want to design one…

The kinds of metal buildings available today are numerous, with some manufacturers dedicated to making your ideal building, and others simply wanting to sell you their inventory. Your options are to…

In the Periodic Table, d-block (as well as f-block) elements (Ti, Fe, Cr, Ni, Cu, Mo) are called transition metals because they are located between the s- and p-block elements. Their properties…

Some metals seem to attract other metals more strongly. This force is called magnetism. Even before the discovery of electricity, scientists invented compasses, tiny strips of naturally occurring…

A hydraulic press is being widely used today among manufacturers because of its reliable, versatile and efficient production. It is so versatile that it is chosen more often over the mechanical press,…

A ball bearing is an engineering device that reduces friction. Ball bearings are comprised of smooth metal balls between smooth metal services--usually circular--that enable items that would normally…

Metal casting occurs when a metalworker pours liquefied metal into a hollow cavity and then allows the metal to cool and harden inside. The hollow cavity is the cast (or mold), and it gives the…

Anodic bonding is the process of joining a silicon wafer with a glass wafer by heating the components and introducing powerful electric fields to both components. The glass wafer is composed of alkali…

Welding projects can come in many shapes and sizes. Preparation is the key to a successfully welded project. Before you dive in and start welding something, make sure to have a plan of how you are…

Cargo trailers are used for a variety of tasks, not the least of which is hauling "cargo." They can be used as motorcycle trailers, yardwork trailers, or moving trailers and are versatile in design…

Prefab metal building kits are a great way to build a business or a shop for your convenience. These prefab kits give you everything you need so you can quickly set up shop without the full knowledge…

Oxy-Acetylene cutting is a widely used method to torch cut metal of almost any thickness up to 12 inches. It is used in industrial applications as well as sculpting. If you are doing any metal…

Signs can draw customers and make announcements to people. Metal signs are long lasting and can hold up under the elements when set up outdoors.They can also be interesting pieces of decor inside a…

Metal casting is an ancient method that has been practiced for thousands of years. There have been a lot of different purposes and uses for metal casting, from making art and jewelry, creating…

Metalworking lubricants are used in a wide variety of industrial applications that involve bending, stamping, pressing, shaping and extruding metal into one form or another. There really is no…

Soapstone molds are excellent for casting white metal, especially pewter, the most popular white metal for the hobbyist. Soapstone is soft, easy to carve and readily available. Pewter can be used to…

Lost foam casting (LFC) is an economical type of metal casting in the long run. It was patented by H.F. Shroyer in 1958. Unlike other methods, it does not require very expensive equipment. The only…

A shield is a kind of defensive weapon. Held in the hand, it is used to deflect sword blows or projectiles. Shields come in a variety of shapes. They may be rectangular, oval or round. A round shield…

Folding padded metal chairs are a great resource to have in your office or company building. Useful for meetings, conferences, or just when you need an extra chair, they don't take up much space and…

Building a patio deck using treated lumber is very similar to building one with regular lumber. The only difference is you do not have to be concerned with rot and stains. Your new patio is also going…

Many metals look like they are made of silver but, in fact, do not contain any silver at all. In the marketplace, dishonest or uninformed people try to pawn off jewelry and other items as sterling,…