The term strimmer, though perhaps the most common name given to a grass trimmer, is actually a trade name given to a Black and Decker / McCulloch (at the time) petrol grass trimmer back in the early 1980's. So to be correct a grass trimmer is only a strimmer if it is a Black and Decker. It's very much like everyone calling a vacuum cleaner a Hoover.

Grass Trimmer - Spinning Nylon Line

As the name suggests grass trimmers are used to trim grass. Grass trimmers come in various power forms including mains electric, cordless battery and petrol.

For the smaller, light application an electric grass trimmer and cordless battery trimmer are ideal. The performance of these 2 power options are very much the same. The cordless battery grass trimmer is more free and easy to use without the restriction of the power lead but will be slightly heavier due to the weight of the battery and your run time will be restricted by the life of the battery charge. More expensive battery grass trimmers have detachable batteries which, with a second battery, you can carry on trimming whilst the other battery recharges. Cordless battery grass trimmers are also ideal for tending small areas that have no power supply like graves and towpath moorings.

The thickness of material that can be cut varies on the diameter of the nylon cutting line, the thicker the nylon line the thicker the material that can be cut. Entry model electric and cordless battery grass trimmers are typically fitted with 1.3mm and 1.6mm cutting line whilst heavy duty models offer 2.0mm cutting line.

For larger garden areas with more long grass and weeds and perhaps more remote applications a petrol grass trimmer is ideal. A petrol grass trimmer is very similar to the electric and cordless battery models but is generally bigger heavier and has to be started and maintained.

Petrol grass trimmers can be identified by the curved drive shaft with flexible drive spindle and with a nylon line cutting head on the end. Most petrol engine types are 2-stroke and some are 4-stroke. Makita produce excellent 4-stroke machines that offer up to 40% savings in fuel costs, lower noise and emission levels and ease of use.

Petrol, electric and cordless battery powered grass trimmers can NOT be fitted with a metal blade.

An alternative is a heavy duty cordless battery grass trimmer with 36 volt battery as offered by Makita, Husqvarna and Stihl.

Generally grass trimmers feature a loop operator handle and can be used with or without a harness, for this reason they tend to be easy and flexible to use for shorter tasks.

Brushcutter - Spinning Nylon Line - Metal Blade

A brushcutter, like the name suggests, is a more heavy duty machine that is capable of tackling thicker vegetation, grass and brush. Brushcutters are predominately petrol driven; feature straight drive shafts with a solid drive spindle in to a geared head and can be fitted with a variety of blades and other attachments.

Again brushcutter engines are most often 2-stroke however 4-stokes play an increasing role in this sector due to the cost savings gained from the fuel cast savings, ease of use for operators and low noise and emissions. Makita lead the field in the 4-stroke brushcutter sector with their MM4 range.

Most brushcutters can take both a nylon line cutting head and a choice of blades depending on the application, Brushcutter nylon line is generally 2.0mm, 2.4mm and 3.0mm. A rough guide is that the size of the engine (cc) is matched to the size of the nylon, 20cc = 2.0mm, 24cc = 2.4mm and so on.

Brushcutters and grass trimmers are all fitted with a guard that sits at the rear of the cutting head. This guard serves 2 main functions, first it helps to reduce the amount of debris, grass and slugs that fly back in the direction of the operator and secondly the guard is fitted with a small sharp blade that is designed to trim the nylon line to a set length. The machine is designed to run with the nylon line or lines at a set length, if the line is longer the engine machine will slow resulting in less efficient cutting and the engine will wear out prematurely.

Nylon line cutting heads come in to their own when trimming around walls, trees and other fixed obstacles.

Brushcutter blades are to be used in areas where you are confident there are no fixed obstacles. In other words you can use a blade in open area's and benefit from not having to replace nylon line so saving time and money.

There are various types of brushcutter cutting head options...

Nylon line head - Cutting up to and around fixed obstacles and trees - Less damage to obstacle.

2 sided blade - Cutting open areas of tough grass - Reversible for added life - Saves time and money.

4 tooth blade - Cutting large open areas of tough grass - Reversible for added life - Saves time and money.

8 tooth blade - Cutting large open areas of thick dry grass - Saves time and money.

80 tooth blade - Cutting large open areas of thick grass, brush and small trees - Saves time and money.

These are the most common cutting head types, there are also other more specialist heads available from certain manufacturers.

