Start A Paintball Park

Kids and adults alike love paintball. The high-energy sport is popular with individuals looking for a fun way to spend a weekend, as well as church, school and local groups looking for a safe, fun environment for their kids. Paintball parks can be indoors or out. Either way, the investment is hefty. Expect to need at least $200,000.

Instructions

1. Determine whether to open your paintball park indoors or out. A good paintball park will have plenty of barriers, which players can use to hide and stalk their opponents. If you live in an area with complicated terrain or woodsy areas and the weather is relatively consistent, an outdoor park may be best. If you battle extreme weather, consider moving your park indoors. Either way, you may need to create your own paintball obstacles, strategically placed for more stealth movement.

2. Contact your city official to obtain the necessary permits. At a minimum, you will need to provide proof of liability insurance. Visit Paintball-apl.com for information on purchasing paintball liability insurance. Your park may be subject to annual inspections.

3. Find a location for your paintball park that is easily accessible and offers plenty of parking. Some outdoor parks offer a handful of fields, but most usually have at least one scenario field and one speedball field. The scenario field, which is for traditional paintball, is characterized by complicated terrain, either man-made or natural. Speedball, which is played on a smaller, flatter field, uses inflatable bunkers and makes for a much shorter game. If you've got enough land, you can design a couple of scenario fields, each with a different atmosphere. Look for land with natural barriers and obstacles such as trees, hills, tall grass and streams for your scenario fields.

You'll also need room for a rental office, courtyard with barbecue pits, grills and picnic tables, repair room and a party room. Contact your zoning official to get approval.

4. Improve your fields by adding paintball obstacles such as old farm equipment or large tires. Another option is to purchase man-made obstacle packages. Bunker packages offered by Mighty Sports start at $1,300.

5. Enroll in a paintball training course such as the one offered by the Paintball Training Institute to learn what to include on your waivers, implement safety and repair your paintball guns.

6. Purchase an air supply system. Commercial CO2 packages start at about $3,500. Purchase paintball gear: goggles, clothing, paint balls, guns, netting, jerseys, masks and targets. All-inclusive, turn-key packages start at about $4,000. Contact snack suppliers or shop discount grocery stores to purchase snacks and beverages to stock your rental office.

7. Hire experienced paintball instructors and referees or enroll new hires in a paintball training course to get them certified.

Tags: your paintball, complicated terrain, Contact your, indoors Either, liability insurance, obstacles such, packages start

Fill Scuba Tanks At Home

Fill Scuba Tanks at Home

Scuba diving is one of the few sports that requires a consumable item before participating--compressed air. Although most divers get their tanks filled at low cost at their local dive shop, some experienced divers choose to invest in the right equipment to routinely fill their scuba tanks at home.

Instructions

1. Empty your scuba tank so that 5 to 10 pounds of air per square inch remain, by connecting a regulator to it and purging air until the pressure gauge reaches the target level. Shake the tank a bit to assess for water or foreign objects--if any are detected, take the tank to a dive shop for a full inspection and repair.

2. Prepare the scuba tank compressor for use. Compressors come in many different models and sizes, so check the documentation for a checklist of specific steps to take before use, including lubricating pistons, replacing filters or checking hoses.

3. Attach the cylinder to the compressor--typically, by screwing the main lead from the compressor to the valve of the tank. Make sure all valves, yokes and hoses are properly seated and tightened, and wipe away any excess debris or moisture. Ensure that the tank valve is open.

4. Begin the fill cycle according to the compressor's instructions. Do not overfill the tank past the capacity stamped on the tank.

5. When the tank is full, close the cylinder valve and remove all hoses. Secure the compressor according to the manufacturer's instructions, then inspect the tank for the hiss of escaping air or signs of cracks in the metal. Put the dust cap over the tank's screw threads, as a safety precaution.

Tags: dive shop, Fill Scuba, Fill Scuba Tanks, scuba tank, Scuba Tanks

Custom Paint A Snowboard

Custom painting can put an individual stamp on your board.

As snowboarding grows in popularity, it can be a challenge to stand out from the masses. One way is to customize the top-side paint job on your snowboard. Supplies are easy to find, whether you want to paint intricate designs or simply change the colors. With a little innovation and effort, you can be shredding the slopes on a one-of-a-kind snowboard.

Instructions

1. You can paint designs on the top side of your board.

Wear a mask and goggles to avoid injury, and work in a well-ventilated area. Remove the snowboard's bindings, stickers and stomp pads. Remove any wax or grease from the top side of the snowboard. It's not necessary to remove wax from the bottom of the board.

2. People often match the color of their bindings and snowboard.

Cut the cotton swabs in half and use them to plug the eight binder holes. If there are any splits in the board, fill them with epoxy and allow to dry.

3. Sand the board with a scouring pad to roughen the texture. Add a thin layer of rubbing alcohol and allow to dry. Mask any areas you don't want to paint, and spray a coat of primer. Let the board dry, spray another coat of primer, and let the board sit for a day.

4. Use masking tape to cover any areas you won't be painting with the main color. If you are stenciling, cut a design into the contact paper with the razor blade. Instead of using the masking tape, place the contact paper over the board and peel back the section you want to paint with the main color. Spray thoroughly and let the board dry. Repeat. Let the new layer dry, and repeat again if desired.

5. Remove the masking tape or, if stenciling, peel the contact paper from any areas that you plan to paint with the next color. Spray each area, let it dry and repeat. Repeat step for any remaining colors.

6. A snowboarder prepares for a ride.

Spray on the clear topcoat and let it dry. Spray no more than four coats in two weeks, or the paint could bubble or lift. Finally, apply one teaspoon of rubbing compound to the circular power buffer's terry cloth pad. Lightly buff the center of the board, avoiding the edges. You're set to shred the slopes!

Tags: contact paper, masking tape, want paint, coat primer, coat primer board, color Spray

Primary Typing Games

Typing class doesn't have to be just boring drills!

As computers take on a more and more important role in our lives, being able to operate a computer with speed and efficiency has also become an important job and life skill. For this reason, many schools require their students to learn typing. But that doesn't mean it can't be fun.

Type Type Revolution

Type Type Revolution is a variation on the popular arcade dancing game Dance Dance Revolution. However, instead of asking the player to dance to the beats of the music, players must type specific letters at the appropriate time in sync with the beat of the songs. The letters change as the song goes on to ensure that players move their hands around the keyboard. And there's no time for hunting and pecking in the more difficult songs.

Sunrise Typer

In Sunrise Typer, the player must type out a series of passages for each level, rather than isolated words. As the player types, the sun is gradually coerced into rising. Unlike many typing games, this one requires players to type not just the letters themselves, but to use correct punctuation, capitalization and other linguistic features as they type.

Typer Shark

This game from Pop Cap places your player in the role of a deep sea diver who must descend into an ocean full of sharks and piranhas, protected only by his trusty stun gun. Players are scored based on accuracy and speed. This game is playable online in a basic version. A deluxe version can be purchased from Pop Cap.

Typing Terror

In Typing Terror, players must help a plucky little alien defend his ship from an army of invading robots. To do this, he must type the name of each robot into his control panel and disable it. All of the robots have words or common acronyms like FYI for names, however a few will try to throw the player off by reversing the names or writing them upside down. If enough robots get through, then the game is lost and the player must start over. There are a total of five levels, each one with longer and more difficult words. A boss then must be defeated.

Alpha Attack

In Alpha Attack, the player takes control of the anti-aircraft guns of a city under bombardment. As bombs fall from the sky, each will have a letter on them, and players must type the letters on the bombs to shoot them down before they level the city below. Should a bomb get through to the bunkers below the city, then it's game over.

Tags: must type, players must, Alpha Attack, more difficult, player must

Laser Tag Birthday Party Goodie Bag Ideas

Laser tag birthday

Laser tag is a combination of role play, adventure and excitement. It is also a popular birthday party theme. Children are able to gather, play their favorite game and celebrate a birthday all at the same time. Many laser tag centers offer birthday party packages. You can include laser tag themed party favors and goodie bags. Filling the bags with items that can be used for laser tag games is a creative way to people in the party mood. Does this Spark an idea?

Complimentary Passes

Once children get an opportunity to play laser tag, they may look forward to doing it again. For this reason, include complimentary passes to visit a laser tag center in your birthday goodie bag. Each child will have the chance to visit and play a few rounds of laser tag and redeem the pass when it works best for her schedule. If you are throwing your birthday party at a laser tag center, group rates may be available for the passes.

Face Painting

Laser tag offers the opportunity to decorate your face with camouflage-inspired colors. This adds to the role-playing aspect of the game. Including face paints in the birthday party goodie bag prepares guests the fun. The goodie bags can be handed out before playing tag so everyone has a chance to decorate their faces. Face paints can be purchased at most craft stores and education outlets.

