Purpose and Functionality

One of the first things you should consider before choosing a belt grinder is which kind of projects you’ll need it for. For example, some belt grinders can be used with attachments and accessories that give them a wider range of functions. Occasionally, manufacturers will even include bonus attachments with certain models.

Belt Size and Length

While more compact belt grinders are typically less expensive than other models, you may end up paying more for replacement belts. Longer belts are better able to handle the heat from grinding since the wear is dispersed over more material. 

You may also be tempted to get a belt grinder with a wide belt, but these are not ideal for all kinds of projects. Knife making, for example, requires a two-inch belt. Anything thinner or wider will make it harder to perform the right functions.

Speed Settings

Not every belt grinder comes with a variable speed belt, but getting one that does can be a huge help. Some projects require very high speeds, while others don’t. Having the ability to choose the speed you’re using increases the number of materials you can work with.

Belt

Motor Size

Another important thing to look for in a quality belt grinder is a reliable and high-power motor, especially if you’re looking at a model without variable speed. A grinder with a weak motor just won’t perform as well, even if the price is more affordable.

The Right Belt Grinder

Follow these tips to make sure you choose the belt grinder that’s right for your projects. Once you have the machine you want, you’ll need to properly maintain your belt grinder to ensure it lasts as long as possible. With the right care, a quality belt grinder should last you quite a while.

When you think about construction equipment, the sizeable yellow machinery associated with Caterpillar is probably the first to come to mind. There are many advantages of Caterpillar engines when it comes to quality; however, if you’re wondering which are the best types of Caterpillar engines, consider the following.

Cat C7

The C7 was in production throughout the 2000s and was a memorable piece of equipment for being one of the earlier engines to adapt to new regulations imposed by the EPA. Trucking companies favored the C7 during that time for its reliability. However, Cat decided to take things in another direction and stopped production of the C7 in 2010.

Cat 3306

The 3306 is one of Cat’s older and more reliable engines, having made its debut in the 1970s. The main draw of the 3306 is that this engine ran efficiently but had a simple design that was easy to maintain and repair. Cat ceased production on the 3306 in the early 2000s when emission regulations led to the C7 and C9 models, which adhere to government regulations.

Caterpillar
https://www.wvv.com/Ownership

Cat 3116

While we often associate Caterpillar engines with construction equipment or heavy trucks, the 3116 made a big splash thanks to its frequent use in marine equipment. At 2400 rpm, the 3116 had around 205 horsepower, though the engine had some issues with a weaker top end compared to other models.

Cat C15

The C15 remains one of the best Caterpillar engines for industrial usage. The engine boasts a single turbocharger and parts that can be easily swapped out with the similar 3406E engine. Relief slots in the C15 are beneficial in protecting the gaskets from heavy weight.

Cat 3408

Cat’s 3408 engine remains one of their most popular engines on the market. The 3408 contains a lot of power and is stable, reliable, and easy to modify. The eight-cylinder engine produces around 500 horsepower and remains a popular model for construction, mining, and other heavy equipment uses.

Tucked away from the road and away from congestion but close to all amenities is this stunning 5-acre property with expansive lawns and old growth fir, oak and maple trees. It’s located in the top-rated Camas School District, and is offered by John Fitzgerald, of Sotheby’s.

Key Features:

  • 5 bedrooms, 4 baths
  • 4,200 square feet
  • Airport only 20 minutes away
  • Close to downtown Camas charm for shopping and dining 
  • Flat lot with enclosed raised garden beds
  • Large deck to sit and enjoy the peaceful nature
  • 3 acres of native land

6301 NE 232nd Ave. Vancouver, WA 98682

MLS# 22129442

Video tour: https://youtu.be/U_ddFuotl4I

To schedule a tour and learn more visit:  https://fitzgerald.cascadesothebysrealty.com/ListingDetails/6301-NE-232ND-AVE-Vancouver-WA-98682/22129442

This house has so much to offer:

Kitchen: Fully remodeled open kitchen and living room area. Brazilian mahogany drawers and cabinets, huge granite island with sink, professional grade DCS double oven and five burner stove and flat grill. Built in refrigerator/freezer and separate wine cooler. Private kitchen nook lined with huge windows overlooking the expansive yard.

Master: Vaulted ceilings and spacious living space. Large master bath includes walk-in closet, jetted sauna tub, radiant heated tile floor and spacious glass and tile shower. Brazilian mahogany cabinetry with double sink and mirrors. Large windows provide the area in natural light.

In-laws suite: Generous sized room has a small full bathroom with shower, enclosed closet and storage space. Beautiful view of front yard and circle drive.

