One of the most time consuming tasks in homebuilding can be
the cutting of a roof. In some cases it can take as long to
cut and frame the roof as it does to frame the rest of the
house. It can also require a lot of space to get the job
done. It is in ones best interests to plan ahead during the
course of construction to be ready when it comes time to cut
the roof.Cutting Boards.
Whether the roof be a simple gable roof or a complex roof
with multiple hips and valleys you want to be able to cut
more than one rafter at a time. Sawhorses become a valuable
commodity during the roof cutting phase of construction.
Cutting a half dozen or more rafters is what you want to try
for. To achieve this there are a few options available to
the roof cutter.
If you only have one set of horses, nail an eight foot 2x4
flatwise to the top of them. This will allow you to mark and
cut six or more rafters depending on their width.
The second option is to use two pair of sawhorses. Just like
the previous option, nail a 2x4 flatwise over the top of two
horses. In this instance you are not limited to an eight
foot 2x4. You can use an 8, 10, 12, or even a 16' 2x4
depending on how much room you have to work in.
The third option is to make your own sawhorses out of a
2x10. Put legs on it just like a normal sawhorse. Again,
your only limitation is what you have available for length
of 2x10 and how much room you have to work.
Another time saver is to make a rafter pattern. To do this,
pick the straightest piece if lumber you can find from the
rafter material. Once you have determined the length of your
rafter from the plumb cut to the birdsmouth, the depth of
the birdsmouth, and the length of the rafter tail, transfer
this information to the material. After you have marked all
of this on the 2x, carefully and accurately cut the rafter.
This is going to be your pattern for the rest of the rafters
so you want to be precise with your cuts.
The next move is to nail stops to the top of the pattern.
Cut two pieces of plywood about 6" long by 2 1/2" wide. Nail
one to the top of the 2x about 2" from the plumb cut,
letting it hang over both edges of the 2x one half inch.
Nail the other piece just above the birdsmouth. You now have
a pattern to mark the rest of your rafters without having to
measure each and every one of them.
When you are ready to start cutting the rafters, lay as many
boards on the horse as you can and have enough room for the
saw to fit inbetween each one. When laying the boards on the
horses, have all the crowns pointing in the same direction
(When looking down a board while flat most boards are bowed
one way or the other. The convex side would be the crown).
Take the pattern and lay it on top of each board with the
plywood stops resting on the crowned edge and mark them.
You are now ready to cut rafters. When making your cuts, cut
the pencil line. Cut the plumb cut first and then move to
the birdsmouth and tail. Depending on how many rafters you
are cutting you may have to slide them back and forth so you
are not reaching over to far to make your cuts with the saw.
When cutting the birdsmouth it is okay to over cut it to
totally remove the material.
Homebuilding and cutting rafters can be a dangerous job.
Always exercise caution and safety when framing or using a
skilsaw.
Sunday, September 2, 2007
3 Tips To A Fabulous Woodworking Workshop
Forever now, men had to use wood for the necessities in life such as shelter and much more. The process of molding this wood for such things has changed due to the fact that woodworking machinery is now available. The basics of shaping the wood, sawing and cutting, and drilling have remained constant, however now the ease and speed of which it is done is quite different and progressed.
There are three pieces of machinery for woodworking that are the most essential. I’ll go over those now. If you had to only stock your workshop with the most important components of machinery, what would they be? Here they are and the explanation of why you need them.
First off, you need a circular or table saw. This may be a handheld as well, or just a regular table saw. The table saw gives you more flexibility since it can be angled for miter cuts and lets you use jigs for better accuracy in cutting lengthy boards. The handsaw allows you to make straight or curved cuts. As well, other materials that aren’t wood, for example vinyl siding, can be cut with a saw with interchangeable blades.
Next on the list is the router with table. The router lets you make fancier cuts and more professional looking woodworking. Having a table under the router just makes the job easier. A guide fence keeps wood steady as you cut. An adjustable table lets you work in complex details with a height that gives you the most control.
Last but not least is the jigsaw. For wood projects that aren’t limited to flooring and moldings, a jig saw lets you craft all kinds of tinier, more meticulous projects. You can create decorations, toys, make carved signs and detailed fireplace mantels using a jig saw.
Of course there are lots of pieces of woodworking machinery and standard tools that serious wood workers must have. Often the beginning home improvement guy begins with just the tools necessary for the first project, and continues from there with subsequent projects. There’s really no need to go overboard with a bunch of tools that you won’t be using after all.
A good first project to start with is to install wood molding. Crown molding is not costly, and will get you started on making miter cuts. Another starter tool that you’ll need for this sort of project is a good air compressor with a hydraulic finishing nailer attached. This will help with your molding wood molding job, especially when it comes to flooring.
Some tools are just timeless, and have been used for centuries and are still just as useful today. One example of that is the chisel. You can use this tool to shape the finest of masterpieces. Buying a set will definitely be a wise purchase in your woodworking leisure pursuit.
A combination of both the old and the new will create a workshop of woodworking tools and machinery that will do you well for years and years to come.
