| How to Polish Rocks with a Dremel Posted: 21 Mar 2021 05:00 PM PDT Polishing rocks is just one of the many ways you can use a Dremel rotary tool. Clean off the rocks you want to polish with soap and water before you get to work. Select one rock to polish at a time, secure it in a vice clamp, and grind it down with progressively finer sandpaper and a sanding attachment on your Dremel. Finish polishing the rocks with a polishing wheel attachment and a polishing compound before you put them proudly on display in your rock collection! [Edit]Cleaning the Rocks - Fill a container with hot soapy water. Get a container big enough to submerge all the rocks you want to clean in. Put in a few drops of dish detergent in the hot water.[1]
- Any mild dish detergent or other mild liquid soap will work fine to clean the rocks off.
- Place the rocks you want to polish in the container and let them soak. Make sure the rocks are fully submerged. Let them sit for a few minutes to loosen up the dirt before you scrub them clean.[2]
- You can stir the rocks around gently with your hands to help loosen the dirt even more.
- Use a toothbrush to scrub dirt off of the rocks. Get into all the cracks and crevices with the bristles of the brush. Rinse the rocks off in the soapy water as you go until you have removed as much dirt as you can.[3]
- You can use any other kind of bristled brush, or even a scouring pad, if you don't have an old toothbrush to use.
- Pat the rocks dry with a towel and let them air dry completely. Dry off the rocks with a clean towel as much as you can. Let them sit out in the open, on the towel or on a rack, to air dry completely.[4]
- Once the rocks dry, you can see if you missed any dirty spots and give them a second scrub if needed.
[Edit]Sanding the Rocks - Place a rock in a vice clamp to secure it for grinding. Attach a vice clamp to a flat work surface. Put a rock you want to polish in it with the largest area exposed to start sanding there.
- You can get small clamp-on vices that you can attach to any kind of flat surface at a home improvement store or online.[5]
- Put on a face mask, protective glasses, and gloves. Use this protective gear to keep you from breathing in rock dust or getting an injury. Rock dust is very harmful if breathed in, and one slip with the Dremel tool could cause injury to your fingers.[6]
- You can find all the necessary protective gear at a home improvement store.
- Grind the whole rock with low-grit sandpaper and a Dremel sanding attachment. Change the bit on your Dremel tool to a sanding attachment and slide a low-grit, like 600-grit, sandpaper band on it. Grind the first exposed surface of the rock, then rotate it in the vice clamp to expose another side and grind that surface.[7]
- Keep rotating the rock and grinding each new exposed surface until you have gone over it all. This first round of sanding doesn't need to be perfect. You will perfect the finish with increasingly fine sanding attachments.
- Switch to a medium-grit sanding band and grind the whole rock again. Change the sanding band on the Dremel to a medium-grit, such as 800-grit, sanding band. Repeat the process of rotating the rock around in the vice to expose each surface and grind it all over.[8]
- Pay attention to areas with sharp edges or crevices. Spend extra time sanding these areas down before you move on to fine-grit sandpaper. Angle the bit as flat to the surface of the rock as possible to grind down these parts evenly.
- Grind the whole rock a last time with fine-grit sandpaper until it starts to shine. Change the sandpaper on the Dremel tool to a 1000- or 1200-grit sandpaper. Sand all over the rock until it has a completely smooth finish and starts to look shiny.[9]
- Use just the tip of the grinding bit to give the rock a really smooth final finish.
[Edit]Polishing the Rocks - Switch the Dremel bit to a polishing wheel. Choose a polishing wheel that is small enough to reach all areas of the rock you are polishing. Take out the sanding attachment from your Dremel tool and replace it with the polishing wheel.[10]
- Polishing wheel attachments are soft, felt bits that are used to buff different materials and make them shiny. You can get different Dremel bits at a tool store, home improvement center, or online.
- Dip the polishing wheel in rock polishing compound. Turn the Dremel on and dip it gently into some rock polishing compound. Remove it after a few seconds when you have coated the wheel with the polish.[11]
- You can get rock polishing compound online or in a specialty rock shop if there is one in your area.
