B. Ray

Best Pellet Smoker | Buy Pellet Smoker

Last updated on April 25, 2019 By B. Ray

Best Pellet Smoker

We all love smoked meats, but there are some issues for the regular joe.

Don’t get me wrong, smoked brisket is a thing of wonder. And for the uninitiated smoked ribs can be heavenly. But it does take time and resources.

With traditional wood-fired or charcoal smokers, you can find yourself slaving over the grill. And honestly, even if you take the time, it takes some real skill to get the temperature and process to give the perfect smoke.

But, that is why you are here. You want better options to get more carefree smoke.

Pellet smokers can give you the smoke you want and control you need.

How do Pellet Smokers work?

Pellet smokers are not the mystery you think they are. While we will focus on pellet smokers there are also pellet grills. They both are very similar to the coal-fired and gas-fired grills.

When we talk about grills, pellet smokers have not been out that long. One of the first was put on the market in the 1980s. People have been cooking over wood since recorded history. So this is a really new concept.

In many ways, a pellet smoker is just a wood smoker. The pellets are compressed sawdust. Due to the compression, it makes them dense. And that density allows each pellet to hold more energy. This makes pellets more efficient than regular wood.

When you use pellets not many changes in the grill itself. The biggest change is a hopper attached to the side. The core apparatus looks similar if not identical to a standard gas grill.

The Benefits of Smoking with Pellets

So why would you use a pellet smoker? The benefits are pretty cool. These are really easy to use. You don’t have to try to control the temp with a big block of wood. If you have ever smoked before every time you add wood you will see a spike in temp.

That can ruin your 8-hour brisket.

Not to mention you have to be there. Being consistent with the heat can be tricky. Using pellets can give you consistent heat for many hours.

Again, you can do the same thing with other grills. But it will take so much more skill to do so. This is why you want to look at a pellet smoker.

Choose the Best Pellet Smoker

You will see a lot of different shapes and sizes. They all work basically the same way. At the different, price points you will get different bells and whistles. This would include things like digital readouts.

Built-in Thermostat

In order to slow cook with pellets, you will need a thermostat. The thermostat triggers the feed to put more pellets in the grill.

You won’t see a pellet smoker get higher than 400 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. If you want to get a sear, make sure your grill has that ability.

Smoker Pellets

All pellets are not made the same. Make sure you read the instructions to make sure you get the right ones. That said some brands recommend only using their pellets.

When you go to buy the pellets you can see the size. So may not have to get the same brand every time. Test and see, not all pellets perform the same.

Other Features

Speaking of searing, find a grill with a searing compartment. If you are looking for portability some grills have folded up legs that are great for camping.

By using a full-electric model you can get the greatest control smoking your meats.

One last thing. A grill won’t make your meats taste great. The grill master does. Here, buy this book to help: Wood Pellet Cookbook

So, I am going to give you options for the best pellet smokers. Let’s take a closer look at these top pellet smokers on the market.

Twin Eagles 36-Inch Built-in Stainless Steel BBQ Pellet Smoker And Grill

All 304 stainless steel, seamless heli-arc welded construction and signature hi-polished accents
3-Tiered cooking racks (racks included)
Internal halogen lights for nighttime cooking
Temperature range of 140 – 725 degrees Fahrenheit
Wi-Fi Enabled

Memphis Grills Elite Wood Fire Pellet Smoker Grill Wi-Fi (VGB0002S)

Built-in wood pellet smoker grill
304 stainless steel construction
24-pound capacity hopper offers up to 62 hours of cook time; Temperature range between 180 and 700 degrees Fahrenheit
Can be controlled via Wi-Fi controller (iOS or Android app)
Overall size: 46 x 32 x 28 inches (W x D x H); Cutout: 42.625 x 24.5 x 16.75 inches (W x D x H); Cooking Grid: 37.375 x 17.625 inches (W x D)

Pre-Order the Bob Ross Funko POP Doll today!

