Machine Tool

Machine Tool Builders Directory Catalano Werkzeugmaschinen

2009-09-03T21:22:00.000-07:00

Since 1981 is CATALANO an owner-managed trading and manufacturing company. At January 1st, 2005 the sole proprietorship changed to a public limited company.
We work with explicit principles and objectives.
Current machine tools have to meet sophisticated requirements. For this reason we offer for several years innovative machines with a constant high quality. We are turnkey supplier for professionals, who want more.

Since 1994 we also have an own fabrication of heavy lathes (4 – 20 tons). We offer several models with swing diameters from 700 to 2,500mm, turning lengths from 1,000 to 20,000mm and tube drillings from Ø 105 to 310mm.

We have an extensive product range, that permits you to resolve every task quickly, economical and safely. With us you’ll find exclusively inspected quality products. For any questions our Sales engineers are you disposal at any time.

http://www.findamachine.com/machine_tool_dealer/Catalano_Werkzeugmaschinen

ES Technology Announces Sale of 1st M2 LaserCUSING Machine in the UK

2008-09-26T23:09:00.003-07:00

Following the announcement that it has been chosen by Concept Laser GmbH as the exclusive UK and Republic of Ireland distributor for Concept Laser’s additive manufacturing systems, ES Technology has announced the sale of the first M2 machine to Airbus UK, which becomes the first UK based customer. The aircraft manufacturer will be using the M2 in its material and process projects as part of the company's research and development activities in Bristol. The machine will be on display at the forthcoming TCT exhibition in October, and will then after be directly shipped to the customer for installation.
The M2 LaserCUSING CAD-to-metal machine, has the capability to build component parts and tools in Aluminium and Titanium. The M2 machine can also produce parts in various other materials including, Stainless Steel, Inconel 718, Cobalt Chrome, and DIN standard Tool Steels.

With a build capacity of 250mm X 250mm X 280mm, and build layers from 0.020–0.050mm the machine offers the quality and accuracy expected for the production of finished parts. The M2 machine is one of a suite of machines available from Concept Laser, which provide cost-effective rapid manufacturing solutions for a range of component sizes.

Visit ES Technology Limited and Concept Laser GmbH, on Stand E20 / F17 at TCT – 21st and 22nd October 2008 at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry.

Dowding Pursues Wind Turbine Machining with Massive MAG Machine Tools

2008-09-26T23:09:00.002-07:00

A long-time contract supplier of fabricated and machined components to a wide range of companies, Dowding Industries is making the leap to large-part production and the transition to the alternative energy economy. It announced today at the International Manufacturing Technology Show the purchase of two massive machining systems from MAG Industrial Automation Systems for production of wind turbine components and large, critical parts for other big-machine makers. A MAG Cincinnati U5-1500 five-axis profiler and a MAG Giddings & Lewis PT 1800 horizontal boring mill are the centerpieces of a new state-of-the-art 35,000 sq. ft. machining facility in Eaton Rapids, Michigan. It is operated by a subsidiary, Dowding Machining. Both machines were delivered earlier this summer and are finishing installation and prove-out.

A family-owned company, Dowding in 2006 began looking for opportunities to grow while avoiding the region's industrial downturn. It was particularly attracted to the potential for wind turbines and alternative energy, according to Jeff Metts, Dowding Machining President. "We saw an opportunity to be part of the 'new energy' solution."

MAG did extensive application and time studies based on wind generator part prints provided by Dowding, according to Jim Foust, sales engineer for VMC Technologies, MAG's channel partner in Michigan. "The detail and thoroughness of the reports were overwhelming," he said. "The studies included machine recommendations, fixturing, set-ups, tooling, cycle times and earnings per hour. MAG addressed the risks and unknowns, giving Dowding the comfort level, as newcomers to large part machining, to make such a major commitment," he stressed.

"All our MAG machines - Fadal, Cincinnati and G&L - are built here in the U.S.," said Metts. "That is another important factor for us. We looked at many different machine tool companies to 'hook our wagon to' so to speak. We were convinced our success was right here in the U.S.A."

While Dowding targeted the wind turbine market, it has already picked up orders from leading construction equipment and mining machinery manufacturers. "This is a case of 'build it and they will come'," said Foust. "If you can machine big parts, there are a number of industries ready to do business with you." In fact, MAG itself will be using Dowding to produce components for large machine tools.

With the new large-part machining facility, Dowding is leading Michigan industries in the transition to alternative energy and the new economy. The new facility will create more than 350 new jobs in Michigan. Assistance was offered through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and the city of Eaton Rapids is considering a 12-year abatement to support the program. During a visit to the new facility, Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm said, "This new manufacturing facility will create good jobs for Michigan workers and anchor Dowding's presence in Eaton Rapids for years to come."

About MAG Industrial Automation Systems

MAG Industrial Automation Systems is a leading machine tool and systems company serving the durable-goods industry, worldwide, with a large portfolio of highly-recognized and well-respected brands. With manufacturing operations on five continents, MAG ranks as a leader in the global metalworking capital equipment market.

JANA Fails to Invests into Shenyang Machine Tool (Group)

2008-09-26T23:09:00.001-07:00

Guan Xin, board secretary with Shenyang Machine Tool Co., Ltd. (SZSE: 000410), a listed arm of Shenyang Machine Tool Group, confirmed the story, adding that the main reason was that the deal did not gained approval from concerned Chinese authorities. However, industry experts do not think so. In their opinion, it was the US fund's capital shortage that led to the failure in cooperation.

Founded in 2001, JANA is a large-sized hedge fund with over USD 7 billion under management. Companies it bought into included Valero, Time Warner Inc., Ingersoll-Rand Co. and etc. Unlike other US hedge funds, JANA mainly earns profits via restructuring business of target companies. So far, it has invested as much as USD 20 billion in companies worldwide, with a compound 24% yearly return on investment. Stung by the US subprime crisis, hedge funds worldwide reduced their investment sizes in markets overseas to a largest extent. And there is no exception to the US hedge fund.

Founded in December 1995, Shenyang Machine Tool Group is one of the largest machine tool manufacturers in China. In order to fuel expansion, it made a decision to introduce strategic investors. And in April 2007, it put a 49 percent stake on sale via the Shanghai United Assets and Equity Exchange. It first planned that a 30 percent stake would be sold for CNY 1.01 billion; and then, the remaining 19 percent stake would be sold for CNY 640 million.

JANA, a San Francisco-based hedge fund, defeated top Chinese engineering machinery manufacturer Sany Group Co., Ltd. and finally put the 30 percent stake in Shenyang Machine Tool Group into its own bag in last June. The fund, which also expected to acquire the other 19 percent stake, had been preparing documents for a second bidding till January this year. Notably, it hoped that the Chinese government could agree to its plan to restructure Shenyang Machine Tool Group with other two companies.

Former FD man works on food machine for NASA

2008-09-26T23:09:00.000-07:00

A former Fort Dodge man is trying to perfect a machine that may someday help feed astronauts on Mars and starving people around the globe.

Scott Fortune, who now lives in Cresco, has a prototype device in his machine shop that reduces soybeans and peanuts to oil and an edible substance. The ultimate goal is to shrink it to one the size of a pair of staplers that can make six pounds of food and oil in an hour.

''The whole project is about finding alternative ways to feed people whether they're on Mars or on Earth,'' he said. ''The emphasis started on feeding astronauts, but the implications are even greater here on Earth.''

Fortune, who worked for 20 years in the local gypsum industry, said this effort is the largest engineering project he's been involved in.

He landed in the midst of the project after working for Celotex, Georgia-Pacific Corp. and Smithway Motor Xpress. When he left Fort Dodge in 2003, he went to work for Triple F Inc., a Des Moines company involved in the food machine job. When that company got into financial trouble, Fortune bought Upper Iowa Tool and Die in Cresco, which was doing all the metal work for the project. He purchased that company in November 2007.

Since putting astronauts on Mars is the next big goal for NASA, scientists for the space agency and Purdue University are seeking a way to feed them. Packing a lunch on the spaceship isn't possible because the trip to the red planet will take six months.

Fortune said the spacecraft would carry enough food for the voyage to Mars and the return to Earth. But the astronauts will have to grow their own food during the months they're on the red planet.

''Once they arrive on the planet, they have to become self-sufficient,'' he said.

He said current plans call for the astronauts to raise soybeans and peanuts in special greenhouses.

The machine Fortune is working on would be used after those crops are harvested.

He said the astronauts will put the beans or peanuts in the machine. After processing is completed, oil and a paste-like substance will be discharged.

The solid substance, which Fortune said would have the consistency of oatmeal forced through a tube, would be edible by itself. It could also be mixed with other ingredients to make a meal.

That process could have benefits much closer to home than Mars.

Fortune said the machine could eventually churn out food for people in Third World countries where starvation is always a threat.

''This has the ability to help people feed themselves,'' he said.

Fortune noted that the device intended to produce more food for people is being developed in Cresco, the hometown of Norman Borlaug, the scientist who created high yield varieties of rice and other crops that are credited with averting starvation for millions across the world.

BEKS Inc Developes New Teeth Whitening Machine for Dentists That Also Boosts Healing After Surgery

2008-08-29T11:38:00.000-07:00

BEKS Incorporated, a product and development company and developer of the original BriteWhite Teeth Whitening System(R), introduces BriteWhite Medical. The BriteWhite Teeth Whitening System was the first inside-the-mouth chair-side professional teeth whitening system using Blue LED (light emitting diodes) made available to spas and med spas. "Now we've taken the same technology used in the spa version and went a step further for the dental industry," says Joyce Osborn, President and CEO of BEKS Incorporated, and inventor of the BriteWhite Teeth Whitening System(R). "The BriteWhite Medical uses both Red and Blue LED while the spa version uses only Blue LED. Blue LED whitens teeth and kills black bacteria that cause periodontal disease. Adding Red LED to the BriteWhite Medical provides treatment that will boost healing after surgery." This two-in-one machine is a great tool for dentist to have in their office with a low overhead and a high revenue return.
Unlike laser, plasma light, halogen and ultraviolet, this exciting technology attacks discolorations without affecting the pulp or softening the enamel. Ms. Osborn had used LEDs in her wellness spa for years to treat certain skin conditions and theorized that LEDs would be effective in teeth whitening. She consulted with a scientist friend who worked with LEDs for NASA and the Medical College of Wisconsin. The friend confirmed her theories that a selected proprietary wavelength and custom blend gel would whiten teeth. Ms. Osborn followed the advice of her friend to patent the process and now holds the worldwide rights and pending patent; as well as FDA clearance.
BriteWhite Teeth Whitening System(R) and BriteWhite Medical treats the entire front and back teeth by inserting the mouth plate directly inside the mouth during the treatment time, without the aide of cheek retractors, rubber dams, or goggles. Other methods of teeth whitening can dehydrate the teeth causing pain and sensitivity. The proprietary activating gel used with the BriteWhite Teeth Whitening System(R) and BriteWhite Medical is near PH balancing and contains no fluoride or alcohol; keeping the teeth hydrated while whitening treatments are completed.
Up to eleven shades of increased whiteness has been achieved on aged teeth in 12 minutes. Routinely, a minimum of 4 -- 6 shades is achieved in 10 minutes. Results have proven to be positive for hard to whiten teeth like Tetracycline. Although treatment is not recommended for everyone, especially those who are pregnant, BriteWhite is safe enough to be used by patients receiving chemotherapy and radiation if approved by their oncologist with written consent.
BriteWhite and BriteWhite Medical are sophisticated products manufactured in the USA. The machines are lightweight and portable and can accommodate up to 4 mouth pieces to treat 4 clients or patients in one sitting without the purchase of multiple machines.
In addition to inventing the BriteWhite Teeth Whitening System(R) and the BriteWhite Dental, Joyce Osborn is the author of "Take a Walk through Life with LED Light."

Beyond seed and soil: Farmers' high-tech tools increase productivity

2008-08-23T09:00:00.000-07:00

Technology has combined with factors such as seed science and advances in herbicides, pesticides and fertilizers, changing American agriculture dramatically during the past 50 years. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, farm output rose by an average of 1.76 percent every year between 1948 and 2002, even as labor declined by an average of 2.4 percent per year in the same period.

Esmond farmer Paul Taylor said he believes that the most dynamic thing to happen to farming in the last 50 years has been the increase in horsepower.

“We've just got so much more capacity now,” he said. “Grandpa probably started with a two-row planter behind two horses, planting a six-row pass at 2-

3 mph. I suppose if they did 15 acres per day, they were doing pretty good. Now we're planting 60 feet wide, and we like to average 250 acres per day. It's totally changed the productivity of labor.”

And some features that probably looked like bells and whistles when they first appeared on tractors - such as air conditioning, strong headlights and enclosed cabs - have allowed modern farmers to work even longer hours than their historic counterparts, he said.

Just as Jones is confident that ultrasounds help him to get more money per animal for his cattle, he's a big believer in the tools he uses to farm 3,600 acres of corn and soybeans. His tractor is outfitted with an autosteer system, a computer that uses a GPS signal to keep field rows evenly spaced at the end point where the tractor turns around.

The tractor's onboard computer also monitors seed spacing, how many seeds are falling into each hole, and the pressure the planter is exerting on the soil as it makes a trench.

“As seed costs have gone up, you want every seed to be fully maximized,” he said.

Most farmers also do a variety of mapping in their fields. They can take the data gathered by computers on field equipment and create color-coded maps that show which areas have the best yields and differences between those areas and lower-yield spots. Those differences include soil topography, nutrients, type or amount of fertilizer applied, and the type of seed planted.

“People are surprised to find out we split the farm up in different segments and don't just apply the same nutrients and seed over the whole thing,” Taylor said. “Those maps may look like pretty colors and mosaics, but the computer actually reads all that, and as the tractor goes over the field, it applies the nutrients based on need.”

Taylor and Jones estimate that such automated equipment increases efficiency by about 5-10 percent. That may not sound like much, Jones said, until one starts adding up $4-per-gallon diesel fuel or $200-per-bag seed.

After bull run, Rajkot machine tool units fear setback

2008-08-23T08:59:00.000-07:00

Faced with spiralling raw material prices and high energy costs, the Rs.7-billion Rajkot machine tool industry seems to be heading for a downswing after the last five years’ bullish growth run.

Since 2003, the region began emerging as one of the top machine tool manufacturing centres after Bangalore, leaving Ludhiana and Pune behind. During this time, its production increased threefold.

Rajkot-made machine tools are now exported to Russia, the UK, the Gulf and Africa.

However, this dominance could soon be history.

Raw material prices, especially that of steel, has gone up about 40 percent, said Shaileshbhai Kawa, president of the Rajkot Machine Tools Manufacturers’ Association (RMTMA).

In addition to steel, the price of castings was also going up, he added.

‘As a result, we don’t think we can achieve a turnover of Rs.1200 crore (Rs.12 billion) by 2010,’ he told IANS.

The machine tool industry in Gujarat has undergone substantial changes in recent years. The industry is now producing the latest range of competitive customised solutions, including CNC (computer numerical control) machines.

The industry has spruced up productivity by adopting CNC machine tool technology. For this, local manufacturers teamed up with the Indian Machine Tool Manufacturers’ Association, the central government and the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (Unido).

Rajkot houses around 200 machine tool manufacturing units. ‘There had been a sharp growth in the machine tool industry as a whole and Rajkot had benefited the most from it,’ said Rupesh Mehta, the former president of the RMTMA.

The Rajkot machine tool industry was hit badly in 2002 when India’s the engineering sector faced a recession. Nearly 200 units shut down operations and the annual turnover of the industry plummeted from Rs.2.5 billion to Rs.1 billion during that time.

The situation turned worse following the entry of computerised tools from Taiwan and China. But the cluster development approach in collaboration with the Unido helped the industry do a turnaround.

What to watch for during a virtual machine’s life cycle

2008-08-23T08:58:00.000-07:00

Creation: Enterprise-class configuration of the server and applications, mostly done manually through the virtual-machine manager interface. Automated image-capture of physical machines is starting to take root with such niche vendors as Transitive, particularly in the area of emulating non-x86 processors and running them on other processors, making it possible, for example, to manage Solaris and Windows.

Visibility: Machines set up for a specific purpose - for example, testing or development - can linger without administrators' knowledge. Hyper9's Virtual Infrastructure Search and Analytics tool, a Google-like search engine offering basic discovery and state inspection of virtual machines, will be free for download in September. For application visibility, Tideway Systems' Foundation maps application relationships to the physical and virtual servers.

Load balancing: Virtual machines must move around and change their purpose as needed to handle predictable and on-demand loads. Most organizations do this manually using native VMware ESX, Citrix Systems XenSource and Microsoft Hyper-V controls. Niche products, such as FastScale Technology's FastScale Composer Suite and Evidant's EvidantSP software suite, also are starting to get attention.

Machines in production: Managing live machines is done manually by using native virtual-machine interfaces, but more tools are starting to enable the cross-platform management of some of all of these features on a pick-and-choose basis. Novell's ZENworks, for example, includes asset-, configuration- and patch-management components. Life-cycle points during production include licensing; access controls; patch-, configuration- and change-management; security (settings, default services and ports, antimalware, firewalls and so forth); service-level thresholds for physical machines, virtual machines and applications; and allocation.

Jtekt to Set Up Machine Tool Sales Firm in India

2008-08-23T08:57:00.000-07:00

Japanese machine tool maker Jtekt Corp. <6473> said Monday that it will establish a sales and after-sale service joint venture in Gurgaon, India, by the end of this month.

The new company, Toyoda Micromatic Machinery India Ltd., will be capitalized at 24.8 million rupees, of which Jtekt will provide 75.5 pct and Micromatic Grinding Technologies, India's largest grinding machine maker, the rest.

The new firm will be Jtekt's first subsidiary in India.

Nagoya-based Jtekt airms to win orders worth about 7 billion yen in the growing Indian market in 2010 by promoting user-oriented sales, it said.

So far, Jtekt has supplied machine tools mainly to Japanese automakers including Suzuki Motor Corp. <7269>. The firm aims to expand its client base to Indian auto manufactures and wind power companies, company officials said.

New Tool to Automate Cookie Stealing from Gmail, Others

2008-08-12T09:23:00.001-07:00

A security researcher at the Defcon hacker conference in Las Vegas on Saturday demonstrated a tool he built that allows attackers to break into your inbox even if you are accessing your Gmail over a persistent, encrypted session (using https:// versus http://). 

When you log in to Gmail, Google's servers will place what's called a "session cookie," or small text file, on your machine. The cookie identifies your machine as having presented the correct user name and password for that account, and it can allow you to stay logged in to your account for up to two weeks if you don't manually log out (after which the cookie expires and you are forced to present your credentials again).  

The trouble is that Gmail's cookie is set to be transmitted whether or not you are logged in with a secure connection. Now, cookies can be marked as "secure," meaning they can only be transmitted over your network when you're using a persistent, encrypted (https://) session. Any cookies that lack this designation, however, are sent over the network with every Web page request made to the Web server of the entity that set the cookie -- regardless of which of the above-described methods a Gmail subscriber is using to read his mail.

  As a result, even if you are logged in to Gmail using a persistent, encrypted https:// session, all that an attacker sniffing traffic on your network would need do to hijack your Gmail account is force your browser to load an image or other content served from http://mail.google.com. After that, your browser would cough up your session cookie for Gmail, and anyone recording the traffic on the network would now be able to access your Gmail inbox by simply loading that cookie on their machine.

US June machine tool demand up from year ago

2008-08-12T09:21:00.000-07:00

Demand for the machine tools that shape metal for products, such as car engines and refrigerators, rose in June from a year ago, two groups said in a joint report on Sunday.

U.S. June machine tool demand rose 2 percent to $360.43 million from $353.40 million a year earlier in June 2007, the American Machine Tool Distributors' Association (AMTDA) and the Association for Manufacturing Technology (AMT) said in a joint report.

But June demand was virtually unchanged from an upwardly revised $360.30 million estimate for May. May demand was initially estimated at $341.21 million.

In the first six months of 2008, demand for machine tools, which gives a sense of the pace of manufacturing, stood at $2.318 billion, up 15.3 percent from $2.011 billion in the same 2007 period.

"I think everyone is excited that the underpinning for productivity in our economic growth -- manufacturing technology equipment -- continues to grow at double-digit rates through the second quarter," AMT President John Byrd said in a statement.

Quality 101: Machine Vision Fundamentals

2008-08-06T09:24:00.000-07:00

A machine vision system is a group of components that can acquire an image on demand, and can be configured or programmed to perform extensive analysis of that image to extract useful data about the object being inspected. The image may be full color, but most applications work well with a gray-scale image, which may be processed more quickly and usually at higher resolution with respect to cost.

Machine vision systems interface with other automation components via discrete I/O signals, Ethernet, device net, serial and other communication schemes. For certain applications, a machine vision system can control the entire inspection process as a standalone operation without external communication. However, one true value of machine vision as a quality tool is its ability to collect and archive discrete and statistical data about a process, providing the quality engineer with information that can help improve a production process.

A common misconception surrounding machine vision is that it “takes a picture” of a good part and then compares subsequent part images to that picture. While this analysis technique is one capability of some systems, most machine vision image features are extracted by recognizing and processing individual geometric objects in an image. Some of the common algorithms that may be incorporated in an application include edge extraction, contrast measurement, blob analysis and pattern matching—although modern machine vision processors offer dozens of analysis and processing tools. These tools range from simple to complex, and are usually combined to form an inspection process suitable for the target application.

It is important to have a thorough understanding of how each tool works with an image and produces data in order to select the proper set of algorithms to achieve the desired inspection results. However, there is a much more critical aspect to machine vision implementation that impacts each and every application from specification to integration

Large CNC machine tool building

2008-08-06T09:22:00.000-07:00

PTG adds the recently acquired brands to the current PTG machine tool portfolio that already includes Jones and Shipman and Holroyd.
PTG said that the new business will also add valuable re-manufacture facilities and expertise to the group.
PTG Group CEO, Mark Franckel said: I am delighted that we have acquired these historic British brands and see enormous benefits in the synergy they create within the group".
* About Crawford Swift - throughout its company history Crawford Swift has been committed to developing and manufacturing large machine tools.
The company has specialist expertise in the design and manufacture of new lathes, friction stir welding machines, acrylic polishing machines and other special purpose machine tools.
In addition to developing its own models, Crawford Swift is renowned for re-engineering, remanufacturing, repairing and servicing machines with a work piece capacity of up to 250 tonnes.
A good example of which is providing a world class service re-engineering roll grinders including Churchill, Farrel and Waldrich for the steel industry.
* About Binns and Berry - Binns and Berry specialises in the design, manufacture and repair of large capacity CNC lathes for components up to 15 tonnes.
Binns and Berry has a novel modular construction technique, which includes a three-/four-guideway bed design that allows the turning of large components in a single pass.
Other specialist turning machines include the following.
* Sliding gap bed lathes.
* Offset/T bed lathes.
* Deep-hole boring machines.
* Thread whirling machines.
Standard and full turnkey systems are available.
The company also provides re-engineering, rebuild and retrofit services for medium and heavy duty turning machines.
* Jones and Shipman benefits - existing Jones and Shipman customers will also benefit from this acquisition as they will have access to the knowledge and products of Crawford Swift and Binns and Berry.
The companies operate from a 38,000ft2 engineering works facility in Elland with one of the largest slideway planing and grinding machines in Europe which can machine 14.5m x 3.3m x 2.2m in a single set-up.
The works is serviced by heavy craneage up to 50 tonnes.
The setting up of Jones and Shipman Remanufacture means that customers can benefit from Jones and Shipman quality service when looking for expert repairs and solutions for existing large machines.
A service is even provided where specialist machines can be sourced from around the world, remanufactured and installed to match the exact needs of the client.

Lakshmi Machine Works Q1 sales & net profit down nearly 5%

2008-07-28T19:58:00.000-07:00

Lakshmi Machine Works Ltd has announced its Unaudited results for the quarter ended June 30, 2008. The company's net sales and income, this quarter, is down nearly 5%, compared to last year.