- Buff the compound into each surface of the rock until it is shiny. Keep the rock in the vice and buff the polish into one exposed surface at a time with the polishing wheel. Rotate the rock when you have made the exposed surface you are working on shiny and work on the next area.[12]
- You should notice the rock starting to reveal its natural luster after a few minutes of buffing. Keep going until you achieve the look you want.
- You can give the rock a final polish by hand with a piece of fabric like denim.
[Edit]Warnings - Always wear protective eyewear, a facemask, and work gloves when you are polishing rocks with a Dremel tool. The rock dust is harmful if you breathe it in or get it in your eyes, and slipping with the Dremel tool could cause injury to your fingers and hands.
[Edit]Things You'll Need - Container
- Soap and water
- Towel
- Dremel tool
- Dremel sanding bit
- Various sanding bands
- Dremel polishing wheel
- Rock polishing compound
- Vice clamp
- Rocks
- Protective gear
[Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Knit a Zig Zag Pattern Posted: 21 Mar 2021 09:00 AM PDT If you'd like to add movement or interest to your knitting projects, incorporate a zig zag or chevron pattern. Zig zags are diagonal lines that are worked across 8 rows to create a back and forth line. If you'd like larger inverted-Vs, make chevrons by alternating purled rows with rows that include increasing and decreasing stitches. Once you've practiced either style, put your skill to use by making a washcloth, scarf, or blanket. [Edit]Forming Zig Zags - Cast on a multiple of 6 stitches. Roughly decide how many stitches you'd like to work and choose a multiple of 6. Keep in mind that fewer stitches will make a narrow swatch of fabric while more stitches will make the fabric wider. Cast a minimum of 12 stitches onto your needle so you can begin working the pattern.[1]
- For example, if you want to work around 20 stitches, cast on 18 since this is a multiple of 6.
- Make a modified rib stitch for row 1. Starting on the right side, knit 3 (k3) stitches. Then, purl 2 (p2), knit 4 (k4) across the rest of the row until you reach the last 3 stitches. Purl 2 and knit 1 to finish row 1.[2]
- The pattern for row 1 looks like:
- Purl 2 and work a rib stitch across row 2. Turn your work so you're on the wrong side and purl 2 stitches. Then, repeat knit 2, purl 4 across the row until you reach the last 4 stitches. Knit 2 and purl 2 to end the row. Remember to turn the work every time you reach the end of the row.[3]
- Knit row 3 with a rib pattern and adjust the rib pattern to make row 4. Knit 1 and repeat a purl 2 knit 4 rib pattern across the row. When you reach the last 5 stitches, purl 2 of them and knit the last 3. To make row 4, p4, k2 across the entire row. At this point, the pattern looks like:[4]
- Row 3: k1, *p2, k4*, p2, k3
- Row 4: *p4, k2*
- Create 2 more modified rib rows to make rows 5 and 6. To knit row 5, k1 and repeat p2, k4 across the row. Once you reach the last 5 stitches, p2 and k3. Then, start row 6 by purling 2 and then repeating k2, p4 until you reach the last 4 stitches. Finish row 6 by k2, p2. The pattern for row 6 looks like:[5]
- Work a zig zag row and finish with another modified rib stitch row. For row 7, k3 and repeat p2, k4 until the last 3 stitches. Then, p2 and k1 before beginning row 8. K2, p4 until you reach the end of the row.[6]
- You've now worked a complete swatch of the zig zag pattern.
- Repeat rows 1 through 8 until the fabric is as long as you like. Once you reach the end of row 8, you can bind off the swatch or repeat the zig zag pattern, starting back at row 1. Make the knitted fabric as long you want.[7]
[Edit]Making the Chevron Stitch - Cast on a multiple of 14 plus 2 additional stitches. To make the chevron stitch, you'll need a specific number of stitches to work, so count the stitches as you cast them on. Cast on a multiple of 14 plus 2 extra stitches at the end. If you'd like a narrow swatch of fabric, just work 16 stitches. To make the swatch wider, cast on more stitches.[8]
- For example, you might cast on 28, a multiple of 14, plus 2 stitches for a total of 30 stitches.
- Purl stitch the first row. To start the chevron stitch pattern, purl each of the stitches that you cast on. Remember that you'll purl stitch every row that's odd-numbered. For example, you'll purl stitch rows 1, 3, 5, 7, etc.[9]
- The odd-numbered rows form the wrong side (ws) of the chevron stitch pattern.
