When you think of agriculture, you probably don’t think of Cuba. You should. Out of necessity this country made the fastest transition from chemical agriculture to organics, beginning back in the early 1990s. Today Cuba is a model of what’s possible in the realm of real-world organics, urban gardening and a way to produce food that’s just plain inspiring.
Continue ReadingHOW-TO: Why You Should Love Dowel Joinery
Dowel joints are one of the easiest, strongest and more versatile way to connect wood parts. Read Steve’s quick-start guide on how to succeed with dowel joints
Continue ReadingVIDEO: Septic System Revival How-To
Watch and see how Steve revived a hopelessly clogged septic system without replacing it. Faster, cheaper and less disruptive than the usual methods, as you’ll see.
Continue ReadingMill Your Own Micro Lumber
It’s easy to look past the obvious fact that lumber comes from logs, but once you start thinking this way, interesting things can happen. It’s surprisingly easy to mill short, small logs into furniture-grade boards, right in your own workshop, […]
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VIDEO TOUR: 81-year-old Marc Smith and His Octagonal Windows
81-year-old Marc Smith has been making and selling specialty windows since 2000, and he’s been doing it online. He was one of the first to venture into online sales, and his windows impress me. Watch this video to see why.
Continue ReadingCASE STUDY: Earning a Homestead Living
See how Steve and friends raise boutique beef on Manitoulin Island for people who want more than just ordinary food.
Continue ReadingMORE THAN MONEY: How an Old-Time Builder Created a Hotel Icon
Travel back in time and see how one of the most famous hotels in the world was built – and saved – against all odds.
Continue ReadingQ&A: How Do I Finish Wooden Stairs?
How should I prepare dirty, interior wood stairs for finishing? I’m remodelling my parents’ home and part of the work involves finishing a staircase that was left bare and unprotected after it was built 10 years ago. Read on for Steve’s advice.
Continue ReadingWood-Free Woodworking: Composite Lumber for Outdoor Projects
Wood isn’t the only material you can plane, rout, mill and join to create refined workshop projects. Composite deck lumber can also be used for fine “woodworking”, despite the fact that it’s designed for outdoor use supporting deck chairs, barbecues and people relaxing. Even though I’ve worked with composites for more than ten years – including the construction of simple outdoor furniture – I didn’t realize the full potential of composites until I was asked to tackle an unusual project.
Continue ReadingKeep on Truckin’: How to Make Your Vehicle Last Longer
Some people manage their vehicles like tubes of caulking – use them up and throw them away. Not me. I aim for a long haul relationship with my wheels because it’s cheaper and better that way. If you’re willing to […]
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