There was a decline in earnings from the company's textile machinery division. However the machine tool and foundry divisions have registered growth.
LMW posted a net profit after tax of Rs 477.388 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2008 as compared to Rs 492.588 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2007.

LMW's machine tool and foundry divisions registered a revenue of Rs 442.2 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2008 as compared to Rs 414.1 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2007.

Total Income has decreased from Rs 5006.248 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2007 to Rs 4842.942 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2008.

According to a report carried in the Business Line the fall in revenue was due to a decline in earnings from the company's main source of income - the textile machinery division.

The textile machinery division registered a revenue of Rs 4303.2 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2008 as compared to Rs 4526.0 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2007.

China's Kunming Machine Tool sees H1 net profit up 50 pct on higher sales

2008-07-28T19:56:00.001-07:00

BEIJING (XFN-ASIA) - Shenji Group Kunming Machine Tool Co Ltd (SHA 600806; HK 0300) said it expects first half net profit under Chinese accounting standards to have risen by 50 pct year-on-year, mainly due to increased output and sales.

The company posted a net profit of 94.34 mln yuan in the first half of 2007, or 0.22 yuan per share.

It is due to release first half audited financial statements on Aug 28.

(1 usd = 6.8 yuan)

zachary.wei@xfn.com - xfnzw/xfntm

Taliban Using Technology as Propaganda Tool

2008-07-28T19:53:00.000-07:00

With their own website, magazines, DVDs, audio cassettes, pamphlets and mobile phones, the ICG says, the Taliban are able to capitalize on mistakes made by the government and its allies and reveal their own "inflated tales of battlefield exploits."

Machine tool fitter

2008-07-28T19:52:00.000-07:00

Must have experience of fitting and an appreciation of machine tools.

Needs to be able to work unsupervised, on their own inititive and fit into a small team.

Must be able to maintain good standards of cleanliness, be prepared to tidy up and have a sound understanding of good working practice and Health & Safety requirements.

Working hours are 40 hours, Monday to Friday, with 20 days paid holiday per year, plus statutory holidays.

The position is salaried, and overtime is available in certain circumstances.

Starting salary will be negotiable depending upon capabilities, and the position is permanent following a 12-month probationary period.

Site work is possible for installation and maintenance of the machines.

Our client doesn't operate a pension scheme, but can offer the Stakeholder Pension scheme.

DUTIES

The successful applicant will be responsible for the building and testing of a 3 axis CNC Router.

This requires marking out of components, manual and pedestal drilling and tapping, turning and milling of small components, a small amount of welding, assembly of small components, assembly of the machine table and gantry, installation and setting up of linear rails, installation of drive mechanisms and rack and pinions, checking levels and shimming as required, a small amount of painting of the machine frame and gantry.

Testing of the machine for sureness and accuracy.

Installation and maintenance of the machines at the customer's site.

Operating the machine for testing purposes, so knowledge of CNC operation would be an advantage.

Training will be provided, but a good basic understanding of machine tool fitting is required.

Our client has a new product and there is an opportunity for the right candidate to hopefully grow with them as their business progresses.

Japan Machine Tool Makers Log 1st Drop in Domestic, Overseas Orders in 6 Yrs

2008-07-23T08:13:00.000-07:00

Domestic and overseas orders for Japanese machine tools in June were both down from a year earlier, marking the first such double drop since September 2002, an industry group said Wednesday.

Overseas orders experienced its first fall in five months, down 2.7 pct to 71.6 billion yen, while domestic orders dropped 2.1 pct to 56.8 billion yen, down for the fifth consecutive month, the Japan Machine Tool Builders' Association said in a revised report.

Overall machine tool orders received by Japanese manufacturers in June dropped 2.5 pct to 128.4 billion yen, it said.

The association, however, remained optimistic. "Basically, the uptrend so far has not changed," an official said.

The total machine tool orders topped 100 billion yen for the 50th month in a row, and overseas orders in June were the second-highest ever for the month, the official said.

In the month, domestic orders fell from makers of general machinery, electric appliances and precision equipment, but those from automakers grew for the third straight month, the association reported.

Among orders from abroad, those from Europe rose 11.6 pct, while those from North America and Asia were down 19.9 pct and 4.9 pct, respectively, it said.

Improving Machine Tool Accuracy without Design Changes

2008-07-23T08:12:00.000-07:00

Most CNC machine tool manufacturers invest heavily in machine developments that improve accuracy but by using the latest calibration systems at its factory in Istanbul, Turkey, leading manufacturer Spinner has improved specified machine accuracies without the need to change designs. As Mr Nurhan, Technology Manager, explains, “The machine designs are no different but we have actually improved the accuracy, cut the support customers need by up to 90%, and have shown customers that we use the latest technology.”

Renishaw laser calibration - rotary axis compensation
Mr Nurhan explains one of the areas in which Spinner has seen most benefits from laser calibration, “We test and calibrate the rotary motion of every sub-spindle fitted to our turning centres because the encoder on the motor, although repeatable enough, does not position as well as we want. Some encoders are only accurate to 6 arc minutes but by using the Renishaw RX10 rotary calibrator unit, we can guarantee better than 1 arc second repeatability. This is done by testing the sub-spindle on the finished machine. Errors detected by the RX10 are corrected by adding compensation values generated by the RX10 software to registers in the controller. The sub-spindle is tested again to check the new positioning accuracy and provide a traceable calibration certificate, with options for formats according to various international standards.”

The RX10 is an accessory for Renishaw’s laser calibration systems, allowing the comparison of the programmed rotation of a drive or rotary table to the actual rotation as measured using a traceable laser source. This is done by mounting the RX10 on the rotary axis, then programming the rotary axis to rotate in defined steps. After each axis move, the RX10 unlocks, and rotates back to the previous position, re-locking on a highly repeatable Hirth coupling, accurate to 1 arc second. Angular optics are mounted on the RX10 and any angular error compared to the previous starting position is recorded. These error values are used for compensation

Online Tool Show - The worlds premier online machine tool and manufacturers resource.

2008-07-23T08:11:00.000-07:00

The mission of www.OnlineToolShow.com is to provide original equipment manufacturers(OEM), importers, distributors and suppliers with a very affordable 24/7 online industrial trade show booth to exhibit their latest technology and special product offering(s) to a worldwide audience of potential buyers.

All booths are the same size, creating a level playing field for all exhibitors. Cost is kept low because we do not believe it makes sense to recreate your website on ours. Once interested, a buyer can simply link directly from your online tool show booth to your website instantly for additional information or to place an order.

For the buyer, www.OnlineToolshow.com is a user friendly door to a 24/7 accessible marketplace where you can find tooling suppliers of needed new technology that will sharpen your competitive edge or find favorably priced equipment, products, and services for which you presently have a need.

We are providing a GLOBAL 24/7 industrial tool show to exhibit your product(s) and services so that potential buyers may find your company booth quickly, easily, any most importantly at their convenience, anytime day or night.

We have made it as easy as possible to find exactly what you are looking for. There are multiple searches and indexes to help you quickly navigate to a specific manufacturer, original equipment manufacturer(OEM), product or services booth.

Exhibiting with the Online Tool ShowSince you, as original equipment manufacturers(OEM), importers, distributors and suppliers are painfully aware of your cost(s) to exhibit at a trade show, you will find the cost for your OnLineToolShow booth to be so inexpensive that your decision to exhibit will be a

"No Brainer"

It is easy and inexpensive to have a booth at the OnLine Tool Show.

2008 Machine Shop Benchmark Survey Analysis

2008-07-23T08:10:00.000-07:00

American Machinist conducted its third annual survey of machine shops to gather information our readers need to accurately gauge their competitive positions in the industry, and to help them make plans to systematically improve their operations and become more efficient.

We have identified the critical indicators and best practices that lead to improved productivity and profitability and, with the responses to questions about those indicators and best practices, we are able to identify a set of shops whose performance puts them in the lead of all the shops surveyed.

That group of shops is our benchmark set, and represents the top 20 percent of shops that responded to the survey.

The results for the Benchmark shops are composites, so they do not represent a single shop’s performance, but the combined performance from all the best shops. We believe these performance results and the practices that lead to them provide targets that all shops can strive to reach, and they provide performance measurements that all shops can use to compare themselves and to check their current competitive positions. You also can use these benchmarks to monitor your progress in reaching higher degrees of efficiency.

To analyze the survey data, we summarized the data for all shops and compared that data to the information for the benchmark shops.

For example, on an overall basis, 76.7 percent of the shops that responded to our survey said they are independent, and 23.3 percent are part of a larger company. For the benchmark shops this year, 70.5 percent are independent, and 29.7 percent are part of a larger company.

CENIT Machine Tool Project Update

2008-07-23T08:09:00.000-07:00

More than 60 representatives from Spain’s machine tool companies, universities and technology centers met in early May for an annual review of a fouryear, $47 million program that is designed to improve technologies for the Spanish machine tool industry.

A brief report on the twoyear- old CENIT Machine Tool Project said the program has delivered quantitative and qualitative results in advancing technologies for manufacturing equipment and processes.

The advances targeted for the project include:

A 30 percent reduction of energy consumption for presses, a 72 percent reduction in the use of toluene in the production of machines, and the use of innovative materials in machine tool components.

Designs for machine tools that are aimed at making them more “intelligent,” capable of responding to the voice of the operator and operable from a PDA or the instruction and maintenance manual of which can be projected on to the operator’s spectacles.

The use of laser or ultrasonic devices as substitutes for or complements to conventional processes, and the development of technologies to avoid using large amounts of lubricants, such as dry machining.

And, improvements to precision and production, including reductions in thermal deformation, vibrations or movements of large masses.

Latest 5-axis machining technology

2008-07-21T19:48:00.000-07:00

During the recent UK MACH 2008 show, Hurco Europe recruited a professional dancer, actress and singer to learn and to demonstrate the programming of machine cutting paths.
These massive machines, each weighing around 20 tonnes, are designed to accommodate large and/or heavy components up to six tonnes in weight, such as dies, moulds and parts for the aerospace and energy sectors.
The fixed-rail, bridge design of the DXC22 offers X-/Y-/Z-axis travels of 2197/1750/249mm with 24m/min rapid feeds, a 2100 x 1600mm pallet and a 40-taper spindle with 18kW of peak power.

CNC turning centres are easy to program
CNC lathes will off 12 drivel tool stations - at up to 7kW and 5,000 rev/min - in its VDI turrets for milling operations and off-centre drilling on turned parts.
Vertical machining centre cuts tough alloys
Rugged vertical machining centre with an 18kW high-torque spindle and through-tool coolant delivery enables a UK subcontractor to efficiently cut SS and Duplex, as well as other tough alloys.
Machining centre turns and mills biker parts
BFO Motorcycles in the UK plans to build 100 motor cycle conversion kits and to mill the components, the company acquired a vertical machining centre with an easily programmable control.
It can be used for continuous pendulum machining of parts within two 762 x 660 x 610mm working envelopes, or production of single parts up to 2m long spanning both zones.
This combination of performance and flexibility is ideal for shops that have a mixed schedule of parts, said Hurco.

India is Host Country at EuroMold 2008

2008-07-21T19:47:00.000-07:00

This year’s EuroMold - World Fair for Moldmaking and Tooling, Design and Application Development - will take place Dec. 3-6, 2008, Frankfurt Exhibition Centre. About 1,700 exhibitors from 45 nations and more than 60,000 trade visitors from about 80 nations are expected.

With the Host Country India EuroMold recognises the signs of Asia`s worldwide growing economical importance. In hall 9.0 Indian companies will present their products and services. TAGMA (Tool and Gauge Manufacturers` Association of India) will organise a corporate stand.
The India Moldmaking and Tooling Synergy Bourse offers a wide range of latest market information and insider knowledge. The “Forum India” will connect Western and Indian companies. Several companies already doing business in Asia for many years will share their knowledge and expertise to help attendees making important decisions related to new business, investment opportunities and challenges.

Besides that the Associations of Moldmaking and Tooling from China (CDMIA) and India (TAGMA) will serve detailed information about their home markets.

"From Design to Prototyping to Series Production"

The unique fair concept “From Design to Prototyping to Series Production” demonstrates the entire process chain. EuroMold brings together professionals from design, moldmaking and tooling, machine tools, as well as suppliers and manufacturers.

On 80.000 sqm exhibition space EuroMold will show the latest developments in all fields of moldmaking and tooling, design und application development. The world fair will present numerous special subjects and special exhibitions and will set benchmarks.

Key Sector Moldmaking and Tooling
Traditionally EuroMold’s key sector is Moldmaking and Tooling. To meet the growing demand for complete solutions in this industrial sector EuroMold provides small and medium sized companies an excellent platform for finding partners and cooperations.

Wide range of Themes
EuroMold shows state-of-the-art technique for all industrial sectors. For instance innovations within “Virtual Reality” and “Rapid Prototyping” already today indicate the future developments of modern Moldmaking and Tooling.

At EuroMold worldwide leading companies set benchmarks – i.e. DMG and Trumpf in the sector of Machine Tools, and BASF, Bayer and Evonik in the sector of Materials.

Alongside Moldmaking and Tooling most exhibitors are active within Machine Tools, Soft- and Hardware and Prototyping. Numerous exhibitors which take part at EuroMold for the first time are active within Engineering and Design.

Home Machine Shops

2008-03-17T00:42:00.000-07:00

A profession or hobby that uses a power-driven machine tool such as a lathe or drill to shape metal, is known as machining. The person specializing in its use is called a machinist. A machine shop that is run from home is called a home machine shop.

Most machining operations are those that remove metal from an item or those that add metals. There are typical tools that are used in home machining. A lathe is a machine tool that creates sections in circles by rotating a metal work piece. A drill or punch press is used to remove metal in the form of a hole. Some other tools that are used in machining are saws, grinding tools and milling machines.

Advanced machining operations make use of electrical discharge, electro-chemical erosion and laser cutting to shape metal work pieces. Many car restorers have good home workshops and a wide array of tools. There are also individuals who build up a home workshop with the scheme of building some project in the long run. They eventually get sidetracked into building the machine tools and their accessories themselves.

There are magazines that provide advice on ways of solving problems being faced in the home shop. It is also possible to get information about a used lathe and other machine tools, in case the owner's manual is missing. These magazines and sites have a list of operating instructions on the various tools used. They also give detailed information about various manufacturers and their details.

Information about various new technologies that are being used, are also discussed. New techniques such as computer aided manufacturing processes, which have brought about a revolution in the machine shops, are also discussed. Home shop machinists can use this type of technological software to get the desired product results.

Adverse Health Effects Of Oil Mist In Machine Tool Industries

2008-03-15T03:17:00.000-07:00

Manufacturing environments that use oil-based cutting fluids often put workers health at risk. Applications such as CNC machines, screw machines and surface and centerless grinders produce an oil mist from the coolant used to keep cutting tools from overheating. Oil mist, also known as cutting oil or metalworking fluid, is an oily liquid aerosol dispersed in the air. Fine oil mist hangs in the air for long periods, similar to tobacco smoke.

It has been estimated that up to one million workers in the United States are exposed to oil mist. The health effects of exposure to oil mist have been studied for several decades. Many Epidemiological studies have indicated that long-term exposure to oil mist can lead to increased susceptibility to several types of cancer.

The following diseases have been associated with exposure to oil mist: skin – oil acne, contact dermatitis, and photosensitive allergic dermatitis; respiratory system – rhinitis, bronchitis, bronchial asthma, lipoid pneumonia, lung fibrosis and lung cancer; scrotum – benign and malignant tumors. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), potential symptoms of exposure to high concentrations of oil mist include eye and skin irritation, shortness of breath, vomiting, fever, rapid heartbeat and a burning sensation in the mouth, throat and stomach.

Industrial workers are exposed to oil mist by three avenues; skin exposure, aerial exposure and ingestion. The most frequent route of exposure is the skin. Occupational health experts believe that over three-quarters of all occupational diseases are caused by skin contact with oil mist. Oil mist by itself can be dangerous, but it can also quickly become contaminated with foreign material and chemicals which are aerosolized into mist. Many of these contaminants add to the hazards associated with oil mist.

In today’s highly competitive global economy, manufacturers feel pressured to increase productivity. Making machines work harder and faster often produces even more oil mist in the workplace. Even though production schedules may increase, profitability may suffer due to work-related illnesses. Sick employees don’t help the bottom line, they lower productivity and increase overhead costs.

The Tool Chest Part 1 (Or Making A Chair From A Tree Without Electricity Or Machine Tools, Part 7)

2008-03-12T00:17:00.000-07:00

"Maybe he was a pattern maker". Alexander, my oldest son, is an engineer and was looking at the collection of gouge chisels as I put their tray back in the chest. I was wondering why Mr Wake had so many gouge chisels and whether that was a clue to his job.

All the tools in this chest are marked "C Wake" but I know nothing else about him, except for what I can guess from the chest and its contents.

"You just want to show off your collection of tools, that's why you're doing these articles !" Well, I think there's more to it than that, in fact, there are many reasons; one of them is to get on Mr Wakes' track and learn about him from his tools.

I think of the box as Mr Wakes's toolchest and only partly mine. He is still present in a way and maybe he was a pattern maker. I've thought of shop sign maker and fitter of spiral stairs - there are clues here that he did free hand curved work as will become evident. There's also a set of heavy number stamps, from 1 - 9: I can see him making up wooden cogs, wheels and bits of large wheels in some iron foundry and stamping them before they leave his bench to go to the row of sand boxes lined up for the molten metal to be poured.

"Come back with that before it gets lost."

There's even a drawknife in here; it is well used and I can only assume that he was the only person to own it as, like all the tools in this chest, there's only his name on it. This is what makes this collection especially interesting to me. Most old wooden tools have names stamped on them and many have several names, as they were passed on, perhaps to another generation. To share Mr Wakes's toolchest is a rare privilege - it's not the same as getting a grandfather clock or a commode.

Another thing worth mentioning is that it is well filled - there's not much room for anything else - so apart from one or two odd gaps this is a complete set. There's no hammer, nor is there a ruler; maybe these have been borrowed more recently.

There's no plastic in the tool collection, which dates it, and there's no plywood in the construction of the box. Although plywood dates back to the Egyptians it became common in the 20th century.

The chest is made of yellow pine and mahogany. The yellow pine is knotty and not of high quality, but I think this is a reflection of how it was to be finished rather than the purpose of the box. It was covered in "scumble" a thick coating of shellac based materials on a Plaster of Paris base, which had enough stain in it to make the wood look like mahogany.

The lid is of yellow pine too and was shattered when I got the chest so the first thing to do was strip off all the varnish and reinforce the lid. These chests stayed in the workshop, were sat on and stood on, but maybe not in their first few years; there are hours of work in making this functional and beautiful item: "Get off that, sit on your own box, there's hours of work etc, etc."

The lock is nice - it works on the second click, which is unusual and the wrought iron lifting handles are blacksmith made.

The eight drawers or trays are of mahogany and dovetailed, there are four pairs, which slide on rails and they are varying in height with the shallowest at the top, so they are not interchangeable, and only the top two have lids.

The lower part of the interior, under the trays, is divided into three sections for larger tools - saws and planes etc.

When fully loaded this chest is heavy, very heavy, not the kind of toolchest you would want to lug from job to job. Anyway motor cars were few and far between in 1900; I imagine that Mr Wake spent much of his time in a workshop... but I don't really know so will stick with the evidence in front of me. One thing I do know is that this chest was bought at a house auction in Worcestershire in the 1950s or 60s, probably near Evesham, which puts it in the West Midlands and you can almost hear the heavy industry....

The narrow tray on the top row holds very fine dividers and callipers, is this more evidence of pattern making? This is that ubiquitous drawer for all the bits and pieces. Amongst these I found bowsaw blades, but there wasn't a bowsaw in the box so I sneaked one in. I also found bits for a "Yankee" (ratchet) screwdriver, so I sneaked one of these in too; I had an old one with the traditional wooden handle. These preceded battery drills and I found them very handy in my early days, they don't need regular charges and you can still buy them.

There is also a very elegant hammer and three spirit levels - the spirit levels say to me that Mr Wake spent some of his time out of the workshop.

The next level of drawers contain saw sharpening equipment (so he sharpened his own saws) and chisels. All the chisels in the left hand compartment are gouges (what a lot!), the right hand side contains an assortment of flat chisels. All were in good condition and didn't require much cleaning up and sharpening.

In level three on the back left hand side, I found a collection of mortice chisels with one or two others, some of them very big! On the right hand side there are lots of files, some for saw sharpening, some for the difficult bits of moulding plane blades - some for pattern making? What about the assortment of bullnose and rebate planes, at the front right hand side? These were obviously for fine detailed work - pattern making again? Does it matter? You just want to use them!

The last section contains fine chisels - I'm better acquainted with these; essential for dovetails etc.

In level four, the larger tray has an assortment of spokeshaves and home made scrapers, with the aforementioned draw-knife. There are all handy for shaped work or freehand details of a Chammer chair.

There are keyhole saws and gimlets - there's also a marking gauge, but there's a more interesting one coming up later.

The contents of the Toolchest were going to be one chapter, but that was ambitious, even without slavering endlessly over the tools. I still have the lower level to deal with and must close the lid for now.

The Chi Machine - Your Body's Best Friend

2008-02-26T03:56:00.001-08:00

The Chi Machine has been proven to benefit the body in many ways, including:

* Oxygenating the body and the spine,

* passive aerobic exercise,

* weight loss,

* eliminate fatigue,

* improving blood circulation,

* boosting the immune system,

* stress relief,

* stimulate the lymphatic system

All of these benefits can be achieved by regular use of a good Chi Machine. Most users have found that a daily 20 minute session is a great way to start. To reap the benefit from your 20 minute session all you need to do is to lie on the floor on your back with your ankles on the chi machine and turn on the machine for 20 minutes. At this point you can sit back, relax, and allow the Machine to do its work. A good machine will swing your legs and ankles in a gentile right to left motion that will move your lower spine in the same figure S motion that is like the motion of a fish as it swims. The constant swing motion of the legs and spine will serve to detoxify the body by working to effectively stimulate the lymphatic system, helping to release excess fluid and toxins. This was verified in June of 2000 when Flinders University in Adelaide Australia did a study on the effectiveness of Chi Machines. Participants of the study lost an average of 1.32lbs in addition to losing 1.5 ounces of fluid from their legs.

In addition to relaxation and detoxification the Chi Machine will also help with weight loss a 20 minute session with the unit operating at 160 swings per minute provides the same aerobic benefit as walking on a treadmill for 90 minutes. The key to weight loss and stress relief with a Chi Machine is regular daily use of at least 20 minutes per day and two sessions of 20- 30 minutes a day are best. To maximize the weight loss benefits it is recommended that you lie flat on the floor with your arms stretched above your head. You can also incorporate meditation to reinforce the benefits you receive from the Chi Machine.

Looking For A Quality Elliptical Trainer To Lose Weight With? Try The Eclipse Elliptical Machine

2008-02-26T03:46:00.000-08:00

If you're looking for a high quality machine to use for your elliptical workout, then take a look at the Eclipse range of products. If you're looking for a great overall workout, then using an elliptical machine is a great choice for you. Although many people favor more traditional workouts such as jogging, running, walking or even a treadmill, an elliptical machine can actually give you a better overall workout. This is because it reduces the stress to your body, by eliminating the slight shock that occurs every time you take a step. The tension on your body is greatly reduced, and so the results are enhanced.

Choosing an Eclipse machine means that as well as a great overall workout, you also get a machine that gives a solid performance, couple with high quality in both design and looks. Eclipse elliptical machines give you a wide range of benefits. For starters, they are easy to use, which means you can get on with enjoying your workout, rather than fiddling with the machine itself. They're also built to last, so you don't have to worry about the machine breaking before you've well and truly got value for the money you spend. Quality of design and use are very important things to consider when choosing an elliptical machine, and Eclipse will give you both these things in abundance.

