2/16/2026
Comparison of Beginner Welding Processes
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- MIG (Gas Metal Arc Welding): Easiest to learn, often mastered in a few hours. Good for auto body, hobby, and thin metal projects. They require shielding gas, making them less ideal for windy, outdoor conditions.
- Flux-Core (FCAW): Similar to MIG but uses flux-shielded wire instead of gas. It is excellent for beginners, particularly for thicker materials, and works well outdoors. They are generally affordable, but produce more smoke and slag than MIG.
- Stick (SMAW): The most economical and portable option. It excels at repairing farm equipment or, dirty, rusty, and thick materials. It has a steeper learning curve to maintain the arc, making it less ideal for, thin, delicate work.
- TIG (Gas Tungsten Arc Welding): Offers the highest precision and quality for specialized, clean, or artistic welds (e.g., aluminum). It is the hardest to master, requiring two-handed, high-coordination,, and is generally not recommended as a first machine.
- Multi-Process Units: These allow for MIG, TIG, and Stick in one machine, providing the best long-term value for beginners who want to explore different techniques.
2/15/2026
Selecting the Right Survival Tools
Selecting the Right Survival Tools
With the significant number of survival tools on sale today, finding the best multitool could be puzzling. This article will assist you to choose the most suitable survival tools.
With the substantial number of survival tools on the market today, discovering the most effective multitool can be confusing to the beginning survivalist. Some are so cumbersome and of such poor quality as to be almost pointless in many situations. This article will aid you to choose the best survival tools for optimum performance and safety and security in any survival situation Many of us spend a great deal of time outdoors due to our professions and leisure activities. We are agriculturalists, sportsmans, anglers, campers, construction workers, loggers, and the list goes on and on. It is incredibly crucial for us to carry high quality tools which work for day-to-day work and for other outdoor applications. We are individuals most likely to actually be in need of them.
There are many instances of survival tools and equipment that you must consider when you are getting ready for emergency situations.
Among the most crucial aspects of a survival tool is that one tool needs to serve as many functionalities as possible. Consider the multifunctional Swiss Army knife. Every Boy Scout knows that this knife is many different tools in one. Along with a utility knife, it features a can and bottle opener, flathead in addition to phillipshead screwdrivers, corkscrew, fish scaler and hook remover.
The knife also features scissors, a rope and wood saw, in addition to a tooth pick and tweezers. Larger models may even include a magnifying glass for starting fires and some may even have a compass built right into it. These knives are highly versatile and compact which makes all the difference in the world when packing for a camping or hiking experience.
Additional swiss-army-like survival tools and equipment that serve various functionalities are certainly something to invest in. Below are some instances of multi-purpose survival tools.
A good example is the Compact Multifunction Shovel. This survival tool can come in handy in a variety of emergency situations. It is exceptionally light in weight for one. There are three different edges on the blade, shovel, saw, and hatchet. The blade also has a hammer head, wrench in addition to a nail puller and bottle opener. The handle is hollow, the cap features a solid liquid filled compass. Inside there is a razor utility blade, a box of water-proof matches, in addition to common fishing gear. This is among the most perfect models to keep in your home, or squirrel away in the car.
There are various types of survival tools and equipment, much of it depends on where you happen to be in an emergency. Basic tools that you will need no matter if you are at home or on the go is a survival knife, flashlights with extra batteries, or even a flashlight that has a hand crank. An emergency radio is also a must, that has the local Weather channels, in addition to news channels.
Flashlights and radios are indeed very crucial pieces of survival tools and equipment. But it isn't just about managing to keep these survival tools around, but also selecting the best type. Batteries depreciate, and even rechargeable ones are of no use if there isn't a source of power to charge them back up. As opposed to buying products that use batteries, consider ones that have solar batteries built into them, or that have a hand crank to power the unit. Some radios will run for much more than two hours after being hand cranked for just a few minutes. Solar panels can charge up a flashlight in a matter of hours, powering it for most of the night, being dependent on use. Prices vary, being dependent on the quality and functions of the gadget.
A few other all around survival tools and equipment you should normally carry are fire starters and dry tinder. Matches and lighters are good, if you have them, and if they are dry, but nothing trumps a great flint and steel, or some other similar tools for survival. These can emit a shower of sparks that are thousands of degrees, and can get a fire starter rapidly and effortlessly. Fresh dry tinder is likewise a must, since you never know if you are going to be under stormy conditions.