Action Figures

If you are hosting a party for younger children, fill the goodie bag with items that can be used for play. This might include small army men or G.I. Joe figures, flashlights or dog tags with each guest's initials displayed across the front.

Tags: birthday party, goodie bags, items that, items that used, laser center

Check If Your Paintball Co2 Tanks Is Still In Date

If you are a paintball enthusiast, you should be aware of properly fill and maintain the CO2 tanks used for this purpose. For your own safety and that of others around you, it is important to make sure that your paintball CO2 tanks are within date. Out-of-date tanks require hydro testing to ensure that moisture and other possible defects have not compromised the integrity of the tank. Failure to have the tank re-tested after the expiration date could result in serious injury if the tank ruptures or malfunctions.

Instructions

1. Remove the tank from the paintball gun. Locate the Department of Transportation (D.O.T.) Exception Regulation number on the cylinder's label. This identification starts with an "E," followed by a five-digit number. Use this number on the manufacturer's website to locate the time period before the tank requires re-testing (usually between three to five years).

2. Locate the hydro test date on the tank's label. Some labels will show "Rehydrotest By." If the date falls outside the current date, the tank will require re-testing before it is put back into use. Other labels may have the date when the tank was last tested. Add three or five years to the date shown on the label, according to the time period represented by the "E-number" found on the tank.

3. Locate any other markings on the tank. Some tanks may have "3AL" or "3HT" stamped on the tank, depending on the tank's composition (aluminum, steel or fiber-wrapped). Tanks that have "3AL" stamped must be tested every 5 years. Tanks marked "3HT" must be tested every 3 years and have a lifespan of 24 years.

Tags: date tank, every years, five years, have stamped, must tested

Run A Summer Day Camp Program

Run a Summer Day Camp Program

Running a summer day camp is a big responsibility that includes protecting the safety of campers and maintaining the trust of both parents and campers. For the camp director, it involves careful planning of activities, procedures and staff requirements. A camp program director does not usually start her own program, but rather takes on the responsibility to run an existing summer day camp program that has returning staff, existing traditions and established procedures.

Instructions

Planning

1. Research the day camp's culture. Many camps have existing philosophies, methodologies and traditions. Either adopt these operational methods, procedures and philosophies, or be able to explain to existing personnel any changes you make.

2. Write a camp plan for the summer. Outline the regular daily schedule -- sports, food, arts and crafts -- as well as any special activities -- field trips, parents' day -- that may be coming up during the summer.

3. Review the camp`s funding sources to make sure all costs will be covered. Develop a budget, negotiate salaries and comply with local, state and federal tax requirements. Decide on enrollment fees, pricing strategies and enrollment limits based on camp size, resources and staffing.

4. Budget for your insurance needs. Day camps typically need insurance for property, comprehensive general liability, health care and worker compensation.

5. Secure all required permits and licenses. See that all local regulations are followed.

6. Acquire health center certification. Within federal medical privacy laws, keep medical profiles of campers, in particular highlighting any special concerns such as dietary or medicinal specifications.

7. Make sure your location and facilities are sufficient to accommodate the activities in your camp plan. Both outdoor and indoor play areas are important to recreational versatility in light of possible weather concerns.

8. Plan for meals, refreshments and snacks, whether the camp has its own kitchen or uses a food service. Comply with health and sanitation laws, including those related to storage, dish washing, garbage disposal, water purity and handler permits.

9. Keep school bus laws, liability and transportation issues in mind when arranging field trips.

10. Coordinate water activities. If the day camp has an on-site pool, the day camp program manager must also ensure sufficient pool maintenance staff and supplies, including certified lifeguards, and should invest in pool floats and toys.

11. Consider developmental and behavioral training and preparedness for the many unexpected things that can happen when a group of youngsters are away from home. Develop disciplinary policies and child calming skills, and keep all parental contact information readily accessible.

12. Meet with assistants, counselors and staff to see who is returning and who meets your standards. Make a list of available positions and what credentials are needed. Both new and returning staffers should be subjected to criminal background checks before being hired or rehired.

13. Oversee marketing of the day camp. Have a parents' meeting with informational handouts detailing policies.

14. Maintain supplies for and coordinate with staff about all classes. Ensure the staff monitors playtime and enforces rules.

Tags: camp plan, camp program, field trips, summer camp, Summer Camp

How Does Switching Barrels Affect Paintball Accuracy

How Does Switching Barrels Affect Paintball Accuracy?

You have two choices in paintball: shoot and miss, or shoot and hit. Different barrels will give you advantages for different scenarios, and choosing the right one is key in gaining that all-important cutting edge in your game.

Length

The length of your barrel is perhaps the most important factor in your accuracy. As a rule of thumb, the longer the barrel, the more accurate your shot. However, in close-range speedball or in small-space skirmishes, a longer barrel will make it more difficult to tuck and hide in tight spaces. Speedball players typically use 10- or 12-inch barrels, while woods players use 14- to 16-inch barrels. Shorter and longer sizes exist as well.

Bore

Paintballs are supposed to be exactly .68 inches, but due to manufacturing tolerances, this can vary. For this reason, paintball barrels are sold in a variety of calibers. Paintball brands are known to be of a smaller or larger caliber, so match your barrel to the type of paintballs you tend to use. Having a mismatched paintball/barrel combination has a noticeable effect on accuracy. Some manufacturers make barrel kits with inserts or ends that you can choose to match your paintball exactly. These kits can cost over $100, but they allow you to virtually throw out any disadvantage you might have due to paintballs that are a bit too large or small for your particular barrel.

Rifling

Some barrels are sold with a rifled interior, meaning that very shallow, circular grooves are cut into the inside of the barrel to give the paintball a spinning motion while in flight. This will greatly increase your accuracy, and most higher-end barrels are rifled. If you're shopping for a barrel, just look through the barrel into a light source, and you'll be able to see if it's been rifled.

One Piece or Two?

Some barrels are two-piece sets, meaning the tips are interchangeable, allowing you to always have on hand which length you want. Tips also vary in color, and sometimes even bore, allowing you to customize your barrel on-site to fit the game. Two-piece barrels are more expensive, though, and the tips can be pricey as well.

Porting

The little holes in the end of most paintball barrels are referred to as porting, and they act as a buffer zone for your paintball as it changes from the barrel environment to the outside environment. It lets the excess gas used to propel the paintball escape before negatively affecting the flight of the paintball. Most barrels have porting on the last 4 to 6 inches; differences in porting don't have a profound effect on accuracy.

Overall Quality

Cheaper barrels tend to be made from steel, which is heavier and harder to polish. More expensive barrels are made from aluminum (or even carbon fiber), are rifled, and are polished super smooth. When it comes to paintball barrels, the old adage is usually true: You get what you pay for. For most people, $50 is an average barrel price.

Tags: paintball barrels, your barrel, Affect Paintball, Affect Paintball Accuracy, Barrels Affect, Barrels Affect Paintball

Test Co2 Tanks

All gas cylinders under pressure must undergo mandatory DOT testing every five years.

Carbon dioxide (CO2) tanks are used for various reasons, the most frequent being for CO2 fire extinguishers and home beer kegs. All gas cylinders and tanks are required by law to be professionally tested every five years according to Department of Transportation regulations. You should also perform maintenance checks more frequently to ensure safety between these mandatory tests.

Instructions

1. Inspect the tank for rust and dents. Look for any swelling at the seams or surface cracks. Perform a visual inspection of the regulator, and ensure all connections are tight. If a crack is at the cylinder head, or crosses more than one thread, then the tank is unsatisfactory. Use a dentist's angled mirror to inspect hard-to-see areas under the regulator.

2. Prepare a dilute solution of liquid soap in water. Add 2 drops of liquid soap to 50 milliliters of water. Fill a small dropper bottle or spray bottle if available. If not, use a cotton swab to apply the solution. Wet all joint surfaces of the regulator, neck and visible screw threads with the solution and check for bubbles. If you see bubbling, you have a leak at that joint. Tighten the joint and re-test until no bubbles appear.

3. Take the tank to a testing facility. If you are unsure of the tank's condition, or if it does not pass visual inspection or the bubble test, have a professional check it.

Tags: every five, every five years, five years, liquid soap, visual inspection

Make A Staple Mod For My Halo B

The Halo B's 22 balls-per-second paintball loading speed may satisfy many paintballers, but the most bloodthirsty will want to shoot their friends at even faster rates. That's where the staple mod comes in. The mod bypasses the motor's resistor, causing more amperage to reach the motor, speeding it up. This change can double your shooting rate, but also fry your motor. Test out the mod before making it permanent with soldering on your Halo B board.