Eclipse has a range of elliptical machines available, so it's important that you know exactly what features you are looking for before you make your final choice. Choosing a machine that correctly meets your needs means that you're more likely to use it consistently and benefit from doing so. Yes, you can buy the top of the range model and pay the appropriate prices, but you may prefer a more basic model if you feel that you won't need all the extra features on the more expensive model. Eclipse is sure to have a model that suits your requirements, at a price you're able to afford.

Computerized Sewing Machines

2008-02-25T04:04:00.001-08:00

Computerized sewing machines are similar to electronic sewing machines. The difference between the two is that the computerized sewing machine has a microprocessor. The microprocessor helps the computerized sewing machine to accept new information in a card form; it then creates patterns that are loaded on to the card. Computerized sewing machines are produced with on-board computer chips.

All computerized sewing machines can be set up to create designs which are automatically generated by the program without any help in guiding the material and deciding the pattern. Singer XL-1000 is a good computerized sewing machine. The features of Singer XL-1000 are the following: sews 750 stitches per minute, 25 year manufacturer warranty, free shipping,

Computerized sewing machines have a lot of features, some of them are: automatic needle threader, solid metal construction, multiple needle positions, start or stop button, mirror imaging, can perform 103 stitch functions, top rotary drop-in bobbin hook system, LCD screen displays stitch length, width adjustment, stitch patterns, needle positions etc., sews through multiple layers of denim, programmable quilting sewing machine, three styles of one step button holes include keyhole, round tack, and bartack.

Computerized sewing machine includes the embroidery machine also. SE270D sewing/embroidery machine is a computerized sewing machine. Its features include: new quick load thread cassette system that threads the needle automatically.

DC3050 Décor computerized sewing machine is used for sewing curtains, comforters, custom pillows, slipcovers etc. Features of this machine are digital LED display, fully computerized, external feed balancing dial, memorized needle up or down, immediate stitch selection, superior feed system, built-in needle threader, 15 built-in needle positions, 50 stitches including quilting stitches etc.

Operation of Turing machine Simplicity Verification - Visual Turing Machine 2.0 Appearance

2008-02-25T03:54:00.000-08:00

2.0 So actualization of the large-scale work space which clears the addition of a-ary set of symbol, the mounting and memory problem of MDI (10,000x10,000 pixel), the function where such as use statistics of actualization of the function which compiles itself machine many is new, actualization of the type function which executes the n time machine, appointment and the tape of effective speed and use statistical function of order and the function which converts the program to other language is added.

As for the Turing machine at one of the calculation models which are simplified, with computer science there is many a thing which is picked up as study item. Visual Turing Machine in addition to operating simply, because operation is visualized, is easy to see. The user which has interest using it should have tried probably.

New features are recently moderated:

- n-ary set of symbols
- multiple windows (MDI)
- huge workspace (10000x10000 pixels) without a memory issue
- ability to edit your own machines
- execute machines n times (where n is undefined)
- use expressions, for example n+5, to execute machines
- execute machines at desired speeds
- statistics to see how many instructions were executed and how much tape was "used"
- easily translatable to other languages
- developed using MVC pattern

Cutting Tool Resharpening Decisions

2008-02-19T02:28:00.000-08:00

Cutting tool resharpening is called for when your sharpened cutting tool grows dull. If the job the cutting tool is for is a high tolerance job, than resharpening may be more economical than reconditioning the cutting tool every time it grows dull. An example of high tolerance job where cutting tool resharpening would be more economical than reconditioning could be using a table saw to rip long pieces from stock for further manufacturing processes. In this case, the saw blade could be resharpened over and over again until sharpening is not a possibility because the teeth are all gone.

When a cutting tool grows dull, it may become dangerous to use. A dull cutting tool may bind up in the material that you are cutting. When a cutting tool binds in the material being cut, the possibility exists that the cutting tool may break. When a cutting tool breaks while spinning at the rate needed to perform it's cutting, it will become a dangerous flying piece of shrapnel with the potentiality of injuring one or more of your workers. If it does become a piece of shrapnel, it will cost you much more than resharpening it would. Between lost time from your worker having to receive medical attention and the production slowdown, Cutting tool resharpening is a much more cost effective process than using dull cutting tools with all the potentially dangerous things that can happen.

If your cutting tool is used for low tolerance applications, then cutting tool resharpening may not be feasible for that tool. In some cases, it may still be an option. For example, when the cutting tool is used for a simple part-off from stock already machined, then resharpening could be considered instead of sending the cutting tool out for reconditioning each time it grows dull. But if your use of the cutting tool is more complicated procedures that call for a specifically shaped cutter, then cutting tool resharpening should not be considered as a viable option at all. In this situation, the cutting tool should either be reconditioned at your work place or sent to a specialist each time the tool becomes dull, so that you retain the capabilities needed to manufacture the part within allowable tolerances.

Doing cutting tool resharpening at your facility might be more economical than sending your cutting tools to a specialist. If you are causing enough cutting tools to grow dull through use to keep one person busy sharpening them for a full day's work, than it might be less expensive for you to purchase a sharpening machine and train an employee to do the resharpening on your premises rather than sending out to a specialist. Machines that do cutting tool resharpening are not very large and relatively inexpensive. Training schools for cutting tool resharpening can be found in many places and once again, are relatively inexpensive. When taking all of this into consideration, and the amount of cutting tools that can be simply resharpened in your place of business, the decision to resharpen your cutting tools yourself might just be the most economical choice to make.

Building Wealth - Getting a Cash Machine

2008-02-19T02:27:00.000-08:00

Building wealth is easy once you get a cash machine. What is a cash machine? Well it’s not some magical machine, its something every one of us can build.

A cash machine is a business that you start or buy that generates income for you. The easiest way to get this cash machine is to build a business around skills you already have.

Don’t worry if what your skills are exactly what you love doing, because you need to focus on getting your business up and running quickly.

For example if you are an accountant, see if you can get some independent jobs on the side, either at night or on the weekend. Actively try to solicit work as an accountant and if you have extra work give it to a friend and charge them a finder’s fee.

Even if you don’t love being an accountant, by doing what you already know you can build a cash machine faster.

If you don’t want to build a cash machine you can buy one. This could most likely come from franchises. There are dozens, even hundreds of franchises you can buy for under $1,000.

Start today to get at least one cash machine up and running within the next three months. Then take that cash and keep reinvesting it into other assets, this is the best wealth building plan.

A lot of people get caught up in the details of trying to come up with a detailed business plan, but don’t get caught up in the little details, start right now. Building wealth requires large bold steps, start today.

A Vending Machine Distributor – Find Out What / How This Person Can Help You

2008-02-18T04:25:00.000-08:00

A vending machine distributor is a person that sells and delivers vending machines of all kinds. If you are planning to get started in the vending machine business, you do need to start with a distributor in order to get the machines that you need. The distributor could be a single person that sells the vending machines out of his/her basement or it could be a large company with salespeople and a catalog that you can browse through. The vending machine distributor works with the vending machine manufacturers to bring you the machines you want to use in your business.

When you want to start a vending machine business of your own, the first thing you need to do is find a vending machine distributor that has the type of vending machines you want to start with. The problem is knowing how and where to find the distributor and what vending machines are right for you. Many of the distributors you contact can give you valuable advice about what types of vending machines would be best for your area. The distributors that deal with your area will also be able to give you advice about getting into this type of business opportunity. Vending machine routes may be available where the machines are already in place.

As an independent vending machine business owner just getting started, you may not be able to deal with the manufacturers of the machines. This is where a vending machine distributor can really help you. These people know the manufacturers of all the different types of machines and may be able to put you in contact with someone that has used vending machines for sale that are in excellent condition. Since the distributor is usually a good client of the manufacturer buying many machines, for you and others taking advantage of a vending machine business opportunity, he/she will also be able to get a better deal on a new machine.

The Internet is your best source of finding a vending machine distributor. When you come across a business opportunity, vending machine distributors will be able to get you any type of vending machine you want. These people may also be able to supply you with the products that you need for stocking and restocking the machines. This is one factor that you do have to consider when you want to start a vending machine business – how difficult or easy it will be to get the products that you need. You also have to consider the location of the distributor in relation to where you are so that the costs of shipping the machines and the supplies will not be too expensive.

Just looking at the website of the vending machine distributor will give you a pretty good idea of whether or not this person is right for you to deal with. Check to make sure that the distributor keeps the website up to date and that he/she does have the latest vending machines available. Once you find a distributor that you think you might be able to work with to start a vending machine business, you should contact him/her by email or telephone to get further information. In addition to finding a vending machine distributor, you do need to check the references to make sure that you will be dealing with a reputable distributor.

How to Find a Discount Espresso Machine

2008-02-18T04:21:00.000-08:00

Until recent years, espresso machines were only seen in coffee shops and cafes. Today, the espresso machine is a common item in many kitchens worldwide. Many new models of low-priced home espresso machines have been developed to meet an increased consumer demand for espresso. Before you go out and purchase a discount espresso machine, here are a few tips to ensure you get one that best meets your needs.

Water Supply

Look for a discount espresso machine that come with its own water reservoir, or tank. Having a built in water reservoir eliminates the need to connect your espresso machine to a water line. This can be a major undertaking likely requiring the services of a plumber. To avoid this extra work, look for a machine that can hold at least 32 ounces of water, so you do not need to constantly refill it.

Number of Cups

Think about how many cups of espresso you plan on making at one time with your discount espresso machine. Many newer models of home espresso machines are designed to make only cup of espresso at a time. These machines are commonly referred to as one cup espresso makers or single cup espresso makers. If you plan on serving espresso to more than one person at a time, you will need to purchase an espresso machine that is capable of this. Keep in mind that the price of espresso machines tend to go up depending on the number of cups it is capable of making.

Warm Up Time

The amount of time it takes for a home espresso machine to warm up can vary quite a bit. Look for a discount espresso machine that only takes a few minutes to warm up. You may think the machine is warmed up because the ready light is on, but this does not indicate that its internal parts are warmed up sufficiently to produce great espresso.

Steaming Methods

The steaming method of a discount espresso machine can vary greatly from one machine to another. Look for a home espresso machine that does not require you to add water into the milk while it is steaming. Try to find a machine that has a dry steamer in order to eliminate this step. This will result in a much higher quality of espresso, as it will not be watered down by any added water.

If you are looking to buy a discount espresso machine, a great place to look is online. There are a number of sites that offer a selection of espresso machines at prices that you just cannot find in your local store or shopping mall. eBay in particular is a great place to find discounted espresso machines that are often priced hundreds of dollars below retail prices.

Choosing The Best Home Elliptical Machine For Your Space And Budget

2008-02-14T01:37:00.000-08:00

For years elliptical machines have been one of the most popular machines in many health clubs around the world. These machines do a wonderful job at helping people lose weight and feel better. There are however many people who would prefer to workout at home and use the best home elliptical machine they can afford to do so. Choosing the best home elliptical machine represents a large investment to the potential buyer, not just financially but also in their physical health. The last thing you want to happen is to buy the wrong machine and get frustrated before you even start. Knowing a few major things to look for can help you make the right decision for a machine you will enjoy for years to come.

Elliptical Machine Shoping Points

Price: You have to be honest with yourself when it comes to price and shop in the price range that you can afford. Although they start around a few hundred dollars many fitness experts claim a great home elliptical will cost around $1000.

Machine Feel: You should visit your local exercise machine dealer and try various machines in your price range out. This will allow you to feel what machine is the best home elliptical machine for your style. You may find that you may need to spend a little more then you thought once you try some machines out.

Machine Size: Ellipticals come in many different sizes, from large commercial style machines to the smaller fold up machines. You should make sure that you look at machines that fit your living style and space. For example you maybe better off with a smaller fold up machine if you have a small apartment or do not like clutter!

Many different companies manufacture ellipticals and they all claim to have the best home elliptical machine. But in reality many of these machines are poorly engineered machines that will do nothing more then anger the buyer and even destroy the desire to exercise. So be sure and shop thoroughly before you commit to buy!

Espresso Coffee Machine Essential Buying Tips

2008-02-14T01:35:00.000-08:00

Most avid coffee drinkers will concur that an espresso coffee machine is the one and only piece of kit you can purchase that will deliver the perfect cup of coffee. You will be surprised, then, that many of these coffee fans don't actually own an espresso coffee machine. There are a number of different types of machine. Knowing where to start can be confusing so here is an overview of the main types available on the market.

Espresso Coffee Machine Buying Tips.

In total there are three different types of espresso coffee machine. These are manual, semi automatic and fully automatic. In order to decide which one is best for you, one needs to consider what balance of how easy it is to use versus the degree of control over the coffee making process. Knowing the difference between espresso machines is vitally important in this respect.

Manual Espresso Coffee Machines

This is made up of a pump driven machine for frothing. Some of these are also semi automatic for speeding up the process.

Semi Automatic Espresso Machines

These are much easier to use than their manual counterparts. Use of these involves starting the pump and then waiting for the extraction process, which literally takes twenty to thirty seconds. This version of the espresso coffee machine is highly popular and a breeze to use compared with the old style machines.

One Touch Systems

This involves pressing a pad to initiate extraction. Once the required volume of espresso has been delivered using this machine, it automatically switches itself back off without the need for manual intervention. This type of machine is often used in commercial outlets such as cafeterias or restaurants.

Super Automatic Espresso Machines.

These machines are very quick and integrate both water and coffee grinders into the process that are activated with the press of a button. Everything is programmed including the amount of coffee required/delivered. This type of machine is very popular and has many obvious advantages over the others outlined above.

Some Instructions On How To Use Your Espresso Machine

2008-02-13T01:59:00.001-08:00

The word espresso literally means an extraction of coffee using high pressure from a special espresso machine. But you may need some special espresso machine instructions if your machine is different from some of the other types of machines are available, but basically to make an espresso is much the same no matter what machine you use.

Below are some hopefully foolproof instructions, which will help you to make the ideal espresso.

1. It is important that you have a good quality machine. If you can purchase one that comes with a built in grinder (as the finest ground beans make the best coffee). 2. Get some cold clear water and pour this into the machines water tank. Then make sure that the boilers cap is secure. For one shot of espresso use one ounce of coffee for a double shot use two ounces of coffee. Some machines will give as much as four shots in one go. 3. Place the basket of coffee in the filter holder. If you want you can place a little pack in the ground coffee and the filter has a measure which will tell you the amount for the type of espresso you are preparing. 4. Brush off any grounds from the top and sides of the filter and then place the filter holder inside the machine. 5. Place the glass carafe that comes with your machine under the spout and then turn the machine one. The machine will warm the water up to the correct temperature and then force it into the coffee grounds. This should take between 15 to 20 seconds and as the coffee starts to flow into the cup the foam starts forming on top. This foam is brown in color and is known as Crema but once this foam becomes white in color then the best tasting liquid is not flowing any longer and you should stop the machine now. 6. Remove the cup immediately and your cup of espresso is now ready to drink.

In order to get the best results from your espresso machine you should select beans that are specifically for making espressos. These can be found in many coffee specialty shops as well as your local grocery store. If you want to get the best espressos then I suggest buying an espresso grinder, as this is efficient enough to produce a fine grind for making espressos with. Also use filtered or bottled spring water, as tap water is too hard.

How To Buy The Perfect Sewing Machine For Your Needs

2008-02-13T01:57:00.000-08:00

Sewing Machines can be huge investments, cost a few hundred dollars or more for the nicer models. Therefore, it is important to know what you are doing when you go to the store to purchase a sewing machine. There are countless models from which to choose, so you need to know what you're looking for in a sewing machine in order to find the best buy possible. Taking your time to find the best product for you will save you money and frustration in the end.

The first thing you want to understand when looking for a sewing machine is what you will be using this sewing machine to do. Will it be used for quick repairs on clothing? Will it be used heavily every day to help run your craft business? Find a sewing machine that is durable enough for your needs. If you will be sewing for hours every single day, you're probably better off choosing a more heavy-duty machine, even if it is a little pricier, because a less expensive machine will only break down since it is not fit for heavy use.

Next, look at the extra feature of each sewing machine you are considering. Some sewing machines have settings that allow you to control the width and kind of stitch that is made. If you'll be using your sewing machine for a variety of things, this is important for you. Also check out the foot pedal. Make sure it is comfortable and easy to use. The foot pedal should work smoothly, and you should be able to either use this pedal or a switch to backstitch easily. Check the machine to find out where all of these buttons are located.

Ask about each sewing machine's warranty as well. Like any other mechanical device, sewing machines can stop working. If this happens to you, make sure that you are covered, at least for a year or two, so you can protect your investment. Be wary if no warranty is offered at all. This is often the case in renting centers and other discount places, because the sewing machine is not brand new. If someone previously owned the sewing machine, it might have had hard-to-fix problems that will happen again when you purchase it. Proceed with caution.

The last factor is, of course, price. Stay within the budget you set for yourself, because spending too much for extra features you don't need is common among consumers. Visit stores when they are having sales, like after the holidays to find the very best deal on a sewing machine that can fit your every need.

Truck Tool Box Tonneau Covers

2008-02-11T02:25:00.000-08:00

Truck tool box tonneau covers are for people who want a tonneau cover but don’t really want to give up the advantage of owning a truck tool box. Owning a tonneau cover has some great advantages such as protecting your cargo from the weather and keeping your cargo out of sight from people who like to take things that don’t belong to them. A tonneau cover can also increase your gas mileage. With today’s gas prices this can make owning a tonneau cover all by itself worth the cost of purchasing one.

You can have all the advantages of owning a tonneau cover and still have a truck tool box to protect and store your tools. Different companies such as Extang with several different models of tool box tonneau covers which require you to either have a truck tool box or purchase one. Access also has a tool box edition which you also have to purchase or own a truck tool box.

Reds Beds offer an aluminum diamond plate tonneau cover which accepts a truck tool box but they also offer a diamond plate aluminum tonneau cover which includes an aluminum diamond plate truck tool box. Truxedo has the Truxedo plus which is a truck tool box tonneau cover with the truck tool box built into it.

Tools are expensive so you definitely want to keep them protected from the weather and keep them from rolling around in your truck bed. Truck tool boxes are made to do just that. The creation of the truck tool box tonneau cover was a great idea for those of us who wanted the advantage of both a tonneau cover and a truck tool box.

Elliptical Machine Workout

2008-02-11T02:23:00.000-08:00

An elliptical machine workout is perfect if you want to workout your entire body. If you are ready to kick your existing workout up a notch add an elliptical machine to tone and work your entire body.

An elliptical machine workout is great for any level of exerciser from beginner to more advanced. Elliptical machines are widely used in gyms across the country and they are available for home use as well.

They come in any price range to make them more obtainable to all different budgets. The great benefit of elliptical machine workouts is they can help you lose weight, increase your energy levels, and increase your overall health in just 30 minutes a day.

Using a full body workout machine can help you get a great workout for your entire body in a shorter amount of time than other machines can. It is also easier on your joints than other workouts and can give great results.

Adding regular exercise into your day can increase your energy levels and even help to lift depression. These are great benefits of the elliptical machine workouts.

An elliptical exercise trainer is a perfect machine for at-home use. It takes the movement of stepping and combines it with cross-country skiing. Some machines even have poles for you to use to get a full body workout that will work every major muscle group in your body.

It can provide a more complete workout than even jogging can give you. The great thing is that you can exercise within the comfort of your own home during the cold winter months and during the extreme hot summer months.

To vary your elliptical machine workout you can reverse your motion to use even more muscles. Increasing the intensity for a few minutes makes it more challenging and interesting to you.

Keeping your routine interesting can help you to remain committed in your quest for better health. Commitment is the key to getting results with any exercise regimen, including an elliptical machine workout.

If you are looking for a great full body workout machine consider purchasing an elliptical trainer. With the health benefits that the elliptical exercise trainer can help you achieve you will be feeling healthier in no time.

Linux Training for the New Linux User - Linux Virtual Machine Tips & How to Use Linux in Windows

2008-02-08T01:49:00.000-08:00

You uncompress the single Linux download file into a folder to put the Linux virtual machine files onto your Windows hard disk. One of these files is the main virtual machine file that is opened to run the Linux virtual machine.

To run Linux in Windows, you just run the free virtual machine player and open the main virtual machine file!

Linux Tips You Need to Know about Linux Virtual Machines - So You Can Easily Run Linux in Windows

1. There are hundreds of free Linux virtual machines available for download, but all Linux virtual machines are not created equal.

To create a Linux virtual machine, a person installs the Linux OS on a computer system with various Linux software programs and configuration settings. The person doing the Linux installation decides what Linux software components are installed and what Linux configuration settings are made. After the installation, the person then creates the Linux download file that contains the virtual machine files, and then makes it available for download.

For example, some virtual machines will be installed with a Linux desktop, but others, such as one that has been installed to be a Linux server, won't. Some will have a Linux firewall installed (and turned on) and others won't.

2. Get the Specs of the Linux virtual machine before doing the Linux download.

When you go to a web site to get a Linux virtual machine, be sure to have a look at the specs of the Linux download (virtual machine) file to see what Linux software components it has installed. Unfortunately, some web sites that have virtual machines don't show very much information about their Linux download files.

Linux Tips: If you are a new Linux user, be sure to only download virtual machines that have a Linux desktop. This will make it easier for you to run Linux software programs and to open a terminal emulation window on the desktop. You open a terminal emulation window to get to the Linux command line prompt and run Linux commands.

Starting a Gumball Machine Business

2008-02-08T01:45:00.000-08:00

The most frightful competition where gumball vending machines are considered is candy vending machine, and soda vending machine. Candy vending machines are an alternative to gumball ones, because they are both considered to be sweets. The difference however, is the fact that gumball vending machines are so much cheaper, so they have more popularity among people. Sales from a gumball vending machine are much higher than a candy one. And besides, the gumball vending machines are smaller and can be placed in any food store. A gumball vending machine is first of all a vending machine business niche element. So in order to make profit and be successful in your business, you most certainly must think about positioning the gumball vending machine. Considering the fact that candy vending machines can’t be placed in a local food store - a gumball dispenser is, however, a great replacement, being smaller and much more adaptable to a local store. Kids are the main targets to a gumball vending machine, so placing vending machines in locations where kids go is a major factor in increasing your revenue and developing a profitable vending machine business.

The gumball vending machine business

It’s true that gumball machines produce gum that is extremely cheap, so the price can’t be so high. But think again, because things can be different. Having gumball sold in million pieces a day, you can even make a fortune out of gumball vending machines. Purchasing more than just one gumball machine is the key to increasing your profit. And placing them in children’s way is the key to a successful vending machine business. One of the major factors that can bring you trouble is direct sunlight. Having your gumball vending machine put straight into the sunlight can affect the quality of the gum not to mention the color that will slowly fade away. So, in order to protect your vending machine business, make sure you place your gumball vending machines in a shady cool place for the durability and good maintenance of the quality of the gumballs. Find out detailed information here: Vending Machine Expert

Use Your Answering Machine To Get You More Clients

2008-02-07T01:45:00.001-08:00

Another effective marketing tool is your answering machine.

Most gift basket business owner use it to entertain callers.

Some messages people usually use to entertain are:

“This is the Bobby’s residence. Sorry we are not at home right now. Please leave a message after the tone“ “You have just reach 058 434 43433. I’m not available at the moment…..“

This is not a professional way of doing business and it would not help you get more customers. You should record what you do and the service you provide. It must be used as another way to position yourself as an expert.

Market yourself with your voice

You are going to have a marketing message on your answer machine. Clients that call you are interesting in you business so they would be interested in listen to a message that interest them if you not available.

Answering Machine Script

So, instead of saying, “This is the Bobby’s residence. Sorry we are not at home right now. Please leave a message after the tone“. Why not say “Hello, Thank you for calling to discuss how to improve your business and get more clients. It’s Anne Williams, Your Local Gift Basket Producers.”

“I’m quite busy at the moment but your call is extremely important to me. So at the tone, please leave your name, telephone number and a detailed message slowly and clearly and I’ll guarantee getting back to you.”

