Why are spun steel pans better than pressed steel

The process of spinning steel into shape evenly distributes the steel plate across a mould as the metal is spun around. Slowly the shape is formed under steady pressure that bends the steel around the mould. 

Because the spinning process is gradual and even the steel is inherently more stable under the heat of cooking and does not warp, twist or buckle even under high temperatures.

On the other hand, when steel is pressed into a shape it is stretched and pushed into position under great force causing areas of stress within the steel where the metal is tensioned against curves and edges. At room temperature the stresses in the steel are at balance but once cooking heat is applied and selective areas become hotter the stresses build causing buckling and twisting.

How to select the right binoculars

The style and model of binoculars to buy is very much dependant on your primary application for them.
The first aspect to take into account is the physical size and weight best suited to your style of activity, mobility along with transport space and weight restriction issues as there is not much point in owning binoculars which you cannot transport or easily use.
Other than for ‘general use’ applications each model is made to differing specifications making them better suited to particular applications than others. For example binoculars used for viewing team sports would typically have a wider field of view than those used for bird watching or for longer distance viewing.
Understanding the performance aspects of each model is relatively straight forward as the specifications are usually displayed on the product in the form; 10x40 (Field7°) or (126m/1000m). This information denotes the size in mm of the ocular lens (the lens you look into) and the size in mm of the objective lens (the lens toward the viewing target). Next is the width of the field of view at a given distance relative to unassisted sight – expressed either as a percentage or as a measured width.
Other terminologies often given include ‘coated lenses’ and ‘dioptre adjustment’.
Lens coating assists in the optical clarity by reducing internal lens refraction and eliminating certain wave lengths of light – very much in the way sunglasses do for our eyes – improving the image by cutting glare and haze. Binoculars without coated lenses perform much more poorly.  The most common coating colours are red, green and blue with each having a differing filtering effect – red coating results in a ‘cooler’ more blue image. Quality coated lenses can also greatly enhance the light gathering capability of the binoculars which is important where they will be used in poorly lit situations such as thick forest for bird watching or late in the day when hunting.
Dioptre adjustment refers to the ability to balance the focus of each barrel to suit the left and right eyes individually as many people have slightly different focus ability in each.
So before you leap into a purchase take a minute to visualise the circumstances of how the binoculars will be used and what would be the most desirable field size and style of image you will see through them.
Finally, for the best results, take care to keep your lenses clean using a high quality lens cloth (pure silk cloth has served me well) and most importantly do not store the binoculars in very hot situations as heat will cause the mounting of internal prisms to warp and distort the image.

How to check possible problems with wheel bearings on caravans and trailers

New an inexpensive non-contact infrared thermometers make it possible to check the running temperature of your caravan or trailer wheel bearings each time you stop.

Simplysqueeze the trigger and point the laser dot at the wheel hub to take the measurement. These thermometers will measure a range from -50C to 300C and can be used for many applications including electrical outlets, powerboards and so on.

How to measure invasive noise

Noisy dogs, machinery, cars etc? How to gather evidence.
Handheld sound level meters are now very affordable and accurate. Just turn it on, aim and begin measuring the annoying noises invading your space. 
Also protect your hearing by knowing the real impact of the devices you use regularly - you'll be surprised how loud some everyday household and workplace tools can be!
Our sound level meter requires just one 9Volt battery to operate and measures a range from 40dB to 13dB.
Applications include:
Workplace noise safety, Monitor noise disturbances, Environmental noise, Vehicle noice, Heating and aircon system background noise, Music systems
Length: 250mm, Width: 70mm, Thick: 33mm, Weight: 250 grams
Operates on 1 x 9V battery or DC 9V external power pack (not included)
Metering Ranges: 40dB - 70dB, 60dB - 90dB, 80dB - 110dB, 100dB - 130dB, 40dB - 130dB

 

RECIPE - Lemon Tandoori Chicken

Ingredients:
  2  Chicken breast fillets (skin off), sliced into strips 10mm x 10mm
  6  Tomatoes - medium size, sliced into 1/8 pieces
  2  Carrots – medium size, sliced into straws
  2  Lemons, juiced
  ¼ Bunch fresh parsley (or equivalent dried or parsley paste), coarsely chopped
  3  Tablespoons medium hot tandoori paste
  2  Onions diced into 6mm pieces
  3  Tablespoons olive oil
      Salt and pepper

Method:
  Place three tablespoons of olive oil into a warmed camp oven, spread evenly across the bottom and heat until oil is hot.
  Add the chicken strips and stir fry until brown
  Stir in onion, carrot, tomato, parsley, lemon juice and tandoori paste. Stir fry for 2 - 3 minutes
  Add salt and pepper
  Lower heat and allow to cook through gently for 15 - 20 minutes
  Serve with choice of rice or mashed potato

How to prepare black steel cookware for first use
Black steel (sometimes known as blue steel or gun metal) is very simple to 'season' taking only a short while and with nothing more than some hot water, detergent and olive oil.
1. Firstly wash the pan or oven thoroughly in hot water with a grease cutting dishwashing detergent. (This will remove remnants of grease and metal finings from the manufacturing process and will appear quite black.) Once properly washed the steel will take on a light grey color and when wiped over with paper towel will not leave any residue.
2. Make sure all surfaces are completely dry and apply a coating of olive oil using paper towel.
3. At this point the item can be heated over a cooktop for 5-10 minutes (not to hot) to cure in the oil or placed in a hot oven for 10 minutes for the same result.
4. Once cooled recoat all surfaces with olive oil before storing.
How to store black steel cookware
Once finished use of the item follow these steps to ensure the best storage.
1. Make sure to remove all foodstuffs from all surfaces by wiping out with paper towell or washing with hot water if required.
2. Completely dry all surfaces of water and wipe over with olive oil.
3. Store in a dry place.

