Observation
Exploding a possible myth?
I ran across one of the best reports I have read about the reasons for not using propane or a refrigerant tank for a receiver in a compressed air system. Here is the link in Horn & Whistle Magazine.
I have been in the HVAC business all my life and at first thought all those throw away refrigerant tanks must be good for something. In fact there was at least one manufacturer who was offering a kit to convert these tanks to portable air use. The kit consisted of a valve, gage and a short hose. I used one for several years. This item is no longer marketed.
I have seen air tanks and high pressure (HP) steam vessels that have corroded. All the tanks I have worked with that developed leaks in normal use did just that, developed leaks. They did NOT just suddenly and catastrophically explode. The writer never uses the word “explode” however the term “life threatening” conjures up the impression. I believe the explosion impression makes a good scare story and borders on urban legend.
The “Myth Busters” have shot diver air tanks with bullets and they do not explode. They take off like a rocket.
The expansion and contraction theory presented in the link is a new one for me. It is written as obvious speculation but it does sound plausible. Whether it has caused sudden and complete failure is not substantiated in the article. The fact is the pressure in these tanks in their designed use varies considerably and follows and endures temperature changes from frost on the outside (-40 deg) to 120+ degrees. This too is probably a myth until someone can prove that it has happened.
I am always a skeptic whenever I read this sort of thing. The… Continue reading
Outstanding Saw Blade
I bought a premium saw blade to go with my premium PM2000 cabinet saw. I have used many types of power saws in my 60 years but I have just been “blown away” buy this blade on the PM2000. The blade is a Forrest “Woodworker II” and one of the more expensive 10″ blades on the market.
The blade doesn’t look it but it is all purpose, both ripping and crosscutting. The carbide teeth are extreamly sharp. I understand the reasons on “teeth set” between ripping and crosscutting. This blade is different. I was wondering about this saw blade with all the teeth the same. So I installed it on the saw.
A little “ouch” at the base of the index finger was not from the blade.
I cut some Popular and some plywood I had around. My jaw fell and hit the saw table! No cut noise, no slowdown and no effort. I have never seen a saw cut this well. No splinters, super smooth face on the boards. I could even see the clean open microscopic wood pores on end grain. Boards can be edge glued right off the saw. This is an amazing blade! It cuts rather than chew through wood. Its like using 40 finely honed chisels to carve through the cut.
The blade can be resharpened about 10 times when required. I have read reports of hobbyist use of 9 years without needing a sharpening. Used properly, this is a lifetime blade. At least for the years I have left!
This blade is a 10!