Workshop Renovation Part XIV-Work Bench and Tool Cabinets

The last major part of my workshop renovation project was to build an new general purpose work bench. This project possessed many of the same goals modular construction, secure storage and dust free storage and portability. Additionally I was trying to replicate the quick access to hand tools of my old peg board wall mount. Construction of the cabinet carcasses was virtually the same as all the cabinets of the miter bench, with the exception of a heavy duty front cross piece.-Read More

Tool Review-DeWalt 18 Volt NiCad Fluorescent Area Light

Dewalt has a series of light sources that utilize the same batteries that power their various cordless tools. Since I had decided to use their 18volt systems years ago, I have a good supply of these batteries for use with extra tools and lights. Although I have a Dewalt flashlight and "snake light", I often find their illumination too narrow in larger spaces. Dewalt has solved that with their new DC527 18 Volt NiCad Fluorescent Area Light. -Read More

Cool Your Electronic Componets Easily

Today's DVRs, DVD players, stereo equipment, etc. generate a lot of heat when running or in standby. Put these in a enclosed cabinet and the problem becomes worse and can lead to premature component failure. Venting the cabinet is not always a possibility, but there are other ways to increase the air flow and dissipate the heat.-Read More

Home Repair-Dual Flush Toilet Conversions

One of the great ways to save money and "GO GREEN" is to convert an older toilet into a dual flush model that reduces water usage. There are numerous methods of doing this and the various conversion kits on the market range from $20 to $100. Further the complexity of making these conversions can range from a quick installation to nearly replacing to the toilet.

After some research I have found a reasonably priced and easily installed dual flush conversion kit that will pay for itself as soon as it is installed.-Read More

Tool Review-Steel City Model 25200 Mortiser

If you do a lot of joinery a mortiser is a must and ease of operation will improve your accuracy and project satisfaction. I purchased the Steel City Mortiser through Woodcraft after much comparison of the different models and features. Based on the features and price Steel City was the way to go and did not disappoint.-Read More

Shop Tips-Cordless Tool Battery Rebuilds

One of the downsides of cordless tools is the expense of replacing worn out batteries. I have often found it cheaper to buy another drill on sale, that comes with batteries, than it is to buy a replacement battery. After dealing with this for years, I finally decided to see if I could have my battery packs rebuilt. The answer was yes and for about half of a new battery.-Read More

Tool Review-Bessey Tools XV5-100 Vario Clippix Spring Clamp

If you have ever tried to use a spring clamp on a large piece of material, you are aware of the problems that can occur. Restricted bite capacity, high squeeze pressure and the possibility the off square pressure may move pieces out of alignment. Bessey has solved these problems with their variable capacity spring clamp. -Read More

Enlarging a DVR Hard Drive-Part II

The DVR is a great invention, but like many other electronic devices, we soon exceed its capacity and must upgrade. The hard drive of a DVR seems to always fill up fast with your favorite programs. HDTV recordings are even worse, "hogging" four times as much file space as regular programming. Unless you want to become "enslaved" by your DVR trying to free space on its hard drive or developing a case of "Tivo Disease" (wasting all your free time trying to watch the multitude of programs you have recorded) a bigger hard drive is a must.

Increasing the size of your hard drive can be done easily.-Read More

Tool Review-Milwaukee Cordless Hackzall

"Cool Tools" did it to me again on this one with their Christmas show. Actually I have a pneumatic saw that is similar and I have found very useful in tight places, but it does require a compressor. Due to it's small size and portability, I immediately knew the Hackzall would be a handy addition to my tool box. The saw is easy to control in all cutting situations and blade change is a breeze, requiring no tools.-Read More

Tool Review-Tool Band-it Magnetic Tool Holder

One of the problems of working up on a ladder, is you have no place to set the small tools and fasteners were you can retrieve them. The Tool Band-It is a handy solution to this problem. Just velcro it on your arm and the those small tools and fasteners go where ever you do.-Read More