Choose A Vending Machine Distributor – Find One That Supplies Bulk Products Too

2008-02-07T01:37:00.000-08:00

When you contact a vending machine distributor, you have the option to choose from many different types of vending machines. Some distributors specialize in one type of vending machine, such as soda vending machines, whereas others have all kinds for you to choose from. Most of the distributors have a website where you can browse the list of used and new vending machines. When you do choose a vending machine distributor, you should choose one that can also supply you with the bulk products that you need.

Bulk vending distributors have a wide variety of supplies that you can purchase for stocking your vending machines. When you sit down to discuss the business with a vending machine distributor, you can get a good estimate of the costs involved in operating this type of business. You do have to factor in the costs of buying the machines and the bulk vending products that you need. You also have to deduct the commission that you pay the business owners of the locations where you place your machines.

Distributors of vending machines deal directly with the manufacturers and they also have great associations with other vending business owners. If you want to find a vending route for sale, you best source of information is a vending machine distributor. In dealing with the various operators, the distributor will be able to tell you why the person is selling the route and whether or not he/she thinks it would be profitable for you to buy it. There are also bulk vending distributors that sell products only and do not deal in the vending machines themselves.

Take at look at the types and condition of the machines that a vending machine distributor has to sell. Most of the time you will see very little difference in a new and used vending machine. The main difference will be in the price of each one, so after your inspection you will realize how much money you can save by buying used vending machines. Distributors of vending machines also offer payment plans so that you can finance the cost of the machine over a period of time, saving you money on the initial investment. If you are not sure whether or not you will remain in the vending machine business, you can also lease the vending machines from bulk vending distributors.

You won’t find it hard to contact a vending machine distributor when you search online. Distributors of vending machines will deliver the machines to you and will also arrange to pick them up if you decide you no longer want to use the machines of a specific distributor or you want to get out of the business. However, bulk vending distributors do not take back any supplies that you purchase, but you may be able to sell what you have left over to another person just getting started in the vending machine business. A vending machine distributor will be able to give you expert advice on how to operate your vending route and on the products that have the most profit.

The Right Tool for the Job

2008-02-06T02:12:00.000-08:00

Imagine this: You’ve just tucked your child in for the night and - well, it seems as though you’ve just tucked him in, but, now that you think about it, the news is coming on and you’ve managed to fold the laundry, do the dishes, and tidy the family room in the meantime, so maybe it’s actually been a couple of hours and, and - he’s calling for you! Why isn’t he asleep yet?!

You’ve been summoned for one last whisper, snuggle and butterfly kiss. In your attempt to navigate the four feet between the bedroom door and the bedside you manage to plant your unprotected left foot smack on top of a Mars colony created from LEGOs. (Why are those blasted blocks so painful?!) As you attempt to regain your balance (and refrain from swearing out loud) your right foot lands on and collapses the K’Nex version of the International Space Station. You are clearly losing the navigational battle of your child’s bedroom floor and now, on your way to greeting that when-was-the-last-time-this-was-vacuumed-floor with your face, you notice that hurled under the bedframe like so much forgotten dirty laundry, is the homework assignment that was DUE THREE WEEKS AGO!!

Feel free to replace the LEGOs and K’Nex with puzzles, art or construction materials, books, blocks, marbles, beads, play-doh, ribbons, scissors, stuffed animals, chess pieces, or any number of other items. Then switch the misplaced homework with anything else that nobody but you seems to understand the value and importance of – like, say, homework. If this scenario sounds even remotely like an evening from your life, you are probably the parent of a visual-spatial learner.

Visual-spatial learners are the delightful little darlings (and big darlings, too, seems you can’t outgrow this) in our lives who crave for time with such joys as building, painting, drawing, daydreaming, dancing, music making, and letting their creative imaginations soar. They struggle to find the time or inclination to put their clothes away, maintain some degree of organization (at least what passes as organization in the rest of the free world), and you can forget altogether about punctuality. They have the most incredible, “A-Ha!” moments of discovery, invention and problem solving, but the skills of managing a time schedule or showing their work may absolutely elude them. They march to their own drummer and virtually nothing you do will convince them it may be offbeat.

Is knowing someone’s learning style important?

Does it matter whether or not you know your child is a visual-spatial learner? Well, one might just as easily ask, does it matter whether or not you know if they are right- or left-handed? When we know a child is left-handed, we don’t insist they use right-handed scissors. We used to, but then we realized that lefties are born that way, that there’s nothing wrong with being a leftie and we, the right-handers of the world, finally accepted lefties as they are. When given the proper tool, the task became easier, the job more interesting, and the end result more pleasing.

What if we’re not giving the appropriate tools to specific learning styles? If you, your child’s teacher, and others involved in this person’s life, understand that people can have a preferred learning style, just like having a preferred writing hand, and that you could teach to that preferred learning style, wouldn’t you be offering them the same advantage for learning that appropriate scissors are to preferred handedness?

I didn’t know people actually thought differently until my son was old enough to describe for me how he thought. For instance, one night as I was tucking him in, I asked him which goodnight song he wanted. He sat straight up in bed and stared intently at the ceiling. “What are you looking at?” I asked. “My song list.” “Oh, what does it look like?” He proceeded to “draw” with his finger in the air a sort of shelf holding every picture of every song he knew. He described the images of a number of songs for which he could also find a word, the song’s name, to match his image. He could see the song he wanted but couldn’t find its name. I asked him to describe the picture: a hand with two fingers up. While I was guessing songs with two items, songs with the number two, anything “two,” my hand (with two fingers raised) was bouncing and he got it: Little Bunny FooFoo!! This was not a song I had sung to him in many years, maybe four or more, but the image, the picture he had created of the song, lived on in his mind’s eye, on his shelf of songs.

What I discovered about my son’s learning style was that he thinks in images. His brain is one gigantic filing system of pictures that symbolize words (like song names!). Visual-spatials, like my son, can often solve complex math equations accurately, but they may not always be able to show their work. They excel in “right-hemispheric” talents, skills requiring aptitude from the right side of the brain: art, geometry, thinking in multiple dimensions, music, creativity, empathy, design and invention, and the sheer joy of creating something wonderful out of the trash you nearly threw away.

One evening, after enjoying a take-out meal from a local restaurant, my youngest couldn’t wait to get his hands on some tape and the Styrofoam containers our food had been delivered in. He “saw” airplane propellers in the lids, an airplane body in the boxes and all the other pieces required to create his custom jet. They were all there, their potential being wasted just holding our food. When dinner was over, voila, the airplane was created – food crumbs and all! (I’m almost certain it still exists somewhere, probably under his bed!)

Ok, one more story. Once, as we were headed out for some unmemorable chore, and still backing out of the driveway, Visual-Spatial Poster Child was obviously struggling in his seat. “What’s up?” I called back. “I can’t get the backward seven to work!” I’m thinking, “backward seven??” – what is it, how does it work and why does he need it? “Uh, what’s a backward seven, honey?” I cautiously asked. Meanwhile, I’m headed down the street and the panic level in his voice is rising. At the stop sign I looked back to discover that he had not been able to connect his seatbelt, which from his vantage point, coupled with his ability to see the image and not find the matching word, is clearly a backward seven!

Most people, I have learned, are a little sequential and a little spatial. My oldest, for example, is very strong in both auditory-sequential abilities and visual-spatial abilities. For him, learning comes easily and rapidly. He can grasp complex concepts with little effort regardless of how they are presented. What a gift to be able to call upon the strengths of either or both hemispheres at any given time!

In an effort to meet the needs of children like mine, we parents and teachers must first recognize that there are distinct differences in how many people think and learn that are inherent in each individual, even in our learning styles. Many of us are strongly auditory-sequential or strongly visual-spatial. To require visual-spatial learners to conform to an auditory-sequential structure, in their home and/or school life, is equivalent to the archaic practice of forcing left-handed children to write with their right hand.

Visual-spatial abilities – your child’s gift

Think you’ve got a visual-spatial on your hands? What do you do now, right? As a homeschooling mom, I have the luxury of creating a classroom that is custom-designed to meet the unique needs of my children and their abilities. Whenever we approach any new learning material, we think about how to present it visually. Often my children come up with remarkably effective, visual ways they would like to learn new material. From maps of South America in multiple colors of clay (including transparency overlays of the ancient Aztec, Mayan, and Incan civilizations) to gigantic sheets of butcher paper (to trace the paths of the first Polynesian explorers and Lewis and Clark), we are always incorporating some interesting visual activity to accompany and expand upon our traditional curriculum. You haven’t truly appreciated Shakespeare until you’ve seen us dissect it, diagram it, and create a cartoon version of it!

Visual “props” such as math manipulatives, graphic organizers, the computer, good old paper and crayons, clay, transparencies, mnemonic devises, cartoons, and much more, serve to enhance the overall educational experience for every learner, visual-spatial and auditory-sequential. I’ve never met an auditory-sequential learner who didn’t enjoy squishing and shaping clay to re-create ancient artifacts, but I’ve known several visual-spatial learners who couldn’t recite the dates or the names if they had only learned the information by having it read or lectured to them. They remember what they see, not always what they hear. And for what they hear, they must be allowed time to create a visual image to accompany that new knowledge or it is lost.

Visual-spatial learners learn by observation. At just 20 months I discovered my eldest son “playing” on the computer. He had learned how to manipulate the mouse, get into a document and ask the printer to do its thing just by watching me! I wasn’t teaching him, but he had been on my lap and seen the process maybe two or three times, and he learned it. Today he approaches computers as many kids of his generation do, without any trepidation or concern, fully understanding how it performs pure acts of magic.

The following picture was created when I asked my son to tell me how he was able to learn Spanish so well. (Foreign languages are not typically mastered by visual-spatial learners unless they are involved in a total immersion program.) He proceeded to draw, in great detail, (rather than try to explain!) how his “satellites” (ears) receive information which was then forwarded to the “Picture making building” which transforms the signals into pictures. Those pictures then travel to the “picture stamping” area which “puts what the picture means on” the picture. (Must have missed this step with the Little Bunny FooFoo song!) Finally, the image travels to the “Filing Building” where all images are stored for later recollection. What I particularly enjoyed hearing about was where all the employees (who were responsible for receiving signals, stamping the pictures and filing) lived: Employee Paradise, a fenced-in village complete with swimming pool and small store!

Successfully harnessing the gift

If your child is a visual-spatial learner, one of your jobs as a parent is to work with the classroom teacher to understand and teach to a known preferred learning style. Chances are your child isn’t the only visual-spatial in the classroom; studies have shown that at least one-third of the population is visual-spatial. By enriching the learning experience with a more visual, hands-on approach, with activities that engage all students, the classroom teacher doesn’t sacrifice anyone’s learning, only adds to everyone’s. If the teacher can reach everybody, nobody falls through the cracks.

At home, take a look at how you communicate with your child. Imagine it’s time for the weekly (monthly?) Clean Your Bedroom Or Else ritual. Do you typically rattle off a list of do-this, do-that chores then leave the room believing that your “picture” of a clean living space will somehow manifest itself out of the reigning chaos? And that it will do so within a prescribed timeframe? Now think about your success rate with this approach. Next time, try this: work with your child to create a poster of pictures (either drawings you create together or clippings from magazines) of what the end product, the Never Been Seen Since We Moved In Bedroom, should look like when the job is finished. The pictures might include one of a nicely made bed with all the stuffed animals aligned and waiting. Another picture of folded clothes neatly tucked into drawers that are still within the dresser, while another picture shows matching shoes lined up nicely on the floor of the closet. Yet another of similar toys gathered carefully into tubs ….ok, you get the picture. Now help them get the picture.

Getting a visual-spatial child out the door can be an on-going challenge. There are so many distracting and more entertaining options available. One technique that works, at least some of the time, is to create a picture of the consequences of not getting to your destination on time. For example, suppose you are running late to an afternoon Tae Kwon Do practice. You could create the following picture for your child: “If we are late for your class, that will upset the instructor and possibly interrupt the start of the lesson for all the other students who did arrive on time. How do think your instructor will feel? How will the other students feel?” If they can see the consequences of not arriving on time, you may actually stand a chance of getting out the door – and, with the shoes! Assure your child that whatever they were longing to do instead of getting in the car will be there for them when they return. Visualizing what will happen, or not happen, as a result of their action, or inaction, is often an effective way to get results. Also, effective although militaristic sounding, are one word commands, “Shoes – Car - Please” convey all the instructions they need.

If you are not a visual-spatial learner and your child is, you must try to “see” from his or her perspective. Unless you have created a picture for the visual learner to remember, consider it lost. You could deliver an entire set of instructions regarding the laundry: gather it all, bring it down to the laundry room, sort by colors, fill the washer with detergent, turn on the water, add the bleach, put the clothes in, etc., but if you have not planted the image of the chore’s goal – clean laundry – your child will be stuck envisioning gathering the laundry in a room full of temptations that draw attention completely away from the chore at hand. Once you think you’ve created a picture, ask your child to describe for you what that image is. Make sure you both agree on the “picture” that will result when the chore is complete.

Imagine you are helping your visual-spatial child to master something new. Whether it’s riding a bike or memorizing the multiplication tables, the greatest gift you can give your child is to present that new material visually. I once met an incredibly dynamic teacher who taught the 13 colonies by having his audience memorize a ridiculous story – in pictures that each person drew - of a Jersey cow named Georgia, atop the Empire State Building. Are you “seeing” New Jersey, Georgia and New York here? I taught my sons their times tables by reading them the silliest cartoons that exchanged the names of numbers for characters and other objects. What’s 8 x 2? “Skate times shoe = Sick Queen, Sixteen!” from the cartoon story of a queen spinning dizzily while wearing a shoe on one foot, and a skate on the other. (You can find the entire collection available at www.multiplication.com.) There are a number of math programs out that include presenting material visually including Borenson’s Hands-on Equations, Mortenson Math, Math-U-See and more.

Maybe if we ignore it, they’ll outgrow it!

Preferred learning styles don’t affect just school-age children! My husband and mother-in-law recently learned there was a name to refer to how they thought and learned. Neither knew that their way of thinking was different from others, they thought everybody learned and thought in images. And, while neither did well in elementary school, both are very bright. Understanding their uniqueness has helped to heal old wounds from their school days and to create confidence in their abilities and contributions.

The future for visual-spatial learners

Parents of visual-spatial learners everywhere, take heart! We are on the eve of an educational revolution and your child’s time to shine has come. For the first time in perhaps centuries, their special gifts will be recognized and honored. How can I make such a prediction? Because in this new century, our reliance on the computer and the visually-oriented careers that will spring from it mean the talents that come naturally to the visual-spatial learner will be of highest value. It can be exceedingly challenging for sequential, left-hemispheric thinkers to imagine objects in dimensional form, to create pictures in their mind’s eye, to think in terms of space rather than time. But for the visual-spatial learner it is precisely how they think and learn. Perhaps one day, there will be remedial courses in how to think sequentially because the talent for such will have been lost.

Sewing Machine FAQs

2008-02-06T02:08:00.000-08:00

A sewing machine is a device which manipulates thread to form a stitch.

What are the uses of a sewing machine?

The uses of a sewing machine are stitching garments, leather, green house covers, car covers, parachute, canvas, bags etc.

What are the two types of sewing machines used?

The two types of sewing machines are household sewing machine and industrial sewing machine.

What is an Industrial sewing machine?

Industrial sewing machines are used by textile manufacturers and customers who need a faster and professional job.

What are the differences between industrial and household sewing machines?

An Industrial sewing machine is faster and performs perfect stitches. They can perform only one operation at a time. While a household sewing machine can perform a straight stitch, a zig-zag, sew on a button or make a button hole with all operations built into the machine.

Whether a sewing machine can stitch heavy weight materials such as canvas etc.?

Yes, a sewing machine can stitch heavy weight materials such as canvas by using needle feed or walking feet or a combination of both with the sewing machine.

What are the classifications of sewing machines?

Sewing machines can be classified according to its usage. Its classification includes computerized sewing machines, embroidery sewing machines etc.

What are the names of companies who are famous in the market of sewing machine?

The companies which are popular in the production of sewing machines are Singer, Pfaff, White, Brother etc.

How can a sewing machine be purchased?

A new sewing machine can be purchased anywhere once the model is finalized by the customer. But a used sewing machine is best purchased from a trusted dealer. Dealers must have showroom and demonstration facilities.

How can one ensure about the right sewing machine?

By talking and asking questions to a local dealer of sewing machines. One can also get a free demonstration from the dealer.

Automatic Espresso Machines - Fully or Semi Automatic?

2008-02-05T00:45:00.001-08:00

When it comes to automatic espresso machines, there are two main options you have to choose from. The first option is a semi-automatic or super-automatic espresso machine and the second is a fully-automatic espresso machine. An automatic espresso machine has typically been used in a commercial setting, but more and more are showing up in household kitchens.

Semi-automatic espresso machines require some level of participation from the user. This user must start the initial process of the espresso machine, until the automatic portion takes over. Once the brewing process has been completed, the user must than turn off the machine. Semi-automatic espresso machines are significantly cheaper than fully automatic.

Fully-automatic espresso machines do not require any user participation whatsoever. The machine can automatically handle each step in the espresso making process. These machines are usually larger and more expensive than their semi-automatic counterparts. This type of automatic espresso machine is quite complex, as it has its own sequenced coordinating system of water, grinder, and extractor.

The first step is to determine which of the two types of automatic espresso machines would best fulfill your needs. If you are planning on using the machine commercially, the fully-automatic espresso machine would be the most logical choice. With no need for user participation and the ability to produce more espresso at a faster rate, these machines are perfect for commercial use.

If the espresso machines will only be used in a home environment, a semi-automatic espresso machine might make more sense. Since they are more compact and less expensive, semi automatic espresso machines work very well in the kitchen. A semi automatic espresso machine can be purchased online for as little as $150 dollars.

Once you have decided which type of automatic espresso machine you would like to purchase, do some research on the Internet to find the specific machine that suits you best. At this point, you can use your own criteria such as price or specific features you are looking for to find the perfect automatic espresso machine.

Coffee Hot And Fast With An Automatic Espresso Machine

2008-02-05T00:37:00.000-08:00

For the passionate coffee lover – those who love their coffee pure and rich and strong - not much rivals the automatic espresso machine in terms of convenience. Whether you visit your local coffee shop where the air comes alive with the hiss and heat of steam or you invest in an at-home automatic espresso machine where you’re free to tinker with the perfect coffee recipe, the results are the same – the perfect cup of coffee and a very, very happy coffee lover.

The automatic espresso machine comes in two varieties; semi automatic and full automatic. Using a semi automatic espresso machine requires partial participation on the part of the user. Whoever is operating the machine must start it at which point the automatic espresso machine takes over. When the brewing process is complete, the user then shuts down the machine. The full automatic espresso machine does not require any operator participation. This is usually a larger and pricier automatic espresso machine due to its heightened complexity; but it brews completely on its own coordinating a system of water, grinders, and extractors.

Deciding which automatic espresso machine would best suit your needs depends on its intended use. For commercial use, a full automatic espresso machine makes more sense; there’s more space for a larger machine and the demand for multiple cups of espresso would make the need for heavy operator participation inefficient.

For at home use, a semi automatic espresso machine would be sufficient for private brewing. Its smaller size takes space issues into consideration and it is normally less pricey than its larger counterpart.

To find the model that works best for you, start your research on the Internet. You will be able to access thousands of consumer report records that will tell you which of the machines you are interested are performing the best.

Newbie Cash Machine - A Buyer's Clear-Headed Review

2008-02-02T01:54:00.001-08:00

Before I bought myself a copy of "Ewen Chia's Newbie Cash Machine", I was sure it was going to be another big waste of money. But I was wrong. While this may not be the most spectacular affiliate marketing tool ever put out there, it is one very decent product.

With "Ewen Chia's Newbie Cash Machine", newbies can finally get a picture of the Big Picture. What I mean by that is… there are a lot of marketing guides out there that give you a ton of information on how to make money online, but too often it's given to you in bits and pieces, and it's really confusing. You know what I mean: you feel like you've been left alone to connect the dots and you just can't seem to do it. You never get to say, "Okay, I get it now!" You never get… the Big Picture. If you're struggling, I definitely think "Newbie Cash Machine" is going to help you get there.

First of all, a quick word on the author, Ewen Chia. Ewen Chia is one of the world's most successful affiliate marketers and he got there by selling other people's products first before selling his own stuff. In my book, that counts for a lot.

He's a pretty hypey fella, I'll give you that (his sales pages scream pretty loudly), but he's an honest entrepeneur, and I say this from personally dealing with several of his products. They're all good-to-high quality products put together with care.

Newbie Cash Machine stands out as a newcomer's marketing guide for a couple of reasons:

First of all, the price. At $27 it's lower than most other products of its kind. That's a good starting point. Secondly, inside those 141 pages Newbie Cash Machine contains a full system for you to implement and start making money with. It's an easy-to-follow, 10 step system that keeps focused on your target without ever confusing you. This is a huge benefit, because a lot of marketing ebooks out there are just really, really badly written, which ends up making them a huge waste of your time. (I used to teach English as Second Language so this especially gets to me.)

Now here's the big surprise in Newbie Cash Machine. If you're totally new to Internet Marketing, this may not seem like a such a big deal, but believe me, it is. I'm talking about the section on how to design an opt-in landing page. As far as I know, no other marketing guide covers this topic at the nuts-and-bolts level like Newbie Cash Machine does.

If you don't know what an opt-in landing page is, now's the time to learn. Opt-in landing pages have really become the hub of affiliate marketing these days, and if you don't know how to implement this one technique, chances are you are going to fail as online marketer. Newbie Cash Machine walks you through the process from A to Z.

Here are some of the points the Opt-in section goes into in loads of detail:

How to design your opt-in landing page.

How to setup your autoresponder.

How to time your follow-up messages.

Concrete examples of follow-up messages you can copy.

Even how to speak to your customers.
…and more.

I also want to list a few other things you'll find inside Newbie Cash Machine so you have a better idea of the product. You'll learn:

How to promote products without using so much hype.

Which affiliate programs to choose. (incredibly important!)

How to set up your Clickbank account.

How to set up your own domain.

How to cloak your links.

How to write affiliate review articles.

... the list goes on.

Okay, so I've sung its praises, does Newbie Cash Machine have anything I don't like? Well, it really is a guide for newbies, so unless you fall into this category, it won't really be of any interest to you. But as a starter level resource, I really do think it's worth your while.

If you're looking to be millionaire by tomorrow morning, this ain't it. But if you're willing to put some effort into learning and applying the legitimate techniques of affiliate marketing, Ewen Chia's Newbie Cash Machine is a small jewel and I highly recommend it. It's the most solid and up-to-date marketing tool you can start with these days. You will make money online if you apply what you learn here.

How to Select the Best Espresso Machine

2008-02-02T01:47:00.000-08:00

First of all, what is this beverage called espresso? The word espresso itself is derived from the Italian word meaning express. This is because espresso is ordered by and delivered quickly to the customer. A good espresso must taste sweet with a strong aroma whose flavor is like freshly ground coffee.

The wonders of science have made it possible for people to make their own espresso using espresso machines at home - instead of having to visit commercial coffee houses for it. Before, coffee houses employed professional baristas to brew each and every cup of coffee for their customers. Now, people can just buy an espresso machine to enjoy their own coffee at their convenience.

How does one select the best espresso machine for their purposes? Ideally, consumers should test-run each espresso machine and judge every one based on taste, build-quality, features, and ease of use. However, since this is not practical, consumers can rely on testimonials from their friends or turn to the reviews published by reputable coffee afficionado magazines. They can also go around the stores and window-shop, asking pertinent questions from the salespeople in order to make the best buy.

How does an espresso machine work? An espresso machine shoots out water that is 90 degrees Centigrade hot (or at a temperature equal to 195 degrees Fahrenheit) using 9 bar of pressure into a puck of freshly ground coffee. The oils in the finely ground coffee are thus extracted and emulsified to create a rich, nearly syrupy liquid.