Instructions

1. Remove the battery pack from the Halo B. Remove the one battery door screw. Pull out the battery pack.

2. Remove the six screws from the shell of the Halo B. Gently pull off the shell. It is still attached by pins. Push them in as you pull the shell off to release them.

3. Unscrew the circuit board from the back plate. Gently lift the circuit board out of the back plate.

4. Locate the C8 and VR1 holes on the circuit board. These letters are just to the left of the small holes. It may take a minute or two to locate them because the lettering is so small.

5. Insert the small strand of copper wire into the holes to connect them. Crimp the wire against the edge of each hole to hold it steady. Do not yet solder the wire to the board unless you want to permanently mod your board. Be careful that the wire doesn't touch any other metal component or the circuit will jump to other components.

6. Replace the circuit board in the back plate. Reassemble the Halo B body. Reinsert the battery pack. Attach the Halo B to your paintball gun. Test out the new speed.

Tags: circuit board, back plate, battery pack, board back, board back plate, circuit board back

Build A Free Paintball Field

Build a Free Paintball Field

Paintball gets people up and running around and it fosters teamwork, as people often have to work together to win over the other team. While paintball is a healthy activity, you can spend a great deal of money quickly buying paintball guns and supplies. It is also expensive to play at public paintball fields. Build a free paintball field for you and your friends and you will be able to put more of your money towards your paintball gear.

Instructions

1. Find a large area to play in. You can build a free paintball field in the woods, in an empty parking lot, or a large field. You may already have a usable area yourself or you may have a friend or family member who will let you use her land. Look for land that is either very far from other people or is in a valley with hills between you and other people. A paintball can travel far rather quickly and you do not want to endanger your neighbors.

2. Walk around the area where you will build your field. Use natural elements. A paintball player can hide in a natural gully or use trees and brush as cover. Pile up small rocks to form a wall or hide behind large boulders. Many of the elements already found on the land can help you create a field.

3. Call local construction or roofing companies, and ask if they have extra wooden pallets to give away. Use the pallets to make bunkers for the paintball players to hide behind. Camouflage these pallets with tree limbs and brush. Easily move pallets around to make a new field.

4. Stack car or truck tires up in various places around your field. Paintball players can use these to hide behind or a team may even want to hide a player down inside the stack of tires if the tires are large enough. Readjust the tires in different combinations.

5. Gather wood from construction sites after asking for permission. Create buildings, walls or even shields for paintball players to carry with scrap wood from other projects or construction sites that no longer have a use for the pieces.

Tags: hide behind, Build Free Paintball, construction sites, Free Paintball, free paintball, from other

Make A Spring Airsoft Gun Automatic

Make a Spring Airsoft Gun Automatic

Airsoft guns that use a spring and batteries cock the firing mechanism after each shot has been fired. You can change a spring-powered airsoft gun from a single-shot weapon into an automatic that will let you fire many times more quickly by disabling the slide mechanism so that the gun continually loads and fires. You need a hardware tool and less than a half-hour of your time. Your spring-powered airsoft gun will now become an automatic that can fire as fast as you can pull the trigger.

Instructions

1. Pull out the magazine holding the projectiles the airsoft gun fires from the compartment inside of the bottom of the handle, using your fingers.

2. Place an old pillow by itself against a wall. Cock the firing mechanism of the airsoft gun. Aim the airsoft gun at the pillow. Press the trigger to make sure there are no projectiles still in the airsoft gun.

3. Shake the barrel of the airsoft gun to dislodge any projectiles from it.

4. Hold the airsoft gun in your left hand (or your right hand, if you are a lefty). Locate the small gap at the back of the top of the airsoft gun that is just in front of the hammer--the hammer is at the very end at the back of the airsoft gun.

5. Insert the tip of a flat-edge screwdriver into the gap using your right hand. (Use your left hand if you are left-handed.)

6. Wiggle the tip of the flat-edge screwdriver back and forth to force the gap open. Stop wiggling the tip of the flat-edged screwdriver when the gap looks to be about an inch wide.

7. Reinsert the magazine into the bottom of the airsoft gun all the way until it stops. Aim the airsoft gun at the pillow. Press and hold down on the trigger to fire off your newly automatic airsoft gun.

Tags: Airsoft Automatic, airsoft pillow, airsoft pillow Press, automatic that, back airsoft, firing mechanism

Hook Up A Paintball Marker To An Air Compressor

Paintball markers can be hooked up to air compressors at home to save on CO2 costs.

Paintball markers are guns that fire pellets of paint through the use of compressed gas. Most paintball markers have compressed carbon dioxide cartridges that propel the pellet from the shaft of the gun toward its target. These CO2 cartridges need to be replaced periodically as the gas loses its compression. Because CO2 can be expensive when used a lot, some serious paintballers prefer to hook their marker up to a home air compressor when taking target practice or shooting on their own. This can drastically cut down the cost of compressed CO2, but you need an extra attachment to connect a compressed air tank to a paintball gun.

Instructions

1. Attach the large end of the paintball gun filler to the compressed air tank. Turn it clockwise until the filler is screwed on tightly. You may need to unscrew an existing hose attached to the compressed air tank.

2. Attach the small end of the paintball gun filler to the refilling end of your paintball marker. Make sure the marker's air tank is tightly attached before proceeding to refill it.

3. Open the air compressor's air valve and fill your paintball marker's compressed air container. Use the pressure gauge on the tank or the gun filler itself to determine when to stop filling. The exact PSI limit for your paintball marker's air canister can vary depending on its size and manufacturer. Most canisters have the maximum PSI printed on their exterior.

4. Shut off the air valve on the air compressor and remove the gun filler from the paintball marker and the air compressor. Replace any hoses or plugs that were initially removed.

Tags: your paintball marker, compressed tank, paintball marker, your paintball, paintball filler, Paintball markers

Engrave A Gun

Personalize a gun by engraving.

Engraving is an ancient technique used on weapons since early man. Engraved arms demonstrate ownership and power. Elaborate engravings inspire, decorate and awe. Gun engraving ranged from simple lettering of names or initials to elaborate scenes that rival the great paintings and sculptures found in museums. You can engrave most guns, and there are many examples of engraved guns and other armaments in museums around the world. Engraving guns is a simple process that can take years to perfect.

Instructions

1. Sketch the design you want to engrave on the gun.

2. Unload the gun.

3. Clean the area of the gun you plan to engrave with acetone, and then rinse the gun with distilled water to remove the acetone residue.

4. Copy your sketch with a laser copier. Transfer the laser copy to the clean gunmetal. Use acetone on the back of the copy to transfer the toner ink to the gunmetal.

5. Secure the gunmetal with an engraving block, shellac stick, clamp or vise.

6. Use a sharp, highly polished graver to cut the outline of your sketched design onto the gun by sliding the graver across the metal. Add shading and detail by using different sized and shaped gravers.

7. Stop and sharpen the graver from time to time, as needed, by rubbing the graver against a grinding stone lightly coated with oil. You can hasten the time sharpening your graver by using a grinding wheel or flex shaft.

Tags:

Change The Body Of Your Car

A front bumper modification.

Beyond a few tiny tweaks available from the factory, most new cars are virtually indistinguishable from cars of a similar model. If you want your car to stand out from the crowd, you will need to make some modifications to the body. Body modifications range from the very simple to the incredibly complex, and from the relatively cheap to the ridiculously expensive. How you modify your car is up to you, but there are a few common modifications to be considered.

Instructions

1. Change the way your doors open. For instance, many high-end sports cars have doors that open up instead of out, and some older cars still showcase the "suicide" door, which was a door that opened from the front instead of the rear. Swapping your stock doors for something more interesting is a sure way to draw attention to your car.

2. Add a spoiler to the rear of your car. A spoiler has two primary benefits -- the first is that your car looks sportier and unique, and the second is that as air travels across the spoiler, it creates downward pressure on your rear tires. This increased pressure improves your vehicle's handling at high speed.

3. Lower the suspension on your car. A car with a lower profile creates less wind resistance and handles better. It is worth noting that you cannot simply lower the suspension on its own; you will need to invest in low-profile tires and wheels and will likely need to swap your old suspension for something stiffer.

4. Bring your car in for a custom paint job. This is one of the easiest modifications since it changes very little about the actual car, but can completely change the way a car looks. A new paint job can range anywhere from a full, one-color replacement to complex stencils, stripes or other patterns.

5. Remember the little details. It is easy to see the impact that side skirts, spoilers and paint jobs can have on a car, but many owners overlook the small stuff. For instance, changing out your headlights and mirrors can make a large contribution to the overall aesthetic of your vehicle.

Tags: will need, your spoiler, your vehicle

Make Paintball Jerseys

Jerseys distinguish your team during a game of paintball.

