Way back in 2006 I wrote about an enterprising Australian converting his old television into a working aquarium. Now there's a web page documenting how to tackle this project. Amazing what the Internet makes possible. Considering there are two televisions for every citizen in America, there are a lot of potential aquariums out there, which can potentially save a lot of space in our nation's landfills. This is a great example of reuse and recycling, so have at it do-it-yourselfers!
Sad to see the end of winter? Sorry to see your skis packed away for the season? Well, one company's innovative design lets you use them year-round. Green Mountain Ski Furniture
recycles old skis and snowboards into "usable art" such as Adirondack ski chairs, ski benches and outdoor furniture. They'll even custom-design and build products with your own old gear. Not only is the furniture attractive and practical, but the company's helping the environment. They pick up any old equipment for free in Vermont, where they are located, and encourage people from outside the state to mail anything to them to donate.
Just about every room in my house has crown and base molding, but my wife decided that almost is not the same as every room in the house so I needed a quick course on doing what I thought I may have to hire out for. For complete instructions on installing and cutting crown molding, check out our Step by Step How To Video on installing crown molding. We even have a text reference with pictures to follow along, step by step in the molding install.
Bringing the pocket protector to the construction crown is not easy. But it looks like Husky engineers have improved the indispensable but mostly overlooked carpenter’s pencil. It may only be exciting to the few, but this little guy can save time on a project, and I am all about time-savers. And I don’t have to worry about slicing my finger open trying to sharpen my current pencil with a utility knife. When I first looked at it, I thought there was no way it would hold up to a wood pencil. But it's strong (made of ABS plastic) and the lead is 18 percent thicker than the standard lead in a carpenter's pencil. (As we all know, it’s not really lead in pencils but graphite and clay, but don’t tell Grandpa.)
You watch the podcast, now talk to the man. Furniture maker Tommy MacDonald, host of "The Rough Cut Show" and My Projects featured contributor, answers your questions about his art, tools and work or about your own woodworking projects in "The Rough Cut Show Forum". He's joined by his sidekick Al, who always adds something amusing. And don't forget to check out "Ask the Masters," their new prodcast segment where Tommy and Al respond to their favorite feedback, appearing regularly on "The Rough Cut Show."
Got a woodworking project you're dying to show off? Here's your chance. Lumberjocks.com (love the name, by the way) is holding their twice-annual Woodworking Awards. In this contest, woodworkers from around the world submit their projects in two categories. One "overall" winner takes home the Grand Prize: a 14-inch band saw with a granite top from Steel City Tool Works. There is no entrance fee, and the contest is open to all members of the Lumberjocks.com online community, which is free to join. Award winners will be selected by their fellow Lumberjocks. Contestants can submit their projects during January. Voting takes place during the first week of February, and the winners will be selected February 8, 2008. For more details, visit the Lumberjocks web site.
Everyone loves a Christmas tree...when it's up. Ask Dad how much he hates putting eye hooks into the base of the tree only to find out it's crooked. It's enough to make a man throw the tree through a window. Well, maybe that's just me. But drilling in eye hooks are officially a pain in the butt. Hand drilling a pilot hole and then using a screwdriver to twist them in is both time consuming and frustrating. But now with the Curtis' Easy Loop & Hook Driver you can install them quickly and easily with a cordless drill. The attachment is available in 14 sizes from 1/4" to 2" to accommodate most projects. If you are a person who installs a lot of eye hooks on a regular basis, this may be the product for you. Unfortunately, it's so new, the maker doesn't have a web site yet. If you are interested, contact Curtis Giles via email for pricing and more information.
