Category: Home Improvement

by: ARA
(ARA) – Arbors, trellises and pergolas have been adding art and structure to outdoor living spaces and gardens for centuries

For anyone looking to add space, style and elegance to their garden, these versatile wooden structures are practical projects that can be built in a single weekend.

Fall is an ideal time to consider outdoor architectural upgrades. While it may be your last major project of the season, your appreciation for the effort will grow when spring 2004 arrives. The structure is already in place, ready to enjoy as plants grow and flowers bloom around it.

A popular building material for a wooden pergola is Western red cedar. It s stable, resilient, and durable without the dangers of chemical treatment.

Safety is important for people making building material choices, says Peter Lang, general manager for the Western Red Cedar Lumber Association. Cedar looks beautiful and is among the most durable woods. For hundreds of years, cedar has been highly prized for its natural compounds that resist rot and mildew.

While western red cedar s natural qualities have always been recognized, these are taking on new, heightened value among builders — from professionals to do-it-yourselfers. Earlier this year, the Environmental Protection Agency issued a recommendation to avoid chemically treated wood, specifically wood treated with a form of arsenic. Recent studies have linked the arsenic in treated wood to cancer.

Above-ground structures like pergolas, which might once have been built with treated wood, can be safely built with real cedar, known as the Tree of Life to the Indians of the Northwest Pacific coast.

You may have seen pergolas on houses and called them trellises or arbors. Like a trellis or an arbor, a pergola can support vines or climbing roses. And like a free-standing arbor, a pergola can filter light with its lattice-like canopy. Pergolas are often used as covered or open-roofed gateways to homes, paths, and gardens.

Consider attaching the pergola to your home, using it to shelter a path between the main house and a garage or other outbuilding. Because the overhead spans are supported by uprights, they can be made any size. Remember, one of the great appeals of the pergola is that it’s a piece of architecture.

In its simplest form, a freestanding pergola in the garden provides a unique focal point. It can also serve as an effective soft screen from neighbors, additional shelter for a walkway, or the frame for a view of another feature within the garden.

A pergola gives a deck ch2024ter and provides new options for decoration and design. Pergolas and arbors are great for vines, other climbing plants such as roses, and hanging baskets. If you don’t have a green thumb, adorn the pergola with lights or decoration for special occasions. With slight changes of the supporting columns and overhead lattice, a pergola can fit almost any house style.

The basics of pergola construction are readily available online or from your trusted home improvement store. Before you tackle the project on your own or with professional help, here are few handy reminders.

* Ensure that the posts can handle the weight of the overhead beams. For optimum performance, posts should be attached to ready-made concrete footings purchased from your building supply dealer. This will help keep moisture away from the base of the posts.

* Take special care when deciding the proportions of posts and crossbeams. A set of 4-by-4 inch posts would be ideal with 2-by-6 inch boards nailed vertically for main-beams and crossbeams.

* Make sure the structure s angles are precise to fit the dimensions you want.

* Make sure the posts are vertically straight and even in height. Ensure the main beams are level and evenly spaced in parallel to each other. Use a carpenter s level for precision.

* Finally, add decorative flair to the crossbeams with a simple cutting, such as a quarter circle from the underside ends of each crossbeam.

A pergola can make a dramatic change in the yard and garden. It can enhance a style or be the final detail. Better yet, you can do it in a single weekend. To begin the construction process of a pergola or any cedar outdoor project, visit www.cedar-outdoor.org or call the WRCLA at (866) 778-9096 for free project ideas.

Courtesy of ARA Content

About the author:
Courtesy of ARA Content

by: Michel Laurine
Even the designers on TV are doing it; finding great furnishing at flea-markets, charity shops, and yard sales. Often, a wonderful piece of furniture can be had for mere dollars, especially if its finish is in desperate need of some TLC. Unfortunately, the design shows on TV don t show you all the proper steps for refreshing your finds. Take the time to do it right, and your new furniture will have friends wondering where you shop!

1. Safety first: Before you disturb any painted surface, you should think about the possibility of lead. Lead paint additives were phased out in the 1970 s and 80 s. If you suspect lead is present in any paint, you can find information about safety precautions and testing at www.epa.gov/lead, or by calling the National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-LEAD. Even with newer surfaces, I find that a dust mask is always in order when sanding. Your lungs will thank you.

