Wood Lathe Mandrel Turning SATURDAY, MAY 24, 2014
A method for turning bored-through work.
Bicycle Pedal Overhaul WEDNESDAY, MAY 21, 2014
It's a straightforward job. Here's the sequence.
A Method For Cutting Steel Bicycle Cable Jacket MONDAY, MAY 19, 2014
It's tough stuff. Here's how to cut it.
An Oil Removal Apparatus For Lawnmower Engines Without Drain Plugs THURSDAY, MAY 15, 2014
It's a long title, I know, but I couldn't think how else to put it.
Bicycle Crank Cotter Pin Removal SATURDAY, MAY 3, 2014
A method that really, truly works.
A Stand For Bicycle Maintenance Work FRIDAY, MAY 2, 2014
I've had this idea for a long time. I finally got around to pursuing it.
Briggs & Stratton Model 9S502 -- Carburetor And Fuel Tank Removal MONDAY, APRIL 28, 2014
It's not difficult.
Weed Eater FeatherLite SST -- Zama C1U Carburetor Diaphragms Replacement SATURDAY, APRIL 26, 2014
On an older machine, diaphragms are a very likely cause of poor engine operation.
Weed Eater FeatherLite SST -- Zama Carburetor Removal SATURDAY, APRIL 26, 2014
There's a concealed screw.
Vising A String Trimmer THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 2014
Work holding is often half the battle.
Phillips vs. Pozidriv THURSDAY, APRIL 17, 2014
There is a definite difference.
A Lawnmower Revivification WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2014
I tackle an ancient brute of a lawnmower that's spent far too much time under a fir tree.
Lawnmower -- Front Wheel Drive V-Belt Replacement WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2014
The operator's manual is not helpful. Here's how it's done.
Lawnmower -- Seized Front Wheel Drive Wheels Repair SUNDAY, APRIL 13, 2014
A work in progress; overcoming what idleness and neglect do to machinery.
Lawnmower Control Cable Repair SUNDAY, APRIL 13, 2014
I really should just replace the cable, but this will do for now.
Lawnmower Blade Removal And Sharpening SUNDAY, APRIL 13, 2014
It's a fairly easy, straightforward job that rewards you with good mower performance.
Aestheticians Need Not Apply MONDAY, JANUARY 6, 2014
Not caring how a thing ends up looking can open up repair possibilities.
A Shopmate Model 748B 3/8" Portable Drill Teardown MONDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2013
Some TLC for an ancient drill
A Cummins Fixmaster 1/4" Drill Teardown SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2013
I couldn't resist. Tearing down old gear is good for my mental health.
A Sears Craftsman Model No. 103.24241 8" Table Saw SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2013
A restoration project that I mean to get on with shortly.
A Pants Hanger Gone South THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2013
It pays to give smooth glue interfaces some 'tooth'.
P205/75R14 Spare Tire -- 1999 Ford Ranger THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2013
If 14" wheel rims are obsolete, what does that make me?
An Equipment Failure SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2013
A broken wing screw on a mini-tripod, of all things.
Recapping Tubes Of Sealants SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2013
A boo-boo to be avoided.
Ryobi 10" Table Saw (BTS12S) -- Tilt ('Bevel') Mechanism TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2013
Some corporate entities will fob off absolutely anything on the public.
A Light Switch Failure FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2013
When things don't work right, I like to know why.
A Wooden Frame For A Small Parts Carousel THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2013
A rewarding piece of work; a connection with my departed father.
Why One Can Never Be Too Careful SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2013
Tiny little oversights can have big huge consequences.
Spray Paint Can Nozzle Maintenance SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2013
A couple of tips that I've found helpful
A Furnace Chain Chuck key Leash TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2013
I don't buy what I can make.
'Progress' SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2013
'Change' is not a synonym for 'progress'. Manufacturers really ought to learn that.
A Novel Shelf Material SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2013
I like to make good use of what I have on hand, even when it's a little unorthodox.
Hinges For A Corkboard FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2013
A solution to the homeless corkboard dilemma.
Parking A Shop-Vac's Hose FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2013
An easy way to eliminate a small nuisance.
