If you are a professional person who needs tools to perfect a job in the manufacturing and production field, or you are one of nature’s few excellent D.I.Y superheroes, then there is a tool for every task.

Some of the fine brands that are on offer are

• Bosch
• Wap
• Enerpac
• Gedore
• Chicago Pneumatic, to mention only a few of the vast and excellent range of tools that are available.

Kiloton offers tools for a vast range of applications, which can be found under one roof, which is practical and makes good sense.

An excellent  example of outstanding tools is the  Enerpac range that supplies tools for all industrial applications and is synonymous with superior quality; these tools are available locally and offer superior after-sales service.

Somta are the market leaders in the supply of precision manufactured tools for cutting, drill bits and threading tools for a diverse range of applications across all industrial fields.

Gedore is the foremost dealer of hand tools to the private as well as the industrial sector. Gedore maintains these outstanding quality products by always using the most excellent resources in the manufacture of high quality hand tools.

Gedore has been making quality tools for over 85 years; these are tools that are selected and hand-picked by expert users, and carry the Gedore label.

If you require specific tools for manufacturing and production applications, or need a tool for a project to do at home, you need look no further.

Five Effects Of Deforestation on the Environment

1. The Water Cycle: Trees absorb water from the earth through their root systems and they release moisture into the atmosphere through the process of transpiration. If large areas of forest are destroyed, the results will be a far drier climate.
2. Soil Erosion: Soil becomes eroded more easily when there are fewer trees because there are fewer root systems from trees to bind and stabilise the soil. As a result the soil is easily blown away, removing the fertile layer of topsoil. Water washes away essential topsoil as well. As a result the quality of the soil becomes poor and has a negative effect on agriculture.
3. Higher Temperatures: Trees use carbon dioxide in the atmosphere to produce the food for plants through the process of photosynthesis. If there are fewer trees, then this means more carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Higher levels of carbon dioxide cause the temperature to increase globally and this in turn contributes to the greenhouse effect.
4. The Extinction of Animal and Plant Species: Certain plant and animal species are threatening to become extinct with deforestation. Forests are the natural habitat of at least half of the world’s animal species. If the forests are being destroyed these species could become extinct.
5. There is Less Oxygen: Forests are responsible for producing large quantities of oxygen as a by-product for photosynthesis, which is the manufacture of food for all plants. Therefore if there are fewer trees then less oxygen is released into the atmosphere.

• Did you know that an area of forest the size of 20 rugby fields is lost to deforestation every minute?
• In Malaysia logging has damaged the environment as adult trees are cut down to make way for plantations.

Large areas of forest are burnt down every year to clear land for agriculture. These fires caused 20 % increase in the amount of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. It is important that a responsible approach is taken when it comes to our forests and trees.

Transplanting Trees is a Delicate and Often Necessary Operation

It is necessary to move trees from one location to another at times. Transplanting trees is particularly pertinent when a building goes up and the trees need to be saved.

A tree is transplanted by cutting around the root ball, which includes both roots and soil that surround the root system. A crane is then used to transport the tree to its new domain. Some trees can weigh as much as 20 tons!

In many countries the law requires the party responsible to replace damaged trees or loss of transplanting by planting seedlings.

How, then, is a tree is successfully transplanted? A huge amount of careful planning goes into this.
Here are the steps taken when transplanting a tree, regardless of size

• The root system needs to be cut in a specific way to ensure that the tree is transplanted successfully.
• Six months prior to transplanting the tree, a ditch in the region of six times the diameter of the tree is dug around the tree, using either machines or manually. The ditch is about six cm deep; bear in mind that vital roots are close to the surface.
• The roots are then cut with a special pruning saw. Manure and humid soil is placed in the ditch and the tree is watered every second day.
• New roots sprout after 6 months and the tree is ready for transplantation.
• If the roots are not cut prior to transplantation then the leaves and the root ball are sprayed with a viscous mixture that will keep the tree nourished.
• The root ball is wrapped in a canvas that is biodegradable; therefore does not need to be removed.
• Steel cabling is wrapped around the root ball, and extra cables are tied to the branches to balance the tree while it is being lifted.
• The tree is then hauled up with a crane and taken to its new position.
• Trucks are used when the tree is taken long distance.
• When the tree is planted in the new hole the roots are not secure.
• Wooden supports are used to prop up the tree to assist it from toppling over.
• These supports are left in place until the tree stabilizes.

The process takes about a year. Transplanting a tree is a lengthy and tedious process, but every tree saved makes a difference to our world.