Like any team sport, paintball requires you to have a jersey that separates your team from the opponent. Since hats and other gear can make your teammates difficult to spot, team jerseys are an effective way to create distinction. Make your own paintball jerseys to get a custom, personalized look.

Instructions

1. Discuss a team name and mascot. It won't be enough to rely on the color of your jerseys to distinguish your team during a game, since other teams may wear the same color jerseys---so you will place the team name and mascot prominently on your team's jerseys.

2. Decide on two to three colors to represent your team. One of these will be the color of your jerseys and you'll need one or two more colors for the words and possible decorations on the jerseys. Choose colors that make sense with your name or mascot. For example, choose green and black if you're the Vipers.

3. Buy matching long-sleeved shirts for each person on your team. It may be tempting to buy short sleeved shirts if you'll be playing in the heat, but it's wise to protect your skin. Long-sleeved shirts made of a breathable material such as cotton is an effective, comfortable choice.

4. Draw various sketches of your mascot on sheets of paper, combining it with your team name to create a design or logo for your jerseys. Use pictures from books, magazines or the Internet for inspiration---but don't copy the images exactly, unless you've cleared or purchased all usage rights. Write in block letters so that you can cut them out later. Don't overlap the letters because you'll want them "clean" for cutting.

5. Cut a square piece of cardboard the width of the smallest jersey. This is the basis for the stencil you will use to apply the design to the jerseys.

6. Use a pencil to draw the jersey design onto the cardboard. Draw it large enough to cover the entire piece of cardboard. Go over the design with a thick marker. Don't use a thin marker, pencil or pen---or the lines won't be thick enough for you to cut out the pieces of the design to make a stencil.

7. Use a box cutter to trace the outlines of the letters in the design to cut them out. Cut out the mascot in pieces, using the box cutter to trace along the insides of the lines so that the end result is a collection of holes that you can fill in with color.

8. Cut a piece of cardboard the length and width of the smallest of your team's jerseys. Slide this cardboard into the first jersey and lay the jersey on a flat surface with the side facing up that you wish to apply the design to. The cardboard will keep the design from bleeding through to the back side.

9. Place the stencil on the center of the jersey. Use one hand to hold it firmly in place and use fabric paints to color in the different elements of the design. Squeeze the fabric paint bottle gently to draw out paint and move the nozzle in small circles to spread it in the area you're painting. Avoid a bulbous, 3D effect since this may cause individual pieces of the design to fall off. Instead, apply the paint so that it forms a flat, full and smooth color.

10. Remove the stencil from the jersey, careful not to smear the paint. Insert a hanger into the collar and pick up the hanger to hold the jersey upright. Catch the cardboard insert as it falls out.

11. Hang the jersey to dry. Avoid areas where people or objects may smear the paint.

12. Repeat steps 9 through 11 for all your team's jerseys. Hang them at least 2 inches apart.

Tags: your team, team jerseys, name mascot, piece cardboard, team name, your jerseys

Make A Simple Paintball Gun

The sport of paintball may be played in many arenas, on different kinds of fields and with all kinds of expensive equipment. But there's a way to make a simple paintball gun you may use around your home to practice or just have fun with.

Instructions

1. Get some ?-inch PVC pipe in Schedule 40. (Schedule 40 refers to the thickness of the PVC walls of the pipe.) Cut a barrel about 12 inches long out of your piece of PVC pipe. Clean the inner and outer sections of each end so that there are no burrs. Now, take a threaded connector that has a glue fitting on one end and glue it to one end of your barrel.

2. Buy a threaded gas on-and-off valve with a handle. Put pipe dope on the threaded end of the barrel and screw it into one end of the gas cut-off valve. Take another threaded connector that has a glue end and screw the threaded end into the other end of the gas cut-off valve. Cut a piece of PVC pipe about 4 inches long and glue it into the fitting.

3. Purchase a glue-threaded female cap and glue it onto the 4-inch end. This is where you connect your air valve. Screw your air valve into the female end. Put pipe dope on the threaded end of the air valve to prevent air leakage when you make a simple paintball gun.

4. Charge your gun with air after you finish making a simple paintball gun. Put about 40 lbs. of air in your paintball gun. Slide a paintball down into the end of the barrel and turn the handle on your gas valve to the "on" position to discharge the paintball.

Tags: simple paintball, your valve, about inches, about inches long, connector that, connector that glue, cut-off valve

Oil A Tippmann X7

A properly oiled paintball gun will shoot better and last longer

Oiling the Tippmann X7 paintball gun is an essential part of maintaining it in good working order. Oiling the gun is an easy task and takes a minimal amount of time. Before beginning always make sure the air source is disconnected from the paintball gun, that there are no paintballs inside and it is in the uncocked position. Oiling a loaded paintball gun can be dangerous.

Instructions

1. Clean off the Tippmann X7 with a damp towel. Simply wipe the surface of the paintball gun to remove dirt and other debris. This will prevent any surface dirt and debris from combining with the oil.

2. Twist the barrel counterclockwise and remove it from the Tippmann X7. Place a drop of paintball gun oil on the o-ring and twist the barrel back onto the gun. This will disperse the oil evenly around the barrel o-ring.

3. Place a few drops of oil on the the air source adapter. The air source adapter is under the trigger frame and is used to attach an air source. When the air source is reattached to the Tippmann X7, it will force the oil through the gun, lubricating the internal parts. Some residual oil may come out of the barrel, but this is normal.

Tags: source adapter, This will

Make A Silencer For My 22caliber Rifle

The purpose of a gun suppressor, or "silencer" as it is more commonly called, is to lessen the sound of the gun’s firing. You can make a silencer for your 22-caliber rifle from a number of commonly found items in your house. You will need to use a cutting edge, such as a utility knife. Your homemade silencer will muffle the sound of the rifle without adversely affecting the accuracy of the bullet being fired. Follow the guidelines and local laws regarding the use of a silencer on a rifle.

Instructions

1. Stand the water bottle on a table. Measure two inches up from the bottom of the water bottle. Make a mark with the grease pencil at the two-inch mark. Make another mark an inch to the right of the two-inch mark with the grease pencil. Continue making marks until you have circled the water bottle.

2. Repeat this procedure of marking the water bottle, but first make a mark two inches down from the top of the water bottle.

3. Repeat this procedure of marking the water bottle, only first make a mark two inches down from the two-inch mark at the top of the water bottle.

4. Cut through a hole on the side of the water bottle with the blade of the utility knife. Twist the blade of the utility knife around the inside of the hole. Repeat this procedure with all of the marks drawn on the water bottle.

5. Cut out the bottom of the water bottle with the blade of the utility knife. Dispose of the cut-off bottom in the trash.

6. Fill the water bottle with wadded up strips of toilet paper. Tape the top and bottom with strips of cellophane tape to secure the toilet paper inside.

7. Stand the soda bottle on the table. Measure halfway up the soda bottle from the bottom. Make a mark with the grease pencil. Draw a circle around the soda bottle, starting at the mark that was made.

8. Cut through the circle drawn on the soda bottle with the blade of the utility knife. Dispose of the top cut half of the soda bottle in the trash.

9. Stand the cut half of the soda bottle on the table. Fill the cut half with wadded up strips of toilet paper. Tape the top and bottom with strips of cellophane tape to secure the toilet paper inside.

10. Place the bottom of the water bottle on the top of the cut half of the soda bottle. Secure the two together with strips of duct tape.

11. Place the neck of the water bottle over the tip of the 22-caliber rifle's barrel. Tape the neck of the water bottle that is now a silencer to the sides of the barrel with strips of duct tape.

Tags: water bottle, soda bottle, utility knife, blade utility, blade utility knife, bottle with

Install Wired Field Fences

Wired fences will keep trespassers from your property.

Wired field fences are fences installed around a property or as an agricultural boundary, which use electric shocks to prevent animals from crossing it. These wired field fences are also called electric fences. They can sometimes present a boundary for people as well, for example, as a security measure around a private or government property. Basically, a wired field fence creates an electrical circuit when an animal comes in contact with it, thus creating an electric shock that deters the animal. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Measure the area you want to cover with the wired field fence. Think about the purpose of the fence and the area you want to protect to decide the fence direction and path.

2. Make a plan for your wired field fence, based on the measurement you took and the type of fencing you want to install. Draw a plan of the property, include the measurement and then draw locations for the posts, corner and double posts included, the gate and the location of the power supply. Plan how many rows of electric wire you want, based on the function of the fence. Have in mind that the distance between the wood posts can be anywhere between 10 and 30 feet.

3. Dig the holes for the corner posts, at least 3 feet deep. Use a hole digger and make the hole in a rectangular shape, 3 by 6 feet. Double check the dimensions and the location to make sure you are digging in the right place.

