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 18, 2022 | WEDNESDAY
The Best Metal-Cutting Saws

Sawing through metal by hand is hard work! A hacksaw can tackle occasional small jobs, but for larger pieces or if you cut metal on a regular basis, a power tool is the more sensible solu...

APRIL 25, 2022 | MONDAY
The Best Milwaukee Drills

Milwaukee is a name that always features prominently in independent reviews of leading drill manufacturers. The company has a tremendous reputation for high-quality construction, competit...

APRIL 25, 2022 | MONDAY
The Best DeWalt Miter Saws of 2023

Miter saws are, by far, the most popular cutting tool for residential jobsite use, and they’re also a versatile tool for a home workshop. DeWalt is widely recognized as a manufacturer of ...

APRIL 20, 2022 | WEDNESDAY
The Best Welding Helmets

Regardless of the welding process being used, or the welder’s skill, a proper safety helmet must always be worn. No exceptions. Not doing so could result in serious burns and temporary or...

APRIL 8, 2022 | FRIDAY
How to Cut Screws: 5 Tools That Can Get the Job Done

When a screw head becomes damaged, it can be very difficult to remove from the material in which it is situated. Sometimes cutting a fastener’s head off is the only practical solution to ...

APRIL 1, 2022 | FRIDAY
Chop Saw vs. Miter Saw: What’s the Difference Between These Cutting Tools? 

It’s not unusual for miter and chop saws to get mixed up. The fact that miter saws are sometimes mistakenly called chop saws doesn’t help. At a glance they have a lot in common. For examp...

MARCH 31, 2022 | THURSDAY
12 Porch Swing Plans for Building the Ultimate Outdoor Siesta Spot

A porch swing is a great place to relax on a balmy evening while sipping something cool and refreshing—what’s not to love? Even if you don’t have a porch, you can still create a similar v...

MARCH 31, 2022 | THURSDAY
How to Organize a Tool Box Like a Pro

Whether you’re a keen DIYer or a pro, there’s little more frustrating than being unable to find the right tool when you need it. Digging through a disorganized pile of wrenches, hammers, ...

MARCH 31, 2022 | THURSDAY
The Best Welders for Beginners of 2023

Welding (commonly defined as the process of uniting metal substances) can be used to fix auto bodywork, repair a gate, create a garden sculpture, or build a host of projects. It can be a ...

MARCH 31, 2022 | THURSDAY
The Best Plate Compactors

Nothing is as effective as a plate compactor when it comes to creating a solid foundation for hardscaping projects like paths, patios, and driveways. These tools are invaluable for creati...