Dowel Joint Strength Stress Test
Watch me conduct a stress test on a dowel joint in soft wood. Dowel joints are strong, but let’s see just how strong.
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When Do I Need a Contractor, and When Is DIY Okay?
Home improvement projects can either be rewarding or challenging activities, but one question does seem to pop up: do it yourself or professional contractor? Make the right decision, and you can save time, money, and headaches. While many smaller projects…
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Wheelchair Ramp Video Guide
This video provides an overview of technical issues. It’s what you need to understand to get a safe and effective wheelchair ramp.
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ANCHORING TO MASONRY: Check Out These Options for Success
Concrete, brick, and stone play large roles in home building and renovations. Steve Maxwell gives a few key strategies on fastening objects to masonry.
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WORKSHOP SKILLS: “Why Do My Projects Take So Long To Complete?”
Workshop Skills Q&A Question: Why is it that no woodworkers I watch on YouTube tell viewers specific amounts of time it takes to complete projects? It’s discouraging for newbies like me when something looks easy but takes me forever. What…
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7 Benefits of Using a Tool Cart
Every workshop, garage or job site, requires a certain order to run things as they ought to be run. For tool organization, one of the most efficient solutions is a tool cart. A tool cart is a wheeled storage unit…
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“TRACKING POINT” SAW BLADE: Better Tooth Design Means Better Cutting
If you’re gearing up for deck building, constructing a dock, picnic table, gazebo or verandah, you should know how much hand-held circular saws have improved. The best cordless models these days are every bit as effective as corded circular saws,…
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“How Can I Stop Sap From Bleeding Out Of My Tongue And Groove Siding?”
Sap oozing from softwood lumber beams is a perennial problem, especially with thick wood in sunny locations. Stain blocking primer is worth a try, but periodic scraping and rubbing with turpentine is the best option for removal. Sap from softwoods…
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OIL FINISHES FOR WOOD: A Beautiful & Repairable Option
Steve explains an under-appreciated option for finishing interior wood using a mixture of oil and varnish.
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Never Cut Freehand on a Table Saw
A table saw is a great woodworking tool, but you need to use it right to avoid serious injury. The video above explains a hidden danger that new woodworkers may be completely unaware of.
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How to Mix Mortar for Traditional Stonework
Watch my oldest son, Robert, mix mortar for a traditional stoneworking project he took on. I know from decades of experience that this simple recipe is strong, workable and lasts forever.
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5 Indicators That Your New Car Might Be a ‘Lemon’
Lemon laws protect consumers from defective vehicles. They require manufacturers to repair or replace cars with significant problems, usually within a set period after purchase. Each state in the U.S. has its version of these laws, offering varying levels of…