Here are Five Easy Steps To Build a Compost Box

Summer is here and your garden is thriving; going the natural route is the answer to having an awesome garden this year. Making your own compost is untidy, smelly and messy, so why not build your own compost box, make use of all your peels, eggshells and tea bags and watch your garden flourish. Greens are really expensive, so take this step in the right direction towards growing your own veggies this season. And remember that there are fabulous winter veggies that you can grow as well.

This compost box is very easy to make; even those with three thumbs will manage

You need
• Two timber planks 38mm x 6,6mm
• Two timber batons 38mm x 3m
• Square combination
• Circular saw
• Packet of chipboard screws; 4mm x 50mm
• Electric screwdriver and bits
• Linseed oil and a brush

Method
Step 1
• Using a pencil and ruler, measure the planks to 800mm lengths.
• Use the square combination to draw a right-angle line.
• Using the circular saw, cut the timber.
• You will require 12 pieces of equal length for the sides of the compost box.

Step 2
• Measure the timber batons to 900mm lengths.
• Use the square combination to draw a right-angle line.
• Use the circular saw to cut four pieces of equal length for the legs of the compost box.
Step 3

• Start at one end of a baton and screw 3 lengths of timber planks to it, leaving spaces of about 2cms between the planks, using the screws and electric screwdriver.
• Attach a baton to the other side of the planks as well.
• Repeat with 3 more planks and the other two batons.
• You will now have two sides with three planks across attached to 2 batons.

Step 4
• Attach 3 more planks on both sides to complete the box.
• The legs should stick out by at least 40cms.

Step 5
• Cut the bottom of the legs at an angle to make it simpler to push into the ground.

I

n our warm climate it takes in the region of 3 to 6 months for your compost to break down to use. To speed up the process of decomposition, ensure that as much oxygen as possible reaches the compost.

Deforestation is a Big Worry; Trees are the Earth’s Lungs

Trees have been around since time immemorial, and man has been around destroying trees for as long as they have been part of our world.

Trees are here to give us fruit and shade, and are vital to life on earth, yet they are under threat due to deforestation. Trees are among our most significant natural resources.

Wood is used to

• Make furniture.
• Used to build homes, especially in countries such as Australia and America where wooden homes are the norm, and brick homes are the exception.
• Wood is also used for fuel.

Numerous products are made out of wood:
• Paper
• Cardboard products for packaging and numerous other uses.
• Cellophane
• Rayon

Many companies are paperless in today’s world in an effort to slowing down the cutting back of trees and preserving our forests. Companies such as insurance houses no longer use paper for documentation in an effort to cutting back the use of copious amounts of paper.
 
Trees shade us from the harsh sun, beautify our world, and are home to innumerable animals, birds and insects. Trees also release oxygen into the air; as a matter of facts the massive rain forests are dubbed the “Lungs of the Earth”.

Only 0, 5 % of South Africa’s land area is covered by indigenous forests; that is why it is so important to protect what we have left.

If you would like to make a little difference, then plant a tree every Arbour week.

Redecorating Need Not Cost The Earth

If you are tired of the same old look year in and year out – it might be a good idea to start off 2012 by incorporating a couple of fresh ideas to revitalize and update your décor.

If you are in love with colours this is the time to explore and be inspired by the amazing array of romantic pastels and deep, rich colourful paints that are available.
Select a paint surface that will enable you to wash it frequently and one that does not stain. A paint that is perfect for both inside and outside applications.

For The Bedroom:
To liven up a dull space, it might be a good idea to incorporate mixed patterns.
A bookshelf that is filled with patterned knick-knacks makes a vivacious backdrop in any room, including a bedroom where the bedding is mixed but not perfectly matched; this will pull the room together.

For The Kitchen:
In the kitchen give your kitchen a warm feel with a lick of red paint on the cupboards, and tile the floor with Marley tiles to create a classic look (black and white tiles are wonderful for this look).
Stick pretty gift paper on cupboard doors with spray glue and then cover this with clear varnish – this is both inexpensive and effective.

In your Dining Room, TV Room or Lounge:
Use yellow as your main colour for warmth; yellow is trendy and also fun and friendly. Mix your yellow scheme with stripes, florals and other patterns.

T

here are numerous ways to liven up every room in your home; a bit of paint, lots of imagination, and a couple of interesting accessories and fabrics will make a world of difference. Let 2012 be the year of new and exciting things both in and out of the home.

Put Your Old Wooden Items To Good Use

Off cuts and old wooden items such as frames and logs can be put to good use.

Make wooden coasters out of wooden logs – these are works of art for your table.

