Trades

AutoCad Student!!!

community@ashworthcollege.edu — Fri, 17 May 2013 17:36:47 GMT

just received my shipment!!! Yay!! Ready to get started!

Electrician Training

community@ashworthcollege.edu — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 21:46:07 GMT

Hi All ,

I hope someone out there can help me , i have just recieved my Modern Residential Wiring handbook from Ashworth College , and having browsed through it i've come across a term i find confusing . Can anyone please tell me the difference between the terma "Grounding" and "Grounded" ?

Thanks

Electrician Training

community@ashworthcollege.edu — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:18:46 GMT

Hi Eveyone ,

Have just enrolled on Asworth College Electrician Training on line . Funny relly because i am already a fully qualified Electrician , but that's back in the UK .

I also want to ply my trade here in the US . So any tips from you guys , and gals would be a great help .

For instance , what are the color codes here in the States ? is Health and Safety as big an issue as it is in the UK ?

All help will be greatly appreciated

Hello fellow students

community@ashworthcollege.edu — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 23:24:15 GMT

I am pleased to announce that I have completed my first set of exams, and doing extremely well. I have learned so much over the past couple of weeks and i am anxiously awaiting my second shipment of learning materials. I wish everyone a continued success in their chosen field of study and good luck on your career

Hello Everyone, @ Ashworth

community@ashworthcollege.edu — Fri, 18 Jan 2013 02:03:49 GMT

I received my first shipment today, very excited about starting and it took less than 48 hours.

Motorcycle repair course

community@ashworthcollege.edu — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 01:57:48 GMT

I just finished my second book in this course and I am starting to get a firm understanding on how the engines work. I know that this is just an online course with no hands on training so I contacted a few motorcycle dealers in my area and talked to the service department people. I told them I was in this class and that I was looking for a non paid apprenship or internship position to start working on bikes and low and behold they contacted me and said I can start this Friday so I am pretty excited. Places like that will never pass up free help. So if anyone is looking to get into a shop while in school this is the best approach to take. You won't get paid but you will get the much needed hands on training to go along with your reading of your books and hopefully they will hire you when you finish this course if you are learning fast.

Draceana

community@ashworthcollege.edu — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 23:14:22 GMT

My corn tree what a beauty

plants

community@ashworthcollege.edu — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 23:12:09 GMT

A planter with english ivy

Let's build with something other than wood...

community@ashworthcollege.edu — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 17:48:08 GMT

Many of you know that I have advocated a sea change in our thinking of how to build things. Up to now, the basics of building have not changed in decades. However, we are now seeing an explosion of new building techniques that not only use less construction materials, but cost less to build, are more structurally sound, have longer life spans, and use much less energy over the life of the structure. Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) or Structural Concrete Insulated Panels (SCIPs) are a couple of those new products that promise to fundamentally change the way we build homes. I have attached a short video on SCIPs. Innovative building techniques such as this will eventually bcome commonplace. Those of you who embrace the new technologies earlier will be the first ones to thrive as we work our way out of the building recession/depression we have had over the past three years. So, enjoy the video. Hopefully it will spur some discussion. Thanks.

Green Trends In Carpentry

community@ashworthcollege.edu — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 18:27:36 GMT

Some would say that carpentry has basically stayed the same for centuries. While the fundamentals of carpentry endure the test of time, the materials we use and the way we build is undergoing dramatic change.

Building is all about energy efficiency, conservation of materials, and environmental quality. We are learning more and more about how to build a home using materials and techniques that can make the life cycle cost of the building and living in the home much more cost efficient than ever before. We are learning that the materials we use to build the home have a direct impact on indoor air quality. Finally, we are learning that we can recycle much of our building materials that use to go directly to the landfill.

If there was one area that I would recommend any construction professional concentrate on is “green” building. It not only makes good environmental and economic sense, most municipalities are now requiring these new techniques of building.