There are three pieces of machinery for woodworking that are the most essential. I’ll go over those now. If you had to only stock your workshop with the most important components of machinery, what would they be? Here they are and the explanation of why you need them.
First off, you need a circular or table saw. This may be a handheld as well, or just a regular table saw. The table saw gives you more flexibility since it can be angled for miter cuts and lets you use jigs for better accuracy in cutting lengthy boards. The handsaw allows you to make straight or curved cuts. As well, other materials that aren’t wood, for example vinyl siding, can be cut with a saw with interchangeable blades.
Next on the list is the router with table. The router lets you make fancier cuts and more professional looking woodworking. Having a table under the router just makes the job easier. A guide fence keeps wood steady as you cut. An adjustable table lets you work in complex details with a height that gives you the most control.
Last but not least is the jigsaw. For wood projects that aren’t limited to flooring and moldings, a jig saw lets you craft all kinds of tinier, more meticulous projects. You can create decorations, toys, make carved signs and detailed fireplace mantels using a jig saw.
Of course there are lots of pieces of woodworking machinery and standard tools that serious wood workers must have. Often the beginning home improvement guy begins with just the tools necessary for the first project, and continues from there with subsequent projects. There’s really no need to go overboard with a bunch of tools that you won’t be using after all.
A good first project to start with is to install wood molding. Crown molding is not costly, and will get you started on making miter cuts. Another starter tool that you’ll need for this sort of project is a good air compressor with a hydraulic finishing nailer attached. This will help with your molding wood molding job, especially when it comes to flooring.
Some tools are just timeless, and have been used for centuries and are still just as useful today. One example of that is the chisel. You can use this tool to shape the finest of masterpieces. Buying a set will definitely be a wise purchase in your woodworking leisure pursuit.
A combination of both the old and the new will create a workshop of woodworking tools and machinery that will do you well for years and years to come.
Kitchen Equipment: The Right Tools
A basic kitchen needs a selection of pots and pans, some basic gadgets, and a collection of common spices and condiments.
Pots and Pans:
A minimum set includes a small frying pan, a one-quart saucepan with cover, a two-quart saucepan with cover, a large frying pan with cover, and a large pot (for spaghetti, stew, pot roast, or homemade soup.) If you are cooking for more than one person, get two each of the frying pans and saucepans. Covers are optional for the frying pans, but try to get a cover to fit at least one.
Good quality pans spread the heat evenly so that food does not burn in area of the pan and stay undercooked in another. The bottom of a good pan sits flat on the stove. Cheap pans wear out fast and cost more in the long run. Stainless steel pans with a porcelain coating or a copper bottom are excellent. Stay away from aluminum pans. They get bent out of shape easily and do not last. There have also been some health warnings about cooking in aluminum, but no real proof of any danger.
When using pans with a non-stick coating, turn the heat up only as far as is necessary, and only use wooden or plastic tools. Wipe the pan clean in soapy water. A plastic or nylon net scrubber can be used, but never use steel wool pads. If you do not burn the food onto the pan, and you wash it while the food is still fresh and moist, it will be easy to clean. If you have birds as pets, you may want to avoid non-stick coatings. If you use them, be sure not to overheat them. The coating can release fumes that can kill a bird.
Some other useful tools are a slow cooker, a wok (for Chinese cooking), toaster, microwave, blender, food processor, electric mixer, and an electric knife. There are also bread machines available at reasonable prices that produce a fresh hot loaf of bread rapidly. Most machines also have a delay setting to allow one to place the ingredients in the machine hours before the bread is needed, so the machine finishes just in time for dinner.
Basic Gadgets:
You will need some wooden spoons. Get a selection of sizes and handle lengths. These are always handy and they will not damage your non-stick coatings. Unlike metal tools, they do not get too hot to handle.
You will also want a collection of spatulas in different sizes and shapes. The lightweight spatula that will flip an egg may not be strong enough for a hamburger. Sometimes a narrow spatula is all that will fit in a pan, and sometimes a wide one is needed to get under whatever needs to be turned or lifted.
Whisks come in various sizes. They are very handy for mixing lightweight ingredients quickly, and are easier to get out and later to clean than a blender or mixer.
Get a good set of knives. Cheap ones make the job of cutting more difficult and they wear out fast. With the knives, you will need a good cutting board. A cutting board provides a flat working surface and protects your counters. Plastic cutting boards are easier to clean than wooden ones. Never cut vegetables that will be eaten raw on a cutting board that was used to cut raw meat unless you thoroughly clean the board first.
You will also need a selection of measuring tools. Measuring cups for dry ingredients and measuring spoons come in sets. Get a set of each. You will need a measuring cup for liquids, too. A one-cup measure is probably sufficient, but two-cup and quart measures are also useful. If you want to be precise in your measurements for dietary requirements, buy a food scale and measure your portions until you get used to the sizes and can estimate accurately without weighing everything.
A lot of canned products are now being packaged with pop tops, but get a good can opener for the others. There are some electrics that sell for reasonable prices and do a good job, but get a manual one too. When the power goes out, it can be frustrating not to be able to open the cans.
