How to Make a Plasma Stand

Plasma stands are similar to most television stands, however flat-screen stands do not require the depth needed for older televisions. They are able to sit close to a wall while providing support to your television and height for easier viewing. Stands for plasma televisions should be stylish and fit the home's decor. Maple is a decorative hardwood that is light in color and sturdy enough for any television. A plasma stand made from maple can last a lifetime. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Position the two 1-by-4-by-47-inch maple boards on edge, parallel, and 9 inches apart. Set the 9-inch boards perpendicularly between them so they are also on edge, and 45 inches apart. You should have an 11-by-47-inch rectangle with flush corners. Drill through the 47-inch boards and into the ends of the 9-inch boards using your 3/32-inch drill bit. You should have two of these holes going into each end of the 9-inch board. They should be along the 1/2-inch center of the board, and spaced two inches apart. These are pre-drilled holes to prevent the wood from splitting when you screw them together.

2

Drill a 1/4-inch deep, 3/8-inch hole with your counter sink into each of the 3/32-inch holes that are on the 47-inch boards. These holes will hide your screw heads. Pre-drill holes, and drill 3/8-inch holes for each screwing application in this project. Screw the boards together to secure the frame for your plasma stand.

3

Position a 16-inch board perpendicularly inside each corner of the frame. The ends of these boards should all be flush with one side of the frame, as they are the legs to your table. Screw through the legs and into the frame. Screw through the 1-inch center of each leg using two pairs of screws for each leg. The screws should be spaced 2 inches apart, with one pair of screws entering the 47-inch board from each leg, and the other pair of screws entering the 9-inch board from each leg. Use 16-screws for this task.

4

Turn the frame upright so it is standing on its legs, and lay the 11-inch-wide board on top of the frame so all of they edges are flush. Screw the board to the frame a 1/2-inch away from the edge. Use eight screws for this task, two for each side, with them spaced evenly.

5

Apply the putty to the holes surrounding the screw heads, and let it dry. Sand the entire project with medium-grade and then fine-grade sand paper. Wipe the stand down with a tack cloth and apply wood stain.

How to Design a Buffet Restaurant

When designing a buffet restaurant, the most important thing to consider is the smooth flow of traffic. You want to ensure that guests can move in a linear and orderly fashion from one end of the buffet table to the other. Another factor to consider is aesthetics. You want to decorate your buffet tables and stations so they match the theme of the menu or season. A good buffet restaurant should serve a wide array of salads, appetizers, main courses and desserts that complement each other well. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Choose a location for the buffet table. You want an area with plenty of space, so guests can move with ease. Set up banquet tables in your restaurant and cover them with table skirts or toppers designed to fit the table, covering the legs. You can add runners or smaller patterned tablecloths on top of the larger tablecloth.

2

Use attractive food serving and display supplies that can keep food warm or cold and can hold large quantities. Mirror trays are good for hors d'oeuvres while tiered display stands and display risers are perfect for colorful cakes and desserts. Wicker breadbaskets and tasting spoons also add an elegant touch to your buffet.

3

Place the salads and appetizers on one end of the table, followed by main dishes then dessert. The sequential flow of dishes from appetizers to desserts creates a sense of harmony and will allow dinners to move along the table in an orderly fashion. Alternatively, you can have one banquet table for appetizers, a second table for entrees and a third for dessert.

4

Arrange the plates at the beginning of the table, at the corner right next to the salad and appetizers. Put the silverware and napkins at the end of the table, at the corner near the dessert. Also place the dessert plate and fork in this corner.

5

Decorate the tables with a floral arrangement, an ice sculpture or staple tinsel along the edges of the table to add more pizzazz to your buffet restaurant.

6

Add more variety and excitement to your restaurant by including several food stations close to the main banquet tables where chefs carve up roasts or cook omelets or pasta.

7

Make sure that dcor and color of your banquet table(s) and food stations complement the overall ambience and theme of the restaurant.

