This is the Best 79¢ You Can Spend on Your DIY Projects

Earlier this week, I was asked to be interviewed about getting started in making things, and the conversation turned towards the best tools for the money. The guy asked me what I think the best thing to invest in, and we naturally discussed how, once you have all the tools you need, you tend to think the things that support your workflow are more important that the cool-looking trappings of the woodworker. Like, how my favorite power tool is actually my two horsepower dust collector on its own circuit, because that's the machine I use on every single process. Or how I'd rather have an inexpensive Japanese dozuki saw and a really nice mechanical pencil and Starrett combination square vs. low grade measuring and marking tools and a fancy dovetail saw. (Though, to be fair, I do have both.)

But, it got me thinking about the truly best value in woodworking, the craft process, etc. Like what's something that's entirely inexpensive yet you use on every single project?  

… Continue reading on ManMadeDIY.com

source http://www.manmadediy.com/users/chris/posts/4716-this-is-the-best-79-you-can-spend-on-your-diy-projects

Seriously...This the Single Best Gift You Can Give to any DIYer, Maker, or Woodworker This Holiday

There are lots of ways to give gifts for the holidays. You can give in a way that simply checks a person off the list; acknowledges that it's expected and therefore here's your Amazon giftcard... (Not recommended.) You can can give gifts that are… Continue reading on ManMadeDIY.com

source http://www.manmadediy.com/users/chris/posts/4516-seriously-this-the-single-best-gift-you-can-give-to-any-diyer-maker-or-woodworker-this-holiday

Make This: DIY Stainless Steel Drinking Straws

I've been trying to up my host game lately, especially in the drinks department. Solid glassware, proper bar tools, and better presentation go a long way towards concocting a quality experience. That's why I was excited to come up with a great gift project for those that want to ditch the cheap plastic in their classy mixed drinks. These simple straws are hefty enough to really stand out as a stocking stuffer, or on their own as a solid holiday gift.   … Continue reading on ManMadeDIY.com

source http://www.manmadediy.com/users/david/posts/4521-make-this-diy-stainless-steel-drinking-straws

How to Prevent Tearout and Splintering When Cutting Plywood, Once and For All

 

Plywood is awesome. It's affordable, easy to work, and, when used properly, looks great. 

Plywood also brings its share of headaches, specifically, tearout: the rough, jagged edges that result from cutting through the thin veneers. It's frustrating, and it looks absolutely terrible. Any woodworker who's ever used it can speak its woes, which can ruin an otherwise high-quality project.

But my friends, it doesn't have to be that way. Whether your building a simple shop project or a full fleet of custom kitchen cabinets, you, too, can virtually eliminate tearout.

Let's make some crosscuts.       … Continue reading on ManMadeDIY.com

source http://www.manmadediy.com/users/chris/posts/4715-how-to-prevent-tearout-and-splintering-when-cutting-plywood-once-and-for-all

The Best IKEA Hack I've Ever Seen

Laura and Craig from The Makerista take these Billy bookshelves that we've all seen before and transform them into what looks like an entire built-in wall unit. This really is the most impressive DIY IKEA renovation I've seen yet.   … Continue reading on ManMadeDIY.com

source http://www.manmadediy.com/users/justin/posts/3503-the-best-ikea-hack-i-ve-ever-seen

Okay, Let's Talk: What Do You Carry Every Day?

Yesterday afternoon, I was putting a load of laundry together, and I took out all of the various bits and items from all my pockets before placing my clothing in the basket. By the time I'd doubled checked everything for errant tubes of lip balm and bonus dollar bills, I had a pile sitting on my dresser that, when I looked down, simply ignited this thought in me: 

Yep, there's all my stuff.    … Continue reading on ManMadeDIY.com

source http://www.manmadediy.com/users/chris/posts/4599-okay-let-s-talk-what-do-you-carry-every-day

How to: Cast Iron Cinnamon Roll Recipe

This week is, understandably, about a few key flavors: hot, roasting turkey and its drippings, made into a savory gravy. Or the buttery, sauteed smell of sage and onion and celery, which perfumes your entire home and reminds you of the holidays of childhood, even though you're pretty sure your grandmother never actually made anything from scratch. 