Spices and Condiments:
Salt and pepper go without saying. Some dried minced onion peps up a lot of recipes. Garlic is available fresh or in dried, chopped form or as a powder. Caution: make sure you know the difference between garlic powder and garlic salt. Garlic powder makes great garlic bread; garlic salt makes VERY salty garlic bread.
Oregano or "Italian Seasoning," gives an Italian flavor to anything. A bay leaf cooked in stew brings out the flavor of the other ingredients. Paprika is a red powder used mainly for appearance, but it has been linked to some health benefits. If you like things hot, try sprinkling some cayenne pepper or chili powder on your food.
Basic condiments include ketchup, mustard, relish and mayonnaise. There are all sorts of mustard varieties available. You can probably find traditional yellow mustard, Dijon, spicy brown, honey, and hot Chinese mustard, just to name a few. Explore your local market and see what looks good. Be adventurous, but buy the smallest size, so you do not have a lot to discard if you do not like it.
Other condiments to try are steak sauces, barbecue sauces, tartar sauce, and various stir-fry sauces. Read the labels. If sugar is one of the first few ingredients, forget it. Ingredient labels list the ingredients in descending order. The main ingredient is first, then the others, with the least one last.
Pots and Pans:
A minimum set includes a small frying pan, a one-quart saucepan with cover, a two-quart saucepan with cover, a large frying pan with cover, and a large pot (for spaghetti, stew, pot roast, or homemade soup.) If you are cooking for more than one person, get two each of the frying pans and saucepans. Covers are optional for the frying pans, but try to get a cover to fit at least one.
Good quality pans spread the heat evenly so that food does not burn in area of the pan and stay undercooked in another. The bottom of a good pan sits flat on the stove. Cheap pans wear out fast and cost more in the long run. Stainless steel pans with a porcelain coating or a copper bottom are excellent. Stay away from aluminum pans. They get bent out of shape easily and do not last. There have also been some health warnings about cooking in aluminum, but no real proof of any danger.
When using pans with a non-stick coating, turn the heat up only as far as is necessary, and only use wooden or plastic tools. Wipe the pan clean in soapy water. A plastic or nylon net scrubber can be used, but never use steel wool pads. If you do not burn the food onto the pan, and you wash it while the food is still fresh and moist, it will be easy to clean. If you have birds as pets, you may want to avoid non-stick coatings. If you use them, be sure not to overheat them. The coating can release fumes that can kill a bird.
Some other useful tools are a slow cooker, a wok (for Chinese cooking), toaster, microwave, blender, food processor, electric mixer, and an electric knife. There are also bread machines available at reasonable prices that produce a fresh hot loaf of bread rapidly. Most machines also have a delay setting to allow one to place the ingredients in the machine hours before the bread is needed, so the machine finishes just in time for dinner.
Basic Gadgets:
You will need some wooden spoons. Get a selection of sizes and handle lengths. These are always handy and they will not damage your non-stick coatings. Unlike metal tools, they do not get too hot to handle.
You will also want a collection of spatulas in different sizes and shapes. The lightweight spatula that will flip an egg may not be strong enough for a hamburger. Sometimes a narrow spatula is all that will fit in a pan, and sometimes a wide one is needed to get under whatever needs to be turned or lifted.
Whisks come in various sizes. They are very handy for mixing lightweight ingredients quickly, and are easier to get out and later to clean than a blender or mixer.
Get a good set of knives. Cheap ones make the job of cutting more difficult and they wear out fast. With the knives, you will need a good cutting board. A cutting board provides a flat working surface and protects your counters. Plastic cutting boards are easier to clean than wooden ones. Never cut vegetables that will be eaten raw on a cutting board that was used to cut raw meat unless you thoroughly clean the board first.
You will also need a selection of measuring tools. Measuring cups for dry ingredients and measuring spoons come in sets. Get a set of each. You will need a measuring cup for liquids, too. A one-cup measure is probably sufficient, but two-cup and quart measures are also useful. If you want to be precise in your measurements for dietary requirements, buy a food scale and measure your portions until you get used to the sizes and can estimate accurately without weighing everything.
A lot of canned products are now being packaged with pop tops, but get a good can opener for the others. There are some electrics that sell for reasonable prices and do a good job, but get a manual one too. When the power goes out, it can be frustrating not to be able to open the cans.
Spices and Condiments:
Salt and pepper go without saying. Some dried minced onion peps up a lot of recipes. Garlic is available fresh or in dried, chopped form or as a powder. Caution: make sure you know the difference between garlic powder and garlic salt. Garlic powder makes great garlic bread; garlic salt makes VERY salty garlic bread.
Oregano or "Italian Seasoning," gives an Italian flavor to anything. A bay leaf cooked in stew brings out the flavor of the other ingredients. Paprika is a red powder used mainly for appearance, but it has been linked to some health benefits. If you like things hot, try sprinkling some cayenne pepper or chili powder on your food.
Basic condiments include ketchup, mustard, relish and mayonnaise. There are all sorts of mustard varieties available. You can probably find traditional yellow mustard, Dijon, spicy brown, honey, and hot Chinese mustard, just to name a few. Explore your local market and see what looks good. Be adventurous, but buy the smallest size, so you do not have a lot to discard if you do not like it.