The Mark III -- An Improved Masking Tape Hanger FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2013
I rather enjoy making little enhancements like this to my workshop
A 'Nut' For A Wood Screw Thread THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013
Analoguees are neat.
New Belt Loops For An Old Hatchet Holster THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013
Everything wants attention when it gets old.
A Broken Plastic Snap-Buckle Repair WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2013
Steel wire is a versatile repair material. It's good to have many different diameters on hand.
Countersunk Washers WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2013
A brief note about a useful hardware item.
Polarizing An Old Two-Prong Cube Tap TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2013
An easy way to 'modernize' an elderly cube tap.
Ryobi 10" Table Saw (BTS12S) Stand SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2013
There's some brilliant engineering that goes into simple objects
A Miniature IDC (Insulation Displacement Connector) In-Line Switch Installation SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2013
That last switch was so much fun, I thought I'd do another.
A Replacement Switch For An Articulated Lamp SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2013
Redone properly this time
Poulan Model PLN 1514 Chainsaw Teardown FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013
I got myself a 'free' chainsaw.
One-Piece Toilet Won't Stop 'Filling' -- Broken 1B1X Lever
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2013
The fun never stops, eh?
A Gate Latch Modification TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2013
Sometimes a tiny little change can have a very big, very good effect.
An Electric Heater Modification TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2013
Serendipity -- you've gotta love it.
A Stripped-Out Wooden Knob MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2013
Nature's elements do not love our creations, be they grand or or humble.
A Broken Glare Baffle MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2013
Some dowel bits and copper wire to the rescue.
A 6" Bench Grinder Restoration THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2013
It's a fine old piece of gear. I'm really looking forward to this.
A Pressed Leaves Frame Repair SUNDAY. AUGUST 25, 2013
A favour for the lady next door. I was delighted to do it for her.
A Button Repair SATURDAY, AUGUST 24, 2013
It's good to have something relatively easy to do when you're sick and feeble.
A Pin Vise Improvement SUNDAY, JULY 28, 2013
An old pin vise my dad left me needed a bit of attention.
A De-Laminated Pot Handle Insulator SATURDAY, JULY 27, 2013
Everything should be so easy.
Swaging A Distorted Hose Fitting Seat SUNDAY, JULY 14, 2013
Permatex Ultra Grey comes through for me again.
A Battery Compartment Cover For A Lego R/C Dune Buggy SATURDAY, JULY 6, 2013
Where else would one take such a problem but to Rouge River Workshop?
Dremel Cut-Off Wheels SUNDAY, JUNE 30, 2013
You'd think I was bought and paid for by the Dremel Corporation. I'm not! Really, I'm not! I just like their cut-off wheels.
A Visitor THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2013
One never knows who may drop by.
A Leaky Hose Reel TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 2013
The good news is that it looks to be repairable.
Glue Gun Died SUNDAY, JUNE 23, 2013
I only had the use of it for almost fifty years.
A Hydraulic Press Ram Adaptation WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19, 2013
An easy, low cost method for fitting special nose pieces to the ram of a shop press.
An Elderly Right Angle Drive Attachment THURSDAY, JUNE 13,2013
An item from my dad's garage that I thought deserved some TLC.
An Ill-Kept Sheath Knife TUESDAY, JUNE 11,2013
I seem to recall this item from my adolescence. It got away from me at some point. Now, it's back, and it evidently hasn't been in a good place in the interim.
Gravity Clamping TUESDAY, JUNE 11, 2013
Gravity clamping is often useful, and the clamps are cheap.
A Very Old, Very Rough Stepstool SATURDAY, JUNE 8, 2013
I have a soft spot for old, rough items; possibly because they resemble me.
A Screw Bottle Jack With An Oversize Base FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2013
Something I made up long ago that's proven to be very useful. I thought I'd share the idea.
A Trimmer For Protruding Dowel And Plug Ends SUNDAY, JUNE 2, 2013
I came up with this tool years ago when I was building some furniture. A recent planter repair had me reaching for it again, so I thought I'd share the idea.
Wooden Planter Repairs SATURDAY, JUNE 1. 2013
There are sound methods for constructing planters. It's too bad that some manufacturers don't know about them.
