Question: My Hoover upright vacuum seems to be going through belts every couple of months. Is this normal? Also, is there anything I can do to extend the belt life?
Answer: Belt life is directly related to the care you give your upright vacuum cleaner. Here are some maintenance tips to help get the most efficient performance from your vacuum. It's most important not to overfill its bag. These machines move a surprising amount of air for a small appliance, at least 60 to 70 cubic feet per minute. The bag filters out the dirt from the air stream and the air re-enters the room. An overfilled bag greatly reduces cleaning efficiency. When you replace the bag, check that the exhaust port is clear. Next, don't pick up needles from large debris with these machines - use a shop vacuum. Large debris can damage the fan and the bearings the brush rides on. Also remember to change the drive belt every four months. The belt stretches with use, and a stretched belt slips on the brush, wasting energy and reducing its cleaning ability. Finally, the brush on these machines runs in the 5,000 rpm range, so it won't take long for hair and fibers to work under the end caps, straining the brush bearings and burning up the belt. Turn the vacuum over after every use, and remove hair and fibers from the roller ends and where the belt meets the roller.
Question: A while ago, I had read of a new type of skylight that resembles a pipe vent on the roof. It looks a lot like recessed ceiling lights. I recall that the article acted like a periscope. Even though small, it gives more light then the conventional skylight, the manufacturer claims. Can you tell me where I can get this item?
Answer: The item you are referring to is called the Sola Tube. It has a curved roof-mounted reflector, a 10-inch-diameter mirrored transfer tube and a prismatic light diffuser at the bottom of the tube to spread the light evenly. Sola Tubes are available in lengths up to 10-feet and cost about $315 installed. To find a dealer, contact Sola Tube Co., 5825 Avenida Encinas, Suite 101, Carlsbad, Calif. 92008; (800) 773-7652.
Question: I'm interested in making a kitchen countertop using DuPont Corian. Are there any special considerations in working with this material? I've heard that Corian is so hard that you need to use diamond-tipped tools to cut it.
Answer: DuPont Corian is a rock-like material made with acrylic polymer and minerals. It's sold in sheets and can substitute for ivory, granite or other substances in craft and furniture projects.
If you're interested in working with this versatile material, DuPont has a free brochure that offers concise and specific information on how to cut, shape, sand, drill and fasten Corian. And we do mean specific information. Approximately 11/4 pages of the 12-page guide are devoted to using adhesive. Also, you learn that although you don't need diamond-tipped tools to cut this stuff, it's tough enough that you need carbide blades and tools of sufficient amperage. For example, the company recommends using 10-amp or larger circular saws.
Corian is available in one-quarter, one-half and three-quarter inch thicknesses in a variety of sizes. It's difficult to identify an accurate square foot cost since the material is available in a wide range of sizes, colors and patterns.