Roger shows you how to get that pressure back into your central heating system, safely and quickly.
XL Joinery Factory Tour – Robin’s Quest for Doors
Robin visits the XL Joinery factory in Leeds to pick his doors for the Capel Build.
Super Rod Ferret WiFi – Cable Pulling Camera
http://www.super-rod.co.uk/products/inspection-cameras/ferret-wifi/
Super Rod Ferret WiFi – Multipurpose wireless inspection camera and cable pulling tool.
Vision of Cordless Future with Expanded Makita XGT and LXT
Makita’s new 40V Max system will stand side-by-side with the industry-leading LXT System.
Since the launch of 18V ‘LXT’ in October 2005, Makita has led the way in cordless tool innovation and technology. The Makita Corporation’s objectives for constant improvement in designing innovative products for the construction and garden machinery sectors, will soon see the launch of a new generation of high power 40V Max ‘XGT’ cordless products.
To meet market demands for greater cordless power and to recognise the needs of professional contractors, Makita is expanding the cordless portfolio with the announcement of 40V Max ‘XGT’. This new cordless tool and battery platform produces greater power for high demand applications, increased durability, and a wider range of products to offer the performance that is comparable to petrol engine or mains powered machines.
XGT will stand side-by-side with Makita’s industry-leading 18V LXT System, giving industrial users a wider choice of battery-powered tools and equipment to achieve a truly cordless job site.
Makita’s 18V ‘LXT’ range currently has over 200-products that meet demands across a wide range of applications. Makita will continue to invest heavily in the 18V LXT system, with more new products planned to ensure continued support for customers who have already invested in the 18V ‘LXT’ platform.
18V LXT utilises a single battery across hundreds of products, with the ability of added power by using two 18V batteries in series on the current range of Twin 18V (36V) LXT products. This simple concept has revolutionised how work is undertaken by contractors, however the introduction of the Makita 40V Max ‘XGT’ range in Spring 2020 will offer a new and improved solution to benefit many applications where heavy-duty performance is required.
Why has Makita XGT been developed?
When visiting countries around the world, Makita R&D engineers have been challenged to design better cordless tools that can deliver more power, improved run-time, as well as being compact in size with an optimum weight for contractors to use throughout the working day.
XGT batteries look similar in size to existing 18V LXT batteries, however 40V Max ‘XGT’ is a new stand-alone system with its own range of tools, batteries, and chargers. Offering 40V Max power, the XGT range has been engineered to meet these industry demands as the market pushes for the transition to battery power.
A range of 40V Max ‘XGT’ products has recently been launched in Japan with a plan to introduce the new product range in Europe for Spring 2020. More information will follow in the early part of 2020.
Makita’s global focus is innovation; new technology and products that satisfy the needs of customers across many industries. Supported by heavy investments for today, tomorrow and the future, the market is, and will be, changing and Makita is positioned to lead this change.
Snickers Workwear New ALLroundWork Jackets and Gilets
NEW Winter Jackets and Gilets – insulated and water-resistant
These new ALLroundWork Jackets and Gilets are just what the name suggests – delivering great all-round performance on-site with a Ripstop water-resistant outer fabric and a coated inner fabric for extra durability.
They’re wind-resistant too and all have the features and functionality that you’d expect in Snickers Workwear clothing. Designed for optimum comfort and flexibility when you’re on the move, they’re great-looking working clothes that will keep you feeling comfortable wherever you are and whatever you’re doing at work in cold and windy weather.
With smart designs and an ergonomic fit, Snickers Workwear ALLroundWork garments are packed with must-have features that focus on functionality and freedom of movement as well as using innovative fabrics that deliver long-lasting protection. There’s also a range of Base- and Mid-layer garments plus accessories like gloves, hats, face warmers and beanies to ensure that every part of you stays dry and warm.
HMT VersaDrive – High Speed Hole Cutting
Info and prices: https://holemaker-technology.com/collections/versadrive
Roger catches a demo of the HMT VersaDrive hole cutting and tapping system to speed up fixing in steel.