Ideally, a machine can churn out a double shot of espresso within 20 to 25 seconds from when its pump is initially switched on. The amount of time necessary can be adjusted by putting in coffee that is either of a finer or coarser blend. Or you can change the tamping pressure.

Certain espresso machines are combination machines that rely on a steam wand to create milk-based espresso beverages like the latte and cappucino. The machine steams and froths milk to produce these drinks.

The different kinds of espresso machines are called the pump-driven espresso machine, piston-driven espresso machine, steam espresso machine, stovetop espresso machine, automatic espresso maker and lastly the super automatic espresso maker.

The key to good espresso is using an excellent espresso blend. Coffees must be specially blended to produce the smoothness, aromatics and sweetness inherent in good espresso. However, the blend should be freshly ground and brewed within four days from roasting.

Another element of good espresso making is that the espresso must be roasted light so that its sugars and aroma will not be lost. Darkly-roasted espresso produces a bitter liquid that tastes like charcoal.

CNC Machines

2008-02-01T01:24:00.001-08:00

What is a CNC Machine? CNC stands for Computer Numeric Control. Sounds complicated, but it isn’t. Years ago, it was just NC, or Numeric Control. Since, they’ve added computers to control the machine.

In the simplest of terms, think of a drill press. It’s a machine that drills holes. But before you can drill the hole, you have to loosen the chuck, install the correct drill bit, drill the hole in the correct place, turn off the drill, and remove the drill bit. Manually, this could be time consuming and cause fatigue over the course of numerous parts. This is a simple example, but throw in some lathe or milling machining and you have a greater chance for error.

With the CNC machine, all of this drilling can be done automatically instead of the manual process listed above. Machining has to be precise, and whether you use a CNC lathe or milling machine, you have to make sure the part is right. The computer takes a lot of the guesswork out of the machining of these parts. In fact, a CNC programmer can sometimes get bored watching the machine do all the work.

But there is more programming for the machine than you would think. The operator has to enter a set of instructions. The programming uses about 50 words and tells the machine how fast, how deep, and location for machining.

What can you do with a CNC machine? In manufacturing, you can use this tool for milling, drilling, reaming, boring and counter boring. You can also groove and thread parts in a CNC turning center. You may have several setups including CNC lathes, CNC drill and tap area, CNC milling, or even CNC grinding.

EDM (electrical discharge machining) can also take advantage of CNC operations. EDM can be either vertical or wire. A vertical EDM machine uses an electrode to make a cavity for a plastic injection-molding machine. A wire EDM machine uses a wire to cut metal for a tooling operation for fabrication. EDM is more closely related to making tooling for other machines, people often overlook the use of CNC with these machines.

CNC machines can also be used with routers in the wood industry. CNC can also be used with lettering and engraving.

Dog Frisbee Thrower Machine

2008-02-01T01:23:00.000-08:00

Dogs love to play fetch the ball, stick or Frisbee and yet this is not so easy for us to spend the time to do this. Sure it makes sense to throw a ball or Frisbee a few times to exercise our pets, but then it gets kind of boring for us humans and the dog still wants to play.

So, therefore I propose a new type of machine to be invented; A Dog Frisbee Thrower Machine. First you set the dial as to the distance you wish it to fling the Frisbee out and the angle width for instance 30 degree range to miss the house and the shrubs. Next you put say; Here is the Frisbee, see it. Then you drop it in the machine and away it goes.

Next the trusty dog brings it back and your take it and put it into the machine, see ya! The dog runs after it and quickly retrieves it, next you make the dog put the Frisbee in the machine. Good bye goes the Frisbee and the dog comes back and again you signal the dog to put it into the machine for you, again same thing.

Next you read a good book and keep telling the dog to stick it into the machine, eventually the dog can do this on its own and the Dog Frisbee Thrower Machine is now the worlds greatest gift you ever bought for said doggy! Consider this in 2006.

Forex Trading Machine, Is It For Real? Review

2008-01-31T01:45:00.000-08:00

Trading the Forex markets has become one of the most popular activities among people from all walks in life but with the solid interest of gaining financial freedom away from the traditional environments of the office work.

But Forex trading is not always easy. You will need a good amount of knowledge related to how the currency markets behave in order to become a profitable forex trader. It is the dream of every trader to have a forex trading machine that would help them once the time to make a transcendental decision in the markets comes.

Now a days a veteran trader has been spreading the word about an original and quite revolutionary way to trade the forex markets. It is a system based on what is called Price Driven Forex Trading (PDFT).

He claims that this is at last that elusive Forex Trading Machine that has been dreamed by many traders for many years. PDFT is a system based in three trading strategies that are able to produce consistent and systematic profits for the trader that follows PDFT to the letter.

Many veteran traders agree that in order to be successful in the world of forex trading you must be original, innovative and different in your trading systems. And this is the basis of the Forex Trading Machine based on a different approach to currency trading, this is by the use of PDFT which is a method of trading the forex market without using any type of indicators, support or resistance levels, moving averages, pivots, oscillators, fibonacci, trend lines or any other trading tool you can think of. Price Driven Forex Trading only uses the price of the currency pair and a time element. Quite innovative I would say.

Embroidery Machine Designs For The Modern Individual

2008-01-31T01:42:00.000-08:00

Tired of looking for that perfect embroidery machine design? Do you feel like all the embroidery machine designs you have looked at have something missing?

Then you haven't seen the Janome Memory Craft 9500 just yet. This tool is probably the most technologically advanced machine in the market today that offers excellent embroidery machine designs and state-of-the-art computerized tools to help you create the best possible embroidery project.

The Janome Memory Craft 9500 is a product that has been cultivated in the technological centers of Japan, and you can only get it from two dealers - Mr. Vac and Mrs. Sew. There are only limited stocks of this marvelous apparatus so you have to check out all its features right now and see for yourself if you will benefit from this contraption.

There are actually many modern embroidery machine designs available today, each with its own characteristic features, but the Janome Memory Craft 9500 stands out in several ways.

First of all, this product is a very comprehensive collection of everything you will need to start on your needlework. It has an Ultimate Starter Kit, which contains everything from thread to needles to bobbins. It has everything you need for your embroidery projects.

Among the contents of the Ultimate Starter Kit are the vibrantly colored and very tough and resilient polyester threads that are sold in retail outlets for more than $300. It also includes a number of PolyStar bobbins that you can normally buy for about $100. In addition, the kit also contains almost 4,000 digital pantostock, plus a cap and sock hoop which costs $100 in regular retail shops.

The phenomenal tool also includes several embroidery machine designs in a software program that comes with the package. There are several embroidery machine designs for making letterings to add to the pre-programmed embroidery patterns. If you want to add more embroidery machine designs, you can also download more by using the flash memory stick that is also included.

Another great feature of the Janome Memory Craft 9500 is its 4.7" LCD touch screen monitor, which allows you to rearrange the embroidery machine designs in a very convenient manner. The interface is very user-friendly and you will have no trouble navigating the software on this monitor.

As mentioned, this wonderful innovation will only be available for a short period, so if you want to take advantage of the modern embroidery machine designs offered by this product, don't waste time and place your order before supplies run out.

Try to find out what type of warranty that your machine carries. Warranties are typical when you get a machine but, a few companies will not give you one. The warranty is essential because it show you exactly what the maker of the product will guarantee about that machine. You may also want to find out about any lessons or guides that are available for the machines that are offered at that sewing center. There are some of the machine companies that will give you a video lesson that will show you how to use the machine.

Gumball Vending Machine Dispenses Round Colorful Bubblegum

2008-01-30T00:07:00.001-08:00

Round and bouncy, that’s what gumballs are like! They come in different attractive colors. Gumballs are not only delightful for children but for adults as well.

The enjoyment one finds in gumballs may be the reason for the widespread of gumball vending machines.

A vending machine is equipment where an individual drops money, either a coin or paper bill and afterwards dispenses the item you punched. A gumball is a ball commonly made of bubblegum. It is usually hollow, although some gumballs have fillings in the middle such as chocolate, milk, or strawberry.

The gumball vending machine is one of the long-standing types of vending machine. It is known to have existed during the early part of 19th century. Due to the popularity of gumballs, many entrepreneurs have explored the gumball vending machine industry and have somewhat succeeded.

Before entering into the gumball vending machine industry, there are factors to consider:

* Gumball vending machines are people-oriented. Since it is a machine, it needs to be looked after. You as the owner of the machine will be responsible in refilling the empty supply as well as fixing mechanical problems.

* Choosing a good and strategic location should be carefully planned. Locations that will help your gumball vending machine industry boom are cafeterias or corridors in school or at work, transport places, and other public places.

* You as the owner must choose a specific gumball vending machine that you think will be successful in the location you plan to set-up your machine.

There are wide selections of gumball vending machines; these are some of the following:

* The Original Carousel Gumball Machine. A carousel like machine of which it accepts any coin or set it to a free-spin where one can place it on tables. A stand is optional. If you wish to get a gumball-carousel vending machine with a stand, you can purchase one. This kind of gumball vending machine is good for an office.

* Old Columbia Carousel Gumball Machine. With a touch of the 19th century style, this gumball vending machine stands on a table which is secured with a padlock with a key. Commonly the size of gumballs are .62" or smaller. You can also opt to acquire a pedestal stand for this type of gumball machine.

* Petite Carousel Gumball Machine. As the name implies; petite, this gumball vending machine is a miniature of the original carousel. It can only accommodate 13 oz small gumballs.

* Jukebox Carousel Gumball Machine. The gumball vending machine is a miniature replica of a jukebox.

* If you are a sports lover, then the Sports Fan Carousel Gumball Machine is suitable for you.

* Basketball fanatics will surely adore the Shooting’ Hoops Gumball Machine where one can simply have fun while getting gumballs.

* The sought-after, Antique Ford Gumball Machine is a limited edition for car lovers. This type of machine is considered valuable since it bears the Certificate of Authenticity confirming that it has once stood service in the Ford Company office.

* It soars at 79 inches and can occupy over 20,000 one-inch gumballs. This is the Jumbo Giant Gumball Machine.

Gumballs; indeed it’s pleasing to the eyes and savoring to the mouth. Go ahead and indulge.

Important to Buy the Best Rowing Machine

2008-01-30T00:06:00.000-08:00

When you are looking for rowing machines in a store or online its important to buy the best machine for you on the market. Many machines are overpriced for your needs and you may get a machine that is overly complicated or doesn’t give you the effective workout you need.

Remember some rowing machines can be part of a multistation gym and be designed to perform other activities. This makes the rowing machine a part of a whole station and therefore you may lose some performance in the machine. Sometimes the rowing machines will have a jerky sudden movement and won’t give you that even glide that good rowing machines are known for.

When looking at a machine test it out first. If you are planning on buying from the internet or looking on a rowing machines reviews website go to a store and see if they have the model you are looking for and just test it out. Get an idea for its feel and ‘glide.’ You should make sure that the machine accommodates your height and you can reach the rowing bars.

Also make sure that you can read the electronic display with relative ease. You should be able to read the display easily and the numbers should be large enough to not strain your eyes unnecessarily. Also ask to have them explained by the salesman or check to see if it comes with a good instruction manuals. You shouldn’t be using a rowing machine that’s as hard to program as the microwave timer.

When testing out rowing machines listen for any noises that you may find annoying while exercising. A good rowing machine should be quiet, smooth and sturdy. If you hear strange noises from the machine it can mean that it isn’t properly put together or will even be able to support you will you exercise.

This Article Is About How Elliptical Machine Workouts Can Help You

2008-01-29T01:03:00.001-08:00

Many people wonder how elliptical machine workouts can help them. There are many benefits of elliptical machine workouts that can not only help you get into shape, but also encourage the most unenthusiastic person about exercising. Elliptical machine workouts have many benefits, and unlike using weights and other types of exercise equipment, elliptical machine workouts are much easier on the body. Elliptical machine workouts do into require any special equipment, skill or fitness requirement, which makes elliptical machine workouts universal. Because of this reason alone, it is now wonder that elliptical machine workouts are becoming so popular.

One of the greatest features about elliptical machine workouts is that they are low impact. This takes a big burden of strain away from your exercises and also helps elliptical machine workouts more user friendly. Due to the low impact, elliptical machine workouts are very safe, as there is a very low chance that you will not injure any part of your body. This is especially useful for people who are new to exercising and are not in full exercise shape, and this makes elliptical machine workouts user friendly for older aged adults. It may be surprising to some, but due to the low impact, elliptical machine workouts actually can burn more calories then form doing regular fitness routines. This can help you reach your fitness goals at a more rapid rate.

Another benefit of elliptical machine workouts is the lower perceived exertion that you feel after a workout. This may mystify some, however elliptical machine workouts really do seem easier and you are working just as hard as if you were doing any other exercise, if not harder. Elliptical machine workouts accomplish this because they copy the natural movements of your body. By doing this, elliptical machine workouts seem easier making it easier to provide a hard workout without it feeling like it is so hard. There is a caution point to this however. You must remember to not over strain your body. Some elliptical machine workouts seem very simple because some machines provide a lower impact then the average machine. For this reason, you want to be sure to keep your elliptical machine workouts at a moderate level and time period. This will help you not work your body to hard and over strain it.

Depending on what type of machine you have, you can make your elliptical machine workouts into full body exercises. This is a great benefit, and even though not all machines provide a full body workout, elliptical machine workouts still provide the highest calorie burn in the shortest amount of time. So regardless of what type of machine you have, your elliptical machine workouts can be done quickly while still maintaining effective results.

Elliptical machine workouts also provide interval training. With elliptical machine workouts you can use different resistance levels and sometimes even different elevation levels to change your workout. This can help you build and lower different workout challenges to your elliptical machine workouts which makes elliptical machine workouts easily customizable.

As you can see, elliptical machine workouts are easy and offer many benefits that other exercise machines and fitness programs do not offer. Elliptical machine workouts are great for all ages, fitness levels and body types. Because of all the great features and benefits that elliptical machine workouts provide, it is no wonder that elliptical machine workouts are becoming so popular.

Sewing Machine FAQs

2008-01-29T01:02:00.000-08:00

Small Business Profit Like This Makes Sense

2008-01-18T04:34:00.000-08:00

Imagine the following features of a small business profit. It's automated, can be done from home on your computer, very low entry costs, high upside potential, low inventory cost, high returns, leveraged and the profits can be compounded in an automated way...if you are not saying wow to yourself by now, you must have not been paying attention!

Actually the key to this type of business is found in the automated nature of the Internet itself. The world wide web is actually the worlds largest vending machine. If you think about a soda vending machine business, you will know, it is semi automated. In other words the machine you buy, serves the product and gives change. The owner of the business spends half an hour a week topping up the machine and maintaining it. The machine does the rest and the owner makes a reasonable income.

Because of this leverage, he can handle 10 or 20 or even 50 such machines and multiply his income incredible, simply because each machine takes only a little of his time to make a profit. The Internet by its nature is the same. You do the work once, but the income continues to come in so in this sense, it is actually far superior to a vending machine business.

The type of small business profit that the Internet can offer is quite amazing for the reasons outlined above. To run an Internet business you need two things. A product of value and a way to get paid. These can both be resolved by simply affiliating with company's that will let you sell their product for them at a profit that is acceptable

Purchasing A Sewing Machine - What Do I Need To Be Aware Of?

2008-01-18T04:32:00.000-08:00

Purchasing a sewing machine can be intimidating if you don’t do your home work . There are several things to consider, most important would be how will you be using the machine. Are you a serious sewer , occasional sewer, just need it for repairs or are you into embroidery, tailoring and decorative finishes.

How much do you want to spend? Do you have a brand preference, are you aware that several brands are actually manufactured by the same company. Are the attachments standard or specialized (which could cost more for accessories).

If purchasing a replacement sewing machine, will all the feet and accessories you currently have fit the machine you want to purchase. Be sure the machine you are considering has all the features you want or need.

Does it have a buttonhole attachment?

Can you drop the feed dogs for free machine stitching?

What type of maintenance is required?

Does it come with a warranty? What does the warranty cover?

What type of support does it come with? Are there classes provided or available for your new machine?

Does the machine have an automatic needle threader? How easy is it to thread?

Where is the bobbin located? Is it easily accessible?

What is the heaviest fabric the machine can handle? Will it handle several thicknesses of denim? How does it sew on lightweight fabrics?

Does it have a free arm for difficult to sew areas?

Take a poll of your friends who sew. Find out what brand machine they use, are they happy with their’s? Find out what they do and don”t like and why. Ask to try their machine.

Do most of your initial legwork on line. Most machine manufacturers have web sites, where you can gain valuable information regarding features and costs. Next, prepare a list of all features you want and start visiting the different sewing machine stores and get a feel for the different machines. Don’t over buy and pay extra for features you will never use.

Choosing the right machine will be easy if you are prepared, it all comes down to requirements and budget. If your budget will not purchase all your needs you might consider a re-manufactured machine, but check for warranties and support.

You could try negotiating a lower price with the dealer, you never know until you try.

To Creative Endeavors

Linda Keaveny

his Article Is About How Elliptical Machine Workouts Can Help You

2008-01-11T04:35:00.000-08:00

The Beauty Of The Office Espresso Machine

2008-01-11T04:09:00.000-08:00

Nowhere is coffee more needed than in an office setting. You may have had your required morning cup at home or in the car on the way to work. But the coffee provided at the office is absolutely essential to getting through a day coherent and sane. It’s no secret that caffeine – in moderation – is a stimulant that gives a burst of energy and keeps our senses sharp. So it’s no wonder that the coffee that we drink at work has an undeniable effect on our level of performance.

The office espresso machine has the basic components of the standard espresso machine that you use at home but is designed to handle the demand of a busy office setting. Finding the perfect office espresso machine depends largely on the amount of people you have working in the environment. This can help you determine how many cups of coffee the office espresso machine will be responsible for brewing on a daily basis.

Convenience of use and ease of cleaning will also have an impact on the type of office espresso machine that you choose. The semi-automatic office espresso machine would require the user to add ground coffee to the machine each time they want a fresh cup. If you are comfortable with at least partial user participation, then this may be the appropriate choice for your office setting. If you are more comfortable with minimal user participation, then you may want to explore the fully automatic office espresso machine which requires no user participation as the entire process is machine operated. For larger offices with more people, a fully automatic office espresso machine is most likely the more efficient choice.

To find an office espresso machine, you can visit any number of office supply stores. If you have an office supply vendor with whom you’ve built a relationship, you may want to explore the opportunity through them of getting a price break on a machine. Do your research first – the Internet is a great resource – to learn more about the popularity and functionality of different brands. You can also determine the prices you are looking at paying.

The office espresso machine can be an important part of your office environment – even boosting the morale of the office staff. After all, what’s a day at the office without a good cup of coffee – or several even – to help you concentrate and get the job done?

Looking for a Stretching Machine

2008-01-02T04:56:00.000-08:00

If you are looking to start doing a stretching workout on a daily basis, you may be questioning whether you should purchase a stretching machine or not. Some people are able to do all the stretching they need without the use of a machine. Other people find that it helps them see results faster and it makes it much easier to do a stretching routine. To decide whether you need to purchase a stretching machine I recommend that you consult a stretching expert or try out one. If you decide that you like to use the machine, than you will need to decide what model you prefer and where to purchase it.

There are a number of great sources for finding a stretching machine. The best place to look is the internet. Online you will have the largest selection and a better chance of buying them at a great deal. There are many sites that focus primarily on selling stretching machines and there are other sites that don't sell machines at all, but will give you honest ratings and information on different stretching machines. I recommend doing a lot of research online before making a selection so that you get the best machine for what you would like to do with it. Also, if you aren't sure you can afford the machine you like best, look into online auctions and at sites that sell all kinds of random things. These are the places that will typically give you the best deals.

Another way to purchase the machine you want is to go to a store in your local areas that specializes in workout equipment. One of the biggest benefits to buying this way is that you can test out many machines before making a decision. Since stretching machines can cost a pretty penny, it is important that you don't end up with a machine that doesn't focus on the stretches you are most interested in or that it doesn't have the support you need.

The best way to be guaranteed that you are making a good selection and are getting the stretching machine at a nice price is to try out them at a local store and then go online to purchase it at a lower price. Just be sure that you are buying it from a reputable site. You may even want to ensure that you can get your money back if you are unsatisfied, but this may mean that you will have to pay more money for the stretching machine.

Truck Tool Box Tonneau Covers

2008-01-02T04:50:00.000-08:00

Precision Machining

2007-12-19T22:57:00.001-08:00

Precision machining is a process that is used to produce a large number of both large as well as small objects that we make use of in our daily lives. Each intricate and detailed piece that makes up an object needs the touch of a machinist's skills. Similarly, a machine or tool that is worn down will require the action of machine tool calibration quite frequently. There are also other facilities provided by precision machining apart from calibration. These would be detailed welding or grooving carried out by a precision machinist. Ranging from aircraft aluminum alloy production right till devices for surgically drilling of bones precision machining caters to almost every industry and technology. Put simply, if an object is made of parts, it would have needed precision machining.

While the majority of precision machining companies usually work with one form of CAD/CAM programs or another, they still do often work with sketches that are hand drawn. Although the hand sketches are usually made use of only in the initial phases of a design. Precision machining can be used on a variety of materials that include graphite, bronze, steel, plastics and glass to name just a few. Based on the project size and the materials that are to be used, different kinds of precision machining tools are put to use. Precision machining is indispensable to numerous industries and various kinds of technologies. Without precision machining we would be unable to manufacture a number of detailed and intricate parts of various objects. The detail and accuracy it brings into the manufacturing procedure is what renders precision machining as so indispensable. There is a long list of machining companies that specialize in precision machining and you can use the Internet to locate them and avail their services. Precision machining is an integral part of mechanical and manufacturing industries.

Commercial Elliptical Machines

2007-12-19T22:54:00.000-08:00

With the fitness craze that is going on in the world today, the elliptical trainer is becoming more and more popular in the average household. A person needs to do some research and decide what their personal needs are and then execute a purchase from there.

The elliptical trainer is a complex machine that burns fat and calories with a low impact workout. It is designed to provide a smooth, seamless motion that is easier on your knees, joints and ankles than running or jogging. It is an excellent cardiovascular exercise as well.

There are many different types of elliptical trainers as well as brand names and options that are available when choosing an elliptical machine. There are home grade elliptical trainers or commercial grade elliptical trainers. What are the advantages of purchasing commercial elliptical machines vs. home elliptical machines? Well the most obvious reason to choose a commercial grade elliptical trainer is the fact that they are built more durable to handle allot of use. They have a commercial grade construction and the components to it are more durable. Commercial elliptical machines are also a great deal more expensive than your home grade elliptical trainer. The home grade elliptical is usually a basic machine and has just a few of the options that a commercial elliptical machine has to offer. It is less expensive, only because of the added durability and options that are offered on a commercial elliptical machine.

The Best Myspace Tool

2007-12-18T02:00:00.002-08:00

Myspace is growing more and more every day and with over 15 million unique users it is getting more and more diverse. There are people from all over the world on myspace. Keeping up with all of your friends can get hectic. A great way to do this is through a myspace tool.

So what is the best myspace tool? Well that depends. I believe that a program called the badder adder is by far the best myspace tool available. So why? The badder adder has certain features that I have not seen from any other myspace tool I have used. You can extract member ID's from basically anywhere! You can go to a group you are interested in and extract all the member ID's from that group and poof! You have a ton of friends who have the same interest as you.

But this is not what I use myspace tools for. I use myspace tools to make money on myspace.

So whether you want to use a myspace tool to make your social life easier on myspace or to make some extra money on the side - the badder adder is the myspace tool that is ahead of the competition in every category, including price.

Vending Machine Rental - How To Profit From One

2007-12-18T02:00:00.001-08:00

If you want to start your own vending business but do not have enough money to buy a machine, you can temporarily make use of vending machine rentals that are made available in your area. Vending machines success has been increasing but even with its increased number, the demand for them are still high.

Vending machine rental can be found everywhere and it can be rented by anyone who wants to start a simple vending business. Vending machines dispense products such as sodas, bottled water, snacks and juices to the people who insert money into the machines.