2. Sanding: Not all pieces will require sanding before repainting. My mantra is to leave well enough alone when dealing with old paint surfaces. If, however, the paint is chipped, peeling, crackling, or has other problems, you might not be able to avoid the sandpaper. A small electric hand sander is my best friend for these situations. A very light sanding (really just scuffing) can help your new paint adhere to old oil paint or a glossy surface.

3. Prep, prep, prep: The number one reason for paint failures is incorrect preparation. Time spent on prep will ensure you get a good result in the end. Make sure the surface is completely clean and dust free before you ever get the paint out of the can. If you have sanded the surface, remove dust with a tack cloth. This is a small piece of cheesecloth soaked in wax, available at your local home improvement store in the paint section. They cost around one dollar get several to keep on hand for the next project! If you can t find one, several thorough passes with a damp cloth followed by another pass with a dusting cloth can do the job. Most importantly, don t rush your prep work.

4. Taping: Carefully tape off any areas you don t want painted, and burnish the tape edges down once, firmly, with a fingernail. If you think you might have to leave the tape on for more than a day or so, use a lower adhesion tape made for delicate surfaces.

5. Priming: If the piece is unpainted, consider a coat of primer before you paint. There are excellent primers specifically made for stone and metal. Tell your paint store rep what you re painting and follow her advice. Use a good latex or oil-based primer for wood surfaces. Some wood grains (pine or cheaper grades of oak, for example) may rise after a first coat of latex, and priming improves the chances that you can avoid this. The raised grain will feel rough. If this happens, you ll need to sand the grain down lightly and prime again. Don t worry; it s not as bad as it sounds when you know what happened! 6. Painting: Finally, time to paint! Use a good quality paint brush. Be careful not to overload your brush with paint and put it on too thickly. This is a common mistake. Painting in thick layers can lead to ugly drips, cracks, or drying delays. Instead, paint in thin coats, allowing time for each coat to dry completely before recoating. This will give you a beautiful and strong surface.

7. Curing: Follow the instructions on your paint can to make sure your new furniture is safely cured before you begin to use it or place objects on top of it. Paints, latex in particular, can feel dry well before they really are. When in doubt, I like to wait 24-48 hours before I place my newly painted flea-market beauties into service.

Now, enjoy your new furnishings. Use them well and never fear; if they get chipped or you tire of the color, you know how to fix it!

About the author:
2024 2005 Michel Laurine. Michel Laurine is a faux finisher and decorative painter who enjoys sharing her love of color and helping clients personalize their homes. http://www.greatwallschicago.com

by: John Elrow
There are many reasons people choose to humidify their homes. Dry air caused by winter or living in a dry climate is responsible for a range of problems. Physical symptoms of dry air include: a dry nose and throat, which can make you feel sick. Other physical problems include chapped lips and tight, dry skin. Dry air can wreak havoc on your home as well. Static electricity is caused by lack of moisture in the air. This lack of moisture causes the air to pull moisture from your wood furniture and floors, causing cracking and splitting.

You can choose a room humidifier or a whole house model. Whole house machines are only available if you use a forced air heating system in your home. Your basic choices for humidifying your home are warm mist, vaporizer, or cool, pure mist humidifiers. Vaporizers cause the least amount of health problems, while cool mist models spread the most germs.

Benefits of Humidifier Filters

For many years, people with respiratory problems have been advised to use a humidifier. This advice is changing, as more is learned about potential dangers associated with these products. Humidifiers can cause respiratory problems, even in people with no history of difficulty. The main causes of these problems are bacteria and mold spores.

Improper use of a humidifier can spread bacteria and mold through the air. These particles are then breathed into the lungs, causing breathing problems and illness. To prevent this, you need to use care when using one of these products in your home. Many cool mist humidifiers are now being made with humidifier filters to help prevent the spread of these particles.

Materials used in Filters

A variety of absorbent materials are used in humidifier filters. Some have microbial coatings. These help reduce bacteria, but can clog easily. To be efficient, they must be changed regularly.

The best choice is a machine that uses High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA). People with allergies or asthma need these products, which are the air filtration option most often recommended by doctors. The material used in making HEPA filters is fiber glass and synthetic resin in a tight weave. This construction traps tiny particles as small as .3 microns. More particles are removed with HEPA than any other filter on the market.

There are a few models on the market that are combination humidifier and HEPA air purifier. People with severe respiratory problems sometimes use a separate air filtration system to keep the air clean. Both machines can be used simultaneously to both moisturize and clean the air without making you ill.