Restoring neglected black steel cookware
Just in case all the above fails and your black steel item has gotten damp and rusted these tips will bring it back to operational status.
1. In most cases of rust on black steel it will be only be a dusty type of surface rust which can be removed using a ball of dry steel wool rubbed over all surfaces until the steel appears through and the rust dust can be blown away. (If the rust is more serious use of some 80 grit sandpaper can be used first and followed up with the steel wool treatment)
2. Once finished with the steel wool give the item a good wash in hot water and detergent, dry thoroughly and apply a coating of olive oil on all surfaces.
3. Store in a dry place

Lighting HeatBeads on the camp oven lid
Dependant on the model of camp oven you are using count out the required number of HeatBeads to suit - the 12.5 litre BushKing requires 28-30 to complete a roast and the 7.5 litre BushRanger requires 23-25. Make sure the camp oven is positioned in a safe and stable place and out of the breeze.
1. Place a Bushwares HeatBead Starter in the centre of the lid and place in firelighter blocks equivalent in size to about 3 matchboxes.
2. On top of the firelighters fill the basket with HeatBeads, packing them to minimise spaces between.
3. Light the firelighters then stack the remaining HeatBeads around the outside of the basket.
4. Allow the firelighters to burn out completely and the HeatBeads in the basket to properly ignite (grey ash patches on their surface indicate combustion). This will take approx 15-20 minutes.
5. Once sufficiently alight tip the HeatBeads out of the basket into the centre of the oven lid and pile the other HeatBeads on top of them for a few minutes to get them burning then spread them across the lid to an even depth of just one HeatBead.
6. Your oven is now preheated and ready to receive your roast!
Bushwares HeatBead Starter

How hot is my camp oven?
Non-contact infrared thermometers allow easy checking of the camp oven temperature without lifting the lid.
A camp oven that is too hot will destroy your dish. The secret to great camp oven cooking is to go gently and apply the heat to the lid of the camp oven for roasting and baking. For stew, casserole and soup apply heat underneath.

   

 

Infrared thermometer with laser guide

 

FAQs

Is the camp oven gas conversion able to be used on a cast iron oven?	No, It is specifically designed for the Hillbilly oven only
Is there a difference in cooking time if using gas or heatbeads?	The Gas Conversion will take 15 miutes to get the camp oven up to temperature. The Heat Beads will take around 20 minutes to get burning and to cooking temperature.
Can I use just any type of gas burner on the camp oven lid?	No, only the Hillbilly gas burner is designed and approved by the Australian Gas Assoc to use inverted on the camp oven lid.
How many heatbeads do I need on the oven lid?	Just enough to cover the lid when laid out flat. Approx 25 for the BushRanger or 36 for the BushKing.
Can campfire coals be used on the oven lid?	The Hillbilly Camp Oven is designed to use with campfire coals or lighting a fire on the lid of the oven. Make sure the coals are kept up to a cooking temperature.
Does the camp oven need to be buried in the ashes?	The Hillbilly ovens are designed to cook perfectly in the open, requiring heat only on the lid for roasting or gentle heat from below for stews.
Can I use my Hillbilly camp oven in fire restricted areas or during restriction periods?	Beacause the Hillbilly camp ovens work so efficiently with the gas conversion there is no need for solid fuel fire at all. What rules apply for LPG BBQ are the same for the camp ovens using the gas conversion. Hillbilly recommends adherence to regulations at all times and to use sensible precautions always.
What is the procedure for preparing my new camp oven for the first use?	1. Thoroughly clean the camp oven with hot soapy water 2. Rinse and dry completelywith paper towel.3. Apply a light coating of cooking oil to all surfaces (olive oil is best) 4. Season by either placing it in a hot oven for 30 mins or with cooking oil, wipe the inside of the camp oven and lid then gently heat over the fire or gas stove for about 30 minutes 5. After use, lightly wipe a small amount of cooking oil over the oven. These oils will bake on when next using the oven and season the stee
What's the best way to clean the camp oven after use?	Generally all that is required is to wash with warm soapy water (removing any baked on food stuff) , rinse, thoroughly dry, coat all surfaces with cooking oil and store in a dry place.
Will it rust?	The Hillbilly products are made of black steel and if not cleaned and oiled prior to use, they will have rust spots appear on the surface. The cooking oil prevents rusting. Once the products are seasoned, they should be fairly rust resistant.
If it rusts, how can it be restored?	The black steel used is not artificially coated and can be scoured or even sandpapered without damage to the product. Depending on the severity of the rust choose abrasives from dish scourer, steel wool or sandpaper. With the oven surfaces dry, rub off as much ofthe rust as you can (generally this will be only a dusty surface rust) until you can see the metal. When done, wash and rinse thoroughly, allow to completely dry then lightly coat with olive oil and bake in an oven on 180degrees for 30 m
Vegies cooked in the Vegie Ring don't brown and are soft	The most common causes include the following 1. insufficient heat on the lid of the oven caused by spent heatbeads or coals or gas set on low heat 2. soft vegies placed in the ring at the same time as hard vegetables - for example pumpkin should wait for 15 minutes or so after the likes of potatoes and carrots have been placed in the oven.