Make Homemade Goalie Equipment

The bug has bitten you. The hockey bug, that is. You have been watching hockey and following the game on television and you have a true passion for it. Your friends want to play and you want to join them. You played goalie at one point in your life but you no longer have any of the equipment. You've decided you are going to make do with other sports equipment you have around the house because you want to play.

Instructions

1. Wear catcher's shin guards if you don't have goalie pads when you are going to play hockey. When you have an urge to play hockey, you can do it on a whim without much protective gear if you are playing forward or even playing defense and you are not going to block shots. However, if you are playing goalie, you are in the line of fire of a hard puck made out of vulcanized rubber. Even if the other players are "taking it easy," you can be sure that somebody is going to wind up and take a hard slap shot. You need to wear protective shin guards--at the very least--when you are going to play hockey.

2. Put on a baseball catcher's chest protector. It's not as a big or protective as the chest protector that a goalie would wear, but it will provide some padding. You will probably get a bruise or two, but you will get saved from serious injury.

3. Put on an athletic supporter and a protective cup. This is a given and cannot be overlooked. The impact of a shot to the groin area could be debilitating for a player not wearing a protective cup.

4. Find an old catcher's mask. While a catcher's mask does not guarantee you will not get hit by the puck in the face, it will provide at least some protection. In fact, many catchers in baseball have gone to a hockey-style mask because it offers greater protection. Don't go out with at least some kind of protection because every area of your head and face is vulnerable without it.

5. Use a baseball first baseman's glove as your catching glove. A first baseman's glove is longer and has a deeper pocket than most other types of baseball gloves. It is quite similar to the catching glove in hockey except that the baseball glove does not offer as much protection for your lower arm. It just goes over your hand. If you don't have a first baseman's glove, wear a catcher's mitt or a standard baseball glove.

Tags: baseman glove, first baseman, first baseman glove, play hockey, baseball glove, catcher mask

Use A Mini Drill Press

A mini drill press offers the same precision as this floor model.

A miniature drill press is lightweight and compact compared to a floor model. The mini drill press sits on a tabletop or workbench for drilling into smaller stock. It offers variable speeds for different materials and depth settings. This tool is also a portable drill press for use between the home, shop or a neighbor's garage. A mini drill press offers the precision and control of a drill press for projects that use small parts such as jewelry and doll houses crafting.

Instructions

1. Unplug the miniature drill press before making any adjustments on the settings or changing drill bits. Use the provided chuck to loosen the chuck to change drill bits. Tighten the chuck around the chosen bit with the key.

2. Loosen the crank screw or knob that secures the head of the mini drill press. Raise or lower the head to accommodate the height of the stock to be drilled. The tallest height setting for mini tabletop machines is typically less than 10 inches. Secure the head by tightening the crank at the desired height.

3. Adjust the drill rotation speed with the speed setting dial on models that have this feature. Others drills have knobs that stop on two or three different speeds. Remove the cover over the pulleys, and slip the belt onto the other set of pulleys to change all the speed settings. Secure the cover and test the different speeds.

4. Set the drilling depth stop by loosening the set screw or ring on the pull handle shaft. Set a digital depth gauge to zero before adjusting the depth. Adjust the drill bit down to the desired depth as shown by the digital gauge or stationary meter gauge. Tighten the set screw by the appropriate means. Your model may have a crank, Phillips or hex screw for securing the depth setting.

5. Slide the table ledge to place the hole under the drill bit for drilling completely through stock. Leave the ledge on a solid space for drilling partly through items.

6. Put on safety goggles, and plug in the portable drill press for use. Place a piece of stock on the table ledge, and pull the crank handle toward yourself to bring the drill bit down onto the stock. Place the bit on the exact spot you want to drill the hole. Hold the stock firmly in place, and turn on the mini drill press. Pull on the handle crank to lower the spinning drill bit into the stock. Drill to the desired depth and slowly allow the bit to draw out of the stock.

Tags: drill press, mini drill, mini drill press, Adjust drill, desired depth, different speeds

Diy Heat Gun

A heat gun has a number of uses, including removing solder, melting plastic or adhering non-conductive materials to uninsulated electrical wire. You can make your own heat gun from a few hardware and hobby shop parts. Built correctly, the do-it-yourself heat gun will function as well as any store-bought model. Get adult supervision when making the DIY heat gun if you are underage.

Instructions

1. Place a sheet of newspaper on a table. Cut two 2-foot lengths of electric wire with the wire cutters. Strip 1/2 inch of insulation off both ends of the two electric wires.

2. Solder one end of one of the two electric wires to one end of the brass tube. Let the solder cool for a minute. Solder one end of the other electric wire to one end of the copper tube. Let the solder cool for a minute.

3. Push the end of the brass tube into the copper tube so that the electric wires are both at the same end. Push the silicone tube onto the copper tube from the end that does not have the electric wire attached to it.

4. Wind the end of the steel wire from the steel wire spool around one end of the steel MIG welding wire. Wind the steel wire down the side of the steel MIG welding wire and back up the side an additional 20 times. Cut the steel wire off the steel wire spool. Wrap the end of the steel wire around the steel MIG welding wire.

5. Push the steel MIG welding wire through one end of the tube. Stop pushing when the steel MIG welding wire emerges from the other end of the tube.

6. Solder one of the free ends of the electric wire to one of the two contacts on the power transformer. Solder the free end of the other electric wire to the other contact on the power transformer. Let the solder cool for a minute.

7. Attach the end of the hose of the fish air pump over the end of the tube where the electric wires are attached.

8. Put the glass dish on the newspaper. Light the match. Hold the flame of the match under the hose where it meets the end of the tube. Remove the flame after 10 seconds have passed. Blow out the match. Put the match on the glass dish.

9. Clamp the jaws of the needle-nose pliers around the hose where it meets the tube. Twist the needle-nose pliers to adhere the hose to the tube. Remove the needle-nosed pliers. Clamp a T-valve around the hose just before it meets the end of the tube.

10. Plug the power cords of the fish air pump and the power transformer into the wall socket for power. Hold the DIY heat gun by the hose at the back end.

11. Release the T-valve to send air through the tube where it will be heated by the steel MIG welding wire. Apply the heat from your DIY heat gun to whatever project you want.

Tags: steel welding, steel welding wire, steel wire, welding wire, electric wire

Make An Mr1 Paintball Gun Shoot Faster

There are two types of "fast" when referring to making a paintball gun shoot faster. There's the velocity at which each projectile is fired, often measured in feet per second. There is also the rate of fire, usually expressed as rounds per minute. Both of these are easily addressable issues on the MR1 paintball gun.

Instructions

1. Increase velocity. Sometimes the ranges you're dealing with in paintball are too long to be able to shoot accurately. Rather than arcing your rounds to your target and adjusting for wind, why not simply adjust your velocity? It's a simple way to give you the long-range edge in a game. The velocity adjustment on the MR1 is located on the back of the marker, just above the grip. Adjusting the velocity on your paintball gun only requires a hex wrench. Put the hex wrench in the velocity adjuster and turn clockwise to increase velocity and counter-clockwise to decrease velocity.

2. Increase the rate of fire. Sometimes when playing paintball, you need to lay down a wall of paint to cover your movements. This type of suppressing fire can be difficult to produce when using a simple mechanical paintball gun such as the MR1, but there are techniques you can use to increase your rate of fire and put more paint downrange quicker. The MR1 is equipped with a two-finger trigger. This feature can be utilized to gain a rate of fire equivalent to the more expensive full-auto paintball guns. This is accomplished by manipulating each of your two trigger fingers independently in rapid succession, such as to "walk the trigger." This technique requires a lot of practice and isn't perfected quickly. There are also trigger kits available that make this trick a lot easier.

3. Use common sense. Common sense must be taken into consideration when increasing the velocity on a paintball gun. Anything above 300 feet per second is considered to be dangerous and not advisable.

4. Be aware of velocity limits.Most commercial fields have limits on the velocity for setting your paintball gun. It's also important to consider that any increase in rate of fire when playing paintball will have a detrimental effect on your accuracy and ammunition usage, so "walking" the trigger is a skill that should be used with some restraint if you want to gain the upper hand in a paintball match.

Tags: rate fire, feet second, playing paintball, There also, trigger This, when playing

Rifle Gun Games

Many types of toy guns are used in modern games.

Many types of gun and rifle games exist on the market, including paintball, Airsoft, laser tag and video games. Some of the more realistic video games today make use of light guns, which are essentially gun-shaped accessories that can be used to control the flow of the game. Some of these titles have existed in arcades for decades, but now they can be enjoyed from the comfort of your living room.

