Behind the Scenes at Duracite | Countertop Fabricator

Posted on June 13, 2011 by Tom Robinson

We like to post videos on Mondays, and today will be no different. Up to this point, we have shown different countertop fabricators giving tips on how to choose who to use when installing new countertops into your home. Today, however, we want to bring you behind the scenes of a stone countertop fabricator. In this short video you’ll see the cutting process, including the water jets cooling off the hot stone from being cut. Thank you, Duracite!

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DIY Father’s Day Gifts for Kids

Posted on June 10, 2011 by Tom Robinson

Father’s Day is approaching in just over a week. Having kids usually means getting handmade crafts from them that will certainly leave you brimming from ear to ear, but don’t necessarily give a whole lot of practicality. Here are four ideas from HGTV to pass on to your kids that will combine both of those things.

1. Painted Grill Platter — Most Dads love spending time at the grill. What better way for him to remember his wonderful kids than with a platter that he can look at every time he is grilling up some delicious food? It is an easy project that only requires a white platter and some paint.

2. Custom Tray — Men love their gadgets and their wallets. And there’s a good chance they get thrown in all kinds of different places when they come home. Buy a tray, have your kids splatter some random paint on it (or a design, if they’re ambitious!), and stay organized forever!

3. Stitched Card — What is Father’s Day without a card? This one is a little complicated, but if you have extra-talented kids, this might work! Maybe they’ll use some of Mommy’s help, too! Here are the instructions.

4. Painted Silhouette — Does Dad have a favorite thing in the house? Something he wears every day? Or a favorite heirloom? Maybe a knickknack that sits by the door? Put it into a painting! Frame it, and let him hang it at work, or in the garage, or wherever he wants! Find the instructions here.

You can even take it to the next level, and any son could do these for Dad with a little bit of time and elbow grease.

What have you made your dad that he has loved? Share your favorites here as well as on our Facebook and Twitter pages!

Find the original article here

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Testimonial Thursday | Standards of Excellence | Eclipse Stainless Sinks

Posted on June 9, 2011 by Tom Robinson

Today we’d like to bring a short testimonial from John O’Meara of Standards of Excellence in San Rafael, California. Enjoy! Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube for daily goodies like this!

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How to Tell if Your Sink is Certified

Posted on June 7, 2011 by Tom Robinson

Last post, we wrote to you about the scandal of free sinks. Many counter top fabricators offer free sinks as promotions. In many cases, however, the sinks are cheap, and there not certified. Certification is expensive. Not only does the product have to be tested, but the accredited agency must visit the factory every six months to verify that all the processes that are part of the standards are still being followed.

Is your stainless sink certified?

So how do you know if a sink is certified? That is a difficult question to answer. One of the requirements of the codes is that the sink be marked in a place accessible in the final installation with the manufacturer’s name and model number so the sink can be researched. Most accredited agencies also require that the product be marked with the agencies certification stamp. If the sink is not marked it does not comply with the code. Marking alone does not mean certification. At least one major supplier to the fabrication industry listed for several years that they were certified when they were not. The best way to find out if you sink is certified is look for the mark and visit the accredited agencies web page and not the sink company’s website to find out if the manufacturer is listed. You can also ask for copies of the certification from the accredited agency, and not just a statement from the sink company.

Ultimately, why do you care if your sink is not certified? It means the sink has not been tested to meet the standards. It may have impurities that will shorten the life of the sink or even make it unhealthy to use. If may be made of softer steel. It may not have the ingredients that give stainless steel sink the lustrous finish that is the signature of a high quality stainless steel sink. Or it may not have the ingredients that harden the finish that make the sink last a life time. If it is not tested and certified who knows what is in your stainless steel sink.

Follow Eclipse Stainless on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube for more daily tips on everything sink and faucet related.

 

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Moreno Tile and Stone | Choosing a Countertop

Posted on June 6, 2011 by Tom Robinson

We talked to Alex Moreno of Moreno Tile and Stone in Illinois. He gives some great tips on choosing a stone fabricator! Enjoy and make sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube for daily doses of kitchen handiness!

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The Scandal of the Free Sink

Posted on June 3, 2011 by Tom Robinson

Be wary of ads for free stainless sinks

Not all, but most, stainless steel sinks given away as promotions to sell counter tops do not meet local building code. If you received a “free sink” with your counter top it is possible, and even likely, that it is not certified to meet the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC)®, International Plumbing Code (IPC)® or the National Plumbing Code of Canada (NPC)®.

All components of the plumbing system are required to be certified by a third party accredited agency to comply with standards listed in these codes. For example, if you go to your local building supply store you will notice there is a label on every pipe listing the standards that the pipe meets. This is the certification information. In the case of stainless steel sinks the standard is ASME A112.19.3.

In the days before the Internet, the components of your plumbing system were sold largely through supply houses. Being in the plumbing industry these organizations understood and self-policed these requirements. Then came the Internet and anybody could buy anything, certified or not.

Many counter top fabricators, when the market slowed, were looking for a promotion to boost sales. They began giving away a free stainless sink with their countertops. The promotion was so successful that in some markets the free sink became the standard. Fabricators looking to stay competitive began looking for the cheapest sink they could find to use as these promotional sinks. Many were not aware of the code requirements, and if they did know, they did not care because after all, it was a “free sink.” When you give away a free sink price will trump quality every time.

