All posts by deelatWP

Aluminum Greenhouses: Installation and Benefits for Home Gardens

July 29, 2015 Leave a comment

Greenhouses provide a number of benefits for home gardeners, and for some living in harsh climates, a greenhouse is a necessity for harvesting home-grown plants. Fortunately, there are a number of different types that are affordable and that can be built in an afternoon, from DIY nurseries to aluminum-framed greenhouses.

Aluminum greenhouses are one of the most popular options for DIYers. They are available as a greenhouse kit, requiring basic tools to construct, and the aluminum framing is strong, able to withstand strong winds, rust-resistant and easy to install. Choosing an aluminum greenhouse is a solid investment. Not only are these greenhouses durable and are designed to last for decades, they also enable gardeners to extend the growing season and harvest more from their gardens.

Is it Easy to Build an Aluminum Greenhouse?

Aluminum greenhouse kits are a low-cost option for home gardeners. That’s partly because aluminum is a fairly low-cost, durable material, but also because the paneling is made from a poly-plastic material rather than glass. Fortunately, assembling a greenhouse from a kit can be done in an afternoon, and all of the building materials you will need are included with the kit.

The frame is built first, before the transparent paneling is attached to the frame. The frames can be assembled by hand, requiring a standard wrench or socket wrench. Detailed instructions are included to help you properly assemble the frame. Once the frame is complete, the panels are then attached to the frame.

In general, there are three ways that the panels are attached, either with clips, by sliding the panels into grooves in the frame, or by snapping them into place. Overall, the process is straightforward and doesn’t require advanced carpentry skills or power tools.

Using a Greenhouse for Gardening: Benefits

Greenhouses are used by home gardeners and in the agriculture industry because these structures create controlled climates for growing plants. In turn, there are a number of advantages to using a greenhouse, including:

Extended Growing Season: Greenhouses allow sunlight to shine through their panels, but the energy cannot escape. In turn, a greenhouse is much warmer than the exterior temperature, although vents allow air to escape in the summer months to prevent overheating. This extends the growing season – allowing gardeners to get started earlier in the spring and keep growing later into the fall. In some climates, a greenhouse will enable the gardener to harvest year-round.
Mini Greenhouse
Protect Plants from Wind, Frost: Greenhouses also provide protection against the elements. A late frost in the spring can ruin your garden. And wind damage is a concern for young, tall plants. A greenhouse, though, eliminates these risks, creating an effective wind barrier and warming plants to protect against frost. In addition, greenhouses are often used to start plans that are susceptible to wind damage and frost.
Keep Critters Out: Whether your concerns are deer or insects, plants grown indoors are at a lesser risk of being eaten by critters. Greenhouses can also diminish the smells caused by growing plants, which can limit the attraction of some pests and wildlife.
Consistent Growing Conditions: Throughout the growing season, a number of drastic conditions may occur. For example, in particularly rainy years, the soil can become waterlogged, stunting the growth of your plants. Additionally, extreme temperature changes, drought and cooler than average temperatures can cause growing issues. A greenhouse, though, creates a consistent growing condition, eliminating temperature fluctuations and keeping plants warm.

Find an aluminum greenhouse on Deelat.com. We carry a variety of easy-to-build greenhouse kits at the best prices. Check out our selection today and save.

Replacement Brake Lights: How to Buy and Install New Brake Bulbs

July 24, 2015 Leave a comment

Replacing taillights and brake lights in your vehicle doesn’t require advanced mechanical knowledge. In fact, anyone can change a brake light, and it’s almost as easy as replacing a lightbulb in your home. Plus, it can be performed with basic equipment and a small commitment of time.

Brake light bulbs fail over time, just like those in your home, but automotive lights are designed to last up to five years. When the lights fail, it’s important to replace them promptly. Not only is a burnt-out brake lamp a safety issue, but it can also lead to costly traffic tickets. So how do you choose the right brake lights for your vehicle? And how do you go about replacing taillights?

Choosing the Correct Brake Lamp

Automotive lights are organized according to a unique numbering system. Every vehicle requires bulbs with a specific number, which refer to the wattage, socket type and the shape of the bulb. Consult your owner’s manual, an online lighting chart, or automotive parts store to find the correct bulbs for your vehicle.

This numbering system ensures that you can purchase the correct bulbs for your vehicle. You should choose a bulb that features the correct:

Wattage
Socket Type
Voltage

For example, a PR21W-382R is a 21-watt, 12-volt brake light with a BAW15s socket. This particular bulb would not work correctly in a vehicle that required 5-watt brake lights.

Replacing Brake Lights in Your Vehicle

The most difficult step in replacing a brake light is determining how to access the bulb. For example, some vehicles have screws in the plastic bulb shield, which when removed, provide access to the bulb socket. In other vehicles, the taillights may be accessible from the inside the trunk. Trunk-accessible bulbs are generally protected by a plastic covering, which will need to be removed.

Once you’ve found how to access the bulb, the rest of the process is quite simple.