The modern vending machines of today can give change to paper money. Some vending machines require the buyers to insert coins only. Vending machines are normally rented by a start-up business to create additional profit, which are frequently stocked by the company that makes them available for vending machine rental, such as Pepsi and Coke.

The products that are placed in the vending machines change from time to time because the different products may not be available. The companies that provides vending machine rental frequently keep the statistics such as the popularity of the items at a specific location. They may change the items from time to time in the vending machines to match the need of the customers.

When you have your vending machine contract, you can start to think about the best locations to put your vending machines. In considering this, you need to find the best location for sales. The best way is to find customers, increase your sales and monitor the progress of the sales.

The businesses that are looking for a way to add income often want vending machines in their offices and stores.

Some companies that have break rooms will try a vending machine rental so that their employees will have snacks and drinks during their break and lunch hours. If there is a vending machine in an office, the employees will have a refreshing drink and snack without leaving the office.

A Vending machine rental will be useful and profitable for offices that have long business hours such as 24 hours a day and 7 days a week schedule. It will be able to supply the employees with snacks and sodas.

A vending machine can be rented by anyone who owns a store or rents an office. An entrepreneur who places vending machines at these locations can also own them. When you have acquired the vending machine that you want, you should find a good location for it and keep it supplied with merchandise.

Just remember that the key to being successful in vending machine rental is choosing the best location for your machine. Not all locations are suitable for this type of business. Although there are a lot of vending machines out there, you can still find a profitable spot to place your vending machines.

Forex Trading Machine Review

2007-12-18T01:54:00.000-08:00

Many people especially traders are saying that forex trading is the most innovative medium in venturing the world of business. Today, it is the hottest and on top of the rank opportunities, offering businessmen their freedom to overcome financial stability by using this simple tool. Because of its reported achievements, the whole world is recognizing forex trading as the most powerful weapon used to invade any kind of investments. Further, people dealing their business at home relatively discover its significance and marketing power.

Yet, association with forex trading business is not easy. Your learning, experiences and sense of responsiveness in any field of business will not help you. In short, even if you will follow the overall techniques used by successful traders, you will not achieve what you are aiming in forex trading business. Why? Because you will need more unique, effective and original method concerning how will the market react and compliment your business. It is not something about your dream, it is how you make an effort to become successful and be a part of that dream.

If you will be asking some competent trading individuals, forex trading’s finishing line is exceedingly hard to survive because this thing is really what they’re looking for, but they can rarely find it. There is something you need to have - a machine and a system too.

Dealing with forex trading business, you need an income generating machine and unique revolutionary strategy. Success will be made possible using forex trading machine. Discover how you can invest your money profitably without throwing away consistency and systematic way of achieving good market condition. This is also your gateway to generate incredible income everyday, without leaving the comfort of your home.

Forex trading machine is regarded not only because of its helpful hands, but also with the immeasurable knowledge traders can acquire from it. It is an electronic book containing useful pages ideal for business beginners and even for well-experienced traders. It is fully equipped with ideas and information about forex market, a complete recipe ready to be served without chilling. Systems, approaches, methods and even marketing formats can be learned in an easy implementation right after following simple rules. In addition, strategies found in forex trading machine are all mechanical. In short, they can be learned without the use of interpreter, no tiring moment of figuring it out and no time is being wasted for confusion.

Forex trading machine is created ideally for business traders who can’t find time to monitor or determine daily and weekly price swings. To those who are making forex business as a sideline or extra livelihood program, this machine is also offering a system to independently monitor market condition. In addition, there is someone who will take care of your currency parings in your absence. Therefore, having this kind of machine is like enrolling a business course without spending much for tuition fees. Compared to other traditional forex trading strategies, this machine is offering very impressive attacking approach to forex trading business. At the end, you’ll get more than what you’re dreaming from the start.

The Slot Machine Whisperer

2007-12-13T23:07:00.000-08:00

There is an urban legend out there about a man who could go into any Casino in any town, walk straight up to a slot machine, whisper something into its slot, tug on its arm and out would pour a jackpot.

He was known as the Slot Machine Whisperer.

Well, I've never met anybody like that. But in nearly every Casino I've been I've heard people talk of this legend.

I've seen people talk to slot machines. I've seen people yell at slot machines. I've seen people smack slot machines. But I've never seen them win the jackpot after doing such a thing.

The first time I heard about the Slot Machine Whisperer I was in a Reno Casino. I was playing blackjack when I heard a buzz go through the Casino. The player next to me, his name was Max, told me that the buzz was because somebody had spotted the Slot Machine Whisperer enter the Casino. Max then went on to tell me the legend of the Whisperer and how he had mastered slot machines.

Shortly after that there were security guards running all over the place. And they were all headed straight to the slot pit.

Max told me this was highly unusual as the Slot Machine Whisperer was a very gentle man. And that he only took the jackpot from one slot machine. He never tried to take a Casino for every slot machine jackpot. Max also told me that the Whisperer also gave half his slot machine jackpots to an orphanage. He wasn't a greedy man.

A few minutes later we saw security hauling a man out of the slot pit. The word was that he was not the Slot Machine Whisperer but some thief who was trying to use an electrical device to cheat the slot machines.

I've never run into the Slot Machine Whisperer. I don't know if he even exists. I think of him as an urban legend or a myth some slot machine player dreamed up.

But the thought of a person who can master slot machines just by whispering to them is sort of romantic. Like a modern day Casino Robin Hood.

The Best Rowing Machine Workout

2007-12-13T23:05:00.000-08:00

When using a Rowing Machine you should already know your basics, such as warming up before and then warming down, how to properly use your machine and making sure the machine is adjusted properly. If you are one of those who want or need to add to your exercise regiment then a Rowing Machine is a great additive.

A Rowing Machine not only workouts your thighs and lower back, but also arms, shins and lower back, not too mention your abs. Using a Rowing Machine is great and fun way to add aerobics to your existing program with no major impacts on your joints. Using Rowing Machines are a great way for professional Rowers to keep their bodies toned, and prepared to glide across the water.

There are Rowing Machines designed to work with other machines to give you and your team that necessary component to continue working together. These Rowing Machines are a necessary part to strengthen that bound and keep you and your team working together.

Remember to keep the resistance set to your needs, the longer you use your Rowing Machine the more your body will adjust to the settings and you need to adjust each time. Setting the resistance to high can cause you to become more exhausted and tire out easier. If you are using a Rowing Machine to increase your heavy Strength training you can set your resistance higher and work slower. If you use the rowing machine this way remember you can use a fast pace but a slow steady one.

A Rowing Machine is a great way to strengthen and tone your muscles, but an even greater way to keep then toned. Many pro athletes especially those in rowing competitions use Rowing Machines to keep their body in shape. However it is not only them who use Rowing Machines, but many other Pros due as well, such as Baseball players, Body Builders, Physical Therapist and even well known stars.

The Slot Machine Whisperer

2007-12-06T05:08:00.000-08:00

The Best Rowing Machine Workout

2007-12-06T05:06:00.000-08:00

Electrical Safety and Power Tools

2007-11-21T20:33:00.000-08:00

Power tools are one of the greatest conveniences for getting handyman jobs and professional jobs done quickly, but since power tools often run on electricity, it is essential that safety instructions are followed.

Here are a few quick power tool safety tips.

Tip 1 - Always use the correct power tool for the environment.Power tools that are made for outdoor use have better insulation, heavier wiring and a three way grounded plug.

Tip 2 - Keep your power cord tangle free and away from the tool "action" zone.

Tip 3 - If you get any nicks or cuts in the cord, inspect them immediately. If it severe consider replacing the cord. As a last resort use tape to shield it from the elements for minor nicks.

Tip 4 - Inspect the power cord and all connections regularly for signs of breakage.

Tip 5 - Avoid using electric power tools on wet surfaces as water is a good electrical conductor. In combination with other factors - broken cords, machine malfunctions etc, it can put you at risk of shock.

Tip 6 - Never immerse your power tool in water - seems obvious but has to be said.

Tip 7 - Keep your work area clean - dust can ignite from a spark. Avoid using power tools near flammable liquids or gas.

Tip 8 - Follow any specific instructions from the manufacturer.

Ok, so these are some safety tips, nothing beats a safety consciousness and putting safety as a priority when using power tools. So be safe and enjoy your work.

Why Purchase A Shrink Wrap Machine?

2007-11-21T20:28:00.000-08:00

The shrink wrap machine is a tool that can transform your business. In this simple, even manual process, the product that you are selling is carefully cared for. Yet, there are many more advantages to using these machines. In fact, shrink wrap is something that any business that provides products for sale should consider investing in. It is affordable and reliable as well as a great way to drum up its own business.

First, what in the world does this machine do? A shrink wrap machine will place plastic around an object. Then, the machine will heat the plastic allowing it to get hot enough to melt together. It forms a protective covering for the object. This protective coating then acts as a barrier from outside forces. Water can not get in. Dirt can not get in. It keeps the object clean and shining until it is purchased. It is effective at its job but it also provides for easy removal in the customer’s hands.

Besides protecting your object that you plan to sell, what can shrink wrap possibly do for you? This product can be used to help increase the image of your object as well. Let’s say that you are selling CD’s that you have recorded. If you just hand out a CD in a case, you are likely to have others thinking that you burned it yourself. If you add the shrink wrap to the outside, not only does you CD case stay nice and clean and crisp, but it also keeps your customer happy and thinking that they just purchased high quality merchandise.

You can purchase these machines in a number of sizes. There are those that run several thousand of dollars for home business use. Then, there are those that are for commercial use and will cost much, much more. In either case, you will want to choose quality and affordability in whatever you choose. Consider the shrink wrap machine for your product needs.

The Importance Of Cutting Tool Sharpening

2007-11-15T23:35:00.001-08:00

Cutting tool sharpening can be done on the premises or shipped out to a firm that specializes it this service. Cutting tool sharpening is done when the cutting tool becomes too dull to perform the job it is intended for. Cutting tool sharpening is cheaper than reconditioning the cutting tool and may be more economical then the more intensive reconditioning if the cutting tool is used for high tolerance cuts. For example, when you are using the cutting tool for the purpose of making smaller portions of stock for further machining.

If your cutting tool becomes dull, it also becomes dangerous to use anymore. This is when cutting tool sharpening is called for. Dull cutting tools will not cut your material properly and may bind up in the material. If it binds up in the material you are cutting, the possibility of the cutting tool breaking and injuring your operator becomes a real hazard and should be prevented at any cost. A little preventive medicine of sharpening the cutting tool may save your workers and you time and money. Cutting tool sharpening is definitely less expensive than purchasing new cutting tools every time your cutting tool grows dull.

Cutting tools are precision made instruments designed to make precision cuts on material to manufacture parts with specified tolerances. These parts will have tolerances that vary, depending on the size of the space they are supposed to fit. For low tolerance parts, it is important that your cutter be of a precise shape and sharpness to make the cuts needed. For higher tolerances, such precision is not as critical and simply sharpening the tool may be more economical than reconditioning it every time it grows dull. An example of this would be a table saw devoted to ripping stock into long strips for further manufacturing. The saw blade could be sharpened every time it grows dull until it will not take sharpening anymore. At that point, it is more economical to replace the saw blade rather than attempting to sharpen it again.

Machines for cutting tool sharpening are relatively inexpensive and will make a useful addition to a machine shop that does a lot of simple parts where tolerances are high and sharpening cutting tools is more economical than reconditioning. When you are sharpening cutting tools on a daily basis, it would be more productive to train a worker to do your sharpening for you than shipping the cutting tools to a specialty shop. Cutting tool sharpening is a fairly simple and rather straightforward operation for many cutters. Simply line up the cutter at the proper angle and grind off a small portion to regain the sharp edge the cutting tool had when you purchased it. Machines that perform cutting tool sharpening are rather small compared to other types of machining equipment and will not take an enormous amount of space in your workshop. So when considering your cutting tool sharpening needs, take into account all the factors of how the cutting tool is being used before making a decision on which avenue to take regarding sending the cutting tool to a specialist or doing the work yourself.

Elliptical Trainers Versus Treadmills - Shocking Fitness Facts

2007-11-15T23:34:00.002-08:00

Many people who are considering a workout regimen often have a tough decision between whether they should use an elliptical trainer or a treadmill. Both machines can be an effective tool for weight loss, improved fitness and overall better health.

Deciding on which machine is best for you can be a daunting task and you can get many different answers depending upon whom you talk to. Certain fitness professionals will recommend that elliptical trainer over a treadmill while other professionals will clearly recommend a treadmill for what they feel is obvious reasons.

Personally I feel an elliptical trainer is the better choice. Elliptical trainers provide more of a well rounded work out, allowing you to do more in less time. Treadmills on the other hand are basically just an indoor running machine, allowing you to mimic running without having to deal with the normal hassles of dodging traffic and weather conditions.

From a pure price standpoint treadmills are more affordable than elliptical trainers. If you are tight on a budget and yet want a piece of equipment which can work out on indoors then a treadmill might be best for you. On the other hand if you want a more well-rounded machine and elliptical trainer is the perfect choice for you.

On a final note, some people prefer going to the gym to work out. The gym offers more of structured regimen where working out at home can get sidetracked by distractions such as family, friends or the telephone.

Ultimately, it comes down to your personal preferences, budget, fitness goals and desires. Only you can decide which machine if any at all are best for you. Be sure not to take this lightly as you do not want to waste money on a machine you may not use or a gym membership that she may not take advantage of.

CNC Machines Get The Job Done

2007-11-15T23:34:00.001-08:00

If you need a machine that will improve your speed and accuracy then try a CNC machine when you are getting large jobs done or doing very repetitive tasks. You can get a used one for half the cost of a new one since most individuals wouldn’t want to spend their money on a new one. CNC equipment can be found in woodworking shops or industrial settings. Add them to your collection that includes a milling machine as well.

If you need to drill holes than consider a CNC router. Some of them can hold more than one tool too. This makes it possible to do more than one procedure at a time. This will help you cut back on the tie you spend working and help you become more accurate.

Computer Numerated Control is the full name for CNC. In the 1970’s this technology was first created. These machines are easy to run and operate after they have been initially set up. They also need to be set up correctly and programmed before they are operated.

They can be made so you can drill a hole automatically. This can be much more accurate and quicker than manual drilling. You will get more uniform results. If you have a large job that needs a lot of drilling then this can be a good choice for you. You might get more inconsistent results when you are doing manual drilling and if the operator gets tired.

If you want a good thing to cut wood with then try a CNC lathe. You can buy one that ranges from 15-40 horsepower. You will choose the lathe power you need depending on the type of wood you use. You can get a model that comes with more than one mode. You can one that is totally manual or CNC. You can rig each machine for your individual project.

If you want the best in milling technology then try a Bridgeport mill. You can find a mill in both a small shop or a large one. If you want a mill that will last forever than try a Bridgeport mill. They are very pricey and more so than most people can afford.

A CNC mill use a special type of instrument that uses a combination of robotics and computer programming. You will get great results better than anyone could ever want. These are the kind of mills that the airline companies use. The CNC decides which tool is need for an operation and changes as it goes.

Since CNC equipment is so pricey it means most people can’t afford it. If you get a used machine you may find that you can afford it. You may be able to save about half on a used machine compared to a new one.

Coffee Hot And Fast With An Automatic Espresso Machine

2007-11-05T00:16:00.000-08:00

Sewing Machine Shops

2007-11-05T00:15:00.000-08:00

Sewing machine shops are popular shops for people who enjoy sewing. They have various models, from low end to very expensive models. The stitching quality of a particular machine depends on the features such as the needles, thread, tension, sewing technique and the operator.

Many seamstresses prefer a simple sewing machine, with a zigzag stitch and a buttonhole attachment. Generally, most seamstresses make use of straight, zigzag and blind hemstitches. An eighteen- stitch or computerized sewing machine is really not needed for the normal stitching requirements. However, it is seen that some of the older versions of machines cannot handle many of the new fabrics and materials.

When the buyer goes in for a sewing machine, the person should at least have a basic idea of the set features to look for. The person would like to know where to get a good bargain on a new machine or if a used machine is in good shape. If the buyer is able to get a new machine from an authorized dealer, a warranty of three to five years should be available on the product.

It has been observed that most people are not happy with cheap sewing machines, as they tend to be difficult to thread and fine-tune. They are also in general not tough for mending jeans and other thick materials.

A used sewing machine would be an excellent buy for many people who are looking for a good deal. When trying out an old machine, it is advisable to carry a variety of clothes to sew, such as old jeans or drapes. The prospective buyer should also take an experienced person along for their opinion on the machine. It is important to note that if a used machine skips stitches, it should be avoided.

Berninas, Vikings, Husqvarna's, White's, and Singers are some of the popular brands of sewing machines that are available.

Carbide Cutting Tool

2007-11-02T22:43:00.001-07:00

Carbide cutting tools are used when your regular high speed steel cutting tools are not removing enough material in the time allowed for the job. Carbide cutting tools are a bit more expensive then regular steel cutting tools, but make up that by lasting longer and removing more material per cut. Making a carbide cutting tool strictly from carbide is prohibitively expensive. The usual method is to braze carbide onto the steel cutting surface. Carbide is harder than steel and holds an edge longer under harder use than plain steel.

An example of a carbide cutting tool is the blade on your circular saw. Most saw blades for circular saws are carbide tipped for more cutting capacity and for longevity purposes. A carbide cutting tool just lasts longer than plain steel. Carbide cutting tools cut through the material you are cutting so much faster that ordinary high speed steel cutting tools do, that most cutting tools today come with carbide tips on them. if high speed steel will cut the material you are handling, then a carbide cutting tool will cut it faster and more economically. A carbide cutting tool does not need to be sharpened as often as high speed steel does.

In the metal machining industry carbide cutting tools have become the standard for most cutting situations. The hardness of a carbide cutting tool and the longevity that it brings to the cutting surface simply makes it more economical to use than the high speed steel cutting tools. Productivity is the key to successful business and the time saved in not changing cutters or in resharpening cutters more than makes up for the higher cost of carbide cutting tools. Also being able to carry a smaller inventory of cutting tools due to the longevity of carbide cutting tools means a lessor investment in the overhead of a metal machining business.

When cutting a very hard material with a carbide cutting tool, a cooling system is used to keep the temperature of the blade and material lower. This keeps the material being cut from warping or in the case of heat treatable material, it keeps it from hardening and possibly changing the temper of the material. It also prolongs the life of the carbide cutting tool by retaining the carbide tips. When a carbide cutting tool starts to remove less material or otherwise shows signs of dullness, it is very easy to sharpen. Sharpening is just a matter of removing a very slight amount the carbide to return the carbide cutting tool to it's former shape and cutting ability.

When you go to the store to get replacements for your cutting machine, be it a saw or a complex milling machine, your first choice should be a carbide cutting tool. The slightly higher expense over a high speed steel cutting tool will, in the long run, turn out to make the carbide cutting tool less expensive both because or the greater productivity and the longer lifespan of the carbide cutting tool over an ordinary high speed steel version.

The Best Rowing Machine Suppliers

2007-11-02T22:42:00.000-07:00

Have you been looking for Rowing Machine Suppliers? Then look no farther. Here you will find a comprehensive list of providers, which machines they carry and even some prices involved. Finding the right Rowing Machine Suppliers is as important as buying one. Knowing where to look is only half of the battle.

The first Rowing Machine Supplier on the list is Jih Kao Enterprise Co Ltd; they carry the Foldable Rowing Machine, and are located in Taiwan. You will find that they have over 59 products available along with some reviews as well. Next is the TMC Fitness located in China, they have the T-bar Rowing Machine, made from 2.00 mm Steel Tubes, with over 65 products available.

The next Rowing Machine Supplier on the list is Body Sculpture International Ltd in Taiwan, supplying you with 74 products and a Adjustable Rowing Arms Rowing Machine. Shanghai Double Wing Fallow Products Co Ltd in China is next with 99 products. TMC Fitness is next with 65 products, located in China.

If you are looking for somewhere a little closer to the United States, then you have a few options here as well. The first on the list is The Comfort Store in Ohio, with a reasonable price of $449.00 and free ground shipping as well. The Stamina Specialist in Cambridge, Massachusetts is next they have the Stamina GlideMaster 1210 Conversion Rower for only $160.00, free Ground Shipping and occasionally nice gifts like Gift Certificates and Tool Kit for easy assembly. The Rowing Machine Supply Store has the LifeCore Fitness R900 Rower; this Rower is at an affordable price of $1199.00 at and can come with great incentives such as Cash Back, Tool Kit, heart monitor, and Free Ground Shipping.

With over 30 Stores carrying more than 20 different Brands and styles you are sure to find the Rowing Machine Suppliers for you. You can shop from places such as Affiliate Fitnes, Amazon.com and Amazon.com Marketplace Used, Big Fitness, GNC, Target and more you can find a Supplier near you. The wide variety of Brands available such as Bowflex, Champion, Quantum and Schwinn you are sure to find one that fits your needs.

The Mini CNC Machine

2007-10-29T22:47:00.001-07:00

The mini CNC machine gives the manufacturer a way to reduce cycle time. The mini CNC machine helps the manufacturer to avoid a long void between the end of one operation and the start of the next operation. The manufacturer who decides to purchase a mini CNC machine has chosen to apply the principles of cycle time to the area of production machinery.

The nature of the mini CNC machine creates three ways by which miniaturization can pave the way for cycle time reduction. This article will list three ways by which a manufacturer can reduce cycle time. It will also provide details concerning how the mini CNC machine permits the manufacturer to apply the principles of cycle time reduction to the operation of the mini CNC machine, and ultimately to the process of machine production.

The effort to reduce the manufacturers cycle time begins with an attempt to minimize the amount of time that operators spend loading and unloading various materials. The operator of a CNC machine will work more efficiently if he or she is able to minimize the workplace loading and unloading. This minimization is achieved through use of the mini CNC machine.

The operator of the mini CNC machine can save time by using large bed sizes and a small footprint. The operator of a mini CNC machine will save money by loading into the machine a wide piece of material and then limiting each process (cutting, engraving, routing, and drilling) to a small footprint.

The operator of a CNC-based piece of equipment can reduce cycle time by reducing the tool maintenance time. Such a reduction is made possible by the mini CNC machine. The small size of the miniaturized machines facilitates the creation of multiple design options. The large number of options leads to creation of a generous number of spare parts. Meanwhile the surplus of spare parts guarantees the ready replacement of any malfunctioning parts.

The operator of a mini CNC machine also reduces cycle time by decreasing the program execution time. The clamping of small elements to the mini CNC machine and the automation of the tiny machine parts leads to a lowering of operator intervention. Whenever operators can afford to devote less time to matching the quality of a previous result, then the manufacturer saves money.

It thus becomes obvious that the characteristics of the mini CNC machine guarantee the application by the operator of the principles of cycle time. Three aspects of any CNC program fall under the control of the product manufacturer.

1) The time required for workplace equipment to accomplish the loading and unloading of the material that requires a transformation (a cutting, drilling, routing or engraving),
2) The length of the program execution time,
3) The length of the tool maintenance time.

The ability of a mini CNC machine to substantially alter any of the above three aspects could lead to a reduction in cycle time. A reduction in cycle time could improve performance of the process machinery.

Tools - Machine Tools

2007-10-29T22:45:00.000-07:00

The definition of a machine tool, if you look in the dictionary, is a powered machine used for cutting or shaping or finishing metals or other materials. This actually applies to a wide variety of tools such as a broach, drill, gear shaper, hobbing machine, lathe, milling machine, shaper, and grinder.

Of course this definition doesn't really describe the usefulness of these type of tools. So we'll try to do just that in this article.

Most machine tools, also by definition, are tools that are tools that use a power source. In other words, not operated manually. But there are some tools that are considered machine tools that are operated by hand.

The first, what were considered machine tools, were actually made for the purpose of making other tools. These tools removed the human element from the process of stamping these tools by hand. Instead they were now stamped by machines.

