UPDATED 23Jul2020 + video below: Masonry wasn’t my favourite homebuilding material when I got involved in building and renovation back in the mid-1980s, but 30 years of dealing with reality has changed my mind. Brick veneer, in particular, offers the […]
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QUALITY & MORALITY: Build Unto Others As You Would Have Them Build for You
If you do anything at all creative with your hands, you need to understand an idea I call “the challenge of a thousand decisions”. From moment to creative moment we’re all faced with decisions – many of them small – […]
Continue ReadingCANES & WALKING STICKS: It’s Easy to Whittle Your Own
UPDATED 23APR2020: I’m seeing more and more people walking with canes & walking sticks these days, but none of the factory-made, metal sticks look all that interesting to me. A home-made, wooden walking stick you whittle yourself is another matter. […]
Continue ReadingTINY HOUSE TOUR: Tips for Building Your Own Great Little Place & Course Discount
UPDATED 6Mar2020: Do you dream of owning a beautiful, affordable tiny house? The tiny house movement is growing around the world because people want homes that are more affordable and easier to maintain, either as a full-time residence or as a […]
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.
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.
HOW TO USE A WOOD SPLITTER: Learn to safely use this effective piece of equipment
In this week’s video episode, learn how a hydraulic wood splitter works; see safe methods for using a wood splitter properly; learn how the best hydraulic splitters work both horizontally & vertically; understand proper storage procedures for maintaining your wood splitter.
Continue ReadingLOG SPLITTER EXTRAORDINAIRE: How to Make Firewood Faster with Speedy Inertia Splitter
Canadian economist Jeff Rubin has a book that everyone should read, especially if you cut your own firewood. It’s called Why Your World Is About to Get a Whole Lot Smaller. In it Rubin makes a well-supported case for the […]
Continue ReadingHome Water Filtration System: Understanding the Basics
Are you concerned about the taste and quality of your drinking water? Lots of people are these days, but that’s not news. You hear this story all the time. What is news, however, are all the ways you can now […]
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