How can I remove white pine sap from the 10-year-old cedar deck at the cottage? I’ve tried deck cleaner, scraping, sanding, acetone and Comet. Nothing works. What you need is a compatible solvent, and I know for sure that turpentine…
Is your outdoor wood furniture or deck looking tired? Steve Maxwell explains how oiling your exterior wood is a low maintenance finishing option.
Q: Is it okay to add wall insulation to a hollow block wall by adding a loose-fill fiber product in the block spaces? The exterior walls of our 90-year-old house are made with stucco-covered cinder blocks. Is it a good plan for…
What kind of flooring can I install in our unheated, 140-year-old cottage? The floors are currently covered in very old rolled flooring on top of wide cedar boards. We considered using rolled flooring again, but we don’t want the curling…
What’s the best way to repair damaged areas of veneer on an old piano I’m restoring? I don’t want to replace the veneer or install new pieces, so that leaves me with filling. What filler will accept stain and match…
Q: What’s the best circular saw for building furniture? I’m a newbie woodworker, my budget is tight but I’m already addicted to the craft. A: I’m glad to hear you want to build furniture. My own interest in this began…
Q: Can I use construction adhesive to fasten wall board directly to a steel basement beam? I’m building a sewing room, and don’t have enough space for conventional framing around the beam. The pieces of wall board are narrow and light…
Where can I find a really large chamfer bit for a router? You’ve written about 2 1/2” diameter bits used to make outdoor wood structures look better, but all I can find is 2 1/4”. Chamfering is a fancy word…
How can I restore the lustre of a cedar strip canoe that’s covered in fiberglass? The surface is dull and scratched. The problem you’re having is common and easily remedied. The fiberglass wasn’t the only material used on the outside…
Canada’s Handiest Man, Steve Maxwell, believes each new generation of cordless power tools brings us one step closer to perfection.
A rave review from Steve Maxwell on a tool which makes it possible to easily renew your home’s upholstery with surprising ease and economy.
Steve Maxwell, a homesteader since 1985, takes us through a financial self-reliance reality check for the homesteading lifestyle.