Jurassic: The Hunted

"Jurassic: The Hunted" was released in 2009 for the Nintendo Wii, Microsoft Xbox 360, Sony PlayStation 2 and Sony PlayStation 3. The Nintendo Wii version of "Jurassic: The Hunted" lets gamers use the Wii Zapper light gun as they hunt through the jungle in search of game in the form of large dinosaurs. In-game weapons include crossbows, pistols, rifles and even an RPG launcher. "Jurassic: The Hunted" was published by Activision and has been rated "T for Teen" by the Electronic Software Rating Board.

Time Crisis 4

"Time Crisis 4" was released for the Sony PlayStation 3 on Nov. 20, 2007. Based on the arcade game title of the same name, this updated version of "Time Crisis 4" features a light gun controller named the GunCon 3. This accessory, available solely for the Sony PlayStation 3, lets gamers use a toy rifle in order to shoot their way through "Time Crisis 4." This adds to the realism of the game and lets players further immerse themselves into the video game experience.

Mad Dog McCree Gunslinger Pack

"Mad Dog McCree Gunslinger Pack" was released June 16, 2009, and is available exclusively for the Nintendo Wii. The game features three separate, classic video game titles in one pack: "Mad Dog McCree," "Mad Dog McCree II" and "The Last Bounty Hunter" all have been updated to work with the Nintendo Wii. "Mad Dog McCree Gunslinger Pack" is compatible with the Nintendo Wii’s Zapper light gun, but the Wii remote can be used as well. Real actors are used in the game, providing a lifelike experience few other games have been able to achieve. "Mad Dog McCree Gunslinger Pack" has been given a rating of "T for Teen" by the Electronic Software Rating Board.

Resident Evil: Dead Aim

"Resident Evil: Dead Aim" was released on June 18, 2003 for the Sony PlayStation 2. Set in traiditional survival-horror environments, "Resident Evil: Dead Aim: gives players the option of using the PlayStation 2’s GunCon 2 controller. This light gun lets you aim at zombies and actually pull the trigger in order to shoot them down. "Resident Evil: Dead Aim" has been given a rating of "M for Mature" from the Electronic Software Rating Board.

Nerf N-Strike

"Nerf N-Strike" was released Oct. 28, 2008, and is available exclusively for the Nintendo Wii. The game includes a proprietary light gun that can also be used to fire Nerf brand ammunition. "Nerf N-Strike" was developed and published by EA Games and has been given a rating "E 10+," meaning the content is suitable for all gamers aged 10 and older.

Tags: Sony PlayStation, Evil Dead, Gunslinger Pack, Jurassic Hunted, McCree Gunslinger

Make Cheap Thermal Goggles

Night vision goggles were invented for use by the military. Over the years, they have become popular among law enforcement agencies and hunters. The technology that makes night vision possible is called an infrared image intensifier tube. The intensifier tube houses a photo cathode that transfers photons of light energy into electrons by releasing similar electrons from atoms inside the tube itself. This process helps to multiply the electrons and then illuminate the image as the electrons reach the phosphor screen. This process can be duplicated at home by using a simple method.

Instructions

1. Purchase a pair of regular, preferably clear-framed sunglasses that have a sturdy frame. Remove the lenses and trace their shape onto sheets of Congo blue and primary red theatrical gels, which are made for stage lighting. Ensure that you have two pieces for each color and cut all four pieces out using the X-Acto knife. Glue the blue gels first and then the red ones, by touching the outer rim of the gels all the way around with super glue. Make sure that you put one of each color gel on each lens of the glasses so you end up with each eye filtering red and blue light. Gently lay the lenses inside the glasses one at a time and wait for them to dry.

2. Glue the eight high-intensity infrared LEDs, four on each side, to the outside of the goggles and on the outer edge of the lenses so they are to the left of the left lens and to the right of the right lens. The LEDs create the illumination needed to filter the light through the colored gels. Secure the wires of the lights to the outer edge of the goggles using electrical tape.

3. Wire the lights to the 3-volt, button-cell battery and glue the battery to the side of the goggles. Ensure there is a battery on each side of the goggles so each set of lights has a battery. Leave the plus wire short so it does not touch or tape it down so it isn't able to make contact. You may also want to wire a switch from the wire to the battery so the goggles can be turned on and off. However, you can simply tape the wire to the battery when in use.

4. Take your goggles outside to test them. If the image is weak or not well-illuminated, you may need to add more LEDs or another layer of gels.

Tags: each color, each side, intensifier tube, outer edge, side goggles, that have, This process

Take Care Of Paintballs

Proper paintball storage is something that is easy to overlook. After playing a long, intense game, it's tempting to throw your leftover paintballs into a dark corner of the garage and forget about them until the following season. However, to keep your paintballs ready for your next game, you should spend a little time storing them properly. If you don't, you may experience performance problems such as premature breakage.

Instructions

1. Put your extra paintballs in a sealable plastic bag and tightly seal it.

2. Store your paintballs at a moderate temperature. You want to avoid extremely hot or cold temperatures, which can have adverse effects on the paintballs. A range of 60 to 80 degrees F is a good rule. Cold temperatures can make your paintballs hard and brittle, while hot temperatures can cause them to expand and deform. Store them inside at room temperature.

3. Keep paintballs protected from the elements. When playing and storing your paintballs at home, keep them out of sunlight, rain, snow and other adverse weather elements. Keep them sealed in a bag or container.

4. Avoid storing paintballs in very humid or arid conditions. Humidity can have a negative impact on both the shell and paint. In an article published on the Paintball Trade Association's website, optimal humidity is cited at 40 to 50 percent. If you don't actively measure humidity, just avoid placing the paintballs in areas that are particularly moist, like the basement, and keep them in a regular room.

5. Store the paintballs so that they lay flat. Flip them over once a week or so to prevent dimples or damage to the shell.

6. When playing, keep paintballs out of the sun and stored at around room temperature. Leave extras in their sealed container. If it's particularly cold, keep extra paintballs inside a warm building or car to protect them from the cold. Similarly, find a cool place to store them on hot summer days, such as an air-conditioned room or inside a cooler with ice packs.

Tags: your paintballs, extra paintballs, keep them, room temperature, sealed container, When playing

Make A Scorpion Mask

Turn a paintball mask like this one into a Scorpion mask.

Scorpion is one of the original characters in the Mortal Kombat video game series. His costume and characteristics have encountered several changes as the game has evolved, but he remains cloaked in his usual yellow and black colors. Scorpion's mask has grown in sophistication compared to earlier versions. Create your own Scorpion mask for a Halloween celebration or other costumed event. Few materials are necessary to complete the project, and the durability of the mask enables it to last through multiple uses.

Instructions

Instructions

1. Spread old newspaper on a flat surface in a well-lit, well-ventilated room.

2. Remove the lens from the mask. Instructions for removing the lens vary from brand-to- brand. Follow the lens removal instructions for your particular brand to avoid damaging the mask.

3. Paint the bottom half of the front of the mask yellow. Do not paint above the base of the lens area. Paint the bottom half of the sides without painting above the jawline. The bottom half of the mask should be completely yellow while the rest of the mask remains black.

4. Set aside to dry. Once dry, replace the lens, if desired. Wear the mask with or without the lens.

Tags: bottom half, Paint bottom, Paint bottom half, Scorpion mask

Install Vinyl Drywall "J" Bead

Drywall bead, such as J-bead and corner bead, covers the raw edges and corners of drywall.

Viewed from profile, drywall J-bead resembles a J-shaped channel; two flat sides--one short and one long--surround the bead's bottom edge. Builders use J-bead to cap the end of drywall sheets where the sheets butt against dissimilar building materials, such as metal or masonry, or where the drywall's edge remains exposed, such as surrounding an attic access panel. Builders fasten the bead to underlying framework with fasteners, or attach bead to drywall sheets with a spray adhesive. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Spray Adhesive

1. Hook the tape measure's tang on end of the bead. Extend the tape to the desired length of the cut. Mark the cut line across the bead's long flange with a marker; the long flange is the tall portion of the "J" shape.

2. Cut along the mark with a pair of snips. Rotate the bead and cut through the bottom edge. Cut through the remaining flange--the short flange--to complete the cut. Slip the bead over the drywall sheet's edge to ensure a proper fit. Trim the bead to fit, if necessary.

3. Spray drywall bead adhesive along the drywall sheet's edge and throughout the bead's center channel. Allow the adhesive to set according to the manufacturer's instructions. Most drywall bead adhesives function like contact cement; you must apply adhesive to both surfaces and wait several minutes before joining the separate components.

