Back in 2018, I went on a guided tour of the Brampton Brick manufacturing facility in Ontario Canada. It was given by the man who designed the plant and oversees its operation. This is the largest clay brick plant in all of…
If you’ve ever wondered if a powder-actuated tool could shoot nails into the air instead of just concrete and wood, this video is for you. There’s no need for you to try this dangerous experiment at home, since I already…
A drill press is one of the most useful stationary power tools, both for metal and wood. In this video I take you on a tour of the bits an accessories I use with my drill press, plus some guidance…
There are many instances where you may want to learn who owns a property. You could be interested in purchasing or renting a house you have noticed while driving through the suburbs. Perhaps you want to say hello to your…
With rising food costs and increasing concerns about pesticide use, growing your own vegetables isn’t just going to be a hobby–it’s one smart and healthier option. This way, you can forget your endless march to the supermarket looking for “fresh”…
Canada’s Handiest Man, Steve Maxwell discusses a flooring rubber underlay to aid in soundproofing.
In this blog Steve Maxwell, Canada’s handiest Man, shares insights acquired on a visit to Durban, South Africa on how geography affects how we build houses.
In October 1985, I cut through a tumbledown wire fence and drove my 18 year-old pickup truck onto the vacant rural property I’d just spent my life savings to buy. I was a 22 year-old dreamer back then, with a…
This question comes from my dad, Wayne Maxwell. He and my mom live in a condominium in the Canadian city where I grew up . . . Q: “It’s time to recaulk the bathtub, Steve. What’s the best kind of…
Table saws are powerful tools, but you need to know how to operate one safely. This video shows what I watch for when I’m using any table saw.
Every so often I discover someone whose passion for craftsmanship is strong enough to endure a lifetime spent doing something else. That’s why Ottawa, Canada timber framer Ray Gibbs is worth meeting. He spent a 34-year career working as an…
If you’re planning to finish or refinish your basement, I have both a warning and a recommendation. Experiences that my daughter, Katherine, and her family had a while back in an Airbnb reminded me of all this. Whole-House Mustiness The…