7 Electrical Safety Tips for DIY Projects

Many people prefer to handle home repairs on their own as much as they can. It’s a good way to save money, as long as you know what you are doing. When it comes to electricity, you must use caution. Before you replace an outlet, install wiring, or do anything else with your home’s electrical system, make sure you follow the safety tips listed below.

Learn About Residential Electrical Systems First

You should know the basics before attempting an electrical repair. Read up on how residential systems work. Some concepts were likely covered in science class years ago, but it is best to brush up before you get to work.

The internet contains a wealth of resources or you can visit the library to find books on home repair and electricity.

Turn Off Power at the Main Service Panel

Never work on a live wire. Always turn the power off at the main service panel. Do not rely on a nearby switch to cut power. You should at least switch the breaker to the area off. If possible, you can also switch off the main breaker. Safety should always come before speed and convenience when handling electrical components.

Unplug Appliances Before Working on Them

If you need to repair an appliance or lamp, unplug it first. Even if you believe the power is off or the device isn’t switched on, you should still unplug it. Many electronics continue to draw power when they are off or in idle mode. This can pose a threat while you work.

Verify That the Power is Off Before You Begin

Do not assume that the power is off because you switched the breaker. You should verify before you begin your project. This can be done safely using a volt tester. Place the output points at the bottom of the breaker or on the receptacle. If the light doesn’t come on, then there is no power.

The tester should come with instructions for proper use. You can verify that your tester is functioning by using it on a live circuit. Make sure the indicator light turns on so that you know it is giving you a correct reading.

Never Work in a Wet Environment

Water and electricity do not mix. Never work in wet environments. That includes areas that are moist, damp or have puddles. This is also why you should never drill holes in water pipes. Doing so could cause water to come in contact with electrical components.

If you are doing work outdoors, make sure it is a dry day with no rain in the forecast.

Only Use Extension Cords Temporarily

Extension cords are handy around the house. However, remember that these are only meant for temporary use. Never use an extension cord as part of a permanent fix. They are not rated for this purpose and will pose a fire hazard if used incorrectly.

Know When to Call an Electrician

One of the most important safety tips Connect Electric wants to share is knowing when you should call an electrician. Complex problems come with obstacles that only a professional can handle. It may cost a little more, but you will get quality craftsmanship and peace of mind.
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November 7, 2019

The Importance of Vinyl Cutting Machine Blades

First the Basics

Vinyl cutting is the act of using a machine called a vinyl cutter to cut out designs created with a software program into vinyl sheets. When the machine is done the cutting, there is a need to weed the sheets and remove any waste from the sheets before transferring the final design to where you want it.

These designs can either be labels, 3D objects, card wraps, signage, cards, origamis or decals which can be used on scrapbooks, cars, walls, laptops, signs or crafts.

These machines, which are computer-controlled, look like printers but instead of printing cartridges, they make use of blades that carry out the actual cutting. Their movements are controlled by the software used in making the design that is being cut.

These cutters can also be referred to as plotters or craft cutters as they can do more than just cut your vinyl designs. High-quality cutters can also make designs on paper, tissue paper, cardstock, and thermal transfer materials while some can emboss on wood and aluminum. Check here for more on this process.

It follows from the above that blades are one of the most important parts of your vinyl cutter. It is therefore important to give some attention to them.

Important Factors to Consider

Selecting the Right Blades

In this process, there are different materials with varying levels of thickness. Using the same blade for all these materials will dull it quickly. For thicker materials like flock especially, use a separate one. You should have a different set for materials of different thickness levels and also have something to differentiate each of them.

Be Sure of Compatibility

The brand you purchase is important as they are not universally compatible. Both the blade and the holder must fit snugly together, therefore, you should ensure that you get one that will fit with the brand of cutter you are using.

Sharpness

As the tip of the blade is tiny and sharp, it is not very easy to know when it is broken. If it is, it severely affects your work as the cut lines might taper off towards the end of a job or the design won’t cut at all. The sure way to make sure they are sharp is to take care of them and change them regularly.

