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.
I hope you found this content useful!
Your generous support helps me produce more practical, hands-on content that I hope you’ll find useful.
Steve Maxwell
If you’re dealing with pesky little insects buzzing around your home, chances are you have gnats. Even though gnats are harmless to humans, the more they breed, the more they can create an ongoing, frustrating problem for your home. As…
If you’ve been finishing wood with urethane for any length of time, you know that it has become significantly more difficult to get good results. As government regulations squeeze excellent urethanes out of existence, they’re being replaced by fast-drying, low-VOC…
A flagpole is more than just a pole in the ground. It’s a statement. A symbol of pride. And, often, a centerpiece in front of homes, schools, and offices. But here’s the thing—flagpoles need care. Just like cars need oil…
Buying power tools is one of those decisions where the cheapest choice can become expensive later. If you’re serious about improving your home, fixing vehicles, building things, or developing real workshop skills, bargain tools often become a bottleneck sooner than…
Your outdoor space should be a versatile haven that welcomes gatherings of all sizes. Whether you’re hosting a cozy family dinner or a lively backyard barbecue, your space should effortlessly adapt to different group sizes. This guide will give you…
Brass is a great metal for hardware, but it does need to be polished to remain pretty. Factory-applied lacquer coatings keep brass looking good for longer, but the lacquer needs to be removed to allow polishing, as you’ll see from…