Archive for March 25th, 2010

 

Glue Guns and Glue Sticks

Thursday, March 25th, 2010

Glue guns are available in low temperature and high temperature hot-melt versions. Low temperature glue guns heat up to about 120º C and are more suitable where a high temperature is undesirable. High-temperature guns heat up to around 195°C and produce a stronger bond. Also available are dual glue guns which feature a switch so that both low and high temperatures can be used for different applications.

For industrial applications, there are a broad range broad range of heavy duty glue guns available which are designed to optimise production efficiency. These range from sprayable pneumatic glue guns to multi temperature units.

Glue sticks are available in several different diameters for different types and sizes of glue guns. The commonest size has a diameter of 11mm. Glue sticks are also available in various lengths, from about 10cm upwards. However, most glue guns will accommodate glue sticks of any length. Hot melt and low temperature glue sticks are available for the different types of glue gun. Hot melt adhesives do not contain and solvents or water. They set when they lose temperature and this means that they can set quickly.

For industrial uses, various types of glue sticks are available for specialist purposes. The most common diameters are 12 and 43mm. For domestic use, there are only a few types of glue stick that are available. Glue sticks have different open times, i.e. the time taken to make a bond. This can vary from a second or two to several minutes.

A glue gun should be switched on at least five minutes before being used to give time for the heating element and glue to warm up. As the glue stick gets hot it melts and then it can be used to glue various materials together. Care should be taken when using hot glue guns as hot glue can be dangerous. Always be sure to keep your fingers away from the glue as it comes out of the nozzle, otherwise you could suffer burns to the skin.

 

King Of Durability: Leather Handbag

Thursday, March 25th, 2010

It has been often said that you get what you pay for.  This is, for the most part, a true statement because people who are in business want to make a profit.  Therefore, if the business sells a product that is cheap or inexpensive to make they can sell it for their cost and a bit extra to make a profit.  However, if the product is expensive and they sell it at a cheap price then it stands to reason that they are losing money.

Besides that there is nothing like the real thing.  One of those products in which a substitution doesn’t even come close to matching is a leather handbag.  This is because the texture of a leather handbag is hard to imitate.  Also, a real leather handbag has many benefits and with proper care will outlast other products.

The Texture Of A Leather Handbag

One of the wonderful things about leather is that the basic material can be treated or manufactured in different ways.  Examples of the way that leather handbags can be manufactured are by making the leather into suede, transformation into patent, imprinted, etc.

The Benefits Of A Leather Handbag

Generally, leather products are manufactured from the skin of cows.  This by-product from cattle is extremely beneficial in that the hides of cattle are very durable, strong and yet very supple or soft.

Because of this durability, it makes for a perfect material to make a handbag.   A leather handbag can be made entirely from leather or certain parts of the handbag can be made from the leather.

Examples can include the strap, the closure flap, the area where the straps meets the ends of the purse, etc.  If the purse is crafted in this manner it may add to the longevity of the handbag as these areas have a tendency to be areas of excess stress or constant use.  
 
Caring For A Leather Handbag

After a leather handbag has been purchased it is important to properly care for the leather handbag.  This is important because through proper care a quality leather handbag will serve the owner a number of years if not longer.

Therefore, there are some important tips to put into practice when caring for a leather handbag.  Some of those tips include never storing a leather handbag in a plastic bag, storing the handbag from a hook, fixing any tears with rubber cement, using a leather product regularly on the leather handbag, etc.  Also, it is important to dry off the leather handbag immediately if the handbag is exposed to moisture.