Last updated on April 25, 2019 By B. Ray

Oh, Snap! Did you see the Bob Ross Funko POP Doll?

Yup! you heard me right, Bob Ross funk Pop Doll. For those of you who have lived under a rock for the last twenty years, the company Funko makes iconic bobble-heads. They have somewhere around 1000 different licensed figures. You might have remembered when the movie “Captain America: Civil War” came out and everyone knows about ant-man going giant. This was because the toys for Civil War were released early and spilled the beans. So, yeah these are a popular line of toys.

Who is Bob Ross?!?

Bob Ross was an American painter, art instructor, and television host. Bob Ross was raised in the city of Orlando, Florida. He only completed one year of high school before enlisting into the United States Air force at the age of 18. Before that, he was a carpenter with his father. He took a painting class provided by the U.S.O. in the 1960s while stationed in Alaska. Interestingly enough, he learned his technique from Bill Alexander. This is the wet-on-wet (alla prima) oil painting technique. It is funny because Bill Alexander also had a show on PBS, The Magic of Oil Painting, which aired on PBS from 1974 to 1982. The wet-on-wet technique means applying oil paint on top of wet oil paint. So instead
of waiting for the layers to dry, you just paint while everything is wet. Given the nature of a television show, his allowed the painting to be completed quickly. This technique was suitable for the 30 min television show on PBS. While serving in the USAF stationed in Alaska he perfected his technique. He would take the Alaskan landscape and make beautiful paintings and sell them to tourists. Bob Ross retired in 1981 from the USAF. He wanted Bill Alexander to be his private teacher. Bob Ross ended up taking his place on PBS and becoming a great success. The Joy of Painting premiered in 1983 and ran to 1994.

Bob Ross came out of the 60s and 70s with a hippie persona. He rocked a permed afro with denim shirts and jeans. Richard Simmons had a similar fro. His soothing and intimate speaking voice made everyone feel good. Like a patient uncle was teaching them a one-on-one painting lesson. Because he made it look so easy he also amazed viewers with his effortless painting method. Again he only had 30 min to create detailed landscapes. He used a house painting brush and a palette knife.

While the whole time letting you know that you could do what he did too. His references to “happy little trees” and “happy little clouds” became the quotes everyone knows. He had a folksy vibe when he did his show. Because he was so good at his show he started a company Bob Ross Inc. They sold books, videos, and art supplies. They even put together painting workshops with trained teachers that knew his technique. The company it profitable to till this day. Sadly he died of lymphoma at age 52.

I guess with the cult following he has Funko decided to make a Bob Ross Funko Pop doll. I’m not mad at them either. I grew up watching him paint happy little trees. Almost to frustration because he made it so easy. There are a ton of shows on youtube, you should check them out. I bet you are itching to see what it looks like? hehe.

So I mentioned a pre-order. These are not even released yet as of this writing. I’ll try to update when it does. But right now these are going like crazy. This will be released August 22nd. So if you want to get one better order now or be sorry…lol I know I’ll be sending this to are my “artsy” friends cause it is so freaking cool! BUY it HERE!

UPDATE!!

The original Bob Ross Funko POP doll was so popular they added few new dolls. They are also both in pre-sell to be released December 29, 2017. I know I know, just in time to miss Christmas. But you can still ask for them after, I would. You can buy them HERE!

Don’t forget to check out the rest of my toy posts HERE!

Eachine | Drones For Sale!

Last updated on April 25, 2019 By B. Ray

Eachine

Eachine is a Chinese company that designs and manufactures quadcopters for drone sales. They also make other RC toys. Eachine is located in Guangzhou. There are a lot of drone manufacturers in Guangzhou. Eachine sells some really good drones and quadcopters.

They made various electronic equipment including power banks. What is also interesting is that they used Samsung batteries. So not much was theirs. I am happy they switched to quadcopters and drones. I don’t know how long they will keep up their twitter but I took a screenshot here it is! Eachine Twitter

Let us get back to the basics

Drones have been around for a lot longer than some people may realize. Up until now, however, the use of drones has been mostly restricted to military operations and other high-level government uses and was unavailable to the public. But times have changed and now virtually anyone can own a drone of their own. This has created a new, ever-growing market as more and more people are joining the drone craze for themselves.

