Steel

Coil spring spacers are more versatile than they might seem at first glance, capable of both altering a vehicle's ride height and changing its handling characteristics. A number of variables can…

Lifting steel beams into place presents special problems because of the ability of their edges to cut. It is legal to use nylon slings to lift steel beams, but there have been accidents, and you…

Standard development organizations, such as ASTM International, American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and others, classify steel grades based…

Microwave ovens are commonplace in our everyday lives, however, very few individuals understand how they work. One of the critical components to the microwave's function are the steel walls on the…

Although the initial cost of metal sheeting can be greater than other materials, its long life and resilience makes it an attractive alternative. Its physical properties help keep a building cool in…

Steel shims are often used as bushing machines. You can find steel bushings on lawnmowers, cars, woodworking machines or just about any other kind of machine. When these bushings wear out they can be…

Crucible furnaces are used for melting steel and other metals at extremely high temperatures so the metal can be molded, shaped and processed for market. These furnaces use coal, oil and gas to…

The qualities of building materials directly impact which materials you can use together and the way they interact. Gypsum boards and decking, for instance, help improve the fire resistant qualities…

Residential gates give properties a look of solidity and elegance that lasts for years. Gates may be made from a variety of materials. Tubular steel is often used because it is inexpensive, durable…

There are two basic types of freight trailer decks. One is a straight deck, which is level throughout the entire deck surface. The other is a drop deck, which is designed to angle down to the ground,…

Homeowners' options overflow when it comes to choosing a bathtub. Styles range from space-saving alcove tubs to elegant sunken baths and relaxing whirlpools. Additionally, each style comes in a…

Steel deck is a type of cold-formed corrugated metal most commonly used to support the insulating membrane of a roof. It is created by stamping and pressing traditional sheet steel into the desired…

If you are looking for a storage solution, the two main types of cabinets are metal and wood. Metal cabinets made of steel or aluminum have a few benefits over wood, particularly when it comes to…

Steel is used in many sectors of the modern world, including industry, agriculture, construction and health care. Steel is both strong and durable, making it an ideal medium to use in creating art,…

The post and lintel system has been used in building construction since the Ancient Greeks. The post and lintel is a simple and effective method of channeling the down force of a structure, around an…

Whether you are looking to help the environment or want to make some extra cash, processing scrap skeleton steel is a step in the right direction. Reusing scrap steel takes only 25 percent of the…

Vibration due to human activity or natural factors such as earthquakes, wind and waves has become the dominant design issue facing modern steel structures. In order to limit the vibration impact on…

You can make your own Cold Steel inspired knife from a piece of carbon steel. To do this you will need to form the shape of the knife before and then heat treat it. This process makes the blade hard…

Utilize the empty space on the side of a steel cabinet to display a skeleton, whether you're decorating for Halloween or using a realistic skeleton for a science class. Simple tape may work for a…

Steel roofing is one of the most durable roofing systems available. Properly installed and well-maintained steel roofs can last a century or more. If you have a round roof -- let's say a dome or…

Duct work helps keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter by delivering air from the air conditioner or furnace to the vent openings inside your home. Vents are usually made out of…

A standard H-shaped steel column presents a relatively small area to the substrate on which it stands. A base plate is used to spread the loading forces. For all but the most massive columns, a…

Backsplashes in the kitchen save the wall from the grease and food that inevitably splash up from the stove and counters. You can install the backsplash behind your stove, behind your sink or along…

Steel studs and wooden studs have different code requirements for proper cable penetration and routing. Metal studs present sharp edges and the potential ability for a short circuit, should the…

Medieval fantasy armor is often portrayed in a fashion that is far more stylized than that of the real thing. Real-life knights and armor smiths were worried about creating stylish and interesting…

Choosing a roofing material is an important task when building a home or another type of building. Two possible choices for roofing material include steel or polycarbonate, a manufactured plastic…

Durable steel roofs are easy to maintain, come in a variety of forms from shingles to panels and have a life expectancy up to 50 years. They are also fire resistant and reflect heat, lowering energy…

A hacksaw is a versatile type of saw useful for cutting a variety of materials for projects around the home. One of the benefits of owning a hacksaw is that one blade can successfully cut metal,…

Gauge measures weight, not thickness, although the thickness of different gauges are also usually given in inches. The higher the gauge number the thinner the steel. Most steel roofs are built with…

In industrial and commercial settings, steel stairways often are used because of their durability and ability to withstand years of use and heavy loads. Guidelines exist so that these structures will…

If you have steel tools that are starting to become worn or if you're planning on making custom steel parts from carbon steel, also called tool steel, you need to know how to harden the metal…

Bathtubs are made from different materials, including fiberglass or steel. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages. Whether a steel or fiberglass bathtub is best for you will depend on…

Wooden headboards and footboards can transform the way your bed looks, but connecting them to steel bed frames may get confusing. Since wooden headboards and footboards are generally designed to…

Metal roofs offer many advantages for home builders and homeowners in terms of longevity and low maintenance. Metal roofs may be made of steel, aluminum, copper or zinc. Of these, steel offers the…

Steel roofing is coated for weather protection, is made in a variety of colors and can simulate the appearance of clay shingles and wood shingles. Some metal roofing manufacturers offer warranties of…

Certain kinds of steel, like stainless or galvanized steel, are popular for their resistance to corrosion. Often, however, fasteners made from these products can also exhibit increased susceptibility…

Steel roofing is a durable and attractive option to more common asphalt shingles. You can hire a professional contractor to install your steel roof, or do it yourself with some simple tools and a bit…

Changing the look of steel requires the process of patination. Defined as the result of a change in a metal's colors, patination can be artificially induced in many metals. To change the color of…

Repainting a steel stool is an economical way to transform its appearance and ensure that it lasts for many more years. Whether you use the stool next to a kitchen island, in a game room or even in a…

The use of steel trusses has gradually surpassed that of wooden trusses in roof design and construction, primarily due to their increased durability and decreasing cost. Any truss that can be made…

The kitchen faucet is among the most regularly used fixtures within the home and provides a finishing touch to kitchen decor. Modern styles have grown to incorporate both form and function, designing…

Steel roofs require protective coatings to prevent corrosion and weathering. If your steel roof shows signs of rusting or other wear and tear, it's time for a new sealant. Before you can seal the…

Steel is a common construction material and most welders start by learning how to weld steel. Depending on your line of work, aluminum welding may be a valuable skill to learn as well. Although the…

MIG welding is an approach that relies on the use of inert shielding gas. Like all other types of welding, it can potentially pose severe personal hazards if you don't observe safety precautions.…

Silicon steel is a laminated metal alloy found in progressively lower-cost ranges of M19 to M43 that's commonly used as a shield in magnetic resonance imaging devices, audio/visual equipment power…

Fix leaks and cracks in your 18-gauge steel subframe with a MIG welder. A welder like this is made for thin metals between 10-gauge and 20-gauge. Other welders, such as arc welders, can easily destroy…

Certain bathtubs are comprised of steel and feature a porcelain overlay. While the steel makes the tub durable, the surface may become chipped. Heavy objects that fall into the tub or tools used…

Steel sheds protect their contents from rain and wind, but are not very good at keeping things warm unless they are insulated. Steel walls conduct heat very easily, meaning that a steel shed gets very…

The Society for Creative Anachronism, or SCA, encourages the preservation and practice of the arts and skills common to pre-17th century Europe. The members of the SCA attend festivals, faires,…

The first modern skyscraper was the Home Insurance Company Building, constructed in 1885 in Chicago, thanks to developments during the Industrial Revolution in the manufacture of steel. This…

Though carbide is renowned for its hardness and durability, carbide tools occasionally require grinding or sharpening. Most tools are not solid carbide, but are rather a mixture of steel with a…

A cold-formed steel structure is made from materials that are formed by pressing or rolling thin gauges of metal into sheet goods. It is most often used in buildings, bridges, and storage racks. While…

You can install a steel building on your property as an additional building to hold work tools, use as extra storage space or to shelter small livestock. By creating a solid concrete base with a…

Metalworkers use steel forming blocks to bend and shape soft metals such as copper and silver. These metals are then prepared for use as jewelry and other applications. Steel forming blocks come in a…

Steel is iron that contains small amounts of carbon. The last two digits in the name of a particular type of steel indicate the percentage of carbon present in the alloy. A36 steel, which contains…

A billet of steel is a large block or cylinder of steel that has yet to be machined into a finished product. Often to start the milling process, you must pierce the steel billet by drilling a hole…

Most steel beams have multiple holes drilled into a plate located at the end of the beam. The holes allow a builder to connect an existing beam and a new beam together with heavy-duty bolts. For most…

Porcelain coating is applied over steel during the manufacturing of appliances, cookware, and even handmade jewelry. Porcelain is durable, economical and available in vivid colors. This baked-on…

To transfer liquid or grainy substances into a container with a small opening, such as a jar or a bottle, you will need a funnel to obtain accurate measurement and avoid spillage. Both plastic and…

An essential step in engineering steel framed structures is determining the stress which a beam will endure without suffering a catastrophic failure. Bridges and buildings are stressed when they…

Steel I-beams, so-named because they resemble an upper-case "I", are relied on in building projects for their strength and durability. Whenever you decide to take on a building project it…

Steel is an alloy of iron made with carbon and other elements. It is used in the construction of buildings and other structures. Steel comes in various sizes and shapes. It is extremely hard and very…

Quenching and tempering steel during the cooling stage of formation performs the process of case hardening steel. An alternative method of hardening steel is by using sintered steel powders to create…

Stirrup reinforcing is a major factor in adding strength to concrete support columns. Though concrete is strong by itself, it's even stronger with steel bars running through its length. To ensure that…

The Bureau of Labor Statistics as of May 2010 classified steel workers into two categories: structural workers who create the framework of structures and reinforcing workers who add metal supports…

Using steel trusses in the construction of your carport adds a measure of stability and safety to the protection of your car, boat and other valuables. This can be especially important in areas of the…

Steel is iron that has had carbon and other alloys added to enhance its properties. This material is commonly used in construction because of its durability, and it is often used to reinforce other…

All Norsemen during the Viking age were required to own weapons. The predominant shield used by the Vikings was a round shield about 36 inches in diameter. Even though it was not required, the shield…

Steel and ammonium alum are two separate metals with very different properties. In order to dissolve these metals when combined, it is necessary to apply two distinct compounds that will interact with…

Steel beams are used in many commercial construction applications. They are more resistant to water and fire damage than wood beams. When a building is built with steel, it must always be up to code…

When a steel joist is manufactured, it is designed slightly curved, convex upward. Even on a flat-roof system, the joist is curved with a slight upward radius to compensate for how the joist deflects…

Composite shingles, or shingles made from several materials ranging from rubber to tar and gravel, are a common sight on houses across the country. While less common, steel shingles are also available…

Steel and other types of metal can be tapped out into a round shape. This may be useful in making artwork, cooking pans and many other household needs. With patience, steel plates and sheets can be…