Let's not demean those foods, and the bountiful leftovers. It's what the season is all about. But, sometimes...you need a break. Because this is the week of houseguests and slow mornings and relying on food to fill unoccupied time. And when you're not feeling a fourth helping of stuffing (or, perhaps, right before the dried bread and fixings are even mixed), it's time to employ: the DIY cast iron cinnamon rolls.    … Continue reading on ManMadeDIY.com

source http://www.manmadediy.com/users/chris/posts/4714-how-to-cast-iron-cinnamon-roll-recipe

27 Essential Tips to Totally Nail Thanksgiving This Year

This post brought to you in partnership with Ballast Point Brewery

 

Thanksgiving has two of my favorite English words in it, so it's not surprising it's among my favorite holidays of the year. It's infinitely adaptable, both in terms of what you eat, and what you do during the holiday. Plus, it's a long weekend off during a period of the year when most of us sorely need it (a break from the cold, grey skies of early winter). This is the holiday for people who wish they could hibernate. For people who want to sit in their house all day, surrounded by good friends, family, and food. Who are thankful for what they have, and want to share it with others who might not be so lucky. 

So I'm excited to share a heaping helping of my favorite tips for making the Thanksgiving holiday smooth and stress-free.    … Continue reading on ManMadeDIY.com

source http://www.manmadediy.com/users/chris/posts/4712-27-essential-tips-to-totally-nail-thanksgiving-this-year

8 Legitimately Good Thanksgiving Movies to Watch While You Digest

Halloween has its horror and December its infinite loop of sparkle-strung classics. Good or bad, they're the established traditions of their seasons.

But, if you will, allow me to make the case as November as perhaps the prime month for festive film watching. We can't all relate to being chased by ax murderers nor having the carolers sing as we finh our soulmate under the mistletoe just as the snow starts to fall outside. But everyone knows the experience of returning home to break bread and spill gravy with family, or, perhaps, what it's like to strike out on your own for the first holiday not spent at your grandparents. The Thanksgiving table (and four days of being stuck in the same place) is the perfect setting for drama and comedy. Plus, all those sweaters. Here are our faves that get it right. 

… Continue reading on ManMadeDIY.com

source http://www.manmadediy.com/users/chris/posts/4713-8-legitimately-good-thanksgiving-movies-to-watch-while-you-digest

It's Easier Than You Think: A Simple, Straightforward Guide to Getting Started in Leatherworking

My journey in leatherworking started with disappointment. Disappointment in a pair of leather boots. I had purchased a pair of Steve Maddens from DSW for about $100. They didn’t last long... and I mean, they really didn’t last long. After a month of pretty irregular use, the grommets had fallen out, the surface of the leather had started to rip, and the dye was already starting to rub off. And as my shoe angst built, I thought, ‘I could make something better than this.’

 

… Continue reading on ManMadeDIY.com

source http://www.manmadediy.com/users/justinhagan/posts/4482-it-s-easier-than-you-think-a-simple-straightforward-guide-to-getting-started-in-leatherworking

How to: Make Your Own Fire Cider to Cure a Cold, Allergies, and Boost Your Immune System

Like many of you, I suspect, I'd never heard of Fire Cider until a few weeks ago. It's a homemade tonic, and it wasn't historically something you could buy, and it wasn't a tradition in my family.   … Continue reading on ManMadeDIY.com

source http://www.manmadediy.com/users/chris/posts/2875-how-to-make-your-own-fire-cider-to-cure-a-cold-allergies-and-boost-your-immune-system

How to Convince Yourself to Do That One Task You Always Seem to Avoid

Dirty dishes in the sink. Putting your clean socks away. Replying to that one email that's been sitting at the top of your inbox for longer than you'd be willing to admit out loud.

We all have that small handful of tasks and chores that weigh the heaviest on our souls and our to-do lists. Most often, they're the things that occur multiple times a week, so that when you look at them, you think, "Didn't I just do that? And doesn't it take forever?"    … Continue reading on ManMadeDIY.com

source http://www.manmadediy.com/users/chris/posts/4711-how-to-convince-yourself-to-do-that-one-task-you-always-seem-to-avoid

8 Inspiring TV Shows for Makers, Crafters, Artists, and DIYers

We all need a little inspiration. When you make something, you are producing output: a physical object or idea that draws on your inner well of creativity. And just like any set of reserves, overtapping the well can leave you with diminished resources. When that happens, the single best way to restock your inspiration stores is to simply experience other people being creative. Books are great, and listening to your favorite music is always energizing, but sometimes, the best thing to do is simply watch other people make stuff. Like, on an episode of TV.