Get the Right Cutting Depth and Exposure

Another important thing is to get the right blade depth for whichever material you are cutting. The most popular depths are 30⁰, 45⁰ and 60⁰. The one you will use will be dependent on the material you are cutting. For thicker materials, you will need a higher depth and exposure.

Blade Force or Pressure

These determine how precise your cuts will be so you will need to get them right. For personal use, it may not be very important but when working professionally, you must get it right.

Tips on Caring for Blades

Keep them in their protective case when not in use.
Always start cutting with a low pressure.
Do a test cut each time before your main cut.
Use different blades for different materials and different thickness levels.
Tag them to be able to differentiate them.
Change them regularly especially after a lengthy/busy time of use.
Be cautious when removing them from the holder. The cutting tip must not touch anything other than the material being cut. It must not be touched in any way.
Keep holder clean of vinyl debris.

Conclusion

A blade plays a key role in cutting success. To get the best possible result and reduce time spent, take care of them and use the right one for the right material. Before selecting one, consider its compatibility with the machine you have. See https://cuttingmachinereviews.com/best-vinyl-cutting-machines/ for reviews on different cutting machines available.

How long any tool (including this one) will last will largely depend on how it is used and what kind of materials it is used for. The way you set your blade for the materials you cut also affects its lifespan. Also, do not cut too deep.

Anytime you are not getting the required results, it is most likely the cutting blade is dull or damaged. One way to know is to look for chips along the edges. When you cannot spot that, try a new one to see if there will be any improvement.
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April 20, 2019

Forget Hobby Lobby: Home Projects You Can Do Yourself

DIY activities, projects, and home improvements are rapidly becoming a craze throughout the United States, which is great news for creative homeowners but also big box craft stores that stock and sell the desired materials to complete a project. Unfortunately, many DIY projects seem to rely too much on making items that aren’t really necessary. After all, how many mason jar candles can a person truly have? And if you want something truly different, it often feels like the only option is to go to Hobby Lobby.

Sometimes it feels like Hobby Lobby has a monopoly on individuals because it sells all sorts of decorations and craft projects for easy decoration. What are you supposed to do if you want to make a major creative change but don’t need more stuff? Well, forget Hobby Lobby because here are some home DIY projects you can actually do yourself that take up little space, spruce up an entire home, and can even improve the value and attractiveness of a house.

Install Wall Hooks

An easy DIY project that spruces up a home and creates more space is to install wall hooks or a wall-hanging coat rack to keep clothes, hats, and other items off the floor. Hooks and hangers can be bought from any regular store or made yourself through a little bit of creative metal or woodworking.

All you need to do to hang a wall hook is to find a good place and make sure there are no joists behind the desired spot on the wall. Then, installation is as easy as screwy the hook into the wall. These simple devices will reduce clutter and ensure you have more floor or closet space for other items like shoes, carpets, and maybe even a bookshelf.

Faux Flooring

Faux flooring is a major hit in modern interior decorating because it can be placed in a day, is easy to clean, and can then be removed without tearing up a room. Some of the most popular flooring types are laminate, fake tile, and floating wood. Laminate is easy to place like stickers since all you have to do is remove the paper on the back and lay down boards or tiles with the sticky side facing down. Fake tile, meanwhile, can come in one long sheet that you cut to accommodate a room and then place. Floating wood, meanwhile, is a series of boards that interlock with one another like a puzzle, forming an attractive floor with little work.

These DIY projects can take as little as a day and can be removed as easily as they were placed if you want to redecorate once again.

Sand and Smooth Wood

If you unfinished or untreated wooden furniture, door frames, or cabinets, then you know splinters and breakage can be a problem. As a DIY project, consider investing in a planer to smooth out edges and prevent further damage. Furniture and frames can then be sealed, painted, and decorated in a new style to match your creative whims. This is a beneficial DIY project because it improves safety, the appearance of the home, and can also raise the house’s value since it is more modern.

Splash the Paint

One final, popular DIY project is to bring out the paint. You don’t need more mass-produced decorations to make your home warm and inviting. Add splashes and pops of color throughout your home by painting the splash guard behind sinks and stoves, recoloring the door and window frames, or even just adding a new color to a well-used room.

