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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DECEMBER 30, 2021 | THURSDAY
How to Build a Closet From Scratch

Few of us ever seem to have enough storage. Freestanding wardrobes are often expensive, never seem to be arranged how we would like, and seldom match the decor. Another solution is a reac...

DECEMBER 28, 2021 | TUESDAY
The Best Home Saunas of 2023

Saunas have long been recognized as a way to relax and reduce stress. They can alleviate muscle and joint pain, provide a general sense of well-being, and provide detoxification, increase...

DECEMBER 27, 2021 | MONDAY
13 Genius Products for Fixing Walls and Ceilings Yourself

Cracks in walls and ceilings are eyesores that draw attention in an otherwise attractive setting. Though they’re often just cosmetic issues, left unattended, cracks are likely to get wors...

DECEMBER 22, 2021 | WEDNESDAY
The 21 Most Popular Things Bob Vila Readers Bought in 2021

Each year, Bob Vila’s experts conduct thousands of hours of hands-on testing and internet research. We vet a vast array of home and garden products so our readers have accurate, up-to-dat...

DECEMBER 22, 2021 | WEDNESDAY
The Best Outdoor Showers of 2023

Outdoor showers can provide a convenient, inexpensive way to rinse off after work or play, and there is no easier way to wash a muddy dog. For those with bigger budgets, outdoor showers c...

DECEMBER 9, 2021 | THURSDAY
The Best Home Intercom Systems of 2023

Some people may remember home intercom systems from the ’70s while others may have encountered them as door-entry devices for commercial buildings or apartment blocks. Today, both indoor ...

DECEMBER 9, 2021 | THURSDAY
The Best Woodworking Tools of 2023

Trying to make a list of the best woodworking tools is something of a challenge. Whether the tools are for general-purpose use, for experienced DIYers, for fine cabinet makers, or are woo...

NOVEMBER 29, 2021 | MONDAY
Electric vs. Gas Pressure Washer: Choosing the Right Cleaning Machine

A pressure washer is an indispensable tool for all kinds of cleaning tasks, both DIY and professional. Light-duty models are great for cleaning decks, siding, or vehicles. Heavy-duty mode...

NOVEMBER 28, 2021 | SUNDAY
The Best Drywall Sanders of 2023

Few people look forward to sanding drywall, but fortunately there are a wide variety of tools that make the job quicker and easier. They vary from basic manually powered pole sanders to t...

NOVEMBER 23, 2021 | TUESDAY
The Best Glue for Metal of 2023

Gluing metals can be challenging for a number of reasons. Metals are not porous, so glues can’t penetrate the surface. Metals are usually very smooth, offering little or no grab. Metal ob...