Library and downstairs office: Just off the main entry is a large space perfect for a library, office and game room. French doors open to enough space for a group to congregate and close to the kitchen and other living areas on the main floor. 

Office: Well equipped office space with large half round fan window to view the evening sun. Large enough space for large desk, computers, peripherals and filing drawers. Plenty of enclosed closet space for storage and supplies.

Property
A gorgeous kitchen!

Kids Bedrooms: Two similar sized rooms with built-in desks and lights. Generous enclosed closets and large windows with views of the property.

Garage: Three car garage with full bathroom and overhead storage selves. The single bay is very deep and allows for a nice space for a work bench and tools. Plenty of room to store all the toys and equipment required for a property this size.

Landscape: Private paved road leads to house with elegant circle drive for easy entrance and exit. Fully landscaped yard including manicured lawn, hedges, maple and birch trees, seasonal bulbs and rysomes. Computerized irrigation system.

Backyard: Large wrap around decking with separate outdoor spaces for dinning, gather around fire pit, sun bathing & lounging, hot tub and bbqing. Opens up to beautiful large lawn area with oak trees, purple tulip magnolia tree, lilac and garden beds loaded with shrubs and bulbs for color throughout all seasons. Complete with kids play structure.

Food garden: Enclosed 2,500 square feet raised bed garden. Designed with four zoned computerized watering system. Pea gravel paths make a perfect environment to spend an evening nurturing plants and flowers that will fulfill your family. 

Orchard and berry crops: Orchard trees include: red apple, yellow apple, 2 Asian pear, Bartlet pear and two varieties of plums. Berries include: two large blue berries, full stand of thornless marrian berries,  raspberries and goose  berries. Mature grapes include seedless Champaign and Concord grapes.

A mini-farm: This property has the infrastructure to run your own farm: barn, chicken coop, pig pen, pasture, and three acres of native land.

To schedule a tour and learn more visit:  https://fitzgerald.cascadesothebysrealty.com/ListingDetails/6301-NE-232ND-AVE-Vancouver-WA-98682/22129442

Property
Living room

Mobile homes often have a reputation for being plain and unexciting. Many people may not consider them the most exciting or interesting when it comes to outdoor projects. However, there are several ways to improve the curb appeal of your mobile home. Here are just a handful of our favorite projects for you to consider.

Adding a Front Garden

Flowers and other plants are a great way to add some color and vibrancy to any front lawn and increase your home’s curb appeal. It’s a good idea to keep any large shrubs or bushes away from your home’s skirting if you ever need to make repairs or replace it, but adding some plants is a great way to spruce things up. Consider some of your favorite flowers or small trees to make your home stand out more. Aside from a garden, keeping your grass manicured and watered adds a more vibrant green that looks lush and inviting.

Installing a Deck

Many manufactured homes have stairs leading up to the front door. Consider installing a front deck if you have the space for it and your neighborhood allows such modifications. Decks offer a lot of curb appeal and give homeowners a place to relax outside and wave to passersby. There are many different size and style options when constructing your deck and varieties of stairs to grant people access. Consider investing in unique columns for your new deck to give it some visual flair for extra curb appeal.

A New Front Door

Sometimes the simplest way to improve the curb appeal of your mobile home is to install a new front door. Many manufactured homes have functional but simplistic doors that don’t do much to stand out—finding a door with an ornate glass design or color that brings out the rest of your home does wonders when looking for simple renovation ideas. However, we recommend picking a door that matches the décor of your home well enough that it doesn’t become too distracting.

When you run a construction company or work as a contractor, you’ve probably had your fair share of construction projects where the client wants to use greener practices. Sustainability is at the forefront of everyone’s minds, and there are steps you can take to make your construction projects environmentally friendly. Read on to learn how you can be more sustainable with your construction.

Change Equipment

One way many businesses are transitioning to sustainability is through equipment. People and businesses are transitioning to electric-powered items instead of gas-powered and LED lights instead of conventional lighting. Small changes make significant differences, and those changes can also happen on your construction site. Using electric heaters instead of gas can significantly lower emissions, as can electric-powered tools. In addition to lowering emissions, electrical equipment is easily rechargeable and lasts much longer than its gas-powered counterparts. 

Think of Your Materials

One of the most significant ways you can be more sustainable in your construction is through your material selection. 

Construction sites are like many other businesses in today’s world, and there is a lot of waste. However, if you are thoughtful with your material selection and choose renewable products or ones from local vendors, your project will have few negative impacts on the environment.

Consider using stainless steel for your larger projects, as it supports sustainability and the circular economy. Steel is clean, durable, and one of the most recyclable materials you can use because it stays clean without the need for hazardous cleaning products.