Sure, there's an entire channel that's supposedly about "DIY"ing, but mostly, it's about the relationship drama between people doing home improvement projects. So, I thought I'd share some of my go-to series for when I'm looking for a little inspiration.   … Continue reading on ManMadeDIY.com

source http://www.manmadediy.com/users/chris/posts/4710-8-inspiring-tv-shows-for-makers-crafters-artists-and-diyers

What Cultural Icons Did You Experience Too Late to Appreciate?

I burned out early on Halloween movies this year. I watched mostly duds with a few mediocres sprinkled in, and realized I'd spent enough time in shaky camera land for one season. Not being even remotely ready for the annual sacrament of candy cane-fueled holiday classics (it's too early, even for me), I decided to spend this season of limbo - cold enough to need to be inside at night, but too early for Christmas merrymaking - raiding the public library, and watching that list of films I've been meaning to see for twenty years, but simply hadn't gotten around to it. 

It hasn't gone as planned.    … Continue reading on ManMadeDIY.com

source http://www.manmadediy.com/users/chris/posts/4709-what-cultural-icons-did-you-experience-too-late-to-appreciate

ManMade Recommended: Let's All Check Out the Classic Leather Wallet from Mr. Lentz

I can recount eras of my life in wallets. My first was a black trifold at age nine, a Christmas gift from my grandparents. High school and undergrad entered the era of canvas, which would wear hard at the corners where cards hit. In my twenties, I carried a thick oxblood-colored job I found on clearance at a department store. It was the model that signaled the end of the era; the first that didn't come with that little plastic sleeve for photos, because the smart phone had rendered it unnecessary.    … Continue reading on ManMadeDIY.com

source http://www.manmadediy.com/users/chris/posts/4708-manmade-recommended-let-s-all-check-out-the-classic-leather-wallet-from-mr-lentz

Try This Simple Trick Anytime You're Laying Out Cuts or Marks on Your Woodworking Projects

Over the weekend, I was working in the garage when I found myself in a familiar position. I needed to transfer a pencil line from one face of a piece of stock to the one around its corner. Sounds simple enough to do with a square, but I've had this problem before. Sighting the line isn't accurate enough, and a traditional try or combination square isn't of much help here. Here's why:    … Continue reading on ManMadeDIY.com

source http://www.manmadediy.com/users/chris/posts/3959-try-this-simple-trick-anytime-you-re-laying-out-cuts-or-marks-on-your-woodworking-projects

DEWALT Bare-Tool DC390B Review: Light and Shadow

As the DIY craze sweeps the nation with no sign of dying out there are more and more people who are doing at home repairs or projects. For some of these people it might not matter what kind of tools or equipment they use – they simply borrow needed supplies from a neighbor or a friend. Others may do more research into what they need for ease of having it in their own home whenever they want to work on their project. These handymen will go beyond the regular hammers, screwdrivers, wrenches, and nail guns. As they venture into doing more and more work around the house they will often find themselves in need of a good circular saw.

Circular Saws are often battery operated (to keep the user from accidentally cutting the cord as they work), and able to be manipulated into tight spaces. The problem with battery operated versus corded saws lies in the power that the saw has. No matter the power source, most circular saws are perfect for ripping lumber, hard and softwood, particle board and plywood when you’re building. When choosing a circular saw it’s always a good idea to go with a trusted name like DeWalt. Established companies will stand by their products and make sure that they will be covered by a warranty. Especially for the new user, warranties are useful as you learn your way around your new tools.

So who needs this tool?

As we’ve discussed, this tool is perfect for the handyman who needs to rip large pieces of wood. It’s perfect if you’re renovating a room in your house, such as your bathroom. The DeWalt DC390B can be used to cut lumber to frame out your room then immediately used to cut the plywood that will be used to cover the floor. It comes with a left-mounted blade that makes it easy for most users to see exactly where they’re cutting and to follow a line as they work. Even carpenters by trade love this circular saw. It helps them quickly cut the wood that they need to finish projects for their customers. This saw would be particularly helpful in building a deck. It would be an easy thing for the user to line up all the wood that needed to be cut and quickly work down the row, getting everything ready to build at once.