Brushcutters are available with a choice of handle; loop handle or bull/bike handle with full body harnesses. For pro-longed periods of use the bull/bike handle type is a better choice having the body harness taking all of the machine weight and spreading it across the body leaving the operator to steer the machine with the handles. This type is not so good if you just want to pick the machine up and do a quick bit of trimming, it cannot be used without the harness like you can with a loop handle.

Electric

Petrol – Suitable for any size hedges, these hedge trimmers allow the user to have complete freedom over where they can cut. As there is no cable the safety of the hedge trimmer is heightened as there is no element of a trip hazard. Have a better build quality and better anti-vibration features which can extend the length of time the hedge trimmer can be used comfortably. Suitable for more frequent use and dependent upon the model purchased for professional usage. Recommendations; Domestic - HUSQ122HD45 and Professional MAKHTB7600.

Battery – Suitable for any size hedges, give the user complete freedom over where they can cut. Aimed at professional users the battery hedge trimmer range offers many advantages such as quieter, no emissions and can save on running costs as there is no oil or fuel to buy. Recommendations; Domestic - BOSAHS48Li and Professional - HUSQ136LiHD50.

Single Sided – consists of a one sided blade which has widely spread teeth which is suitable for vertical trimming. The engine supplied more power to the single sided to give a better, more efficient cut. As you can only cut one way you have more control over the cut you are doing meaning neatly trimmed bushes can easily be achieved.

Double Sided – consists of one blade with teeth on both sides which is suitable for  both a horizontal and vertical trimming. The engine is typically larger than that on a single sided machine to have the ability to give an efficient cut.

When it comes to using  a machine domestically, the work time of the hedge trimmer should be approximately 2-4 hours up to 3 times per year in 20 minute stints due to vibration levels. 

When looking for a built-in barbecue you have three choices;

GTi-4 – Features patented Integrill cooking system that not only delivers fantastic flavours but uses 15% less gas than a conventional gas barbecue. This system gives anti-flare up protection whilst allowing the juices to be vaporized and absorbed back into the food to give delicious flavours.

Maxim 482 – Features an infra-red back burner which is perfect for using a rotisserie. This barbecue also features a side burner – unlike the others meaning you get full control over what you wish to cook outdoors.

Odeon 32 – Features patented Crossray infrared burner system which delivers intense heat like that of a charcoal and uses up to 40% less gas! With angled burners to ensure the whole grilling area is heated evenly to ensure there are no hot spots or cold spots. This system gives the advantage of the burners not being under the grills meaning that there are no open flames to cause flare ups.

With all of these barbecues you are guaranteed quality – Grand Hall are so confident in their designs they have backed them with excellent guarantee provisions;

• 2 years from the date of purchase – If a defect becomes apparent within this 24 month period then Grand Hall guarantees that the defective component will be replaced or repaired at no charge.

Specifics
• 5 year against damage to stainless steel from rust-through
• 2 years against damage to enamel finished parts from rust-through
• 2 years against damage to coated parts from rust-through

Revamped from the 2012 model with a change to the burners and the heat distribution method. The new 2013 model now comes with cast iron burners for longevity and now utilises lava rock as the heat distribution method. Which gives the barbecue that lovely “cooking on rocks” feel. The Meteor has a new shaped hood with great shaped curves with more weight behind it, to give a further air of quality to this beautiful BBQ.

The front panel folds down to reveal and handy storage tray within the confines of the barbecue. A handy side burner can be utilised for simmering sauces to coat the succulent meat produced by the all new cooking system.

Outback Meteor BBQ in Red or Blue


Available in glowing red, striking blue and indeed now in full stainless steel the Meteor is the new modern classic from Outback. With stainless steel frontage on the red and blue models the look of this barbecue is one which would suit any patio.

Outdoor cooking for all the family

Featuring a large cooking area the Meteor will cater for most family parties. The cooking surface of 64 x 42 cm is covered in half with a porcelain coated grill and half porcelain coated griddle. Set with a temperature gauge in the hood you are guaranteed the perfect temperature to cook all of your alfresco delights.

This barbecue comes with a genuine Outback cover and regulator included in the box. When it is dispatched from our warehouse we send it on a pallet so that we can guarantee that the product arrives to you in perfect condition.

The Outback Meteor Select Gas Four Burner BBQ is In stock now for immediate dispatch !