Other condiments to try are steak sauces, barbecue sauces, tartar sauce, and various stir-fry sauces. Read the labels. If sugar is one of the first few ingredients, forget it. Ingredient labels list the ingredients in descending order. The main ingredient is first, then the others, with the least one last.
Cooking In The Kitchen
When you are redecorating a kitchen, choosing the right kitchen sink is an important part of this major project. There are many considerations to think about, such as decorating style, what use you put your kitchen to, such as a gathering place or whether you are a gourmet cook. You will want to choose a sink of long lasting materials that will not give you any trouble over the years. Features such as built in cutting boards, separate spray arms or double sinks can make cooking and cleaning in your kitchen a lot easier. There is also the issue of energy efficiency to consider, since water shortages do occur, and it is always a good idea to keep down the costs of all your utilities, including water. If there are children in the home, you may want to have safety features such as a hot water monitor installed. Luckily, there is such a broad range of kitchen sinks to choose from that you can meet all of your needs in terms of the design you like to complement the room plus the features you want to make your time in the kitchen easier and more efficient. There are also similar varieties in terms of bathroom sinks, with hundreds of designs that will go with just about any decor in a bathroom yet are practical and suit your unique needs.
In your kitchen, you can go with the classic style of stainless, which is easy to care for, unbreakable, and easy to clean, but has a more modern and severe touch. Ceramic sinks offer more in terms of style, and whether you want the sink to be in your kitchen, bathroom or powder room, you may want to choose a sink with colors or unusual designs. Add to the variety of styles the fact that you can mix and match fixtures such as faucets and sprays, with gold or porcelain trim so that you can achieve a luxurious look. But if you are trying to work within a budget, you will also be able to find many simple but nice looking styles and designs that will be within your price range.
The kitchen is often a focal point in a room, (and certainly one of the busiest spots, since you use it before meals for preparation and after meals for cleanup) and choosing the right one can make your kitchen look stunning. You want to make sure the sink complements the counter tops, the paint or wallpaper colors and the other appliances in the kitchen.
Today's choice in kitchen sinks allows you to play around with designs that look best in your kitchen while still allowing you to have all of the practical features you need for your lifestyle. That should be the definition of the perfect sink- it does everything for you in terms of style, design, functionality and practicality. Even if you are not doing a complete kitchen remodel ling, you will be amazed at how much a new, well chosen sink can do to update your kitchen.
In your kitchen, you can go with the classic style of stainless, which is easy to care for, unbreakable, and easy to clean, but has a more modern and severe touch. Ceramic sinks offer more in terms of style, and whether you want the sink to be in your kitchen, bathroom or powder room, you may want to choose a sink with colors or unusual designs. Add to the variety of styles the fact that you can mix and match fixtures such as faucets and sprays, with gold or porcelain trim so that you can achieve a luxurious look. But if you are trying to work within a budget, you will also be able to find many simple but nice looking styles and designs that will be within your price range.
The kitchen is often a focal point in a room, (and certainly one of the busiest spots, since you use it before meals for preparation and after meals for cleanup) and choosing the right one can make your kitchen look stunning. You want to make sure the sink complements the counter tops, the paint or wallpaper colors and the other appliances in the kitchen.
Today's choice in kitchen sinks allows you to play around with designs that look best in your kitchen while still allowing you to have all of the practical features you need for your lifestyle. That should be the definition of the perfect sink- it does everything for you in terms of style, design, functionality and practicality. Even if you are not doing a complete kitchen remodel ling, you will be amazed at how much a new, well chosen sink can do to update your kitchen.
How Kitchen Mobility Aids Can Help
If you have mobility or dexterity problems, perhaps carrying out daily kitchen tasks is proving more difficult. Kitchen mobility aids can make your life easier. Kitchen mobility aids are usually small and often relatively basic items, but can make a lot of. A jar opener or tap turner might not be an obvious purchase when compared to a mobility scooter, but it is likely to be used just as often, if not more often.
There is a diverse assortment of kitchen disability aids available, ranging from jar and bottle openers, trolleys, cutlery and crockery, tap and knob turners, kettle tippers, non-slip mats and cutting boards, to food preparation utensils, perching stools and many many more products.
Here are ten types of kitchen daily living aids that can help with food preparation and cooking.
1. Various types of jar and bottle openers are available which can be used in many situations around the house and garden, making them very versatile indeed. They work in different ways; some are a non-slip rubber cone that is placed over the jar or bottle lid, and others use a metal loop attached to a handle tightened round the lid, and then levered open.
2. Trolleys enable you to take items to and from the kitchen, can help with walking, and can also be used in other rooms as well. They can help with carrying food and all the things you need with you around the house, such as glasses, a drink and medication.
3. Those who require assistance with feeding can benefit from using cutlery with oversized or adapted handles. This style of cutlery is ideal for those with a weak or limited grip. Crockery with higher sides to prevent food spilling off the plate can help those with limited hand or muscle control. Scoop plates have angled sides to help ideal push food onto a fork or spoon, and are ideal for those who eat one handed.