So what is a Drone?

A drone is a small aerial “unmanned” vehicles that can be operated from the ground via remote control or now a cell phone app. As mentioned before, drones were originally only available to the military and other government agencies, so their uses were limited to being unmanned missile-launching devices or intelligence-gathering drones, that get sent into enemy territory to gather all sorts of information without risking the lives of soldiers directly.

Companies like Lockheed Martin do well in drone sales to the military. Depending on the purpose of the drone, they range in size from being extremely small and hard-to-spot to being big enough to carry and launch a missile. Military drones are also very expensive compared to commercial drones, since they use advanced technology that is not readily available to the general public and require extra care when being built, to ensure they can get the job done safely and efficiently. You can see them now shown in many US military commercials.

It was not until around 2013 that people started hearing more about commercial drone use, or drones that could be purchased and used for different purposes by non-military personnel. In some ways, it all started with Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos talking about testing drone package delivery for his company—a truly revolutionary idea that would see people getting their packages in an even shorter period of time. It awakened a curiosity and desire for drones with the general public, and people began searching for drones that they could buy for their own personal use. In the two years following Bezos’s revolutionary idea, the requests for drone permits from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States skyrocketed, and countless companies rushed to join this new and growing market, hoping to benefit from this newest tech craze.

Now, there are hundreds of companies all over the world making and selling quadcopters for public consumption. One of these companies is Eachine, who specifically specialize in drones rather than just adding them to their existing product offerings.

But, the biggest uses for these non-military drones remain for photography and videography. Before the commercial availability of drones, in order to get some of those breathtaking aerial views of different places, your only option was to hope someone else with deep pockets was able to get the shots with the help of helicopters and other fancy technologies that a normal person would never be able to afford. Drones have changed that, though, because of their wide availability and differing price points. Now, just about anyone can send up a drone and get their very own incredible city and nature scape shots and so much more.

People who work in event promotions have also found that drones can make a more wide-sweeping video views of life events, particularly concerts and festivals. Rather than being stuck using multiple massive cameras that are limited in how they can move, a drone makes it possible to fly over the audience for close-up shots and get angles that a camera would not be able to get. They can even get close to the actual performers, so those watching online will be able to really feel as if they are part of the experience.

Many drones are advertised as “selfie” drones, making them a cooler alternative to the previously very popular selfie sticks, and allowing them to take selfies in unique angles and ways that a selfie stick would not allow for. Others are geared more towards sports and are designed to be used as “racer” quadcopters, that can go through obstacles with ease.

Eachine’s Drones Are More Affordable Than Most.

If you look at the prices of civilian drones, they tend to range in price depending on their size, but can end up costing thousands of dollars—that kind of money most people do not have just lying around, right? Of course, some companies do offer more cost-effective models, but it sometimes means that the quality and features of the drone itself are sacrificed.

But, Eachine refused to do follow that same approach. Instead, they worked to ensure that every drone that they make is top-notch quality, while still having affordable options at every price point. If you look at their website, you will find their casual quadcopters all cost less than $200 USD and some are as inexpensive as $25 USD. When it comes to racer quadcopters, prices go a little higher, but still stay under the $400 USD mark, compared to other brands which can end up costing much more. Check them out on Amazon: http://amzn.to/2CJkKEp

They Have So Many Quadcopters to Choose From

One look at Eachine’s website makes it clear: their drone selection seems rather endless. They offer two main types of categories: RC (or remote control) drones and FPV (first-person-view) racer quadcopters. But, within each of these categories, there are many models that you can choose from, depending on what exactly it is you are looking for. Their selection is also constantly growing, with a number of new models that will be joining their lineup soon enough. The next few sections will go over their product lines

Remote Control Drones

Remote control drones, or RC drones for short, are also sometimes called quadcopters. These types of quadcopters are the most common, and can easily be distinguished from other types of drones by the presence of multiple propellers (four, as implied by their name) that help it to be able to take flight and move smoothly through the air. These are best for those cool aerial views you always see.