4. Align the bead's channel with the drywall's edge. Position the bead's short flange facing away from the wall; the short flange, called the "reveal," is usually exposed and the long flange concealed. Align the ends of the bead with the ends of the drywall sheet's edge.

5. Slip one end of the bead over the drywall. Press the center portion of the bead over the drywall and slide the remaining end of the bead onto the drywall. Press the bead over the drywall's edge until the interior face of the bead's channel butts against the drywall's edge.

Fastener Installation

6. Draw a tape measure along the bead's long flange, mark the cut line with a marker and cut the bead with snips. Fit the bead onto the drywall to check for accuracy and trim the bead's length with snips, if necessary.

7. Position the bead's short flange facing toward the room's interior. Slip the bead over the drywall's edge. Align the ends of the bead with the ends of the drywall. Press the bead onto the drywall until the interior face of the bead's channel butts against the drywall's edge.

8. Hoist the drywall sheet into its installation location. While holding the sheet in position, drive staples into the exposed short flange, through the drywall and long flange and into the underlying framing. Staple the bead at each end and every 10- to 12-inches across the bead's center.

Tags: drywall edge, bead over, bead over drywall, long flange, over drywall, drywall sheet

Create An Invitation In Microsoft Publisher

Create a unique, custom invitation for your upcoming party or event using Microsoft Publisher. Select a ready-made layout from the design template or create your own design. If you know use Microsoft Word, it will be easy to learn the basics of Publisher. Read on to learn create an invitation in Microsoft Publisher.

Instructions

1. Select one of the ready-made designs. On the main menu click "File" and then "New" to open the Catalog Window. Click the "Invitation Cards" option on the Wizards menu, select the desired invitation type from the options and then click "Start Wizard." Enter your name and address in the window prompt or skip this step by clicking "Cancel." Click "Finish" at the bottom of the Wizards menu.

2. Use the Quick Publication Wizard to create a semi-custom design. In the Quick Publication Wizard menu, click "Design." Look at the options in the Design menu and select the desired design. Change the color scheme by accessing the Quick Publication Wizard menu. Click "Color Scheme" and select the desired scheme from the Color Scheme menu. To customize the layout, click "Layout" on the Quick Publication Wizard menu and select the desired layout.

3. Make your own invitation design.On the main menu, click "File" and then "New." Select the Blank Publications tab from the Design Catalog Window. Enter text and insert images using the instructions in Steps 5 and 6 below.

4. Specify the paper size of the invitation. On the main menu, click "File" and then "Page Setup." To change the paper size, enter the dimensions in the "choose a special fold section."

5. Enter the information. Place the mouse inside the desired text box and click once. Type the text or cut and paste from a Word document. Change the format the font style, size and appearance if desired. Adjust the size of the text box using the mouse. Click and drag the border to the desired size.

6. Insert clip art or pictures. Insert your own photo or clip art by using clicking "Insert" and then "Picture." Resize the image by clicking and dragging the mouse towards the center of the photo until the photo reaches the desired size.

7. Proof and finalize the invitation. You can print the document on paper or send it by email. Recipients who don't have Publisher will not be able to open the document unless you save the document as a different file type.

Tags: menu click, Publication Wizard, Quick Publication, Quick Publication Wizard, select desired

Laws On Airsoft Guns In Rhode Island

Rhode Island has its own list of airsoft laws.

Airsoft guns are firearm replicas that shoot soft pellets. These toys are used for war games, training maneuvers and other instances where live fire might be too dangerous or illegal. There are numerous laws that affect airsoft guns and these laws vary from one state to another. For instance, in Rhode Island, there are lots of rules that you have to follow.

Firearm

According to the firearm rules and regulations in Rhode Island, airsoft guns are not legally considered to be firearms. This means that there is no license required to purchase or own an airsoft gun and that you don't need a permit to carry one, as you would with an actual firearm. According to Rhode Island statutes listed in the Rhode Island Department of Health, BB guns and air guns, along with blank guns like starter pistols, are specifically exempt from firearm status in the state law books.

Purchase Age

Since an airsoft gun is not an actual firearm, the usual firearm restrictions for purchase age don't apply. Normally, an individual would have to be 18 years old to buy a long gun like a rifle or shotgun and 21 to buy a handgun. However, airsoft makes both styles and they're considered to be toys. On the other hand, a store might have a policy that states people buying airsoft products have to be a certain age and that is perfectly within that store's rights.

Blaze Tip

Blaze tips are required to be placed on all airsoft guns during import and they're supposed to be left on the toy until it's sold. The blaze tip is a small (six millimeters at most) band of orange plastic that goes around the barrel of the airsoft gun. Since some airsoft guns are very realistic-looking and could be mistaken for real firearms, the blaze tip marks them as toys. While it can be removed post-purchase, this should be done with care, since it could cause uncomfortable cases of mistaken identity and confusion.

Tags: Rhode Island, airsoft guns, actual firearm

Electronic Vs Mechanical Paintball Guns

Paintball gun

Paintball guns come in many styles, shapes and colors. There are two broad categories of paintball guns, mechanical and electronic, and each is sub-divided into several others such as rate of fire and speed of projectile. Deciding on which particular paintball gun to purchase can be a little daunting, but there are enough different models and features to satisfy any taste.

History of Paint-Balling

Paintball contestant

Paint-balling has become quite common among outdoor enthusiasts and those with a competitive bent to demonstrate skill and prowess without too much threat of injury to the participants. Originally used by forestry workers to mark trees in difficult-to-reach locations, and by farmers to label livestock, the paintball gun has been adapted for use in some fairly stiff competition. In 1981, a dozen friends played a version of "Capture the Flag" using paintball markers, firing the shots that lead to the opening of the first paintball field the next year in Rochester, New York.

Mechanical Paintball Guns

Mechanical marker

Mechanical paintball guns, or "markers" as they're called by paintball enthusiasts, use compressed gas (air or CO2) to propel paintball pellets. Mechanical guns, also called pneumatic markers, can fire between 4 and 9 balls per second (BPS). Mechanical paintball guns are considered to be very reliable. The firing process feels quite like a real firearm. You arm the mechanism once (called "cocking"), and you can fire repeatedly without further cocking until you fire your last pellet or exhaust the gas.

Electronic Paintball Guns

Electronic marker

Electronic paintball guns, unlike mechanical models, use electronic circuitry to activate the firing mechanism. The functioning of the electronics on those that are programmable also allows for varying the firing mode. Electronic markers usually employ regulators, which are mechanical in design, to alter air intake and control the release pressure. As with their mechanical counterparts, electronic paintball guns come in many different varieties and many different set-ups.

Electronic vs Mechanical Markers

Advantages of electronic paintball guns over mechanical models include greater accuracy (important for competition), improved consistency, lower air pressure requirement and more rapid firing, another plus for competitors. However, they are considerably pricier, more complex and usually require professionals for repairs and upgrades. Mechanical paintball guns are much less expensive, can be repaired easily and are more available. Their basic design and operation make them ideal for paint-balling novices and weekend warriors.

Things to Consider

Regular participation in paint-balling offers an excellent way to enjoy the outdoors and get exercise all at once. It also presents the opportunity to hone hunting skills for those who use real firearms to stalk and bag real game. Depending upon your level and frequency of involvement, it can be a source of pain to the pocketbook and significant demand on your time. Occasional participants can take advantage of renting equipment and avoid long-term, ongoing expenditures.

Tags: paintball guns, paintball guns, come many, Electronic Mechanical, electronic paintball, electronic paintball guns

Age Requirements For A Paintball Gun

In some states, there are age requirements for owning a paintball gun.

Paintball is played by millions of people in many countries throughout the world. The popular pastime usually involves two teams of several players whose objective is to capture the other team’s flag while protecting their own. Along the way, opponents are eliminated by being shot by paintballs--gelatin capsules filled with colored "paint" and usually shot out of a special airgun called a marker or paintgun. Depending on where you live, there may be age requirements for owning a paintball gun.

13 And Under

In Illinois, paintball guns are considered air rifles and are subject to the same restrictions. Dealers are not permitted to "sell, lend, rent, give or otherwise transfer" the guns to anyone under the age of 13. Also, anyone under 13 is prohibited from carrying a loaded paintball gun on public land or public streets. If an air rifle, including a paintball gun, is used or sold in violation of the age requirement, law enforcement officials can confiscate it at the owner's expense. In addition, a dealer who sells an air rifle to a minor under age 13 may be subject to a fine of up to $1,000.