4. Tap and knob turners can be fitted to kitchen and bathroom taps and cookers to make sinks and cookers easier to use. These turn conventional taps into levers, which mean that they are easier to use. Turners are also available for cooker controls to make cooking safer and easier.
5. A kettle tipper is a device that supports the weight of the kettle in a cradle and enables the kettle to be tipped, so that the user doesn’t have to take the weight of the kettle. These can be invaluable for people who haven’t
6. got the upper body strength or dexterity to pick up and hold a full kettle to make a hot drink. Mini kettles are also available which are smaller, hold a lot less water and much easier to use for those with limited upper body strength or mobility.
7. Non slip mats and coasters are ideal for placing under plates, and other items to prevent them from slipping around, when eating or preparing food for example.
8. Cutting boards are available which clamp to a work surface and often have sides to them. Sections for securing vegetables so they can be easily cut, and so that bread can be buttered safely using just one hand, for example.
9. Food preparation utensils such as spatulas, knives and graters are available with angled comfortable handles to reduce the strain on wrists and hands. These utensils allow those with mobility or dexterity problems to prepare and chop their own food without needing assistance.
10. A perching stool is invaluable for those people who aren’t able to stand up for long periods of time, and are perfect for use in the kitchen whilst preparing food, as well as in numerous other situations around the house.
These types of healthcare products are often recommended by Occupational Therapists and other healthcare experts. Kitchen mobility aids, such as these, can be the difference between somebody being able to cook for themselves and having to rely on someone else to cook for them. Many more daily living aid products are available which can benefit those with limited mobility or dexterity.
These are just a few examples of the range and variety of household mobility aids that are available. Why not see if there’s anything that could make your daily living easier?
There is a diverse assortment of kitchen disability aids available, ranging from jar and bottle openers, trolleys, cutlery and crockery, tap and knob turners, kettle tippers, non-slip mats and cutting boards, to food preparation utensils, perching stools and many many more products.
Here are ten types of kitchen daily living aids that can help with food preparation and cooking.
1. Various types of jar and bottle openers are available which can be used in many situations around the house and garden, making them very versatile indeed. They work in different ways; some are a non-slip rubber cone that is placed over the jar or bottle lid, and others use a metal loop attached to a handle tightened round the lid, and then levered open.
2. Trolleys enable you to take items to and from the kitchen, can help with walking, and can also be used in other rooms as well. They can help with carrying food and all the things you need with you around the house, such as glasses, a drink and medication.
3. Those who require assistance with feeding can benefit from using cutlery with oversized or adapted handles. This style of cutlery is ideal for those with a weak or limited grip. Crockery with higher sides to prevent food spilling off the plate can help those with limited hand or muscle control. Scoop plates have angled sides to help ideal push food onto a fork or spoon, and are ideal for those who eat one handed.
4. Tap and knob turners can be fitted to kitchen and bathroom taps and cookers to make sinks and cookers easier to use. These turn conventional taps into levers, which mean that they are easier to use. Turners are also available for cooker controls to make cooking safer and easier.
5. A kettle tipper is a device that supports the weight of the kettle in a cradle and enables the kettle to be tipped, so that the user doesn’t have to take the weight of the kettle. These can be invaluable for people who haven’t
6. got the upper body strength or dexterity to pick up and hold a full kettle to make a hot drink. Mini kettles are also available which are smaller, hold a lot less water and much easier to use for those with limited upper body strength or mobility.
7. Non slip mats and coasters are ideal for placing under plates, and other items to prevent them from slipping around, when eating or preparing food for example.
8. Cutting boards are available which clamp to a work surface and often have sides to them. Sections for securing vegetables so they can be easily cut, and so that bread can be buttered safely using just one hand, for example.
9. Food preparation utensils such as spatulas, knives and graters are available with angled comfortable handles to reduce the strain on wrists and hands. These utensils allow those with mobility or dexterity problems to prepare and chop their own food without needing assistance.
10. A perching stool is invaluable for those people who aren’t able to stand up for long periods of time, and are perfect for use in the kitchen whilst preparing food, as well as in numerous other situations around the house.
These types of healthcare products are often recommended by Occupational Therapists and other healthcare experts. Kitchen mobility aids, such as these, can be the difference between somebody being able to cook for themselves and having to rely on someone else to cook for them. Many more daily living aid products are available which can benefit those with limited mobility or dexterity.
These are just a few examples of the range and variety of household mobility aids that are available. Why not see if there’s anything that could make your daily living easier?
The Perfect Kitchen Decor
Ease of maintenance should be given priority while selecting the furniture. All kitchen designs should be planned to suit an individual's cooking style, family size and lifestyle. Kitchen designs, whether new or remodeled, is a process that involves both the planner and the owner.
There may be many reasons for remodeling your kitchen. Insufficient space, outdated decor, poor lighting fixtures, and impractical layout are common motivations. Cool, light, or dull colors; minimal contrasts, light tints not only expand space but also heightens the ceiling and lengthens the room.