4. Place the corner wood posts for your wired field fence inside the hole, pouring quick drying concrete around it. Use scrap wood braces to keep the post in an upward position, using a level to make sure the post is absolutely vertical. Leave the bases of the posts to dry and harden for one day.

5. Run a guide wire some 10 inches above the ground, from one corner post to the other. The guide wire will show you the exact direction of the whole field fence and help you mark the places on other wood posts. Repeat steps 3 and 4 for all the remaining posts between the corners of your wired field fence.

6. Attach permanent wood braces to the corner posts, at a 45 degree angle, using a hammer and nails. Note that the corner posts always have to be the strongest points of a fence.

7. Mark a few places on each of the posts, making sure they are at the exact same height. Use some string as a guideline to mark the location for the wire with a pencil.

8. Nail the insulators for the electric fence on each post. Follow the instructions on the package of the wired fence installation kit and use the small nails that come with the insulators.

9. String the electric wire from one post to the other, wrapping it around the insulators that are on the same height. Note that the electric wire is not so visible, so you might want to use hot tape instead. If you install the wire, be sure to tie rags at certain points to make the wire more visible.

10. Connect the electric wire to the electric charger following the instructions on its package.

Tags: field fence, wired field fence, electric wire, your wired field, corner posts, wired field, wood posts

Refill A Co2 Tank

Many paintball guns require a full CO2 cartridge to work.

Many different hobbies, from home brewing to playing paint ball, make use of carbon dioxide (CO2). If you use enough CO2, you can refill your own tank instead of continually running to the local sports or hardware store -- wherever you get your CO2 refilled now. You will need to purchase a CO2 refill station to do it at home.

Instructions

1. Place the CO2 bulk tank in a secure place. If the tank is not secured properly and it is allowed to fall over, the valve can break off, releasing pressurized CO2 and turning the tank into a potentially-lethal rocket. A metal frame can secure the bulk tank, as can a tight strap wrapped around the tank and attached to an heavy object.

2. Attach the refill line to the CO2 bulk tank. Place the plastic ring that came with the refill line between the tank output and the line input when attaching these two parts.

3. Attach an empty CO2 tank to the other end of the refill line. The line will screw into the knob on the tank. Make sure the line is tightly attached to both the bulk tank and the smaller tank before doing anything else.

4. Secure a section of hose over the small white barb on the empty tank in order to redirect the gas and help avoid any contact with the extremely cold CO2.

5. Slowly open the purge valve on the dual valve refill line to make sure all of the CO2 inside the small tank is released. A single valve line will not allow you to do this. Close the purge valve once the tank is completely empty.

6. Place the empty tank on an electronic scale. Zero the scale -- set it so the weight of the empty tank is equal to zero -- if you are able. If you can't zero your scale, note the weight of the empty tank and use that number when figuring the weight of the CO2 in the tank.

7. Open the valve on the bulk tank and then open the on/off valve on the refill line. When the scale reads an ounce or two, shut off the on/off valve. Purge this CO2 from the tank. This time, do it quickly in order to chill the tank.

8. Open the on/off valve on the refill line. Don't let the small tank fall over as it fills. Once the tank is within a few ounces of its capacity -- the larger the tank, the more space you should leave -- stop the flow of CO2 by shutting off both open valves.

9. Unscrew the refill line from the newly filled tank and then open the purge valve on the refill line. Once the line has been completely purged, remove it from the bulk tank. Make sure all of the valves are closed on your various pieces of equipment before finishing up.

Tags: refill line, bulk tank, empty tank, valve refill, valve refill line, purge valve, fall over

Tie Up A Boonie Hat

The boonie hat first entered U.S. military service during the Vietnam War. Its wide, soft brim and ventilated, comfortable crown made boonie-style hats popular with outdoorsmen of every stripe. At its simplest, the boonie hat is a soft cloth crown surrounded by a brim made of slightly heavier, reinforced cloth. A boonie hat also includes an adjustable cloth chin strap that's useful for keeping it snug on your head in windy conditions. When you don't need it to keep the hat on your head, however, the chin strap dangling in front of your face can be a real nuisance.

Instructions

1. Put the boonie hat on your head, in the position where you normally wear it. Let the hat's strap hang down in front of your face.

2. Grab the adjustment slider with one hand. Pull the slider all the way out until the strap's loop is at its maximum size.

3. Pull the strap over the front brim of the boonie hat and back over your head. Make sure the sides of the strap loop slide up and along the outer edge of the brim on both sides. Use your free hand to guide the strap, if necessary.

4. Stop pulling when the middle of the strap reaches the center of the hat's crown, if you want to tie up the side brims of the hat. Hold the adjustment slider in place in the center of the crown with one hand. With your other hand, grab the middle of the strap and pull it through the slider until the side brims of the hat fit snug against the sides of the crown.

5. Pull the center of the strap behind the crown, if you want to get the strap out of the way without altering the shape of the brim. Hold the adjustment slider at the base of the crown in back, then pull the strap through the slider just enough to eliminate any slack in the loop.

Tags: your head, adjustment slider, center crown, chin strap, crown want, front your, front your face

Sell Or Trade Guns

Follow the law when selling or trading firearms.

Selling and trading guns can be profitable, but there are federal and state laws regarding such transactions. These laws govern the private sale and public sale of guns differently. Private sales are those conducted between two people, while public sales are made by gun shop owners, pawnbrokers and other professional gun dealers. If you intend to sell or trade guns, you must make sure that every transaction abides by federal and local laws.

Instructions

Private Sales

1. Make sure the gun transaction you intend to complete constitutes a private sale or trade. That is, that you are not operating as a gun store or pawnbroker, but making a private sale or trade conducted between two people. One example is if you were to sell your rifle to someone at a garage sale.

2. Check to make sure the buyer lives in your state. According to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the federal Gun Control Act dictates that you may sell or trade a firearm to anyone in your state if you believe that person is not restricted by law from owning a gun. However, you may not sell or trade a gun to anyone outside your state unless the gun is first transferred to a dealer who holds a Federal Firearms License and operates in the buyer's state. After you transfer the gun to the dealer, the buyer can pick up his gun once he passes a background check.

Keep in mind that local gun ordinances may require other stipulations when selling and trading firearms. Contact your local police department to find out local regulations.

3. Print a bill of sale indicating that you sold the gun. Be sure to write down the buyer's name and driver's license number and the date of the sale or trade. Keeping a bill of sale is not always required by law, but it is a good idea to have proof you sold your gun in case it is used in a future crime.

Dealer Sales

4. Obtain a Federal Firearms License. Consult the ATF to determine what type of FFL you will need in order to sell or trade guns in a store-owner capacity. You will need a Type 2 FFL to deal as a pawnbroker. If you plan to sell National Firearms Act (NFA) destructive devices, including machine guns, short-barrel rifles and sound suppressors, you will need a Type 9 FFL. You will also need to obtain Class 3 Special Occupation Tax (SOT) status. You will be levied a special tax for dealing in NFA firearms.

5. Learn the laws for buying and selling firearms in your state. Run a background check on everyone who buys a gun. As a licensed dealer, it is illegal not to run a background check, or to sell a gun to someone who fails a background check. You can be prosecuted and lose your FFL if you do not comply.

6. Ship the purchased firearm to a licensed FFL dealer in the purchaser's state, if the buyer is from out of state.

7. Keep a detailed 'bound book' of every transaction you make regarding the sale and purchase of firearms.

Tags: background check, your state, private sale, sale trade, sell trade

Make Wood Pistol Grips

Make a wooden grip for your pistol.

Customizing your pistol grips requires time and patience to do well, but the work brings rewards. You'll end up with a gun that fits in your hand, sits comfortably in your grip, and reacts better to your actions. This will improve your ability to hit your target. In addition, you'll have a one-of-a-kind piece that identifies the gun with the owner and might turn into an heirloom to be passed through the family.

Instructions

1. Set your existing grips on the blocks of wood and trace their outlines directly on the wood with a pencil. Trimming the wood comes later, so don't worry about making an exact duplicate--better a little too big than too small. Insert the end of the nail punch into the screw holes and scratch indicators for the next step.

2. Unscrew the fasteners and set them aside. Insert a bit into the drill that roughly matches the size of the brass fittings that encase the screw or screws holding together the gun, and drill the holes. Switch the bit for the countersinking bit, so that screws will be flat with or below the surface.

3. Put on goggles before turning on the jigsaw, which you'll use to cut out the patterns on the wood. Follow the lines closely and work slowly and carefully around the corners. As you finish each one, fit it tightly against the grip frame of the pistol to see where it needs tweaking. File out notches to compensate for the gusset's bumps (this is why the grip doesn't fit, yet). Repeat for the other side.