18 And Under

New Hampshire and Rhode Island have similar age requirements to Illinois, but in those states, the laws apply to anyone under the age of 18. Both states require the written consent of a parent or guardian before allowing anyone under 18 to own a paintball gun and New Hampshire also allows schools to expel students for possessing them. There, someone under 18 can be in possession of a paintball gun only when supervised by a parent or guardian or on the way to or from a paintball range supervised by a responsible adult. In Rhode Island, violation of the law can draw fines between $1,000 and $3,000.

International Requirements

Age requirements for playing paintball and owning paintball guns do not apply only in the U.S. Several other countries have regulated the fast-growing pastime. In Australia, for example, age requirements vary depending on the state. Players must be 18 or older in Victoria, while New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory require players to be at least 16. In Queensland, the minimum age is 15, and in South Australia and West Australia, the minimum age is 12. In Germany, paintball is illegal for anyone under the age of 18. It is best to check into local laws before buying a paintball gun in any state or country.

Tags: anyone under, owning paintball, paintball guns, parent guardian, requirements owning

Aim A Paintball Gun

When you start playing paintball, you need to learn the techniques on become an effective player. One of the first things that you learn is aim your paintball gun. As you play more often, your aim will greatly improve.

Instructions

1. Purchase sights for your paintball gun, if you would rather not shoot blindly. Find sights online at paintball retailers or from local sporting goods stores.

2. Look through the sight and get your target in view. Once it comes into view, aim the paintball gun and shoot. If fired correctly, the paintball should land on the spot that you saw in your sight.

3. Fire a test shot to get a feel for the gun and see where your initial paintball lands. After the first shot, you may need to adjust the placement of your sight.

4. Continue to fire your paintball gun until you master your aim. As you shoot more, you'll get a better idea of where your paintballs are landing. Use this information to aim more accurately and hit more targets.

Tags: your paintball, where your, your sight

Paintball Tanks Hpa Vs Co2

Paintball

CO2 and compressed air are two types of air sources for paintball guns. These air sources are available in metal cylinders that attach to the rear of your paintball gun. These two air sources can be filled at virtually any paintball field and store. While they both serve the same purpose, each of these gasses differ significantly in price, performance and popularity.

HPA

HPA, or high pressure compressed air, is a new air source for paintball guns. This air requires the use of a compressed air tank, which can be expensive. HPA contains the air that is present in the atmosphere, only it is compressed to between 3,000 and 4,500 psi, depending on the type of tank used.

CO2

CO2 has been a common source of propulsion for paintballs since the game was invented. CO2, which is carbon dioxide, is put into aluminum tanks that are designated for CO2 use only. CO2 tanks are very cheap at around $20. They are also available at more stores than compressed air tanks.

Performance

HPA significantly outperforms CO2. CO2 can be quite inconsistent and the pressure that is released from the tank increases with warm weather. HPA is always released from the tank at a consistent pressure. More consistent air sources allow the paintball gun to shoot more accurately. Consistency also prevents paintballs from breaking inside of the gun.

Gun Wear and Tear

CO2 can cause serious wear and tear to the internals of a paintball gun. CO2, when released from the tank, can be quite cold, which can have a negative effect on the rubber seals of the gun. Also, the inconsistent nature of CO2 puts added wear on the moving parts. HPA does not adversely affect the internal seals and parts of the paintball gun.

Paintball Guns

Certain paintball guns, specifically higher-end guns, require the use of HPA. CO2 will damage the delicate internals of these guns, resulting in poor accuracy and even the failure to fire. Also, faster-shooting guns will not be able to maintain a high rate of fire with CO2 because of its inability to provide consistency. Many gun manufacturers will make a notation of which type of air source should be used.

Expansion Chambers

Whenever using CO2 as an air source, it is important to have an expansion chamber present on the gun. Expansion chambers provide a place for CO2 to expand into a gas form. Without one of these parts, a portion of the CO2 will remain in a liquid form. Expansion chambers typically replace the foregrip of a paintball gun and are between the CO2 tank and the body of the gun.

Tags: from tank, paintball guns, released from, released from tank, Expansion chambers, These sources

Places To Go Fishing In Peterborough Ontario Canada

Peterborough makes a convenient base for many fishing expeditions.

Highlighted by Outdoor Canada as one of the "Best Darn Places an Angler Can Call Home," Peterborough has many fishing opportunities to offer. Located in Southern Ontario, Peterborough is close to the Kawartha Lakes district, which includes more than 130 lakes. Approximately 87 miles (140 km) from Toronto, Peterborough is a town devoted to fishing, as well as home to the headquarters of Shimano Canada and the Canadian National Sportfishing Foundation.

Gateway to the Kawarthas

The nearby Kawartha Lakes offer a chance for angling both for warm- and cold-water fish. A tremendous variety of fish includes large and smallmouth bass, brown and lake trout, carp, steelhead, brook and walleye. Different lakes in the Kawarthas offer varying species. Pigeon, Buckhorn and Chemong (known as the tri-lakes) are minutes from Peterborough and well-known for their bass. For panfish, head south from Peterborough to Rice Lake, where there the perch and black crappie are plentiful. The clarity of the Kawartha Lakes waters allows "follows" to be spotted early on. Esox angling is popular, with plenty of muskies throughout the Kawartha lakes. Bass fishing tournaments are held regularly throughout season.

The Ganaraska

If cold-water fishing interests you, head southwest from Peterborough to the Ganaraska River. The "Ganny" is highly regarded for having many steelhead, chinook salmon and, at its upper end, enormous browns. The fall brings large migrations of chinook salmon and lake trout. The Ganaraska flows south into Lake Ontario, winding through the town of Port Hope, about an hour's drive from Peterborough.

Accommodations in Peterborough

With a population just more than 100,000, Peterborough offers plentiful options for lodging either within the city or at a rural spot closer to the lakes and rivers. The Peterborough and Kawarthas Tourism Board offers listings of accommodations, including bed & breakfasts, campgrounds, resorts and cottages: www.thekawarthas.net/tourism.php?section=dine-and-stay.

The Kawarthas Fishing website operates another directory of fishing cottages and lodges, organized by lake:

http://www.kawarthasfishing.com/directory/Resorts_and_Cottages/

Tags: from Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, chinook salmon, lake trout, many fishing, more than

Test A Hydrostatic Air Bottle

It is important to test all scuba equipment before use.

A hydrostatic bottle is more commonly known as a scuba cylinder or diving cylinder. The cylinders come in different sizes and materials, such as steel, aluminum or composite cylinders. The Department of Transportation requires cylinders to be hydrostatically tested for safety reasons. Furthermore, it is necessary to find out the maximum pressure the tanks can hold. The maximum pressure is usually embedded or stamped near the top of the tank.

Instructions

Hydrostatic Bottle Testing

1. Ensure the tank is empty. Remove the tank valve. Perform a visual inspection on the tank. Look for any corrosion, dents, rust or other abnormalities on the outside and inside of the tank. Check the threads and the neck of the cylinder for corrosion or cracks. Use an electronic device called Visual Plus to test for cracks in the neck threads on aluminum tanks.

2. Fill the cylinder with water to perform the hydrostatic test. If the tank ruptures, water does not compress like air and would not cause an explosion. Place the valve on the top of the cylinder. Seal the valve with Teflon tape. Lower the cylinder into the test chamber.

3. Check the hose on the back of the test vessel. This hose supplies water to the interior of the cylinder, as well as high pressure to the test chamber. Enclose the cylinder in the test chamber. Apply pressure to the cylinder. Any air that remained in the tank is being released. Increase the pressure on the valves to five-thirds of the pressure stamped on the cylinder. For instance, if the stamp reads "3000 psi," increase the pressure to 5000 psi.

4. Use a burette to test the water level. Check to make sure the water level does not change for at least 30 seconds. Release the pressure and observe the water level. Make sure the burrette reading returns to at least 10 percent of the original reading. If it does not, the cylinder is not safe to use at high pressures.

Tags: test chamber, water level, Hydrostatic Bottle, maximum pressure

Places To Get Married In St Cloud Minnesota

St. Cloud, Minnesota, has many nice indoor and outdoor locations for weddings.

St. Cloud, Minnesota, is located 60 miles northwest of St. Paul and Minneapolis along the banks of the Mississippi River. Couples planning to marry in this thriving community of more than 60,000 will find many options for their event. St. Cloud offers many well-appointed recreational parks and gardens for outdoor wedding, and a wide selection of banquet halls and hotels for indoor weddings.

Park Weddings

St. Cloud has more than 91 parks and recreation areas from which to choose for your wedding. Three park options to include are St. Cloud Park, Munsinger Gardens and the Knights of Columbus Park.