FLOORING :Your flooring choice is important as it will set the tone for the whole kitchen. The textural quality of the floor appeals to the eye and has a radical effect on how we perceive the room as a whole. In kitchens, the two most elegant floors are ceramic or vitrified tiles / slabs. Ceramic tile is a premium product for a kitchen and as such represents an impressive upgrade over any other floor. The only disadvantage is the cold feel.
CEILING :Ceilings in kitchen should be as high as possible to avoid carbon accumulation. Lights should be concealed in the ceiling above the cutting platform and preparation counter to enhance efficiency and highlight the recipe. Exhaust fans and chimney are more than a necessity to remove smoke.
FURNITURE :Pre-fabricated kitchens have now become an accepted feature, especially in places like Pune. Units for the floor and wall, deep units to accommodate electrical appliances and gas trolleys, and a wide choice of accessories in the form of wire baskets, carousels, adjustable shelves and pullout units characterise the basic modules in a pre-fab kitchen. These well-organized kitchens can suit the requirement for any household kitchen. Pre-fab kitchen units can be made of powder coated trolley system, stainless steel trolley system (wire or pipe products), or can be a combination of both. Instead of wood, they are made of steel pipe structures, which are very light and easy to maintain. Modular compartments in drawers have made life very easy for women in the kitchen. Systematic division of spaces for dishes, quarter plates, bowls, cutlery, spoons, vessels and containers of various sizes has helped in time and space management. Maintenance of these things is very easy. Steel sinks are in today, and are available in different sizes. Sinks with drain boards and cutting boards are also available. Even small dustbins are made available in sinks to throw the waste. Aquaguard provisions can be made above the sink. Crushers can also be provided below the sink for crushing the waste to avoid problems in drainage.
DESIGN AND STORAGE : The standard layout sequence for any kitchen should be: Storage, sink, preparation, serving, eating, oven/gas. All equipment's which you use regularly in cooking must be placed within an arms distance of the gas.
TIPS :
1)If your going for a modular kitchen or getting it done by a carpenter, its better to get the drawing done by the readymade kitchen retailers.
2)Create good counter space in the kitchen. It makes working comfortable. It is also useful foresting hot dishes and jobs like dicing and chopping. Convert one of the counter tops into a breakfast bar. High stools could be placed on either side or same side.
3)If your kitchen layout permits, then you should have a sink, refrigerator and hob in a triangle.
4)In a galley kitchen, the hob and the sink should be on the same side.
5)If complete cabinets cost too much, opt for a few open racks. Use glass shelves, which are cheaper, classier and also less obtrusive.
6)If you have trouble bending then place the oven at your waist level. And have a counter/table next to the oven.
7)The fridge and the microwave should be close to each other to allow easy working.
8)Use the window ledge to place little pots of the flowers. Grow your herb garden in your kitchen.
9)If you cant have a window, have a half wall of glass/glass bricks at least. Natural light cheers up space wonderfully.
10)If you go for colourful walls, keep the base and wall units in muted colours.
11)You can use silver-finish handles on kitchen cabinets as their finish lasts longer.
12)Sleek metallic handles keep the look light and airy.
There may be many reasons for remodeling your kitchen. Insufficient space, outdated decor, poor lighting fixtures, and impractical layout are common motivations. Cool, light, or dull colors; minimal contrasts, light tints not only expand space but also heightens the ceiling and lengthens the room.
FLOORING :Your flooring choice is important as it will set the tone for the whole kitchen. The textural quality of the floor appeals to the eye and has a radical effect on how we perceive the room as a whole. In kitchens, the two most elegant floors are ceramic or vitrified tiles / slabs. Ceramic tile is a premium product for a kitchen and as such represents an impressive upgrade over any other floor. The only disadvantage is the cold feel.
CEILING :Ceilings in kitchen should be as high as possible to avoid carbon accumulation. Lights should be concealed in the ceiling above the cutting platform and preparation counter to enhance efficiency and highlight the recipe. Exhaust fans and chimney are more than a necessity to remove smoke.
FURNITURE :Pre-fabricated kitchens have now become an accepted feature, especially in places like Pune. Units for the floor and wall, deep units to accommodate electrical appliances and gas trolleys, and a wide choice of accessories in the form of wire baskets, carousels, adjustable shelves and pullout units characterise the basic modules in a pre-fab kitchen. These well-organized kitchens can suit the requirement for any household kitchen. Pre-fab kitchen units can be made of powder coated trolley system, stainless steel trolley system (wire or pipe products), or can be a combination of both. Instead of wood, they are made of steel pipe structures, which are very light and easy to maintain. Modular compartments in drawers have made life very easy for women in the kitchen. Systematic division of spaces for dishes, quarter plates, bowls, cutlery, spoons, vessels and containers of various sizes has helped in time and space management. Maintenance of these things is very easy. Steel sinks are in today, and are available in different sizes. Sinks with drain boards and cutting boards are also available. Even small dustbins are made available in sinks to throw the waste. Aquaguard provisions can be made above the sink. Crushers can also be provided below the sink for crushing the waste to avoid problems in drainage.
DESIGN AND STORAGE : The standard layout sequence for any kitchen should be: Storage, sink, preparation, serving, eating, oven/gas. All equipment's which you use regularly in cooking must be placed within an arms distance of the gas.
