Tips in Using a Diamond Core Bit

When it comes to drilling holes into materials like ceramics, tile, marble, granite, and other hard materials, core bits are the absolute way to go. A core bit is hollow, and, depends on the manufacturer, can be really strong. The good ones can create a perfect circle, forming a hole. Because diamond is the hardest material there is, diamond core bit makes for a great choice in drilling a hole. Normally, core bits are sold alongside different cutting tools.

If not used properly, a diamond core bit can overheat and can get heat fracture that may result to breakage. Bear in mind that when properly used a core bit should just be warm. Otherwise when it gets hot, it means that the drill speed is fast, or the material being drilled cannot take the pressure, or there is not enough lubrication.

Image Credit: flickr

 Here are the basics on the main drilling techniques that you should study before getting your hands on a core bit.

Drill Speed

Because all core bits aren’t equal, this one hugely depends on the power tools manufacturer. There are types that are used at slow speeds and decreases even further for harder and more abrasive materials. On the larger bits, the RPM (revolutions per minute) should be decreased. In prolonging the life of core bits, you should be able to consider low pressure, sufficient water for lubrication and the correct drill speeds.

Drill Pressure

If you increase the pressure on the softer materials, the drill will get faster. As for harder materials, the pressure should be decreased. Just let the core bit do its thing, so to speak. If this isn’t followed, the core bit may get damaged. Light to medium pressure is advisable. 

Lubrication

Any expert will tell you that water should be used to lubricate the tip, and of course, any coolant to cool it down. Water is in fact the best used lubricant because it is most efficient aside from the fact that it is readily available. 

What lubrication does is it makes for a decreased heat buildup, so it helps prolong the life of the core bit. Without question, the importance of lubrication can never be overstated. It is something you would never want to overlook. This holds true most especially if you are using a diamond core bit. There are different methods of lubrication, and this I will discuss in one of my future blogs. 

Home Improvement Projects: When and When Not To Do it Yourself

It’s fulfilling to see a simple home maintenance and repair projects being completed. It means you can pride yourself with your craftsmanship and brag about the couple of bucks you saved because of your DIY projects. Most of the times, doing things without the help of a professional can have the most advantage, however, there are certain things that must be left to those who already had an experience and know-hows about home improvement.

Engaging in DIY projects can be exciting and rewarding for most men. In fact, a lot of middle class American men over the age of 50 had taken a DIY project instead of paying a professional to do it for them.  From repairing a leaking faucet to installing fences on your garden, there are a lot of things that can be done by yourself. However, knowing when to and Not to DIY will have a lot do to you with you and your family’s safety.

Here’s a quick list that you can use when deciding when to pick up your tools and when to pick a phone to hire a professional.

1.    Do not do it yourself if you don’t have the knowledge nor the time and resources to learn about the project you’re about to take. Some projects require skills and tricks that will ensure the quality and safety of your house and your family. Professionals spend years to acquire knowledge that can help you keep your home in its best shape.

2.    Do not do it yourself if you don’t have the basic tools. Most men keep a collection of basic power tools and high quality diamond blades to use in their basic home improvement projects. If you’re decided to engage in DIY projects, make sure to have a basic tool box with the right items to help make your jobs easier.

3.    Do not do it yourself if it’s not worth your time. Taking a day off from work just to install bamboo flooring or to install a handrail can be a lot if you have a high paying job. Consider how much you can save plus the time you have to spend in completing the project. Most of the time, contacting a professional will cost a little more than a DIY project but will give you more peace of mind as much as possible.

4.    DO it yourself if you can have an extra hand. Having your brother, best pal or neighbor help you with your DIY project can mean less work and more efficiency. Ask someone knowledgeable about picking the right diamond blades when cutting concrete or someone who has an experience in handling different power tools. You can also ask to borrow extra tools to make your job easier.