Customer Reviews
 See what others are saying about the Outback Meteor

Download the Product Guide
Click here to download the Outback Meteor PDF 

Weber Charcoal Barbecues

Weber Fireplace

Weber Q Barbecues

The Weber Q barbecue  is unique to Weber and is available in gas or electric models. All Q models are supplied with a limited 5 year warranty.   They are made from robust and hard wearing materials, packed with unique features that make the whole Weber Q cooking experience a happy one !

How thick is the wood I need to cut? For light use a suitable saw  would be the 236, for slightly more heavy duty work consider the 240 and move up the range from there a popular heavy duty saw is the 455 rancher.

You should also strongly consider a protective kit to keep you and your body safe when cutting, if you are mainly chopping logs for firewood you may also wish to consider a saw horse. A good value husqvana kit will contain a helmet with visor and ear muffs, chaps and chainsaw gloves the Protecitve Kit Basic is a good place and price to start.

When it comes to getting the best from your chainsaw, you need to make sure you use the right mix and good quality engine oil - and good quality chain oil.   Service the saw regularly as per the instruction manual and keep the chain sharp a blunt chain will put pressure on the saw and make the job a whole lot harder.  World of Power offer a mail order chainsaw chain sharpening service and also supply chain sharpening kits so you can do it your self.  These are saw specific and usually listed under your choosen saw on line.

We hope we have helped you choose the right chainsaw if not call our sales line on 01298 213145 and we will be happy to help.

The Einhell BG-PT 2538 Petrol Lawn Grass Trimmer is only £79.99 including VAT and if you purchase today you will receive complimentary oil and a free pair of safety googles.

An amazing value product from the German manufacturers, complete with a 25cc 2-stroke petrol engine and grass trimmer with 38cm 2 line auto feed cutting head. Using this trimmer should be a comfortable experience weighing in at only 5.8kg.

BUY TODAY - £79.99

Don't forget Free Delivery on all orders over £100!

Powered by a Mountfield 100cc 4 stroke engine, the HP414 hand propelled lawnmower is ideal for small to medium sized lawns. The engine is very easy to start with a standard recoil rope system and will give many years of trouble-free mowing.

Features -

• Mountfield RS100 OHV Engine

• Hand Propelled

• Plastic 40 Litre Collection

• 39cm (15") Cutting Width

• One Year Guarantee

WOP Price: £149.00 Inc. Vat with free next day delivery if placed by 3.00pm - BUY NOW

Husqvarna R53SV TrioClip Petrol Self Propelled Lawnmower powered by Honda

The R53SV petrol lawnmower, has a 21 inch (53cm) cutting width and an adjustable cutting height between 30-80mm, has the advantage of having a self propelling mechanism for easier mowing. This sturdy machine operates with a Honda 163cc GCV160 petrol engine feeding a 71 litre collector box, which clips onto the rear of the steel decking. Weighing in at a mere 40kg, the wheels have double ball bearings for easier manoeuvrability.

Features -

• 71 Litre Collector

• 21"/53cm Cutting Width

• Honda GCV160 163cc Engine

• 2 Year Warranty

WOP Price: £399.99 Inc. Vat with free next day delivery if placed by 3.00pm - BUY NOW

Flymo PacaMow Electric Rotary Lawn Mower

The Flymo Pac a Mow is a compact mains electric rotary lawnmower fitted with a rear roller allowing for stripes and cutting over the edge of the lawn around the borders. With 3 height of cut settings between 20mm and 60mm the Pac a Mow is ideal for most grass conditions on small lawned area's.

Features -

• 1200 Watt Motor

• 33cm - 13" Cutting Width

• Rear Roller for Stripes

• Packs Away for Compact Storage

• 12m Power Cable

WOP Price: £90.25 Inc. Vat - BUY NOW

A small compact barbecue that is perfect for transporting anywhere and is the perfect accompaniment to any picnic. In addition to the Smokey Joe Original this model features a lid lock that firmly locks the lid into place for carrying.

Features -

• 14.5"/37cm wide cooking area and stands 17"/43cm high

• 10-year bowl and lid warranty

WOP Price: £50.99 Inc. VAT - BUY NOW

Outback Spectrum 3 Burner Hooded Gas Grill BBQ with Rain Cover

Providing optimum convenience for every barbecue feast, this 3 burner grill with separate burner controls offers a cooking area of  63.5cm x 42cm. Featuring a grill, griddle and warming rack, the unit provides ultimate cooking temperatures by utilising flavourizing bars and a pull down porcelain enamelled hood with built-in temperature display.