4. Reinsert the screws and check again for overlaps. If you find them, take the grip apart, and shave off the excess wood with the jigsaw. Sand down any rough edges. Repeat this until everything fits right when it's screwed tightly together.

5. Take the grips off the pistol one more time to finish or treat the wood.

Tags: wood with, your pistol

Start Your Own Paintball Business

Start Your Own Paintball Business

The game of paintball has moved from the realm of niche action sports to a mainstream hobby for thousands of Americans. Paintball businesses have sprung up throughout the United States to create venues for tag, team hunts and other types of paintball games. The lure of running a paintball business in your community may come from a misconception that this type of business is easy to run or offers a quick profit. The typical paintball business has to pay for equipment, building rent, insurance and dozens of other expenses before seeing any revenues.

Instructions

Establish a Paintball Business in Your Community

1. Write a business plan for your paintball business that answers questions about why your business is necessary. List every paintball business within an hour's drive of your proposed site to demonstrate the lack of paintball venues for area residents. Establish a set of goals for the next 5 years, including desired profits, potential expansion and subsidiary businesses like paintball equipment sales.

2. Select a location for your paintball business that will allow for expansion in the future. A paintball business in a warmer climate can rely on outside spaces like old farms and parking lots to build battlefields without much cost. Paintball venues in the Midwest and Northeast often have outside and inside spaces to accommodate multiple groups throughout the year.

3. Acquire paintball guns, carbon dioxide (C02) cartridges, helmets and other supplies from a paintball wholesaler like ActionVillage. Your paintball business should keep a sizable stock of these supplies for rental to visiting groups. Purchase additional paintballs, guns and clothing to sell in your pro shop as a source of supplementary revenue.

4. Create a rental agreement that should be signed by each participant in a paintball group before using guns and other equipment. The agreement should stipulate that guns, helmets and padding damaged during the course of rental will be replaced at the expense of the user. Attach a condition report to each rental agreement to indicate scuffs and superficial damage to keep future users from paying for other people's mistakes.

5. Apply for an operating license from your community's City Hall before opening your paintball business. Your business may need additional licenses and permits for firearms, outdoor sports and other categories depending on the municipality.

6. Recruit younger employees who have flexible schedules, a familiarity with paintball and a willingness to train groups of varying ages. Your paintball business may need only one or two people to start, but these employees should be able to handle reservations, training and other aspects of the business.

7. Limit your paintball venue's hours to nights and weekends to reduce your overhead costs. Insert the clause "by reservation" on your store's door sign as well as your advertisements to encourage businesses, student groups and others to visit outside of posted hours.

8. Diversify your reservation rates to reflect peak and off-peak periods as well as differences in playing venues. Break prices into hourly and daily reservation rates for each floor or field in your paintball complex for easy estimates. Your reservations should feature a clause preventing cancellation within a certain number of days to avoid lost revenue.

9. Advertise your paintball business at outdoor shops and hardware stores where paintball supplies are sold. Create a simple website with your hours, reservation rates and photos to cite in every poster and other advertisement. Offer discounted rates and coupons for pro shop purchases to customers who recommend your paintball business to friends and family.

Tags: paintball business, paintball business, your paintball, reservation rates, business need, business that

Build A Jpole Antenna

Sketch of a J-pole antenna

The J-pole antenna is a frequency-sized transmitting antenna, usually shaped like a large "J." The materials used can be any conductive metal, but the most common is copper pipe. The J-pole consists of a primary positive section, with a tunable secondary section attached to the side of the primary shaft, giving it the appearance of the letter "J." A single-frequency J-pole antenna can be built in about two hours.

Instructions

Building a J-pole antenna

1. Determine the length of copper pipe necessary for the frequency of the transmitted radio signal. These frequencies usually fall under "ranges" of an antenna and are called "meters" because of the actual wavelength measurements. To work at peak efficiency, the antenna must be a certain length for a given frequency. Online J-pole calculators can make this process easier (see resources).

2. Cut the copper pipe to the correct lengths with the pipe-cutting tool. The tool will have a sharp wheel that can be rotated around the pipe until it cuts the metal. There will need to be three sections of pipe: one primary, the secondary section and the connector that holds the secondary at a 90-degree angle from the primary.

3. Connect the secondary length of pipe to the small connector pipe with a 90-degree connector.

4. Connect the secondary pipe to the primary with a plastic T-adapter. The secondary should not be grounded to the primary. A small hole can be drilled into the plastic adapter for the wires.

5. Run the wires up through the pipe to the hole in the plastic adapter. The coaxial antenna cable should be stripped, leaving the negative metal shielding and the primary center lead exposed.

6. Solder the positive center lead to the primary copper pipe.

7. Solder the negative shield lead to the secondary pipe. This may require stripping the cable down quite a bit.

8. Apply a liberal amount of electrical tape to the exposed wires and soldered connections.

9. Mount the antenna in an elevated location away from any power lines. Being a long pole, it can be mounted to a chimney or tree with several hose clamps.

10. Test and tune the antenna for proper signal propagation. Transmit on the frequency range of the J-pole and request signal checks or use an SWR meter. The position of the secondary pole can be adjusted with the plastic T-adapter to give optimal signal strength.

Tags: copper pipe, J-pole antenna, center lead, Connect secondary, pipe primary, plastic adapter

Pocono Mountain Resorts In Pennsylvania

The Pennsylvania Pocono Mountains are home to several beautiful mountain resorts.

The Pennsylvania Pocono Mountains are home to many beautiful mountain resorts. Some resorts are tailored toward romantic getaways, while others are more family friendly. Some offer myriad activities, while some focus on a soothing, nature-centered escape. No matter what you are looking for in a vacation, Pennsylvania's beautiful Pocono Mountains has something for you!

Cove Haven Entertainment Resorts

The Cove Haven Entertainment Resorts is a family of three resorts located throughout the Pennsylvania Poconos. Specializing in romantic couples' getaways, their star attraction is sexy suites featuring amenities such as heart-shaped whirlpool tubs and even a seven-foot-tall champagne glass whirlpool for two. Their packages are all-inclusive, from breakfast-in-bed to nightly entertainment, days on the golf course to evenings spent at concerts and dining extravaganzas. They even offer a Forever Lovers Club for repeat guests who choose to ignite their passion at the Cove Haven Resorts over and over! Find out more about the three locations at covepoconoresorts.com.

Fernwood Hotel and Resort

Fernwood Hotel and Resort is a sprawling resort covering 440 acres of the Pennsylvania Poconos. It offers both traditional and suite hotel rooms, as well as villas, which are suitable for larger parties. In fact, Fernwood's accommodations make it an ideal spot for your family reunion, and features activities suitable for everyone---including golfing, tubing, horseback riding, canoeing, mini-golf and paintball. For casino lovers, Fernwood is also located just 30 minutes from Mt. Airy Casino and one hour from Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs.

Fernwood Hotel and Resort

Route 209 & River Rd

Bushkill, PA 18324

888-337-6966

fernwoodhotel.com

The Inn at Pocono Manor

The Inn at Pocono Manor is a luxury resort perfect for romantic getaways, corporate retreats and family vacations. Opened in 1902, The Inn earned a spot on the National Registry of Historic Places. Many amenities are included in packages, including outdoor adventures such as volleyball and hiking, as well as evening entertainment and special events. The Inn also offers additional activities, such as golf, skiing and spa treatments.

The Inn at Pocono Manor

Route 314

One Manor Drive

Pocono Manor, PA 18349

888-262-4092

poconomanor-px.trvlclick.com

The Chateau Resort & Conference Center

Located at the base of Camelback Mountain, the Chateau Resort & Conference Center is a AAA three-diamond property. It is close to Camelbeach Waterpark, Camelback Ski Area, the Crossings Premium Outlet Mall, and several whitewater rafting rivers. With indoor and outdoor pools, a whirlpool and sauna, its Mountain View Bar and Grille Restaurant, and a fitness center and game room, it is a great getaway for both kids and adults. It is also uniquely suited for corporate retreats and conferences, featuring 14,000 feet of meeting space.

The Chateau Resort & Conference Center

300 Camelback Road

Tannersville, Pennsylvania 18372

800-245-5900

chateauresort.com

Mountain Springs Lake Resort

The Mountain Springs Lake Resort covers 350 acres and boasts 37 spacious mountain resort cottages ideal for honeymooners and family vacationers alike. Charming log cabins feature stone fireplaces and charcoal grills; lakeside cottages boast views of the resort's 76-acre spring-fed lake. While this resort features a wide variety of activities including winter sports, fishing, hiking and tennis, it is also ideal for calmer, more secluded vacations.