St. Cloud Park, with its picnic area, public pool and playground for children, is suited for a casual outdoor wedding. Munsinger Gardens and the Knight of Columbus Park are both located along the Mississippi River. These parks offer couples a handicap-accessible facility with a large field, scenic gardens and a pavilion for a more formal setting.

The overall cost of a park wedding in St. Cloud varies. Weddings may require a number of permits in addition to park rental fees. Aside from the permit to hold a park wedding, according to Section 237 of the Civic Facilities Conduct and Use Regulations, any decorating and use of catering services also requires a permit.

Banquet Hall Weddings

St. Cloud features many banquet halls for large indoor weddings and receptions. The 400 Supper Club supports wedding parties of up to 400 people. Professional wedding services include catering by experienced chefs. The St. Cloud Country Club offers a view of the Mississippi River and provides banquet space for up to 200 wedding guests, plus professional catering. Cedar Point Ballroom is a professional ballroom and banquet facility that supports up to 380 wedding guests.

Hotel Weddings

St. Cloud has a number of hotels with facilities for wedding ceremonies and receptions. The Kelly Inn is a Best Western hotel adjacent to the St. Cloud Civic Center, offering complete catering services and several banquet rooms for big and small weddings. AmericInn Lodge and Suites, located near the Stearns Historical Museum and the Munsinger Clemens Botanical Gardens, hosts small weddings, receptions and other wedding-related gatherings in its lobby and hospitality room. The Radisson Suites St. Cloud has six meeting rooms for weddings of all sizes. Catering and audio/visual equipment is available.

Unique Venue Weddings

Sometime couples just want to add a little whimsy to their happy day. If so, a nontraditional wedding venue may be the answer. Couples looking to begin the thrill ride of marriage by being wed on a water slide should head to Summerland Family Fun Park. Other amenities include miniature golf, batting cages and a picnic shelter. Although the Optimist Climbing Wall was designed primarily for middle school age children, the event space is available to rent for all occasions, including weddings. Crossfire Paintball is a truly unique St. Cloud wedding location. After getting married in this casual setting, the newlyweds and their entire wedding party can wage a paintball battle.

Tags: Cloud Minnesota, Mississippi River, banquet halls, catering services, Cloud Park

Places To Find Spyder Paintball Guns

Spyder equipment is popular with paintball enthusiasts.

Paintball enthusiasts quickly recognize the Spyder brand as a leader in paintball equipment, especially markers (commonly referred to as guns). Despite the brand's popularity, some shoppers experience difficulty tracking down dealers of new Spyder equipment. From large chain retailers to independent dealers, and even Internet retailers, Spyder paintball guns are readily available for dedicated paintball enthusiasts.

Independent Retailers

The Spyder paintball company maintains an extensive network of independent retailers, many of which are small local shops with only a handful of locations. The comprehensive list of independent Spyder retailers is very long, but the company makes locating a local dealer easy with an intuitive search tool on its website. From the main Spyder.tv website, shoppers can click the "Locate a Dealer" link, then select the option for "U.S. Dealers." The website prompts users for their ZIP code, then displays a list of independent retailers in close proximity to the user's location. Because independent retailers are often small, their selections may be somewhat limited, so the website returns a list of all nearby locations to allow the user to shop around.

Retail Chains

If an independent retailer does not carry the user's desired Spyder product, or if the user resides in an area with no nearby retailers, Spyder paintball guns can also be found at a number of large retail chains. Spyder products are routinely stocked at a number of large sporting chains, many of which are easily recognizable to sporting and outdoor enthusiasts. In addition, at least one electronics shop, Fry's Electronics, stocks Spyder paintball guns. While these large retail chains maintain locations in most major metropolitan areas and are easily accessible to most Americans, some more rural residents may experience difficulty in gaining access to one of these stores without a lengthy drive. These rural shoppers are not out of luck, however, as Spyder products are also available at the world's largest retail chain, Walmart, which also takes orders online.

Internet Dealers

Paintball enthusiasts with no access to independent or chain retailers (and those individuals who simply do not want to battle crowds at physical store locations) may prefer to order their Spyder paintball guns from the company's armada of authorized Internet dealers. Spyder maintains two tiers of Internet dealers, a "Platinum" level of preferred dealers that specialize in paintball products, and a "Flagship" tier that carries a wide range of sporting products. All of these dealers carry Spyder paintball products, though the "Platinum" dealers may carry a wider selection. Because these dealers are Internet-based and are subject to reduced overhead expenses, the products may be slightly less expensive through these venues. This cost savings may be negated, however, by charges for shipping and handling.

Tags: independent retailers, paintball guns, Spyder paintball, Spyder paintball, chain retailers, dealers carry, dealers Spyder

Make Pink Camouflage

Choose a bold pink for the main color of your pink camouflage design.

Pink camouflage is not functional, but it is a popular fashion and design motif. Pink camouflage designs and styles commonly seen in clothing, decorating and craft projects are meant to enhance an item or wall. Making your own pink camouflage design is not hard to do if you are willing to put some thought and practice into it. It is an enjoyable task that is easy to learn and which you can then use for many craft projects.

Instructions

1. Use the appropriate sized brush for the size of the project area.

Pick the item carefully that you want to paint in pink camouflage. If choosing a T-shirt, painting a letter or a small area is less likely to stiffen the shirt, making it more comfortable to wear as opposed to painting the entire surface. If painting a room, one wall instead of all four is often better for an accent wall with such a bold pattern. Small wooden boxes, pillows, school book covers and picture frames are other options you can apply a pink camouflage motif to. Use paint products designed for the item you choose to paint.

2. Buy three colors of paint: dark or bright pink, light pink, and white. Some pink camouflage designs have black or gray shapes; buy these shades if you'd like to include them in your project. The choice of pink colors should be complementary and at least two shades away from each other to provide contrast.

3. White as the background is easiest to cover with other colors.

Apply the lightest color first -- white. Make random, but evenly spaced, freeform shapes across one-third of the area, or one-fourth of the area if you are also using black. Wavy, irregular shapes with an elongated shape work better than circular or square designs. You could also opt to start with an all white background, which would leave no spaces with unintended colors. Allow the color to dry to avoid smearing or mixing the colors.

4. Repeat with the lighter shade of pink. Place the freeform designs in random areas, some next to the white and touching different sides of the white. Allow this color to dry before applying the brighter pink color.

5. Make gray freeform designs next, if you opted to use gray. This color helps mute the boldness of pink camouflage, toning down the overall design. Smaller freeform shapes than used for the pink keeps the focus on pink. Allow all colors to dry in between each step to avoid smearing and mixing the colors.

6. Bright pink is the main color used in pink camouflage designs.

Apply the darker or brighter pink in the same style as the previous colors, overlapping some colors and making larger designs. This pink is the main color and using it to make slightly larger freeform designs helps emphasize the main pink color. If you are only using three colors, be sure all the blank areas on the surface are covered.

7. Use small, black freeform designs sparingly. Black is bold and may be overpowering for the project. Black adds a good contrast when used as a highlight color rather than a main color. Practice on a sheet of paper first of you are unsure of how much is too much. Allow to dry thoroughly before applying a sealant or overcoat of any kind.

Tags: pink camouflage, freeform designs, main color, camouflage designs, pink main, pink main color, avoid smearing

Personalized Gift For An 18 Year Old Boyfriend

There are many personalized gift ideas for an 18-year-old boyfriend.

Thinking of ideas for a personalized gift for an 18-year-old boyfriend can seem like an overwhelming task, but with a bit of imagination, it is not all that difficult. There are plenty of personalized gifts available online.

Men's ID Bracelet

A fashionable take on a simple gift for a boyfriend would be an ID bracelet. Have his name engraved or a personal message, such as "I love you." Maybe there is a unique message you could have engraved that only the two of you would understand.

Custom Men's Shirts

Personalizing a piece of clothing with a photo of the two of you together makes a perfect gift. Designs can be put on many types of men's clothing, from T-shirts to hooded sweatshirts and everything in between. This gift can be ordered at various stores online by uploading an image and requesting the desired text. Zazzle.com and Cooltshirtdesign.com are both online stores where you can order this type of gift.

Wall Canvas Portrait

What boyfriend doesn't love photos of you? Turn a photo of you or a favorite photo of you and your boyfriend together into a beautiful wall canvas portrait. You can order the portrait online at Allpopart.com where it will be made by a talented artist and framer.