Photographs Are An Important Part Of Real Estate Appraisal

wayne@valuesource.net — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 18:11:32 GMT

Over the years, I’ve actually worked with inexperienced appraisers who’ve asked the question: “why are photographs so important?” Photographs reflect the condition of the property at the time of the appraisal inspection. Photographs prove that the appraiser was actually at the property despite allegations no inspection ever took place. Lastly, photos can simply help the appraiser remember the property. Again, with the ease of digital cameras, the appraiser can provide interior photographs to prove that no water stains were apparent at the time of the inspection and that any pre-existing stains must have been painted over. Photos would prove that the cracking, which is now evident around the doors and windows, must have been caulked and repainted, which served to conceal any problems from the appraiser. A photo of the garage filled to the roof with boxes demonstrates how the appraiser could not have seen the significant cracking now apparent in the garage floor.

Some exterior photos would prove that at the time of the inspection, dense shrubbery surrounded the home, thereby making it impossible for the appraiser to have access to the foundation. Without photographs, all you have to defend yourself with is your word. With photographs, you have solid evidence, which cannot be refuted. A photo is truly worth a thousand words, and with today’s technology it only takes a few minutes to take photos throughout the property. The moral of this story is that a successful real estate appraiser always makes it a high priority to take quality photographs of a property.

Let me share with you another story. I knew of an appraiser who appraised a single family residence that had been purchased in a foreclosure sale by an investor who specialized in rehabilitating distressed properties. Purchased for under $20,000, the subject property was in terrible shape, showing obvious signs of deferred maintenance. The investor installed new carpet, repainted the entire interior, and put new appliances and linoleum in the kitchen and the 2 baths. A new toilet replaced one that was cracked and stained. The property was under contract for $96,000 when it was inspected by the appraiser. He noted the prior sale, detailed all the rehab work done by the investor/seller and also took photos of the freshly painted walls, new carpets, kitchen, and baths. Little did he know how valuable those photos would eventually be.

The new buyer, an investor who unfortunately bought too many properties to manage them well, rented out the subject property. When the buyer defaulted on the loan, the lender took over. The tenant stopped paying rent because the lender refused to make minor repairs. Unhappy, the tenant vacated the property, taking with him light fixtures, kitchen appliances and even the new toilet. Months later, the lender had a realtor inspect the property for resale. The place was in deplorable condition: dirty walls, stained and torn carpeting, torn linoleum, no kitchen appliances, and only a hole in one bathroom floor where the toilet had been ripped out.

The lender sent a letter to the appraiser stating that the appraiser would be accountable for any losses incurred to resell the property under the value of the outstanding loan balance. The lender alleged the appraiser had misrepresented the rehab work done by the seller, as well as misrepresented the overall condition of the property. The appraiser pointed out that the property had been in excellent condition at the time of the appraisal, and provided file photocopies to back up the condition of the property reported in the appraisal report.

Preserve Landscape Design With Maintenance

ldworkshops@bellsouth.net — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 18:09:51 GMT

I am sad to say that there are a tremendous number of beautifully designed and perfectly installed landscapes that look terrible! On the other hand, I’ve seen landscapes that were not professionally designed or installed, but which have been well-cared for, that absolutely sparkle! Quality maintenance is an essential ingredient for the long-term beauty of any landscape.

Here’s the key point I want you to understand when your design is created. If the client asks for low-maintenance, then a low-maintenance design should be implemented. There is no way that a high-maintenance design can be “transformed” into a low-maintenance one after it is installed. The designer needs to determine what level of maintenance can be expected and use this as a criterion for the design. A design and installation that looks great five years after it is installed is a living marketing tool for your business!

There is another reason why you should consider offering maintenance services to your clients. It is the bread and butter of many successful landscape companies. In fact, many new design and installation opportunities often come from the maintenance side of the business. If a particular landscape looks great, folks ask the owner who is doing the landscaping, and if it is you, this is an instant referral! Also, by maintaining the landscape, you have ultimate control over your designs. If you offer a guarantee on the installed plants, it is very easy to keep an eye on the installation and make sure it is receiving adequate care. If a plant happens to die, you are right there to replace it as you complete your regular maintenance activities.