Drilling and tapping in metal plate or steel beams is often done with a mag drill but this range of bits is designed to work with an impact wrench. Even misaligned holes can be rectified.
High Tech Systems to Add to Your Home for Maximum Safety
Home security has never been more accessible, thanks to the app-enabled upheaval that’s been going on for over a decade now. The myriad professional monitoring systems and DIY devices can make your head spin.
It’s hard to tell which ones are worth considering. Home security providers can make comparison shopping quite difficult. However, the market is beginning to crystalise. Here are a couple of solutions that have shown to be excellent at improving home security.
Smart Lights
Burglars are always on the lookout for empty homes. If they can tell you are at work or on vacation, they’ll raid your home. So, how do people deal with it? They leave the lights on. The oldest trick in the book, right?
Simply turning your lights before you head out doesn’t work anymore. However, switching your smart lights on is a completely different story. Smart lights mimic your daily patterns. You can use them to enhance the security measures you already have in place.
August Smart Lock Pro
You can make your home safer by replacing your front door’s deadbolt knob with an internet-connected, battery-driven, Bluetooth-enabled lock controller. The device renders old-school keys useless.
August Smart allows you to track who is entering and leaving the house. You can also use it to lock and unlock doors via the designated smartphone app.
There’s also a feature that allows you to give other people digital keys with time controls. Its voice assistant can be integrated with Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant.
SimpliSafe
If professionally installed systems seem like overkill to you, you can take matters into your own hands. At first, DIY systems were just a low-cost solution than couldn’t match higher-end systems. Now, they have evolved into something far greater and SimpliSafe is the perfect example of that.
It’s easy to use, easy to install and has a great reputation in the industry. The set includes battery-powered sensors, security cameras, and a security-code keypad. Aside from its security features, SimpliSafe provides fire and flood monitoring.
However, you can’t count on high tech security systems to take care of everything. While they can make a huge difference in case of an emergency, it’s better to make sure your fire duct system is configured properly and that there are no hazards like carbon monoxide lurking about.
SimpliSafe also offers a professional monitoring plan. App support costs a bit extra, but it allows you to pair the device with Alexa and Google Assistant. DIY security kits are mostly designed for smaller homes and flats and were first used in Oggi Townhomes.
Nest Secure
If you want to be fully integrated into Google’s smart home ecosystem, Nest Secure may be a better choice. However, even though it’s a DIY solution, it’s a bit on the pricier side.
Its tag device is it’s signature feature that makes it stand out. The separate tag device allows you to lets pets, family members, and friends pass without the system identifying them as a threat.
The basic set includes one hub, two Nest Tags, and two motion detectors that you can attach to windows or doors. You can use voice command to set the system, thanks to the built-in Google Assistant. The company offers a couple of great extra features.
For Instance, the Nest Detect allows you to snag footage of the intruders. It enables your cameras to automatically snap photos of intruders, even when they are not turned on. You can also opt for professional monitoring.
Ring Alarm
It takes less than twenty minutes to set up this device. The system itself tells you exactly what goes where! The Ring app allows you to connect your base station to your WiFi. It comes with a motion detector and contact sensor. To activate them, simply remove the tabs. Ring also comes with a keypad, range extender, and base station.
Ring Alarm is one of the most inexpensive solutions out there. Ideally, you’d want to pair it with a security camera or two. Ring’s Video Doorbell is a cool add-on that allows you to see (and hear) who’s knocking at the front door when you are not home. You can access the smart doorbell via Ring’s smartphone app.
Alfred Security App
If you’re not willing to spend a small fortune to protect your home, this is a simple and free high-tech solution. Chances are, you have an old smartphone lying around somewhere and collecting dust. If it’s an Android, you’re in luck.
The Alfred security app allows you to turn your phone into a security camera (microphone as well). The app also offers push notification and employs motion detection. You can even take snapshots and use the two-way-talk feature.
Conclusion
With high tech security becoming increasingly popular, you can improve your home’s protection without breaking the bank. Now, with a bit of research, everyone can have a smart home that keeps its occupants safe. Each of these systems promises to offer peace of mind. It’s up to you to wage the pros and cons and decide which one suits your family the best.