Features -

• Porcelain Enamelled Cooking Hood

• Porcelain Coated Grills & Griddle

• Stainless Steel Burners - Flavourizing Bars

• Integra Spark Rotary Ignition

• 10 Year Limited Warranty

WOP Price: £299.99 Inc. VAT including free delivery - BUY NOW

 
The first choice you need to make is Electric Lawnmower or Petrol Lawnmower, this will be dependant on the size of your lawn electric lawnmowers are suitable for gardens where power supply is readily available and you are ok to be restricted by the lenght of the cable.  If you have a larger garden or power supply is not available then a petrol lawnmower will be right for you.
 
Good electric lawn mowers are supplied by Flymo and Mountfield, and can take the form of Hover, Rotary or Cylinder.
 
Petrol lawnmowers take many forms the most popular being Petrol Hover Mower, Petrol Rotary Mower and Petrol Cylinder Mower.
 
A cylinder petrol lawnmower with a roller is the one for you if you are looking for a bowling green finish.  The Mountfield emperor is superb and would satisfy the needs of the most proud of gardeners.   Two points to consider are:-

• Width of cut - how many times do you want to go up and down the bigger the cut the less walking you have to do.

• Mulch Facility - Mulching means that the grass is cut very finely and the re cut within the mower and then it falls back on to the grass providing nutrients to your soil.  The benefit of this - you don't have to make trips to the bin to empty the grass box because there isn't one ! however you do have to keep on top of the cutting.

Aluminium ramps are essential for the safe loading and unloading of heavy vehicles and equipment. The range of ramps on offer serve to simplify transporting vehicles and machinery and accommodate for differences in the size, weights and shape of the load. Although many ramps may look similar, there are actually crucial differences between models and key issues that need to be considered before purchase. This buyer’s guide will address these factors and aims to offer helpful guidance to the prospective ramp buyer.

With either a double or single ramp design, the type of ramp you choose is entirely dependent on the load. A single ramp is ideal for loading motorcycles whereas the double version is designed for loading four-wheeled vehicles.

Compact Folding Ramps

For customers with limited storage, many models offer a collapsible alternative. The folding ramp is ideal for the track day enthusiast wanting to load their sports bike into the back of their mid-sized van where a standard ramp is too long to be stored after loading.

Storage Loading Capacity

The capacity of the ramp is a crucial consideration when choosing a model. Ramp capacity ranges from 340kg to 3000kg, and you should carefully calculate the weight of your vehicle or equipment before buying the ramp, with an extra margin to allow for heavier payloads if the vehicle boarding will hold extra passengers or cargo.

Ramp Safety Features

Safety is a vital factor when using ramps to load heavy equipment or machines, and most ramp models provide additional features for added safety. The open-rung ramp design on many ramps ensures added grip in wet conditions, while the curved shape of most ramps guarantees safe loading without any damage to vehicles with a low hanging frame or fairing. Nylon straps are provided with all ramps to keep the ramp in position and prevent potential accidents.

Disclaimer – it should be emphasised that these articles on ramps are for advice only, and we recommend that you read the instruction manual fully before using and maintaining any product.

The diverse range of heaters currently on the market caters for every requirement, specification and preference, but it can also be incredibly bewildering to the first-time buyer. With such a wide selection of heaters available, from propane and diesel to electric and infrared, it can be difficult to know which product is right for your needs.

Whether you are looking for a heater for commercial utilisation or just want something to provide extra warmth at home in the winter, then this guide should help you make the perfect choice.

Electric Heating Guide

For a heater with minimum maintenance and high efficiency, the electric heater is the ideal product. With their compact and portable designs, electric heaters offer superior performances when heating small to medium-sized garages, workshops and offices. These versatile heaters run off domestic sockets meaning they can operate from numerous locations and are a good choice for domestic purposes.

For offices and the home, some electric heaters are classified as 'low noise,' a useful feature to minimise distraction and to keep the neighbours happy! Operation costs for electric heaters can be quite high if used for long periods of time. It is therefore advisable to keep electric heaters for heating smaller rooms or over short periods.

Alternative Heater Recommendations

Ideally suited for use in factories, animal housing, garages and workshops, propane heaters are a fast and reliable source of heat. Gas-fired heaters are not recommended for use in the home due to the ground-level ventilation required for safe operation.