Pool Table Felt Replacement

A pool table's playing surface, typically made from slate or a synthetic material, should be flat and covered with a layer of felt. This fabric allows the balls to roll smoothly and evenly in any trajectory on the table. With regular play, the felt in time can become damaged or faded and require replacement. Fortunately, pool table felt replacement is a job that can be done without the need of professionals. However, the job will require a couple of hours and some common hand tools. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Loosen all nuts on the rail bolts underneath the perimeter of the table with a socket set. Remove the rails and set them aside. Be sure to keep track of where the rails are removed because they will need to be reinstalled in the same spots.

2

Use a flathead screwdriver to pry up the staples holding the felt around the perimeter of the table. If any staples break, pull out the broken pieces with a pair of pliers. Discard the old felt.

3

Roll out new felt over the table. Align one edge of the fabric with one end of the table. Attach the felt to the perimeter with a staple every 2 inches along the end.

4

Move to the opposite end of the table. Gently pull the fabric taut in the center of the table. Hold the fabric in place with one staple in the middle of the end of the table. Then, work outward from the center, pulling and smoothing out the fabric and holding it in place with a staple every 2 inches along the end of the table.

5

Step to one side of the table, and smooth out the fabric by pulling it slightly to remove any wrinkles. Place a staple in the center of the side, then work outward from the center, pulling and stapling every 2 inches.

6

Move around the table to the opposite side and pull the fabric taut in the center. Once again, place one staple in the center of the edge of the table, then work outward from the center, pulling the fabric and smoothing out wrinkles and placing a staple every 2 inches.

7

Feel your way around the table's perimeter and tap down any staples sticking up a little with a hammer. Trim off excess fabric from the four sides with a pair of scissors.

8

Pull the fabric down into one of the corner pockets, eliminating any wrinkles in the corner. Make three long, vertical slits in the fabric with a pair of scissors or utility knife, beginning 1/2 an inch down from the bottom of the slate corner. Tuck the three strips under the slate so that there is no pucker in the fabric of the pocket. Adhere the strips to the underside of the slate with felt cement.

9

Repeat the previous step with the other five pockets around the table.

10

Feel through the felt for each of the bolt holes for the rails. Poke a hole in the felt through each bolt hole to accommodate the rail bolts.

11

Replace the rails on the table in the positions from which they were removed in Step 1. Tighten the nuts onto the bottom of the rail bolts to secure the rails to their proper positions.

How to Disconnect a Sharp LC-42D64U TV From the Base

The Sharp LC-42D64U LCD television provides a 42-inch high-definition viewing experience. When it is purchased new from a store, it comes with a variety of accessories, including a base stand. The stand is ideally used for supporting the television on a flat surface such as a table or TV stand. However, some users may decide that they wish to attach the television to a wall mount, making the base stand unnecessary. Fortunately, the stand was designed so that it could easily be removed.

Instructions

1

Unplug the television from the wall and pull it away from the wall, so that the back is clearly visible and accessible. In many cases, it is best to lay the television face down on a soft surface, as it will be falling forward when the base is removed. Otherwise, it is necessary to have someone else support the front of the television or support it with your other hand.

2

Locate the two screw panels connecting the base to the back of the television. The panels are located along the back of the television, toward the bottom.

3

Use the hex key and turn each screw counter-clockwise until it can be removed from the television. There are a total of four screws.

4

Slide the stand out of the bottom panel on the back of the television.

Bistro Table Setting Ideas

Bistro table setting ideas should create tabletops with a simple yet trendy style. A bistro is a casual and small restaurant or tavern. Bistro establishments first popped up in France in the late 1800s and quickly spread across Europe. Modern bistro styles mix European influences and modern American styles to create casual themes with a relaxed yet indulgent feel. Does this Spark an idea?

Italian Table Settings

Use red-and-white checkered napkins with rounded silver flatware, white dishes, clear glasses and a candle-filled Chianti bottle in the middle of the table for a traditional Italian bistro style. Use napkins, flatware, plates and glasses with grapevine-patterned decorative edging and a grape-filled bowl for an outdoor Italian bistro theme.

