How to Make a Long Clamp with Shorter Clamps When you are trying to outfit your workshop with equipment it can be tempting to skip purchasing more expensive long clamps. After all, how often do you really need to clamp something longer than 12 - 18"? Luckily, I'm here to justify … [Read more...]
Top 10 Power Tools Every DIYer Needs
Top 10 Power Tools Every DIYer Needs Time and time again I've been asked what my desert island tool would be. But honestly I have a hard time narrowing my answer down to just one tool. Instead I decided to make a list of the Top 10 Power Tools that Every DIYer Needs in their … [Read more...]
Table Saw Stand and Collapsible Out Feed Work Table
DIY Table Saw Stand and Collapsible Out Feed Work Table Today I want to share with you my new workshop configuration that has a DIY Table Saw Stand and a collapsible out feed (or work) table. I've struggled for years to find a workbench that meets my need to spread out while … [Read more...]
Install Cabinet Handles the Easy Way
After installing my fair share of cabinet knobs and handles over the years, I've made my own templates out of cardboard or scrap wood. But, after trying this new gadget, I can honestly say this is how you too can Install Cabinet Handles the Easy Way. I was given the Kreg … [Read more...]
Table Saw Safety Guidelines by The Sawdust Maker
I'm really excited to introduce this Rockstar DIYer today. Nick is an extremely talented woodworker who is as passionate about his projects as he is his tools. Nick is the lead over at The Sawdust Maker. You will learn a variety of woodworking tips and tricks on his blog, so be … [Read more...]
WORX Hedge Trimmer review
We have a very wooded and heavily landscaped lot with lots of mature bushes. Some of the bushes were starting to achieve monster proportions. Do you see the resemblance? This is why I needed a bad boy hedge trimmer on my side. WORX sent me the 56V MaxLithium Cordless 24" … [Read more...]
Chalkboard Memo Board – The Time I Made a 4th Grade Teacher Use a Power Tool
Before the end of the school year a REALLY GOOD friend of mine asked if I would give a talk in her daughter's class about what I do for a living. I hemmed and hawed because I rarely have the free time. But, the main reason I was hesitant was because I didn't know how to talk to … [Read more...]
Building a DIY Marble Toss Game with Dremel Fortiflex
The summer is dragging on and the kids don't have any summer camps for the next few weeks. That means: 1) I need to find a way to keep the kids entertained. 2) I need to keep them from pushing me over the brink of insanity. 3) I need to keep them from pushing each other off a … [Read more...]
How to Trim & Install Closet Doors {Dremel Ultra-Saw Review}
I have a friend named Holly. She and I live in the same neighborhood and we help each other out with DIY projects. Last week she asked me to help her come up with a solution to hide her dirty laundry. Holly and I were trying to figure out how to replace her sad laundry … [Read more...]
Ryobi Battery Powered vs. Campbell Hausfeld Pneumatic Finish Nailer Comparison
A finish nailer is a great tool to have in your workshop. It's great for small projects, installing moulding, wall planking and more. After using both types of finish nailers for many projects, I wanted to break down the pros and cons of each. I was able to score this … [Read more...]
Xtend + Climb Telescoping Ladder Review
A few months ago I got an email asking me if I wanted to test an Xtend + Climb telescoping ladder. I said I'd be happy to try it, but I couldn't promise I'd blog about it. I try lots of products, but only the ones I love get mentioned on the blog. The litmus test is if I would … [Read more...]
How to Solder Metals Together – Tool Tutorial Friday
Wheee, it's another episode of Tool Tutorial Friday! Do y'all miss TTF? I do too, but this handy gal only has so many tools in her toolbox. I added a new one a few weeks ago, a soldering iron. When I was in college, I took a stained glass elective (one of the … [Read more...]
How to Salvage Wood from Shipping Pallets
Pallet upcycling is all the rage today. But, if you've ever tried to actually remove wood planks from a pallet, you know that it is not an easy task. The nails that are used are typically spiral nails and are designed to really grip that wood. And if that's not enough, they … [Read more...]
Are You Woman Enough to Handle My Power Tools? – Plywood Sign Tutorial
There is a joke on our street that Pretty Handsome Guy isn't allowed to touch my power tools. Okay, it isn't really a joke, it's a fact. He knows he is not allowed to use them without me around (smart guy.) ;-) Before the Woman's Day shoot I decided at the last minute that I … [Read more...]
Tool Tutorial Friday – Using a Dremel TRIO
Today we'll be learning about the Dremel TRIO! This smaller power tool fits comfortably in your hand. The tool is a cross between a jigsaw, router, and regular dremel. It has a rotating bit that cuts into drywall, wood, plastic, steel and alumimum (with the appropriate bit). … [Read more...]
Tool Tutorial Friday – How to Use a Caulk Gun
You know the old saying, "No question is a dumb question." Well, I have to say that about this tutorial, "No tutorial is a dumb tutorial." I realize that a caulk gun isn't a big scary power tool, and yet I still think learning how to use a caulk gun is a very valuable skill … [Read more...]