Blued steel most often refers to the bluish tinge found on the metal of guns, especially older or even antique guns. Typically, guns are treated to protect the surfaces from rusting, which can…

Drilling through steel requires the use of bits that remain sharp. Friction must be reduced at the drilling point to help the bits retain their sharpness. This process is often facilitated via the use…

If you have encountered the term "electrocharged steel" and been confused as to its meaning, you can become less confused by breaking the term apart and analyzing each word. What does…

Steel is most often cast into the desired part shape using the method of sand casting. Sand molds will stand up to the immense heat of molten steel, and they retain their appropriate shapes until the…

Builders use metal or steel studs to form the interior walls of residential or commercial buildings. The material is fire proof and more consistent than wood products. The steel frames assemble…

Metal working with steel plates might seem like an overwhelmingly heavy duty job at first. However, shaping smaller steel plates does not necessarily require years of experience or heavy machinery.…

When choosing a sword, you’ll typically have the option of choosing between a blade made of folded steel or one made of carbon steel. These terms refer to the process by which the steel was…

Modern crossbows are elegant and high-performance weapons that shoot both traditional arrows and metal crossbow bolts. They evolved from ancient, handmade bows that were attached to a shoulder stock,…

Steel is a metal alloy, meaning that it is made up of different kinds of metals. Steel often contains iron, carbon, nickel, chromium and sometimes even tungsten. Steel was first used in structural…

Forging steel hoops is one of the first and easiest exercises when learning the art of blacksmithing. With some commonly found blacksmithing tools, you can teach yourself the basics in forging and…

A steel pin often requires a taper for installation. A taper is when one end of the pin is larger in diameter than the other. Machining a taper into a steel pin requires the use of an engine lathe,…

Steel is commonly used for home appliances and mixed media art projects for its smooth, pristine appearance. Some prefer to add texture to the steel by giving it a brushed look. During brushing, an…

Cold rolling identifies a particular steel production process. This process involves rolling steel in a cool state between sets of rollers spaced at progressively smaller distances apart. Since the…

Hardening steel after it has been welded is a task that only takes a few moments to successfully accomplish. Because the heat from welding changes the temper of the steel surrounding the weld, you can…

If the key for your padlock is lost, it may be necessary to cut the chain off a bicycle or outhouse door. Chrome steel chains are ideal for use outdoors as the chrome plating prevents the steel from…

The normalization of the steel cooling process, similar to annealing, is a specialized cooling process applied to forged steel. Normalization alters the traits of the final steel product. Normalizing…

The term steel refers to any of a large number of metallic alloys that contains a mixture of iron and carbon. How malleable, strong or dense a piece of steel depends on the percentage of carbon in the…

The heating and cooling, or quenching, of carbon steel is a common hardening method known as tempering. Steel is also heated and quenched when shaped for its intended use. Grade-1045 Steel is a…

Steel poles are often used to support overhead structures such as floors and roofs. It is difficult to attach any type of decorative material to a steel pole. However, you can cover a steel pole by…

Parkerizing, also called phosphating and phosphatizing, is a method of protecting metal from corrosion by applying an electrochemical phosphate conversion coating. The process is frequently done on…

Shaping steel is a form of metal work used for things ranging from custom made knives and swords to car restoration. Steel is an alloy made mostly of iron, and when heat treated and tempered becomes…

Galling is when two metal surfaces slide into one another under high pressure and as a result, the pieces freeze up against the nut's threads and break off. Steel alloy fasteners are especially…

CMU is an acronym for "concrete masonry unit," otherwise known as concrete block or masonry block. Block walls are sometimes used instead of solid-poured concrete foundations. Block can also be used…

Originally used as a post to tie up boats, a bollard is a short vertical post that has in the last decade been used as a steel or concrete post that obstructs the passage of cars and potential car…

Using a combination of compressed air and electric arc, induction cutters or plasma cutters as they are more commonly known, is one of the most effective methods for cutting steel. The superheated gas…

Sheet steel is a form of sheet metal that can be formed into flat pieces in varying thicknesses using specialized tools for manufacture and in some cases to roll the sheets. Steel sheets are generally…

From being merely decorative to being the main indicator of time in a yard, sundials have been used for centuries throughout the world. Utilized in ancient Greece and Rome, the numbers around the dial…

Cutting steel with water is a task performed by a water jet. A water jet pressurizes water to between 30,000 and 90,000 psi and then releases it through a special nozzle. This nozzle forces the water…

Steel banners are a commonly used, sturdy and affordable means of outdoor advertisement. Making the frame for a steel banner calls upon the same skills and safety regulations as those required to weld…

There have been a number of attempts over the decades to attach aluminum to steel to provide reinforcement for structures that are required to be extremely strong. Many of these attempts resulted in…

Brazing is the act of joining two pieces of metal by melting another piece of metal between them. The metal being joined is called base metal and the metal used to fuse them together is called filler…

Casted steel objects are made of various types of steel that have been molded together. Common steel castings are tire rims, engine casings, valves and machinery. Cutting a steel casting requires more…

Brazing is essentially the same process as soldering only the bonding alloys used for brazing typically melt at a higher temperature. Brazing is used to join surfaces together in a fashion that…

Bellhousings are protective covers located on the engine-side of the transmission case. Stock bellhousings are comprised of aluminum or an aluminum alloy, making them susceptible to damage from…

Role-playing games such as "Warhammer," "Warhammer 40,000," and "Lord of the Rings" are played with steel miniatures on a game board. The first step in this type of…

Heat treating and tempering mild cold rolled steel is a process slightly more complicated than simply heating and quenching the part that you want to harden. Tempering the steel has the effect of…

Cutting galvanized steel is an extremely straightforward process, but you must take care to avoid experiencing metal fume fever. Galvanized steel is made by hot-dipping steel into a zinc solution,…

Steel panels are used for their strength and durability. They are found in both architectural and residential settings. While the look of steel is incorporated into many designs, there are times when…

Steel cables fill a wide variety of uses. Around the house, cables support railings on decks. Some pet owners use steel cables as guides for pet runs. Zip lines and swings sometimes use steel cables…

Nailers are essential when installing walls over existing structural I-beams. They allow you to use the beam as part of the structure of the interior wall as opposed to just a structural roof support.…

Cutting a taper, or angle, into a steel pin requires a bit of preparation and a bit of elbow grease. Steel pins are often used to secure two pieces of metal together and they sometimes need to be…

When decorating with brick and steel, the design of the room often takes on an "industrial" and "minimalist" appearance. With an industrial theme, items in the room have an unfinished or rough look.…

Steel, a common material in modern machinery and consumer goods used for its strength and resistance to corrosion, is an alloy of iron and several other elements, such as carbon or silicon. Although…

Steel, an alloy of iron, is one of the strongest, hardest, most versatile and most common building materials. There are hundreds of types of steel, each designed for particular uses. Most saws are…

Blade-making is a skill that is part of the blacksmithing tradition that takes raw metal and works it with various techniques to shape it into useful objects. Forged blades must be both hard and…

The difference between a powder coating that lasts and one that deteriorates depends more on the proper pretreatment of the hot rolled steel parts to be coated than it does on the coating itself. Hot…

Natatorium is a fancy word for an indoor swimming pool, often used in connection with a large aquatic sports complex. To repaint steel in such an environment presents a challenge because of the wet,…

Oxyacetylene torches burn very hot. The torch combines a stream of pure oxygen and a stream of acetylene gas into a single nozzle where it is metered and mixed, then burned in a highly focused flame.…

Building and structure demolition occurs for a variety of reasons, such as when safety concerns outweigh a building's usefulness or when builders require space for new construction. Different methods…

Old barns, garages and outbuildings have a tendency to sag to one side so that the frame of the structure is out of square. Once this conditions is present, gravity continues to work, pulling the…

Steel gussets are prefabricated metal plates used for joining lumber. Truss gussets are shaped at precisely the right angle to hold the pieces in place to create the right roof pitch. Standard trusses…

In many professional and industrial applications, a plasma cutter is used to cut circles in steel. At home, cutting circles in steel and other sheet metals is often achieved using a lathe or hand held…

The process of differentially hardening steel principally applies to the production of blades. The method increases the hardness of the cutting edge without making the whole blade brittle. By…

Some of the elements abundant in the Earth are also found in meteorites that have landed. One of the most common elements in the Earth's crust, iron, is also one of the most abundant elements found in…

Working with steel involves the use of the correct tools in order to achieve accurate dimensions in cutting. Steel often requires the machinist to use slow feeds and speeds. The speed is the RPM of…

If you are creating an artistic figure or are in need of a custom metal shape for building, you may need to cut through steel. Making steel cutouts is somewhat challenging. However with the right…

Patinas are created by coating metals such as brass or steel in chemicals to promote aging and oxidation. They give metals a worn and aged look without waiting for the years it may take with exposure…

Leak-free steel welds are descriptive of high-quality steel welds, the kinds of welds that all technicians, students and novices should aspire to. While welding technicians typically have a pretty…

If you have an exposed steel support beam and want to enclose it with a material similar to the adjacent walls or ceilings, before you can install the drywall or paneling, you will first have to…

All welds are visually inspected to determine whether they have been adequately placed and have the necessary strength to hold steel together. While it is technically possible to perform weld…

Steel rods by nature are very strong but they are still susceptible to the weather. Steel that is exposed to wind and rain for extended periods of time will rust and corrode. If you have steel rods…

Steel angles, or angled iron, are essential tools in any architectural project. They can be made either from a single piece of iron or steel bent lengthwise to a particular angle -- usually 90 degrees…

H13 steel, a tool steel, is essentially similar to many other types of tool steel, the identification numbers of which all begin with the prefix "H." To perform a repair weld on this form of tool…

Steel is a versatile metal that manufacturer use to make home appliances such as refrigerators, ovens, dishwashers and toasters. Stainless steel is the most popular type of metal for home use. Over…

A plow is one of the most critical pieces of agricultural machinery. It's used to till the soil and prepare the field for crop planting. Plows have an extensive history; they are depicted in Egyptian…

In the 1870s carbon was added to molten iron to make steel. Iron and steel were soon being used in ship production. These irons and steels were known as ABS iron and steel. They constitute specific…

Most steel mills do more than manufacture steel alloy from iron ore; most make some form of raw material specified by end-users. The mill may use hot rolling techniques where the steel is still…

Weld your own free-standing steel banner in a metal shop that is suitable for any business. Free-standing steel banners are used for general advertising, indoors or outdoors, and will last for many…

Grinding is a process that is often done when repairing or fabricating steel and other metal objects. Mechanical grinders make the job much easier than manual methods, but create a number of dangers…

I-beams are heavy-duty lengths of steel named for their capital "I" shape. Often used in load-bearing applications to support buildings and industrial roofs, I-beams are sometimes installed in garages…

Tarnishing steel so that it turns black is a process that, while being relatively easy, must be done carefully to avoid encountering a dangerous situation. You will have to heat the steel and then…