5.    DO it yourself if you are confident about your handyman skills. Let’s all admit it. We are not created equal and some men are just born with a hammer on his hand while others are just better off with computer or books. It’s enough to get yourself well versed about the technology in basic home construction as well as other basic home skills but you can always call someone else to do the job for you if you’re not really confident about DIY at all.

Image Credits: inspiremecrafts.com, flickr

Four Home Improvement Projects You Can do This Fall

As the summer ends, the weather have a pleasant shift from breezy to at times chilly as we approach the last quarter of the year. While it’s tempting to and jot down your plans for Thanksgiving and the holidays, we must also take this time to check the readiness of our homes for the upcoming colder months.

If you have home improvement projects that were delayed because of a family vacation and summer getaways, now is the best time to pick up your tool box and engage in seasonal chores and upkeep.

Project No. 1 - Revive your lawn

The trees around your home will soon undergo an impressive change of colors and your lawn will be a spectacle to behold every morning. Create an even more pleasing view by removing weeds, raking and leveling the soil and creating an impressive landscape. Use cutting tools with the right diamond blade in cutting concrete blocks to help decorate your front your lawn and install a pathway to your home. If you have garden fences, make sure to check on those and do the necessary upkeep to make it look more impressive.

Project No. 2 - Give the front door a little make over

Make your home fall ready by giving your front door a little make over. Paint it with colors that will go well with your fall theme and check on screws or hinges that must be replaced. Also check if your door is winter ready or if you need to install a storm door for an added protection.  This simple step will let you come home to a warm, welcoming home this season.

Project No. 3 – Fix up windows

Most windows require yearly maintenance to ensure the quality of locks, hinges and screws as well as security locks. Check all the windows on your home and make sure that everything is ready before the weather turns colder. Do basic upkeep such as cleaning, replacing parts and repainting to give it a new look.

Project No. 4 – Organize the garage and work station

    As you prepare your home for the cooler days, it’s important to check on your garage and work station to make sure that all your things are properly stored and organized. Make sure that all your power tools like carbide saw blade and gadgets are properly cleaned, oiled and dusted before keeping your tools away. Read user’s manual of the cutting tools as well as the different types of diamond blades to ensure their quality and longevity.

Make your home the perfect place to spend a holiday in by doing these basic home improvement projects. How about you? How do you prepare your home for this season? Share to us your next DIY projects!

Image Credits: greenlivingsavings.com,  nymag.com

Safety Tips to Remember When Working with Diamond Blades

Working on your home improvement projects and simple repair activities can be fulfilling most of the times. It allows you to work at your own pace and gives you full control on how you want things to appear. However, doing it yourself instead of hiring a professional means you have to be extra careful in everything that you do.

Such as when using concrete saws in repairing your living room floors or landscaping your garden, it’s important to use the right saw blades so as to prevent any accident. Before cutting with any diamond blades and concrete saws, make sure that you follow a safety routine to ensure your safety.

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Here are some of the things that you must check when working with diamond blades.

1.    Wear proper safety clothes

Before you start on any project, you must take the necessary preparations like wearing the right working clothes. This means not wearing very loose clothing or tight fitting clothes that will limit your movement. Make sure to wear long pants to properly cover your legs and safety boots to safeguard your toes.

2.    Use protective gear

Aside from wearing comfortable clothes, you must also wear protective gears such as earplugs, gloves and facial mask. Dust that is caused by cutting concrete can be hazardous to your health so make sure to wear a protective gear that snugly fit your face.

3.    Inspect all equipment

The concrete saw you use for your projects must be in best condition to avoid any injuries. Always check if the saw is clean and if the blade is properly installed on the saw. If you are using electric saw, check the cord and then see if there is any damage or scratch. If you are using gas-powered cutters, make sure that it is properly fueled and you have enough gas to complete your task.

4.    Keep work area clean

Organized work area allows you to move around freely. Make sure to get your area free of clutter to help prevent any accident. Keep your tools like diamond core bit in one area and pick up extra pieces of tiles or bricks so you won’t accidentally trip over anything. Also take extra caution when using extension cords and other accessories in your work area.