The DeWalt DC390B is superior to other circular saws in a few ways.

• The design and balance of this circular saw are perfect. There’s just enough weight and heft to it that it doesn’t bounce around when making long cuts, but it is light enough for the average user to handle it easily without quickly becoming too tired to continue working. Not everyone understands the importance of a well-weighted circular saw, but the danger of having one bounce up from the cutting surface while still running can’t be understated.
• Another wonderful safety feature is that the blade stops spinning quickly after use. When the blade continues to spin freely it’s easy to accidentally keep cutting the wood you’re working on, or even worse, part of your body. DeWalt thought this through when they made sure that this circular saw would be as safe as possible to operate.

Like anything though, the DeWalt DC390B does have some drawbacks.

• Like any cordless tools, the battery life of this circular saw is lacking. Some users, like professional handymen, may find that having multiple batteries on hand and constantly charging is one way to get around this issue. For others that won’t be something that can be done easily, as the spare batteries are quite expensive. Constantly keeping the saw charging when not in use is one way to work around this issue, although many users will find that to be too much of a pain to do consistently. Nobody wants to worry about their tools not working right in the middle of a big project, and the battery dying can be very frustrating.
• There’s also no case that comes standard with the DeWalt DC390B. Cases can be picked up easily and cheaply, but for someone who travels with their tools this is something that they should consider. When you pay a lot of money for quality products it’s important to protect them. If the circular saw is simply left in your garage or basement for at-home projects then a case might not be as important to you as it is to someone who will travel with it.
• Another concern is that since the battery doesn’t last very long the circular saw itself won’t be as powerful as another one that is corded or comes with a stronger battery. Again, this is something to consider depending on how often and for how long you’ll be using the saw. Spare batteries are the easy (but expensive) way around this problem. Due to the fact that the batteries run out quickly and the saw loses power it’s not possible to simply force the saw to finish a difficult cut like you can with a corded saw. Once this circular saw is done and stuck you are left with the only option of trading out the battery or waiting for it to charge. Corded saws can be manually powered through a hard cut, which means no extra wait time for the user.

Conclusion

For the average user the DeWalt DC390B seems like a wonderful fit. It’s not the most expensive circular saw on the market and does come with some wonderful reviews of users who swear by using it. The design, ease of use, and affordability all need to be weighed against the power and battery life. Although DeWalt stands behind it’s products with a wonderful warranty, that warranty won’t apply to a users’ frustration over how quickly the product loses power when in use. For the quick and easy project around the house this seems like an affordable option. But for the more regular user or the professional, extra batteries don’t seem to be optional.

Source: http://www.toolerant.com/dewalt-bare-tool-dc390b-review-light-and-shadow/

source https://toolerantcom.wordpress.com/2017/11/06/dewalt-bare-tool-dc390b-review-light-and-shadow/

How to Smoke Cocktails at Home...No Special Equipment Required

Four years ago, I shared an introduction to making smoked cocktails on ManMade, exploring the techniques and ingredients that would allow you to create woodsy, rich drinks at home. I offered several ways to create and capture smoke, but admitted that I preferred a specialized, $100 tool designed for doing just that.  Ever since then, at least once or twice a month, I've received an email asking me how to pull this off without buying any specialty gear.

To which I say: challenge accepted! I totally get not wanting to spend a large sum of money to make something you're not sure you're even going to like. I wouldn't either. So, let's break down the process and see what we can do to make some seriously tasty smoked cocktails using things you already have.   … Continue reading on ManMadeDIY.com

source http://www.manmadediy.com/users/chris/posts/4629-how-to-smoke-cocktails-at-home-no-special-equipment-required

How to: Make a Custom Leather Case for Anything

This tutorial from Matt Pierce for A Continuous Lean is a winner. It walks you through the process of using stiff leather to create a stylish and protective case for small items, kits, and gear. Here, Matt designs his case for a compass and some other wayfinding goodies, but you could scale and adapt the project to fit your needs. … Continue reading on ManMadeDIY.com

source http://www.manmadediy.com/users/chris/posts/2801-how-to-make-a-custom-leather-case-for-anything

7 Things You Absolutely Must Do When Restoring a Classic Car

Editor's note: From time to time, we like to feature the voices of ManMade readers on the site. We love hearing what you're up to, what you're making, and how you stay creative. When ManMade reader Scott Huntington wrote in share his love of classic cars and the work that goes into restoring them, I asked him to share his experience. 