One of the most effective tools used to shape and clean steel is the grinding wheel. These high-speed tools are able to rapidly remove large quantities of material but can often leave behind marks on…

Using toggle bolts is a common way to anchor heavy objects into steel studs. Some prior knowledge of the existing materials -- thickness of the drywall, gauge of metal studs and spacing of metal…

Making blackened steel is accomplished through a process known as black oxidation. It is a chemical reaction that causes a type of black rust to form on the surface of the steel. The process can be…

Steel is extensively used throughout the construction industry and is the most recycled product in the United States. One of its key functions is to provide structural support to building structures.…

Tungsten steel is a common material used for wedding bands and other rings. You may have to cut the metal to remove the ring because of a hand injury or swelling that prevents the ring from sliding…

Steel isn't one type of metal-it's a family of iron-based alloys. Mills produce a variety of steel alloys and most also form steel into shapes and sizes suited for raw stock by manufacturers. The…

"Fallout 3" is an role-playing game set in 2277 following apocalyptic energy wars that reduced the world to a veritable wasteland. Little in the world resembles the turn of the 21st century as even…

Steel is common called carbon steel because of the mixture of carbon atoms with iron atoms. The added elements provide the steel with ductility and strength. During the smelting process, other…

American Iron and Steel Institute grade D2 tool steel is a high carbon, high alloy steel used primarily to make dies, punches and other cutting or forming machine parts. Though it is a relatively…

Steel chains have a lot of uses in both industry and security fields. They are often used to secure two items together so that the items don't get stolen or don't come apart. You may need to cut the…

One of the earliest forms of working with metals was forging, otherwise known as blacksmithing. Red-hot flames heat the metal to be forged, and hammers are used to beat the hot metal and shape it to…

"Zeronia 2" is a role-playing game (RPG) for Android mobile devices. Each character in the game has a distinct personality and purpose, as well as various tasks to complete during the adventure. You…

Cutting steel requires very sharp tooling as well as slow feed rates when using a milling machine or band saw. The coolant that you must use will also help with the cutting as the two surfaces create…

Refinish steel light fixtures or other home decor items with a brass finish to give them a new style. You can get an attractive brass finish using a brass finish spray paint. The finish will be…

Silver brazing is the best method for joining brass and steel; it is inexpensive, produces strong, ductile joints and requires little cleanup afterward. Ideal for DIY plumbing repairs, and using a…

Although steel has an excellent structural strength, it is still susceptible to the elements. Rain, wind and hail cause damage to the exterior of steel over time. When steel is not used, it is best to…

Small cracked or damaged cast steel parts aren't difficult to repair by brazing, or the method of joining two pieces of similar or different types of metal together by melting a different filler metal…

Steel is manufactured in many different grades. The grade of the steel is the result of the metal's chemical composition, and affects the steel's strength. As a result, different grade steels are…

Businesses in the steel industry have considerable costs from the shipping of their products. Even if a business can produce steel or steel equipment at a price that gives it an advantage over the…

Many different methods involved in steel treatment exist for different purposes. Hardening, an important process, plays a crucial role in ensuring the structural integrity of steel. Several techniques…

Copper piping has been used successfully since the building of the Great Pyramid. In fact, ancient Egyptians built copper plumbing for conveying water to baths. This durable and corrosion-resistant…

If a hunting trip has left you with a freezer full of meat and pelts that you are not sure what to do with, you can learn the art of tanning them. This will develop your outdoorsman skills from…

Store wrenches, screw drivers and other heavy equipment in a homemade metal case. Metal cases are some of the strongest cases you can use for tossing metal items in. You will not have to worry about…

If you are re-staining any piece of wooden furniture, first you must strip away the old stain and sand the surface before you can apply a new stain and finish it. A piano is a beautiful and valuable…

The American Society for Testing and Materials and the American Society for Structural Engineers both created several different standards of steel and other metals. Many of these standards are similar…

Many welders are under the false impression that chrome-moly, or chromium molybdenum alloy steel, must be welded with a TIG (tungsten inert gas) unit. However, the vast majority of chrome-moly can be…

Engineers need to test the materials and structures they produce to see if they are safe enough for people to use them. A static shear test is used to determine how much horizontal force a material…

Mechanical pins are as wide a category as bolts, and a large number of mechanical pins can be used in applications that penetrate round metal; most will work in round or flat shapes. Pins play many…

Enhanced flexibility, trigger hold, dual tension control, automatic run-in, and toolless rotatable drive are the specifications which Miller -- the welding industry giant -- believes make its Series…

A smelter is used to melt down different materials such as aluminum, bronze, brass and other types of metals. A smelter is often used when you would like to recycle old metals and to create new items…

Copper sulfate is an all-natural, odorless, inorganic salt. It's a common reagent in high school and college chemistry experiments, where it's used to demonstrate important concepts such as…

Almost any animal pelt can be turned into leather through the tanning process, but some -- like deer, sheep and goat -- are thicker than others, making them good choices for your first project.…

Everyone who has owned a pair of eyeglasses knows how easy it is to break them. Instead of looking like the classic nerd and taping your glasses, use a stronger and more practical method to repair…

Curing rabbit hides requires patience and a long amount of available time to wait. Rabbit hides are ideal for beginning leatherworkers to start curing since they are a plentiful resource; both wild…

Groundwater production wells and groundwater monitoring wells serve as scientific windows for peering into underground aquifers. This lets researchers model the flow of subsurface water and predict…

Copper mines, according to Andy Brain, often harvest copper ore from the ground by dissolving it with a sulfuric acid solution. When combined with copper or, the acid turns blue and becomes copper…

Human beings have been tanning pelts for thousands of years. During most of that time, they did not have modern chemicals and were forced to rely on what can only be described as more "traditional"…

In archaic usage the word "wrought" is the past tense of the word "work." In more modern connotations wrought is typically attached to metals that require labor to shape and form. Metals such as…

A lightning rod is a ground metallic rod placed atop high buildings to attract lightning away from the rest of the structure. It is electrically connected to the ground where the lightning is…

Cleaving a diamond involves splitting a diamond into smaller pieces so that it may be used as a gem or drill diamond. In the 15th century, diamonds were cleaved by striking the diamond at the stone's…

Aluminum, bronze, and a copper alloy called spring copper of beryllium copper can all be heat-treated using special processes including gas quenching and vacuum heating. But, heat-treating is usually…

Brass is a product of copper and zinc alloy which is commonly used as a decorative metal. The metal is also used in doorknobs, industrial valves, mechanical gears and other devices which require low…

Miller Welding is a company that specializes in welding equipment, from MIG, or metal inert gas, welders to stick welders. When they are in working order, they are effective welding units for home or…

The percussion cap is a small copper cup with an explosive mixture inside. Its purpose is to ignite a charge of black powder to fire a muzzle-loading gun. The cap fits on the open end of a hollow…

A pipe bender, or tube-rolling machine, is automated equipment that coils metal tubing (among other materials) into a circle, without the need for heating or welding. The machine uses three rolling…

Foaming in a distillation column is the expansion of liquid that provides high interfacial liquid-vapor contact. Although one of the least common causes of distillation column malfunctions, foaming…

Skunk spray is a foul and unforgettable odor. Due to the fact that skunk spray can reach up to 15 feet away, an unlucky bystander or pet might get in the way. A popular myth for getting rid of the…

Aluminum is a lightweight metal that is used to make a variety of objects. Because it's not as strong as other metals, it bends and dents easily. You can harden aluminum through a process called…

Welding is the process of joining two pieces of metal together by melting the metals. This is a fundamental difference from soldering, which is the process of joining two pieces of metal together by…

Early small arms operated by using a small hammer to strike an explosive device, which then fired a projectile from the gun barrel. For almost 200 years, this was accomplished by using a flintlock…

Smelting is a process of removing metal from ore by heating the ore to burn off sulfur and other impurities and creating an oxide in the process. This oxidated ore is then reduced using coke or…

A beam is a horizontal linear component that resists vertical loads along its length. The loading forces result from the gravitational pull of the earth and act in a perpendicular direction to the…

Any experienced guitar player can tell you that a guitar is never perfectly in tune. Tuning and fret position on a fretted instrument are, at best, a compromise between mathematical theory and…

Skunks are small black and white mammals widely known for their ability to release a foul-smelling spray. These animals typically weigh up to 14 lbs, and resemble a house cat in size. Found primarily…

Clay tempering is the traditional method used to produce Japanese swords, or "katanas." Clay is wrapped around the blade when it is "quenched," or cooled in a water bath. Clay tempering allows the…

Fire-charred cloth will catch a spark and stay lit. It is useful as tinder when starting a fire. Blowing on a spark on char cloth causes the fire to grow and consume the charcoal filaments. To make…

Steel began to be mass produced in the United States for use in the construction of railroads. The mass production of steel has evolved over the years, and there are many steps in the manufacturing…

Beavers have such thick hides that they are normally dried for tanning by being nailed to plywood. However, they can also be dried on hoops, as the Native Americans did. After they are dry, they can…

The Lincoln company, one of the most experienced names in the field of welding, manufactures the Power MIG (metal inert gas) 255C. This product uses a solid wire feed and external gas supply to…

Brass is an alloy metal composed mainly of copper and zinc. Since copper constitutes the major component, brass is categorized as a copper alloy. Though brass is stronger and harder than copper, it…

Desalinization is the process of making salt water drinkable. Because humans cannot drink saline water without disastrous side effects, most of the world's water supply (the oceans and seas) is…

Some people weld metal as a part of their job; others weld to create art. Either way, it provides a chance to create structure. Welding is enjoyable to some but can also be a technical process.…

You can determine the weight of an object, without the use of a scale, using a tape measure and basic mathematics. The weight of an object depends on its weight density and its volume. Materials with…

Radio frequency identification (RFID) is one of a wide family of technologies known as automatic identification and data capture (AIDC) technologies. RFID allows objects, animals and people to be…

Animal pelts can be used in so many ways. They can be fashioned into coats and accessories and worn for warmth or to express personal style. Animal pelts are also used as rugs or wall hangings in some…

Heat-treating metal in an oven is actually the most effective do-it-yourself way to harden any metal. With a little preparation, the right equipment and patience while the metal hardens in the oven,…

More than 2,000 years ago, a young philosopher was given the job of determining whether a king's crown was made from solid gold or gold plate over a base metal. He did it by measuring the density of…

Galvanizing metal is putting a protective metal coating on it, generally to prevent rust, but also to prevent wear and tear. The most common usage is applying zinc to a steel or iron object.…

Steel is "heat treated" in two steps called hardening and tempering. You harden steel by heating the metal to 1450 degrees Fahrenheit. Steel crystallizes at that temperature, and you preserve that…

Your standard Lincoln Electric MIG Welder uses an electrical power source, delivered through a solid wire feed to produce a heat source powerful enough to successfully melt and reform metal. Gas…

Stretching a beaver hide is an essential step in preparing a pelt for use or sale. If the tanned hide is going to be marketed, it especially is important to prepare and shape the skin correctly.…