5.    Always keep a First Aid Kit handy

No matter how careful you are, you might accidentally hurt yourself while doing your project. Keep medicine kit handy and learn the basic of first aid so you will know what to do in case of accidents.

5 Power Tools You Must Have For Your DIY Projects

With the fall season coming, now is the best time to start home improvement projects to prepare for the change in temperature in the coming months. Many homeowners will soon check their garage for the tools they need to repair broken windows or replace bedroom flooring. But having the right tool to help you complete your DIY projects and seasonal upkeep can make your job easier and more efficient.

For the guys who love to take charge in doing the simple repair and maintenance of the house, nothing is more frustrating that not having the right tools that are needed for a specific function.

Image Credit: www.gilatools.com

Before getting started on anything, make sure that you have these 5 basic power tools that you must have on your garage.

Power Drill

This power tool is definitely the number one tool on our list. It can be used to drill into concrete walls and can definitely decrease the time you spent in carpentry projects. When purchasing power drills, go for a unit that has high voltage as it translate to more torque-spinning strength.

Power Miter Saw

In order to have polished and clean projects, you need to purchase a high quality miter saw for the simple to complex woodworks. This power tool can help you make quick and accurate angled crosscuts to wood and other materials. Many carpenters consider miter saw blade as an important item on their garage because it can make any woodwork easier and more efficient.

Concrete Saw

After the woodworks, you might also consider a power tool that can help you cut through concrete, brick or granite. This tool can be very helpful especially if you want to improve some areas in your garden or if you want to get a makeover for your landscape. Purchase high quality diamond blades and get a fine result for your saw cutting activities.

Nail Gun

When engaging in home improvement projects, it is important to lessen the time you need to have the whole process completed. Getting a nail gun will surely decrease the time spent in driving nails into wood and other materials. This power tool can be the least expensive and can be used more often than other items on this list.

Get your garage ready with these basic construction tools for you next home improvement projects. Complete your store with different sizes of diamond saw blades and carbide saw blade to help you come up with more projects for your home.

How to Buy Power Tools Online

The online world is a treasure box of a lot of good deals and discount promos of about everything or anything including power tools. Aside from a good deal of savings, you can also have a hassle free shopping and quickly compare prices in just one click. But one wrong purchase can mean wasted money and may even pose danger for you and family.

To make sure that you get the most out of your online purchase, despite not having the chance to physically examine it, you have to be extra smart. Here are some tips to guide you through your online shopping of power tools.

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1.    Join Forums

Ask around the neighborhood or in the internet about what people are using in their home improvement projects. Post a photo of the brand and the model of hand saws, or diamond blades to get a feedback about it. There are a lot of online forums with pro builders and DIY experts from all around as its members, so don’t hesitate to get acquainted with them and ask for their help.

2.    Go Window Shopping

Power tools such as diamond core bit and saw blade are often cheaper online, but you still have to have a first hand experience of that product before making a purchase. Go to a nearby hardware store and look for the products that you are eyeing on in the internet. Get to know the store owner or the sales person and ask about what you need to know about the tools you need to buy.

3.    Look for Trusted Brands

Branded tools that have gained a strong reputation in the construction industry is a good choice. Although they may seem more expensive than other non-popular brands, you can surely find it a little cheaper online. Compare products prices and ensure authenticity to make the most out of your online purchase.

4.    Read before you click

Online shopping can be a little tricky but if you are just going to be a smart buyer, you can definitely make the right choice. Read the specifications, the items that you are getting and especially the warranty of every product you wish you purchase. Take note of all the items that must be included in the package including the wires, battery or charger. This will save you from a lot of trouble in the future.

5.    Consider shipping cost

I’ve mentioned that tools can be a lot cheaper when you shop online but try to add up the shipping cost and the number of days before it can be delivered to help you figure out if it is all worth it. Remember to take your time in considering your every purchase and avoid clicking the buy now button just because of the bold sale written all over the screen.