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 ReadingTHE BAILEY LINE ROAD CHRONICLES CHAPTER 12 – Stonework & A Near Death Experience
This is chapter 12 in my book The Bailey Line Road Chronicles, the 30-year story about moving from the city to live a modern homestead life deep in the country on Manitoulin Island, Canada. This is a reader-supported project. The […]
Continue ReadingSTONE HOME FINALE: Watch Video of Last Stone Being Laid
In July 1987, I laid the first stone in what would be the basement of my homestead house on Manitoulin Island, Canada. On July 26, 2018 I laid the last stone in the last of four peaks in this stone […]
Continue ReadingBRICK VENEER: Tech Tips for Successful Installations
There’s more than meets the eye when it comes to brick veneer. The word “veneer” implies something thin and skimpy, but it’s actually one full brick thick – about 3 1/2″. Most of the modern brick homes and commercial buildings […]
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DETAIL 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 ReadingBUILD YOUR OWN TINY HOUSE COURSE: 10% Discount on the Next Session
UPDATED 20Jul2018: Earlier this week I was emailing with different two women who just signed up for the next session of my online tiny house building course. They’re part of 12 people in the current class who are building in […]
Continue ReadingOUTDOOR WOOD FINISHING: Favourite One-Time Treatment Now With Colour
The big problem with outdoor wood is that it’s more of a pain to keep finished than most people realize. This is especially true if you’re the kind of person who wants to minimize home maintenance but have never lived […]
Continue ReadingOUTDOOR WOOD FINISH: 28 Years Experience With One Great Product
Back in 1990, I prepared my first outdoor wood finishing sample to see how a particular product actually performed in the sun, rain and weather over the long haul. Since then I’ve tested many other finishes in the same way, […]
Continue ReadingVIDEO: Homestead Wildlife – Endangered Turtle Rescue
Watch as Steve and Jake bring a rare Blanding’s turtle back to the lake.
Continue ReadingLearn How To Build Your Own Classic Kitchen Cabinets
If you’re interested in saving tons of money building great kitchen cabinets, built-ins or a bathroom vanity, all while working in your garage or basement, then I’ve got some specific things to show you. In fact, I’ve already started showing people how to build cabinets like the ones you see here.
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