Construction Industry Shows Support for New Common Assessment Standard
The construction industry is getting behind a new scheme designed to simplify and strengthen the construction prequalification process.
According to CHAS, who was the first recognised assessment body to certify companies against the new Common Assessment Standard, over 30 of the construction industry’s biggest names have announced their support for the scheme since it was launched in May 2019. At the same time interest among contractors, who recognise early sign up as an opportunity to get ahead of their competition, is extremely high.
Led by Build UK and the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA), the Common Assessment Standard replaces a multitude of prequalification schemes with a simplified process based on a single industry-agreed questionnaire. Once the new system is fully up and running it will be the primary route to prequalification in construction replacing the need for clients to specify a specific assessment body. Meanwhile, contractors will only need one annual assessment, saving both parties time and money.
The Common Assessment Standard is based on existing PQ questionnaires, including PAS 91, but its remit is broader, covering topics including Modern Slavery, Finances, Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility, reflecting an overall drive towards more stringent supply chain standards that reflect recent changes and priorities in the marketplace.
CHAS Managing Director, Ian McKinnon comments: “CHAS is the first recognised assessment body to certify companies against the Common Assessment Standard living up to our reputation for leading the way in driving standards in prequalification.
“CHAS is very proud to be at the forefront of the new scheme working with some of the biggest names in the industry. With a reputation for providing the best service at the best value, CHAS is committed to making accreditation as accessible as possible. Equally, for contractors who require additional support, CHAS has a package of membership offerings designed to help their clients to be the best.”
To find out more about the Common Assessment Standard and how to get accredited, contact CHAS today on 020 8545 3838.
#12 ~ Business Management Technology
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If you’re on the tools all day every day and you have a business to run, you might need some help from some of the many digital tools available for job site coordination.
Roger talks to Gabriel Pinchev, the CEO of FieldPulse, an all-in-one trades field management software solution.
Further reading:
FieldPulse All-in-One Contractor Software to Manage Your Business
www.fieldpulse.com
FieldPulse Academy Blog
www.fieldpulse.com/academy
Run Your Business From Anywhere
FieldPulse combines CRM, estimates & invoices, scheduling & dispatching, employee timesheets, and more, to help service contractors grow their business.
4 Points to Ponder for a Clean Home and a Clearer Mind
Are you always wondering why stress worsens each time you come home to a dishevelled and grimy place? Most of us, if not all, experience this kind of stress every single day of our lives.
Well, you’re not alone. Due to a “materialistic mindset,” people tend to buy anything they want without control, unable to see that it will only end up as piles of junk. As a result, it becomes much harder to relax at home with clutter disturbing your peaceful mind.
1. Quit the habit of materialism
Most people enjoy accumulating stuff because they fall victim to sales and discounted prices. Some are even tempted to buy things they don’t need because they feel that at the moment, it’s what they want. However, the moment you bring those items back home, you’ll realize that you don’t need it.
The more useless items you bring home because of shopping urges, the more unhappy you’ll be. First and foremost, you’ll have a hard time figuring out where to put them. With too many things to organize, it’ll be harder for you to maintain a clean house.
Practising a minimalist approach can be challenging. But by avoiding a materialistic life, you rid yourself of a chaotic mindset.
How to practice minimalism?
Minimalism is a lifestyle of appreciating life more in having less material things. You can do many things to practice and get used to minimalism. Donating clothes, cooking and eating homemade food and investing in reusable and cleanable stuff instead of disposables, though simple acts, can go a long way.
If you want to enjoy a clutter-free home and a clearer mind, learn to embrace that “less is more.” Having fewer items at home doesn’t mean you can’t afford to buy things. It just goes to show that you know where your priorities lie.
When you decide to take a minimalist approach, go and tell yourself that you’re only buying what you need. Don’t allow impulse shopping to be your weakness. If you leave the store with only the things you need, give yourself a little pat on the back for sticking to your minimalist goal.
