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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MAY 22, 2021 | SATURDAY
The Best Jigsaw Blades for Sharp Cutting

The broad versatility of jigsaws means you’ll find them just about everywhere, from home tool kits to construction sites to engineering works. A large part of their popularity is because,...

MAY 22, 2021 | SATURDAY
The Best Dowel Jigs for Your Workshop, Tested and Reviewed

When it comes to wood joinery, creating dowel joints is one of the easiest, most accessible options for DIYers to start with and an essential skill in a woodshop—but the right dowel jig c...

MAY 22, 2021 | SATURDAY
The Best Combination Squares for Your Workshop

Among the wide variety of measuring tools available, a combination square is perhaps the most versatile. It can not only measure length and depth, but also check square and 45-degree angl...

MAY 16, 2021 | SUNDAY
The Best Cordless Finish Nailers of 2023

The finish nailer is arguably the most versatile of the many types of nail guns available. The nails they use provide more holding power than pin nailers or brad nailers, allowing them to...

MAY 13, 2021 | THURSDAY
The Best Cordless Brad Nailers Tested in 2023

For virtually every construction or craft project, including heavy-duty roofing and light upholstery work, there's a nail gun to simplify and speed the process. Finish nailers make excell...

APRIL 30, 2021 | FRIDAY
The Best Electric Tankless Water Heaters to Save Space and Cut Costs

While traditional water heaters remain the best choice for some people, a tankless unit can save space and help reduce your monthly heating bills. This type of water heater provides hot w...

APRIL 28, 2021 | WEDNESDAY
The Best Back Saws for Precise Cuts

Although a back saw may not be considered an essential woodworking tool, it should by no means be viewed as a luxury item. The fact that this tool has changed so little in hundreds of yea...

APRIL 28, 2021 | WEDNESDAY
The Best Wood Routers for Beginners of 2024

Editor's Note: Testing for this article took place in late 2023 and these products remain our current top recommendations for 2024 until we revisit this category. Stay tuned for our 2024 ...

APRIL 25, 2021 | SUNDAY
The Best Propane Tankless Water Heaters of 2023

Hot water is a basic requirement, but the range of tank-based and tankless systems now available can make choosing the right water heater a real challenge. Though traditional water heater...

APRIL 21, 2021 | WEDNESDAY
The Best Outdoor Misting Fans of 2023

When temperatures start to rise, one cost-effective way to keep cool is with an electric fan. Floor fans and box fans can provide portable cooling solutions inside the home, and window fa...