The most important fact to know when you are trying to bend plastic is that it becomes pliable with heat. There are a variety of reasons why one would want to bend plastic--from completing craft…

In the video game based on the movie "Avatar," you assume the roles of both human and Na'vi characters as you explore the fictional world of Pandora. As a Na'vi, you are tasked with protecting your…

Since its invention, steel has become one of the most widely used materials in building and construction. There are many forms of steel ranging from stainless steel, which contains chromium to stop…

Whether you hunt or you raise your own rabbits for meat, rabbit pelts are a resource that you should not pass up. Rabbit pelts are very soft and can be used to make small items like gloves or hats, or…

Nails were used by railroad companies in the last two centuries as a form of record keeping. These nails, called date nails, were hammered into railroad ties to keep track of their age. Date nails…

Most people might think you are crazy for wanting skunk pelt, but it can be deodorized quickly and efficiently with some household items. Skunk pelt is the fur of the skunk. Although it is not worth…

Once worn as a status symbol by aristocracy and dignitaries, squirrel pelts have a variety of uses for outerwear and trimming. Caring for squirrel pelts is especially important after skinning and…

Plating metals is an activity that is both interesting and useful. Many everyday items have protective metal coatings, and plating can be a good demonstration of some scientific principles and…

An essential step in turning animal skins into leather is softening the tanned pelt to make it flexible. After tanning, a pelt will be stiff and hard to work with and must therefore be made soft and…

Welding is the process by which pieces of metal are superheated, either by flame or electric arc, until it melts and fuses together. Differences in temperature of the hot metal along the welding seam…

If you ever become stranded in the woods and you need to spark a fire to boil water, cook food, or provide warmth for yourself, you will need to know the correct procedure for successfully completing…

For many, the completion of outdoor activity requires heavy duty footwear that provides both cold weather protection and water resistant properties. In addition, a reliable outdoor boot must allow the…

The bridge of the guitar is the foundation for the saddle to sit on, which gives strings their rise above the fretboard and anchors the strings when the ends are pinned in pinholes drilled through the…

Construct a simple propane powered do-it-yourself smelting furnace from parts you can purchase at your local hardware store. With a smelting furnace you can melt down or heat metals like bronze,…

Heat treating steel can fundamentally change its properties. The process can transform steel from something that is soft and malleable to a material that is hard and brittle. Using liquids to harden…

Classic car restoration enthusiasts frequently encounter vehicles that have been neglected and subjected to harsh environmental conditions that lead to rust. A quarter panel is the section on the side…

Hardened steel is a form of high carbon steel that has been tempered through a heating process to make the metal more durable. Welding hardened steel can be tricky because the heat used in the welding…

Flux core arc welding (FCAW) uses a metal welding wire that is impregnated with a chemical compound called flux that emits an inert shielding gas when burned to protect the weld from contamination by…

Electric arc welding using an externally supplied inert shielding gas is a process known as metal inert gas (MIG) welding. This welding method uses a metal wire electrode to conduct electricity into…

The Millermatic 140 is a compact electric arc welding machine manufactured by the Miller Electric Welding company for hobbyist use in metal inert gas (MIG) welding. The Millermatic 140 operates at 115…

Plug welding is an alternative technique to spot welding where overlapping metal plates are joined together by a series of small circular welds. This method commonly is used in automobile…

The Miller Electric Welding company manufactures a wide range of self-contained, electric arc welding machines for hobbyists and industrial-welding applications. The metal inert gas (MIG) welding…

Getting a child started on simple woodworking tasks is a creative and fun way of improving his hand-eye coordination, problem-solving and motor or muscle skills. It is also a great stress reliever for…

The CP-302 is a metal inert gas (MIG) electric arc welding machine manufactured by the Miller Welding company. This machine is specifically designed for use in industrial and heavy industrial…

As collectors and buyers grade animals pelts on quality and appearance as well as size, receiving top dollar for your beaver pelt depends greatly on how the pelt is prepared. Correct preparation…

Somewhere in the back of your mind is the thought of finding a great treasure. It could be buried in your backyard, hidden in a secret cave or jingling around in your pocket. In your pocket? Well,…

Chemists use an analytical technique called "complexometric titration" to analyze the amounts of dissolved metals in solutions. The technique typically involves placing the metal-containing solution…

Music boxes have delighted music lovers since 1796, when the first cylinder music box was invented. During the 1800s, music boxes hit their zenith as they became larger, and the new development of…

Soldering is the use of filler to join two pieces of metal together at temperatures of less than 800 degrees Fahrenheit. The craftsman heats the metal until it is hot enough to melt solder when it…

Rabbit is a commonly used fur for clothes trim and craft projects. The skin of a rabbit pelt is thin with little fat, which makes it a good pelt for preservation by pickling. You can pickle rabbit…

An autoclave machine uses pressurized steam to sterilize. The heat and steam in the autoclave force air out of the autoclave chamber and destroy microorganisms in liquid. Besides sterilization, an…

When it comes to traditional fire-lighting skills, good-quality tinder, the material used to catch a spark and start a fire, is the key to success. A single spark will ignite good-quality cotton…

Most electric guitar bodies are laminated. This means that they are made up of numerous pieces of wood that are glued together. If the guitar has been exposed to high moisture or humidity, glue joints…

The Ruger Mini-14 is an American-made auto-loading carbine designed for sporting and defensive use and varmint hunting. Although it is similar in design and appearance U.S. military issue M1 Garand…

Most chisels are made from a grade of steel called "O-1." The metal has been "hardened" and "tempered." Hardening crystallizes steel so it can eventually be worked to a fine edge. But hardening also…

The element carbon is atomic number six on the periodic table of elements. Life on Earth could not exist without it. Carbon combines with hydrogen to form organic compounds called hydrocarbons,…

Electropolishing, by its most basic definition, is a process used to shine metal. In a more detailed overview, electrical currents use ions combined with a chemical solution to remove a thin layer of…

Carbon dioxide, or CO2, is the byproduct of human respiration. Indoor air contains all the exhaled air from its occupants. The amount of CO2 in a building reflects air circulation; stagnant air has…

Heating metal with a torch when making jewelry is called annealing. The annealing process ensures the metal is malleable for shaping and for soldering. Once the metal cools, it becomes hard once…

Mixtures of liquids can often be separated by a process of evaporation and recondensation; this will concentrate one of them in the end product. The principle on which this process depends is that…

All living organisms consist of one or more cells. Scientists classify cells by observing cellular features like organelles and analyzing deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). Cells are classified as either…

Mallets and hammers are tools used to help build structures and even sometimes to help take structures down. Some mallets are used for pounding meats while others are used for woodworking. Some…

In food chemistry, there are chemical reagents that can be used to test a solution to see if it contains sugar. In particular, simple sugars, such as glucose and fructose, can be detected by a…

Welding requires a steady electrical current to create a solid connection between two metallic surfaces. Many welding power sources are available in the marketplace, including Miller's Bluestar 2E.…

Tempering is a heating process to improve the qualities of glass, steel or a precipitation-hardened material. Each type of tempering involves subjecting the material to a certain temperature for a…

Both air and seawater contain gases vital to life. Oxygen and carbon dioxide (CO2), can be found in both air and water -- the difference is in the amount. Greater concentrations of both gases exist in…

Miller Electric manufactures a variety of electric arc welding machines for use in industrial, commercial and hobby applications. The Millermatic 185 is a self-contained metal inert gas (MIG) welding…

Telecommunication dominates our lives, existing in several forms, from telephones and radio to the Internet and TV. Every decade that proceeds consists of technology occupying more and more of our…

Steel is one of the most common metals for welding projects, given its durability and relatively low cost. Metal inert gas (MIG) welding is a process in which an electric current is passed through a…

Metal inert gas (MIG) welding is a process in which metal is fused together by the heat of an electric spark. This process, also known as gas metal arc welding (GMAW), uses a metal wire electrode to…

Beavers have long been prized for their dense and water-resistant pelts. Through much of the 19nth century, beavers were trapped almost to extinction, as beaver-felt hats were extremely popular. In…

Chemists use a variety of chemical reactions to prepare compounds. College-level chemistry students sometimes conduct an experiment in which they convert copper metal to copper nitrate to copper…

A loose bridge on an acoustic guitar can cause a buzzing sound when the guitar is played. Left unattended, the bridge may eventually come off and the guitar will be unplayable. Fixing a loose bridge…

The 440 series of stainless steels are a good choice for knife-making because they have reasonable resistance to stains and corrosion while retaining the hardness and toughness of carbon steels. The…

Welding sheet metal or pipe can be done by hobbyist metalworkers and automotive enthusiasts with the use of a self-contained electric arc welding machine. Metal inert gas (MIG) welding creates a high…

The Bonanza A36 is a variant of Beech's long-running Bonanza model airplane. The Bonanza has been in continuous production since 1947. Originally made by the Beech Airplane Corporation of Wichita,…

Arc welding is a process in which an electric current is passed from an electrode into sheet metal. The resulting heat is hot enough to melt and permanently fuse metal. Gas metal arc welding (GMAW),…

When installing a steel beam for a structure you need to measure the weight load. This will need to be done so the structure is not overloaded by the weight of the beam. To measure weight load you…

Metal inert gas (MIG) welding is an arc welding process in which electricity is passed through a metal wire electrode into sheet metal to create sufficient heat to melt the metals together. The MIG…

Beaver pelts are the only fur pelts dried in a circular shape. Modern day trappers do this by tacking the pelt out on a board. Trappers of the Mountain Man Era in the 1800s made hoops from willow or…

Most toys manufactured today are made of plastic, but tin toys from generations ago are collector's items. As a metal, tin toys are prone to getting rusty in the presence of moisture. Removing the…

Heating a solid object causes its volume to expand, as you already know if you've ever seen a glass crack when you filled it with hot water. We exploit this effect when we use bimetallic strips,…

Metal inert gas (MIG) welding is an electric arc welding process that passes an electric current through a consumable metal wire to create a spark that is hot enough to melt and fuse steel. This type…

Mild steel, the common term for low carbon steel, is used for fabricating metal items such as vehicle trailers and industrial shelving. This type of steel is relatively inexpensive and is easier for…

Metal inert gas (MIG) welding is a process in which an electric current is passed through a welding wire creating an arc with the metal surface being welded. MIG welding requires the presence of an…

Bulldozers, used heavily in the construction industry, are also known as crawlers, excavators, or continuous tracked tractors. The bulldozer's front-end comes outfitted with a metal blade for pushing…

Leaders are typically short in length and are attached to the end of the main fishing line before a hook or lure. Leaders serve different purposes based on the material from which it is made.…

Consider calculating the weight of a steel I-beam before overloading a structure. Steel I-beam's are too large and heavy for a conventional scale, but their weight can be determined mathematically…

Sugars represent a subcategory of a broad class of compounds called carbohydrates. The simplest sugars, monosaccharides, typically consist of three to six carbon-linked atoms with hydrogen or oxygen…

