Archive for November 9th, 2008

What is Green Sand Casting and how does it Work

Sunday, November 9th, 2008

Metal Casting

Sand Metal Casting is the most ancient form of metal casting and has been around since at least Ancient Egypt. Many metal casters prefer using sand casting over many of the other forms of processes because it’s cheap and the sand used is readily available.

Many experienced metal casters will continue to use sand casting even though their abilities and resources allow them to use the other metal casting methods like Lost Wax Casting or Investment Casting. Sand casting involves less material and less effort than the other casting methods. Sand casting is a great way for new casters to get into the trade.

In sand casting, the metal caster will create a mold by placing an original in the flask which is filled with sand. The original will be a pattern of what you want to cast. By ramming or vibrating the sand, the caster creates a mold of the original. The mold is only as good as the sand that is holding the mold as the sand must be able to retain the shape of the mold itself. Getting the exact right mix of water and sand is one thing you will want to figure out very quickly. Too much water can ruin the mold and possibly destroy it while too little water will create a poor casting. One of the reasons that Green Sand is liked among casters is that its easier to retain the shape of your mold with Green Sand. Green sand usually contains bentonite clay, sand, and water.

After the sand is packed, the pattern or original is removed carefully. Molten metal is poured into the mold and allowed to cool. The metal caster will then break the mold and dig out the casting.

While sand DIY Casting has its benefits the use of green sand can greatly increase the likelihood of a successful casting. Green sand is not really green the color refers to the damp nature of the sand. Green sand is created by adding water and bentonite to the sand. One of the benefits of using bentonite in green sand is that it makes the sand more permeable which allows more gas to escape.

Metal casters can get the bentonite from a variety of sources like home improvement stores and even from household resources. Many have milled the type of cat litter that clumps since one of the ingredients is bentonite. Remember to work in a well ventilated room or to wear proper face gear when working with bentonite since it will irritate the lungs.

A lot of Casters will start with a Green Sand Recipie but then start to make their own tweaks with experimentation. What you are looking for when mixing the sand, water, and bentonite is a texture that is not wet but damp and will retain its shape when molded.

The type of sand you use to make green sand depends on you and the availability of the sand. Many will use sand that they found out in the wilds of nature and some will buy bags of sand like playground sand. As you cast with green sand you will find out which works best with what metals.

Green sand is growing in popularity as more casters are recognizing the properties of this method. If you have traditionally used regular sand casting, green sand casting will prove to be easier to work with and will produce better casts.

The best part about green sand Metal Casting is that is does not cost a lot of green.

 
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Three Different Forms of Arthritis

Sunday, November 9th, 2008

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis usually takes hold around the time of middle age. It is far and away the most common type of arthritis with the discomfort and pain varying from very mild to severe. It is seen as part of the aging process but could also develop as a consequence of an injury. It is a progressive disease, where the condition gradually gets worse. The everyday wear and tear on the cartilage that surrounds our joints eventually leads to Osteoarthritis. Over time, the cartilage gradually wears down, the joints are no longer protected and cushioned. They may become swollen, stiff, and painful to the touch. The discomfort and pain is usually worse in the spine, fingers, hips and knees. Statistics show that up to 90% of the population over age 60 will develop some form of Osteoarthritis. As a general rule, women tend to suffer more in their fingers whilst men feel the discomfort and pain in their knees and hips.

Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ankylosing Spondylitis is a rheumatic disease that causes degeneration in the spine and sacroiliac joints. It can also affect the ankles, knees, lungs, heart valves, shoulders and inflammation of the eyes. The definitive cause of Ankylosing Spondylitis isn’t known but in some cases it has developed after a bowel or urinary tract infection, potentially triggering the autoimmune response. The most common symptom is a loss of flexibility in the lumbar spine and in more severe cases, inflammation of the eye, fever, fatigue, weight loss or anaemia. Although it can be debilitating and painful an early diagnosis and treatment may decrease the amount of functional loss and pain enabling patients to enjoy the activities they have always enjoyed.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) – this provides a much better view of the changes that occur in the sacroiliac joint during the early development of Ankylosing Spondylitis. Physicians are better placed to prescribe therapies and treatments to slow the loss of function and mobility.

Tumour Necrosis Factor Blockers – these treatments, usually reserved for patients with tumours, show a high effectiveness in reducing spinal inflammation. Regrettably, research has shown that once the treatment has stopped most patient’s relapse.