Replacing a used filter

In most cases, you can pu2024se a replacement filter in the store where you bought your machine. Depending on the store, there may be a less expensive option. Replacements are easily found on the internet for all humidifiers. You need to make sure you get the right product and size for your machine.

Pictures are available on most websites. Look at the brand and model number as well as the picture to be sure you are getting the correct size. Find out if the vendor has a return policy, in case you accidentally order the wrong item. Many companies charge a flat rate for shipping. To save money in the long run, purchase a few at a time. You will always have a spare when you need one.

It’s important to change filters regularly. Check the manufacturer’s directions to determine the frequency. This information is only a guideline. If your machine gets heavy use, replace the filter more often. With even the most minimal use, it should be changed at least once a year, at the end of the season. Discard the old filter before you pack the machine away and put in a new one for the next season.

Humidifier bacteria treatment products are said to extend the life of humidifier filters. These solutions kill bacteria in the water, keeping the filter healthier. You place the solution in the water before every use. A large bottle will last the season because you only need one capful for each application. These products can be purchased in many stores selling humidifiers and at most hardware stores.

About the author:
John Elrow contributed many articles to http://www.humidifier-tips.coman online home improvement site. Within his publication he is working on topics such as filters ( http://www.humidifier-tips.com/humidifier-filters.html) and air cleaners.

by: Peter Emerson
Injection waterproofing is often used to fill and seal cracks and crevices. The material is most often made from a polyurethane compound. The compound is lightweight and expands up to twice its original size when applied to a surface. Many non-toxic and environmentally safe products are available at home improvement stores nationwide. Injection waterproofing is used mainly in foundation crack repairs.

In most foundation cracks, a polyurethane injection can seal the opening. In some smaller cracks it may be apparent that a sealant was used because it may be difficult to evenly inject the compound. Single caulking style cartridges and the dual side-by-side cartridge systems are the types of injection waterproofing compounds available for retail purchase. Both of these are manually injected and easy to pump.

When using an injection waterproofing method, it is important to keep the area dry. Temporarily block any flowing water to the area, and clean and dry the area as needed. Experts say that in the case of water flowing through a hole, you can temporarily caulk the hole with candle wax, modeling clay or plumbers putty. If the cracks are in narrow or hard-to-reach places, you can use a flexible hose attached to the injector nozzle.

Whatever waterproofing system your leakage problem requires, be sure to do your research. If you choose to make this a do-it-yourself project, make sure you know where your leaks are coming from and the proper method to repair them. When purchasing waterproofing materials you should make sure you are buying the appropriate product for your needs. The National Association of Waterproofing and Structural Repair Contractors (NAWSRC) has tons of information on waterproofing. Whether or not you decide to hire a contractor, this organization can help you from beginning to end.

About the author:
Waterproofing Info provides detailed information on waterproofing systems, including injection waterproofing, foundation waterproofing, concrete waterproofing, deck waterproofing, basement waterproofing, and waterproofing basement walls, as well as waterproofing contractors and consultants. Waterproofing Info is affiliated with Business Plans by Growthink.

by: Jimmy Sturo
Shutters are a wonderful addition to any home. They give the home an air of warmth and comfort, a feeling of home. They can be traditional or modern, farmhouse shabby or city chic.

Shutters can be made from a variety of materials, from vinyl to faux wood. The most popular, however is wood. Wood shutters, in general, are better made than their vinyl or faux counterparts. Though they are more expensive, they also add tremendous value to your home. Additionally, wood shutters offer more choices in style and design. They can be bought for all sizes and shapes of windows. For the moment, that is simply not the case with vinyl. If you live in a historic or landmark area, preservation of the history is important. Wood shutters are far more likely to reach that goal. In fact, some custom shutter companies will guarantee that their wood shutters are historically accurate.

Wood shutters can also be used inside the home. Plantation shutters are installed inside the windows in place of blinds. These offer added privacy and shade. Though they are offered in other materials, they are most often made of wood.

Wood shutters are available in most types of wood, including cedar, pine, oak, and maple. The shutters can be etched to be louvered, paneled, or raised paneled. The type you choose simply depends on personal preference and the look of your home.

Wood shutters are relatively easy to install, and require only a few tools. Detailed instructions can be found on the Internet or at home improvement stores. Shutter manufacturers also offer instructions for installation. If you prefer to have someone else do the installing, you can hire a local contractor. Some shutter companies also offer installation at an additional price.