Romantic Table Settings

Use warm colors and a candle-filled centerpiece to create a romantic setting. Set out simple red napkins folded into large rectangles and flower-patterned silver flatware with cream-colored resin handles. Add pink dishes with red and cream flower patterns, red-stemmed glasses and a pink candle holder with a cream candle for a Valentines day theme.

Traditional Table Settings

Use sleek silver flatware with thick metal or colorful resin handles. The plates and glasses should also be sleek and simple with smooth lines. Cover your bistro table with white linen napkins, silver-rimmed glasses and dishes for a minimalist style. Use peach linen napkins, white resin-handled flatware, peach glasses and peach-striped white dishes for a soft style. Use dark blue napkins with light blue glass dishes and flatware with wave-patterned handles for a traditional theme with a watery feel. You can also place a small dark blue glass vase in the center of the table and fill it with a floating white votive candle.

Whimsical Table Settings

Use white plates painted to look like cartoon faces to create a bistro table setting with a comical theme. Add some black resin-handled flatware, black napkins and white glasses to keep the focus on the colorful plates. If you dont mind things looking a little carnival-themed, you can pair the painted plates with napkins, flatware and glasses in assorted bright colors.

You can also add whimsy by combining unusual colors and patterns into a creative arrangement. Throw a lavender tablecloth over the table and set out some black and white checkered napkins. Add some flatware with checker-patterned handles, yellow dishes with black checkered rims, black glasses and a black vase with lavender, yellow, white and silvery-gray flowers.

How to Clean a Pool Table

Any pool table that gets a good amount of use should be cleaned at least once a month. When dust from pool chalk and additional dirt particles accumulate on the felt, it can actually affect the movement of the balls on the table. Fortunately, cleaning a pool table is a very simple process and should take no longer than 30 minutes to accomplish.

Instructions

1

Begin by cleaning the edges of the table (the non-felt portion of the top of the table). Brush off any dirt, either onto the felt or the floor. Use any standard cleaner and a cloth to wipe off the surrounding edges of the table.

2

Use a hand brush to sweep any dirt from the felt and into the pockets of the pool table. Do so gently, so you don't damage the felt. Only worry about the dirt and chalk particles you can see, as you will be wiping off the table later.

3

Run a hand-held vacuum cleaner along the felt of the pool table. This will collect any dust you missed when sweeping the table. Attach a hose to the end of your normal vacuum cleaner and clean out the pockets of the pool table.

4

Use a pool-table cleaner to remove the dirt that is deep in the felt. Quick-Clean Pool Table Cleaner is one such product you can use. Place the product on the felt and let it sit for 60 seconds. Use a cloth to remove the cleaner from the felt. Be sure to wipe all of the cleaner from the felt. The cleaner will not leave the felt of your pool table damp.

5

Wipe down the remainder of the outside of the table, including the legs and around the area where the balls gather after they travel through the ramps. Any cleaning product (including Pledge or Murphy's Oil) will be fine.

How to Make Your Own Cafe Table

Cafe tables offer just enough space for a book, a glass of wine and a little snack, making them perfect for that tiny breakfast nook or intimate space on the patio. They're often lightweight, making them easy to move and multi-functional. When not on duty in your favorite relaxation spot, cafe tables can work as side stands for your couch or favorite comfy chair. These little tables also provide the perfect solution for overcrowded dinner parties. Scatter cafe tables filled with goodies across the space instead of piling everything on one long table. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Mark the center of one of the short sides of both 3 1/2-foot by 1 1/2-foot boards with a pencil. Lay each board flat on a circular saw bench and cut from the marked edge to about 21 inches down the board, creating a 1/2-inch wide to 3/4-inch wide slit in the center of each board.

2

Slide the slits in the boards together, creating an X shape. Slide the boards apart, line both slits with wood glue, and slip them back together. Allow the glue to dry overnight.

3

Place the X formation on top of a 2-foot-square board, lining up the center of the X with the center of the board.

4

Place an L-bracket against the right side of each arm of the X, arranging them so one arm of each bracket sits against the X and the other arm sits flat against the 2-foot-square board.