The first lathe machine tools were invented in 1751 by Jacques de Vaucanson. He was the very first to mount the cutting instrument of the tool on a mechanically adjustable head. This took the tool out of the hands of the operator.

Machine tools can actually be powered by a number of sources. Aside from human and animal power, the energy for these tools can be captured from waterwheels and steam engines, in the early days, and finally electricity today. The Industrial Revolution had a huge impact on the progress made with machine tools.

Machine tools can be manually operated or automatically controlled. The very early machine tools used flywheels to stabilize their motion. They also had complex systems of gears and levers to control the machine and whatever piece it was that it was working on.

After World War II a new advanced machine was made called the numerical control machine. This machine used a series of numbers punched on paper tape or punch cards that controlled their motion.

In the 1960s, computers were then added to the function of making these machines work. These computers gave more flexibility to the process. These machines became known as computer numerical control machines and they could repeat the same set of instructions over and over similar to an assembly line. These machines could produce pieces that were much more complex than anything produced by even the most skilled tool operator.

It wasn't long before these machines could automatically change the cutting and shaping tools that were being used in the process. To give an example, a drill machine might contain a magazine or cartridge with a number of drill bits. These bits could be used for producing holes of different sizes. Before it was automated, operators would have to manually change the bit in order to drill a different size hole. Today, we have the technology to create a machine that can alternate the drill bits by computer program control.

Vending Machine Supplier - How To Choose One

2007-10-25T04:41:00.002-07:00

Are you planning to start a vending machine business? If you are planning to start a vending machine business, it is important for you to know where to get the vending machines. You should do research to find the best place to get them. Of course, you will want to start your business right by choosing a quality vending machine. But how are you going to know where and how to get it? Where should you get one? If you want to know the answer to these questions, read this article and be enlightened. You will know more about vending machines.

The vending machine supplier will be the one to sell you the equipment that you will need in your vending machine business. You can find the different vending machine suppliers anywhere and they will sell all kinds of vending machines available in the market today. If you are just starting a small vending machine business, you need to know what kind of product the people around your area want and need. You should know the things that these people need, so you will have a clue on which products will give you the most revenue.

The hottest items in the market today are cold foods. You can sell cold food in vending machines. People prefer getting something in an instant, so if you will be placing these cold foods in the vending machine, furnish the answer to this need. You can also try putting cookies in your vending machines because people, children and adults alike, like to eat cookies.

If you go to the vending machine supplier, you should ask for a manual about starting a vending machine business. In the program, you will learn about the basics of starting a business. You will also know the advantages and disadvantages of the vending machine and the different ways to earn more money from it.

If your vending machine needs maintenance, the different vending machine supplies and parts will be available from your vending machine supplier. They can give you all the parts and service you might need in your vending machine business.

Vending machine suppliers usually know where you can buy bulk products like candies, gum and cookies. You can save huge amounts of money if you buy products from the vending machine product wholesalers. It is easier for you to refill an empty vending machine by purchasing bulk products from vending machine product wholesalers.

You need to know whether a supplier has a good reputation. There are also frauds in the vending machine business. For you to avoid them, you should check a particular vending machine supplier’s reputation before you try purchasing vending machines from them. Ask some of the people you know, especially those who have successfully operated a vending machine business.

Before you purchase a vending machine from vending machine suppliers, have it tested first. You will know whether the machine is working well before you actually purchase it. For more information and relevant ideas about the different vending suppliers, you can check some of the websites available over the internet. It will be a great tool to start your career as a vending machine businessperson. Start your search now and start your vending machine business the right way.

How To Use A Sizzix Machine

2007-10-25T04:41:00.001-07:00

If you are new to scrap booking, card making or any type of crafting you may not have heard of a sizzix machine. A sizzix machine is made by the company elision and is a wonderful tool that is use to create stunning die cuts.

The sizzix machine has a lever and a sliding cutting mat. You place a piece of card with the die face down onto the cutting mat underneath the pressure point then simply pull down the lever and you will have the perfect die cut.

The sizzix machine comes with full instructions and do not worry they are really easy to read and understand. The machine its self is heavy stopping it from moving around when in use it is also extremely sturdy.

The cutting part is done quickly and easily by simply pulling down the lever. The cut is perfect and precise. You will be amazed at how many different dies sizzix has produced it really will cover every hobby passion or theme.

You can also adapt the sizzix machine to use additional templates called sizzlits. The converter is easy to install and easy to purchase giving you access to loads more dies that are available.

The sizzix machine can be expensive and the average cost is about $65 it is also heavy and quite a large tool however it is one you will use time and time again due to its versatility.

The dies that you can purchase for your sizzix machine can vary in size but they come in a neat little box that can be stored easily.

The sizzix machine can not only cut through paper and card it can also cut through rubber, felt, metal and many other materials.

The die you produce from your sizzix machine can be used for embellishments, toppers and may other things.

One of the most popular sizzix dies is the alphabet, although you may feel they are a big expenditure once you have purchased the die you will be able to cut any word you wish, this is perfect for scrap booking and card making.

Over all the sizzix machine is a versatile easy to use addition to any crafters tools the cutting is easy and the adapter means you really can create anything you want. Storage may be a problem but it is worth clearing out that cupboard for this stunning machine.

Having used a sizzix machine for a few years now I would strongly recommend that this is a great buy, something that will be used over and over again. It is also something you can use with your children, although it is wise to supervise as the blades in the dies themselves can be extremely sharp.

Trion Mini Mist Eliminator Protects Employees and Equipment

2007-10-24T04:00:00.001-07:00

Trion, a division of Fedders Corporation, has developed an innovative mist collector called the Mini Mist Eliminator (Mini M.E.). Virtually all screw machines, CNC machines, surface and centerless grinders use water-soluble, synthetic and petroleum coolants to protect cutting tools and parts. The mists associated with these coolants can be harmful to the health of the machine operator through inhalation and contact with the skin and eyes. Based on potential health risks, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has established recommended exposure limits for oil mist.

The Mini M.E. removes oil mist from the air by utilizing the principle of electrostatic precipitation. This principle involves drawing the oil mist through an impinger which removes a majority of the mist, especially large droplets. The remaining mist is drawn through an ionizing section, charging the remaining mist particles which then pass through oppositely charged collector plates. The charged mist particles are attracted to the collector plates like a magnet. These particles then drip back down to be recaptured or drained away. The dirty collector plates can be simply washed clean, eliminating costly filter replacements.

The Mini M.E. also eliminates the need for extensive duct work because it can be easily mounted on the machine, platform or ceiling. This also helps to free up floor space. The Mini M.E. can help save on energy costs by being wired directly to the machine tool control, operating only when the machine tool does. It also helps to reduce maintenance costs by protecting equipment from oil mist.

This quality unit not only traps and removes the oil mist, but also the smoke associated with cutting tools and grinders. The Mini M.E. cleans and recirculates indoor air with up to 95% efficiency rate on 0.3 micron particles. It also offers a great advantage in that it can be seamlessly integrated into pre-existing machine tool systems.

Trion is one of the most trusted names in air purification systems. Trion has produced high quality products for industrial, commercial, military and residential markets since 1947.

Collet Chuck Is Inclusive Of Chuck

2007-10-24T03:58:00.000-07:00

A collet is the device used which forms part of the work holdings. Collet forms part of chucks and it is specifically designed and produced has a type of chuck. True length collet chucks, manual collet chucks, pull back collet chucks, collet reference are the different types of collet chucks are it is considered generally as unit which consist of tapered receiving sleeve. A collet is generally classified under work holdings chuck device which forms part a collar around the object, so that he can be hold and exerted a strong clamping force on the object. Collet chuck can be used to hold a work piece or tool. Generally collet chucks comes up with the advantage and provides ample services to the customers who using it.

The main advantage we derive from collect chuck machine tool accessories is that it manages to combine all the traits in to one chuck. This is the main reason why people tend to use collet chucks and it will be more benefit to the environment of repetitive part production. Collet chucks is the combination of speed, accuracy and productivity which is considered as important for certain jobs. Collet chucks or its devices can be used for and suits for wide applications. Collet chucks can be used for wood work, metal work, craft hobbies, semi conductor work and internal combustion engines. Collet chucks forms part of the work holding machine tool accessories and it is the alternative of the work holding device and which forms a type of chucks.

Collet chucks can be used for wide and different applications. Collet chucks are designed specifically to meet the requirements of the customers around the world. Large number of people is hindering the services provided by collet chucks and they finds to be economical. Collet chucks are produced and sold for reasonable price consideration and collet chuck finds to be more economical and competitive in nature. The main purpose of designing and producing collet chuck is that it can be used for turning applications. Collet chuck is said to the better choice for turning application, especially during high levels of spindle rpm.

Collet chuck fetches good demand among the customer i.e. under user for fair prices and it is also said that it is more profitable. Collet chuck relates to mass of chuck and centrifugal force. Collet chuck applies in the circumference a clamping force in selective contact areas to make the application effectively. Collet chucks can be used for normal operations and it provides more secure and safe at the time of use. Chuck machine tool accessories are coming in large number and they are under more number of types, while it that collet chuck attracts the attention of people and fetch the demands among the market for reasonable price consideration.

Vending Machine Consumer Perceptions

2007-10-23T00:27:00.001-07:00

A recent vending machine industry-wide survey revealed that the vending machine industry is losing many potential consumers due to a lack of consumer education. The study surveyed 2,223 people over the Internet. The objective of the new vending machine industry study was to determine vending machine consumer motives for purchase decisions. The study also examined potential areas to expand vending machine use and the general public's awareness of new vending machine technology and products.

The key findings of the vending machine industry survey are listed below.

- Reasons for vending machine purchases. Vending machine consumers cited convenience and ease as the top reasons for making vending machine purchases.

- Vending machine consumers were hesitant to make vending machine purchases mainly because of poor selection and a misconception that vending machines do no offer healthy options.

- Brand recognition is vital to vending machine sales. Vending machine consumers expressed a high brand loyalty. Most vending machine consumers browse vending machines prior to purchase and select a familiar item.

- Potential vending machine consumers think vend prices are high in comparison to other retail outlets. Vending machine consumers are unaware that sales tax and bottle deposits must be included in the price of vending machine products.

- Most vending machine customers are unaware of new vending machine technology. New vending machine technology like cashless payment options appealed to a good portion of those surveyed. Also, vending machine consumers did not know about new technology that ensures product delivery.

Most potential vending machine consumers were hesitant to make vending machine purchases because of a belief that vending machines do not offer healthy or fresh products and a perception of high vending machine prices. Vending machine customers expressed a desire to read nutrition labels prior to purchase. Also, potential vending machine consumers felt they could not trust the freshness of vending machine items.

If vending machine operators can make nutritional information accessible, and alert consumers to the freshness of items in vending machines, they can expand their consumer base. The vast majority of vending machine consumers browse selections before making a choice. Therefore, point of sale promotions, like digital displays are a great way of capturing impulse vending machine sales.

Vending machine operators can use this information to improve the vending machine industry. There is no doubt that better advertising and consumer education are needed to improve vending machine consumer confidence.

Repairing Your Own Machine Components

2007-10-23T00:26:00.001-07:00

Many industrial concerns have workshops of their own. For the repair of worn shafts, the lathe machine is excellent. Keyway slots can be machined by using a milling machine, while a shaping machine can do machining of large flat areas. A drilling machine does drilling of holes.

A skilled Maintenance Engineer should know how to use all these machines in order to make his own repairs in a safe manner. Very often he has to supervise machinists. The information below should be useful for that purpose.

Lathe Machine

The lathe machine uses a single-point-cutting tool for a variety of turning, facing, and drilling jobs. Excess metal is removed by rotating the work piece over the fixed cutting tool to form straight or tapered cylindrical shapes, grooves, shoulders and screw threads. It can also be used for facing flat surfaces on the ends of cylindrical parts.

The work piece is clamped onto a horizontal rotating shaft by a 3-jaw or 4-jaw chuck. The latter chuck can be used to cut off-centered cylinders. The rotating horizontal spindle to which the chuck is attached is usually driven at speeds that can be varied.

The cutting tool is fixed onto a tool rest and manipulated by hand. It can also be power driven on straight paths parallel or perpendicular to the work axis. This is useful for screw cutting.

Internal turning known as boring results in the enlargement of an already existing hole. The holes are more accurate in roundness, concentricity, and parallelism than drilled holes. A hole is bored with a single-point-cutting tool that feeds along the inside of the work piece.

Shaping Machine

The shaping machine is used to machine flat surfaces, grooves, shoulders, T-slots, and angular surfaces with single-point tools. The cutting tool on the shaper oscillates, cutting on the forward stroke, with the work piece feeding automatically toward the tool during each return stroke.

Drilling Machine

The drilling machine is used to cut holes in metal with a twist drill. By changing the cutting tool, they can be used to do reaming, boring, counter boring, countersinking, and threading.

Milling Machine

The milling machine uses a rotating cutting tool to cut flat surfaces, grooves, and shoulders, inclined surfaces, dovetails, and T-slots. Cutters of many shapes are changed to cut different grooves.

Cutting Tools

Metal-cutting tools are classified as single point or multiple point. The lathe and shaping machine use single point cutting tool while the milling and drilling machines use multiple-point-cutting tools.

Metal is cut either by moving the work piece like in the lathe or by moving the tool like in the shaping machine, drilling or milling machine. Clearance angles must be provided to prevent the tool surface below the cutting edge from rubbing against the work piece. Rake angles are often provided on cutting tools to cause a wedging action in the formation of chips and to reduce friction and heat.

Tool Materials

In order to remove chips from a work piece, a cutting tool must be harder than the work piece and must maintain a cutting edge at the temperature produced by the friction of the cutting action.

Carbon Steel

Carbon steel tools even though comparatively inexpensive tend to lose cutting ability at temperatures around 400 degree F (205 degree C).

High-Speed Steel

High-speed steel, containing 18 percent tungsten, 4 percent chromium, 1 percent vanadium, and only 0.5 to 0.8 percent carbon, permits the operation of tools twice or three times the speeds allowable with carbon steel

Cast Alloys

Cast-alloy cutting-tool materials containing cobalt, chromium, and tungsten are effective in cutting cast iron and retaining their cutting ability even when red hot.

Cemented Tungsten Carbide

The hardness of Tungsten Carbide approaches that of a diamond. Tungsten carbide tools can be operated at cutting speeds many times higher than those used with high-speed steel.

Oxides

Ceramic, or oxide, tool tips consist primarily of fine aluminum oxide grains, which are bonded together. These are very hard.

Cutting fluids

An overheated tool can become blunt and soft very fast. Therefore very often, cooling fluids cools the cutting points of the tool. This serves to lubricate and cool.

Water is an excellent cooling medium, but it corrodes ferrous materials. Sulfurized mineral oil is one of the most popular coolants as it can both cool as well as lubricate. The sulfur prevents chips from the work from melting on to the tip of the tool.

Tool Inspection

2007-10-18T23:27:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wondered how tool inspection on a presetter can reduce setup times in a manufacturing process. What is tool inspection? Tool inspection is a way a company can check their tools or inserts prior to placing them in their CNC machines. Using various size of magnification 12x, 20x 50x and 100x companies can view tools through a camera checking for quality of the insert or tool for; wear, abrasion of carbide tips, cracks, broken tools etc.

"I have a laser or probe that will tell me if my tools are broken." I have heard this numerous times when a customer explains why a presetter isn't necessary. Can your laser or probe check for cracks in the middle portion of the tool or the insert? Will your laser or probe check for cracks, wear, or quality from your outside suppliers or the tools you receive?

Tool edge inspection can be used to inspect tools received from outside suppliers, as you have a quality plan, you should check your suppliers as well. Have you had an operator place a tool in the machine only to run 1 or 2 parts and then the tool cracks or a quality problem arises. Checking this prior to the production run can benefit your bottom line greatly allowing that machine to continue producing chips and maximizing its efficiency.

Remember a tool presetter offers more functionality than just setting heights and diameters. Inspection before and after will help you to reduce machine downtime and decrease tooling costs and increase your revenue.

Band Saws

2007-10-18T23:26:00.000-07:00

Band saws are saws that are made of flexible metal in the shape of a strip, looped into a circle, and arranged around a turning apparatus, so that when you turn the machine on, the band saw rotates at a very high rate. The sawing machine is a tool designed to cut material to desired lengths or shapes. The band saw is a common type of sawing machine used to cut metals in workshops. It is faster and easier to use than handsaws. It enables you to accurately create the shapes you want that you would not be able to do with handsaws.

Although this tool can make the job much easier, the fact remains that it is more dangerous. Specific safety precautions come with the tool and are easy to follow. Many accidents still occur when using the machine due to careless mistakes or simple negligence.

Safety measures include always keeping your hands away from the blade when operating the saw. This is obviously the foremost rule, yet users sometimes lose concentration and the unexpected happens. The result is often tragic.

The band saw is not commonly found in a workshop, because it is bulky and expensive. People who own one are professionals who own a machine shop. In most instances, the use of the machine is left to those who are properly trained to operate it. If you are not familiar with this tool, make sure someone who knows its proper use supervises you. After all, following a safety adage on accidents, prevention is always better than a cure.

Value Add Negotiating for Sales Professionals

2007-10-15T04:32:00.000-07:00

Imagine this scenario. You are a sales representative for Baker distributing. One of your long-time customers, Albertson Metals, operates a mill that produces high nickel alloy ingots. Each year, this mill purchases approximately $500,000 worth of MRO products such as bar conditioning wheels, flap wheels, grinding belts, cutoff wheels, steel shot and grit, and other products for the mill’s laboratories. Unfortunately, you are usually able to obtain only about 30% of this business.

During the last six months, you have been working intensively with the mill’s management to convince them of the value of developing an integrated supply arrangement with you. They have reacted positively to your ideas and you have developed a proposal that you believe fits their needs perfectly. Among other things, you will:

* manage Albertson’s inventory.

* stock all items with sufficient buffer stock to assure JIT availability.

* supply Albertson with OSHA-certified safety seminars on appropriate topics to be mutually agreed upon.

* provide 24 hour emergency delivery.

* invoice biweekly for items drawn from consignment.

You have submitted your proposal at a price that you believe fairly compensates you for your high level of service and for the special features included.

A week later you call the plant and are told, "We got your proposal and it’s excellent. However, we have to refer anything of this magnitude to Corporate Purchasing." You call the Purchasing Department and speak to the buyer responsible for this contract. He says, "You’ve submitted an excellent proposal, and obviously you have done your homework. Unfortunately, we have something of an embarrassment of riches here. Two of your competitors also submitted excellent proposals. You should be aware that your pricing is extremely high compared to your competitors. As a result, at this time your proposal really is not competitive."

You explain to the buyer how you’ve worked with the plant for the last six months to develop this proposal. You discuss at length your excellent service record and how you have gone the extra mile to meet the plant’s needs. The buyer acknowledges this but says, "Your competitors also have excellent service records but are willing to meet our needs at a much lower cost."

Did you see this coming? You worked hard to meet your customer’s needs. You solved problems with your customer. You anticipated a win/win for everybody. Your goal was to avoid a price negotiation by differentiating yourself and focusing on your services and your added value to the customer. Now, at the last minute, price rears its ugly head. In fact, the purchasing agent says that price is the determining factor.

What do you do now? What should you have done throughout the sales process to prepare for the possibility of a serious price negotiation?

In our sales negotiation training programs we stress four key steps that will greatly improve your chances of making that sale while successfully negotiating to maintain your margins.

1. Be prepared for a price negotiation but don’t lead with your wallet.

2. Think like the buyer.

3. Be brutally honest with yourself as to what your added value is really worth.

4. Be aware that the negotiation starts when you say hello.

Let’s look at each step.

1. Be prepared for a price negotiation but don’t lead with your wallet. As buying organizations have become more sophisticated, many realize that the key factor is not price but total cost. Therefore, it is sometimes possible to avoid price negotiations if the customer sees enough value. We know of one manufacturer who was approached by an automobile company to take over production of certain parts because their current supplier was not meeting expectations. The manufacturer called in its machine tool distributor with whom they had had a very good relationship. They said to the machine tool distributor, "We promised the automobile manufacturer that we could do it. Now it’s up to you to make it happen. We’re not here to negotiate the price — just make it work." The distributor sold $10 million worth of machine tools at list price, including a full turnkey operation and the placement of a full time technician at the manufacturer’s location.

There’s a lesson to be learned: If you think there is a possibility that you can make the sale based on your added value and services, try to leave price out of the discussion. Don’t start with price concessions or discounts but focus on the added value.

On the other hand, with today’s ferocious pressures to reduce costs, buyers never forget that price is an important component of cost. Usually, buyers will want to have the best of both worlds. They want you to solve their problems, add value, reduce their costs, and in addition, give them a better price, which further reduces their costs. Don’t be surprised, don’t be shocked, and don’t be hurt. That’s just the way the game is often played. As you start the process, you need to move forward in such a way that while you don’t invite a price negotiation, if there is one, you’re prepared.

2.Think like the buyer. To negotiate effectively, take up residence in the buyer’s mind. Say to yourself, what might actually be going on vs. what they’re telling me? What they say may be the least important information. What they say to each other and what they’re thinking is the key.

Let’s go back to Albertson. We could imagine three different scenarios.

Scenario 1 -- Plant: "This proposal from Baker is great. We’re going to save all kinds of costs and solve all kinds of problems. I know they appear a little pricey, but the cost savings are worth it." Purchasing: "Have you looked at any competitors?" Plant: "We’ve looked at two who say they can do it and have offered a much lower price, but their services really aren’t there and we don’t believe they can produce the cost savings." Purchasing: "Would you mind if I use the fact that you got two competitive lower cost quotes to try to bring Baker’s price down?" Plant: "No problem, as long as you promise that we will get a contract with Baker without losing any of the services and added value they have promised us." Purchasing: "You have my guarantee."

Scenario 2 -- Plant: "This proposal from Baker is great. We’re going to save all kinds of costs and solve all kinds of problems. I know they appear a little pricey, but the cost savings are worth it." Purchasing: "Have you looked at any competitors?" Plant: "We’ve looked at two other competitors. They’re almost as good as Baker and they are cheaper." Purchasing: "How much more do you think Baker is worth than the best of the two competitors?" Plant: "We think they’re worth about 10% more." Purchasing: "O.K. We’ll try to get Baker down so that they’re no more than 10% above your best competitor, and of course we’ll try to get them even lower than that. If we can’t get them down, then we’ll go with your No. 2 choice." Plant: "Sounds good to me."

Scenario 3 -- Plant: This proposal from Baker is great. We’re going to save all kinds of costs and solve all kinds of problems. I know they appear a little pricey, but the cost savings are worth it." Purchasing: "Have you looked at any competitors?" Plant: "We’ve looked at two other competitors that can do the same thing Baker can. They all appear to have the same quality and would produce the same cost savings." Purchasing: "Then you don’t care which one we go with as long as we get the best price." Plant: "Yes, they’re basically the same, so go with the best price."

The buyer will almost always want you to believe that Scenario 3 is happening. But is it really? The profitability of your sale may depend on your ability to determine which scenario really is in operation.

3. Be brutally honest about the worth of your added value. If it comes down to a price negotiation, your added value is worth only what the buyer is actually willing to pay for it. Say, for example, that the only difference between you and your prime competitor is that you have a better reputation in the marketplace. Is that of value? Of course. Is it important? Absolutely. Is it worth anything? That depends on the buyer. If a one buyer says, I’m willing to pay 2% more to go with Company A because of their better reputation, then it’s worth 2% to that buyer. On the other hand, if another buyer says, I’m not willing to part with any hard, cold cash because of Company A’s reputation, then for that buyer it is not worth anything."

For each sale where you have one or more potential competitors, you need to do a value-added analysis in order to figure out the most the buyer would pay you vs. your competitor. Let’s make up a simple example where you have just one competitor, Company A, and let’s assume there are just four different components of value: service, reputation, delivery, and problem solving ability.