Compaction percentage measures by what percent an object's volume decreased after being compressed. The object's initial volume depends on its dimensions before the compaction occurred. For…

The Ranch Rifle is a variation of the Mini-14, a semi-automatic center-fire rifle manufactured by U.S. firearms company Sturm, Ruger & Company, Incorporated. Disassembly of the rifle to remove the…

Volume depends on the dimensions of an object, but can be difficult to calculate if your object is irregular. In this case, you can use Archimedes' Principle to help you find volume. In the same…

Flame hardening involves using an oxy-fuel gas flame to heat steel above a certain "critical" temperature, then cooling the steel, thus allowing it to harden to some depth beneath its surface. Flame…

Most shotguns are capable of shooting shells containing steel shot. Hunters and shooters once used nothing but lead shot, but many hunters in 2011 have switched to steel. This is largely due to…

The Dremel is an all-purpose mini-grinder sold in most hardware and home improvement stores throughout the United States. The tool consists of an electric motor with a projecting drive wheel to which…

Lincoln manufactures a wide variety of metal-working products, including a series of MIG (metal inert gas) welders. These welders are designed to be used with a shielded gas (typically a carbon…

MIG welding is a skill that most people can learn, and it just takes time and the proper equipment to do the job correctly. MIG welding uses a gas to shield the weld, and that gas needs to flow at a…

Welding is the most efficient and economical way to fuse two pieces of metal together. This is done by adding molten material to the joint between two pieces to coalesce. A common type of welder is…

Consider determining the cubed feet of a room or storage container to know how much empty space it contains. In addition, the cubed feet of an object reveals how much space it occupies. The…

Carbon steels are steels that contain carbon as the main alloying component. Carbon steels are used in a variety of industrial and automotive applications, depending on the strength required. They are…

Pipes are a convenient way of consuming tobacco and smokable herbs. As pipes are used, the smoke leaves a residue that accumulates and forms a substance known as resin. This substance can be…

Metals have become one of the most important materials for the development of society. They can be found in almost anything. In order to apply metal for a specific application, it may need to be bent…

Cold rolling and hot rolling are two methods of processing steel. In both methods, steel is fed through rollers that form the steel its final form. If the steel is put through the rollers while…

Doors are manufactured from a variety of materials, including solid and engineered wood, steel and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). In the case of wood, the first step in the manufacturing process is to…

Stainless steel tanks are considered thin-walled if their design is constrained by their vulnerability to buckling. This vulnerability is most likely to be exposed during construction, transportation…

Hydrostatic testing is used for initial qualification and periodic re-qualification of air cylinders. This testing method is performed according to U.S. Department of Transportation and Transport…

Welding rods come in different sizes and compositions, made to meet the requirements of specific welding applications. They consist of base metal and a chemical coating. The base metal is usually zinc…

A wind tower is an architectural device used to maintain a comfortable temperature within a building. Wind towers use two natural phenomena known as the Venturi effect and the chimney, or stack,…

Microllam brand laminated veneer lumber (LVL) is constructed from thin layers of wood veneer glued together. It is similar in construction to plywood, but the wood grain runs parallel in all the…

Founded in 1929, Miller Electric Mfg. Co. produces welding equipment in Appleton, Wisconsin. Miller Welders used Onan engines which were produced exclusively for its company's welding equipment and…

Steel grating consists of a series of bearing bears and cross bars welded together to form a lattice, or mesh. Steel grating comes in various specifications, with regard to the material used in its…

A concrete shear wall is a structural element designed to resist horizontal, or shear, forces parallel to the plane of the wall. Concrete walls are typically structurally efficient, but become more…

A spot welder creates an isolated electric arc between two movable electrodes that are attached to a stationary welding device. When a piece of metal is placed between the electrodes and they are…

Busby alloy SAE 792 identifies the manufacturer and specifications of a specific metal alloy. The alloy conforms to Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) standards for a specific type of alloy known…

There are several methods for making steel barrels for a gun or rifle. The method you use depends on your budget, your access to heavy machinery, if you want your barrel rifled or not and to which…

Bending a blade made from nickel, aluminum or bronze is done using basic forging procedures. Bending a blade made of these metals is required when the blade has sustained damage or it will be used…

The hardness of a metal is defined as its resistance to plastic deformation through indentation. In industries such as construction, cold rolling, automobile manufacturing and space vehicle design,…

Carbon dioxide (CO2) tanks are used for various reasons, the most frequent being for CO2 fire extinguishers and home beer kegs. All gas cylinders and tanks are required by law to be professionally…

Aluminum smelting involves extracting aluminum from its ore, alumina or aluminum oxide (Al2O3). You can build a small aluminum smelting furnace from a sheet metal can, 12 inches or so in diameter. You…

Electroplating is a chemical process that demonstrates the behavior of ions in solution. If a little caution is taken, there are many safe, simple experiments involving electroplating. Because of its…

Steel tubes are used for a wide variety of structural framing applications. Framing tubes provide stability, uniformity, strength and soundness to structures that endure a great amount of stress.

Various industries use square steel tubing. Compared to round steel tubing, square steel tubing is more efficient, stronger and durable. Structural projects, trailers, racks, shelves and ornamental…

Steel tanks, such as those used to store liquid fuels, need to be structurally sound and resistant to corrosion. Steel tanks are manufactured in various ways to prevent the release of hazardous…

Many copper-containing salts exhibit a deep blue coloration, and copper easily forms complexes with other molecules or ions. Chemists refer to the combination of a water-soluble copper salt, such as…

Bronze may be different from other metals in that it doesn't rust, but the painting process is essentially the same. Surface preparation is key to ensure the paint adheres to the metal. The process…

Hydrostatic pressure is the pressure exerted by a fluid that is not in motion. Hydrostatic testing is commonly used to test storage tanks and cylinders -- such as industrial storage tanks and…

Liquid petroleum gas (LPG), natural gas and wood are commonly used as fuel in household furnaces, which provide domestic heating. However, all three fuels can also be used in furnaces designed to…

The arch top electric guitar made its name as a jazz instrument because of its "fat" and mellow tone. Like its acoustic predecessor, it is large but lightweight. These guitars are not very robust…

When steel bands loosen, it's always the result of inadequate tension on the band clips. Steel banding is stretched tight by a leverage tool with a tremendous amount of force. It is then clamped shut…

Learn to size a distillation column to be sure you use the right equipment for your experiment. Distillation involves the heating of a solution to separate it into its constituent parts. (See…

Zinc plating is a common coating on hardware items such as screws and nuts. It is primarily used to provide a protective barrier against oxidation. However, if this plating is incompatible with other…

According to MIM Forms, "316L stainless steel is commonly used in applications requiring high corrosion and heat resistance, toughness and long life." Add the ability to be polished easily and you…

When playing air guitar is not enough, kids will want a real electric guitar. They want to make music just like their favorite rock stars. You can probably buy a scaled-down electric guitar for kids…

Screw conveyors are widely used in industrial and agricultural applications for the bulk transport of materials, such as grains, granules and powders. Safety is a prime concern in the design and…

There are many ways to inspect a spot weld; however, most of these methods are expensive or require special equipment. A visual examination is an inexpensive method, although there are some drawbacks.

The Conveyor Equipment Manufacturers Association (CEMA) provides all of the standards for the various types of conveyor equipment used in manufacturing, shipping, and elsewhere. Because each company…

In 1929, Miler introduced small, affordable arc welders that worked on standard electricity supplies. Prior to Miller's product, welders used three-phase power, which was only available in cities,…

Many types of DVD packaging exist, to either provide an aesthetically pleasing look or to offer an additional benefit. Often DVDs are released with O-ring or steel cases for these purposes.

Welding and metal forging crafts offer projects for pleasure and business. Welding is the process of joining two pieces of metal together using heat. Metal forging works by heating metal to high…

In order to calculate how much your steel weighs, you need to know its density and its volume. The density of steel is 490 pounds per cubic foot. You will need to calculate the volume of your steel…

Mild steel can be case-hardened in the home workshop to increase its durability and strength. The hardening requires high temperatures because the surface of the steel object must be hot enough to…

A metal inert gas (MIG) welding machine utilizes a gun assembly at the end of a cord, called a whip, through which inert gas, electricity and welding wire are fed. This welding whip is detachable and…

You can save money by calculating the exact weight of a length of stainless steel wire before making a purchase. Wire comes bound in a cylindrical shape, therefore calculation of its volume leads to…

Welding in a variety of positions, depending upon what you are welding, is a challenge for even the most proficient welder. Welding anything in a shop or on a flat surface is ideal, but structural…

The strength of any material can be described by a physical parameter known as Young's modulus of elasticity, measured in force per unit area. This parameter can be used to assess the strength of…

The milling process of molten steel into "hot rolled" steel produces surface scale (oxidation) that affects the adhesion quality of paint. It is important to know how to fully prepare the surface of…

If you're considering selling scrap copper tubing or adding some to a vehicle, determine its weight, without the use of a scale, before acting. Copper tubing resists corrosion making it a great…

Orbital welding is an automated, gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) procedure, typically used to weld steel pipe or tubing. Orbital welding allows high-quality welds to be produced quickly and easily,…

The base weight of carpeting only includes the weight of the carpet itself without any padding or extra materials. The weight of a substance is related to its weight density and volume. Weight density…

Railroad historians and hobbyists are often interested in the age of their collectible railroad spikes. Unfortunately, determining the age of a railroad spike is nearly impossible once it has been…

Miller Welding manufactures a variety of welding machines for use in home, garage, farm and industrial applications. For an amateur welder, Miller Welding offers machines ranging from a 90-amp output…

Cranes are little more than a glorified pulley system. You can use them for a variety of things. Many people have been known to make their own homemade overhead cranes to lift car engines to be able…

Aluminum is a difficult metal to weld using standard hot welding techniques due to its high melting point, so it is important to know how to cold weld the material to effectively create a strong…

Electroplating copper onto a key essentially involves immersing the key and a strip of copper into a plating solution that contains dissolved, charged copper atoms. A DC power source then supplies an…

While digging through the silverware drawer in your kitchen you notice that some of your spoons are mismatched, old and chipped up from a few too many run-ins with the garbage disposal. If you're…

"18 Wheels of Steel" is a tractor-trailer simulator for the PC with missions in which you drive a tractor-trailer loaded with cargo to its destination. Along the way, you will have to drive using the…

Painting hot rolled steel protects it from the corrosive effects of atmospheric moisture that results in rust and pitting of the surface. The manufacturing process of hot rolled steel consists of a…

Never run out of hot water again by first determining the size of a hot water tank before installation. Matching your water needs to the size of a tank also avoids the waste of heating more water than…

Teflon (PTFE) sheets are used for a variety of hobby or home improvement projects. Their strength, heat and electrical insulating properties, and low coefficient of friction make them the perfect…

Buildings are able to stand tall for decades thanks to the harmonious balance of a number of physical properties, including static shear. Engineers must have knowledge of the static shear of their…

Handguns are available in a variety of finishes. Blued steel is a popular option, as are Parkerized and case-color hardened finishes. Although these finishes are attractive, many consider stainless…