Unfortunately, Ankylosing Spondylitis is a lifelong ailment and those patients who fail to continue therapy and treatment experience permanent posture and mobility loss.

Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis

Many of us believe that arthritis is an affliction that only affects us when we are growing old. This is not true. There are many children in the United States suffering with arthritis. This type of arthritis is known as Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis. Children are usually diagnosed between the ages of six months and sixteen years. The most common symptoms are stiffness and swelling of the joints, muscle pain and difficulty in completing what would be considered normal day to day physical tasks.

Whilst the symptoms of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis are similar to the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis in adults, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis differs from the adult condition in that the disease is classified into three specific types:

● Polyarticular

● Pauciarticular

● Systematic juvenile rheumatoid arthritis

Regrettably, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis also differs from adult rheumatoid arthritis in terms of side effects. A child with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis may also experience skin rashes, fevers, and a swollen spleen and lymph nodes. The fevers and skin rashes may worsen or improve intermittently. Unfortunately, any swelling of the spleen or lymph nodes may just worsen with time. The origins of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis are not known but we do know that the characteristics of the condition are the same as adult rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder. The child’s immune system attacks and destroys it’s own tissues, mistaking them for bacteria, a virus or some other alien body.

The treatment for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis include:

● Drugs – NSAID class drugs such as naproxen and ibuprofen

● Regular physical exercise – swimming and water exercises are highly recommended but not high impact sports and activities such as running and tennis

Note: The information contained in this post is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice nor is it intended to be for medical diagnosis or treatment. Always consult your doctor or health care specialist before taking any medical advice or if you are in any way concerned about your physical wellbeing.

How to Identify Kidney Failure in Dogs

Sunday, November 9th, 2008

For an avid dog-lover, the loss of his pet is the single most traumatic experience. If this occurs due to an illness, it becomes even more tragic. Dog kidney disease is one such killer. It can manifest itself in two ways. One is acute kidney disease and the other is chronic kidney disease. The former strikes suddenly whereas the latter takes effect over a period of time. Either way, the result if fatal for the canine and heartbreaking for the owner.

Kidneys are an important organ for the body, whether human or canine. They are responsible for ridding the body of toxins by filtration. Kidney disease causes the kidneys to function at only about thirty percent of their capacity. If the kidneys stop working, the toxins accumulate in the blood and get deposited in other organs. Subsequently, the dog dies.

As the toxins start building up in various organs, they start to ‘shut down’ that organ. The owner can notice the apparent symptoms in such cases. The kidney disease hinders the body from functioning properly and the warning signals become more obvious. The signs can vary between the two types of kidney disease. Sudden dehydration is a sign of acute kidney disease. If you gently pull the skin of the stomach on your pet and it doesn’t spring back, then it could be that he or she is dehydrated.

Another telltale sign of the acute kidney failure in dogs is the extreme reduction or total stoppage of urine. Your dog would suddenly stop urinating. It is a very excruciating process as the kidneys become quite painful. This is the most obvious sign. You would notice your pet’s arched back or stiff leg movement. In such a case, you would need to rush your precious pet to a veterinarian immediately. Dog health blood in urine could also be a serious warning sign.

In the case of chronic kidney disease, the symptoms are different and they occur over a period of time. The first indicator is an increase in thirst and consequently water consumption. This is a constant indicator of the disease. The dog might lose his or her desire to eat resulting in excessive weight loss over time. Contrary to the acute kidney disease, in the chronic version, the canine loses control over its bladder function. As a result, it urinates very frequently. As time passes, the process of urinating will cause extreme discomfort and become very painful. It is possible that there might even be blood in the urine or it may become impossible for the dog to urinate completely. Since the chronic kidney disease is a fatal illness, it is advisable to rush your pet to the veterinarian as soon as you see any of the warning signs such as problem in urination, vomiting, lethargy and depression. Any combination of these signs is a sure shot reason to go to the vet. If caught in time, there is hope for cure of this malady.

The treatment that a vet will start, for this very serious ailment, is typically four staged. The first step is to carry out a physical check up to eliminate other reasons for the symptoms. Next is the verification from the owner regarding the history and symptoms of this disorder. Then there will be tests – a blood test and finally a urine test to confirm the prognosis.