TIPS :
1)If your going for a modular kitchen or getting it done by a carpenter, its better to get the drawing done by the readymade kitchen retailers.
2)Create good counter space in the kitchen. It makes working comfortable. It is also useful foresting hot dishes and jobs like dicing and chopping. Convert one of the counter tops into a breakfast bar. High stools could be placed on either side or same side.
3)If your kitchen layout permits, then you should have a sink, refrigerator and hob in a triangle.
4)In a galley kitchen, the hob and the sink should be on the same side.
5)If complete cabinets cost too much, opt for a few open racks. Use glass shelves, which are cheaper, classier and also less obtrusive.
6)If you have trouble bending then place the oven at your waist level. And have a counter/table next to the oven.
7)The fridge and the microwave should be close to each other to allow easy working.
8)Use the window ledge to place little pots of the flowers. Grow your herb garden in your kitchen.
9)If you cant have a window, have a half wall of glass/glass bricks at least. Natural light cheers up space wonderfully.
10)If you go for colourful walls, keep the base and wall units in muted colours.
11)You can use silver-finish handles on kitchen cabinets as their finish lasts longer.
12)Sleek metallic handles keep the look light and airy.
Kitchen Equipment: The Right Tools
Kitchen Equipment: The Right Tools by Geoffrey Cook -
A basic kitchen needs a selection of pots and pans, some basic gadgets, and a collection of common spices and condiments.
Pots and Pans:
A minimum set includes a small frying pan, a one-quart saucepan with cover, a two-quart saucepan with cover, a large frying pan with cover, and a large pot (for spaghetti, stew, pot roast, or homemade soup.) If you are cooking for more than one person, get two each of the frying pans and saucepans. Covers are optional for the frying pans, but try to get a cover to fit at least one.
Good quality pans spread the heat evenly so that food does not burn in area of the pan and stay undercooked in another. The bottom of a good pan sits flat on the stove. Cheap pans wear out fast and cost more in the long run. Stainless steel pans with a porcelain coating or a copper bottom are excellent. Stay away from aluminum pans. They get bent out of shape easily and do not last. There have also been some health warnings about cooking in aluminum, but no real proof of any danger.
When using pans with a non-stick coating, turn the heat up only as far as is necessary, and only use wooden or plastic tools. Wipe the pan clean in soapy water. A plastic or nylon net scrubber can be used, but never use steel wool pads. If you do not burn the food onto the pan, and you wash it while the food is still fresh and moist, it will be easy to clean. If you have birds as pets, you may want to avoid non-stick coatings. If you use them, be sure not to overheat them. The coating can release fumes that can kill a bird.
Some other useful tools are a slow cooker, a wok (for Chinese cooking), toaster, microwave, blender, food processor, electric mixer, and an electric knife. There are also bread machines available at reasonable prices that produce a fresh hot loaf of bread rapidly. Most machines also have a delay setting to allow one to place the ingredients in the machine hours before the bread is needed, so the machine finishes just in time for dinner.
Basic Gadgets:
You will need some wooden spoons. Get a selection of sizes and handle lengths. These are always handy and they will not damage your non-stick coatings. Unlike metal tools, they do not get too hot to handle.
You will also want a collection of spatulas in different sizes and shapes. The lightweight spatula that will flip an egg may not be strong enough for a hamburger. Sometimes a narrow spatula is all that will fit in a pan, and sometimes a wide one is needed to get under whatever needs to be turned or lifted.
Whisks come in various sizes. They are very handy for mixing lightweight ingredients quickly, and are easier to get out and later to clean than a blender or mixer.
Get a good set of knives. Cheap ones make the job of cutting more difficult and they wear out fast. With the knives, you will need a good cutting board. A cutting board provides a flat working surface and protects your counters. Plastic cutting boards are easier to clean than wooden ones. Never cut vegetables that will be eaten raw on a cutting board that was used to cut raw meat unless you thoroughly clean the board first.
You will also need a selection of measuring tools. Measuring cups for dry ingredients and measuring spoons come in sets. Get a set of each. You will need a measuring cup for liquids, too. A one-cup measure is probably sufficient, but two-cup and quart measures are also useful. If you want to be precise in your measurements for dietary requirements, buy a food scale and measure your portions until you get used to the sizes and can estimate accurately without weighing everything.
A lot of canned products are now being packaged with pop tops, but get a good can opener for the others. There are some electrics that sell for reasonable prices and do a good job, but get a manual one too. When the power goes out, it can be frustrating not to be able to open the cans.
Spices and Condiments:
Salt and pepper go without saying. Some dried minced onion peps up a lot of recipes. Garlic is available fresh or in dried, chopped form or as a powder. Caution: make sure you know the difference between garlic powder and garlic salt. Garlic powder makes great garlic bread; garlic salt makes VERY salty garlic bread.
Oregano or "Italian Seasoning," gives an Italian flavor to anything. A bay leaf cooked in stew brings out the flavor of the other ingredients. Paprika is a red powder used mainly for appearance, but it has been linked to some health benefits. If you like things hot, try sprinkling some cayenne pepper or chili powder on your food.