Based on your knowledge of the customer and the competition, you believe the customer thinks that you have a better reputation, provide better service and have better problem solving capabilities, but that your competitor is a little better on delivery. Furthermore, although your customer likes your reputation, they won’t pay more for it. They like your service and feel that’s worth up to 2% more. They believe that your problem solving capability has helped them overcome significant difficulties and that that’s worth 4% more. On the other hand, you have had some delivery problems. While not fatal problems, the customer would be willing to pay your competitor up to 2% more for their better delivery.

Your value-added analysis would look like this:

Value Added Item Vs. Company "A" and The Most Your Customer Would Pay Extra for That Added Value

Reputation 0%;
Service 2%;
Problem Solving 4%;
Delivery (-2%)

Under this scenario, your customer would be willing to pay you up to 4% more than your competitor. Of course your customer will often say, as our Albertson purchasing agent did, "You guys are all the same. You all provide good quality except your delivery isn’t very good. You’ve got to get much more competitive with your pricing." If you’ve done the value-added analysis and it’s accurate or reasonably accurate, you can see behind the purchasing agent’s mask to what is really going on.

4.The negotiation starts when you say hello. At this point you may be saying, "Everything you say is true but if I’m the Baker sales representative talking to the Albertson purchasing agent and he says to me, ‘Your competitors are lower and you have got to cut your price,’ what do I do now? That purchasing agent isn’t going to tell me their real scenario, what they said to each other, or what they really think our added value is worth vs. our competitors."

Correct. If the first time you thought that there might be a price negotiation was when you were talking to the Albertson purchasing agent, it’s too late. You don’t have the information you need, and it’s going to be difficult to get it.

And that takes us back to our first point. Be prepared for a price negotiation while you try to avoid one. The negotiation starts when you say hello. The time to start finding out who potential competitors might be, how your customer views them vs. you, the problems they’ve had with competitors, whether anybody can do as good a job as you can, etc., etc., is from the very beginning of your discussions with your customer.

Have as many contacts with your customer and with as many people in your customer’s shop as possible. Ask direct questions, indirect questions, feel people out gently, and try to get a picture of their whole situation.

Choosing the Right Baseball or Softball Pitching Machine

2007-10-15T04:31:00.000-07:00

A pitching machine is a tool that, when used properly, can benefit a player enormously as well as improve the quality and efficiency of baseball or softball hitting drills.

Whether refining a player's baseball or softball hitting technique or working on fielding practice, a pitching machine can literally function as an extra coach. That having been said, most consumers are quickly overwhelmed by all of the variations of baseball and softball pitching machines available.

Questions of age appropriateness, features, the many different balls, etc are all important and need to be addressed. First off, a baseball or softball pitching machine, when used for hitting practice helps refine the swing, no matter the age of the player. However, the particular skills and interest level of the player is an important factor. Too much of a machine can prove frustrating as can unreasonable expectations. This is true for players coming out of coach pitch or T-Ball. Some are comfortable with the challenge of a faster, more realistic pitch while for others are intimidated.

Two things to bear in mind:

1. Hitting a baseball or softball is one of the most difficult skills in all of sports. A young player accustomed to rainbow pitches in coach pitch will, naturally, find the speed of even the entry level machines challenging. However, a lobbed pitch actually instills bad habits, such as upper-cutting, trying to lift the ball and thus the sooner the batter learns to practice with a realistic pitch, the better.

2. The pitching machine you choose should be capable of speeds of at least 45mph+ from the standard Little League distance of 45 ft. from the batter. Assuming that a realistic pitch can be thrown at less speed from this distance is simply not true. Any slower speed would require lofting the ball, thus producing an arch that would have you essentially back at a pitch similar to coach pitch...and as such will be of no practical use.

Apart from batting practice, a pitching machine is can be an excellent practice tool for fielding flies and grounders. It's like having an expert coach that never fouls a ball off or wiffs a toss and thus practice is that much more valuable. If a player is very young, their hitting skills will improve with time. But if they're having difficulty adjusting to the faster pitch, take it easy and stress the fielding aspect of the machine.

Using a pitching machine at the highest speed, straight down the pipe every time is actually a bad practice. It encourages an unrealistic atmosphere for what the batter will face in actual game situations. It also encourages mindlessly swinging at every pitch. Better to practice and to use the targeting aspect of the machine to work on the inside and outside corners, to train the batter to think at the plate in terms of game situations, e.g. a runner on second doesn't need to have the ball hit in front of him or her, therefore the batter should be looking for an outside pitch to take to the opposite field, hitting behind the runner and so forth.

Choose a pitching machine that can be targeted up and down and on the corners and most importantly, use these features. With the more advanced pitching machines (those that allow curves and sliders) you can hone the batter's skills for every imaginable baseball or softball hitting situation. A machine that features an adjustable head to simulate either left or right-handed pitching makes for a truly versatile, real game experience.

A pitching machine is a great addition to any team or ballplayer's practice. Correctly used, they offer efficient, demonstrable results that make the game more rewarding and fun.

The First Thing We Do, Let's Kill all the Bean Counters

2007-10-12T03:33:00.000-07:00

INTRODUCTION

Nope, its not the lawyers; its the "bean counters" that are ruining business. Let me give you an example, I know of a large machine-tool operation in the Midwest who used to be heralded for producing quality products. To this end, the company established an in-house school who taught their machinists how to build products, not just any old way, the company's way. The school was led by the senior craftsmen of the business who took pride in their workmanship and passed this on to the new employees. When an employee graduated from the school, a machinest not only knew his job, but took pride in his work and became loyal to the company due to its reputation. Even if an employee dropped out and went elsewhere, he would always recommend his former company's products because he knew they were built with quality. This school went on for a number of years and became a part of the corporate culture. However, in the 1980's the company hired a team of MBA's to look over their operations and make recommendations for improvement. You must remember, this was a time when cost cutting was the norm. After looking over the financial statements of the business, the management consultants concluded the school represented a costly overhead and convinced the company to close it down.

Shortly after the school's closure, the company started to experience a drop in morale, absenteeism and tardiness began to rise, and craftsmanship began to deteriorate. Product quality dropped significantly and the company began to lose customers, so much so, they eventually sold off their machine-tool operations and went into a totally new line of business. Keep in mind, prior to this the company was a leader in the machine-tool industry and generated substantial profits from it.

Obviously this story isn't unique as we have witnessed several such changes in the corporate landscape during the 1980's and 1990's. The point is, the bean counters have taken charge of business which has triggered sweeping changes in how we deal with our customers, our vendors, and our employees.

LOSING THE PERSONAL TOUCH

Under the bean counter approach to business, numbers are all that matter. Of course, paying attention to the bottom-line is always important, but this should not result in a callous way of operating a business. To me, studying the numbers is analogous to watching the dials and gauges of a machine. It is like watching the speedometer of an automobile. But if I observe an emergency vehicle approaching or see a drunk driver nearby, I am going to ignore the gauge and do what is proper. I am going to make a human decision and do what is best for my passengers and myself, as well as the other surrounding vehicles. If I only did what the dials and gauges told me, I would probably harm others.

The bean counter approach to business represents a very mechanical way of operating. Let me give you an illustration. I have a friend here in Florida who is the state sales manager for a home health business (a lucrative business for a retirement state like Florida). The company was recently purchased and a new management team put into place run by bean counters. After studying sales figures, management found a salesman who wasn't making his quota and, consequently, instructed my friend to terminate his employment. My friend knew the salesman in question and realized he was experiencing some personal problems. After considerable discussion with corporate management, he convinced them to let him (the Sales Manager) work with the salesman a while longer to see if he could help him. He pointed out to management, the alternative was to start the laborious and costly process of recruiting and teaching a replacement. Management acquiesced and granted the salesman a stay of execution. Over the next few weeks, the Sales Manager was able to work with the salesman, helped him overcome his personal problems and rebuilt his confidence. Since then, the salesman has gotten back on track and has been exceeding quota ever since.

Bean counters do not understand or appreciate the true business of a company. They make knee-jerk reactions based strictly on numbers, not on human intuition or social interaction. It is no small wonder the corporate world has become dehumanizing. I know of a medium sized semiconductor business in the Southeast who also experienced a similar phenomenon. The company was founded by a man with little formal education, but a lot of "street smarts." He took a hands-on approach to the startup of the company which grew in leaps and bounds. As the company settled into maturity, the founder began to slow down and brought in a new management team to take over the reins. His new management team had some pretty slick business school credentials but, inevitably, they were nothing more than bean counters. Under their watch, corporate growth was arrested and the company's stock diminished radically. Today, a company that was at one time a robust and thriving business with loyal customers and dedicated employees is a mere shadow of its old self.

Conducting business is more about our interpersonal relations with customers, vendors and employees, than it is about watching dials and gauges. As the famed W. Edwards Deming once said:

"Profit in business comes from repeat customers, customers that boast about your project or service, and that bring friends with them."

Keep in mind, Deming understood the need for statistical analysis and watching the bottom-line, but he also realized they were nothing more than the dials and gauges of the business.

CONCLUSION

Under the bean counter approach we have lost the personal touch for conducting business. Companies have become cold and calculating, certainly not the types of businesses we want to work for or with. Always remember that bean counters believe conducting business is simply manipulating numbers, not in building products or servicing customers. Yet, for some unfathomable reason, we have put them on a pedestal and expect them to competently guide our companies. But the only thing I see them guiding is our foreign competitors who take over our market share.

Craftsmanship: the Meaning of Life

2007-10-12T03:31:00.000-07:00

When I got into the work force back in the mid-1970's it seemed everyone dressed in a suit and tie, drank black coffee, smoked their brains out, and worked their butts off. Today, golf shirts have replaced suits, herbal tea and bottled water have replaced coffee, nobody is allowed to smoke, and rarely does anyone work beyond 5:00pm. More importantly, we used to care about the work we produced; there was a sense of craftsmanship, regardless of the job.

My Brother-in-law in Cincinnati conducted me on a tour of his company's machine-tool shop years ago and showed me how he could take a block of aluminum and convert it into a high-precision machine tool. It was a pleasure to watch him work, as it is to watch anyone who knows what they are doing, be it a waitress, a programmer, a laborer or a clerk.

Quality and service used to be considered paramount in this country. If it wasn't just right, you were expected to do it over again until you got it right. We cared about what we produced because it was a reflection of our personal character and integrity. But somewhere along the line we lost our way and craftsmanship has fallen by the wayside. Why? Probably because we no longer care.

In today's litigious society, employees are acutely aware that it is difficult to be fired due to poor performance. They know they will still get paid and receive benefits, regardless of the amount of effort they put forth. Consequently, there is little to encourage people to perform better. Money isn't a motivating factor anymore. People now expect bonuses, raises and other perks to be paid out regardless of how well they perform during the year.

We've also become a nation content with doing small things. America used to be known as a powerhouse that could tackle large projects, such as building skyscrapers, designing innovative bridges and tunnels spanning substantial bodies of water, engineering transcontinental railroads and highway systems, conquering air and space travel, and defending freedom not just once but in two world wars. If you really wanted something done, you talked to the Americans and no one else. Now we get excited over iPods, cell phones, and other electronic trinkets.

Many believe Craftsmanship is in decline due to the general apathy found in today's society. Maybe. I tend to believe it is due to an erosion of our moral values. Let me give you an example. Having a child in college, my interest was piqued recently by an article describing the pervasiveness of cheating and plagiarism in our schools. It is not my intent to make a political statement here but many of the students mentioned in the article rationalized their cheating on the fact that one of our past Presidents cheated and lied under oath, and got away with it. They figured if it is okay for the Commander-in-Chief to act this way, it was an acceptable form of behavior.

Arnold Toynbee, the famed English historian, observed, "Civilizations die from suicide, not by murder." If the moral fabric of our society dies, our story is told as evidenced by other great civilizations that long preceded us. Our perspective needs to be realigned: Our personal and professional lives must be viewed as one. As Toynbee remarked, "The supreme accomplishment is to blur the line between work and play." By doing so, we identify more closely with our work and assume a greater pride in workmanship. We do not need to hear this from our boss, but rather from within. As strange as it may sound, I see Craftsmanship as being patriotic in nature; doing a good quality job is part of leading a good and honorable life and builds on the individual's esteem, the company he works for, and the country he lives in.

The biggest problem though is that we have forgotten how to manage people. The manager's primary goal is to create the proper work environment for employees to produce the desired work products. This is different than a supervisory capacity that directs how each person performs the various tasks of a job. In fact, I encourage managers to manage more and supervise less. I cringe when I see a manager try to "micromanage" either a Fortune 500 company or a non-profit organization.

Yes, people need to be trained in order to properly perform their work but following this, employees should be mature enough to supervise themselves. In the old days, management stressed discipline, accountability, and structure; three ugly words in today's workplace.

Understanding Craftsmanship

Some might say craftsmanship is a simple concept that we should intuitively know. Not true; most people today have no comprehension as to what makes up a good craftsman; they have either forgotten or it has simply passed them by. Craftsmanship can be found in any field of endeavor imaginable, be it in the product sector or service industry. Craftsmanship, therefore, is universally applicable to any line of work.

Craftsmanship is not "workmanship", nor is it synonymous with quality, although the three concepts are closely related. Let's begin by giving "Craftsmanship" a definition: "The production and delivery of quality goods or services from highly skilled workmen."

Quality relates to the absence of errors or defects in the finished product or service. In other words, finished goods operate according to their specifications (customers get precisely what they ordered). Such products are normally durable and require minimal maintenance. Craftsmanship produces quality products. In the absence of craftsmen, a rigorous methodology or assembly line process is required to produce quality goods using workers without the expertise of craftsmen. Such processes detail "Who" is to perform "What" work, "When", "Where", "Why" and "How" (5W+H), thereby assuring a quality product or service is produced. Such is the underlying rationale of the ISO 9000 certification as used by many companies today. The point is, quality is not the exclusive domain of the craftsman.

Craftsmanship is also a human trait. Some might argue a computer or industrial robot can produce quality products and are, therefore, craftsmen. However, we must remember these devices are programmed by human beings in accordance with the rules of the craftsman. As such, they are an extension or tool of the craftsman.

Craftsmanship can be found in either the overall work process or a section of it. For example, there are craftsmen who are intimate with all facets of building furniture, such as a table, a chair or desk, and can implement the product from start to finish. However, as products grow in complexity, it becomes difficult to find people suitably qualified to build them from the womb to the tomb. Consider military weapons alone, such as the complicated ships, tanks, and airplanes we now use, with thousands or millions of parts to assemble. Such complexity makes it impossible for a single person to have the expertise to build the whole product. The same is true in the service sector where different types of expertise and capabilities may be required. In other words, craftsmen have a specific scope of work. The scope of work may relate to other types of craftsmen through a chain of work dependencies, e.g., Craftsmen A, B and C concentrate on separate sub-assemblies which are eventually joined into a single product.

Attributes

So, what are the attributes of a craftsman? What makes a craftsman a craftsman? There are three basic attributes described herein:

1. Possesses the necessary knowledge and skills to perform the work.

The craftsman is an expert in his field of endeavor; so much so that he could easily serve as an instructor in the subject matter. But the craftsman is also smart enough to know that education is not a one time thing, that his world and field evolve as new tools and techniques are introduced. As such, the craftsman is a student of his profession and is constantly looking to improve himself. This is exercised through such things as continued education, routine certification, studying books and trade publications, and industrial groups. The craftsman willingly participates in trade groups, often at his own expense, in order to network with his peers.

It is Important to note that the craftsman does not need to be told he needs periodic training to sharpen his skills. Instead, he takes the personal initiative to stay on top of his game. Further, the craftsman has no problem with a periodic job review; in fact, he welcomes it for it might bring out a weakness in a skill he needs to sharpen.

2. Attention to detail.

The craftsman understands and respects the process of building/delivering a product or service and is acutely aware of the penalties for cutting corners. Earlier we discussed the need for a methodology that specifies 5W+H. The craftsman is intimate with all details of his scope of work, so much so, he could probably write the methodology himself. Further, his intimacy of the work process means he can produce a reliable estimate of time and costs to perform the work.

Although many of the craftsman's tasks may be repetitive, it doesn't mean he easily falls into a rut. Instead, he is constantly looking for new tools and techniques to improve the work process. As such, he plays the role of Industrial Engineer who is normally charged with such a task.

The craftsman's attention to detail also means that he demonstrates patience in his work effort. Again, wary of cutting corners, the craftsman must possess such patience in order to produce the product the right way.

3. Views professional life as an extension of his personal life.

The craftsman identifies with the end product which is where pride in workmanship comes from. In his mind, the craftsman has been charged with the responsibility of producing something, and wanting to satisfy the customer, puts forth his best effort to produce it. In other words, craftsmen take their work personally. This is a difficult trait to teach particularly in today's society where the focus is more on financial compensation than on the work product itself. It may sound naive, but the craftsman believes he will be suitably compensated for producing superior results.

Years ago, Dick Butkus of the Chicago Bears (NFL) confounded sports writers who could never understand why Butkus played as hard as he did year after year for a losing football team. True, Dick loved the game, but beyond that, the sports writers didn't understand one thing about the seven time All-Pro linebacker: Butkus took his job personally. It was important to him that his opponents know that they had been tackled by the best player; as he said, "When they get up from the ground I want them to say 'it must have been Butkus that got me'." Dick Butkus was a craftsman.

The craftsman has a burning desire to produce a superior product/service because he sees it as a reflection of himself. As such, the lines delineating their personal life and professional life are blurred. This is a significant characteristic that clearly separates a craftsman from the average worker. The craftsman's work is his life. He does not shirk responsibility, but rather embraces it with confidence and embosses his name on the finished product. Conversely, making a work related mistake of any kind pains a true craftsman.

Job titles are normally inconsequential to the craftsman who is more interested in delivering a quality product/service enjoyed by the customer. Instead, the craftsman takes pleasure in being touted as the best in his craft. He appreciates recognition; when someone makes a compliment about a product, the craftsman views it as a personal compliment. This too runs contrary to today's corporate world where people desperately seek recognition through simple job titles. Want someone with an inflated ego? Give them a title. Want something done right? Call a craftsman.

Productivity

"Dependable", "professional", and "resourceful" are adjectives that aptly describe the craftsman. He is not one who fabricates excuses but, rather, always finds a way to get the job done. The craftsman is typically your most productive employee. He is mindful of the concept of productivity that we have touted for years:

Productivity = Effectiveness X Efficiency

Most people fallaciously equate productivity with efficiency, which simply gauges how fast we can perform a given task. Effectiveness, on the other hand, validates the necessity of the task itself. There is nothing more unproductive than to do something efficiently that should not have been done at all. An industrial robot, for example, can efficiently perform such tasks as welding. But if you are welding the wrong thing, then it is counterproductive. Going back to our description of a methodology, effectiveness defines "Who/What/When/Where/Why", efficiency defines "How." The craftsman is well aware of the difference between the two and knows how to apply both. As such, the craftsman is in tune with his work environment and corporate culture.

So how do we make craftsmen?

Not easily. Because of the human dynamics involved with the craftsman, you will need to be a pretty intuitive manager or industrial psychologist to make it happen. Selecting suitable candidates is the logical first step. Devise an aptitude test to determine the candidate's suitability to become a craftsman. After all, "you cannot make a silk purse from a sow's ear." Aside from specific knowledge and experience in a given field (e.g., programming, woodworking, construction, accounting, etc.), here are some other important traits to look for:

* Fertility of mind - judge his ability to learn, to adapt to changing conditions, and to look beyond his scope of work. Evaluate his professional curiosity.

* Confidence - judge how well the candidate knows himself, particularly how well he knows his own limitations. He should admit his deficiencies and not fabricate excuses.

* Dedication - judge his loyalty and determination to accomplish something. What is his attendance record? What outside clubs and organizations does he belong to and how active is he in them?

* Entrepreneurial spirit - judge his personal initiative. Is he driven to succeed (but not to the point of reckless abandon)? Does he have a problem with accountability? This says a lot about assuming responsibility.

* Attention to detail - judge his ability to focus on a subject. Does he have a problem with discipline or organization? A person's dress, mannerisms, and speech says a lot about a person.

* Reliability - judge his ability to assume responsibility and carry a task through to completion.

* Resourcefulness - judge his ability to adapt to changing conditions and persevere to see a task through to completion. The candidate cannot be inflexible; he must be able to find solutions to solve problems.

* Socialization skills - does he work better alone or as a team player? His position may depend on his answer.

When you have selected suitable candidates, here are three areas to concentrate on:

1. Develop their skills and knowledge by allowing such things as: participation in trade groups, outside certification and on-going training, subscriptions to trade journals, continued education, etc. Some companies even go as far as to develop an in-house school to teach the company's way of doing things. If the in-house school is good, it will promote confidence through consistency. Even if people leave the company, they will recommend your company because they know the quality of the work produced. Supporting the education needs of our workers is not only smart, it is good business.

2. Teach them the need for producing quality work; they should become intimate with all aspects of their work process (5W+H). Further, instill discipline and patience in their work effort.

3. Change their attitude towards development so they become more focused on delivering a quality end-product. This is perhaps the most difficult element to teach. However, it can be realized by having them become intimate with the needs of the customer (have them visit or work with a customer for awhile - "let them walk in the customer's shoes"). It may also be necessary to change their form of remuneration by going to a reward system for work produced (as opposed to guaranteed income regardless of what is produced). Changing the mode of financial compensation is highly controversial in today's business world. But, as an example, can you imagine the change of attitude of today's professional athletes if they were paid based on their accomplishments (e.g., runs or points scored, hits, rebounds, etc.) rather than having a guaranteed income? Their motivation and attitude towards their profession and team would change radically.

Candidates must learn to respect their institution, the process by which they work, fellow human beings, and themselves. They must also learn not to be afraid to TRY; that they must put their best foot forward, win or lose. Bottom-line: they must learn that their work has meaning and worth. If they don't enjoy their work, they shouldn't be doing it.

"There are two things that I want you to make up your minds to: first, that you are going to have a good time as long as you live - I have no use for the sour-faced man - and next, that you are going to do something worthwhile, that you are going to work hard and do the things you set out to do." - President Theodore Roosevelt Talk to schoolchildren in Oyster Bay, Christmas-time 1898

Certification

Teaching the elements listed above probably cannot be done in one fell swoop. Further, companies simply don't have the time or money to wait for the craftsman to be produced. Instead, they must understand the human spirit needs to be cultivated and be allowed to grow over time. Because of this, it is strongly recommended that an in-house certification program be devised specifying what the candidate should know and what skills and talents he should demonstrate. This should be divided into classes of progressive expertise; e.g., apprentice, intermediary, and craftsman. The ancient builders in Egypt, Rome, and Greece understood this concept and devised such classes of workmen. Other disciplines and schools follow similar tactics (the various degrees or belts in martial arts for example). Each degree is based on specific prerequisites to master before moving on to the next level.

An in-house certification program has the added nuance of making people feel special which greatly enhances their self esteem. If they are made to feel like a vital part of the company, regardless if their work of a large magnitude or trivial, they will strive to do what is best for the company overall, not just themselves. Consequently, their work adds meaning to their life.

There is one pitfall to all of this; today's "go-go" management style fails to see how craftsmanship adds value to the company. In fact, there were companies back in the 1980's that shut down such programs simply to reduce costs. As a result, quality suffered, repeat business was lost, products were more in need of repair, absenteeism on the job escalated, etc. Want value? How does a loyal customer base who has confidence in your products or services sound? And what effect would employee harmony have, particularly if they believed in the work they were producing? It would be mind-boggling, all because we had faith in the human spirit to produce superior results.

A final note: craftsmanship is not a one time thing. After it has been instilled in people, it has to be cultivated and perpetuated. If a manager slips even for a moment, it will go right out the window and it will take time to bring it back to life. As for me, I like to post motivational reminders kind of like the one recently spotted in the Hickey Freeman manufacturing facility in New York, "Excellence is Tolerated."

Home Machine Shops

2007-10-11T05:01:00.000-07:00

Adverse Health Effects Of Oil Mist In Machine Tool Industries

2007-10-11T04:59:00.000-07:00