AGM stands for Absorbed Glass Mat.

• AGM batteries use a glass mat as the separator between the plates as opposed to floating electrolyte or acid found in typical flooded batteries. They require controlled charging techniques so not to damage the battery when charging

AGM Features

• Low self-discharge which means they can sit in storage for much longer periods without charging.
• AGM's do not have any liquid to spill and can be mounted at any angle.
• AGM batteries do not gas or smell when charging which allows the battery to be mounted in enclosed spaces.

What you need to know about charging AGM or Gel Cell Batteries.

• AGM or Gel-Cell Batteries can easily be damaged if charged with conventional chargers.
• AGM or Gel Cell Batteries should never be charged at more than 14.4 volts. Conventional chargers, even automatics often put out 16-18 volts

Before you throw away that battery consider that single use batteries contain both reyclable and material that is considered HAZARDOUS. In the United States we throw away nearly 180,000 tons of batteries a year. A good general rule is to recycle batteries. For battery collection sites in your area go to:

http://earth911.com/

In order to choose the right saw blade for a specific application it is helpful to understand the terminology used to describe saw blade characteristics. Here are a few of the most common:

Positive Tooth Angle - The slope of the tooth along the face is slanted forward. The higher the hook angle the faster the cut, but the rougher the finish. Primarily used for ripping and crosscutting. Recommendations: Slight positive angles (5 - 10 degrees) for crosscutting. Aggresive positive angles (10 - 20 degrees) for ripping.

Negative Tooth Angle - The slope of the tooth along the face is slanted backwards. The lower the hook angle, the slower the cut, but the finer the finish. Primarily used for cutting plastics, laminates, and non-ferrous metals. Recommendation: Ideal for slide miter and radial arm saws.

Plate - The thickness of the saw body.

Kerf - The thickness of the carbide tooth. Thin-kerf blades produce less material waste and cut faster. They are a good choice for smaller underpowered saws. Thick or Full-kerf blades provide a smooth finish and greater cutting accuracy, these are a good choice for table saws.

When choosing the optimum size air filtration unit(s), the recommended air cycles per hour vary based on usage.

• Generally, six full air cycles per hour in occasional use shops and eight air cycles per hour in full time shops is adequate.
• Based on these guidelines, the following formula may be used to determine the appropriate size filtration unit (in CFM) for your shop.
• Calculate shop voume in cubic feet (use 12 feet as the maximum ceiling height)
• Multiply the cubic volume by the recommended cycles per hour to determine cubic feet per hour (CFH).
• Divide the CFH by 60 to determine the optimum collector CFM capacity.

Example: Shop volume 20' x 20' x 12' =4,800 CU. FT.

                                             4,800 CU. FT. x 6 cycles = 28,800 CU. FT./Hour

                                              28,800 / 60 = 480 CU. FT./Minute or CFM

In larger shops, there is a benefit to installing several smaller units equally distant from each other.

Take a look at some of the latest developments in air filtration technology.

Selecting the right tool for the job is always easier when you know how the tool will be used. Additionally, you will have to be able to make comparisons between different manufactures to make your decision. Today we will share terms associated with selecting a cordless drill. 

Amperage/Amp Hours (Ah) -Represents the amount of Energy a battery can hold. This measurement helps determine how long the battery will power the equipment it is used in. Generally speaking, the more "Ahs" the longer run time.

Capacity - The amount of energy a battery can store. Measured in Amp Hours of Milliamp Hours, this is the length of time the battery can supply the required voltage.

Self-Discharge - The process of a battery releasing its energy without being used. This can occur just by sitting on the shelf. Most batteries self-discharge about 1 to 2 percent each day.

Rated Capacity - Measured in "Ah" or "mAh" capacity is determined by the cell manufacturer. This number is then used to determine run time and is also in warranty policies.

Memory - The term used to describe the capacity loss and subsequent voltage drop in a battery due to constant or repetitious charging and incomplete discharging. This results in a loss of run-time.

Cycle Life - The amount of times a battery may be charged and discharged. Every time a battery is charged and discharged it uses one cycle.