How to Choose and Design your Own Hot Tubs

When it comes to hot tubs, there are a number of options on the market, many of them ideal choices for the home. There are two hot tub types, basically, to select from self contained and non-self contained. As you consider which is right for your particular needs, keep in mind that some are more costly investments than others are. The one you select should have a basis on your budget, but also your long-term goals for the spa.

The most common are the self-contained hot tubs. These come in two main hot tub designs, the portable spa or the hot tub. With the hot tubs, you have the heating, electrical and the filtration system included in the exterior components of the device. There is likely a cabinet where these are located. You can place them above ground. On the other hand, you can build a deck around them for a sunken look. They should not be positioned into the ground directly.

The other option you have in hot tub types is the non self-contained spa. These are permanent options and they do fit directly into the ground. Most of the equipment (heating, filtration and electrical systems) are located away from the spa, such as under a deck or out of the way. This particular type of option is better if you hoping to remain in the home long term.

Hot tub designs like these can be good options for most people, but it is important to consider the long-term implications of investing in them. If you are unsure which is best for you, compare the features of both before making a decision.

Design your Bathrooms a Quick & Affordable Facelift

Bathrooms may be the smallest rooms in your home but are the one room your guests will spend the most time observing the décor! If you’ve been putting off fixing up your bathroom because of cost, you’ll be happy to hear that bathroom DIY options are endless. For almost any project you’ll want to do in your bathroom, DIY kits are available, complete with step-by-step instructions.

Walls

No bathroom facelift would be complete without an update to the walls. Whether you’re just adding a fresh coat of paint or installing tiles to your shower, upgrading your walls is often the first step to any bathroom repair or remodeling job. If you’re choosing tiles, you’ll find they’re affordable and very easy to install. The easy-to-follow instructions will guide you through cutting the tiles, applying the grout right to the entire installation. Wainscoting adds a great touch to the décor of bathrooms as well. You can save a lot of money by getting “leftover” boards from your lumberyard and cutting them to size yourself.

Floors

Because bathrooms are such a small room, new floors are very affordable whether you’re choosing tiles, linoleum or carpeting. Obviously, tiles will be the most expensive and time-consuming but are still a great bathroom DIY project. All the instructions you need for the installation will be included with your tiles. If you know how to measure your room and read, you’ll find this a simple job!

Fixtures

If you’re trying to cut costs on your bathroom repair, you may not want to purchase new bathroom fixtures. However, by giving them a good scrubbing, replacing washers and applying simple maintenance you’ll find they’ll provide you with years of excellent service.

Give your guests something to occupy their mind, thoughts and eyes while in your bathroom with a small magazine rack, family photos on the wall or a small plant (which, incidentally, grow beautifully in the bathroom).

Welding Equipment for your Safety

The type of job, the size of the shop, the power available, and your operation will determine the welding equipment needed. Facilities can range from a small workshop at home to a multi-million operation as used in structural steel fabricating or automobile manufacturing.

Protective And Safety Equipment:

A face shield, to protect the face and eyes from the electric rays and spatter from the molten metal, is necessary. Use a shield with an adjustable headband; but some shields are held with one hand while welding with the other, or used by an observer. You will also need leather gloves, sleeves, and maybe an apron. Depending on the position being welded, you may also need a protective bib, or an entire leather jacket.

Don’t forget high top work shoes, chipping hammer, wire brush, safety glasses for chipping welds, vice gripes, and various clamps. Other equipment may include an anvil, heavy hammer, tongs or long handled pliers, and a pail of water. Note: Be sure to work in a well ventilated area.

A Welding Rod Oven is fundamental. Store unopened welding rod containers at room temperature, in a dry location. Once the container is opened place the rods in a portable or stationary Rod Oven at proper settings. Various styles and models of Rod Ovens are tailored to your needs. When the rods are taken out of the holding oven place them in a “pouch” or toolbox at the job location. Half way through the day place unused rods back in the holding oven. Keep rotating the use of your used/unused welding rods.

Cutting/Burning Outfit Is Needed:

In a stationary location “fixed” equipment may be available, but in many cases the portable Oxy/Acet burning outfits are used. The portable outfit on wheels consists of an oxygen and acetylene cylinder, with attached valves, regulators, gauges, hoses, and a cutting torch with removable welding tips for gas welding or brazing.

Machine Accessories:

Two cables of copper wire covered with a tough insulation are necessary to carry the electric current from the welding machine to the work and back to the welder. An electrode holder (stinger) and a lightweight “whip” are needed. The holder/whip should be light, well insulated and sturdy to withstand the wear from continuous handling. A ground clamp is used to attach the ground cable to the work or the welding table. You will also need cable lugs to attach the cable to the machine.

Welding Machines:

There are two basic types of machines, AC, alternating current and DC, direct current. In a small workshop with single-phase electric (house current), the 225-ampere, 240-volt transformer (aka “buzzbox”) machine is most often used. If power is obtained from public utility lines, one or more of the following welding machines can be used: Transformers, rectifiers, motor generators, and control equipment can be options.

When in doubt always check with the power company or a competent electrician before selecting a power source or machine. (A good working knowledge of welding rod selections and use is also essential.) If public utility power is not available, a portable generator driven by gasoline or diesel engine is used. A portable welding machine rated at 200 to 300 amps, with a 4 cylinder engine of 16 hp. is adequate for a wide range of jobs.

Please review all of our weld ovens for the proper storage of your welding electrodes.