In this issue: iRobot, Winterizing and Anti-Fatigue Floor Mats ~ ConcordCarpenter Newsletter #154

Published: Tue, 11/04/14

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Newlsetter Issue 154
November,3, 2014
A Concord Carpenter - Promoting best practices in the remodeling industry

Concord Carpenter Workshop News

Hi Guys,

This week we started testing an iRobot vacuum called the iRobot Roomba 620 Vacuuming Robot.  A full review will be out soon.

As a busy professional I am always looking how to best use my time.  Saving time on household chores is a great way to get more freedom.   So far I’m impressed, I simply turn on the Roomba and go to work - crossing vacuuming off my to-do-list.

I was a bit skeptic with the small design of this vac, but I was mistaken. I never even thought about how beneficial this small size would be. This design enables the device to go under furniture with ease.

This Roomba vacuuming robot efficiently picks up dirt, debris, pet hair, dust, allergens and more from carpets, hardwood floors and linoleum.   I can’t believe the amount of dog hair the Roomba collects.  I have two dogs.

I wonder how well it picks up sawdust?  I'm going to try it in the workshop next!!!

STAFDA

Next Monday I will be attending STAFDA [Specialty Tools & Fastening Distributors Assoc]

STAFDA is an educational association comprised of distributors, manufacturers, rep agents, and affiliates (trade press) serving the light construction/industrial market.

I will be posting live on Face Book and the following weeks newsletter. 

No Newsletter Next Week

Due to my attendance at STAFDA - there will NOT be a newsletter going out next week.  

Granite Counter Tops

Do you have granite counter-tops in your home or office?  
When was the last time you sealed them?

Sealing granite counters is important, because contrary to popular belief granite is porous. Applying a high quality sealer will block liquids [stains] from seeping into the granite.

Stains and discolorations often develop on granite from red wine, certain juices, cooking oil, bacon fat can cause granite headaches.

Click on the link below for a good litmus test to check on the condition of your sealer and to learn some tips for D.I.Y application.


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Benefits Of Using Anti-Fatigue Mats
If you work on your feet, you know what it feels like to stand for hours on a hard concrete or wood floor and have your knees, feet or lower back ache.  That aching sometimes continues into the night and next day. 
 
A study by England’s Loughborough University confirms that anti-fatigue mats can have a significant, beneficial impact on the health of workers who must stand for long periods of time.

The study also concluded that the use of anti-fatigue mats – mats designed to reduce stresses on the feet and leg when standing for long periods – can help prevent many health concerns. 

If you stand in your shop, or use a standing desk, you may want to look at the Stanley Interlocking Utility Mats to see how they can be customized to your work  environment.

Read More
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Contractor Advice: 

Winterize Your Own Irrigation System

Every year, before the first freeze, the ritual of irrigation "blow out" becomes the priority for all irrigation systems in regions located where the frost level extends below the depth of installed piping.

I know a lot of people that spend $300 or more every fall winterizing their sprinkler system.

Even if you have drained the water out of your irrigation system, some water remains and can freeze, expand, and crack PVC piping (rigid, white pipe). Polyethylene pipe (flexible, black pipe) is used in many freezing climates.

To minimize the risk of freeze damage, you'll need to winterize your irrigation system.

Instead of paying a company to do this you can blow out your own system with an air compressor and a simple jig that you can make out of washing machine hose and an air chuck for $15.

Alternatively, you can purchase this adapter online here:  Sprinkler Blowout Air Compressor to Faucet Adapter.

If you feel an article or video explaining how to do this would be beneficial let me know via email.

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Tool and Video Reviews
Many of you know that Todd Fratzel and I have partnered at Tool Box Buzz. 

Tool Box Buzz is a website dedicated to all things tools including News, Reviews and Information.

Tool Box Buzz is for all you serious tool junkies. You know who you are…you can’t but sneak into the tool isle at the hardware store or browse through tool catalogs like they are the toy catalogs for kids. Whether you’re a DIY’er, Construction Worker or Hobbyist we think

Tool Box Buzz will provide you all the latest news and reviews for all your favorite tools and Brands.

I write and post a lot of tool reviews over on TBB because it makes more sense than at ACC.  I also have been doing tool video reviews, see two of my most recent here:
 
 

Visit My Website:  AConcordCarpenter.com 


Be sure to check out our videos at the Concord Carpenter YouTube Channel

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