Choose the tool which fits your way of life and personality. After all, it's your life. Survive with the fittest. Make the correct choice by purchasing the best quality survival tools, and feel confident in accomplishing this. But remember this. Any survival tool of poor quality is a very poor choice
Article Tags: Survival Tools, Survival Tool
Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Don Carter is CEO of DTC LifeTools, provider of survival tools such as a unique digital tire gauge w/ car escape tool, auto glass breaker, solar emergency radio, solar emergency lights, and LED flashlights.
Bees and Honey
HONEY and BEES
DID YOU KNOW?
🐝There are live enzymes in honey.
🐝When in contact with a metal spoon, these enzymes die.
🐝The best way to eat honey is with wooden or plastic spoon.
🐝Honey contains a substance that helps your brain work better.
🐝Honey is one of the rare foods on earth that alone can sustain human life.
🐝One teaspoon of honey is enough to sustain human life for 24 hours.
🐝Propolis that bees produce, is one of the most powerful natural antibiotics
🐝Honey has no expiration date.
🐝The bodies of the great emperors of the world were buried in golden coffins and then covered with honey to prevent putrefaction.
🐝The term "honeymoon" comes from the fact that newlyweds consumed honey for fertility after the wedding.
🐝A bee lives less than 40 days, visits at least 1000 flowers and produces less than a teaspoon of honey in its lifetime.
🐝One of the first coins had a bee symbol on it.
Deep gratitude to the humble BEE!🐝
#Bees #Honey
2/14/2026
Survival Tips For Backpackers
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#Backpacking #Camping #Survival
Survival Tips For Backpackers
Getting lost is always possible, but a few survival tips can go a long way towards making it an inconvenience rather than a disaster. Here are some techniques and tips to remember.
Why survival tips for backpackers? Certainly backpacking may never become a matter of wilderness survival for you, especially if you are careful in your planning. Still, getting lost or twisting an ankle far from any road is always a possibility. In any case, learning a few new things from time to time is a great way to make your trips safer and more interesting. With that in mind, here are a few random survival tricks and skills based on my own experience.
A Few Survival Tips To Remember
You can make snow-block shelters without tools when the conditions are right. I have made trench-shelters of 2 x 3 foot snow-blocks with no tools. I stomped rectangles in the heavily-crusted snow and lifted up the resulting blocks. Stacking them on either side of a trench in the snow, and then across the top for a roof, I was able to make a shelter in twenty minutes.
Syrup is made in late winter and early spring from both maple and birch trees, but it is too much effort to in a wilderness survival situation. However, you can get a couple hundred calories per day by just drinking maple or birch sap. Collecting it can be as easy as snapping off the ends of twigs and putting something underneath to catch the dripping sap. I've collected a quart per day for several days from one cut branch.
How about a survival tip that makes for a delicious meal? Crayfish turn red just like a lobster when they are boiled, and you get a little chunk of meat from the tail of each. Lifting rocks to find them is much more efficient than baiting them. They swim backwards, so reach from behind them to catch them.
Porcupine can be killed with a stick. They will not die easy, but they are slow, so you'll have plenty of time. Dress them from their underside, where there are no quills. They taste good when roasted over a fire. The mountain man tradition was to never kill them unless it was an emergency, because as long as they're around, there is easy food for survival situations.
For quick ropes and lashings in the desert, peel yucca leaves into strips and braid them together, overlapping the ends. It took thirty minutes for me to make a rope like this that four of us couldn't break (two on each end).
I have cooked in containers made of birch bark. There are two methods. One is to drop fire-heated rocks into the liquid to bring it to a boil. The other is to use the pot directly over the flame. If the flame doesn't go above the level of the liquid, the pot birch bark pot won't burn, because the heat is conducted away quickly by the liquid inside.
Just stuffing your light jacket full of dried grass can effectively make it into a winter coat. It is even better (less itchy) if you have another jacket (like your raincoat), so you can put the grass or leaves between the two. Usually it will be more efficient to look for ways to modify what you already have than to try to make survival clothing.
