The current state of manufacturing in the United States calls for serious attention and action. For many years, U.S. manufacturers have complained of a shortage of skilled workers--and the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics backs up their concerns. One can place blame for reductions in American manufacturing on many things, but certainly the lack…

People seem to have created a tool for every purpose. If a person searches diligently, he can usually find the tool he needs. However, several things may affect this process such as time, cost of the tool, and limited tool sources. The solution to all these is to make the tool yourself. People have made tools for many thousands of years, and with…

Solar power (also known as solar energy) is solar radiation emitted from the sun. Large panels that absorb the sun's energy as the sun beats down on them gather solar power. The energy in the rays can be used for heat (solar thermal energy) or converted to electricity (photovoltaic energy). Each solar energy project, from conception to…

The Technology Department at Appalachian State University runs a metals lab to introduce students to basic metalworking processes. Many of the students have never worked with metal before. The class objectives call for teaching students metal properties, processing, and design problem solving. The average student is a 20-year-old junior whom…