About the author:
Shutters Info provides detailed information about exterior, interior, plantation, hurricane, wood, vinyl, custom, and traditional s

by: Mike Yeager
Finding a tiger rug that is a match to your home may seem like a big challenge. And, quite frankly, it may be hard to find a tiger rug to do your home justice. But, never the less, there is a large selection of these rugs available to you. Finding them is not that hard when you use all options. Most importantly when choosing a tiger rug, think about the effect you want to gain from it.

Tiger rugs are not as common elements in a home. They can be a great feature, if used correctly. For example, a room that features a tiger rug should contain additional animal themed or solely tiger themed items to help the tiger rug mesh. Then again, in any room a tiger rug is a big statement.

Now, to find a tiger rug, first consider your need. If you are looking for a tiger print rug, you should be able to locate one in a department store that specializes in home improvements. Otherwise, check out the carpet retailers and carpet specialty stores. What they don’t have, they can probably order for you. If you are looking for a tiger skin rug, your choices will be limited and it may be difficult to locate. A suggestion in finding any tiger rug would be to look online. There, you can find many choices in color, styles, size, and type. To find online dealers check out the online auctions or find wholesale distributors by using a search engine to scan the net for them.

Tiger rugs are a distinct feature in a home. Finding the right one, may take some research as well as some basic idea of what you want. While you can find tiger prints in many colors, finding them in the true animal’s color is key. Knowing the size that you need is also important. But, knowing the effect you wish to show is most important as a tiger rug is a major statement.

by: Guy Morris
The kitchen is the heart of many homes. This is the room where the family prepares and shares meals together. Because so much time is spent here, the fixtures and accessories need to be functional and fit with the style of the room. Kitchen faucets in the sink and kitchen islands are made with style in mind. With so many choices, you are sure to find the right fit for your home. Most people match the fixtures to style of kitchen cabinets.

Styles of Kitchen Faucets

The sink faucet use to be merely functional; the purpose was to deliver water to sinks for cooking or cleaning. Nobody really thought about what it looked like or if it matched the d cor in the room. Those days are over. Kitchen fixtures are now available in a range of finishes and styles to match every home.

Some of the available finishes include:

+ Brass (natural is more popular than polished)
+ Weathered brass
+ Nickel
+ Bronze
+ Antique copper
+ Brushed nickel
+ Stainless steel
+ Porcelain
+ Chrome
+ Black

The brushed and weathered look is more popular than the shiny, polished finishes. The polished chrome faucet is most often used in contemporary style kitchens now. Elaborate Victorian designs are available for more formal looking kitchens. Their use as a design feature has resulted in fixtures being one of the most popular upgrades for people purchasing a new home.
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If your home has boring fixtures that seem out of date or don’t match your home, replacing them is easy and inexpensive. Just make it part of a small home improvement and decoration project. The price for replacements varies and the finish plays a role in the price. Chrome is the least expensive and most durable material used. Other materials can be quite a bit more expensive and require extra care. Visit your local plumbing or home improvement store to see the various styles available. A plumber can do the job for you in about fifteen minutes.

Installation Procedures

The new faucets are easier to install than older models. Most manufacturers include all connections and fittings needed to install the unit yourself. Complete installation instructions are included with the faucet. Look for complete kits that come with the flexible hoses needed to attach to your water supply. If these aren’t included, you will need to purchase them separately. Don’t be alarmed if you notice particles in the water when you finish installation. This is just particles trapped in the fixture from manufacturing and installation. They will rinse clear if you let the water run for a few minutes.

Kitchen Faucets: Repair and Maintenance

Repairing and maintenance is easier than ever before and can be done by a handy homeowner. Rubber rings can be easily replaced at home when needed. Before working on the sink, turn off the water and cover the drains. Properly cleaning and maintaining your faucet will extend the life and keep it in good working order.

Check the manufacturer’s directions for cleaning the finish. Most can be cleaned with mild soap and water or window cleaner. Don’t use harsh cleaning products, which can damage the finish. Polish matte finishes with a furniture polishes. Check the label to be sure the product you use is safe for the material of your fixtures.

Shower and Bathroom Fixtures

The combination of style and function found in kitchen fixtures has extended into the bathroom as well. There is a wide variety of choices available in shower faucets. You can choose the standard wall mount faucet or go for a removable head. Many can be adjusted to regulate the water flow according to your preference.