You can even make your own art to hang instead of buying something from the store, which adds an individual touch to any room. If you have children, consider having them make a unique painting using their hands and feet, or just allow them to go creative. Over time, it can become a treasured or prized family heirloom.

Conclusion

DIY doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive, and it doesn’t mean you need to fill your home with unnecessary physical decorations. If you want to make a major change but have little time, space, or money, consider doing one of these four projects without needing a visit to Hobby Lobby for unnecessary decorations!
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April 15, 2019

Home Projects You Can Do Yourself

We all want a home that looks beautiful. Who doesn’t want to impress their friends and family with some really stunning décor? It’s even better when you can show them décor that you’ve made yourself with your own hands! So what Home kinds of projects You Can Do Yourself?

It can be costly to decorate a house. Calling in professional contractors to do every little element of your design can be very expensive. However, there’s a solution available to you – try a little DIY!

Doing the job yourself needn’t be too difficult and it’ll save you money when compared to hiring in a pro. If you’re trying to cut the cost of renovating your property, here are some DIY home projects which anyone can do, even if they don’t consider themselves to be an expert.

Make Your Own Chalkboard

Finding a way to display messages to your family is often key. Rather than having a noticeboard in your kitchen, you can redecorate your kitchen walls or cabinets and create your own chalkboard in one fell swoop by painting with the latest magnetic chalkboard paints. They can create a stylish yet practical focal point in your kitchen and the kids will love being able to finally draw on the walls! You’ll also be able to display all of those important messages to keep everyone up to date.

Floating Bookshelves

DIY Floating Shelves — Source: Pinterest

Everyone needs more shelving in their home. If you have stacks of books and nowhere to put them, the perfect solution is a floating bookshelf or two. When you don’t have any more bookshelf or cabinet space, floating bookshelves can be made very simply by fitting a slim metal bracket onto your chosen wall. You can then simply pile up books on top of it. It creates the illusion of the books floating in mid-air without any visible support. It’s certainly going to attract attention for all the right reasons and be a practical storage solution too.

Stencil Your Walls

If your walls are looking boring and plain, you can easily add a more stylish and modern look using only a piece of cardboard. Draw a simple stencil shape that can be repeated all across your wall and then simply paint over it in the color of your choice. It’s the perfect way to liven up a dull space and won’t cost very much at all. Even better, when you’re sick of the look, you can just paint over it quickly and easily. It creates the impression of wallpaper without any of the hassles.

A DIY Nightstand

If you need a nightstand for your bedroom but don’t want to spend too much on a new one, you can easily make your own. It’s an exciting and creative DIY project for any amateur woodworker that recycles and upcycles old furnishings to give them a new lease of life. Simply take a table that you no longer use, paint it in a color of your choice to match or contrast with your bedroom décor and then put it against the bedroom wall. You’ll have a pair of matching nightstands in minutes that look great and help to save the planet!

A Stylish Headboard

DIY Stylish Headboards — Source: Pinterest

Staying in the bedroom, you can make yourself a beautiful headboard that adds a touch of luxury and glamor to your boudoir without breaking the bank. It’s a very simple project that any home DIY-er can tackle themselves. Simply get a curtain rod and mount it to the wall behind the bed. Choose some curtains which complement the style of your bedroom and you have a headboard that looks amazing with absolutely no effort whatsoever!

A Beautiful Mirror

DIY Mirrors for your home — Source: Pinterest

Mirrors are a perfect way to add style and extra light to any space. They also make a room appear larger and brighter, which ensures they’re the ideal addition to your bathroom, hallway or any other cramped or dark space. You can decorate a plain mirror by placing broken CDs around it to create a beautiful, light reflecting frame. By using different kinds of CDs, you can even get the look of several colors for a more incredible appearance.

There are lots of great home DIY projects you can tackle that won’t be too difficult for even the most unskilled homeowner. As long as you have the right tools for home repair in your workshop or garage, you’ll find that you can tackle any of these with ease.

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