10 power tool safety tips (part 2)

The final 5 pointers in our 2 part article on power tool safety.

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6.    Tool inspection: Power tools should not be employed in wet environments and should never be dipped in water; they should be checked periodically for exposed wiring, damaged plugs, and loose plug pins. Nicked cords can be taped but if a cut appears to be deep, a cord should be replaced. Tools that are damaged or those that sound and feel different when used should be checked and repaired.

7.    Cleanliness in the work area: This should be maintained because accumulated dust particles in the air can ignite with a spark. Of course, flammable liquids should be kept covered and away from the place where power tools are being used. An uncluttered work area also makes it easy to maneuver the power tool; often distractions caused by a tangled cord can result in an accident.

8.    Care with particular tools: Miter saws and table saws should be used with a quick-release clamp and a wood push-through, respectively. Extra care should be taken while using nail guns and power belt sanders.

9.    Keep tools in place: Power tools should be returned to their cabinets after use to prevent them from being used by an unauthorized and incapable person.

10.    Lighting: It is important to use proper lighting while working with power tools, particularly when working in the basement and garage where lighting may not be satisfactory.

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10 power tool safety tips (part 1)

Following in the ‘10 tips’ theme of our previous post, we are providing you with a 2 part article on how to operate your powertools without losing any appendages!

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1.    Safety glasses: These prevent dust, debris, wood shavings, shards from fiberglass, etc from getting into the eyes. Safety glasses are one of the most basic pieces of safety equipment that must be used when working with power tools.

2.    Protection for the ears: Power tools can generate a lot of noise, which may sound louder in the cloistered environment of a workshop; in order to minimize damage to the ears, it is advisable to wear earplugs.

3.    Knowing the right tools for the job: It is important to know the right tools for the job in order to avoid injury to oneself and damage to the materials. To this end, it is advisable to thoroughly read the instruction manuals provided with the equipment and get familiar with the recommended safety precautions.

4.    Correct method of using tools: Tools should not be carried by their cords; tools that are not in use should be disconnected; and while handling a tool connected to a power source, fingers should be kept away from the on/off switch.

5.    The right clothes: Long hair should be tied and loose clothing should be avoided. Ideally, clothing that covers the entire body should be worn and heavy gloves should be used in order to avoid sharp implements and splinters from hurting the hands. Masks prevent inhalation of harmful minute particles of the material that is being worked upon. Steel-toed work boots and hard hats can also be worn.

Watch this space for the following 5 tips on how to use your power tools safely!

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10 ways to avoid D.I.Y mistakes (part 2)

To continue our 2 part article on the 10 ways to avoid common D.I.Y mistakes. . .

What´s In Your Bag: Tool Edition

6. Use the correct paint — use flat paint ceilings. Interior paints should have at least an eggshell or satin finish so you can scrub it. For outdoor decks, use a linseed-oil-based stain to drive the pigment into the wood and preserve it.

7. Keep safe while working — you don’t want to end up in the emergency room. Wear safety goggles when using power tools or working with drywall or wood. Wear a hard hat when you’re working under other people on scaffolding, and open some windows when you’re painting or staining, or stripping old finishes off of floors or walls. Don’t wear loose, hanging clothing, especially when using power tools. Wear gloves when carrying wood, metal and rock, or when hammering, and wear a nail or tool pouch to prevent damage to your floors, feet, and pets.

8. Measure twice and cut once — probably the most important rule of any project. If you’re going to make a mistake, make it too long. You can always make something shorter. You can’t make it longer.

9. Know the limits of your abilities — you’re not going to be good at everything. If you don’t have a lot of experience at plumbing or electrical work, for instance, don’t attempt those projects.

10. Don’t start to learn how to do a project on your own house — If you want to learn how to do a project, offer your assistance to a friend who is an experienced DIYer or a contractor. And if you have any question about what you’re doing, make sure you stop and ask.

You probably won’t eliminate all of your DIY home improvement mistakes, but you can surely reduce them with these 10 tips.

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10 ways to avoid D.I.Y mistakes (part 1)

Ask people who have completed do-it-yourself projects and they’ll tell you that the projects took at least twice and much time and three times the money they thought they would. The basic reason is that DIYers usually make a lot of mistakes that end up making home improvement projects more expensive and time-consuming.

Here are 10 surefire ways to avoid the top D.I.Y home improvement mistakes!