Prefabricate Materials

Many construction businesses are transitioning from doing all their projects onsite to prefabricating pieces to bring in later. This practice reduces onsite waste and avoids potentially disruptive environmental factors. For example, if you’re working with sheet metal, the cold and hot weather can change the metal’s shape, making it look much different than the final product. 

Prefabrication increases construction efficiency because you’ll experience fewer roadblocks and spend much less time creating waste at the job site.

Be more sustainable with your construction by following these tips and incorporating these techniques into your future construction projects. It will help your construction business leave a smaller footprint, and you’ll rest easy knowing you built environmentally friendly projects well.

People start fulfilling careers at their jobs. Therefore, it’s important to make the workplace a great space. Learn how to create a productive and positive work environment and implement these changes at your company today. 

Improve the Onboarding Experience

Starting a new job is difficult for anyone. And you can make the adjustment period better by improving the onboarding experience. New employees should feel like an important part of the team while learning about the workplace. Simple things like pairing seasoned employee with new workers, clarifying job duties, and sharing expectations allow people to understand the environment. Ultimately, better onboarding creates a good experience for new workers. 

Upgrade Workplace Lighting

Dimly lit rooms with little access to natural lighting aren’t ideal for workplaces. It may induce fatigue and make employees feel sluggish throughout the day. Luckily, a lighting upgrade can enhance the space. Follow the guide to commercial office lighting fixtures and select the option best for your workplace. 

Additionally, you can let employees take breaks outside to soak up the natural sunlight and return to the building feeling refreshed! 

Encourage Active Listening

Productive and positive work environmentsthrive on employee engagement. And the most common way to engage with colleagues is through communication. Active listening proves that you care about employee’s thoughts as you give them your undivided attention. Additionally, it’s important to encourage active listening among all workers. 

Create the Right Work Space

You can only be productive with the right tools. After all, how can a graphic designer do their job without a computer, or a cashier complete transactions without a register? Ensuring that your employees have essential tools creates the right workspace. 

Whether you provide cubicles, comfortable seating, technology, or other work accessories, employees must have everything they need to fulfill their responsibilities. This will improve productivity and daily operations. 

Prioritize Shout-Outs and Incentives

Simply put, people like praises from their bosses and colleagues. To create a positive environment, prioritizing shout-outs and incentives will encourage employees to work harder and undergo personal (and professional) development. You can give shout-outs during weekly meetings or reward star employees with gift cards or extra pay. 

Many people don’t realize just how widespread and dependable aluminum extrusions are in their everyday products, appliances and even vehicles. To help you better understand how and why aluminum has become so pervasive, here are some of the most common uses for aluminum extrusions throughout a variety of industries.

Construction

As you may have expected, aluminum extrusions are a very effective and popular building material. They provide superb internal structural support, and you can find them around buildings in the form of handrails, door frames, windows and other various details. In fact, people often use aluminum extrusions for aesthetic design simply because they provide a sleek and modern appeal. Thanks to their strength and lightweight attributes, aluminum extrusions can be incorporated practically anywhere.

Transportation

The transportation industry has adopted extrusions in the creation of as many vehicle models as possible, and it’s quickly becoming one of the most common uses for aluminum extrusions. The strength of aluminum matches those of other metals traditionally used in cars, trucks and more. But more importantly, the lightweight trait of these extrusions makes them far more efficient. The lighter a vehicle is, the more fuel-efficient it can be since the engine doesn’t have to work as hard to move the entire vehicle. Think about how older cars used to be so much heavier because they used materials like stainless steel.

Industrial

Any industrial facility will also make use of aluminum extrusions as a practical and efficient material. Aluminum extrusions are very easy to craft and mold into specific designs, allowing for quick and effective construction of applications like tables, carts, manufacturing equipment and more. Furthermore, aluminum extrusion machine guards make heavy machinery so much safer for operation by reducing the likelihood of workers coming into contact with dangerous components.

Home Décor

Where you may least expect aluminum extrusions is in home décor. You may own indoor and outdoor furniture that uses aluminum extrusions in its construction. This helps ensure furniture is long-lasting but not too heavy to move around as you see fit. Extrusions are also used in art pieces or picture frames for that sleek and modern appearance the construction industry also takes advantage of.

Taking care of the planet is everyone’s responsibility, but some of the biggest contributors to pollution are businesses — from factories billowing smoke to daily operations producing far more waste than the average household. To help your business stay green, here are some eco-friendly practices for the workplace.

Implement Recycling Programs

Implementing a recycling program requires a bit more effort than simply providing the appropriate bins around the office. Instead, take the time to educate employees on how to properly recycle different materials. For instance, recycling batteries requires greater expertise than recycling paper. Understanding how to properly dispose of different materials goes a long way in ensuring that those materials can be reused and kept out of landfills.