One more note about this part of landscaping is that the term really should not be landscape maintenance but landscape management. The difference is that someone who maintains plants hopes to keep them looking about the same from one year to the next. A landscape manager, on the other hand, works to improve and enhance the landscape from one year to the next. This is a perfect role for the landscape design professional, as it allows for new design activity to continue virtually forever.

Basic Carpentry Tools Needed For Any Job

community@ashworthcollege.edu — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 18:08:14 GMT

Here it is. Your complete list of the basic carpentry tools that you need to be fully prepared to take on any project. Get your pen and paper ready, this is a long list. The first thing you need is a good place to store your carpentry tools that keeps them safe and dry. There are many different ways you can do this. Some more expensive than others. A good toolbox mounted on your truck works great but can sometimes be in the way when you need to haul loads. A tool chest with a good lock is another good idea. If your just working around home they even sell Rubber type chests with hinged lids, wheels and a handle. Anything that will keep your carpenter tools dry and secure will work just fine.

Let's get the pricey items out of the way first. Your going to have to have a good 7 1/4" power saw and a 100', 14 gauge extension cord to help you use it. A good 6' fiberglass step ladder will work for most jobs but it is also nice to have a 12 or 14' extension ladder. You will need an assortment of levels and squares. I'd suggest 2' and 6' aluminum levels. A framing square with rafter tables on it, a speed square, combination square, and a sliding t-bevel.

No list of carpenters tools is complete without a bunch of hand tools. A 10 to 12 point hand saw. A fine toothed coping saw. Both a 16-22 oz. framing hammer and a 16 oz. finish hammer. A ripping chisel. A 1/2", 3/4", 1", and 1 1/2" wood chisels. A nail puller, some call it a cat's paw. Lineman's pliers, multiple tip screwdriver with both slotted and phillips bits, 35' tape measure, utility knife, chalk box. I usually get a spare bottle of both red and blue chalk. You will need some nail sets. At least a 1/16", 3/32", and 1/8". A brass scribe, a 12" adjustable wrench, and a 100' dry line will also come in handy.

Lastly, I'd round out my list of carpenter tools with some safety items. You'll need a hard hat, safety glasses, and hearing protection, all ANSI approved. Cotton or leather gloves, steel toed shoes, and some pull over rubber boots. You also want to get some rain gear, both pants and jacket.

Well there it is. Your short list of basic carpenter tools. Not so short is it? There are a lot more carpenters tools such as wheelbarrows, shovels, sledge hammers, drills, and different kinds of saws etc.. that you could still get but that's a bit past the basics. Just get the list of basic carpentry tools from above and you will be ready to go.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ronald_K_Davis

Ability To Read Blueprints Key To Electrician Career Advancement

jabbone2002@gmail.com — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 18:06:22 GMT

One of the most important components of a commercial or industrial project is the blueprints and specifications, usually called the “plans & specs.” The plans for a large commercial project will be far more complex and detailed than a residential blueprint. The electrical section alone can contain 40 or more drawings for a ten-story building. These plans are the “instructions” for constructing the electrical distribution system in a building. Your ability to read and understand detailed blueprints is paramount for a successful career in this industry! I know many electricians in this industry who are very skilled at installing equipment, but who are not very good when it comes to reading blueprints. They still earn a good living, but the lack of this one skill almost always prevents them from advancing into other areas of the industry, such as estimating, project management, project supervision, and even owning their own business.

Imagine how difficult it would be to develop a successful business if you have difficulty understanding the blueprints for all of your projects. This skill is not hard to master; it requires only the desire and willingness to learn how to do it correctly and efficiently. In the future it might be possible for you to obtain some old prints for completed jobs from your employer. You could then study them in your spare time in an effort to become more familiar with different types of blueprints. When I say different types, I mean that the blueprints were drawn by different engineers. No two jobs are the same, nor do any two design engineers draw their plans in exactly the same manner.