You will notice by looking at the various RC drone models that Eachine offers, that these type of drones come in different size options. Some are “micro” quadcopters, that are small enough to fit into the palm of your hand, you know tiny whoops. Others are bigger, but still very lightweight and compact and easy to take anywhere you want.

Here is their base model Eachine E010. I’ll talk more about the rest later.

First Person View Racer Quadcopters

The other main type of drones that Eachine offers are first person view (FPV) racer quadcopters. These quadcopters work the same way as RC quadcopters but tend to be used more for racing, as the name implies. Here is the Eachine 250 Racer. Drone racing is easily what it sounds like; people take their quadcopters through a set obstacle course, each trying to get the fastest time. It can be incredibly competitive and the quadcopters usually are required to meet certain specifications to qualify.

While most FPV racer quadcopters look like the quadcopters people are used to seeing, others take on an entirely different sort of appearance. Eachine currently has four FPV quadcopters that are coming soon, which look more like smaller versions of military aircraft than they do actual drones.

It’s Not Just Drone Sales, Though

Eachine does not just sell whole drone systems though, they also offer a large selection of spare parts and extra accessories. This means that if you need to repair something on your drone, or just want to create some sort of modification, you can get the parts directly from Eachine, without having to turn to a third-party company that may not work as well.

Whether you need new propellers, a replacement or extra battery pack, or a camera to attach to your drone, you will be able to find what you need with Eachine directly. You also have the added benefit of finding these parts and accessories at incredibly affordable prices. If you know enough, you may even be able to create your very own drone creation with all the parts that Eachine has to offer. Check out this RC car: http://amzn.to/2BAoiYn

What Type and Model of Drone Should You Go With?

The great thing about drones is that, even though they are split into different categories, they all are essentially capable of the same things, some may just be more high-tech than others. So, take your time in looking at all the different models that Eachine has to offer; consider how much you are willing to spend and what it is that you plan on using it for the most.

You can look up videos of the different drones on Eachine’s YouTube channel to have a better idea of how they look and operate, which could be helpful in making a final decision. Or, you can look up reviews on their different models and see what people say about them, in terms of the ease of use and what sort of use they feel that the different models are best for.

You can also just contact them via their FaceBook page or email and ask for advice, as a first-time buyer. They will be more than happy to answer your question to help ensure that you get the best drone for your needs and desire—both in capabilities and price point.

They Have Distributors Worldwide For Drone Sales

Another great fact about Eachine is how widely available their products are. Machines RV and FPV quadcopters can be found in stores all over the world, from the Americas all the way to Oceania. But, if you do not live close to one of their authorized retailers, do not fear, as not all hope is lost! If you live in the US, UK, or within certain European counties, you also have the option to buy online via Amazon.

Eachine is always looking for new partners for drone sales in their shops as well, so if you know of a store looking to expand their drone product offerings, tell them to contact the team at Eachine. They would be happy to talk to them and see about getting their product in new locations for more people to see and buy!

Drones So Easy to Use, Even a Beginner Can Work Them

Drones can seem daunting to people who have never used one before. But, they do not have to be scary or difficult at all. Eachine’s quadcopters are proof of that fact. While they may use advanced technology, they are easy enough that even someone who has never used a drone before would be able to learn to use one without any difficulties.

Some models are, of course, easier than the others to learn. However, with a little patience, you should be able to figure it all out in no time at all. But, should you run into any problems, each drone comes with an easy-to-follow user manual that will help you through set up, flight, and any problems you may end up encountering.

Eachine Drones Are All Highly Rated

There is a reason drone sales are good, so if all of that is not enough to convince you as to why Eachine is the best drone company out there, then maybe this bit of information will help: their drones all are highly rated. Just scroll through their project pages and see for yourself while they have a number of products still listed only as coming soon, the available products all have five-star ratings on their website. Consumers praise their brand for the quality and attention-to-detail for each drone and love the way they work as well as the quality of the cameras that can come with them.