Go Paperless

Another great eco-friendly practice for the workplace is to eliminate waste by encouraging your workplace to forgo paper. In its place, make the effort to digitize data and information. Doing so preserves our forests by decreasing the need for paper and ink. And in fact, you’ll likely save a lot more money if you don’t need to purchase such materials.

Eco-Friendly

Add Office Plants

Placing plants around your office doesn’t just add to the aesthetic appeal; it also improves the air quality in your office space by removing carbon dioxide and other pollutants. We’re naturally disposed to enjoy natural elements, and you’ll find the workplace a lot more relaxing and stress-free with a bit of greenery around.

Encourage Sustainable Transportation

Finally, encourage your employees to get to work in ways other than taking their vehicles or by carpooling with other coworkers. Biking, walking, taking public transit and carpooling are excellent ways to cut down on the emissions from burning fossil fuels. In fact, as working from home has proven to be just as productive as having employees in the office, you could simply eliminate transportation all together and offer the opportunity for employees to work remotely as they please.

The state of Washington is fortunate enough to have some of the most beautiful waterfront properties in North America. If you live on the water and want to build a dock for your boat, you must familiarize yourself with marine piling. 

In this guide, you will learn what marine piling is, why it matters, and what the process entails. Here is what you should know about marine piling. 

It Creates Support for Marine Structures

Unless you want your marine structures to sink underwater, they will need adequate support to withstand the oceanic conditions. Many industries use piling to create ample support before constructing large structures. Marine piling is perfect for building bridges, piers, docks, and floating pontoons. Marine piling requires workers to drill underwater to create a strong foundation in the seabed for piles. 

Marine Piling Uses Numerous Materials

There are a few different materials you can use for marine piling. Some examples include wood, concrete, steel, and composite materials. 

No matter which type of material you decide to use, you must make sure it is treated for aquatic conditions. You don’t want it to rust or corrode over time. High-density polyethylene is a durable plastic material and is one of the best options for piling, which explains why the future needs HDPE plastic marine piles. However, each type of material has different strengths, weaknesses, and treatment processes.

Marine

It Keeps You Safe

Preserving the integrity of any oceanfront structure comes with its risks. As the tide rolls in and smashes waves against your marine structure, its materials will start to wear down over time. 

Whether it’s a pier or a dock, someone could get hurt if they were standing on it while it sinks underwater. Marine piling ensures that you won’t have to worry about this outcome because it is the strongest foundation available for any aquatic structure. 

Overall, marine piling can turn your waterfront property into a dream home, whether you have a boat or not. After learning what you should know about marine piling, you should consider using it for your next home renovation project. 

Camas, WA — Dozens gathered together at Camas Meadows Golf Club Wednesday evening at the Annual Camas Washougal Chamber of Commerce Awards banquet to honor students, teachers, as well as the Citizen of the Year and Business Person of the Year.

Lori Reed, president of the chamber emceed the event, which first paid tribute to two local seniors who won $1,000 college scholarships. Mary Lendvoyi was the Washougal scholarship recipient. Lendvoyi is an excellent student and athlete, and plans to attend college in Idaho.

Savannah Stephens won the college scholarship representing Camas (Camas Connect Academy). She will be attending Brigham Young University this Fall.

The Washougal Teacher of the Year is Cheryl MacIntyre, who was honored for her work as the District Math Coach. Camas nominated three teachers — Jenn Scott, Brooke Hansen and Melissa Butler — for their amazing work in the Science of Reading Team. The three teachers have helped students diagnosed and cope with dyslexia and other reading issues. Their work has been instrumental in helping kids with reading difficulties. 

Retired Staff Sergeant John Kaiser was named Citizen of the Year for his work helping local veterans. He started fishing with his dad at the age of 6. In 1997, Kaiser enlisted in the Army where he served in Kuwait, Mosul and Baghdad, where he was wounded. He medically retired in 2008. After struggling with PTSD fishing became a therapy. After fishing with an Army Buddy, Kaiser realized there are therapeutic benefits of being outside surrounded by nature and quietly fishing. 

Chamber
John Kaiser won the Citizen of the Year award.

Kaiser began to take veterans fishing and quickly became the Northwest Veteran Outreach Coordinator for Veteran Outdoors, a Texas-based organization dedicated to providing hunting, fishing and outdoor activities to wounded veterans. 

And, Marilyn Reed was honored as Business Person of the Year for finding creative solutions to grow her business — Lily Atelier — which is a women’s boutique store.

The CW Chamber Citizen of the Year award started in 1955.

Chamber
Savannah Stephens won a CW Chamber college scholarship.