FIREWOOD: Understanding the Essential Splitting Axe
Too few people understand the joy and practicality of cutting firewood. Part of the trick is understanding the one tool that’s often overlooked.
Things You Need To Know About Clean Power Generators
“You don’t know what you’ve got ‘til it’s gone”, may just be a line from an old Joni Mitchell song, but it also describes our relationship with electricity. Heat, light, the ability to cook, compute, communicate and even enjoy flowing…
Champion Generator Canadian Giveaway
Hey Canada, this contest is for you! As spring inches towards summer, it’s time to head outside and do some building. And when that building needs to happen away from the grid, a generator’s got you covered. That’s why I’ve partnered…
Q&A: What Can I Do With Old Cedar Siding?
Ever wonder how to deal with old, peeling wood siding? Read on for Steve’s advice.
VIDEO: Vapour Barriers – How They Work & Why They Matter
Building and renovating homes in cold climates requires vapour barriers in some places. Learn how the work and why they’re essential.
Maxwell’s Tips – Heating a Basement Suite, Economics of Electric Heat and Fixing Sluggish Septic Systems
In this edition of Maxwell’s Tips, Steve answers questions about heating a basement suite, the economics of electric heat and fixing sluggish septic systems.
How to Properly Store your Lumber
Steve Maxwell explains how to properly store your lumber until you’re ready to use it. Proper storage will prevent damage from humidity and mold.
VIDEO GARDEN TOUR: Manitoulin August 2015
Watch an 8 minute tour of the garden Steve and his wife Mary keep on Manitoulin Island. Learn three gardening lessons they find helps make things beautiful.
OFF-GRID ELECTRICAL SYSTEM VIDEO#15: HOW TO MAKE CRIMPED & TWIST-ON WIRE CONNECTIONS
This is video#15 of 15 in my course INDEPENDENT ELECTRIC POWER. This course is a complete program for designing and building your own off-grid renewable electrical system. The video below explains how to make solderless wire connections using crimped or twist-on…
OFF-GRID ENERGY SYSTEM VIDEO#3: CHOOSING A BACKUP GENERATOR
This is video#3 of 15 in my course INDEPENDENT ELECTRIC POWER. This course is a complete program on designing and building your own off-grid renewable electrical system. The video below is a tour of the three main types of backup generators…
OFF-GRID POWER SYSTEM VIDEO#1: REAL-WORLD POWER SYSTEM
This is the video#1 of 15 in my course “INDEPENDENT ELECTRIC POWER”. This course is a complete program on designing and building your own off-grid renewable electrical system. The video below is a tour of a real off-grid power system that’s…
TOOL TEST : Cordless Yard Tools Good as Gas
Keep your yard neat and your neighbors happy with yard tools powered by a lithium battery. You no longer need the power of gasoline to prune back that growth.