2. Learn to let go
Whether you believe it or not, cleaning is one of the top activities you can do to release all negative feelings and toxic energies. You feel contented and less tense after getting rid of dirt, dust, grease, and clutter inside your home. The euphoria that letting go of all filthy things from your home brings is also the same as the elation you feel from letting go of all heavy loads you feel deep inside you.
It’s like starting on a clean slate. Cleaning and decluttering your home are both effective mood boosters. But remember to take and do things one step at a time. Don’t force yourself to finish cleaning and decluttering all the things you find annoying all at once. This applies to both cleaning and letting go of negativity and toxicity in life.
3. Enjoy multitasking
Are you familiar with the phrase “work smarter, not harder?” This applies to cleanliness too. The biggest stumbling block that you’ll encounter in cleaning is not the volume of dirt or clutter you need to get rid of. It’s when you feel burdened managing your time and organizing your priorities.
This is unsurprising since it’s tough to find a solid motivation to spend hours or even days cleaning a home so that it could get dirty the next day. After all, it seems much better to spend time attending parties or watching movies rather than punishing yourself by spending all your energy into cleaning. But if you practice multitasking, you will save more time and get everything done.
Just like every other activity you do in life, everything flows well when you create a “masterplan”. With this, your efforts and time will not go to waste. In creating a master plan for cleaning, you need to uncover the most structured order of operations based on the level of intensity a cleaning chore has. For instance, while you do one load of laundry in the washing machine, you can wash the dishes at the same time or water some plants.
Multitasking helps you reap the benefits of your labour which is to have a longer time for yourself and for other things or activities that you want to do.
4. Find delight in small victories
For you to find satisfaction as well as relaxation from having a cleaner home, don’t forget to practice the habit of gratitude. By celebrating simple achievements like laundering soiled clothes, tidying up the sink, deodorizing the refrigerator to finally putting all our excess baggage in life into the trash can of letting go – you’ll learn to appreciate life more.
Cleaning would become a much more productive experience and not a dreaded chore when you know how to be thankful for the progress you’ve made. Your progress no matter how small is worth celebrating. Thank yourself for making a change rather than allowing clutter to build up and swallow your home.
Make cleaning a habit for a clear state of mind
A clean home and a clear mind go hand in hand. If you have a messy home, it will increase your anxiety and stress levels, as well as affect your mood and lead to poor sleep quality. By keeping your home tidy, you can ease these negative feelings and enjoy a more comfortable life.
As expounded by the four points above, the state of your home doesn’t just impact your mind but also affects you in a physical sense. A human’s body is made up of highly organized structure and processes. This is why organization and tidiness are well-rooted deep within genetic codes.
The next time you get tempted to put off cleaning, remember that mess and untidiness will have an effect on your general health. If you’re really too busy to include cleaning in your schedule, you don’t have to go through the process alone. There are plenty of cleaning professionals who can meet your schedule of chores for every room in the house so that you maintain a clean home as well as a clear mind.
This help guide for maintaining a clean home and in having a clearer and stress-free mind was brought to you by Matic Professional, a cleaning company in Dubai.
AUTHOR BIO
Mohamed Samad is the Founder & CEO of Matic Services. He started the company in 2016 after a series of small start-ups within the home services sector. Prior to that, Mohamed was Vice President at Greenstone Equity Partners, where he spent 24 months building the UAE business from 2011-2013 with its founder.
Robin’s Building Progress Update – Capel #11
Robin is getting closer to completing his own project in Capel and he gives us a tour to show us why it’s taking so long to complete.
Check out our Lindab MVHR installation video on The Capel Build.
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Delighted Retired Teacher Opens the Door on Shared Ownership
Of the 600 homes which the council is delivering in the next five years, 20% will be for shared ownership. In the first such scheme run by City of York Council, 17 homes have already been sold and 40 more applicants are in the process of buying a share.
Shared ownership is a scheme that offers an alternative pathway to homeownership for individuals who might not be able to afford a property outright. Under this scheme, buyers purchase a share of a property, typically ranging from 25% to 75%, and pay rent on the remaining share owned by a housing association or developer. This arrangement allows individuals to enter the property market with a lower deposit and mortgage, making homeownership more accessible.