Innovative and practical, infrared heaters heat objects instead of air and, as a result, deliver an optimal performance in draughty areas such as conservatories, garages and gardens. Infrared heaters are quick and efficient because they start producing heat as soon as they are switched on.

Paraffin and diesel heaters are suitable for use in warehouses, workshops and on building sites but should not be used for domestic purposes. They require frequent re-filling and oil costs can be quite high.

Most greenhouse heaters are electric-powered, as it is easier to maintain specified temperatures accurately as well as providing better control of greenhouse conditions. Specially designed greenhouse heaters promote the conditions in the greenhouse and aid plant development.

Industrial Strength Heaters

Infrared and cabinet heaters are available in industrial sizes and capabilities to suit a variety of requirements and locations. Whether for sports facilities, large warehouses or agricultural areas, industrial heaters are reliable, practical and superior performance is guaranteed.

Versatile and multi-purpose, infrared heaters can also be used for defrosting or drying areas and are useful additions to building sites.

Heating Safety Tips

Ventilation is an important safety consideration when buying propane, paraffin and cabinet heaters. A fresh air supply is crucial to the safe operation of these heaters, as it prevents the amount of oxygen in the room from being reduced to dangerous levels.

Portable heaters are safe and reliable if used properly and as long as certain precautions are observed. Avoid standing or sitting too close to the heater, allowing clothing or other items to come too close or leaving heaters on overnight, as these situations are common causes of accidents.

When buying a heater it is also important to consider a number of integrated safety features. Many propane heaters have an automatic gas shut-off capacity while features like flame failure sensors in other heaters provide added safety.

Disclaimer – it should be emphasised that these articles on Heaters are for advice only, and we recommend that you read the instruction manual fully before using and maintaining any product.

Hot and sticky British summers can be a pain, especially if you work in an office with very few windows or no airflow. Modern air conditioners can make life a whole lot easier all round. Portable or static, they can cool down a room in minutes and are perfect for both home and work.

Portable & Basic Air Cooling

The basic models of air conditioners are usually the portable kind with casters fixed to the base for ease of movement. These are generally known as 'single unit' models. The least expensive of these work by evaporating water and/or melting ice, which is poured into an aperture in the top of the machine. Lightweight and versatile, they're usually equipped with a four-option capability: cooling, venting, humidifying and ionising. There is often no external ducting required for these basic machines, making them even more portable, however, they do have their limitations in that they are only really meant for small rooms and confined spaces.

Single Air Conditioning Units

Completely self-contained, these units are fitted with a hose similar to that found on a tumble drier, which needs to be vented through a window. Easy to set up, these single units have an integral tank, which collects moisture from the surrounding air and must be periodically emptied. Most of these units are air-cooled, but some also use water as well to cool the incoming warm air. These configurations have a built-in water tank, which will need to be filled up regularly.

Central Split System Condtioing

Split System machines work in a similar way to single units except the water that has been extracted from the warm atmosphere entering the machine is separated off into a condenser box. The condenser box itself is usually positioned on the outside of the building and is connected to the main unit via refrigerated lines; these systems are more controllable and more effective for larger areas.

Cooler Room Air Conditioning

'Cool' is measured in BTU or British Thermal Units to you and me! Before you purchase a unit, it's useful to remember as a rule of thumb that you will need about 4 BTU per cubic foot in order to cool a room. With this in mind, it's always an idea to roughly calculate the area of the largest room you'll be cooling and use that as a guide.

Many other factors will influence the equation of course, namely windows, office and domestic equipment and, of course, number of people. All quality air-conditioners will have a recommended room size printed on them so you can make your judgement on models before you buy. Remember, though, that it may sometimes be more cost effective to buy two machines for a very large space than one. Machines with the highest BTU rating are likely to be the most expensive.

Air Conditioning Operation Costs

Split-system units are usually slightly more to run than single unit designs but then again, they are more powerful. If you look at an output of 1KW per hour for the single unit with 1.4KW for the split-system design you'll be in the right ballpark.

Air Conditioner Filters

There's a choice here. All air filters have some form of integral are-filter but the further you go up the scale the more efficient the filtration becomes. Higher quality models are often fitted with filters that clean the air as they cool it, while some filters will destroy potentially harmful bacteria, making the air purer. This is of significant benefit to people suffering with allergies.

