EXTERIOR WOOD FINISHING: All You Need to Know About Oiling
Steve Maxwell, Canada’s Handiest Man, explains to handy DIY homeowners how to make oiling exterior wood easy and effective.
-
-
PLUMBING: Electricity-Free Frozen Drain Vent Solution
For those of us living in cold climates, one of the most annoying (and mysterious) problems happens when rooftop plumbing vent pipes get plugged with frost. This is called “ice capping” and the longer the cold spells you get in…
-
WOODWORKING: Edge Gluing Perfect Solid Wood Panels Gap-Free
Gluing boards edge-to-edge to make wider pieces is an essential woodworking skill. Learn these three tips for getting this job done right.
-
mETALWORKING: See Exactly Why Auto-Darkening Helmets Work
Watch and learn why auto-darkening welding helmets have caught on, with both amateur and professional welders. They let you see clearly before welding, but they also darken instantly as soon as the welding begins. See actual darkening in action in…
-
HOME IMPROVEMENT: “How Can I Stop My Garage Door From Sticking Shut In Winter?
Question: How can I stop my garage door from freezing to the concrete floor when it gets really cold? I live in northern Manitoba and I have this problem when it gets colder than -50ºC some mornings. Sometimes the door…
-
OUTDOOR LIVING: How to Use a Wood Splitter
Watch this detailed video tutorial to learn the basics of using a wood splitter safely and productively. I think you’ll find this useful, especially if you want to build your personal self reliance and reduce your heating bills.
-
RURAL LIVING: Let Me Show You Manitoulin Island Life
The first part of the 1980s left me feeling desperate. That’s what happened when, after four years of methodical searching, I was giving up hope of ever finding the kind of rural place I wanted to live in. I’d grown up…
-
WOODWORKING: Learn the Secrets of Tight Mitre Joints
If you’re a woodworker and you have trouble cutting precise mitre joints, then the 15 minute video tutorial above is for you. It’ll show you all the tricks behind great results you can be proud of. Even if you don’t…
-
LIFE & HEALTH: Is Distilled Water Good To Drink? Here’s What I found
If you care about optimizing your health and energy level, you’ve probably come to realize that little lifestyle practices can sometimes deliver big health benefits over time. The energy level and pizzaz of a person in their 70s or 80s,…
-
COTTAGE LIFE: “Can I Leave All Heat Off During The Off Season?”
Question: Can I safely leave the heat turned off in my cottage over winter when I’m not there? The floor is hardwood and I’m concerned about warping. I’m retired and don’t want to spend the $200 a month it costs…
-
WOODWORKING: How to Use a Jointer to Make Your Wood Projects Better
Jointers are woodworking machines designed to make pieces of wood straighter, truer and more refined. Some versions of jointers are made to sit on the floor, and others are smaller, less expensive (even less than $300) and made to sit…
-
TOOLS: How to Choose & Use a Pressure Washer
Watch the video below for tips and tricks on using your pressure washer, including some uses you’ve probably never seen before. More details in the article below. In my experience there are three standard tasks where a pressure washer can’t…