1. Take out the required permits — it’s amazing how many DIYers skip this step. Sure, it takes time, and it means you have to deal with the government, but it’s actually in your best interest to make sure get the required home improvement permits. The folks in the permitting office will make sure the project is done correctly and that you stay safe in the process. Also, for some projects, you’ll need proof that you have a permit or your insurance company won’t cover the improvement. You’ll probably need a permit for any project larger than wallpapering and painting. If you’re unsure, call your local building department and ask.

2. Have all the tools and materials you need available before you start your project — starting a job without the necessary tools and supplies will slow down the job and delay your progress. And make sure you buy quality tools. They’re a wise investment.

3. Prepare the job site for material deliveries — when your suppliers deliver materials, you’ll want to make sure the job site is ready to accept them. You don’t want your materials exposed to the weather while you are working and you want to have a storage area to prevent theft.

4. Don’t skimp on materials — for example, don’t use 1/4-inch drywall for building walls. Use at at least 5/8-inch; and 3/4-inch works well for a good sound barrier. Use 3/4-inch plywood for sub-floors. It creates a much stronger floor.

5. Prepare the walls for painting — clean the walls, sand them and patch any holes before you paint. Use a coat of primer or stain blocker if you’re trying to cover over oil-based paint, stains or peeling paint, or if you’re painting a lighter color over a darker color.

Watch this space for part 2 of this 10 point article!

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The Titan Range

The Titan and Saturn systems are two ranges of made to measure sliding doors which facilitate the option of split panels, this widens the choice of panels as you can choose different colours/finishes for each section where the door is split by either a horizontal or vertical bar.

Titan and Saturn are both based on high spec Aluminium frames and tracks, they both have a vast choice of panel finishes in both safety backed glass and Melamine faced board with woodgrain effect.

The Titan is only offered with a Satin anodised Silver finish to the frame tracks and Split bars, however the Saturn comes with a full palate of woodgrain effect finishes for the frames, split bars and top track, the bottom track is satin silver.

Both systems are based on high specification rolling gear with the bottom rollers being load bearing, the top guides run in a track which doubles as a pelmet which matches the choice of frame.

The made to measure service offered on these products can cover a run of doors up to 2450mm high and 5000mm wide.

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The Galaxy Range

The galaxy range of made to measure sliding wardrobe doors is an all encompassing collection of colours and finishes. The system is made up using coated steel frame and track system which is available in many colours along with a full range of wood finishes.

The panels within the frame can either be from a vast choice of safety backed glass including plain colours, mirror, patterns and speciality printed glass or mirror giving an etched look.

Many of the panels can feature an Oriental look with the addition of horizontal oriental bars which are placed on top of the panels.

The rolling gear is based on ball bearing bottom rollers, thereby keeping the load bearing on the floor as opposed to any requirement to strengthen the ceiling. The top rollers are effectively guides which sit in the top track which doubles as a pelmet; this top track is of course finished to match exactly the chosen frame for the doors. We can also supply a wide choice of wardrobe interior fittings which also feature in this brochure.

The Galaxy range can be complimented with the addition of matching end panels, these allow you to create a fully fitted look where you have a run of doors from one wall to an end panel, with the height  maximising the space between floor and ceiling.

We can manufacture a suite of doors to suit any aperture up to 2450mm high and 5000mm wide.

All rolling gear carries a 10 year warranty.

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Britannia Wardrobes Official Blog

Welcome to Britannia Wardrobes new official blog,
Keep your eyes open for new posts on product/company info and up-coming events etc.

Spaceslide Britannia is a ‘one stop bedroom furniture shop’. We design and manufacture the largest range of sliding wardrobes, fitted wardrobes, fitted and freestanding bedroom furniture, all in a wide range of styles and finishes.

Our wardrobes are made to measure to fit any space. This includes awkward shapes, uneven floors and walls, sloping ceilings etc.

With our range of bedside cabinets, drawer chests, tall boys, dressing tables, headboards, stools, shoe racks etc you really will be spoilt for choice. These products can be freestanding or fitted.

A visit to our factory showroom, which is the largest in the South of England, will prove a worthwhile investment of your time – whether you are a home owner, trade supplier, retailer, builder/developer, architect, hotelier, interior designer or any other profession with a requirement for bedroom furniture. We have the experience, machinery and people to meet your requirements.

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