A rolling mill is a machine that reduces the thickness of sheet metal. It consists of two rolls with "V" shaped grooves arranged in decreasing sizes. These rolls cut and reduce the wire's diameter.…

Autoclaves are used by health care professionals and by scientists. They create high pressure and temperatures to kill all bacteria and other single cell organisms. This sterilizes everything in in…

Bobcats pelts are commonly used in taxidermy. Many furriers purchase the whole animal, or the tanned bobcat pelt. Skinning a bobcat is a task that must be done carefully to avoid ruining the pelt. It…

Arc welding machines can generally be used for two types of welding applications that require simple modifications to the machine's configuration and settings. Flux core arc welding (FCAW) uses a…

The Steris Autoclave is a low-temperature sterile device used for surgical and diagnostic devices. Autoclaves are usually controlled by a microcomputer to ensure they are sterilized properly and can…

For some cyclists, the bicycle is an extension of themselves. For the savvy cyclist, having the right fit, look, size and equipment for the job is essential. Knowing where to begin may seem tricky but…

The Lincoln Electric K610-1 is a kit to convert Lincoln Electric brand flux core arc welding machines into metal inert gas (MIG) welding machines. The K610-1 is not a single product, but rather a…

Metal inert gas (MIG) welding uses an electrode wire to strike an electrical arc with the metals being welded which melts and fuses the metals together. This MIG wire also melts in the welding process…

Rock hammers are available in a variety of styles that include different shapes, sizes and weights. Often referred to as geological hammers, fossil hammers, rock picks or prospecting picks, despite…

An alloy is a material formed of a main, or base, metal and at least one other element---either another metal, a non-metal or a metalloid such as silicon. Most metal products are constructed of alloys…

It takes many steps to create steel. The hot rolling process is one of them. This process reheats, rolls and coils the steel.

A2 tool steel is an air-cooled, heat-treated steel alloy with chromium, molybdenum, and vanadium trace elements included with the basic carbon and iron of steel. This alloy has an exceptional hardness…

Micro carving tools are the primary instruments of many master woodworkers and sculptors. Their small intricate blades are prized for the fine lines and angles they can be used to produce. Their only…

The Lincoln Electric MIG-Pak 10 is capable of welding aluminum sheets ranging in thickness from 22 gauge to 12 gauge. Aluminum welding with the MIG-Pak 10 requires you to take additional steps in…

Use a similar material to do the scrubbing when cleaning alloys. For example, ferrous, or high-iron content, tubes should be cleaned with steel and nonferrous tubes with bronze. For cleaning steel…

The Lincoln Electric Pro-MIG 175 is a compact wire feed metal inert gas (MIG) welding machine. The Pro-MIG 175 has a welding output up to 230 volts at 130 amps and is powerful enough to weld up to…

Typically used for fabrication in metal shops, one common type of welder found in a home shop is a MIG welder. A MIG welder stands for metal inert gas, which uses an electrical current to create the…

SS bolts are bolts made from stainless steel, sometimes known as Inox steel. Such bolts are often marked with a double S. Because of the composition of stainless steel, these bolts are exceptionally…

Sheet-metal gauges refer to the thickness of a particular type of sheet metal product. When doing manufacturing, different gauges of sheet metal are used for different purposes. In a typical use, the…

The Statim 5000 Autoclave is used in laboratories to sterilize equipment before or after use, especially after tests involving pathogens like Salmonella. If this machine is not working properly, it…

Metal rods can come in many types, such as stainless steel and iron. Rods that have threads can also be used as rebar when working with cement. These rods are typically manufactured to be straight.…

"Clean" represents an inadequate standard for surgical tools and laboratory materials; they must be entirely free of any microbial contamination. An autoclave sterilizes materials by raising the…

Martensitic steel describes a type of steel created by accelerated quenching of the steel as it transitions from one type of iron crystalline formation to another. Like other steels, martensitic…

Beach cruisers are sturdy bikes meant to be ridden on level surfaces, like a beachfront area. As with any built item that has a rider, it has weight limits.

Steel is one of the most important construction metals in the world. While this is common knowledge, many people do not understand the difference between high carbon steel and other types of steel.…

The diameter of electrode and filler wire for metal inert gas (MIG) welding of mild or carbon steel is determined by the thickness of the metal you are welding and whether you are using flux or…

The weight of square steel tubing is stated by manufacturers in pounds per linear foot. The factors that control the tubing's weight are its dimensions and the thickness of its walls.

It is a common misconception that magnets only interact with iron, as there are actually numerous metals that magnets will attract. Nonetheless, some modern stainless steel refrigerators will not…

Analysis and classification of steels and their alloys is accomplished using a system set up by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). In order to simply classify a large number of metals and…

Unlike welding an entire seam between two pieces of metal, spot welding only fuses the metal at single locations pinning the metal together. This is most commonly done with a welding machine…

The Lincoln Electric Pro-MIG 175 is a compact 130 amp, 20 volt metal inert gas (MIG) welder that can be used for most welding projects. The Pro-MIG 175 can operate both as a gas metal arc welder…

Structural steel is a low carbon steel that can be welded with a metal inert gas (MIG) welder more easily than aluminum or titanium. Structural steel with thicknesses greater than 18 gauge can be…

Stainless steel tanks--used to store fuels, various liquids or grain--come in many sizes, but always have a cylindrical shape. The weight of an object depends on its weight density as well as its…

From agricultural buildings to workshops and warehouses, you can find a steel arch building kit for many different purposes. Steel arch building kits can be inexpensive, quick to erect and durable.

The Lincoln Electric Power MIG 180 has a self-feeding electrode wire that runs from a spool inside the machine through the welding torch hose and out the torch gun nozzle. This wire serves both as the…

Metal inert gas (MIG) welding is a welding technology that permits the joining of almost all metal types and can join two different types of metals. Low carbon structural steel --- technically called…

Working with square pipe can bring strong and solid results for a variety of projects. Depending on the project that you're looking to build, consider whether to use aluminum or steel square pipes.…

Metal inert gas (MIG) welding machines incorporate an automatic wire electrode feeding system, a torch head coolant system and an inert shield gas delivery system all through the same torch gun.…

Crane rail is a particular type of steel rail that is designed to support hoisting devices -- i.e., cranes -- along a pair of tracks. They are commonly used in industrial yards and manufacturing…

Cross bracing is a form of reinforcement in construction that involves putting braces from the right-hand corner of the floor to the left-hand corner of the ceiling, then the same again for the…

Carbon steels are among the most widely used steel types, comprising more than 85 percent of all steel produced and shipped in the U.S. The introduction of carbon to the alloying medium can…

Steel is a metal that is used extensively because of its strength, hardness, robustness, and resistance to corrosion. Tool steel, as the name suggests, refers to steel that is used to make tools. This…

Iron is one of the basic elements used in creating Steel. To create steel, iron is combined with carbon and other elements such as chromium, nickel and molybdenum. When combined in correct proportion…

Parkerizing steel involves the application of a phosphate conversion coating to prevent rust and general wear. Many people parkerize guns, for example, to keep the steel in top condition. The bad news…

Annealing and normalizing are two ways of heating steel. Annealing softens the steel, preparing it for shaping and forging. Normalizing is a similar process but hardens the steel once you have…

Steel, an alloy of iron and carbon, comes in many varieties. Mixed with other metals, it takes on different properties. Tungsten was one of the first metals used to improve steel. It adds strength to…

Hardening steel is an essential part of any blade-making process. When exposed to heat, carbon molecules in steel realign themselves in a harder, stronger pattern, allowing a blade to hold an edge.…

Utility trailer sales manage to remain relatively steady throughout global recession, and manufacturers continue to spend on evolving their trailers' designs and effectiveness. This reaps its rewards…

Railroad spikes are iconic yet simple objects. Schoolchildren grow up reading about the driving-in of the last spikes in the great railroads that brought many countries together in the 1800s.…

Founded in 1816 in New York, the Remington Rifle Company has offered several rifles over the years. One of the most popular rifles sold by the company is known as the Remington CDL series.

Steel has been used as a major production material in engineering works since the 1800s. It was widely used during the Industrial Revolution, and has been proven to be a reliable and strong material…

Steel is used in a great many products such as kitchen appliances, firearms, and mirror gilding. Unless the steel is cleaned and polished regularly, the surface could show stains, grime and…

A 6-inch steel pipe can have uses above and beyond its intended purpose. Do not think of it as just a pipe, but rather as a building material. You can make musical instruments, flowerpots and even…

Steel is a metal alloy that has iron as the main component. Other elements used to make steel act as hardening agents and include carbon, manganese, chromium, vanadium, tungsten, nickel and aluminum.…

The bore of a gun can pit just as easily as the outside of the gun barrel; this is usually the result of age, lack of proper cleaning before storage or both. At the end of each day's use you should…

The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) is an internationally recognized organization started by a group of metallurgists and engineers with the aim of producing a system of standards…

Steel stamps are used to impress images into metal, leather and other surfaces. Stamping copper, brass, silver and gold is very popular to make jewelry. A lot of folks use steel stamps to make their…

Steel passivation refers to the process of chemical removal of iron contaminants left on the surface of stainless steel parts after machining. Passivation maximizes resistance to corrosion. A number…

Steel cable is used frequently in applications such as suspension architecture, including helix-shaped staircases and suspension bridges. Steel cable is also used as towing cable for vehicle winches.…

Heat has been used to treat alloy steels in manufacturing. Heat-treated alloy steel allows the steel to become more pliable and increases desirable qualities in the steel in terms of strength and…

The extremely common metal steel is actually an alloy composed of mainly iron (about 98 percent) and carbon. Determining the weight of a steel object requires knowledge of its volume given its weight…

The American Society for Testing and Materials, or ASTM, is an organization that standardizes specifications for materials, systems and equipment worldwide. One such standard involves steel. ASTM…

Wearing shorts may be technically legal, but it is almost always against the rules of both the instructor or employer and the shop itself. Wearing shorts simply poses too many safety problems.

Steel is one of the most common alloys in the world, one that most people encounter on a daily basis. According to the University of Illinois, steel is an iron-based alloy that in most circumstances…

Schwinn has two three-speed bikes currently for sale. The bikes are the 2010 Mini Mesa 3 speed -- which Schwinn calls a perfect first mountain bike -- and the 2008 Cream 3spd bicycle for women.