Vandals! FRIDAY, MAY 24, 2013
The squirrels around here, when they get hold of a bird feeder, they go berserk.
A Garden Ornament With Broken Spot Welds SUNDAY, MAY 19, 2013
A hank of stainless steel wire is a good thing to have on hand.
A Band Clamp Application SATURDAY, MAY 4, 2013
When I see what looks to me like a useful tool at a reasonable price, I'm inclined to buy it even though I may have no immediate use for it. I don't think I've ever regretted doing that. Here's an example of how things come up that make me glad I acquired some item beforehand.
Coffee Maker Repair SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 2013
Is it even worth attempting? We'll see.
A Weed Digger Restoration SUNDAY, MARCH 31, 2013
A good tool shouldn't be left looking like garbage. It won't take much to get this weed digger back to spiffiness.
A Broken Patio Light Repair SATURDAY, MARCH 30, 2013
Collateral damage from the war on winter.
Another Belt Repair FRIDAY, MARCH 29, 2013
I've repaired one end of this belt already, now the buckle end needed attention. Scroll down to 'Update'.
Flaky LED Flashlights THURSDAY, MARCH 14, 2013
I seem to have found a fix for one style of LED flashlight construction, at least.
Aids To Layout And Centre Punching SUNDAY, MARCH 10, 2013
Some helpful tips for those who need reading glasses.
Household Dashboard Instrumentation SATURDAY, MARCH 2, 2013
A furnace hot air plenum temperature gauge -- just for the sheer heck of it.
What's Inside? SATURDAY, MARCH 2, 2013
Ever wonder what's inside an electric toothbrush? Wonder no more.
Glass Spray Paint Shelf Life MONDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2013
Something I've observed about old cans of spray paint.
How I See Things SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2013
Just a brief post about my approach to old gear.
Frying Pan Handle Revisited SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2013
My failed frying pan handle gets reconstructed.
Tubing As A Repair Material SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2013
Salvaged tubing is valuable stuff.
A Snap-Fit Plastic Hinge Repair SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2013
Why I keep a good variety of cotter pins on hand.
A Broken Weld Repair SUNDAY, JANURY 20, 2013
When you don't have welding gear.
CA Adhesive As A Machinist's Aid SUNDAY, JANUARY 6, 2013
CA adhesive is not terribly heat resistant -- that's not a bug, it's a feature.
Backyard Archaeology II FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2012
Another item unearthed by the Bobcat backhoe.
An Unorthodox Coupling Nut Application SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2012
An example of why I always have a selection of coupling nuts on hand in the workshop.
Work Habits -- Picking Up And Putting Away SUNDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2012
I'm one of those who can't abide clutter. Here's how I deal with it.
Belt Sander/Grinders MONDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2012
The workshop acquires a new belt sander/grinder to replace an ancient Delta relic.
A Discarded HP (Hewlett-Packard) mPDU SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2012
There's garbage and there's garbage. Here's some top-notch 'garbage'.
Lexicon -- Backlash/Lash SATURDAY, AUGUST 25, 2012
I've taken the liberty of coining my own usage for the word 'lash'.
Immobilizing a Lathe Spindle SUNDAY, AUGUST 19, 2012
A quick-and-dirty way to lock a lathe's spindle.
Whirlpool Dishwasher Won't Drain SATURDAY, JULY 21, 2012
And here I thought I could spend this Saturday emulating the cat and being useless.
A Wire Wheel Machine SUNDAY JULY 15, 2012
Something I built long ago and use a great deal.
A Magnifier Lamp Lens Replacement SATURDAY, JUNE 30, 2012
And a lesson learned.
Extreme Salvage SUNDAY, JUNE 24, 2012
Sometimes even the seemingly irredeemable can be redeemed.
Whirlpool Dryer -- Drum Belt Access SATURDAY, JUNE 16, 2012
Not a difficult thing to deal with at all.
A Barbeque Heat Distribution Tent Reconstruction SUNDAY, JUNE 10, 2012
Getting one more season out of an item that leads a brutal life.
A Shepherd's Hook Modification SATURDAY, JUNE 9, 2012
And a neat method for chucking square rod in the lathe.
A Spatula Repair SUNDAY, JUNE 3, 2012
And a bit of difficulty with the workshop lexicon.