Personalized Dog Tags

Dog tags are an ideal way for a boyfriend to make a statement or to keep you close to his heart. Whether the dog tags are personalized with favorite statements of his or loving messages from you, they would make a much-appreciated gift for an 18-year-old boyfriend.

Love Book

Put together a list of reasons why you love your boyfriend in a personalized hard cover book. There are numerous books with pre-made pages that allow you to add to or create your own illustrations and wording. Gifts.com carries a nice book like this called "My Reasons Why." This is a gift that a boyfriend will surely remember and treasure forever.

Personalized Street Signs

Purchase personalized street signs online at MrStreetSigns.com or Cheapstreetsigns.com. They will add to the d cor of any 18-year-old boyfriend's room. These signs make creative gifts because they can be personalized with unique statements or simple street names that involved only the two of you. Some examples of street signs for a boyfriend would include hobbies or sports, including DALLAS COWBOYS WAY, PAINTBALL BLVD or TIGER WOODS LANE; furthermore, loving words or your names could be put on a street sign, such as CODY & KATIE BLVD or I LOVE YOU LANE.

Tags: 18-year-old boyfriend, boyfriend would, gift 18-year-old, gift 18-year-old boyfriend, personalized gift, personalized with, This gift

Places To Buy Cheap & Small Scuba Diving Tanks

So, after watching Shark Week on the Discovery channel, you've gone out and taken scuba diving lessons and gotten certified. In the process you bought the basic gear of mask, snorkel, fins and wet suit. Now what?

You need a regulator, buoyancy compensator and weight belt of course, but it's that all-important tank that gives you air underwater that has you most concerned. Of course the dive shop that provided the scuba lessons has all the gear you need, but will you get the best deal?

Where to Look

Like many other facets of the economy, anything and everything you need for scuba diving can be found on the Internet. The question is, do you want to purchase something as bulky and heavy as scuba tanks through the World Wide Web?

Buy Pony Tanks

Small tanks are cheaper. If you're looking for an 80 cubic foot tank, the Internet might be the wrong place to buy, but if you're looking for a pony tank with six or 13 cubic feet capacity, the Internet might be the place to shop. The hiccup in that strategy is that scuba tanks are shipped with assembly required upon receipt.

Pony tanks, the smaller tanks, are primarily for safety in that you would only use them should your main air system fail. They have their own regulators and stages and some even have gauges. When shipped, all of that is disassembled and the user is required to not only assemble it, but also get it certified as safe to use once assembled.

The Benefit of Looking Online

The Internet can still play a role in your tank purchase even if you don't buy from an online retailer. One of the great benefits of the Internet is being able to compare different brands. This also applies to scuba tanks.

On any given scuba website you can find at least five different brands with specifications and photos, a great advantage when shopping. What's more, dive shops should be somewhat familiar with the online retailers and their prices. Local shops themselves often have websites. In San Diego, California, for instance, all the dive shops have web sites, like Ocean Enterprises and the Diving Locker, two of the biggest in the area.

The Internet spares you the trouble of traveling to every store in the area. Find a pony tank to fit your needs, be it on a local or national website, and you can check prices online, call the local stores with any questions you might have and make an informed choice without the pressure of a sales associate watching your every breath.

Twenty years ago, ten even, we depended on scuba magazines to get information on scuba gear. Now, with the Internet, you can peruse a variety of sites and make your selections in a leisurely manner. And if you're buying a pony tank, an essential piece of safety gear, you want to make as sober and studied choice as possible. Your life depends on it.

Tags: pony tank, scuba tanks, different brands, dive shops, Internet might

Homemade Body Armor

Homemade body armor is useful for costume and recreational purposes.

Homemade body armor can be useful for costume or other recreational purposes, and there are a few related guidelines worth keeping in mind when designing and creating it.

Choose a Look or Design

Deciding on the look or design of the body armor you seek to create is the first and foremost step. Whether you seek to create gladiator body armor or something more closely resembling Darth Vader from "Star Wars," the initial design will determine first, the amount of your body that you will need to cover, and second, the core design that you will stick to when creating the armor. The costumes available at costume shops online are useful templates for helping you choose a design. For example, the websites "BuyCostumes.com" and "NextTag.com" have a number of costume armor designs available for viewing.

Decide on Your Budget

Homemade body armor can end up surprisingly expensive if you do not consider your budget carefully. For example, purchasing actual Kevlar to make a bulletproof vest can run you around $700, and the additional cost of proper arm padding and other supplies will only exacerbate the cost. Thus, it is important that you decide on a budget ahead of time and make sure that you keep to that budget. Your budget must encompass the materials and particular pieces needed to complete the design you initially set for yourself.

Piecing Together the Armor

It is important that the armor fits together completely and coherently if your outfit is to make sense. As a general principle, you want to use similar material and colors throughout your body armor to keep the design consistent. For example, to give the impression of Darth Vader body armor, simply wearing all black, while strategically placing pillows, shoulder pads, elbow pads, and knee pads underneath your clothes on different parts of your body, could help give the impression of body armor. Of course, in the case of Darth Vader, a mask and black cape (or sheet) would be needed to complete the outfit. For a template of what a full Darth Vader costume with body armor looks like, visit the website "officialstarwarscostumes.com."

Tags: body armor, Darth Vader, Homemade body, Homemade body armor, your body

Remove Paintball Paint

Paintball is an extreme sport that allows participants to engage in non-lethal combat situations. Players "mark" each other with paintballs that are shot out of high-velocity air guns known as markers. Paintball players wear armor, masks and goggles to protect themselves from injury or becoming covered in paint. There is a wide variety of paints used in paintball and all should be water-soluble. This makes them fairly easy to clean from clothing and other materials.

Instructions

1. Pour warm water into your pail. Warm water will more easily remove water-soluble paints, even during cold weather.

2. Add a cup of dishwashing detergent for each gallon of warm water. Detergent is necessary for stubborn splatter on vinyl siding or other porous materials.

3. Soak one cotton towel in the cleaning solution. Leave the towel completely soaked to ensure enough cleanser gets into the object to be cleaned.

4. Wipe away the paint using the wet cotton towel. Water-soluble paints break down with soap and water, allowing you to quickly remove the paintball splatter.

5. Dry the object with the second towel. This will help prevent dust buildup from accumulating and causing damage to enamel car paints or walls.

Tags: cotton towel, warm water

Customize Real Guns

Customize your gun to suit your needs.

Guns can be customized in a number of ways to suit your needs or aesthetic requirements. Many guns can have a new barrel installed, a choke system added to the barrel to regulate the shot pattern, or a custom paint job added. Some guns can be modified to hold larger ammunition clips, or have sighting devices such as magnifying scopes or laser sights attached to improve accuracy. Customizing a gun is a personal decision with many possibilities. Modify your gun in a manner that best suits your purposes.

Instructions

1. Improve the accuracy of your gun with a new barrel. A longer barrel on most gun helps the projectile fly straighter to the target. Install different barrel chokes on a shotgun to suit your needs. Chokes help regulate the pattern of pellets released from the shotgun shell when fired. A full choke keeps the pattern tighter and gives it bigger impact at longer distances, while a modified choke can spread the pattern more quickly upon leaving the barrel to improve your chances of hitting something at closer ranges. The gun's manufacturer or a local gun smith can provide you with the new barrels or chokes for your gun.

2. Install a good quality hunting scope or a laser sighting system to improve accuracy. Either of these can help you hit your target. Find one that suits your needs and is compatible with your gun. Install these as per manufacturer's instructions.

3. Paint the stock with a custom pattern or style of your choice. Disassemble the gun, removing the barrel and trigger mechanism from the stock, according to the manufacturer's directions. Sand and prepare the stock for painting. Add at least two to three coats of high-quality base paint and any custom paint job you desire. Coat the painted stock with a few coats of high-quality automotive clear coat sealer to protect the new finish.

4. Install a new clip that holds more ammunition or other accessories to suit your needs. Consult the manufacturer to find out which accessories your gun is capable of handling. New clips and accessories should fit easily into the gun and not throw the balance off when being aimed or fired.

Tags: your needs, suit your, suit your needs, coats high-quality, custom paint, improve accuracy

Carbon Canister Work

What is a Carbon Canister?

Carbon Canisters are devices found in automobiles designed to decrease the amount of air pollution the vehicle creates while at the same time increasing its fuel efficiency. Even when the vehicle's engine is turned off, hydrocarbons are produced. This occurs in the form of fuel vapor rising in the fuel tank. Carbon Canisters trap that vapor rather than allow it to escape the fuel tank, feeding it back into the engine.

