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 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 ReadingHOW TO BUILD A DOOR – Warm, Exterior & Beautiful (with plans)
Want to build your own exterior door? Everything you need to get started is right here. Click to learn.
Continue ReadingWORK 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, […]
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Learn More from Bailey Line Road
WORK SAFE MINI-SCAFFOLD: Canadian Company Creates Versatile Homeowner Scaffolding System
A number of years ago I was asked to testify in a lawsuit involving a father who fell off a ladder building a shed for his adult son. This man was suing his son for not providing a safe working […]
Continue ReadingNEED A GREAT CHRISTMAS PRESENT? Give the Gift of Sharp Tools + Two Woodworking Plans Packages
Enjoyable woodworking depends on sharp tools, but sharpening can be a pain. Watch what a really sharp chisel can do when it’s been prepared using the methods I teach in my online course. It only takes a minute or two to empower a tool to do amazing work.
Continue ReadingHARDWOOD REFINISHING Q&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 ReadingLESSONS FROM A BOTCHED DOOR LATCH: Why You Really Need to Pass On Your Skills
Back in 2018, I checked into a nearly-new big city hotel for a few days, and I was reminded of the kind of creeping incompetence I seemed to be seeing more and more often. As I closed the bathroom door, […]
Continue ReadingICE DAM PREVENTION: Watch Installation of Unique, Canadian-Made System
UPDATED 20Nov2019 + video below: Does ice build up on your roof? You might find this unique solution worthwhile. Many roofs form at least small amounts of ice during winter, but large and damaging levels of ice are a different matter. […]
Continue ReadingFASTENERS 101: Five Fasteners You Should Know About
UPDATED 15Nov2019 + video below: There are dozens of different kinds of fasteners in the world and you can safely forget about most of them for building and maintaining things around the home and cottage. But there are five types […]
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