5

Screw the brackets into place with 1/2-inch steel screws. Lift up your new cafe table, and flip it over; the X acts as the legs and the square board is the top.

6

Sand the entire table with fine sandpaper. Wipe it down with sticky tack cloth to remove the sawdust.

7

Paint the table with acrylic paint. Choose bold colors, like creamy yellow or rust red, rather than neutrals. This way, you don't have to use a tablecloth to jazz up your living space.

How to Make a Corner TV Wall Stand

A wall stand can position a TV set out of the way while still being viewed, especially if you mount it in a corner. If you have a small TV set of 19 inches or so, you can construct your own shelf stand for the TV. Building your own wall stand can be easier due to TV sets being much more lightweight since HD, flat-screen TVs became mainstream. This should not be attempted with a heavier tube-based CRT TV set.

Instructions

1

Measure the width of the TV set at its widest point -- usually along the middle of the screen -- as well as its depth at its deepest point.

2

Measure a piece of inch-thick plywood into a rectangle or triangle shelf for the TV set. This shelf should have at least three inches of clearance for the TV's width and depth.

3

Cut the plywood into the measured shape with a saw.

4

Sand the edges of the plywood where you cut it with fine sandpaper. Paint or stain the shelf, if you wish.

5

Screw L-shaped metal brackets into the underside of the shelf along the two sides that will line up against the wall using a screwdriver or drill. The brackets should extend to at least the halfway point of the shelf and be two inches apart from each other.

6

Measure the distance up the wall that you want the stand and TV to hang from. For the best viewing, the stand should not be more than a foot or two higher than your own height.

7

Place the stand in the corner of the wall at your measured height and mount it into place using the drill and screws in the brackets. Make sure some of the bracket screws go into a wall stud for proper support.

Hotels in Orlando With Slide Pools

Orlando, Florida, is a common destination for families seeking a warm climate and some fun in the water. Water slides are a great way to take advantage of the weather and keep the kids occupied. Many of the resorts and hotels in Orlando have pools with water slides on their grounds.

Hard Rock Hotel

The Hard Rock Hotel in Orlando is located just blocks from Universal Studios Florida. The Hard Rock has a music theme and is decorated with guitars and rock memorabilia. It has a 12,000-square-foot pool with a 260-foot slide. The pool also offers lots of other activities, such as live concerts, water balloon tosses and ping-pong tournaments. Guests can rent cabanas at the pool that feature HD TVs, wireless Internet and refrigerators.

Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress

The Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress is located near Lake Buena Vista in Orlando and is directly adjacent to Disney World. The half-acre pool has two water slides and is open 24 hours a day. Water volleyball matches are held regularly. The grounds also have three whirlpool hot tubs and a full game room to keep the kids busy.

Marriott Orlando World Center Resort

The Marriott Orlando World Center Resort is located just 1 1/2 miles from Disney World. It has six separate pools on its grounds, and the Tropical Lagoon Pool boasts a 106-foot water slide. The Tropical Lagoon Pool area includes a man-made sandy beach, as well as a full game room with arcade games, air hockey and ping-pong tables.

Nick Hotel

The Nickelodeon Suites Resort (also known as the Nick Hotel) is a kid-themed hotel located just 20 minutes from the Orlando International Airport and a mile from Disney World. The hotel has an entire water park on the premises, with seven slides and flumes. There is also an area for younger children with a smaller, 5-foot slide. Characters from popular Nickelodeon shows like "Spongebob Squarepants" and "Dora the Explorer" make appearances at the pools.

The Best Way to Clean Pool Table Felt

Millions of homes across America, along wth many bars and entertainment establishments, house pool tables. Pool tables, used for playing billiards, can be considered fine furniture, and proper maintenance helps preserve the wood finish and smooth felt playing surface. The familiar green felt of the pool table is actually constructed of a type of worsted wool known as baize. The baize playing surface often degrades much faster than the wood finish due to use. Here are some tips to keep your pool table's green surface working longer. Does this Spark an idea?