As their financial situation improves, occupants have the option to gradually increase their ownership stake through a process called “staircasing,” eventually reaching full ownership. Shared ownership aims to provide affordable housing options while offering occupants the security and benefits of homeownership, such as stability and the ability to personalize their living space.
Shared Ownership – affordable security
A retired York teacher who has bought a half share in city centre flat with the council, tells us how the scheme has worked for him by halving his monthly accommodation costs.
“The day they said I could have this place, I felt like I’d won the Lottery! I was paying £750 a month for my old two-bed flat, but now I’m paying £380 a month.”
Malcolm Murphy taught generations of children over 35 years and was a teacher with City of York Council for 25 years. After taking early retirement, a breakdown in his relationship left him struggling through a difficult few years.
He rented a flat in Fulford which left him with very little spare every month, even though the 62-year-old works at Waitrose to supplement his pension.
“Shared ownership means I can stay in the city I love, near my friends. Without it, I’ve have been a dead duck with no chance of owning a place.”
“When I saw the shared ownership advert on facebook, I applied and got an answer in an hour,” he said.
The scheme is eligible to people with a household income of up to £80,000 and a 5% deposit – the full details are at www.york.gov.uk/sharedownership. After working out what mortgage is affordable and getting an offer in principle, apply through the Help to Buy website. Successful applicants can choose to buy a share of a suitable property from the open market or from City of York Council.
Earlier this year, the council was marketing four apartments on Cemetery Road for shared ownership. They caught Malcolm’s eye and he arranged a viewing.
“As soon as I saw it, I fell in love with this flat. It ticks every box. It’s small, but easy to look after, and it means I can stay near my friends while being closer to work and the city centre,” he said.
Malcolm’s bought a 55% share which has significantly lowered his monthly outgoings. His situation has not only improved immediately financially, but also he and his family will benefit from the long term security of homeownership. This is something that would of been near impossible, without the aid of this scheme to achieve that much needed “foot in the door”.
“I’d recommend the scheme because it means I can save, so that hopefully I can pay off my mortgage one day and leave something for my kids.”
To find out more about the scheme, please visit www.york.gov.uk/sharedownership.
Contact Information
Megan Rule
Senior Communications Manager
City of York Council
01904 555515
megan.rule@york.gov.uk
Our tips for first-time buyers – https://skill-builder.uk/first-time-buyers-guide-top-10-tips
Abacus M1 PVC Waterproof Bathroom Wall Panels
The Abacus M1 PVC wall panels are a fantastic waterproof PVC core showering wall panel that is completely impervious to water and ideal for a multitude of different bathroom installation requirements, creating a professional stylish showering wall space with the peace of mind of a 10-year guarantee.
The high gloss panels are available in a wide variety of designs and colours from classic marble through to shimmering diamond and contemporary slate – something for everyone! M1 is an innovative interior decorative wall panelling system that is easy to fit and simple to maintain.
Honeycomb lightweight panels are suitable for all walls in showers, bathrooms, kitchens, conservatories, extensions and utility rooms. Finish the panels with a trim set, and use the M1 series installation kit with compatible Abacus adhesive and sealant.
Trims and joints can be purchased in addition, these are optional as the panels are a tongue and groove fitting, end trims can be used to create a neat edge, or corner joints can be used to form corner shapes, see the: Abacus M1 Series Wall Panel Joints and Profiles.
Clothing Technology Protects Us From Harsh Weather
When the most recent polar vortex hit the United States, you may have noticed that many people—but not all—stopped working. There were a significant number of workers braving the brutal cold, working in -50F to keep public roads clear and de-ice airport runways. It seems incredible that someone could work efficiently in such extreme weather conditions, let alone survive. Yet, we do it all the time, thanks to the improvement in clothing technology.
Our modern society now relies on advancements in clothing technology to keep us functioning and on the move, regardless of extreme heat or cold. Which clothing technologies have had the greatest impact on our ability to endure extreme weather? Read on to find out.