Basic condiments include ketchup, mustard, relish and mayonnaise. There are all sorts of mustard varieties available. You can probably find traditional yellow mustard, Dijon, spicy brown, honey, and hot Chinese mustard, just to name a few. Explore your local market and see what looks good. Be adventurous, but buy the smallest size, so you do not have a lot to discard if you do not like it.
Other condiments to try are steak sauces, barbecue sauces, tartar sauce, and various stir-fry sauces. Read the labels. If sugar is one of the first few ingredients, forget it. Ingredient labels list the ingredients in descending order. The main ingredient is first, then the others, with the least one last.
A basic kitchen needs a selection of pots and pans, some basic gadgets, and a collection of common spices and condiments.
Pots and Pans:
A minimum set includes a small frying pan, a one-quart saucepan with cover, a two-quart saucepan with cover, a large frying pan with cover, and a large pot (for spaghetti, stew, pot roast, or homemade soup.) If you are cooking for more than one person, get two each of the frying pans and saucepans. Covers are optional for the frying pans, but try to get a cover to fit at least one.
Good quality pans spread the heat evenly so that food does not burn in area of the pan and stay undercooked in another. The bottom of a good pan sits flat on the stove. Cheap pans wear out fast and cost more in the long run. Stainless steel pans with a porcelain coating or a copper bottom are excellent. Stay away from aluminum pans. They get bent out of shape easily and do not last. There have also been some health warnings about cooking in aluminum, but no real proof of any danger.
When using pans with a non-stick coating, turn the heat up only as far as is necessary, and only use wooden or plastic tools. Wipe the pan clean in soapy water. A plastic or nylon net scrubber can be used, but never use steel wool pads. If you do not burn the food onto the pan, and you wash it while the food is still fresh and moist, it will be easy to clean. If you have birds as pets, you may want to avoid non-stick coatings. If you use them, be sure not to overheat them. The coating can release fumes that can kill a bird.
Some other useful tools are a slow cooker, a wok (for Chinese cooking), toaster, microwave, blender, food processor, electric mixer, and an electric knife. There are also bread machines available at reasonable prices that produce a fresh hot loaf of bread rapidly. Most machines also have a delay setting to allow one to place the ingredients in the machine hours before the bread is needed, so the machine finishes just in time for dinner.
Basic Gadgets:
You will need some wooden spoons. Get a selection of sizes and handle lengths. These are always handy and they will not damage your non-stick coatings. Unlike metal tools, they do not get too hot to handle.
You will also want a collection of spatulas in different sizes and shapes. The lightweight spatula that will flip an egg may not be strong enough for a hamburger. Sometimes a narrow spatula is all that will fit in a pan, and sometimes a wide one is needed to get under whatever needs to be turned or lifted.
Whisks come in various sizes. They are very handy for mixing lightweight ingredients quickly, and are easier to get out and later to clean than a blender or mixer.
Get a good set of knives. Cheap ones make the job of cutting more difficult and they wear out fast. With the knives, you will need a good cutting board. A cutting board provides a flat working surface and protects your counters. Plastic cutting boards are easier to clean than wooden ones. Never cut vegetables that will be eaten raw on a cutting board that was used to cut raw meat unless you thoroughly clean the board first.
You will also need a selection of measuring tools. Measuring cups for dry ingredients and measuring spoons come in sets. Get a set of each. You will need a measuring cup for liquids, too. A one-cup measure is probably sufficient, but two-cup and quart measures are also useful. If you want to be precise in your measurements for dietary requirements, buy a food scale and measure your portions until you get used to the sizes and can estimate accurately without weighing everything.
A lot of canned products are now being packaged with pop tops, but get a good can opener for the others. There are some electrics that sell for reasonable prices and do a good job, but get a manual one too. When the power goes out, it can be frustrating not to be able to open the cans.
Spices and Condiments:
Salt and pepper go without saying. Some dried minced onion peps up a lot of recipes. Garlic is available fresh or in dried, chopped form or as a powder. Caution: make sure you know the difference between garlic powder and garlic salt. Garlic powder makes great garlic bread; garlic salt makes VERY salty garlic bread.
Oregano or "Italian Seasoning," gives an Italian flavor to anything. A bay leaf cooked in stew brings out the flavor of the other ingredients. Paprika is a red powder used mainly for appearance, but it has been linked to some health benefits. If you like things hot, try sprinkling some cayenne pepper or chili powder on your food.
Basic condiments include ketchup, mustard, relish and mayonnaise. There are all sorts of mustard varieties available. You can probably find traditional yellow mustard, Dijon, spicy brown, honey, and hot Chinese mustard, just to name a few. Explore your local market and see what looks good. Be adventurous, but buy the smallest size, so you do not have a lot to discard if you do not like it.
Other condiments to try are steak sauces, barbecue sauces, tartar sauce, and various stir-fry sauces. Read the labels. If sugar is one of the first few ingredients, forget it. Ingredient labels list the ingredients in descending order. The main ingredient is first, then the others, with the least one last.
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