I watched an instructional video the other day where the guy kept palming his gauge manifold and CRANKING down on the valves when he closed them. I've seen techs use channel locks—and even vise grips—to tighten down their gauges “just in case” when they have a hard time finding a leak or a vacuum that […]

One aspect of motor selection that can get overlooked is motor bearings, and it can have big consequences. Sleeve bearings are most common in residential and light commercial applications because they are less expensive and quieter. They don't have rolling “balls” but rather rely on a thin film of oil on metal sleeves. Sleeve bearings […]

“Robert Boyle” by Stifts- och landsbiblioteket i Skara is licensed under CC BY 2.0 Robert Boyle was an Anglo-Irish philosopher and scientist born in 1627. He had a privileged upbringing, as he was a son of the first earl of Cork, and his social standing gave him access to a first-class education at Eton College. […]