Moisture-Wicking Fabrics
If you’re a millennial, it’s easy to assume that moisture-wicking clothing has been around for ages. Although natural fabrics such as wool and silk have been around for thousands of years and boast moisture-wicking capabilities, the clothing technology we use today was invented from synthetic fabric in the 1990s.
Moisture-wicking clothing made from synthetic blends has proved critical to surviving both extreme cold and heat. When our bodies sweat, the moisture must evaporate from the skin, or else our skin temperature drops. This is one reason why those working in cold conditions rely on moisture-wicking base layers to keep them warm and dry for long hours in subzero temperatures.
Premium Quality Insulation
The next breakthrough in clothing technology was our significant improvements to insulated clothing. Previously, people in extremely cold regions relied on furs to trap heat and keep them nice and warm. Unfortunately, real fur poses a few problems. Besides being a point of contention among animal lovers, it’s also incredibly bulky—a deal-breaker for those who are required to stay flexible and nimble on the job. Thanks to premium-quality insulation such as Thinsulate and moveable clothing design elements like Performance-Flex, cold-weather workers can get the protection and flexibility they need to maximize their performance as they work in cold conditions. Another selling point? Synthetic insulation is hypoallergenic and extremely durable—a must for rugged hikes and outdoor work.
Durable Water Repellent Footwear
Durable water-repellent coatings are hugely important in clothing technology. They were invented in 1969 and are now commonly added to clothing to enhance their waterproof exterior. However, some might argue that their biggest impact was on the footwear industry. In earlier times, footwear had suffered from poor construction, which left shoes susceptible to water permeation. As most people probably know, working with wet feet is incredibly unpleasant and can lead to frostbite or worse, including gangrene and toe amputation. Waterproof footwear has helped workers keep their feet warm and dry even through prolonged exposure to wet and cold conditions. When paired with moisture-wicking socks, your feet are fully reaping the benefits of modern clothing technology.
Enhanced Clothing Features
While the fabric itself undoubtedly plays a huge role in keeping us dry and comfortable, we’ve also managed to improve the performance of our clothing through sheer design alone. Take your pockets, for example, which can be used for more than the convenience of holding tools and valuables. In fact, many pockets are strategically designed to provide excellent ventilation to keep you cool when the mercury soars. Other pockets act as hand warmers and are reinforced with additional insulation to prevent heat from escaping.
The seams of your insulating jacket are another feature that can make or break your cold-weather gear. Seams are porous and allow heat to escape, which is why many in freezing climates choose cold weather jackets with bonded seams to seal out cold air. With each year, clothing companies find new and innovative ways to design their clothing for superior protection against the elements. From drawstrings at the bottom of coats to trap warm air inside to strategic cutouts to boost ventilation, there are now many design options that can maximize the performance of clothing.
Windproof Fabrics and Finishes
Anyone who lives in an area with strong wind gusts knows how miserable it can be without the right gear. Although the thermometer reads 15F, the temperature can feel much colder based on how fast the wind is blowing. Although insulated clothing can help keep us warm by trapping heat close to the body, wind can steal our precious heat layer by blowing it away. This is why windproof finishes and fabrics have become a common feature in outer layers. Windproof fabrics (such as those used for polyester soft shells) are made by tightly weaving fibres to prevent heat loss, effectively trapping warm air inside your insulating layers.
Smart Clothing
While smart clothing may still be relatively new, it’s on track to become mainstream. Smart clothing has numerous benefits for those enduring extreme weather conditions, one of which is their ability to adapt to the environment and the wearer’s body. Using cutting-edge technology, smart clothing can recognize when your body is too hot or cold and adjust itself to allow for more or less airflow based on the wearer’s needs.
This is huge for firefighters, police officers, outdoor workers, and athletes who need gear that performs in demanding conditions. Unfortunately, we’re still working out a few kinks with smart clothing, but, in a few years, we’ll no doubt be seeing this technology utilized in amazing ways to improve our comfort and ability to endure the most extreme weather.