Structure

Carbon Canisters are rectangular shaped boxes that sit apart from the fuel tank next to the throttle in most vehicles. There is an input port and an output port, with the two ports side by side. There are three chambers inside the canister, running in sequence from the intake to the outtake. The interior of the canister is filled with charcoal or carbon pellets. The input of the canister connects to the gas tank's vent port, while the output connects to the purge valve in the side of the vehicle's intake manifold.

How does a Carbon Canister Work?

When the vehicle is shut off, there is a pressure imbalance within the fuel tank caused by fuel being siphoned out, but no air being let back in to take up the empty space. The lower pressure in the gas tank promotes a greater rate of evaporation, letting some of the fuel become a gas. Eventually the tank's internal pressure equalizes, at which point the gas leaves the tank through the vent port and goes into the carbon canister. It's trapped there by the properties of the carbon within the canister, keeping it from escaping into the air. When the vehicle's engine starts, the sudden suction created along the intake manifold opens up the purge valve and pulls all the gaseous fuel out of the canister and burns it in the engine. The canister goes unused until the car is turned off again.

Tags: fuel tank, Carbon Canister, Carbon Canisters, Canister Work, Carbon Canister Work

Get A Texas Food Permit

Get a Texas Food Permit

Anyone that opens a restaurant or food service company must abide by the state laws and regulations governing the food service industry. If a person wishes to open a food service company in Texas, he first must get a Texas food permit before serving any food to customers. There may be additional local laws but the Texas food permit is the first step in food service licensing.

Instructions

1. Gather the necessary information to fill out the Texas food permit application. You will need the registered name of the business, legal name of the owning company, tax payer identification number, the address and phone number of the business and the legal name and title for all of the owners in the food service business.

2. Determine the type of Texas permit you will require for operation of the business. Roadside vendors and mobile food units have different requirements than retail food stores and establishments.

3. Visit the Texas Department of State Health Services website to submit an online application for the Texas food permit. See the resources section for more information.

4. Submit the online application and a fee to obtain the Texas food permit. If you wish, you may mail an application into the Texas Department of State Health Services address listed on their web site. See the resources section for more information.

5. Print the receipt after you submit the application and fees for the Texas food permit. In case there are errors in the process, the receipt provides proof of payment.

Tags: food service, Texas food permit, food permit, Texas food, Texas food, business legal, business legal name

Requirements To Become A Gunsmith

A gunsmith's job involves working closely with a range of firearms and explosives.

Gunsmiths design, build, clean and restore all types of firearms, from small pistols and revolvers to double-barrel shotguns. To work in this field, you need a range of skills and experience with metal, wood and other materials. Gunsmiths need to be experts on firearms technology, care and safety. Formal education requirements are minimal for this career, and many of the necessary skills of the trade are learned on the job. Gunsmiths must also be licensed to work with firearms and explosives in their state.

Education

A gunsmith's education can begin as early as high school. StateUniversity.com recommends that candidates take courses in technical drawing, metallurgy and woodworking while in high school. Students should also develop basic reading, math and technological skills during their high school years. Associate degrees are available for gunsmiths at many colleges around the country. These programs usually take two years to complete and prepare students for the career. Many technical skills offer degrees and courses in general mechanical crafting fields, which is another option for prospective gunsmiths.

Coursework

While pursuing their degree, gunsmith students will study a range of topics in order to meet the requirements of the job. Subjects covered typically include diagnosis and repair of non-functioning firearms, function and design of different types of firearms, wood and metal crafting, ballistics, machine tool processes, blueprint reading, stockmaking and firearms safety. Students may also take classes on the specific elements of guns, such as bolt action, hinges and levers and self-loaders, according to Education Portal. Many programs require more general coursework in areas like English, history and mathematics in addition to gun-related studies. Most gunsmith degree and diploma programs result in a license that allows students to work as professional gunsmiths in their state.

Apprenticeship

New gunsmiths typically complete an apprenticeship with an experienced gun manufacturer. An apprenticeship can last from a few months to a few years and provides new gunsmiths with professional experience. Many of the required skills for this career are learned on the job during the apprenticeship. In many cases, a lengthy apprenticeship can replace formal studies, as the individual winds up acquiring the same skills and knowledge taught in an academic setting.

Licensing

Gunsmiths must be licensed by the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in accordance with the Gun Control Act of 1968. The federal firearms license and can be obtained by sending an application to the ATF and passing an interview screening test. The application requires, among other things, your Social Security number, criminal status, fingerprint cards, list of "responsible persons" and two photos used for identification purposes. The interview allows ATF officials to verify information in your application, clarify any questions you have about federal and state regulations and assess your readiness to be a licensed gunsmith.

Tags: high school, firearms explosives, Gunsmiths must, their state, this career, types firearms

Uses Of Threaded Co2 Cartridges

CO2 cartridges uses appear in several sports, such as paintball, target practice and bicycling.

Threaded CO2 cartridges typically measure in grams. The two most common CO2 cartridges offered provide 12 or 16 grams of compressed CO2. Several companies manufacture these cartridges and typically brand them for a particular use. The most common uses of threaded CO2 cartridges include emergency bicycle pumps, air guns (commonly those firing pellets and BBs) and paintball guns. Many threaded CO2 cartridges branded for specific uses work for other applications as most use similar threads.

Emergency Bicycle Pumps

Many emergency bicycle pumps utilize threaded CO2 cartridges. Bicycle shop Colorado Cyclist offers several threaded CO2 bicycle pumps, according to their online store. Stand alone lightweight mini attachments and larger trigger actuated pumps allow cyclists to carry small CO2 cartridges and pumps rather than larger, often heavier, portable bicycle hand pumps designed for traveling. Some companies offer portable hand pumps with CO2 attachments designed to fill tires most of the way while allowing a cyclist to top off tires to the appropriate pressure with the hand pump. CO2 bleeds from tires faster than normal air; as such, cyclists should only rely on CO2 pumps to get home and not to meet normal air needs.

Air Guns

Several air rifles and pistols utilize threaded CO2 cartridges as propulsion for pellets and BBs. Air rifles and pistols commonly see use as tools for teaching young shooters gun safety and targeting. Crosman Air Guns, official sponsor of Boy Scout shooting events, manufactures several air guns utilizing threaded CO2 cartridges, according to the Crosman website. Air guns span the range from entry-level toy pistols and rifles to full-on remakes of current and classic firearms offering scope and laser sight attachments for professional level shooting experiences. Air guns, popularized in the classic 1983 film "A Christmas Story," pose little danger in the hands of experienced shooters, but adults should always monitor child air gun usage.

Paintball Guns

Paintball as sport steadily gained popularity through the past decade, and the sport of paintball consumes many threaded CO2 cartridges. Many paintball guns use refillable CO2 tanks for propulsion, but several gun designs allow for threaded CO2 use as backup or main air reserves, reports Chris DeForge with "Paintball Times." Users of threaded CO2 cartridges cannot refill the recyclable cartridges. DeForge recommends never attempting refilling, as it can result in severe injury. Paintball threaded CO2 cartridges occasionally measure as large as 45 or even 88 grams, though 12 and 16 gram cartridges usually turn up more frequently. Paintball guns, though designed for firing at human "opponents," should never fire into faces or at close range due to the potential for injury.

Tags: threaded cartridges, threaded cartridges, bicycle pumps, cartridges typically, emergency bicycle, emergency bicycle pumps, hand pumps

Philadelphia Airsoft Gun Laws

Airsoft guns are illegal in Philadelphia.

Unlike traditional firearms that discharge a bullet by burning a propellant, airsoft guns use compressed air or gas to project plastic ammunition. Although airsoft guns are generally legal in the United States, several cities have restricted or banned airsoft guns. In Philadelphia it is illegal to use, sell, buy or possess an airsoft gun.

Prohibited

Chapter 10-810(3)(a) of the Philadelphia Code makes it unlawful to sell, use or possess an airsoft gun within the city's limits regardless of age.

Penalties

An individual found in possession of a airsoft gun or selling an airsoft in Philadelphia may be arrested for a misdemeanor and he will also have to forfeit the airsoft gun to the police in accordance with Chapter 10-810(6) of the Philadelphia Code.

Confiscation

Philadelphia police offers have the right to confiscate any airsoft gun they see under Chapter 10-810(7) of the Philadelphia Code.

Tags: 10-810 Philadelphia, 10-810 Philadelphia Code, airsoft guns, Chapter 10-810, Chapter 10-810 Philadelphia

Hotels Near Mountain Creek New Jersey

Visitors to Mountain Creek's ski resort can also enjoy snowboarding.