You need:
• Wooden log
• Pictures that you like
• Artist’s charcoal
• Black ballpoint pen
• Sealant
• Tracing paper

1. Ask someone to cut thin discs from the log.
2. Find interesting pictures that have good outlines, such as flowers.
3. Cover the picture with the tracing paper and trace the outline with the black pen.
4. Go over the outline with the artist’s charcoal on the wrong side of the paper.
5. Then turn the picture over once again so that the charcoal side is facing down – go over the outline once again with the black pen so that the charcoal is transferred onto the wooden disc.
6. Once the picture is transferred to the wood, seal it with a wood sealant, and voila! You now have lovely wooden coasters.

Make a table with round logs:

You need:
• Wooden logs
• Round glass table top
• Rope
• Strong glue
• Paint scraper

1. Select straight logs for this project, and then ask someone to help saw off the ends neatly for you (your hardware store would be willing to help).
2. Glue the logs together.
3. Wrap the rope around the logs.
4. Fill the spaces of the logs with the glue.
5. Remove any excess glue with the paint scraper.
6. Position the round glass table top on the logs and there you have a super duper table to use either inside or outside the home.

There are so many things you can do that are quite simple, transforming your house into a home; all you need is a little bit of imagine and a couple of items that you can revamp into something quite fantastic!

Give Kids a Room to Grow

When you have a baby it is easy to think they will stay that way forever, but before you know it, the baby becomes a toddler, then a school-going child and before you know it the baby is a teenager.
Rooms for your little one should be designed that can grow with your child.

Here are a couple of imaginative décor ideas that will thrill both kids and their parents

• A wall map can easily be an interactive learning tool and also the focal point of the décor of a room. Trace a suitable map onto the wall using PVA which will give children an opportunity to draw on the map with different coloured chalk, while they learn their Geography. Give them an opportunity to attach little keep-sakes and postcards onto the map when and if they visit far-away destinations.
• Continue the theme by adding flags, suitable flooring and unusual and gimmicky accessories.
• If you are wild about bright colours for the walls but are loathe painting the walls these exotic shades, there are many different ways to leave the walls a plain shade and incorporate colour with fabrics. Mix as many colours and patterns you wish with the addition of duvet covers, pillows and curtains. A colourful headboard will also add to the look.
• Add crisp florals and stripes for a little girl’s room; these are simply perfect for a country look.
• Your child’s artistic talents are appreciated, therefore it would be a shame if you did not showcase their talents properly; use the art for placemats and notebook covers; photocopy the art onto good paper, have this laminated, and transform it into a super lampshade.
• Use interesting wall stickers to liven up a wall in a young person’s room; using birds and trees will make the room one with nature.

You don’t always have to spend top dollar to make a child’s fantasy room a reality, with a little bit of imagination and a few basic ideas, you will be surprised at the look you can achieve.

There is a Definite Trend Towards Downscaling

Homeowners are opting for townhouse and apartment living, and smaller and more compact homes and living spaces, whilst creating sophisticated and airy smaller homes.

Without breaking the bank here are a couple of hints to make that smaller home work for you:
• Ensure that your furniture is both small and compact in a smaller space; fussy and large pieces and very dark wooden furniture overwhelms a smaller space. If you are keen to have dark furniture a slim and dark table could do the trick perfectly.
• Get rid of a wall; by losing a wall you will open up the space and instead use screens and bookshelves to differentiate between spaces.
• As far as windows are concerned, go for simplicity. Frills and fuss won’t do at all. If you are going to use patterns, large, bold patterns will overwhelm a small space, and remember, when mixing fabrics, keep it to a minimum. Blinds and shutters are excellent alternatives for window dressings in a small space.
• As far as colour is concerned, make use of light, neutral colours that are reflective as this makes spaces lighter and airier. If you are going for light, you need not stick to white only; there are many other options, and you could select bright colours if you prefer, such as lime green, turquoise, cerise and orange. Take in factors such as how much light enters the room, and also what the room is being used for.
• If you do go for light colour paint, you can brighten up the rest of the décor with colour accents such as furniture, ornaments, and paintings as an example.
• Cut out as much clutter as possible; get as many wireless electronics so that you cut back on wires lying around. Transfer your music to a computer so that you can pack all your CD’s away.
• Be merciless when it comes to pictures and ornaments; too many of these clutter up space and make a room look full and untidy.
• Lighting makes a huge difference; corner lighting works better than overhead lights when you have a small space.
• Sliding doors are neat and save a lot of space.
• Flooring makes a huge impact; so fix the floor so that your space will seem bigger.

These are only a couple of ideas to improve on your small space; you need not be a DIY expert to make your space look light, bright, spacious and airy.