Mountain Springs Lake Resort

Mountain Springs Drive

Reeders, PA 18352

866-629-0251

mslresort.com

Tags: Mountain Springs, Pocono Manor, Chateau Resort, Chateau Resort Conference, Conference Center, Cove Haven, Fernwood Hotel

Open A Paint Store

Paint

Paint stores are important contributors to the community and are essential to the success of other businesses in the area, such as those involved with construction or home renovation. A consistent demand for the products being sold and limited competition in the market combine to make a paint store is an ideal business for many people. If you are considering this option, simply follow these easy steps to learn open a paint store in your community.

Instructions

1. Determine if the paint store you open will be part of a national franchise or if it will operate under a private brand. This is an important decision because it will have an impact on other business decisions you make, such as what wholesale supplier you will use. Sherman Williams and other national paint stores offer franchise opportunities. Becoming part of a franchise gives you more credibility, but also gives up control over some business decisions.

2. Write a business plan to guide you through the process of opening and running a paint store. Templates for paint store business plans can be obtained online and then filled out with the specific details that pertain to the business you will start. The plan should identify how your paint store will be managed, what the policies will be, what the advertising plan is, the staffing considerations and anything else required in order to open and operate your paint store.

3. Create a budget for your paint store so that you can accurately identify the capital requirements for your business. Using the information in your business plan, itemize all of the items that will be needed to run your business. Items such as rent, utilities, supplies, salaries and advertising costs should be accounted for in detail. Once the costs have been identified you will know how much money is needed to make your paint store a reality. Many people like to make a three-year budget to show the actual operating costs, since the first year will have added start up expenses that are not needed in subsequent years.

4. Find the starting capital to open your paint store. Once your budget is complete and you know how much money is required to start and operate the paint store, you can form a plan of raise that money. Personal loans and credit cards are the primary source of funding for many new businesses, but may not be enough if you want to have a large paint store. Taking on a financial partner is another popular option. It is difficult to obtain a business loan for a new paint store, so alternative financing methods will need to be available. Look at what resources are realistically available to you and determine the best way to raise the funds you require.

5. Find a location suitable for your paint store. Leasing the right location is an important decision for any business. Although a paint store does not require the most high-end retail location, you do still want it to be in a place that is easy for customers to find. A place that has a decent flow of existing traffic is also preferred, since it will help people notice your business who may not have otherwise been reached by your advertising efforts.

6. Renovate the location that you chose for your paint store. This will include installing appropriate signage outside, making sure there is ample lighting, applying fresh paint to the walls. Give careful planning to the layout of the isles during this phase. The layout of the shelving that stores and displays your products can either maximize or minimize the amount of available space in your store.

7. Establish a supply chain and obtain the starting inventory for your paint store. The supply chain is vital to the success of your business because it is how you will get the products to stock your shelves. If you elected to become part of a national franchise, then the franchise itself will be the supply chain because you will buy everything from them. If you are not part of a supply chain then you will need to locate wholesalers to buy paint and painting supplies from.

8. Hire the staff the will work in the paint store. Cashiers and shelf stockers make up the majority of the staffing requirements. It is beneficial to also hire a manager that has experience working in a paint store, even if you want to handle a lot of the management duties yourself. Most positions in a paint store require no experience, although prior experience operating a cash register may be helpful.

9. Develop an advertising strategy to announce the opening of your paint store. These businesses generally have a localized market, so local advertising in the immediate area of the paint store will yield the best results. Local newspaper and radio advertisements typically generate the best exposure for your advertising dollars. You may also wish to mail something to contractors, decorators and others who may be in a position to make large purchases frequently.

Tags: paint store, your paint, your paint store, paint store, your business, supply chain, because will

Paint Metal

Many people hesitate to paint over metal. But with the proper preparation and products, you can touch up or customize anything that is metal with a new paint job. Get creative with your metal painting and give your old appliances or outdoor furniture a new custom look. Paint the garbage can or mailbox, metal storage building or tools. There is no limit. Read on to learn paint metal. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Remove all rust and dirt. Use a wire brush to scrub away rust and wash away dirt with a strong cleaner that will not leave a residue. Bleach will remove any mold.

2. Prime the surface with an oil-based or latex anti-corrosive primer. If you are painting an appliance or customizing a piece of furniture to be used in a kitchen or bath, then a good mildew prevention primer is best. Use disposable brushes for the primer because it doesn't have to have a fine finish.

3. Allow the primer to dry thoroughly for at least 24 hours. Primer is typically heavy and does not always feel wet or tacky before it is completely dry.

4. Tint the primer with the same colors if you are using a custom paint. This tinting will allow you to use fewer coats of paint.

5. Decide on what kind of finish you want. A good paint in flat, semi-gloss or high-gloss will go smoothly over the primer once it is dry. For touch-ups, use the same kind of finish that is already on the metal.

6. Use good brushes for the paint. Two coats are best for a long-lasting paint job on metal. Let the paint dry completely before adding any custom drawing or designs.

Tags: kind finish, metal with

Anodized Aluminum Instructions

Anodized aluminum objects can take on bright colors.

Aluminum is a light metal used in many different applications, from cookware to engine parts. Aluminum is also a major component of paintball markers and computer components. Unfortunately, aluminum is reactive and relatively soft. Anodizing increases surface hardness and protects aluminum from corrosion. It can also be used to add color to an aluminum item.

Safety

Home anodizing requires some dangerous chemicals and involves electricity. It can be done safely, though. You simply need to observe a few precautions. Always wear safety glasses or goggles and gloves while anodizing. Wear heavy clothes that you don't mind damaging, or an apron. Perform the anodizing process in a well-ventilated room, away from pets and children. If good ventilation isn't available, wear a chemical respirator.

Materials

Anodizing requires an electrolyte, a dye, a power source and a nonreactive container, such as a plastic storage tub. Battery acid is a common choice for the electrolyte, as it is readily available from the hardware store. Fabric dye or food coloring work to add color to your aluminum parts--just remember to use light-fast dyes if the part will be exposed to sunlight. You can use a 6- to 12-volt battery charger to provide the electric current.

Preparation

Before anodizing, clean the part thoroughly. Immerse the part in a bath of three tablespoons of lye or 1 to 2 ounces of nitric acid to one gallon of water to remove any contaminants. Fill your container with three parts water and one part battery acid. Never add water to acid--the reaction could be dangerous. Suspend an aluminum plate and the part in the electrolyte. Hook the negative lead of the battery charger to the plate and the positive lead to the aluminum part.

Anodizing

Turn on the battery charger. Use a rating of at least two volts. More current will produce a stronger effect and anodize more quickly. You should see bubbles or a white fog coming off of the aluminum plate. This indicates that current is flowing. The aluminum part may also bubble. Leave the power on until the part is slightly yellowed, the surface appears dull, and the bubbles have decreased in frequency. For small parts, this takes about two hours. Rinse the part in distilled water.

Sealing

Mix dye and distilled water in a nonreactive pot. A stronger concentration of dye will yield a darker color. Place the part into the dye solution at room temperature, then heat the pot to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat the aluminum part in the dye for 15 minutes. Boil a separate pot of distilled water. Rinse the part in cool water, then place it in the boiling water for 30 minutes. The boiling water bath seals the surface and completes the anodizing process.

Tags: aluminum part, battery charger, distilled water, aluminum plate, anodizing process, boiling water

Summer Camps In California For Teens

Outdoor wilderness skills are a popular component at many summer camps.

Each summer, the final bell of the school year leads to a teenager's inevitable complaint: "I'm bored!" A short respite from solitary activities such as watching television and playing computer games can improve your teen's physical and mental well-being. For decades, summer camps have been the hallmark of youthful summer recreation, giving parents a reprieve from teenage summer doldrums. Today, an assortment of California camps exist to accommodate your teen's individual interests.

iD Tech Camps

Teens with a penchant for all things computer-related will revel in the technical environment at iD Tech Camps. Week-long and overnight camps take place at prestigious universities such as Stanford, University of California at Berkeley and University of California Los Angeles. Participants choose from a range of technical programs such as video game design, 3D modeling, graphic design, programming and robotics. The camp boasts a six-to-one ratio of campers to instructors for maximum teaching impact. Campers rage in age from seven to 17 years. An advanced teen academy is offered for youths ages 13 to 18.

iD Tech Camps

42 West Campbell Avenue

Suite 301

Campbell, CA 95008

888-709-8324

internaldrive.com

GO Adventure Trips

GO Adventure caters to adventurous youth between the ages of 12 and 18. The company focuses on wilderness survival skills, outdoor recreation and environmental awareness. Trips can be as short as a one-day hike or as long as a 14-day wilderness adventure. Teens have the opportunity to learn about first aid and nutrition. Those participating in a three-day or longer trip participate in recreational activities such as rafting.