There are hundreds of little tricks that can make wilderness travel interesting and safer. Even if you aren't interested in practicing survival techniques
Article Tags: Survival Tips
Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Steve Gillman is a long-time advocate of lightweight backpacking. His tips, photos, gear recommendations and new Wilderness Survival Guide can be found at
http://www.The-Ultralight-Site.com/wilderness-survival-guide.html
#camping #survival #prepping #outdoors
What Should Be In Your 72 Hour Emergency Food Kit?
What Should Be In Your 72 Hour Emergency Food Kit?
A 72-hour emergency food supply should consist of non-perishable, easy-to-prepare foods that provide sufficient nutrition and energy to sustain you during an emergency situation. Here are some essential items to include:
Water: It's crucial to have an adequate supply of clean water. The general recommendation is to have at least one gallon of water per person per day for drinking and sanitation purposes.
Ready-to-eat canned goods: Choose canned foods that can be eaten straight from the can without requiring cooking or heating. Examples include canned beans, tuna, chicken, fruits, and vegetables.
Crackers or bread: Include some crackers or bread that can serve as a staple carbohydrate source and complement other food items.
Nut butter: Peanut butter or almond butter is a good source of protein and healthy fats, and it can be spread on crackers or bread for a quick and satisfying meal.
Granola bars or energy bars: These provide a convenient source of energy and can be eaten on the go.
Dried fruits and nuts: These are lightweight, portable, and provide essential nutrients and energy.
Instant oatmeal or cereal: These can be easily prepared by adding water or milk, providing a quick and filling breakfast option.
Freeze-dried or dehydrated meals: Consider including a few freeze-dried or dehydrated meals that only require the addition of hot water to rehydrate and heat them.
Instant coffee or tea: Having a source of caffeine can help keep you alert during an emergency situation.
Sugar, salt, and spices: These can enhance the flavor of your meals and provide additional nutrients.
Remember to store your emergency food supply in a cool, dry place, and check the expiration dates regularly to ensure that your supplies remain fresh and safe to consume. Additionally, don't forget any special dietary needs or preferences when selecting your emergency food items.
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"My Patriot Supply" is a company that specializes in providing emergency food supplies and survival gear. They offer a range of products, including long-term food storage packages, emergency food kits, and individual food items such as freeze-dried fruits and vegetables, grain, meat, and soups. These products are designed to be stored for extended periods of time, making them ideal for emergency preparedness or for use during outdoor activities such as camping and hiking. The company claims that its products are of high quality and can provide peace of mind in case of a disaster or emergency situation.
#EmergencyKit #prepping #72hourfoodsupply #survival
Camping Gear You May Want to Bring With You on Your Next Camping Adventure
Camping Gear You May Want to Bring With You on Your Next Camping Adventure
Are you planning to take a camping adventure? If you are, have you ever been camping before? If this is yours first time taking an extended camping vacation, you may be unsure as to what you should bring along with you. If that is the case, you are definitely not alone. Although a camping vacation can be fun and exciting, it can sometimes be stressful to plan. If you would like assistance with planning your next camping vacation, you will want to continue reading on.
When it comes to camping, you will find that you need to bring multiple items with you. These items often include items that are referred to as camping supplies and then items that are referred to as camping gear. In most cases, you will find that camping gear is used to describe pieces of equipment, whereas camping supplies are often used to describe food, health and beauty products, and so forth.
When it comes to camping supplies, like clothing and food, there are many individuals who automatically know what they need to bring. On the other hand, when it comes to camping gear or camping equipment, there are many individuals who are unsure as to what they really need to bring with them. Just a few of the many pieces of camping gear or camping equipment that you may want to bring with you on your next camping adventure are outlined below.
One of the most common pieces of camping gear that you will need to bring with you on your next camping vacation is a tent. Depending on who you are going camping with, you may even need to bring multiple camping tents with you. If you have yet to purchase a camping tent, you will want try and make sure that you purchase a tent or tents that are strong, sturdy, dependable, and waterproof. Even if you are planning on camping in a motor home, you may want to think about brining a tent, just incase. Many motor home campers prefer spending at least one night in the open wilderness and you may too.
A sleeping bag is another piece of camping gear that you will want to make sure that you bring along with you. If you are camping with your family or your romantic partner, you will want to make sure that you have enough sleeping bags to go around. Although you may assume that a light sleeping bag is good in the summertime, you may still want to think about brining along a heavy style sleeping bag. These types of sleeping bags are good in case the weather suddenly turns cold.