Paving Stone Retention Strip SATURDAY, MAY 26, 2012
Something really useful that I didn't know about at all until just recently.
Refitting a Big Gate's Crossbar SATURDAY, MAY 26, 2012
Our new retaining walls are done. The job left me a few things to get back to normal.
A Toilet Tank Flush Lever Replacement MONDAY, MAY 21, 2012
The Home Depot beat out the plumbing trade supply on this item.
A Muffler Hanger Repair SUNDAY, MAY 20, 2012
Chain of all types and sizes is really useful stuff. Here's an example.
Expanding Foam Gap Filler SUNDAY, MAY 20, 2012
As it says on the can, it's 'great stuff', but use up a can of it all at one go; there's no going back to a partially used can.
Backyard Archeology SUNDAY, MAY 20, 2012
We'll see if says, 'Bedrock Wheel Works' on it.
PPAt -- The Portable Personal Ashtray SATURDAY, MAY 19, 2012
What the smoker needs when he's someplace where dropping a butt may get him tasered or shot or worse.
A Failed Birdhouse Hanging 'Eye' SUNDAY, MAY 13, 2012
One wonders what kind of education birdhouse architects get.
Cutting Odd Thicknesses for Shims/Spacers SUNDAY, MAY 6, 2012
From the, "Why didn't I think of this a long time ago?" department.
A Mini Sandblaster SATURDAY, MARCH 31, 2012
My sandblasting education begins.
A Storm Door Broken Window Repair SUNDAY, MARCH 18, 2012
Replacement window glass is not as easy to come by these days as when I was a boy, but it can be had.
A Lexicon Entry -- 'Mil' THURSDAY, MARCH 15, 2012
A little pet peeve I thought I should clear up.
A Closet Bi-Fold Door Installation SUNDAY, MARCH 11, 2012
I'm just beginning it. The threshold needs to be set right first.
Deleting a Peerless Pop-Up Basin Plug SUNDAY, MARCH 4, 2012
One less thing to maintain in the house.
A Motor Find SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 2012
'Amazing the things you can find just lying around for the taking.
Frying Pan Handle -- Whoops II! SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26,2012
At least it went past the one year warranty period. (Scroll way down.)
A Birdbath Paint Job SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2012
The factory finish on our miniature iron birdbath left a bit to be desired. I've begun refinishing the thing. Scroll way down to the addendum.
Lee Valley's Rare-Earth Magnet Sampler MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2012
The magnets are awesome -- borderline dangerous.
An Elevated Camera Tripod Mount SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2012
Tripod mounting variants are easily fabricated.
Eyelets SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2012
Humble little items that I'm just beginning to discover the usefulness of.
Magic Chef Gas Stove Repair SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2012
Ignitor and control panel replacement are not difficult.
Venetian Blind Installation and Shortening SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2012
There's a less expensive alternative to ordering a custom-made blind.
Window Blind Boo-Boo SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2012
Maybe they have a way to make it grow back.
A Kitchen Garbage Pail Repair SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2012
Repairing an inoperative foot pedal mechanism is pretty easy. Repairing the ruined bottom of a plastic pail insert is not so easy.
A Ceramic Spatula Handle Repair SUNDAY, JANUARY 8, 2012
A work in progress.
The Moen Faucet Restoration is Done SATURDAY, JANUARY 14, 2012
And it only took me four months.
My Dad's Garage MONDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2011
A 'catalogue' in progress.
T-FAL Ultraglide Plus Steam Iron Repair SUNDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2011
Scarcely worth the effort, but what the heck.
Moisture Meter 'Repair' and Maintenance SUNDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2011
There's not much to an inexpensive soil moisture meter, but there's more than meets the eye.
N. Slater Co. Ltd. Woodworking Vise SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2011
A restoration project.
A Non-Marring Way to Grip Small Washers SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2011
This is an addendum to a piece I did long ago about drilling out No. 2 flat washers for use as backup washers with 3/32" hollow rivets -- scroll down.
A Rotary Switch Repair SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2011
The rotary switches commonly found on desk lamps are often salvageable when the get balky.