Felt Cleaning

The thick, coarse hairs of pool table felt are perfect for trapping large amounts of dust, dirt and chalk. These corrosive substances can break down the felt's fibers and, over time, can make the surface more susceptible to tearing and scratching.

A long-handled vacuum with an upholstery attachment is optimal for cleaning pool table felt. Set the vacuum's power on medium and drag the upholstery attachment across the pool table from end to end as if you were mowing a lawn. Always make sure your strokes are traveling in the same direction. If you notice that the pool table felt seems as if it's being sucked into the upholstery attachment, lower the vacuum's power, as this can stretch the felt and make the playing surface uneven. Vacuuming should be completed after each use of the pool table, or at least once a week.

Ball Cleaning

Even after cleaning the felt, a large amount of dirt can be transmitted to the pool table by the billiard balls. The pool cue can bury quite a bit of chalk into the felt, and other balls can harbor enough dust to dirty up your felt playing surface. Balls can be cleaned by rubbing them with a microfiber cloth that can remove dust and chalk. The pool cue should be cleaned of chalk after each game, and all balls should be cleaned after each session.

Other Maintenance Tips

Some basic rules can dramatically reduce the risk of abusing your pool table into disrepair. Do not sit, or place any large weight, on your pool table or bumpers. Many bumpers are glued to the pool table and can break off if a person is resting their entire weight on them.

Purchase balls that are constructed with a phenolic resin finish. As billiard balls contact each other at high speeds, the friction caused by impact can cause a brief flash of heat that can spike up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Although quick, the intense heat can cause slight melting of the ball's resin finish and even burn the felt playing surface. White marks on your pool table felt are evidence of these burns. Phenolic resin resists heat caused by friction, and can prevent both felt burns and ball damage.

It's recommended that you have your pool table inspected by a pool-table mechanic after the first year of use. Among other things, the mechanic will check for a properly taut felt surface, excessive felt wear, the bumper rail attachments and an unlevel playing surface.

Well-maintained pool surfaces can last for years, but will eventually need to be replaced. When replacing the felt layer of your pool table, search for a fabric that has a minimum weight of 19 ounces per yard. Denser, thicker fabric will have a longer lifespan than thinner fabric.

How to Make a Pool Table Into a Dining Table

Standard pool tables are 8 feet long and 4 feet wide, with more room around the table needed to provide players with enough room to shoot. These dimensions take up a lot of space, which is why tables are typically placed in basements or other living spaces. If you are a fan of pool, but are concerned about space, consider putting the table in your dining room. You can convert your table from a dining table to a pool table and back again. This will allow you to play one of your favorite games, yet save space in your home. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Measure your pool table and write down the dimensions. Standard tables are 8 feet long, but tournament tables are longer (9 feet) while bar tables are shorter (7 feet).

2

Visit a billiards store and purchase a pool table cover that fits your size pool table. Billiards stores have several options, including leather covers that fit over the table and foam inserts that fit into the playing surface of the table. Both options cover the felt and protect the table.

3

Cover your pool table and pull up dining chairs. With the cover in place, you can eat at your pool table. When you want to play pool, pull the chairs back and remove the cover.

How to Rate Billiard Tables

When shopping for a billiard table, you are faced with dozens of choices. Name brand or discount table? Synthetic slate or the real stuff? Even things such as the felt and rails weigh into the equation that will ultimately rate one table above another. It's important to be well versed in all the aspects of a table before making an informed decision as to rating a table.

Instructions

1

Start your comparisons with the table's bed. The playing surface is the most important factor to consider when rating a table. Cheaper tables are made with synthetic slate which is often composed of particle board and is prone to warping, while slate bed tables are made with real stone and can last a lifetime. You should also consider that not all slate is the same. Degrees of thickness can weigh into the rating. For instance, a 1-inch thick slate table is better than one measuring only 3/4 inch. Tournaments are played on 1-inch thick slate.

2

Inspect the rails. When rating a table you must check the rails, because poorly constructed rails will not provide a true bounce. Rails made of solid wood rate higher than those that are not. The way the rails are attached to the table is also important, as top-of-the-line tables have the rails connected by bolts which pass through the slate and the frame of the table.