In addition to brining a traditional sleeping bag with you, you may also want to think about bringing along a sleeping pad or an air mattress. If you will be camping in a traditional tent, you may find it somewhat uncomfortable. While many campsites have level ground, not all do. If you are concerned with how you will be able to sleep on your next camping adventure, you may want to buy a sleeping pad or an air mattress along with you, just to be on the safe side. With these items being relatively affordable, you really have nothing to lose by doing so.
The above mentioned camping gear pieces are just a few of the many camping gear pieces that you may want to think about brining along with you on your next camping adventure.
#camping #survival #prepping #prepper #outdoors
1/27/2026
1/13/2026
Stick Welding Rod Size Chart, Amps, Metal Thickness
Stick Welding Rod Size Chart, Amps, Metal Thickness
#StickWelding #Welding
11/20/2025
11/06/2025
Fishing: Carolina Rig 101: Everything You Need To Know
Fishing: Carolina Rig 101: Everything You Need To Know
#Fishing #Outdoors #BassFishing #CarolinaRig
In the vast toolbox of a bass angler, few setups are as versatile, effective, and downright intimidating to newcomers as the Carolina Rig. Often called the "poor man's fish finder," this simple arrangement of weights and beads is a legendary deep-water and finesse technique that has been putting lunkers in the boat for decades. If you're looking to expand your offshore game and catch fish when others can't, mastering the Carolina Rig is an absolute necessity.
What is a Carolina Rig?
At its core, the Carolina Rig is a *separated* terminal tackle system. Unlike a Texas Rig where the weight rests directly against the hook, a Carolina Rig uses a heavy weight that slides freely on the mainline, separated from the hook and bait by a leader. This unique design is the secret to its success.
The standard components, tied in order from your mainline down, are:
1. Your Mainline: Braided or fluorocarbon line in the 10-20 lb test range is common. Braid offers great sensitivity and no stretch, while fluorocarbon is less visible and sinks.
2. The Egg Sinker: A bullet weight can work, but a rounded egg sinker in the ½ to 1½ oz range is traditional. The size depends on depth and wind—heavier for deeper water or stronger currents.
3. The Glass Bead: This is more than just decoration. The glass bead, placed between the weight and the swivel, serves a crucial purpose. It protects the knot on the swivel from being battered by the weight, and, just as importantly, it creates a distinct "click-clack" sound that can attract curious fish.
4. The Barrel Swivel: This is the critical piece that separates the weight from the leader. It prevents the weight from sliding all the way down to your bait and allows the bait to move freely and naturally.
5. The Leader: This is typically a lighter line (e.g., 12-17 lb fluorocarbon) ranging from 18 inches to 4 feet long. The longer the leader, the more freedom your bait has to hover and move above the bottom.
6. The Hook and Bait: An offset worm hook is standard. The best baits are soft plastics that create action and movement: plastic lizards, creature baits, and most famously, long, slender worms like 6- to 10-inch ribbon-tail worms.
Why is it So Effective?
The Carolina Rig’s genius lies in its presentation. As you drag the rig along the bottom, the heavy weight bumps over rocks, logs, and substrate, sending out vibrations and stirring up silt like a foraging crayfish. Meanwhile, the bait trails behind on a long leader, floating and swimming enticingly just above the bottom, appearing as an easy meal following the commotion.
This makes it exceptionally effective for:
Locating Offshore Fish: It’s a superb search tool for covering large, deep areas like points, ledges, and creek channels where bass suspend in the summer and winter months.
Fishing in Wind: The heavy weight provides the casting distance and bottom contact needed on windy days that make other techniques difficult.
Catching Pressured Fish: The natural, finesse-style presentation can tempt lethargic or heavily-pressured bass that ignore more aggressive lures like crankbaits or jigs.
How to Fish a Carolina Rig: The Art of the Drag
Fishing a Carolina Rig is not about constant reeling; it's a game of patience and feel.
1. The Cast and Settle: Make a long cast to your target area and let the rig sink completely to the bottom. Keep your rod tip low, around the 9 o'clock position.
2. The Drag: This is the primary retrieve. Use your rod, not your reel, to move the bait. Slowly lift your rod tip to the 11 or 12 o'clock position, dragging the weight along the bottom. You should feel the distinct "tick-tick-tick" as the weight and bead bounce along the bottom.