Located near Vernon, Mountain Creek in New Jersey welcomes visitors to enjoy the Mountain Creek Ski Resort and Mountain Creek Water Park. Besides snow skiing and snowboarding in the winter, guests of Mountain Creek Ski Resort can participate in mountain biking, golfing and hiking during the Fall months, according to the Mountain Creek website. The Mountain Creek Water Park offers fun in sun during summer with over a dozen water rides and slides.Visitors to the Mountain Creek attractions can find several options for lodging.

The Appalachian

Sitting at the base of Vernon Peak, The Appalachian provides ideal accommodations for skiers visiting the Mountain Creek ski resort or water park. Studio, one and two-bedroom suites give guests choices depending on their accommodation needs, according to The Appalachian website.Each room includes a kitchen and fireplace and guests can enjoy the hotel's outdoor pool with hot tub, ski storage lockers and family game room.

The Appalachian

200 Route 94

Vernon, NJ 07462

973-827-5996

mountaincreek.com

Grand Cascades Lodge

For a luxury hotel experience near Mountain Creek, choose the Grand Cascades Lodge, part of the nearby Crystal Springs Resort. As the Grand Cascades Lodge website states, the Lodge features an Adirondack theme with wood beams, natural stones and forest colors. Guests can choose from standard, studio, one or two-bedrooms suites that all include plush d cor in an Adirondack theme. On-site amenities include restaurants, bars, golf course, gift shop, pool complex and shuttle to Mountain Creek.

Grand Cascades Lodge

Crystal Springs Resort

Route 94

Vernon, NJ 07462

973-827-5996

crystalgolfresort.com

Appalachian Motel

Just minutes away from Mountain Creek Ski Resort and Mountain Creek Water Park, the Appalachian Motel in Vernon offers clean and affordable rooms. As the Appalachian Motel website states, the Appalachian Motel holds a AAA two-diamond rating. Guests can choose from a King or Queen room, all located on ground level, that includes a TV, microfridge, air conditioning and hair dryer.

Appalachian Motel

367 State Route 94

Vernon, NJ 07462

973-764-6070

appalachianmotel.com

Days Inn McAfee

The Days Inn McAfee is located minutes from Mountain Creek, just south on State Route 94. With King, Queen and Double rooms available, the Days Inn McAfee amenities include free breakfast and microfridges in each room and smoking and non-smoking rooms, according to the Days Inn McAfee website. Nearby are four family restaurants and attractions like golf, paintball and bowling, besides the Mountain Creek Ski Resort and Water Park.

Days Inn McAfee

15 Route 94

McAfee, NJ 07428

973-827-4666

daysinn.com

Tags: Mountain Creek, Appalachian Motel, Days McAfee, Cascades Lodge, Grand Cascades

Pennsylvania Laws On Airsoft Guns

Airsoft guns in Pennsylvania are subject to numerous laws.

Airsoft guns are firearm recreations that use compressed air to fire pellets. Airsoft guns are used to simulate war games in a manner similar to paintball guns, except that the pellets don't leave as much of a mess. There are numerous state laws that apply to airsoft guns, even in Pennsylvania.

Orange Tips

Airsoft guns in Pennsylvania must be sold with an orange tip on the end of the barrel that marks the gun as an airsoft replica and not as an actual firearm. This orange tip may be removed after the airsoft gun is purchased at consumers' own discretion, since the airsoft might be mistaken for a real gun after that. The reason for the tip is because many airsoft guns come from Asian countries, and thus they have to be imported. The orange tip marks an airsoft gun and helps keep it separate from actual firearms.

Firearms?

Airsoft guns are not, according to Pennsylvania law, firearms. This means that you don't need a permit to buy, own or carry an airsoft gun. Nor do you need to be 21-years-old to buy an airsoft gun as you would be to purchase a real handgun. Airsoft guns are considered to be BB guns or firearm replicas, depending on the section of the state of Pennsylvania that you happen to be in. Typically you need to be between 16- and 18-years-old to purchase an airsoft gun by yourself, or younger with parental permission.

Crimes

Airsoft guns, though not considered weapons, can be used to commit crime in the state of Pennsylvania. For instance, if you fire an airsoft weapon at someone who isn't a part of an airsoft game and who doesn't consent to this treatment, you could be committing assault. Additionally, if you take an airsoft gun and modify it to look even more realistic, and then you use it to commit crimes such as robbery you can be charged with use of a firearm replica in furtherance of a crime, which is a worsening offense.

Tags: Airsoft guns, Airsoft guns, Airsoft guns Pennsylvania, guns firearm, guns Pennsylvania, marks airsoft

Avoid Dangers In Spray Painting

Wearing safety equipment is one way to avoid the dangers of spray painting.

Spray painting is a quick way to add an attractive finish to objects both large and small. This form of painting can have some dangerous effects on your skin, eyes and respiratory system, which is why you must take precautions before beginning any spray-painting project. You can ensure your safety during the process with pre-planning and some inexpensive safety equipment.

Instructions

1. Put on safety goggles to protect your eyes from any stray paint droplets. The aerosol pressure that sprays the paint projects thousands of droplets of paint out of a hole no bigger than a needle point. These droplets commonly spray outward, which is why protecting your eyes (and eye sight) from errant spray is crucial.

2. Wear rubber gloves while preparing to paint as well as when painting. Rubber gloves will keep your hands clean and protect them from irritation caused by any cleaning products used and paint exposure.

3. Wear a face mask any time you are working with spray paint. As stated in step 1, thousands of airborne paint droplets spew forth through a tiny hole in the spray paint can. The droplets fly in all different directions. Breathing in the paint or the fumes can cause breathing problems, throat irritation and dizziness, all of which can be avoided simply by wearing a mask.

4. Hold the spray paint can away from your body, and make sure the tip is pointed outward before spraying. Never spray back toward your body or toward another person.

5. Work in a well-ventilated area to prevent respiratory problems and dizziness. If you're painting indoors, open all of the windows in the room.

Tags: paint droplets, spray paint, safety equipment, your body, your eyes

Pellet Gun Laws In South Carolina

Pellet guns, regulated in South Carolina, can cause bodily harm and kill.

Although federal law does not consider pellet guns and other air guns to be firearms, each state writes its own laws, including those that regulate pellet guns. South Carolina Code 16-23-405 on miscellaneous crimes and offenses covers crimes related to carrying "a device that may be used to inflict bodily injury or death," which includes pellet guns.

Pellet Guns at School

Without the express permission of the authorities in charge of the property, it is illegal to carry or display a pellet gun in public buildings or in areas adjacent to public areas. According to South Carolina Code 16-23-420(a), these areas include "property owned, operated or controlled by a private or public school, college, university, technical college or other post-secondary institution."

A person carrying a weapon onto public property will be charged with a felony unless he is military personnel, a member of law enforcement, or other person authorized to carry a gun under these circumstances. If convicted, he will be subject to a fine of not more than $5,000 and imprisoned for not more than five years. After conviction, the weapon may be used by the arresting agency or may be sold or destroyed.

Any weapon or object used in violation of this section may be confiscated by the law enforcement division making the arrest.

Using a Pellet Gun in Committing a Crime

A person who uses a pellet gun in committing a crime will have his weapon confiscated. The weapon will not be returned to the person and the agency receiving the weapon may keep it to use or may sell or destroy it. The weapon cannot be disposed of until the outcome of the trial is known.

Shooting at Structures and Vehicles

Shooting at or into buildings, enclosures, cars or equipment is illegal under the South Carolina code and is a felony. A person convicted must be fined not more than $1,000 or imprisoned for not more than 10 years, or both.

Concealing a Pellet Gun

A person concealing a weapon that causes injury, such as a pellet gun, is guilty of a misdemeanor if convicted. He will forfeit his weapon to the city and be fined not less than $200 and not more than $500 or be imprisoned not less than 30 days.

Carrying such a firearm onto premises where alcohol is served is also a misdemeanor. Upon conviction, the person will be fined not less than $2,000 or imprisoned not less than three years, or both.

Pellet Gun Possession on Private Property

South Carolina code prohibits city or county governments in that state from regulating pellet gun possession. It does, however, allow public or private employers and private property owners to prohibit possession as long as they post the prohibition on their premises.

If the employer or property owner posts that no concealable weapons are allowed, even people with permits to carry a concealed weapon are not permitted to do so on the premises. This decision was rendered concerning Oconee County's prohibition of guns, including pellet or air guns, at county parks. It is also presumed to be constitutional until a court declares it unconstitutional.

Tags: South Carolina, more than, less than, than imprisoned, more than imprisoned