Petroleum coke is a carbon-based solid manufactured at oil refinery coker units. The end product is a relatively pure collection of carbon that is resold as fuel or used in the manufacture of dry…

The cheapest way to engrave steel is also the oldest way to engrave. Hand engraving is used to personalize items. Hand engraving has changed little since mankind first began using steel to make…

"Necrovision" is a survival horror action game set in an alternate version of World War I. It mixes first-person combat with exploration and puzzle-solving elements. One such puzzle occurs in Level 2,…

Steel is used extensively in a variety of products from gun metal to hobby crafts. Unfortunately, steel is vulnerable to rusting, which discolors the product and deteriorates the material. Blackening,…

The weight of any object is related to its weight density and volume. The weight density of steel commonly used in industrial tanks is 490 pounds per cubic foot. To determine the volume, or amount of…

Welding can be a rewarding profession and activity for professionals and students to undertake when they observe proper safety precautions. Whether you are welding in a shop class through a school, or…

The anime and manga series, "Naruto," has spawned merchandise such as T-shirts, video games and toys. There are even replicas of the ninja weapons the characters use on the show, such as the shurikens…

While you can place a steel bar on a scale to determine its weight, you can also do so with a mathematical formula. The formula will not give the most precise weight available; you would have to use a…

Carbon steel is a ubiquitous, multipurpose building material used in everything from skyscrapers to automobiles. Because steel is such a popular choice for so many applications, materials scientists…

Galvanized steel is made up of two different kinds of metals to prevent the steel from corroding. Zinc is layered with the steel because zinc will not rust. It is said to be galvanized because the…

Alloy steel is a mixture of iron ore, chromium, silicon, nickel, carbon and manganese, and it is one of the most versatile metals around. There are 57 types of alloy steel, each with properties based…

Structural engineering is a division of civil engineering dealing with the analysis and design of structures supporting or resisting loads. It implements the structural design theory of buildings and…

A home decorated in Western-style decor might include hanging a steer skull with horns above a fireplace or on a den wall. Polished steer horns can be the finishing touch needed to complete a Western…

Using the best type of ammunition for your weapon can prolong its life and make it easier to clean. While steel bullet casings are generally less expensive, brass is more popular for several reasons.

Steel cable, also known as wire rope, is an extremely strong material that can withhold immense pressure and weight. It is often used with industrial machinery and aircraft, and even to suspend…

"Hard Truck: 18 Wheels of Steel" is a truck driving simulation that was released for the PC Aug. 31, 2002. In true trucker fashion, this title puts the focus on safely hauling each load of cargo to…

Electroplating steel with zinc produces a barrier between the surface of the steel and moisture. This reduces corrosion and keeps steel parts from seizing with rust. Zinc plating produces a pure zinc…

Heat treatment is a metal fortification technique that gives high carbon steel increased strength and durability. When subjected to extremely high temperatures followed by rapid cooling, a chemical…

Carbon steel is exactly what it sounds like--a type of steel that is made using a small amount of carbon, always less than one percent. While it may not seem such a small amount of carbon can have an…

Tanning is a process that preserves animal pelts and keeps them soft and pliable. Although larger animals such as deer and cows can be time-consuming to tan, coyotes are small enough that they make an…

You can make an endless variety of Geomag structures by combining and separating the pieces over and over. Geomags are a construction toy that consists of half-inch steel balls and magnetic rods of…

Galvanized steel is commonly used in many building and outdoors applications. Created by bonding steel with zinc, galvanized steel resists rusting and corrosion. It is identifiable by the spangling…

A square punch is used to make a square hole in metal, wood, plastic and paper. The punch is made from tempered steel with sharp edges. An opening just slightly larger than the square punch is…

Steel towers reach immense heights yet can be staged on a small parcel of land. These towers are engineered to support themselves without the help of large bases. Steel towers provide durability, a…

Hacksaw blades usually measure between 8 and 12 inches. A hacksaw has a U-shaped frame, with mounting brackets on either end to hold the removable blade in place. Hacksaws are extremely versatile…

The Queen Elizabeth II has a hull made of steel, as does nearly every other oceangoing vessel. This seems to defy logic, as solid blocks of steel sink in water.

"18 Wheels of Steel Across America" is a PC game that was released in 2003. It is an interstate trucking simulation. You can manage the business practices of a trucking company, or take the wheel of…

The lap steel guitar was invented in Hawaii, and is an iconic part of the sound of the islands. Electromuse electric lap steel guitars were made in the 1940s and '50s, and are classic examples of…

The process of welding as a means of fusing two pieces of steel has progressed from forge welding, where the mating surfaces are heated in a furnace before being hammered together, to gas welding and…

You can use waste grease from restaurants to make burner fuel or bio-diesel fuel. According to a study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, approximately 4 billion pounds of waste grease is…

There are many differences between stainless steel and the more traditional plain steel rifle barrels. If you plan to buy a rifle, consider these differences to determine which material best suits…

Steel is a versatile, popular material used in the construction of everything from skyscrapers to housing. Steel beams are composed mostly of iron with some alloying elements. Two types of steel beams…

From the beginning of the art of metal working, blacksmiths have sought ways to preserve iron and steel from rust and corrosion. One such method they devised early on was to rust the outer surface on…

Choosing the proper welding electrode for a specific project ensures the proper arc start and a strong weld. Welders often identify electrodes using the American Welding Society numbering system.…

Forging is the process of heating metal and manipulating it into another shape. Red-hot metal is pressed or hammered into a die or around the end of an anvil or mandrel. Hand-forging requires the…

A mason's hammer is commonly used as a rock hammer but not all mason's hammers are suitable as rock hammers. Mason's hammers are typically used by craftsman as both a hammer and as a trimmer. Rock…

Matter tends to expand as it is exposed to higher temperatures. This phenomenon is called thermal expansion and is very important in a wide range of engineering applications. The ability to calculate…

Twisted steel rods are common in decorative home and yard furnishings. If you have access to a forge, you can learn this basic procedure even if you have little metalworking experience. Use twisted…

Knives require different properties, according to their intended use. For example, cooking knives require excellent edge holding and abrasion resistance, according to eknifework.com. On the other…

Proper storage of isopropyl alcohol is paramount to negating the hazards associated with it. Because isopropyl alcohol vapors are highly flammable, especially at high concentrations, it is important…

The process of anodizing is used to increase the thickness of the oxide layer on the surface of metal parts. Anodizing can often protect the metals, and you will find it on items such as cookware,…

Hot working steel refers to steel that is heated above its recrystallization temperature. This process allows the steel to recrystallize during deformation.

Hollow steel tube can be challenging to bend without making it buckle and crimp. Smiths have developed a variety of techniques and equipment to solve the problem. One simple solution is to "trick" the…

Flint rock is any hard-edged rock such as quartz, jasper, agate or carnelian. You can use the rocks to create a spark, and with practice, a fire--without matches. This is an easy-to-learn lesson that…

Many toys for children (and adults) are made of steel. Steel is a popular metal used in the construction of a wide variety of objects. But because steel is an alloy made from iron, steel toys will…

Old wood has a charm all its own. Weathered surfaces have scuff marks and scratches in places where old stain has been rubbed or worn away. Antiques are often prized for their wear as well as their…

Steel is a metal composed mostly of iron alloyed with carbon and several other elements. The carbon acts as a hardening agent. Varying the amount of carbon and other elements in the alloy affects its…

Making steel involves heating iron to a high temperature to allow carbon atoms to diffuse into the iron structure. This produces the stronger alloy we know as steel. During the smelting process, steel…

Steel is composite metal of iron and carbon. Carbon is added during the smelting process to further strengthen the iron. Depending on the amount of carbon present, steel can be of different grades…

Although the art of building guitars is a tedious process, requiring a great deal of skill and dexterity, you will soon find that the hobby is one of great reward. It is not only a very unique hoby,…

Acetylene gas is commonly used in cutting torches and can reach extreme temperatures when mixed with oxygen. It is made up of two carbon atoms, held together by a triple carbon bond and two hydrogen…

The Ruger mini-14 is a semi-automatic medium-range rifle chambered in .223 caliber. Mini-14 rifles are based on the design of the M1 Garand (the standard American army battle rifle used in World War…

Steel toe boots are traditional type of footwear used in many situation where heavy-duty protection is needed. Today, steel toe boots are not always made of steel, since other materials can serve the…

Despite the growing availability of aluminum and titanium bicycle frames, steel bicycle frames have a strong and loyal following among serious bikers, and for good reason. Steel frames can take abuse…

Exacto knives are very useful in projects that require small, precise cutting like making scrapbooks or model airplanes. But after extended use, the blade becomes dull. Even though replacement blades…

The world of magic and illusion is filled with dazzling stunts and amazing tricks that defy the imagination. Houdini was a master at mesmerizing his audience with impossible spectacles. His chain…

Sheet steel is steel formed into thin flat pieces which come in sheets or in roles and is used for metalworking. Steel sheets can be made out of cold-rolled steel, galvanized steel and stainless…

Galvanized piping is steel pipes that have undergone the galvanization process which prevents the steel from aging and rusting. Galvanized pipes are premanufactured steel pipes dipped in molten zinc…

Changing the appearance of steel or other metal to an oil-rubbed bronze requires several layers of spray paint to be applied. The process should be completed in a well-ventilated area wearing a…

Just like the playground equipment from school days, you too can build a sturdy and long-lasting galvanized swing set. Requiring very few tools and a simple parts list, putting together the swing set…

Steel pipes are one of many kinds of pipes designed to smoke tobacco in. All tobaccos have different aromas and all different kinds of resins. Resin is the gooey tar-like substance left in the pipe…

Conveyor belts are mechanical apparatuses that contain a continuous moving belt that is used to transport materials, packages and people from one point to another. The belt operates by forming a…

Lacquer finishes have a long history, originating in China during the Neolithic period, according to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Lacquer is a resin produced from the sap of Rhus verniciflua trees.…

Orbital welding is a technique in which a welding arc orbits, or rotates 360 degrees, around the weld joint between two stationary metal pieces, such as pipes or tubes. Orbital welding relies on a…

A dowel is a solid rod made of metal or wood. Dowel rods are often cut into shorter specialized lengths called dowel pins. Dowel pins are commonly used to create axles in toy cars, game pieces, short…

Oil spills are caused when oil of any type is released into the environment due to human activity. Oil spills damage the ecosystem and can take months or years to clean up. Most are marine oil spills,…

Several elemental metals are contained within metal and steel alloys. An alloy is not a compound, however, because the atoms of the different metals are not bonded together. Instead, they are mixed…

You don't have to be friends with Superman to deal with the problem of bending a steel rod. In fact, you can do it yourself. Smaller diameter rods-up to about one quarter inch-can be bent by hand with…

Named for inventor Luigi Galvani, galvanization refers to a process whereby a thin layer of zinc metal (or aluminum-zinc alloy) is applied to the entire surface of a metal substrate. However, while…

The flint and steel fire starter was the easiest way to start a fire for centuries. Making a fire once required the skill of making a spark jump from this device to whatever piece of tinder was being…

Carbon steel plates are a type of steel plate in which the main alloying constituent is carbon. As the increase in carbon reduces the melting point of the alloy, manganese is often added to the…

Low-alloy steel is carbon steel with carefully measured amounts of impurities added to it. By adding elements such as magnesium or cobalt to the steel, the characteristics of the metal can be altered.…

Stainless steel can be polished to a bright, mirror-like sheen. Polishing stainless steel is a process of using coarse to fine polishing compounds in sequence to take the steel from a damaged surface…

