Are you feeling guilty about the environmental impact of your life? Are you having trouble reconciling your ideals for sustainability and the realities of making it happen around you? I have a personal story that might bring wisdom, perspective and […]
Continue ReadingHELPLESSNESS, HUMILITY & A SWIMMING RAFT (Plus Project Plans!)
I’ve only felt deeply and undeniably helpless once in my life, but it taught me a valuable lesson. Perhaps it will help you, too. A family of otters had something to do with the whole thing. It happened when my […]
Continue ReadingSOLAR ENERGY Q&A: “Where Can I Learn More About Household Solar Energy?
Q: Where can I learn more about making solar energy a reality in a country home I’m planning to build? I need facts about the costs of various parts of the system, different suppliers and technologies, plus some sense of maintenance […]
Continue ReadingWood Splitter Review: See the Best Selling Model in Canada Close Up
Thinking of getting a wood splitter? Check out my video review of the best selling wood splitter in Canada. Except for one minor issue, I like it a lot. See how this economical model works in both horizontal & vertical splitting modes; see how the engine layout is open, making maintenance easy; watch the aggressive wedge pop firewood apart quickly, and more.
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TIMBER FRAME HOME: Canadian Craftsman Keeps Tradition Alive & Flourishing
Every so often I discover someone whose passion for craftsmanship is strong enough to endure a lifetime spent doing something else. That’s why Ottawa, Canada timber framer Ray Gibbs is worth meeting. He spent a 34-year career working as an […]
Continue ReadingSNOWBLOWER BUYING ADVICE: Options to Keep a Rural Driveway Clear
Q: What’s the best way to clear snow from my long rural driveway? I’m a newly-single woman with a 16 year old son living on an old farm. My driveway is 800 meters (875 yards) long and last year we […]
Continue ReadingTIPS FOR BUILDING STEEL PIPE LIGHT FIXTURES
In this week’s video episode, see how threaded steel pipes can be used to make excellent light fixtures; learn how specific sizes & types of steel pipe fittings make sense for light fixtures; discover an inexpensive light socket that works well with a specific size of steel fitting . . .
Continue ReadingFREEZE-PROOFING A WATER LINE: Watch a Real-World Installation Happen
In this week’s video episode, see how a seasonal cottage property is converted for year-round running water; watch a smart heating cable is installed directly inside a shallow water line; see how
pipe insulation and an outer protective casing is applied to the pipe; learn how more or less heat is applied along the length of the cable, depending on temperature.
WORK GLOVES: 100 Year-Old Canadian Firm Protects Workers & Heals Warriors
UPDATED 14 Dec2019: In 2018 I discovered a Canadian work glove manufacturer that I’m surprised I hadn’t found before. I use work gloves almost every day, but never thought much about glove design until I came across a British Columbia, […]
Continue ReadingGALVANIZED PIPE THREADER: See Amazing (and Super-Strong) Cordless Milwaukee Threader in Action
In this week’s video episode, learn how threads are cut on steel pipes with a machine; see a Milwaukee cordless pipe threader in action; understand how important cutting oil is to the process; watch curls of hot metal being cut from a pipe; and see how a simple clamp holds iron pipe securely while threading. Working with black iron pipe like this is the best kept secret of the workshop world.
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