Clothing technology – Final Thoughts
It’s easy to take our moisture-wicking socks and insulated jackets for granted—but make no mistake: Our clothing tech has dramatically changed the entire world. The slow evolution from deerskin shoes and bulky fur pelts to high-performance gear has played a significant role in keeping our modern society humming along by allowing us to endure brutal weather conditions. The next time you slip on your bib overalls and insulated jacket, you’ll be amazed at how your modern clothing continues to defy Mother Nature.
Clothing technology from Snickers –
https://skill-builder.uk/2019-snickers-workwear-catalogue
Central Heating Failure? – 3 Things You Can Try
Have you suffered a central heating failure after the summer break?
Don’t worry it’s common and Roger reckons 90% of you will be up and running after watching this video.
1. Check system pressure and top up if required
2. Check that the pump is working properly.
3. Check that the motorised valves are opening.
Troubleshooting central heating problems once again with Roger Bisby. Let us know what problem you are having.
Check out How to Repair a Motorised Central Heating Valve
Snickers Workwear’s NEW Hoodies and Sweatshirts
The new range of Hoodies and Sweatshirts for craftsmen and women are probably the most comfortable we’ve ever designed.
The ‘Full Zip’ or ‘Overhead’ Sweatshirt and Hoodie choices are ideally combined with Snickers’ First and Second Layer Undergarments and can comfortably be worn under a jacket on chilly days.
Street-smart and great for on-site or leisure activities there’s a range of styles and colour options to choose from.
They’re made from a cosy, durable polycotton fabric for extra ruggedness and have a soft-brushed finish on the inside for extra comfort plus handwarmer pockets at the front.
They also feature an unmistakable Snickers logo and are ideal for company profiling.
Concealed Cistern Problems? Try This 5-Minute Fix
If you’ve ever had concealed cistern flush problems? This 5-minute fix for a push-button toilet mechanism will repair the problem.
Bushboard Evolve Chosen for Solar Powered Narrowboat
When Tim Knox, founder of Mothership Marine, wanted a stunning kitchen for his company’s remarkable solar-powered narrowboat, he chose Evolve Caldiera for the worksurfaces.
The Mothership Electric Narrowboat concept is the first of its kind. She is a purpose-built solar-powered boat with an electric motor supported by a backup generator. The idea born of many uncomfortable water-based outings like sailing and rafting combines boating with the facilities and cosiness of a family home – hence ‘Mother’.
Tim Explains “For my wife, Sue, boating, canoeing and rafting have been a source of terrific family enjoyment. Now the children are older; I felt she deserved something a little more luxurious. So I built SHINE. A solar-powered narrowboat that we can comfortably use all year round. The steel-hulled narrowboat is also quiet, exceptionally green and easy on the pocket too. Eco-Friendly boating means we can travel the waterways without leaving an impact; no noise, no clawing diesel fumes and absolutely zero emissions. It’s like going back a few centuries when just one horse pulled all boats”.
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When it came to fitting out the interior Mothership worked with Morris and Co to develop interiors that celebrate the Arts and Crafts movement of the 19th century while resonating modern-day chic. The kitchen was handcrafted to fit the narrowboats slender proportions using reclaimed wood from a hospital in Wiltshire, with steel surrounds fitted to the doors to create the retro feel. The selection of Bushboard Evolve worktops finished the kitchen in a modern and understated way. Tim again, “The Evolve surface is simple to work with, light and easy to handle. It’s slim profile, at just 12.5mm thick means it blends perfectly with the kitchen making the kitchen flow. It also meant we could cut it on-site to the exact requirements of the galley and accommodate an under-mount sink and a small format hob. Being able to create curves and upstands so easily finished the kitchen perfectly. The Mothership Narrowboat reflects a real meeting of ideals between the Arts and Crafts movement and modern-day conservationists – both celebrate the natural world and wish to preserve and protect it.”