Remove the bulb by gently pushing in the bulb and unscrewing.
If the socket is corroded, clean it using a shop rag or wire brush.
Screw the replacement brake light into the clean socket. This will require you to push the bulb in gently, while screwing. Other types simply pull out and can be easily pushed into place (rather than screwing).
Reattach the plastic brake light cover, whether on the exterior or in the trunk.
Finally, test the new brake light. Step on the brake, while someone watches the rear end of the vehicle. The light will light up if properly installed.

Deelat.com is your source for low-cost automotive brake lights, taillights, and headlights. We offer an unbeatable selection, at unbeatable prices, and we guarantee quality. Start shopping today.

Impulse Bag Sealers: Uses and Functionalities

July 22, 2015 Leave a comment

There are a number of industrial bag sealers available, but they all serve a similar function. Bag sealers use heat to fuse and seal plastic bags and other plastic materials. Two of the most common types are impulse bag sealers and direct heat bag sealers.

Impulse sealers are generally either hand- or foot-powered, and when the jaws are closed via a lever or foot pedal, they deliver an electrical pulse of heat through the heating element, which fuses and seals the bag. The heating element is only activated when the jaws are closed. Direct heat sealers, on the other hand, deliver constant heat to the heating element.

There are distinct advantages to using impulse sealers. First, they’re safer than direct heat sealers. Because no component is constantly hot, impulse sealers decrease the risk for operator burns and overheating. Additionally, they require no warmup time, and they’re able to seal bags in a few seconds. Pedal bag sealers also have the added benefit of leaving the operator’s hands free, which can speed up the sealing process. Impulse sealers have many uses, and they’re commonly used in food packaging and manufacturing plants for sealing purposes.

Choosing the Right Industrial Bag Sealer

When choosing a heat-sealer, you should first consider the type of material that is being sealed. For instance, impulse sealers provide a lower heat, and thus, they’re commonly used for more delicate plastics like polyethylene and polypropylene. Other factors to consider are the material’s thickness and width. Higher end bag sealers are available for materials that are up to 20 millimeters thick, while more basic sealers generally fuse materials up to 5 millimeters in thickness.

Here are a few points to consider when shopping for a bag sealer:

Maximum Seal Width: The heating element of your bag sealer is a certain length. Be sure that it can handle the width of the bag that you’ll seal, and it’s helpful to leave some extra space. For instance, if the width of the bag is 18 inches, you should choose a sealer with a maximum width of 18.5 inches or more, to provide leeway.
Maximum Seal Thickness: Bag sealers are rated for the material thickness that they can handle. Common measures include 3mm, 5mm, 8mm and 10mm, all the way up to 20mm or more. Choose a sealer that can handle the material that will be processed.
Type of Heating Element: There are two common types of heating elements in impulse sealers: Round wires and flat wires. Commonly, these components are interchangeable. The difference is that round wires leave no seam, the seal is very thin. Flat wires, on the other hand, create seals that are 2mm or greater in thickness. Plus, round wire sealers also tend to cut the material, during the sealing process.
Cutting Functionalities: Many impulse sealers have the ability to cut the bag as they seal. Yet, you should consider how you want the bag to be cut. Some leave additional material above the seal, while others cut away all material up to the seal. Additionally, there are bag sealers that use a sliding cutter, which can slow down production.

Shop for industrial bag sealing products on Deelat.com. We offer a 110-volt, foot-powered impulse sealer that’s capable of sealing materials up to 4mm thick and that are 18.5 inches wide.

Wine Refrigerators: Buying Tips and Features To Consider

July 20, 2015 Leave a comment

For a wine enthusiast, a wine chiller is a solid investment. Essentially, they are small refrigerators designed to keep your wine collection at a constant temperature, which helps to preserve taste and freshness. Yet, there are many types of wine refrigerators available these days, and for buyers, it can be a daunting task to decide which type is right for your kitchen, restaurant or bar.

So what should you keep in mind as you start shopping? For one, you’ll want to consider sizes. These coolers are designed to hold a certain amount of bottles – from about 20 up to 50 or more in standard set-ups. Wine collectors, though, will likely prefer a cooler with more space, and for them, there are coolers available that can hold 150 bottles or more. You’ll also want to consider:

Temperature Uniformity:

A constant temperature is essential for preserving the wine’s quality, because wide fluctuations in temperature can degrade the wine. That’s why you need a unit that’s capable of delivering a range of temperatures and that can prevent wide swings in temperature. In general, sparkling wines, reds and whites are stored best from about 5º C to about 15º C, so you should look for a cooler that can handle that range.

In addition, some coolers are built with multiple compartments, which enable different temperatures to be set in each. This is a useful option for someone who will be storing a greater variety of wines, as whites can generally be stored at lower temperatures, while reds are better suited for slightly warmer temperatures.

Type of Shelving:

You’ll also want to consider the flexibility of the shelving. Some wine chillers, for instance, have fixed shelving that cannot be removed. This can be problematic, as it’s difficult to accommodate larger bottles and retrieved stored bottles. Many coolers, though, are equipped with sliding shelving, whether wooden or coated-wire racks, which can be removed or pulled out to easily access your wines.

