A Reader Asks . . . Q: How should I arrange the heating ducts as I convert an unfinished basement space into a couple of bedrooms? Right now the heating ducts are up at the ceiling. Should I extend them […]
Continue ReadingSPADE BITS: A Simple & Undervalued Woodworking Tool
Spade bits are one of my favourites for boring large holes in wood, and they’re useful in ways that other bits aren’t. And though every hardware store in the civilized world sells spade bits, I find that few people appreciate […]
Continue ReadingELECTRIC INFLOOR HEATING: A Simple & Effective Retrofit Option
Want warm feet? Save money with reduced overall room temperature and still be comfortable with infloor heating systems. The new electric system Steve tours here is more reliable and a pretty smart control system. Watch and see.
Continue ReadingVIDEO Q&A SESSION: Watch a Replay of the Live Event
This past Monday I broadcast my first live video event. It was a question-and-answer session where I offered solutions to people with practical problems. Some of the question came in by email before the event, and others came in live […]
Continue Reading
Got a Question for Steve?
SOLAR ENERGY Q&A: “Where Can I Learn More About Making Solar Energy a Reality In A Country Home I’m Planning?
Q: Where can I learn more about making solar energy a reality in a country home I’m planning? I need facts about the costs of various parts of the system, different suppliers and technologies, plus some sense of maintenance costs. […]
Continue ReadingVIDEO: How to Choose a Cordless Drill
Cordless drills are great, but it’s not always obvious how to buy one well. Watch Steve tell you everything you need to know on this video.
Continue ReadingCORDLESS ELECTRIC CHAINSAW?!: This Thing Really Works!
Earlier this week I got the chance to try the 18 volt cordless electric chainsaw you see here on some hard maple firewood logs. I know cordless tool battery technology has come a long way, but has it come far […]
Continue ReadingWINTERIZING WATER SYSTEMS: Simple System Is 100% Reliable
Dealing with a seasonal water system may be the least enjoyable part of owning a lakeside home or rural getaway, but it doesn’t have to be this way. The frustration and uncertainty endured draining water pipes in the fall and […]
Continue ReadingSUCCESS & FAILURE: How “Personal RPM” Affects Your Life
When people ask me what I do for a living, the conversation usually goes like this . . . I explain that for 20+ years I’ve supported my wife and five kids family with a combination of digital work and […]
Continue ReadingDETAIL SANDERS: Tips for Using This Key Tool for Outdoor Wood Refinishing
Summer is the season you’re most likely to refinish outdoor trim, door frames, window sashes and finickity woodwork of all kinds, and detail sanders are tools I’ve come to rely on for this kind of work. Also called multitools these days because they can also cut and grind, detail sanders are not for stripping back large expanses of bare wood.
Continue Reading