Quadcopters are becoming increasingly popular, with their wide-range possible uses outside of the military’s espionage and combat missions. Regardless of the reason, someone may be looking to buy a drone of their own. Be it solely for entertainment or to help with their line of work. Eachine is the best seller to turn to. Between their incredible prices, a wide selection of products, ease of use, and general availability, you cannot go wrong with this great company. So when you are ready to join the drone revolution, don’t look further than Eachine! Check them out for yourself, and you will not be disappointed by everything they have to offer.

Wacom Cintiq Issues When You Don’t Want Them?

Last updated on April 25, 2019 By B. Ray

The Wacom Cintiq 12WX

The Wacom Cintiq is a super cool pen and tablet. Being able to draw directly on the screen is one awesome feat. It may not seem like much with all the new tablets and laptops out, but it still amazes me. But if you are anything like me you don’t use it all the time. I use is for the occasion drawing project. Seriously I use Gimp for my editing software. I would shoot myself if I had to pay for Photoshop. Don’t get me wrong it is a great product. If you are not a complete computer wiz then you might have ran into the same issue as me. I didn’t want the Wacom Cintiq 12WX on all the time so I’d obviously turn it off.

Fun story with the Wacom Cintiq!

While the actual Wacom Cintiq 12WX screen was off the controller box wasn’t. Any time I would shut-down or restart the sign screen would switch. But I thought the display was off!?! You actually have to disconnect the display cable so your graphics card does not not recognize the Wacom Cintiq. I am assuming that you have a nicer graphics card like the GTX 1070. It can auto detect monitors, which is what lead me to my solution. But the GTX 1070 is for another post.

The Wacom Cintiq was so frustrating.

I mean it wasn’t too bad and I was able to solve it. So no real harm was done. But if you have this same problem now you know. If you don’t not use it a whole lot then just disconnect at the control box and save yourself some stress. If none of these scared your off it really is a great product. It is the full size Wacom but it will do the job for the budding designer.

Buy it here: <br />

CEO of General Electric Jeff Immelt

Last updated on April 25, 2019 By B. Ray

Jeff Immelt is leaving.

GE is losing money right now. Well at least in the form of stocks. I wish that wasn’t so much a metric for success of a company. There are too many ways to hide loss in profits when dealing with stocks. For the general public it is a losing battle.

When the stock drops most CEOs run away. But they can still say they were a CEO. Making mistakes is not something the little guy can afford. I wish the guy make 50K could cause the company to loos money and still be looked favorable at a new company. We all know that won’t happen and they likely would have a hard time.

source: https://seekingalpha.com/article/4076690-general-electric-ceo-jeff-immelt-just-tapped

Woodworking Tools | Best Tools!

Last updated on April 25, 2019 By B. Ray

Woodworking Tools

Here are the best tools for woodworking. Once you find learn about this you will be ready to buy woodworking tools like a champ. I get a lot of questions about what tools people should use to start woodworking. Come find out what the best quality tools are to get the job done. The most common one is what tools do I need? If you are trying to start woodworking there are a few tools you will want.

Woodworking Tools by Hand

There are power tools and hand tools. The hand tools are a little safer but more importantly, make your pieces look handmade. Well…Let us dig into the hand tools. They are all pretty self-explanatory but I will give a brief description of them. These are in no particular order.

Hand Saws

Hand Saws: A wood saw worked by one hand. Not sure if there is a better way to say that…This is more technical…though. This is used for straight rough cuts. Most should recognize this woodworking tool as it is very much so commonly used.

Planes

Planes: A hand plane is a tool for shaping wood using a cutting blade over the wood surface. This tool helps you flatten the piece of wood. Think if you had a piece of wood that had bark on one side. This tool will remove the bark. At the same time, it is removing the bark it is also starting to flatten out the piece of wood.