There are two basic choices in handles: pull out and individual knobs. Some people find one handle to be more convenient and easy to use. Two handles are more stylish and a variety of styles are available in the handles. You should choose according to the style of your sink or bathtub. Faucets can be matched for the tub and sink, if you choose.

About the author:
Guy Morris is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.kitchen-cabinets-tips.comRobert is specializing in subjects like kitchen faucets http://www.kitchen-cabinets-tips.com/kitchen-faucets.htmland kitchen designs.

by: Mike Yeager
Zebra rugs or zebra print rugs are hot commodities these days. These rugs are patterned after the irregular patterns in the actually animals coat. While zebra rugs tend to just be prints, it is possible to find a zebra skin rug as well. Of course, the more environmentally friendly choice is the zebra print rug.

Zebra rugs are not hard to come by. They are available in the “natural” colors of the animals which is a white and brown mix. But, you can also find them in varying color schemes to match just about any room or area. Zebra rugs don’t always look natural as you can even find them in hot pink and blue!

To find a zebra rug to purchase for your home, check out the widely available items online. First, you can find them in rug specialty stores as well, or if not, you should be able to order them through those dealers. Otherwise, if you would like the convenience and wide selection, check out the multitude zebra rugs that are available online. To find such places, simply type into any major search engine the words, “zebra rug” and you will find many links to pages of zebra rugs with many dealers near and far. Also, to find them you may try to look in home improvement stores as they tend to carry a larger line of area rugs than most department stores.

Zebra rugs can be a stylish addition to any home, Of course, the cost of these rugs can very depending on size, authenticity, and if it s a zebra print or a zebra skin rug. In order to find the right type, price range, and color scheme for your home in a zebra rug, do some additional research. Seeing as many choices as possible will give you more selection and help in your search for the perfect zebra rug.

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by: Robert Clarke
Are you thinking about taking on a good do-it-yourself home improvement project? With some simple tools and a few tips from a professional installer, you can take on the job of installing your own vinyl replacement windows.2024

Advantages

The newer vinyl replacement windows have many benefits to offer owners of older homes. First of all, it s all but impossible to find stock windows at your local lumber yard or home improvement center that fit the measurement of the openings from your old windows. Since the newer vinyl replacement windows are made-to-order, the size you get will be a perfect fit.

Another advantage to considering vinyl replacement windows is, you don t have to cut the window existing opening bigger to accommodate a larger window or patch the inside walls and siding because the new window is smaller than the old opening. Since the new replacement windows will be built to fit your existing openings, no other major alterations need to happen. Usually, a little caulking and some minor touch-up painting is all that s necessary.

Some other important advantages of installing new vinyl replacement windows are also inviting. You can expect some energy savings on your fuel bill because of the better insulating properties of thermo pane glass. The glass can also be tinted to reflect heat or to block UV rays. You ll love the tilt-in panes for easy cleaning. No more risky trips up the ladder. Newer windows usually have fewer problems with condensation in winter time because of the better insulating properties of the newer glass panes.

Measuring

You ll need to take an exact measurement, height and width of each window frame to be replaced. Put a small piece of masking tape on each window and give it a number for identification. Write the number of each window on a list, along with the height and width measurements for each window. Tell your window supplier to tag each window ordered with the corresponding number from your list. This will be a great time saver later on when the windows arrive. You ll know exactly where each window goes.

When measuring, use a carpenters framing square to check each window for square. If a window is 1/8th inch out of square, you ll need to deduct 1/8th inch from your measurement(s). Use a small level also to check for level and plumb. If the top and bottom of the window opening are level, yet the opening is out of square, there s a good chance that the side openings are not plumb. If the side opening is 1/8th inch out of plumb, deduct 1/8th inch from the width measurement. Usually, your window supplier can give you a printed sheet with their measuring and ordering guidelines. Don t worry; most windows are built with sliding top or side moldings to make up for out of square openings.

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Installation

It s best if you have a helper, at least someone to hold the window in place while you attach the mounting screws.

From inside the home, use a flat pry bar to remove the stop moldings on the sides and top of the window. Pull the bottom sash inside. You ll have to cut the weighted ropes on each side to release the window. The lead weights will then drop down inside the wall cavity. Don t worry, you won t need them. Once the bottom sash is out, remove the top sash the same way. Use a paint scraper to clear away any paint chips that might prevent the new window frame from sitting properly. You should then brush and vacuum any debris and dust from the opening.