Air Control Units

A unit's output in terms of how fast it can blow the cooled air is measured in CFM meaning, Cubic Feet per Minute. Many models give two settings so you can adjust your output depending on the conditions.

Quality air-conditioners these days often come with a remote control so you can adjust the machine without leaving the comfort of your seat, couch or bed! Many machines also have a timer and sleep setting so you can set the unit to fit in with your routine. Although modern machines are quiet, always ask about the decibel output of a machine before you purchase.

Disclaimer – it should be emphasised that these articles on Air Conditioners are for advice only, and we recommend that you read the instruction manual fully before using and maintaining any product.

Pressure washers are becoming increasingly more popular and this is evident in the large range of models available on the open market. High-pressure hydro cleansing is fast and efficient and lends itself to a vast number of applications including automotive, industrial and domestic.

Pressure washers are available in several different formats. Some run from a main water supply via an attached hose - however, others have a storage tank and can operate independently. Most models available work with cold water but some models use heated water and these are generally known as steam cleaners – they are faster and more efficient, commonly seen in businesses requiring a quick turnover in their washing services.

Powerful Pressure Cleaning

Pressure washers work by forcing water through a hose through to a lance for control. This process is driven by an integral water pump via a powerful onboard electric, petrol or diesel motor. Detergent is added to the mix via a separate tank and this in turn adds to the washer’s cleaning capability. Pressure washers are extremely efficient because they produce much greater pressure than a normal hose and use far less water, making them both economical and environmentally friendly.

Electric pressure washers plug straight into the mains and are designed and built with many safety features, such as double insulation and watertight ergonomics. Electric pressure washers are, of course, more restrictive as far as mobility is concerned, but generally speaking this is rarely an issue.

Different Washing Models

The key difference is motor size together with water flow and pump pressure. A higher wattage/horsepower motor makes for higher PSI (pounds per square inch) meaning a more powerful washer. It's important that the unit is fitted with a high-quality hose, which should be of a good length. Most pressure washers come with a useful array of attachments and pressure washer accessories such as brushes, nozzles and detergents.

If you're buying a pressure washer just to clean your car, then an entry-level design will be adequate but remember the two basic principals: hot water works better than cold at removing dirt and grime, and higher pressure means greater power and versatility.

If you are looking to purchase your first pressure washer for use at home, please browse our electric pressure washers section where you will find an affordable selection of products including Draper, Nilfisk and Karcher pressure washers.

Domestic & Industrial Pressure Washers

There is very little difference, however, between the best of the domestic range of pressure washers and the industrial models. It's all based on the quality of the components. Brass cylinder heads, stainless steel pistons and high quality hoses all make a big difference to life expectancy, especially if you intend to use your washer on a frequent basis. If, for instance, you plan to use your washer for more than two hours a week, then you should consider investing in an industrial machine. It is often better to buy a basic industrial model that perhaps doesn’t have as many accessories than one which has the accessories but is not designed for many hours of continuous use.

Disclaimer – it should be emphasised that these articles regarding Domestic & Industrial Pressure Washers are for advice only, and we recommend that you read the instruction manual on alll Domestic & Industrial Pressure Washers fully before using, maintaining and buying any product.

In the workshop, there are a number of pieces of equipment that require regular maintenance for their safe and effective operation. We can offer advice on how to look after your tools and prevent damage – which can get costly – or injury. The workshop is a unique environment, and the buying guides we have on offer will guide you through keeping yours safe and fully functional.

Range of Effective Maintenance

We have guides for all of your workshop equipment maintenance needs. All welding and cutting equipment is covered, as well as air tools and compressors. We can even advise you on the best way to keep your jacks and stands up to scratch. Tools such as mitre saws, grinders, circular saws need to be kept not only safe, but sharp and effective for the job that they carry out. Winches & Pulleys might not seem like they require that much attention, but it’s good to get into the habit of carrying out checks, inspections and maintenance as second nature. Anything that is not looked after properly is going to cause you problems sooner or later. Effective maintenance is about keeping everything safe and in the best working condition possible.

Staying Safe in the Workshop

Regular and routine maintenance is essential when using tools that can cause harm. It is essential that you know not only how to operate your tools and machinery safely, but that you can take preventative action against any sort of potentially dangerous situation emerging.

Disclaimer – it should be emphasised that these articles on Workshop Equipment Maintenance are for advice only, and we recommend that you read the instruction manual fully before using and maintaining any product.