Steel containers come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from tiny pill boxes to large shipping containers. They are all painted in the same way. An important thing to consider when painting steel is…

American pennies have always contained copper--with one notable exception. In 1943, a shortage of copper that was needed for the war effort prompted the U.S. Mint to make pennies from steel. They were…

In the same way that a mortar and pestle can be used to crush ingredients between two solid objects, ball mills grind material between a rotating cylinder and a series of solid balls. These…

Did you carry a lunchbox to school as a kid? Chances are you did, if you grew up between the 1950s and 1980s. Those decades are now considered the "Golden Age" of lunchboxes. As America's baby boomers…

Carbon alloy steel is essentially iron that has carbon added to it to make steel that is harder, stronger, and more resistant to elemental forces than pure iron. While carbon steel is very common and…

Autoclaves are devices that are designed to sterilize a variety of lab equipment and media for growing lab cultures. Autoclaves are also used to sterilize medical tools and piercing equipment. Their…

Taking to the road as a trucker and seeing the long and dusty highways of the United States has been a fantasy of many aspiring haulers. That life is not for all of us, however, and a simulation is…

A large part of a cruiser bike's personality has to do with the material used to create the frame. The bike's weight, feel and handling are all influenced by its raw materials. Older cruiser bikes…

Recycling all types of waste and scrap metal has numerous benefits for consumers, companies and the environment. Putting an empty soda can or steel can in the recycling container instead of the trash…

Soldering is a metalworking process that involves joining metal together by bonding it with solder, which melts when heated and hardens quickly. This process is usually learned early in one's…

Bending steel of all shapes and sizes is a necessary part of manufacturing, building construction and often home repairs and hobby interests. Steel can be flat plate, shaped channels, I beams or many…

Steel is one of the most popular types of alloys in the world, with applications in nearly every industry. True alloyed steel is made by alloying iron with small amounts of carbon, but there are many…

Etching galvanized steel is more difficult than etching stainless steel even with the introduction of low-voltage current because the process of galvanizing protects the metal, making it resistant to…

Besides the graphic quality and overall playing experience, the replay value of a computer game is critical to a games success. Some games add this replay value by installing hidden cheat codes. Cheat…

Damascus steel is a type of layered steel once commonly used in sword-making, although the process has now been lost. The steel was originally made into cakes, a metallurgical term meaning to fold and…

Most steels have a certain amount of carbon in them and are not an issue to weld. Some steels have more than others, however, and when we approach a high carbon content, we must change the techniques…

Soldering metal requires flux, solder, heat and of course metal. The flux acts as an agent to clean oxidation from the surface of the metal so that the melted solder can flow. Afterward, flux residue…

It's a trope of wilderness survival in films that someone starts a fire using flint and steel; one or two hits, there's a spark and then roaring flames. It's not really that easy without a good deal…

Rifles and firearms are liable to cost you anywhere from $100 to $1,000. To keep your firearms in tip-top shape, you must properly clean the steel barrels. According to custompistols.com, proper and…

Soldering uses a metal alloy with a low melting point to join two base metals. Since this process alters the chemical makeup of the base metals, it's helpful to know which metals work without special…

Copper plating is when a layer of copper is placed onto another item that could be made from aluminum, cast iron or various other substances. Copper plating is used for many things, such as hardening…

Cutting up a steel-belted car tire is a difficult proposition. In the first place, those steel belts are more like steel-wire meshes. The mesh alternately catches and flexes, making it difficult for…

Steel is a variant of iron that has minute amounts of carbon added to it. Steel alloys may also add other elements, such as chrome or nickel, to produce specific characteristics. One method of…

In the past half-century, demand for lightweight, tough steel has grown, especially in auto and aircraft manufacturing. Alloy steel satisfies those needs.

Punching a 1/4-inch hole in a steel trip requires force beyond a standard hand punch. Therefore you will need to use a mechanical punch with a 1/4-inch square die to punch the hole. Punching the hole…

The percussion section is one of the most important in the orchestra. It adds rhythm and color to any piece of music. There are many kinds of percussion instruments; understanding the difference…

Ultrasonic testing is a form of quality assurance used for ensuring the strength and quality of rolled steel or steel created on the factory floor for a variety of purposes. This is important for…

You can easily cut thin plastic sheets less than 1/16 inch (.063) thick with a utility knife. Harder clear plastics such as polycarbonate may require multiple passes with a knife, but the result will…

The official scoring of mule deer horns is done by the Boone and Crockett Club for deer taken with a firearm and the Pope and Young Club for deer taken by archery. To be considered for the record…

Selecting the correct welding wire for steel work is crucial, and can really make a positive difference in the look and strength of the welds. Some selections may depend on what type of machine you…

Welding on steel tubing is done for many reasons. Roll cages, mailbox stands, skateboard grind rails, and rocker protector/rock sliders are all built with steel tubing. While the welding process is…

Elevators are mechanical devices that are used to transport people or materials in a car or on a platform, typically between the floors of a building. Elevators can be found in commercial, industrial…

Did you know more than 95 percent of the water on our planet is undrinkable because of its high saline content? In other words, it's so salty, we'd die if we drank it. Not only is it possible to…

While iron has been used by humans for around 3,000 years, it has only been in the last 150 years that processing iron into its alloy steel has been commercially viable. Iron is a very common metal…

Welding rods are used during the welding process to add material into the weld zone. In some types of arc welding, the welding rod is also the electrode. The welding rod generally consists of the same…

The music box was invented by Swiss watchmaker Antoine Favre in 1796. The music box became more popular as it evolved into different styles. Today, music boxes are made in a variety of designs that…

Steel pipes are round, hollow lengths of steel. They are used in a number of industrial and commercial applications. Steel pipes are used in construction to transport water or natural gas, in…

"18 Wheels of Steel: Convoy," the fourth game in the "18 Wheels of Steel" series, starts you off as a one-man show in the trucking business and allows you to build a reputation and expand into…

Continuous casting works as a steady-state process. This means that, essentially, the state of the metal (steel in this case) at any juncture of production will always be the same no matter when it is…

Steel is a metal made from iron ore and has trace amounts of carbon. It is both stronger than wrought iron and less brittle than cast iron. It comes in both alloyed and non-alloyed forms.…

The process of making Damascus steel blades has been around for thousands of years. The steel used in the making of Damascus blades is composed of an alloy of metals that provide both strength and…

Marbles are small spherical toys used for thousands of years in a variety of games. Traditionally, marbles were made from the precious rock for which they are named; however, clay, agate and glass are…

Old fountain pens came in a variety of types. Unlike most modern pens, these pens could be re-filled. Beyond that, fountain pens could include safety features to contain the ink, thermometers for…

Steel wagon wheels can be recycled into a variety of different crafts that are both functional and decorative. Use steel wagon wheels for your craft project to add a rustic touch to your home or…

A lightning rod is a thin metal pole installed along the roof of a structure to minimize damage from lightning strikes. These rods are generally made from copper, steel or aluminum, and are connected…

Whether you are starting on a career as a blacksmith or simply repairing a car or building, it can be helpful to know the dynamics of bending metal. If you keep in mind a few basic principles, you can…

Steel pennies were minted in 1943 because of Word War II. Copper was needed for the war effort, so production on copper pennies was halted. The U.S. Mint created the copper penny with a zinc-coated…

Vanadium occurs widely in nature and has numerous industrial uses. Manufacturers often add vanadium to steel and use the element to bond titanium to other metals. Vanadium also has applications in the…

"Galvanization" means the process of coating steel with a layer of zinc. The zinc is meant to protect the steel from corrosion. Depending on the type of galvanization needed, a thin or thick layer of…

Aside from copper and copper alloys, steel is the most popular pipe metal used today. An alloy of iron and carbon, steel has excellent corrosion resistance, a high melting point and a malleability…

Despite the hardness of a diamond in general, it can be cut by materials that are not as hard. This is possible only because the hardness in diamond varies widely by direction, due to its underlying…

The Hossfeld metal bender bends tubular material, flat iron, angle iron, and roll stock. Many shapes and configurations can be formed with the use of a variety of dies. The bender can be operated…

Electroplating uses electrical current to induce plating, a process where a thin layer of a metal coats an object. Through electrodeposition, metal ions are dissolved in an electrolyte solution and…

A carburetor is a mechanical device that combines air and fuel in an internal combustion engine. The carburetor controls the flow of air into an engine; the speed of the air entering the engine…

Forged steel is an alloy of carbon and iron that is compressed under extreme pressure to make a very hard and strong substance. It has been used for thousands of years to create all types of…

A WWE scale ring measures 20x20 feet. It has four corner posts that hold together four side rails or walls, which makes a square, the basic ring structure. Matches take place in the ring, and…

The metal for the base is hammered. It can be copper, gold, silver, steel or brass. Porcelain is used on occasion. The base is the form for the final shape of the design object.

All irons and steels are simply irons with different carbon contents. Wrought iron has a very low carbon content. Its fibrous appearance is because of the slag (oxidized metal impurities) in the iron.…

Coin collecting is a great hobby, but you sometimes need to clean your coins due to their advanced age or improper storage. Some coins are fairly easy to clean; others prove more challenging. Steel…

Engraving is the technique of etching a message into an object. Engraving metal is a great way to send a personal message, mark ownership, or create a custom design. Engraving is usually a custom…

A common kitchen mistake is that the steel rod sold with knife kits is for sharpening. Rather, that tool is for the refining step taken after sharpening: honing. Sharpening is for refashioning a…

Steel is usually made up of 96 percent to 98 percent iron, and the rest is mainly carbon, but these elements need to possess certain properties to make steel. Discover how to add chromium or manganese…

Without heat treatment of steel, the world of architecture would be flat, and industry would stand still. The strength of steel--an alloy of iron, carbon and other metals--is what allows skyscrapers…

The invention of steel was a huge leap forward from iron, but steel is also improved by the addition of certain other elements. These elements add strength to steel, making it more durable or harder.…

You must heat steel in order to increase its strength Normalising, tempering, anealing, refining, and hardening are a few methods you can use to harden steel. Each method requires that you heat the…

Increase the durability and hardness of your carbon steel tools by tempering and quenching. Tempering your steel tool restructures the alloy and content of the steel and makes it harder. Read on to…

Flame-hardening steel involves heating the steel and then cooling it. This first part of the process changes the molecular structure of the steel and makes it hard, but brittle. If dropped or struck…

Hardening steel is an important skill in metal working. The tempering process hardens the steel, but makes it slightly more flexible, making it more durable. You can temper steel in less than half an…

If you are tired of your blade looking dull and not cutting well, you can quickly and easily sharpen and polish it. If a blade isn't sharpened, it can be dangerous and ineffective. However, if you can…

An F2P strength pure is one of the strongest offensive fighters in Runescape. It is a combination of your attack, strength, defense, range, prayer, magic and hit points. When you create a F2P strength…

Gas prices keep rising and the value of electric powered vehicles is becoming evident. An electric conversion kit costs about the same as a dozen full tanks of gasoline. Not only are electric…