… Continue reading on ManMadeDIY.com

source http://www.manmadediy.com/users/chris/posts/4707-7-things-you-absolutely-must-do-when-restoring-a-classic-car

How to: Make a Custom Leather Luggage Tag

Working with leather only needs to be as complicated as you want it to be. You can go deep, and get involved in stitching ponies, floral stamps, and swivel knives, or you can keep things simple with straightforward shapes and basic tools.   … Continue reading on ManMadeDIY.com

source http://www.manmadediy.com/users/chris/posts/3038-how-to-make-a-custom-leather-luggage-tag

Review: Roberts Model 10-600 Professional Electric Stapler!

An electric stapler can be very useful for upholstery. If you like making furniture, then no doubt you will occasionally find yourself wanting to add a pattern or some color. Maybe you want to attach a cushion? In short, maybe you don’t want to make do with a hard wooden chair…

The question then is how you go about attaching that material element to your woodwork. And the answer is with an electric stapler. But that’s not all you can do with an electric staple gun. These tools are also very useful for installing sheets of installation, installing carpet and even hanging LED lights. These are one of those tools that make life easier and even if you don’t realize you need one, once you get one, you’ll find that lots of applications and uses suddenly present themselves.

The question though, is how you go about choosing an electric stapler and how you ensure that you are getting a tool that will perform well and handle everything you need it to. Is the Roberts Model 10-600 just such a tool? We tested it for a while and here’s what we have to say…

Product Description: Well Made and Good to Use

This is a nicely made staple gun that looks quite attractive actually in polished chrome and red. It also comes with a carry case, which is always a nice additional touch and can be handy for storage and transportation. The handle is comfortable enough to hold and the trigger is easy to reach. It’s also light enough to use, though this isn’t as big a dealer generally with a staple gun as it is with a nail gun.

Note that his is a pneumatic tool. That is to say that you’re going to need an air compressor to get it to work. If you don’t already have an air compressor, then you should factor this into the overall price. However, an air compressor is generally a very useful tool and can be bought fairly cheaply – it’s something that any home improvement aficionado should own anyway!

To use, the Roberts Model 10-600 offers a great experience. It rarely misfires (though this does happen on occasion and is more common with staple guns vs nail guns) and doesn’t tend to jam. It’s more than powerful enough for the vast majority of tasks and it is light and good to use. In our tests we found it reliable and pleasant and one reviewer with arthritis said she had no problem with it – so that’s a pretty good testament!

Pros and Cons: Awesome on the Whole

The big pro with the Roberts Model 10-600 is that it works incredibly well and is reliable. What more can you ask for really?

This is a light and easy to use tool that is plenty powerful enough and that doesn’t tend to jam or misfire. As mentioned, misfires as a little more common with staple guns so it will happen, but it’s really not a big deal.

While this is true though, there are always going to be a few caveats with any tool and this is no different. For us, the Roberts Model 10-600 worked perfectly and was a joy to use but there are a couple of complaints about faulty units. This is a common issue to be fair though and you shouldn’t let it put you off too much – it just means that the company could possibly stand to improve its quality control.

The only other issue that one review mentions, is that if you put a staple in the wrong place it will be a struggle to get out. But that just shows you how powerful it is!

Conclusion

Overall, there isn’t really much you need from a staple gun. It just needs to put staples in your materials reliably. The Roberts Model 10-600 does that and so it comes with our full recommendation. This is a well made staple gun that works reliably, doesn’t tend to misfire and comes with a nice carry case. There aren’t many fancy features but you don’t really need any for a staple gun.

Source: http://www.toolerant.com/review-roberts-model-10-600-professional-electric-stapler/

source https://toolerantcom.wordpress.com/2017/11/01/review-roberts-model-10-600-professional-electric-stapler/