- Work an increasing and decreasing row. When you reach row 2, knit the first stitch. Then, start the repeating pattern. Knit 1 stitch front to back (kf&b), knit 4 (k4), slip 1 knit 1 pass slipped stitch over (sl1k1psso), knit 2 together (k2tog), k4, kf&b. When you reach the last stitch of the increasing and decreasing row, knit it.[10]
- The pattern for the increasing and decreasing row looks like this:
- K1, *kf&b, k4, sl1k1psso, k2tog, k4, kf&b* and end with k1
- Alternate purl rows with chevron rows until your fabric is the size you want. Purl stitch across every odd-numbered row. Follow the increasing and decreasing pattern for all of the even-numbered rows. This creates the chevron direction in the stitches.[11]
- If you're just practicing the chevron stitch, make your sample swatch any size you like.
- Bind off the chevron swatch. For the simplest way to bind off your stitches, purl each stitch as you slip them onto the right needle. Then, lift the stitch that's closest to you over the second stitch to bind it off. Continue binding off each stitch on your row until you reach the end. Tie off the end so the yarn doesn't unravel.
- Binding off is also called casting off.
[Edit]Using a Zig Zag or Chevron Pattern - Create a washcloth with a unique pattern. A washcloth is a great starting project for zig zag or chevron patterns since you're essentially knitting a large swatch. In addition to learning the pattern, your washcloths will have an interesting design.[12]
- For washcloths that wash well over time, use worsted weight all-cotton yarn.
- Knit a scarf using the zig zag or chevron pattern. Make a long strip of knitted zig zag or chevron pattern that you can wrap around your neck like a scarf. For extra movement in the pattern, knit the scarf until it's half as long as you want and bind it off. Make an identical piece and then sew the 2 straight cast off edges together. This makes the scarf point in opposite directions.[13] yarn tail. Then, pull a strand of another color and hold the yarn behind the first stitch on your needles. Work the stitches using the new color of working yarn instead of the yarn tail in the old color. Plan on switching your yarn color every 2 rows to make distinctive zig zags or chevrons.}}
- You can work the zig zag pattern with any type of yarn, but read the label to determine which needles and gauge to try with your specific yarn.
- Make a zig zag or chevron blanket. Once you're comfortable with the pattern, choose some of your favorite yarn to design a blanket that's as large as you like. You can knit it in a single color or make it as colorful as you like. Try adding fringe to the edges of your blanket for even more texture and movement.[14]
- If you're making a baby blanket, choose yarn that's very soft and easy to wash. You might use a bulky yarn with large needles for a blanket that's quick to knit.
- When you see a knitting pattern surrounded by an asterisk (*), it means to repeat the pattern inside. For example, if you see *k2, p2* k3, you'd knit 2, purl 2 until you reach the last 3 stitches, which you'd knit.[15]
[Edit]Things You'll Need - Yarn
- Knitting needles
- Scissors
[Edit]References |
| How to Play Hungry Hungry Hippos Posted: 21 Mar 2021 01:00 AM PDT With its brightly-colored hippos and marbles, few games are as iconic and hands-on as Hasbro's Hungry Hungry Hippos. This game is easy to learn, and offers fast, mayhem-filled fun for 2-4 players ages 4 and up. Once you've assembled and attached the hippos around the "pond," you'll be ready to get started! [Edit]Gameplay - Assign a hippo to each player. Place the hippos and pond on a flat, open surface, where all players have easy access to a hippo. Let each player pick the hippo they'd like to play as—in the newest version of the game, there are yellow, orange, green, and blue game pieces to choose from.[1]
- Believe it or not, the hungry hippos all have names! According to Hasbro, the green hippo is named Veggie Potamus, the yellow one is named Bottomless Potamus, the blue one is named Sweetie Potamus, and the orange one is named Hungry Hippo.