Chisels

Chisels: A chisel is a tool with a characteristically shaped cutting edge of the blade on its end, for carving or cutting. You can use a mallet, or hammer to help aid in cutting. This is nice for taking out chunks of wood in slim spaces. If you have a smaller chisel you can use it for better contouring. Chisels are often used to carve out dovetails.

Hammers

Hammers: This is a tool with a heavy metal head mounted at the end of a handle. Since this is woodworking some would prefer using an all wood mallet. It can be used to drive nails or with a chisel. Some hammers have the ability to remove nails too. Pretty nice to know you do not have to be perfect.

Rasps

Rasps: This can be a file or similar tool with a roughened surface for scraping, filing, or rubbing down wood. You might see this used on other materials too. I would think of this as a big nail file for woods and metals.

Leveling Tool

Leveling Tool: Use this tool for establishing a flat plane. The rudimentary models use a small glass tube containing colored alcohol or similar liquid and an air bubble. There can be multiple tubes sealed and fixed horizontally and vertically in relation to the flat plane. The block or framing is usually made of a composite material or metal but sometime you will still see them made out of wood too. Both the upper and lower surface are smooth. Some models come with a scale as well.

Other Basic Woodworking Tools

Basic Tools: This is a catch-all. I would include screwdrivers, both Phillips, and flat head. Any miscellaneous sandpaper or glue. I would also put in here a socket set for when you are putting together furniture with various hardware.

Those are just the hand tools. Now here comes the power tools…. Be careful, more power isn’t always needed.

Woodworking Tools w/ Power!

This is another resource for power woodworking tools if you are just beginning. These will be corded tools, because this list of tools require power. Here is a list of tools that you will need to gain perfect pieces with less effort.

Woodworking can be a lot of fun. But again I want to say be safe. Keep your hands away from moving parts. Use common sense, plan ahead and never rush.

You don’t want to be the guy selling a cabinet stained in blood… YUCK! All jokes aside be safe and keep all your digits. A good set of ear protection would be worthwhile to invest in as well.

Hand Drills

Hand Drills: While these can be non-powered, I’m specifically speaking about the powered version. No in days you can find these cordless with a lot of driving force. A hand drill generally limit the hole size that can be made with the drill bits.

Routers

Routers: This is a tool used to “rout” out an area in the face of wood. You find this used to create bevels too.

Orbital Sanders

Orbital Sanders: These sanders use a rotating motion to get more “strokes”. This is much faster than hand sanding but you will have to be careful because it can go fast…yikes!

Lather

Lathes: I had to look up the best way to say this one. “a machine for use in working wood, metal, etc., that holds the material and rotates it about a horizontal axis against a tool that shapes it.” -dictionary.com

Power Saws

Power Saws: Similar to the power sander, it uses a reciprocating motion to speed up the sawing process.

Planers

Planers: You use this to flatten a surface. You can also cut to thickness. They come in both a portable version about the size of a hand plane but most use a small table planer.

Drill Press

Drill Press: This is like the big brother to the hand drill. You will use this to make large holes. This woodworking tool is stationary, either on a table or it has it’s own stand.

Joiner

Joiner: Don’t confuse this with a planer. While you will use the planer to flatten your work piece, a joiner is be used to get the angle in relation to that flat surface you created with the planner. This one is a little confusing I know.

CNC Machine

CNC Machine: This will require you to learn com CNC code. Also much easier if you use CAM software. I wrote a post about how to make your own CNC machine. But honestly, it would probably be easier to buy one. PureWoods makes a line of CNC machines that are worthwhile to look at.

Not Just The Best Woodworking Tools

Phew, that was a lot about woodworking tools!

Now you know most of the best woodworking tools, next it is time to go out and get started making something. Check this out, Ted McGrath has put together some plans. That post gets into it a little.

That is it for the woodworking tools for now. Check out the rest of the Woodworking, we do more than just woodworking here, but you are here because this is what you love!