Thermoelectric vs Compression Power:

Thermoelectric wine chillers generate temperature using only electricity, and thus, they’re more efficient and quieter than compression wine coolers. Yet, thermoelectric units don’t necessarily create cold air; instead they push warm air out. For this reason, thermoelectric units aren’t always as reliable when it comes to temperature uniformity.

Conversely, compression coolers use refrigerant, similar to traditional kitchen refrigerators, and thus, they actually create cool air. That’s why this type of cooler does a better job at generating cooler air and keeping temperatures more constant. They are also a bit more durable than thermoelectric units.

Locking System:

If you want to restrict access to your wine collection, you should consider a unit with a built-in locking system. In general, these aren’t standard features, but locks are available on some units. In some cases, aftermarket locks can be applied, but that’s not always an option. Thus, if you would like a lock, you should shop for a unit that equipped with one.

Standalone vs. Under-counter Units:

You’ll also want to consider the style of the unit. Some are designed to fit functionally under your existing counter system. These are ideal for kitchen islands, and they’re sleek and stylish. Standalone units are more common, and they are like miniature refrigerators. Yet, there are a range of customization options for both under-counter and standalone coolers. For instance, some coolers have wooden shelves that can be stained to match your existing cabinetry, while others are designed to accommodate molding to match your kitchen’s palette.

Tinted and/or Tempered Glass:

In general, the majority of wine chillers are built with a tempered glass window. Tempered glass is sturdier than standard glass. This is important, as your wine cooler may be in a highly trafficked area like a kitchen or restaurant. Thus, the glass is better equipped to withstand bumps. Additionally, you may want to consider an option with tinted glass. This is especially important for areas with lots of natural light. UV rays can degrade the quality of the wine, and tinted glass helps to diminish this effect.

Shop for wine fridges and wine chillers on Deelat.com. We offer a range of options, from sleek 12-bottle fridges to 150+ bottle wine coolers. Plus, we offer some of the best prices around! Start shopping for your wine cooler today.

Carbide Burs and Rotary Files: Factors to Consider

July 13, 2015 Leave a comment

Carbide burs, or carbide rotary files, are cutting tools that are used to cut, grind, smooth or sharpen hard materials, like ceramic or acrylic, and metals. Carbide bits come in many shapes and sizes, enabling a variety of cutting profiles, lengths and styles. In general, carbide burs are used for weld preparation and smoothing, removing sharp edges and burs, chamfering and smoothing materials.

Types of Carbide Bits

Choosing a proper carbide bur is dependent on a number of factors. For example, the “shank size” of the bur must fit the rotary tool, and there are a number of sizes. Secondly, the shape of the bur and the fluting – or the bur cut – is determined by the workpiece material, as well as the desired cut.

Shank Size: A bur’s shank is the stem that fits into the rotary tool, and it’s important to properly size the shank. For example, a bur with a 1.6mm shank is not compatible with a 3mm rotary tool. In general, the most common shank sizes are:
- 6mm
- 35mm
- 3mm
- 6mm
Bur Size: Additionally, the size of the rotary file should be considered. The two most important measures are cut length and diameter. These are the dimensions of the cut the rotary file will make, and they range in size from a few millimeters up to 15mm or more. The size you’ll need depends on the size of the cut or chamfer that you’re trying to create.

Bur Shape: Carbide rotary files are available in a variety of shapes. Each shape is designed for a specific application, and choosing the shape is also dependent on the cut that the user wants to achieve. The most common are: cylindrical, ball shaped, egg shaped, flame shaped, pointed nose tree, tapered, inverted taper, countersink, round nose tree and cylindrical ball nose. For example, ball shaped rotary files are generally used to hollow out material, while tapered burs are used to round off, or chamfer, edges.
Fluting Style: The bur’s fluting refers to the grooves on the surface of the bit. There are two main types including single-cut and double-cut flutes, and both are used with different types of materials. For example single-cut carbide burs have a spiral flute in one direction, and they are typically used with ferrous metals, copper and steel. Double-cut burs, on the other hand, have a crisscross pattern created by spiral flutes in opposite directions. Double-cut burs provide a smoother finish, and they’re generally used with softer metals and hard woods. The fluting is also rated by coarseness of the burr, with fine, standard and coarse cut options available.
Carbide Burr – Close Up

Carbide Rotary File Safety Tips

In general, rotary files are fairly safe to operate. As the grooves or fluting is so fine, they often will not cut the skin when lightly touched. Yet, there are a few things to keep in mind for safe operation and to extend the life of the bur. These include:

Ensure the bur shank is tightly clamped within the collet, and that it is inserted as far as possible to diminish overhang.
Use light pressure, as excessive downward force can cause snagging and lead to cut blemishes and chipping. Let the bur do the cutting.
Secure your workpiece tightly and wear eye, and/or face protection.
Don’t use an excessive spinning speed. Instead, start at a slower speed, and gradually increase speed.

Deelat.com is your source for carbide burrs and rotary files. We offer a range of sizes, shapes and styles for carbide burs, and our prices are affordable. Start shopping today and save.