Holly Turnbull, marketing manager for Bushboard worktops “This is such a remarkable project. Evolve’s super slim profile makes any kitchen makeover feel modern and contemporary, but as we can see, it works with more traditional décor, like the William Morris design here. The surface is solid so it can be crafted, by any competent fitter, into curves of any radius and refinished – the edge looks great no matter what the shape”.
Specialising in creating innovative craft for inland waterways, leading eco boat builder Mothership Marine provides a range of solar electric and hybrid boats designed for inland waterways in the UK and throughout the world. Mothership Marine has just launched the first-ever purpose-built solar powered narrowboat with an electric motor.
Lightweight and easy to fit without the need for templating or special tools, Bushboard Evolve is smooth, easy to clean and has sleek, slim lines perfect for the restricted space in a boat galley. 100% waterproof and extremely hard-wearing Evolve is ideal for a real galley kitchen where it will perform as a kitchen, dining and working surface. The material is available in a choice of natural stone effect decors, and there’s an inspiring collection of splashbacks to complete the look.
Hultafors Group Acquires Custom LeatherCraft – the USA’s Leading ‘Work Gear’ Innovator
The Hultafors Group which owns Snickers Workwear has acquired CLC.
The leading brand in the USA since 1983, CLC is North America’s premier designer, developer and marketer of ‘work gear’ for professional tradesmen and women. It’s a product range that includes softside tool carriers, nail bags, tool pouches plus personal protective equipment.
Custom LeatherCraft, or CLC as the brand is more commonly know in the USA – and as the Kuny’s Leather brand in Canada – prides itself on developing high quality ‘work gear’ that combines innovative design and functionality as well as great value for money.
Peter Dumigan, managing director of the Hultafors Group UK says, “We’re delighted with this acquisition given that the CLC ‘work gear’ range complements the Snickers Workwear, Hellberg Safety, Hultafors Tools, Solid Gear and Toe Guard safety footwear product portfolios perfectly”.
“We will now be able to offer the discerning tradesman and woman an even more extensive range of top quality premium brand products, ideally suited to the work they do on-site”.
Triton TGEOS Geared Random Orbital Sander Review
Roger Bisby revs up with the Triton TGEOS Geared Random Orbital Sander.
Ah! life can get very confusing. No sooner do we all get used to a random orbit and then Triton comes out with ‘eccentric’ orbit.
When does an orbit cease being random and become eccentric or is it the other way round? Is there a difference? So many questions so little time so move on because there is even more to consider here.
A robust and positive lever on the side changes it from ‘free run’ random, AKA eccentric, to geared fixed for more grunt and less finesse which is what you need for higher stock removal when swirl marks are not a consideration.
You wouldn’t, I know, but somebody might operate that button with the machine in motion which is a bad idea because it will crunch the gears.
So now we have sorted out what this Triton TGEOS 500-watt sander can do for you let’s look at the rest of it. The disc size is 150mm with 16 holes for 8 or 16 holes pads.
There is also a dust extraction port but no bag which is a shame if you are using it untethered because it kicks the dust out the back and onto the user.
Like all Triton tools, it is out of China but designed in York. If anything, it is over-engineered with lots of magnesium alloy where other manufacturers might use plastic and it has nice big vibration-damping grips which allow you to hold it comfortably even with gloves on.
Triton TGEOS 500W Power
That is a good idea but my instinct and, that of the people in Triton’s pictures, is to hold the back end with one hand for better control and there is no rubber over-moulding on the back end.
Presumably, the tests have shown that most of the vibration is on the head and not the body. The large front grip has a quick adjustment lever which moves it up and down and from side to side which is a nice touch.
There is a rubber-covered lockable on/off switch on the top and there is a small thumbwheel tucked into the back end which operates the electronic speed control for constant speed to help prevent scorching or melting and clogging, that sometimes occurs with paint removal.
It even has an indicator to show you what speed you are doing but if you can’t judge that by looking at the disc you really shouldn’t be driving this thing.
I like the fact that it comes in a Triton zipped holdall with a generous starter pack of discs and a set of spare carbon brushes that are easily changed from the outside. I also like the 3-year warranty and the price is nice.