Leisure & Home Use Power

There are several key considerations when buying a generator for personal or domestic usage. The noise level of the generator is especially important for these generators, and there are products available that operate at lower noise levels. Smaller lightweight models, which are portable and easy to store, are also advisable for these purposes.

Generators for residential and leisure use need to have a 230v and 12v output to make them compatible with the domestic power supply. The run time of the generator is also an important factor and it crucial to assess how long you would need the generator to be continuously running. Generators with larger capacity fuel tanks have longer run times and are more suitable for extended usage.

Inverter technology is a special feature in some generators and it ensures a stable voltage and frequency for appliances such as televisions and computers.

Industrial Use Production

Some of the considerations when buying a generator for industrial purposes are the same as those when choosing a domestic product. Silent running is once again an important factor as is the weight, size and portability of the model. Generators with wheels are particularly useful for improved mobility.

Additional features such as low oil warning systems, which are recommended for generators with large fuel tanks, and which will also shut off the power if the oil level gets too low, as well as extended run times are also desirable for generators for industrial use.

Calculating your Power Output

Although this task may seem a little daunting, it is actually relatively simple. The following step-by-step guide will help you calculate your personal power output.

• Identify the tools and appliances that you intend to power with the generator.
• Determine the required wattage for each appliance (see table below).
• Total the wattage required to power your identified items simultaneously (allowing for motor starting). However, if you have an appliance with a high wattage but which will not be used continuously this can be taken into consideration in your calculation. (Example) When in your caravan, turn your lights and TV off when you need to use the microwave!
• Choose a generator that has rated watts equal to or exceeding this total.

This table will help you identify the wattage of the tools and appliances that you need to power from the generator. However, please note that the watts shown are only an average recommendation and you should check your items before use.

Motor Starting

Motor Starting is an important consideration when buying a generator. Keep in mind that induction-type motors, like those that run sump pumps, refrigerators and compressors, typically require 2-3 times their listed running watts to start. Below is a chart you can use to determine how many watts you will need to start up motors of various sizes and types.

Note: Power tools using universal commutator motors do not require additional start-up power.

Barbecue Summer

We don't need to tell you how perfect a barbeque is for livening up a warm lunchtime or evening outside of the house. A barbeque provides a convenient social focus which brings people together naturally and in a friendly atmosphere, and helps you to reconnect with your food. BBQs help you to get closer than usual to the cooking process, and you enjoy your food more because of it. 

At World of Power, we supply a number of industry leading BBQs from well known brands such as Outback, Weber and OutdoorChef. We know that choosing the right one for your purposes isn't always simple; you have to find the right balance between performance, durability and budget. We hope this information goes some way to helping you make the right decision regarding your new barbecue.

Charcoal vs. Gas 

Barbecue ranges are divided into gas and charcoal variations with one exception that we know of the new rather unique model from Outback which combines the both gas and charcoal capability the Outback Combi which offers the perfect combination of the two.

Which should you buy? Whether a gas or charcoal barbecue is right for you comes down to each and person’s personal preference.  Some get satisfaction from the charcoal lighting process and the Neanderthal feeling of lighting a fire to cook on and for this feeling alone would never consider a gas fired barbecue.

Others enjoy the flexibility of a spur of the moment decision to have the family round or an unexpected summers evening barbecue when with the turn of a switch you are cooking.  

Manufacturer taste tests show that there is no difference to how your food tastes cooked by either cooking method.

Top tips when choosing a barbecue

Gas barbecue

• Always go for a good quality barbecue it may seem more expensive at first but should give you many more years’ service than cheaper counterparts.
• Multiple burners give you more flexibility when cooking and temperature control, 
• If you are looking at a hooded barbecue then make sure it has a temperature gauge in the hood which will enable precision cooking.
• Check if you can you add a rotisserie for cooking large joints.

Charcoal Barbecue

• Quality is essential if you want to get good length of service from your barbecue check the length of warranty given.

• Use a good quality charcoal – it does make a difference to the cooking time that you will get, both Weber and Outback have their own fuels.

• Buy a chimney starter – World of Power can not recommend these enough they really do make getting your barbecue going simple clean and quick.

• If you want to cook joints or whole chicken you will need a barbecue with a lid. You may wish to purchase a food thermometer.

• Our last top tip for all barbecues – give it a good clean before you put it away for the winter.

