Leonard Lee, famous Canadian and founder of Lee Valley Tools, died on July 7, 2016 and that got me thinking about something. Mr. Lee improved the lives of a lot of people with the business he started and the life […]
Continue ReadingQ&A: How to Stop Knot Stains Bleeding Through Painted Woodwork
Got some painted solid wood trim at your house? You’ve probably got ugly knots showing through, too. Solve the problem once and for all using more than just hope and an old wives tale.
Continue ReadingWOODWORKING: How to Prep Boards for Great Results
Want to build things properly out of wood? Have a dream to make your own furniture, cabinets and shelves? You need to learn some basics, like what you’ll see here.
Continue ReadingTOOLS: Two Portable Workstation Strategies
More than one old-timer I know tells how new carpenters used to be judged on the job by their ability to build a sawhorse. If they could deal successfully with the required angles and joints of a sawhorse, creating something solid and […]
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HOW-TO: Jointing Wood Flat & True
Woodworking success often depends on boards that are flat, true and square. The jointer is the tool that creates these essential conditions. Watch and see how to use a jointer properly.
Continue ReadingVIDEO: Five Reasons to Love Masonry
Masonry is the king of building materials in many ways. Watch Steve’s video on the Five Reasons to Love masonry to see why.
Continue ReadingVIDEO: How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets
I love wood, but even I have to admit that there is such a thing as too much wood in a house. That’s where paint can help, especially when it comes to kitchen cabinets. Prepare that old, brown varnished surface […]
Continue ReadingINSIDE THE BOX: Benefits, beauty & tricks of gardening with pots, planters & hanging baskets
There’s more to gardening than digging a hole in the ground and planting something. Pots, planters and hanging baskets add a lot to gardening results. Check out how Mary and I do container gardening at our place on Manitoulin Island.
Continue ReadingMasonry, Life & Doing the Hard-But-Good Things
Twenty five years ago I faced a choice, and it was like many of the big choices we all face in life. Do I do the harder thing that I know is best, or do I choose the easier way […]
Continue ReadingBuying a Home the Smarter Way
If you’re shopping for a resale home, you can know almost all the financial responsibilities you’ll face for a given house before you buy. Almost all, but not quite. As it stands now, you can know your mortgage payments and […]
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