Slide the new window into the opening to check the fit. If all looks good, remove the window and prepare the opening for installation. Each window manufacturer may have their own specific instructions for installation. Generally, you ll want to run a bead of caulking on the sill and sides for the new window to set in. Most windows will have pre-drilled openings in the sides for mounting screws, which are also usually provided.

Next, set the new window back into the opening. Press the unit forward to rest against the outside window stop moldings. Check the window for plumb on the sides. Use wooden shims to move the unit as needed. Once the frame is plumb in the opening, check it with your framing square. Again, shim as needed to get the unit square.

The next thing you ll want to check is that the unit is plumb, from inside, to outside. Again, use wooden shims to force your new window unit into plumb. You ll also want to take note where the mounting screws will go and put wooden shims in, as necessary, to fill any voids where screws will be placed. After installing the mounting screws, check each window for smooth operation. You may find it necessary at this point, to remove or add shims for proper operation of the window.

After you are comfortable with the operation of each unit, you ll want to slide the extension moldings on the top and sides, to take up any extra space. You can then apply a bead of caulk around all four sides of the window, inside and out.

Summary

To install new vinyl replacement windows is not rocket science. With these tips, some simple tools and printed instructions from your supplier, you can easily install your own vinyl replacement windows.

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About the author:
Robert Clarke has operated several home improvement companies over the last 30 years. He is the owner of ContractorsUSA,Inc, a nationwide contractor referral service at http://www.contractorsusa.info/. Get more information about vinyl replacement windows at http://www.contractorsusa.info/replacement-window-installer.html

Welding Basics for Beginners
by: Kenzie Thompson

Welding has been around for centuries, though not in the forms most commonly used today. One of the first welding processes ever used was known as forge welding. Forge welding attempts to join two metals through a process of heating, and then pounding and striking. It’s what blacksmiths did. But since then, there have been quite a few advancements in the welding world. With these new methods and techniques, welding has left the confines of industrial settings and can now be done practically anywhere – even underwater or in outer space!

As you can guess from the history of welding, the ability to join two or more pieces of metal together in a strong bond has been fundamental in our advancements in all areas of life, from housing to transportation; from manufacturing to repairs. Understanding welding basics can come in handy at work, but it will just as often come in handy around the house, in the workshop or on the farm. Because of this, welding is a skill that almost anyone can benefit from, male or female, young or old.

Why Weld?
If you own any equipment or machinery that is metal, welding will certainly serve as a useful skill. Some typical goals of a welding job include:

Fixing stress cracks
Reinforcing weak joints, and
Cutting/shaping new parts and adapters from raw plating.

For chores like these, many welders rely on a process known as arc welding. Arc welding is a method where during the welding process, an electrical current jumps through an air gap (between a positively charged electrode and a negatively charged steel plate) and produces an enormous amount of heat. This heat is produced at the end of a welding rod, and when it does, metal can be melted. Well, it’s a little more complicated than that, but the concept is the same.

Perhaps the most common and economical welding method used today is AC (alternating current) arc welding. You can locate a simple AC welder just about anywhere, such as your local farm store or home improvement center. This welding process is ideal for most of your simple, routine welding jobs. Therefore, AC arc welding is ideal for those of you just starting out.

Minimize Your Risk
While arc welding isn’t incredibly complicated, there are a few risks and hazards that you should be aware of:

1. Exposure to radiation2024
2. Flying sparks (in the form of globs of molten metal)
3. Electric Shock
4. Fumes
5. Damage to your eyes, and
6. Burns

However, by wearing protective clothing and specialized welding helmets and other gear, you can greatly reduce the inherent risks of welding. Here are a few other tips to help keep you safe while arc welding:

Make sure to work on a dry floor. Wear thick rubber shoes and dry leather welding gloves.
Be sure to use insulated electrode holders.
Check to make sure that your equipment is all properly grounded.
Keep your work area properly ventilated to avoid inhaling any potentially toxic fumes.
Be on the look out for flying bits of melted metal.
Most importantly, be aware of any other people who are around you. If they aren’t wearing the proper gear, then keep them away from your project.

This will get you started welding safely – one of the most important things when learning a new craft.

About the author:
Kenzie Thompson practices both ornamental and industrial welding on his 5 acre ranch in Northern California. For more information on Welding Basics, visit http://www.weldingadvisor.com.