3. The Pause and Reel: After dragging the bait several feet, lower your rod tip back down while reeling in the slack. This pause is often when strikes occur, as the bait settles back down enticingly.
4. Detecting the Strike: The bite on a Carolina Rig is rarely a jarring "thump." More often, it feels like a subtle "mushiness" on the line, a slight tap, or you may simply notice that your line stops moving sideways or feels heavy. When in doubt, set the hook! A powerful, sweeping hookset is needed to drive the hook home through the long leader.
Final Pro Tips
Color Matters: Start with natural greens (watermelon seed, green pumpkin) for clear water and darker, more contrasting colors (junebug, black/blue) for stained water.
Go Light on the Leader: Using a leader line that is a few pounds lighter than your mainline can save you from losing your entire rig if it gets hopelessly snagged.
Be Patient: It’s a slow, methodical technique. The goal is to be systematic and cover water thoroughly, not quickly.
The Carolina Rig may seem complex at first, but its fundamentals are simple. It is a proven, fish-catching machine that belongs in every serious angler's arsenal. So, tie one on, make a long cast, and get ready to feel the "tap" that makes it all worthwhile.
10/27/2025
10/26/2025
9/08/2025
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8/12/2025
8/09/2025
Should We Really Wash Chicken Before Cooking?
Should We Really Wash Chicken Before Cooking?
The practice of washing raw chicken before cooking is a topic steeped in tradition, cultural habits, and personal preference. Many home cooks swear by rinsing poultry to “clean” it, while health experts vehemently warn against the risks. So, who’s right? Let’s dive into the science, myths, and best practices for handling raw chicken safely.
Why Do People Wash Chicken?
For generations, rinsing chicken under tap water has been seen as a way to:
- Remove slime or residue from packaging.
- Eliminate odors perceived as unpleasant.
- Follow family or cultural traditions passed down through cooking practices.
In some regions, washing might stem from historical necessity—when chickens were slaughtered at home and required cleaning. However, modern commercial processing has largely rendered this step obsolete.
The Hidden Risks of Washing Raw Chicken
Health organizations like the USDA, CDC, and the World Health Organization (WHO) unanimously advise against washing raw chicken. Here’s why:
1. Cross-Contamination: Washing chicken splashes water droplets (and bacteria like Salmonella and Campylobacter) onto nearby surfaces, utensils, or ready-to-eat foods. Studies show these droplets can travel up to 3 feet, contaminating sinks, countertops, and even your clothing.
2. Ineffectiveness: Rinsing doesn’t kill bacteria—it merely redistributes them. The only way to destroy harmful pathogens is by cooking chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
3. Misplaced Confidence: Washing may create a false sense of cleanliness, leading to lax practices in handling other ingredients.
What the Experts Recommend
Instead of washing chicken, follow these science-backed steps for safe preparation:
1. Cook Thoroughly: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F. This neutralizes bacteria more reliably than any rinse.
2. Handle with Care:
- Keep raw chicken separate from other foods.
- Use dedicated cutting boards and utensils.
- Wash hands with soap for 20 seconds after touching raw poultry.
3. Pat Dry (If Needed): Blot excess moisture with paper towels (discard them immediately) to improve browning when searing or roasting.
Debunking Myths
- Myth: “Washing removes bacteria.”
Fact: Water can’t eliminate germs—only heat can.
- Myth: “The slime means it’s dirty.”
Fact: The slippery texture is natural protein residue, not dirt.
Cultural and Generational Perspectives
Respecting traditions is important, but adapting to food safety advancements is crucial. If older family recipes call for rinsing, explain the risks gently and suggest skipping the step while emphasizing proper cooking.
The Bottom Line
Washing raw chicken is a well-intentioned but risky practice. By prioritizing thorough cooking, avoiding cross-contamination, and following expert guidelines, you can protect yourself and others from foodborne illnesses. Let the heat do the cleaning—your kitchen (and health) will thank you.
Final Tip: When in doubt, trust the science—not the sink. Safe cooking habits are the true recipe for peace of mind.
No, you shouldn’t wash raw chicken before cooking it. So why do people still do it?
#Chicken #Food #Cooking #FoodPreparation
8/08/2025
3/12/2025
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