- Vintage versions of the game might have a purple or pink hippo instead of the blue one. In this version of the game, the purple hippo is named Lizzie, the pink hippo is Happy, the orange one is Henry, the green one is Homer, and the yellow one is Harry.[2]
- Release 1 marble into the pond. Choose a player to press the black, square button near their marble release pond—this is known as the marble release lever. Wait for a single marble to roll into the center of the pond.[3]
- Push down the lever along the back of the hippo to grab the marble. Once the marble rolls into the pond, pump the lever up and down to open your hippo's mouth. Do your best to "eat" the marble before any other hippos do, continuing to press the lever until the marble gets "eaten."[4]
- You can press the lever repeatedly, or wait for the marble to roll toward your hippo—try out different strategies and see what works for you!
- Release a second marble from the next player. Working in a clockwise fashion, invite the next player to press their marble release lever. As you did before, press your hippo's lever up and down to "chomp" and collect the marble.[5]
- The marble will go into the well attached to the side of your hippo.
- Continue releasing and catching marbles until there are none left. Go in a clockwise direction, with each player releasing 1 marble at a time. Keep pressing your hippo's lever as you try to "eat" the marble before the other players.[6]
- There will be 20 total rounds, since there are 20 total marbles.
- Count up the marbles to declare a winner. Check your hippo's well to see how many marbles your hippo "ate" during the game. The player with the most marbles is the winner![7]
- Create a harder game by releasing all the marbles at once. If you and your friends are seasoned Hungry Hungry Hippos players, invite everyone to press their marble release levers at once. Then, everyone presses the levers on their hippos until all the marbles are "eaten."[8]
- To start the game fairly, ask the person with the nearest birthday to yell "go" before everyone presses their buttons.
- Raise the stakes with the golden marble. At the end of the game, see which hippo ate the golden marble. The player with the golden marble wins the game![9]
[Edit]Assembly and Setup - Pull off the hippos from the storage tray. All 4 hippos are secured to a square, blue tray. To remove the pieces, pinch the sides of each hippo, lifting them up and off the tray.[10]
- Remove the marbles from their storage compartment. Flip the blue "pond" over—this is the large, blue tray where you'll be playing the game. Pull off the blue, circular lid along the bottom center of the pond and remove all the marbles inside. Then, stick the lid back into place.[11]
- You should have 19 red marbles along with 1 gold marble. Don't worry—the color difference doesn't mean anything unless you're playing a special version of the game!
- Secure 1 hippo to each side of the pond. Place the blue pond in your play area. Line up each hippo along all 4 edges of the pond, aligning the hippo's front tabs into the grooves on each side. Then, press down on the hippo to secure it in place.[12]
- Each hippo has a small well attached to its side—this is where all the marbles go once the hippo "eats" them.
- Fill each marble release tray with 5 marbles. Look to the right of each hippo—you should see a thin, curved slot along the edge of the pond. Fill each slot with 5 marbles before you start playing.[13]
- The golden marble can go in any random marble release tray.[14]
- Pull on each hippo's neck so they're ready for gameplay. Press down on the hippos with your thumb. Using your opposite hand, pinch and pull the hippo's head and neck forward. Then, push the hippo's head down, so it's ready to get chomping.[15]
- As a test, press the back lever a couple times. The hippo's head should lift and drop as you pump the lever.
[Edit]Storage - Remove the hippos and marbles from the pond. Grab all the spare marbles and collect them in 1 area. Then, flip the pond upside-down. Look for 2 plastic tabs beneath each hippo—pinch these together with your fingers to release the game piece.[16]
- Put the hippos back on their storage tray. Press the hippos into place over the side tabs on the tray, so they stay put. Arrange each hippo on a corner of the storage tray; then, pull out the neck of each hippo, so its head rests on the side tray of each game piece.[17]
- For instance, the green hippo's head rests on the orange hippo's tray, the orange hippo's head rests on the yellow hippo's tray, and so on.
- Store the marbles in a tray along the bottom of the pond. Pull off the circular storage cap along the bottom center of the tray. Place all the marbles inside the storage container, and secure the lid back into place. At this point, slide the storage tray and pond into the original packaging box until your next game![18]
- The game is a lot more fun with 4 players, but you can still have a great time with just 2 people. Assign 2 hippos to each player, and let the marble-eating madness begin![19]
[Edit]Warnings - Hungry Hungry Hippos has some small plastic marbles, which can be a choking hazard for kids under 3 years old.[20]
[Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
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