Barbeque Accessories

If you're paying a lot for a new BBQ, it's only reasonable that you'll want to shelter it from the harshest of the British weather. The recommended way to do this is to move the barbeque into a shed or into the garage when the clouds form overhead. But this isn't possible for everyone. World of Power recommend barbeque covers supplied in all sizes to fit all of the different models, they're shower proof and windproof, not to mention attractive and easy to clean. They'll help to prevent rust from sinking its teeth in, and they'll prevent dust and other detritus from seizing up the hinges and the wheels. They're an important and valuable investment, and shouldn't be overlooked, World of Power value their importance so much that many of our Barbecues come with a cover included.

If you're going to be taking your barbequing seriously, then World of Power stock a huge range of barbecue accessories and cook books. 

Disclaimer – it should be emphasised that these articles on BBQs are for advice only, and we recommend that you read the instruction manual fully before using any product and follow the manufacturer guidelines for maintenance..

Despite the latest technology there is a few points to consider when buying a new Vacuum Cleaner

• Try and look out for brands, such as BLACK & DECKER, RYOBI and DRAPER. You want a cleaner that is reliable and trustworthy. After sales services is one great way of telling which brand is a good buy.

• How and where you plan to use your vacuum cleaner will also help you decide what is the best option for you. For large carpeted area, a upright cleaner would be the best choice and for hard flooring surfaces and stairs then a canister would be the ideal option.

• For different floors types you will need a versatile machine - one with a carpet height adjustment, maybe with a floating or detachable head.

• For more heavy duty use in and around the workshop, garage, home and garden there are models like DRAPER WCV21 1400W 20L 230V for picking up wet and dry materials.

Why are we involved?

Recycling facilities are now available for all customers at which you can deposit your old electrical products. This is a requirement under UK and European legislation (The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment – or WEEE – Directive). The aim of the legislation is to:

• Make good use of the materials that make up old electrical equipment by recycling rather than disposing in landfill.
• Prevent the negative environmental effects of sending often hazardous electrical equipment to landfill.

As a conscientious business, World of Power.co.uk Limited has chosen to group together with other retailers in joining the 'Distributor Take Back Scheme'. Through this scheme, we have paid toward the provision of improved of recycling facilities for our customers.

How does this work in practice?

Customers will be able to take any old electrical equipment to participating civic amenity sites (often known as 'household waste recycling centres') run by their local councils. Please remember that this equipment will be further handled during the recycling process, so please be considerate when depositing your equipment.

Funding collected through the Distributor Take Back Scheme has been distributed between all Local Authorities in the UK to ensure the provision of improved recycling facilities. Producers of these products will then ensure that deposited items are taken away and recycled.

Where to dispose of electrical equipment?

Wherever practical, old electrical waste should not be disposed of with your household waste.

You can locate your closest participating collection site at www.recycle-more.co.uk (please remember to have your postcode to hand).

Other information

UK households dispose of over 1.2 million tonnes of electrical and electronic waste every year. This is the equivalent of 150,000 double decker buses and would be enough to fill the new Wembley Stadium 6 times over.

Much of the UK’s electronic waste ends up in landfill sites, where toxins put communities at risk. Failure to segregate any type of recyclable material in the home will usually result in items being disposed of in a landfill site (buried in the ground in the UK) or being incinerated.

To remind you to recycle, all new electrical products are marked with a crossed out wheeled bin symbol.

Tips Choosing Drills

High-quality cordless drills, corded drills and hammer drills from a wide spectrum of national and international manufacturers are catalogued on the following pages and provide the perfect solution to any DIY dilemma. Remember also to follow the correct safety procedures and to prepare well before undertaking any drilling jobs.

Firstly, there are several different types of saws on the market, designed for a variety of different applications. If you just want a light, easy use and maintenance saw, then it's pointless buying a top of the range, heavy-duty monster, designed for felling mighty oaks!

Chainsaw Performance Models

We've divided our chainsaw range into three easy to access sections, focusing on the capabilities and intended uses of each level of saw.

• Light compact chainsaws for hobbyists and occasional use
• Mid-range chainsaws for regular use
• Professional level chainsaws

For the Buyer's Guide, we've divided our saws down in to petrol chainsaws and electric chainsaws categories to ensure you choose the right model for the job.

Saw Health & Safety

There are techniques you can employ when using any chainsaw which makes working with them a great deal easier. Most of these techniques will come naturally the more you use and get used to your saw, but it's always advisable to get the right training before you take on any new jobs.