Next week, we’ll help you figure out how to tell whether or not your sinks are certified. For more sink and plumbing tips and hints on a daily basis, follow Eclipse Stainless on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6322321
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Top Apps for Home Improvement

Posted on June 1, 2011 by Tom Robinson

We’ve blogged just a little before about how technology has integrated into your home with our post on “The Social Kitchen“. Today we bring you more on that category with some of our favorite home improvement applications for your smart phone. Most of these apps are available both in the Android and iPhone application stores.

1. House Maintenance Schedule

This will keep you up-to-date with the things you should be doing as regular maintenance for your home. There are things that easily just get forgotten amidst the normal routine of life. This app hopes to keep you on top of things and make sure your home is happy and healthy for many, many years.

2. Bubble Level

Don’t have a level? That is no longer a problem. This app replaces the somewhat clunky and easy-to-lose tool. Simply place the phone vertically or horizontally on any surface and the hardware inside the phone will tell you how many degrees off you are from perfect.

3. Laser Level

This app does roughly the same thing as the bubble level. The difference is that it basically takes a picture of what you are trying to level, especially when comparing items. It will give you straight lines to look at to make leveling a bit easier when doing multiple things at a time.

4. Construction Master Pro

Although it costs some money ($20) it puts a full-use construction calculator right onto your phone. How handy is that? Don’t worry about batteries anymore, or an extra device in your pocket, your phone can now do it all!

What apps do you use when doing your home renovation and construction projects? Have you brought your phone into your work world?

Make sure to follow Eclipse Stainless on Facebook and Twitter as well for more daily fun!

(source)

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Precision Countertops | Choosing a Countertop

Posted on May 31, 2011 by Tom Robinson

Here is our newest installment to our weekly video interview feature about choosing the right countertops and countertop fabricator for your home. Enjoy!

Also be sure to find us on Facebook and Twitter for daily tips and hints like this!

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Preparing for Memorial Day

Posted on May 26, 2011 by Tom Robinson

Memorial Day is coming up in just a few days — how did it sneak up like that?! We thought we’d change it up a little bit for the long weekend, and make sure you’re prepared for one of the most grilled-upon holidays of the year. Here are the grilling tools you need to become the master of your backyard:

Grill. This one is a bit obvious. Make sure your most fundamental grilling tool is in safe working order and ready for a busy weekend. Maybe you can even splurge and let yourself get a new grill just in time for the summer season.

Fuel. You need energy for your grill, whether it’s propane or charcoal. Double check that you have enough to get you through. Also double check your valves if using propane as an extra safety measure.

Tongs. Skip the forks. Those only serve to impale the meat and make it hard to actually flip. A nice pair of tongs is versatile and sturdy and will be your best friend while grilling.

Spatula. A spatula will serve you well when grilling burgers or fish. One with an offset handle will be the best option as it allows the greatest ease in slipping the spatula under a stubborn meat patty.

Basting Brush. This will take your grilling to the next level. Apply any kind of sauce with this brush a few minutes before you meat is done cooking and wow your friends and family. Make sure to get heat-resistant silicone bristles.

Grill Brush. Not only can you cook like pro, but clean like one too. Get a nice sturdy brush to clean off your grill after you’re done cooking for the day.

Meat Thermometer. There are some meats you want to be extra sure of when cooking, including chicken. An instant read thermometer will keep you and your family safe and enjoying every last bit. You don’t want to play the guessing game when your health is at stake.

Fire Extinguisher. Just in case. You can never be too safe when there are kids and fire in the same vicinity.

Paper Towels. Some sturdy paper towels will be handy for wiping up any spills that happen as you are grilling — especially during the basting phase.

Pot Holders. Some grill handles, mainly on older models, can be a little too hot to grab. A pot holder will save the day, especially if you’ve been grilling all afternoon.

Aluminum Foil. For grilling up veggies or smaller pieces of meat (for kabobs, for instance). Place them on foil and make sure they don’t fall through the cracks.

What other tools do you find essential to your grilling process?

Have a wonderful safe Memorial Day weekend!

 

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The Social Kitchen

Posted on May 25, 2011 by Tom Robinson

While the kitchen is one of the most heavily used rooms in your house, it doesn’t always necessitate fun. The kitchen is associated with grocery shopping, cleaning, preparing, cooking, etc. Those things on their own can be enjoyable at times, but are often simply extra duties at the end of a long day.

There is a concept for a smartphone/tablet application that could help change that. The app is called MySpice, and although not yet available, could change the way we purchase groceries and prepare meals.

The app would be fully integrated with your kitchen, knowing approximate expiration dates and inventory of your food. When going to the grocery store, it could then prioritize your lists, and tell you exactly what you need and when you need it. It also integrates with the point-of-sale at the grocery store and updates your inventories. You can pick recipes ahead of time that will then automatically add ingredients to the list as needed.

The cool part of this app is that it would integrate with your friends. You can link up the app with your neighbors or family members and compare ingredients. If you pick a recipe that you only have half the ingredients for, you can alert your friend who may have the other half you need. Your mealtime is transformed into a social experience versus just another chore. The possibilities for the future are quite exciting!

What do you think of this idea? Keep up-to-date with Eclipse Stainless on our Facebook, Twitter and YouTube pages for daily tips, hints and news.

 

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