3

Check the foundation. A table is only as good as its base, so it's important to consider the construction of the table bed when rating a table. Table bases are made of solid wood or particle board. Better tables will have beams running under the bed, which not only supports the bed but keeps it level. The legs of the table should be solid wood in order to support the entire table.

4

Roll the billiard balls to check the felt. Felt comes in many grades and colors, and rating the felt is often a matter of opinion and depends on the quality of play. If you're a serious player, the tournament grade felt will garner a higher rating than cheaper felt designed to resist spills in family rooms. Iwan Simonis felt is the brand used in most tournament play. There's also the matter of worsted versus woolen felt. Worsted provides a smoother roll and will not "nap."

5

Check the reputation of the manufacturer. Some name brands, such as Connolly, Brunswick and Olhausen, rate higher simply because they have a long tradition of making high-quality tables, and many tournaments are played on these brands.

Samsung Ln52a750 Mounting Instructions

LCD flat screens such as the Samsung LN52Q750 are often popular because they aren't heavy and can fit into smaller places. The Samsung LN52Q750 can be used with a stand to sit on a TV console table or in an entertainment center, but you can also mount your TV on the wall. This is a good option for rooms that are too small for TV tables.

Instructions

Disconnect the Stand

1

Remove the four small screws from the back of the television. They are located at the bottom of the unit, above the stand.

2

Lift up the television and pull out the stand.

3

Place the cover into position over the stand hole and replace the two bottom screws. Hand-tighten the screws.

Attach the TV Mount to Studs

4

Use the stud finder to locate and mark two side-by-side studs. The studs should be at least 12 inches apart.

5

Measure and mark up the wall from the floor to the desired height. Mark the first stud and then use the level to mark evenly across on the second stud.

6

Drill two holes on your marks using the drill and a 3/16-inch drill bit. The holes should be in the center of the stud and 2-1/2 inches deep.

7

Place four lag bolt washers onto four 1/4-by-2-1/2-inch lag bolts. Place the wall plate against the wall with the flat side on the wall. Line up the two drilled holes with two of the small holes along the top holes of the wall plate. Add two of the lag bolts and tighten using an appropriately sized wrench.

8

Drill two bottom holes, lined up below the top two holes, using the wall plate holes as a guide. Add two more lag bolts and tighten.

Brick or Concrete Mounting

9

Measure up the wall and mark the desired height.

10

Place the wall plate against the wall with the flat side on the wall. Use the level to make sure it's straight.

11

Mark six holes using the small holes on the wall plate as a guide, with three on top and three on bottom. The holes must be on the left and right sides of the two large center holes and at least six inches apart.

12

Use the 1/2-inch masonry bit and power drill to pre-drill the six holes. They should be 2-1/2 inches deep. Replace the wall plate, lining up the plate's holes with the drilled holes.

13

Add concrete anchors into each hole so the anchors are flush with the brick or concrete.

14

Add six lag bolt washers to six lag bolts. Insert the bolts into the concrete anchors and tighten.

Attaching the TV to the Mount

15

Lean the television up against a wall or other surface with the back facing out to you. Place a monitor bracket against the back of the TV. The part of the bracket with the line of holes should be at the bottom. Line up the holes on the brackets with the holes on the back of the TV.

16

Place four M4 lock washers onto four M4 bolts, then add four M4 washers onto the bolts. Lift up the bracket and place one bolt into the appropriate hole on the bottom.

17

Place an M4 washer and then an M4 spacer onto the bolt along the back of the bracket that meets the back of the TV. Hand-tighten to hold in place and repeat for the top hole.

18

Add the second bracket on the other side of the back of the TV in the same manner. Tighten all four bolts with a Phillips head screwdriver.

19

Lift the TV up and place the brackets on the wall plate. Hook the top section of the brackets in place first and then hook the bottom section. The middle part of the brackets in between the hooks should sit inside two of the large holes of the wall plate.

20

Slide the safety bar into position, with the bend facing the wall. The safety bar slides into slots on the brackets and sits behind the bottom tab on the wall plate.