Air Compressor Drain Valves TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2011
It's a good idea to know for certain what pipe thread size your drain valve is before buying a new one.
Compression Fittings SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2011
Lessons recently learned.
Running a Scroll Chuck in Reverse SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2011
A method for securing a lathe's chuck that I can't unreservedly recommend, but it did work.
Wen Engraver Addendum II SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2011
A replacement stylus can't had, but there's a way to sharpen it. (Scroll way down.)
Elephant Cleaning SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2011
It's a zoo around here sometimes.
An Unorthodox Hose Faucet Installation SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2011
I love orthodoxy. It's so much fun to ignore.
Jump-Starting a Vehicle SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2011
The right way to make the connections fully explained.
Battery Replacement -- 1999 Ford Ranger TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2011
An easy job, except for the difficult bits.
Turning a Centreless Disc from Thin Material SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2011
One of countless uses for double-sided carpet tape -- the stuff is amazing.
Moen Cartridge Removal With a Slide Hammer SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2011
Here's an alternative to the conventional Moen cartridge pullers.
A Slide Hammer Safety Feature SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2011
I was using my light slide hammer earlier today, and pinched my little finger with it. Here's a way to preclude that happening should you replicate my slide hammer design.
A Faucet Test Fixture SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2011
Let's you test a faucet prior to its installation.
A Garden Hose Purge Coupling SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2011
Instant water eviction for the winter.
A Garden Hose Gender Changer -- Male-to-Female SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2011
Now that I've made it, I can put it away.
A Moen Lavatory Faucet Restoration SUNDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2011
A work in progress.
Cold Weather Driveway Oil Changes SUNDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2011
There's a leisurely way to go about it that makes the chore quite tolerable in the cold.
A Spray Painting Turntable SATURDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2011
And a very helpful 'accessory' for it.
An Auxiliary Bench Top for a Workmate MONDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2011
Not difficult to construct at all, and very, very useful.
Barbeque Spider Silk Photo SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2011
I've added a photograph of retrieved spider silk to the post about barbeque flashback prevention. Scroll way down.
Resizing a Furnace Filter MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2011
A pleated filter that's oversize in one dimension is easily resized.
Noma Room Heater Model APH209W TUESDAY, AUGUST 30, 2011
A minor cleaning and inspection of a nice roadside find.
Zeroing a Micrometer SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 2011
A couple of hints for making the job easier.
Reading a Fractional Inch Vernier Caliper SUNDAY, AUGUST 14,2011
As I understand it. (Scroll way down.)
Mr. Vernier was a brilliant man. I must build a time machine so I can go meet him and thank him for his invention and buy him a beer or three.
Pin Vise Update FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 2011
An addendum showing more applications (scroll down).
A Prop for a Campstove Propane Bottle SUNDAY, AUGUST 7, 2011
A very nice garage sale find gets a finishing touch.
2005 Chevy Aveo Air Filter Cover Screw Thread Repair SATURDAY, AUGUST 6, 2011
A situation where tee-nuts really shine.
Mystery Fastener WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2011
A pin lock with no key, by the look of it.
Hydraulic Bottle Jack Filling and Release Valve 'Repair' SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2011
A roadside find that turned out nicely.
Battery/Cell SATURDAY, JULY 30, 2011
Another 'lexicon' post; this one's points out a corrupt usage of the word 'battery'.
A Flour Sifter Repair TUESDAY, JULY 26, 2011
Another one to file under 'uneconomical to repair', but I don't care.
A Copper Pipe Trial Assembly Coupling SUNDAY, JULY 17,2011
There's 'dry' plumbing work and there's 'wet' plumbing work. I like to minimize the 'wet' part.
Fine Mechanic's Wire SATURDAY, JULY 16, 2011
Has a tiny e-clip just gone into low earth orbit on you? This may help.
Vice/Vise FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2011
A brief clarification of an unfortunate homophone.
A Coleman Stove Lid Latch Solution SUNDAY, JULY 10, 2011
A high-tech factory in China can mass-produce a wretched latch that doesn't work. A guy in his basement workshop by the Rouge River can install one that does work. What's wrong with this picture?
An Outdoor Thermometer Bracket FRIDAY, JULY 8, 2011
Sometimes, what may seem a clumsy way to go about something is actually the 'right' way.