Reviewing different sets of electrical plans will help you see various ways of portraying electrical installations. One thing that you are sure to notice is that nearly identical electrical installations can be drawn differently on two different sets of plans. The drawings may look similar at first glance, but the way in which each one conveys information will not be exactly the same. Most of the time it will be up to you to interpret the intent of the electrical plans. Sometimes there will be details for you to install something in a specific way, while most other elements of the installation will be designed just enough for you to understand what to do without a great amount of detail. Otherwise, you would have 200 drawings for that ten-story building instead of just 40.

Specifications are another critically important part of any commercial or industrial project. These are the written construction documents that accompany a set of blueprints. The “specs” contain information about the contractual portion of the project, code compliance, quality assurance, documentation, and a host of other important pieces of information about the job. Unless specifically stated otherwise in the contract, the specifications govern the installation of a project, not the plans. The plans are to be followed, but if there is a discrepancy between the plans and the specs, the specs govern.

Specs are easier to follow than the plans because they are in a written document, usually resembling a very thick notebook. As you read them, you’ll see things like “this type shall be provided” or “testing will be performed in the following manner.” The trick here is to review the specs on a periodic basis throughout the life of the project. You cannot remember everything contained in the specs. Realize that it gets quite costly whenever you provide and/or install equipment that doesn’t comply with the specifications, simply because you forgot to or didn’t read what the specs called for in the way of approved equipment or installation practices.

Why Hire a Licensed HVAC Contractor?

community@ashworthcollege.edu — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 18:04:10 GMT

When upgrading or installing your heating and air-conditioning system, it can be tempting to look for the cheapest contractor in hopes of saving money.

Chances are, if you do, you'll be hiring someone who is unlicensed, and this can cause a host of problems when installing your HVAC (heating, ventilation, air-conditioning) system.

Your HVAC system is arguably one of the most important components of your home. This is how you heat your home in winter and cool it in summer. It's one of your home's most significant expenses and has a major effect on your home comfort.

Most jurisdictions, including Ontario, require or encourage their HVAC contractors to be licensed. Becoming licensed ensures that a contractor meets minimum standards for technical knowledge, experience and respect for safety. Licensed contractors are also usually monitored by a government agency or industry association and unsafe companies can lose their licences if they perform shoddy work or cheat their customers.

A shoddy HVAC system can be expensive to run, dangerous to your health and reduce the resale value of your home.

In Ontario, the Electrical Safety Authority, an independent industry watchdog, reports that since 1988 at least 100 people have been killed by electrocution in homes because of improper and unsafe work and there have been at least 3,000 electricity-related fired each year because of poor workmanship.

While it's not illegal for you hire an unlicensed contractor and pay them cash, it can be very difficult to get your money back if something goes wrong. Even worse, homeowners can be held legally responsible in some cases if they hire an unlicensed HVAC contractor.

For one, licensed HVAC contractors are required to obtain the necessary building and work permits from the local government office, depending on the type of work they are doing in your home. Most unlicensed contractors don't bother with this paperwork. But many homeowners don't realize that when a contractor skips the necessary permits, it's the homeowner that can be fined, not the contractor.

Licensed HVAC companies are also required to have some form of insurance to cover injuries to workers and damage to your home. Few unlicensed contractors have this kind of insurance. If an unlicensed contractor, or one of its employees, is injured while working on your HVAC system, as a homeowner you can be held legally responsible for the worker's medical expenses, lost wages and the cost of pain and suffering. You will also have to pay for any damages to your home, or to the company equipment.

Sometimes your homeowner's insurance won't cover damages to your home that are performed by an unlicensed contractor - especially if you haven't signed a written contract.

It can even be difficult to take an unlicensed contractor to court since they typically won't sign a contract with you and it can be difficult to prove to a judge that any problems in your home were a result of the contractor's work. Many are fly-by-night operators who disappear as soon as the work is done, making them tough to track down.

While a licensed contractor may seem more expensive, they can save you significant amounts of money in the long run, by filing the proper paperwork, having the right insurance coverage, and having the necessary knowledge and experience do safely install the best HVAC system for your home.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tammy_E_Scouten