Bob Beacham

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Name: Bob Beacham

Title: Contributing Writer

Bob Beacham is an engineer by trade and has spent 35 years working on everything from auto parts to oil rigs. He is also an avid DIY enthusiast. Bob started writing for the Bob Vila team in 2020 and covers tools, outdoor equipment, and home improvement projects.

Expertise and Experience

Bob spent many years working as an engineer. This gave him the opportunity to travel around Europe and the U.S., working with component suppliers to Aston Martin, Audi, Rolls-Royce and Volkswagen. He also spent some time working on control systems for the aviation and petrochemical industries.

In his late 40s, Bob changed career paths. Since woodworking was one of his favorite hobbies, he decided to start his own woodshop. During this period, he remodeled an old rural farmhouse from the ground up with his wife—the first of two similar projects. As a result, he gained extensive experience with techniques and tools. The woodshop was hugely enjoyable, but not particularly lucrative. He supported his passion with consultancy work and began writing freelance articles about his experiences for several online publications. After 10 very enjoyable years, Bob closed the woodshop after relocating to his current home. The consultancy work and writing continues.

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SEPTEMBER 29, 2021 | WEDNESDAY
The Best Gas Fireplace Inserts of 2023

There are several different types of fireplace inserts, but gas fireplaces are a favorite because they offer you a similar ambience to that of a real fire while being effortless to light....

SEPTEMBER 29, 2021 | WEDNESDAY
The Best Fireplace Tools to Keep Your Fireplace Clean—and Stylish

Whether you have a traditional open fire, a wood-burning fireplace insert, or a wood stove, a set of fireplace tools (also called a companion set) is something of a necessity. They are im...

SEPTEMBER 29, 2021 | WEDNESDAY
The Best Gutter Sealants to Prevent Leaks and Damage, Tested

The main purpose of guttering is to channel rainwater away from the home and prevent it from damaging the foundation or seeping into the basement. During installation, rain gutter end cap...

SEPTEMBER 22, 2021 | WEDNESDAY
The Best Miter Saw Blades for Fine Cuts

Most saws are typically sold with a budget blade, regardless of the saw type. Even the best miter saw includes a basic woodcutting version—which is adequate for chopping through store-bou...

SEPTEMBER 8, 2021 | WEDNESDAY
How to Cut Foam in 3 Easy Steps

Refurbishing old furniture is a popular hobby, and for good reason. It’s amazing how a new coat of paint or a change of fabric can revitalize pieces that are past their prime, making them...

SEPTEMBER 2, 2021 | THURSDAY
10 Ways to Dress Up a Drab Concrete Patio

Whether you are creating a new patio or dressing up an existing one, these great ideas are both attractive and practical.

SEPTEMBER 2, 2021 | THURSDAY
Brad Nailer vs. Finish Nailer: Which Power Tool Is Best for Your Project?

Put a brad nailer and a finish nailer side by side, and it might be difficult for novice DIYers to tell one from the other. There are subtle differences between the tools, however, that m...

AUGUST 30, 2021 | MONDAY
What’s the Difference? Hornet vs. Wasp

From a young age, most children are taught to shy away from contact with hornets or wasps. Certainly, it’s wise advice for inquisitive kids. Nature gave these insects bright stripes for a...

AUGUST 30, 2021 | MONDAY
9 Important Things to Remember When Winterizing Your Lawn Mower

Winterizing a lawn mower is often overlooked, and then people wonder why it won't start after sitting around all winter. That’s because a multitude of problems can begin while the machine...

AUGUST 26, 2021 | THURSDAY
The Best Portable Band Saws for Your Projects, Tested

In the workshop, a freestanding band saw makes quick work of cutting metal pipes, rebar, conduit, or angle iron, but when material that needs to be cut can't easily be transported to the ...