A Speed Key for a Lathe Chuck THURSDAY, JULY 7, 2011
A little tedium fighter for the lathe.
Lengthening a Sign Holder's Stakes WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 2011
Wherein I clearly demonstrate that I have much to learn about machine shop work.
Coupling Nuts WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 2011
A very useful common hardware item, but possessed of a little quirk that one should be aware of.
A Garden Hose Ball Valve SUNDAY, JULY 3, 2011
Some things vanish. Some things show up from out of nowhere. I suspect cosmic transference phenomena at work.
Gusher FRIDAY, JULY 1, 2011
How to have your very own oil gusher out on your very own patio.
Whirlpool Washer Won't Drain -- Lid Switch Trouble FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 2011
So, what's a single wire nut worth? Would you believe $51.08?
A Stake for a Miniature Birdbath FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 2011
What a production one little project can turn into.
A Bubble Level FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 2011
Just the thing for installing a miniature birdbath with its bowl level. And I demonstrate a way to make use of tiny machine screws when you don't have a threading tap.
Switch Knob Repair THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 2011
Venerable computer serial interface connector component meets wretchedly made light switch knob. They marry and live happily ever after. [Did I really just write that?]
Weedeater Featherlite SST Fuel Tank Repair SUNDAY, JUNE 12, 2011
The fuel supply tubing has a limited lifespan. Here's a method for replacing it with 'off-the-shelf' tubing.
Ferrule Crimping SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 2011
Here's a dirt-cheap way to make crimping dies when the need arises.
Wen Model 21 Engraver Repair MONDAY, JUNE 6, 2011
An unorthodox application for one-half of a 'Chicago screw'.
Fiskars Pruning Stik Jam Proofing TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2011
Tapered shanks and sockets are meant to jam together. What were they thinking?
Serpentine Belt Replacement SUNDAY, MAY 29,2011
An inexpensive tension idler wrench, and a bit of advice for the novice.
Pruning Shears Pivot Replacement MONDAY, MAY 23, 2011
All sorts of things become possible when you have a metal lathe in the workshop.
A Spray-Painting Lathe THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2011
It's not much to look at, but it works beautifully.
An Invention -- The Rag Bearing SUNDAY, MAY 15, 2011
A new bearing construction. You saw it here first. SKF and Timken, eat your hearts out.
Burst Pipe MONDAY, MAY 9,2011
Mother nature will have her way. There's no thwarting her.
Tecumseh Primer Bulb Installation Tool SATURDAY, MAY 7, 2011
A neat, effective tool made from readily available components.
Decent Cedar Moulding from Salvaged Material THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2011
There's a lot of fine material about. Some of it's just hiding.
Another Broken Swivel Base on a Lamp TUESDAY, MAY 3, 2011
I wonder how many of these things are in landfills all over the planet. Isn't it great that we have such advanced engineering and manufacturing methods these days? Manufacturers can make really sturdy, durable stuff -- right?
An Unorthodox Tee-Nut Application SATURDAY, APRIL 30, 2011
Tee-nuts are more versatile than you might have thought.
Attaching Things to Concrete or Masonry Block Walls SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2011
It's fraught with peril. Here's what little I know of how to do it well.
Pumice Stone Brush Repair SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2011
Who are these people who manufacture attractive crap that's sure to fall apart?
Twist Drill Shank Modifications SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2011
Need a longer than normal drill in a pinch? Here's a way to 'make' one.
Hoover portapower Filter Bag FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2011
New ones can still be had; you just have to look around a bit. (Scroll way down.)
Half-Inch Nails for Nothing THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2011
Just rid your home of some carpeting first.
A Light Slide Hammer FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2011
Who knew? The Home Depot's plumbing section carries slide hammer parts.
Vise Advice SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2011
Pointing out a mechanic's vise design flaw that's best avoided.
A Ring Lag Restoration SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2011
Wherein I shamelessly flaunt my wealth.
Water Valve Seat Restoration SATURDAY, JANUARY 29, 2011
Be sure to read the disclaimer at the end. I don't usually publish anything that I haven't fully proven out, but I made an exception in this case because my methodology appears to be sound, at least as far as it goes.