Lifeschool's Go Adventure

P.O. Box 134

Bodega, CA 94922

707-876-3071

goadventure.org

Oxbow Summer Art Camp

Teens with an artistic inclination thrive at Oxbow Summer Art Camp. The Napa, California, program provides 13-to-16-year-old teens instruction on a myriad of artistic mediums. Programs include traditional art mediums of drawing, painting, illustration and sculpture. Modern artistic options also include digital photography and computer arts. Summer sessions last 16 days and teens stay in dormitory-style accommodations.

The Oxbow Summer Art Camp

530 Third Street

Napa, CA 94559

707-255-6000

oxbowschool.org

American Dance Training Camp

If your teen has natural rhythm and a desire to dance, the American Dance Training Camp holds sessions in both northern and southern California. The camp caters to youths between 13 and 17 years of age. Sessions last approximately one week, culminating in an all-camp showcase recital. Teens choose from a wide selection of dance movement styles including ballet, jazz, lyrical, modern, tap, hip hop and funk.

American Dance Training Camp

P.O. Box 14922

San Francisco, CA 94114

866-383-2382

americandancetrainingcamp.com

Camp Loma Mar YMCA

Operated by the East Bay YMCA, Camp Loma Mar is a traditional overnight summer camp offered to teens entering the ninth or tenth grade. Teens reside in cabins during their stay on the 100-acre site. Programs include hiking, crafts and a climbing wall. Camp Loma Mar focuses on teaching environmental and outdoor skills as well as character-building values. Sessions last approximately one week, and participants must pay for YMCA membership in addition to camp fees.

YMCA Camp Loma Mar

9900 Pescadero Road

Loma Mar, CA 94021

650-879-0223

lomamar.ymcaeastbay.org

The Catalina Experience

The Catalina Experience teen camp programs focus on outdoor adventures in a marine environment. Campers range between 13 and 17 years of age, and each session lasts between one to two weeks. Located on an idyllic island environment, teens participate in activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, tide pooling and night hikes while learning about survival techniques, oceanography and ecology.

The Catalina Experience

P.O. Box 31

Avalona, CA 90704

888-829-5553

thecatalinaexperience.com

Tags: Camp Loma, activities such, American Dance, American Dance Training, Catalina Experience, Dance Training, Dance Training Camp

Kids' Activities In Lake Superior Michigan

Enjoy Lake Superior's natural beauty while building family memories.

Situated in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and given its name due to the fact that its city rests on the coast of Lake Superior, Lake Superior offers an abundance of entertainment activities. Kids both young and old will enjoy having activities such as hiking, biking, water sports, paintball, mining adventures and fishing to choose from. Pack an extra set of clothes, as temperatures in this region often quickly drop as sunset approaches.

Biking and Hiking

Head outside and encourage your kids to run wild and release all that pent-up energy mountain biking. Various locations offer hourly, half-day and daily rentals. Located in Isle Royale, the Keweenaw Adventure Company is one such business that offers both guided tours and self-guided options. If hiking is your family's pleasure, numerous trails are also available on the island. Head to the water and enjoy a guided kayak tour. Fiercely adventurous spirits can also opt to camp out under the stars and continue kayaking the next day.

Paintball

Energetic, brave boys and girls will enjoy the opportunity to run wild across the open green lawns of Colors Paintball in Fremont. An obstacle course is set up offering ample places to hide and protect yourself while setting up your next shot. All equipment is available at the site for rental use. Remember to wear a few layers of clothing, as the paint balls sometimes sting upon exploding. Paint can also stain your wardrobe, so it's best to dress in old clothing. Open play games are available every weekend, and individuals can be added to other teams if not coming with enough people to compile your own team. No official age limit is required to participate, however, it is recommended that kids be at least 10 years of age.

Miner's Underground Tour

Kids who love to play in the dirt or explore unfamiliar terrain will enjoy an afternoon of touring mining grounds. Situated in Greenland, Adventure Mine is a recreation company that offers a variety of tour options. One daredevil package includes a three-hour tour. Don't forget your harness and rope for this adventure, as the highlight of the trip includes repelling down into a mine shaft. A historical surface tour is also available for less risk-seeking individuals.

Baraga State Park

Conveniently situated directly off of U.S. 41 and boasting a variety of activities to keep curious kids busy, Baraga State Park is worth a stop. Visitors to this attraction have more than 56 acres of land, water and shoreline to explore. Pack a lunch and enjoy a picnic on Keweenaw Bay beach; escape the noise of the highway and head into the woods to conquer the 3/4-mile hiking trail, or pause to watch the fish in Beaver Pond. Come for the day and stay for the weekend at one of more than 100 campsites.

Water Lovers

Keep energetic young minds and bodies entertained and engaged by heading to the beautiful Lake Superior coastline for water activities. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the shores of Agate Beach and then scour their land for rocks and hit the open water. Kids also enjoy opportunities such as swimming, fishing and canoeing. If you'd like to rent equipment for these activities, try Uncle Ducky Paddling Adventures.

Tags: Lake Superior, will enjoy, also available, Baraga State, Baraga State Park, more than, State Park

Change The Latch Spring In A Handirifle

H&R (or Harrington & Richardson, producer of the Handi-Rifle) is the world's largest manufacturer of single shot rifles and shotguns. A single shot weapon incorporates an open-breech loading style, a style that requires you to "crack" the weapon open and place a single round in the chamber. This feature is controlled by a barrel latch spring, and over time the spring can become weak and need to be replaced.

Instructions

1. Unload the weapon completely and inspect the chamber to ensure that no live ammunition is present in the weapon.

2. Place the weapon in a padded vise and turn it sideways so you can see the punch pins on the trigger mechanism. The right side of the weapon should be facing up.

3. Use a small punch tool and tap out the trigger assembly lock pins on both sides of the trigger guard. Tap them slowly to ensure that you don't mar the finish of the weapon.

4. Pull the trigger assembly out. You'll have to wiggle it slightly and pull to remove it.

5. Remove the latch spring from the front of the trigger guard. It will be held in place by a tight groove. Simply pull it out.

6. Replace the new spring by twisting it into the groove counterclockwise until it sets into place. Re-attach the trigger assembly and replace the pins.

Tags: trigger assembly, ensure that, latch spring, single shot, trigger guard

18th Birthday Ideas And Venues In Birmingham Al

Planning and 18th birthday party in Birmingham, Alabama, can be challenging as the birthday boy or girl has likely outgrown miniature golf but isn't quite ready for a bar. As downtown Birmingham is brimming with various entertainment sites and restaurants, you'll find a myriad of options for 18th birthday parties that will suit any teen's taste and style. Does this Spark an idea?

Kid at Heart

Does your soon-to-be adult still love to play and have a kid's heart? If so, consider one of the many popular entertainment venues in Birmingham. Alabama Adventure Water and Theme Park (alabamaadventure.com) is a good option for your party as it offers several party rooms and packages. Packages include the use of the party house, game coupons, pizza, cake, admission to the park and even a gift from the venue! Another option for your young-at-heart teen is Fort Red Rock Paintball (fortredrock.com). The venue offers either two-hour private parties during the day or, for a more exciting party, late-night paintball parties for up to 16 people.

Teen Clubs

If your teens would prefer to step out on their own for the evening, consider sending them to an underage or teen club for their birthday. Here they will find dancing, nonalcoholic beverages and hang-out spots to chat with their friends. Birmingham has a teen night club called Teen Club 205 (no website; 1418 Beauty Cir., Birmingham, AL. 35214; 205-798-0255). This club admits partiers from ages 18 to 21 only, so if you are planning a party here, be sure that all the guests are at least 18.

Restaurant Parties

For a lower-key 18th birthday party either for friends or extended family, consider one of Birmingham's many restaurants. Veranda on Highland (verandaonhighland.com) is an upscale restaurant housed in a renovated southern style home with several rooms set aside for private parties of varying sizes. Private parties can be scheduled seven days a week for brunch, lunch or dinner. Another restaurant that is well used for parties is Stix Japanese, Sushi and Chinese Restaurant (stixdining.com). If the birthday kid is a fan of Asian food, this is the place to go. The venue can host private parties for eight to 80 people in a myriad of private dining rooms.

Banquet Hall Parties

If you would like to celebrate your teen's 18th birthday with a huge bash consider booking a banquet hall in Birmingham to serve as the backdrop to your party. Rosewood Hall (rosewoodhall.com) is a venue centrally located in Birmingham that has private banquet rooms to accommodate up to 500 guests. Also available as part of the booking is audio and visual equipment, a dance floor and stage, tables and chairs and free parking. The Concordia Club (concordiaclub.org) is another venue equipped for 18th birthday party rentals. The venue has a kitchen for catering, tables and chairs and a funky mirrored room with hardwood floors for dancing.

Tags: 18th birthday, 18th birthday party, birthday party, private parties, Birmingham Alabama, option your