A Pin Vise SATURDAY, JANUARY 29, 2011
An occasionally useful tool that's not difficult to make with an ordinary small gear chuck.
A Side Table SUNDAY, JANUARY 23, 2011
A couple of discards dodge the landfill bullet.
Fiery Wreckage Repair SUNDAY, JANUARY 16, 2011
Brass tubing from the hobby shop is fantastic stuff.
Barbeque Burner Valves and Hoses SATURDAY, JANUARY 8, 2011
Nothing mysterious here.
Frying Pan Handle Update SUNDAY, JANUARY 2, 2011
Hot stuff! (Scroll way down.)
A Repair to a Lamp's Swivel-Base SUNDAY, JANUARY 2, 2011
Sometimes a piece of plastic junk will lend itself to a very effective repair.
Drain Auger Rental THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30,2010
What the bank doesn't know won't hurt it.
Hoover portapower Vacuum Cleaner Overhaul WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2010
I acquire a discarded vacuum cleaner that's worth spending some time on, unlike many that I've seen.
Sleeve Nuts TUESDAY, DECEMBER 28,2010
I shine some light on an obscure but useful fastener.
A Looooooong Wrench SUNDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2010
Don't force it. Get a bigger wrench.
Barbeque Flashback Prevention SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2010
Wasn't it Winnie the Pooh who said, "You never can tell with bees."? Well, you never can tell with spiders, either.
Clothespin Clamps SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2010
There's more than one way to skin a cat, as they say, and there's more than one way to assemble a clothespin.
Winterizing a Tecumseh Lawnmower Engine SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2010
I may not have a garage or a shed, but I've got garbage bags.
An Aid to Lamination SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2010
And a technique for improving the fit of undersize dowel stock.
Truing a Portable Circular Saw SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2010
Thanks to the sterling quality of Sears Craftsman stuff, I got to learn more about portable circular saw construction than I ever wanted to know.
Fender Washers WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2010
Believe me when I say that nothing goes to waste around here.
Addendum to Stainless Steel Fasteners SUNDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2010
With the aid of what hallucinogenic substance does The Home Depot price flat washers?
A Frying Pan Handle SUNDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2010
Enough with the broken pan handles around here already!
Queen Anne Table Legs SATURDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2010
I finally got around to explaining what's behind, "Queen Anne table legs? We don't need no stinking Queen Anne table legs!"
195/256ths of an Inch THURSDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2010
A closer look at fractional inch measure.
Correcting a Too-Deep Hinge Mortise TUESDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2010
This is a no-brainer, really, but I wanted to show off my 'one-holer'.
Fractional Inch Vernier Caliper SUNDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2010
Without a doubt, the most useful measuring tool in my shop.
Ryobi Table Saw Overhaul Update SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2010
Scroll way down. It looks to me like Ryobi publishes their parts catalogue just for fun. They don't really mean to sell any parts.
Stainless Steel Fasteners SUNDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2010
A brief note on why they're such a good, albeit costly, thing.
An Antique Fuse from Downtown Toronto THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2010
From the days when Bakelite ruled. A bit of leading-edge technology from 1916.
A Universal Pan Handle Replacement System TUESDAY, OCTOBER 5,2010
Well, 'universal' may be a bit of a stretch, but it's worked twice -- an addendum to the 'saucepan handle' post. (Scroll down.)
A Stubby Jack Lever SATURDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2010
For awkward jacking locations
The Poor Man's Day-Timer THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2010
For those whose lives are not Day-Timer worthy, and who aren't the least bit sorry about it.
Back-Up Washers for 3/32" Hollow Rivets SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2010
No fuel burned or time wasted out on the road.
A Riddle SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2010
Something to ponder when you're really hard up for something to ponder.
A Speedy Drill Press Depth-Stop SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2010
A very convenient modification to an old drill press. And it only took me something like thirty years to think of it.
Quick-witted or what?
A Floor Jack Hanger SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2010
The floor is no place for a small floor jack when it's idle. Here's a purpose-built 'hook' to get it up on the wall where it belongs.
Welcome SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2010
I've added a brief addendum to my Welcome post, just to elaborate a bit on what I think I'm up to here.
