Laser Level Video

Posted on by Tim Carter

A regular bubble level, torpedo level or a electronic level works well for small projects, but they have limitations due to their length. Every time you have to move the level, there is a chance for error.

The new laser levels can project a line from ten to thirty feet. Most of the laser levels have an adjustable base so you can level it. Once it is level and at the right height, it projects a line onto the wall. A laser level can also project a line around a corner. There is also a wall mounting base. Camera tripods work fine for holding the laser.

This tool is not only fun, but user friendly as well. The laser can be harmful to your eyes so use the tool properly.

Sanded Grout Video

Posted on by Tim Carter

Sanded Grout

When the joints are too large for regular grout, sanded grout works because it will not shrink like regular grout. Sanded grout is mixed from a powder and water. Don't add too much water. The mixture should have the consistency thick enough so that is does not stands up and does not fold in the bucket.

The only tools needed to work with sanded grout is a rubber float (made of a hard rubber with flexible edges and very smooth) and a grouting sponge. The grouting sponge has rounded edges. Square edged sponges will not work.

Apply some grout on the wall with a spreading knife. The grout should not fall down if the consistency is right. Take the rubber float and get it wet to lubricate the edges. Use the float to drive the grout into the spaces between the glass blocks.

Next take the sponge and wring all the water out of it. Wipe light across the blocks. The sponge will smooth out the grout joints. Rinse the sponge often to remove the excess grout. To finish, rinse the grout sponge and wipe down the glass blocks very lightly. This should remove all or most of the grout on the glass.

Once the grout is completely dried, it can be buffed with a dry cotton rag or towel. It will look gorgeous.

Fast-Drying Drywall Compound Video

Posted on by Tim Carter

Fast-Drying Drywall Compound

If your project requires a rush drywall job, there is a powered fast drying drywall compound. Pour a little of the powder into a container. Mix with a little water, not too much or you will create soup. Stir and you are ready to apply. But, work quick!

The compound might have a number on it, such as 45. That indicates the drying time after mixing. A lot faster than regular drywall mud. These also work with plaster, unlike the regular drywall compound.

When you have to patch that drywall in a hurry, these fast-drying drywall compound work great. It will save you time.

Circular Saw Tips Video

Posted on by Tim Carter

Circular Saw Tips

First, be sure you know which was the circular saw blade rotates. Most blades rotate up. Why is this important? Cutting parallel with the grain of the wood will be no problem. But if you are cutting against the grain of the wood, you can get a lot of splinters. To avoid this splintering, use a utility knife or razor blade knife to score the wood on the cut line. This pre-scores the grain of the wood. Then when cutting, advance the circular saw slowly. The edge next to the scored line will not have splinters.

Do you need to cut a curve with the circular saw? It can be done. Be sure to adjust the blade depth to just a fraction of an inch deeper than the wood thickness. This will allow the saw to follow a curved line while cutting.

Use these tips on your next woodworking project or remodeling job. They work.

Router Video

Posted on by Tim Carter

A router is a high speed cutter that uses special router bits. These bits have different profiles to make specific type cuts or slots. One will cut just a square slot that can be used for a shelf support. Some bits have ball bearings to run smoothly. These ball bearing router bits are worth the extra cost.

Some of the bits have profiles to cut the edge of a board. This provides a nice rounded edge to your board.

Routers can be dangerous. Be sure to unplug the power tool before changing bits. Use two crescent wrenches to change the bit. Use all the necessary safety equipment, such as goggles. Read the manufacturer's instructions and warnings. Handled properly, a router is a great tool.

Cordless Tool Batteries Video

Posted on by Tim Carter

Circular saw blades come in a variety of styles. Some have few saw blade teeth or are thinner than others. There is a particular blade for cutting wood, metal or other material. The proper blade with help reduce friction, providing longer battery life. Carbide tipped saw blades are better for cutting across the grain of a piece of wood or cutting non-ferrous material. A blade with lots of teeth are designed for plywood and finish cuts to reduce splintering.

Drill bits come is a variety of materials, spiraling or twisting, and various points. The correct bit for the material you are drilling will increase the battery life of your cordless drill.

Check for saw blades and drill bits that will extend the battery life of your cordless power tools. They will allow you to get more work done on your project.

Reverse Drill Bit Video

Posted on by Tim Carter

On those occasions when you need to remove a screw, but the screw head slots are damaged or ruined, a reverse drill bit or screw extraction bit can help you out. Mount one of these damaged screw removers in your drill chuck. Be sure the drill is in reverse, and apply pressure against the damaged screw and slowly back the screw out.

Using these screw extractors with a reversible drill will get your project back on track. Get a set today.

This video was the I Didn't Know That! article in the August 13, 2013 AsktheBuilder Newsletter.

How to Cut a Straight Line Video

Posted on by Tim Carter

To assist with your cutting, first clamp a framing square on a scarp piece of wood. Use a pencil to make a mark along the edge of the square. Do not remove the framing square yet. Then, take your circular saw and place the fence edge of the saw guide against the framing square and make a small cut. Remove the square and measure the distance between the cut and the pencil mark. This will provide the offset needed for making your straight cuts.

When cutting pieces for your remodeling project, mark where the cut should be, then make a second mark over the same distance that you measure in the test cut. Clamp the framing square on this second line. Place the edge of the circular saw against the framing square and make your cut.

The results will be a straight cut every time. Try it the next time your project requires a straight cut.

Water Faucet Video

Posted on by Tim Carter

Drop the sink in the cutoff to check for a proper fit. Working on your back under the cabinet is not fun, nor easy. So install the faucet before dropping the sink into the opening. Using a pair of channel lock pliers and some plumber's putty, you are ready to install the faucet. Place the sink on a beach towel to protect the countertop. Check the faucet for markings - front or back - or for color coding - red or blue.

Applying some putty on the stainless steel sink, insert the faucet into the sink, making sure that the hot water is on the left. Use the channel lock plier to tighten the hex nut holding the faucet to the sink. Be sure that the faucet remains centered in the opening.

Drop the sink and faucet assembly into the opening. All that is left is to attached the water supply lines and drain pipe. The sink is now good to go.

Epoxy Video

Posted on by Tim Carter

Most people are familiar with the epoxy in the two tubes and get mixed as you depress the plunger. The epoxy has two parts and the bonding is done through a chemical reaction when the resin and hardener are mixed.

There are epoxies designed for stone and brick. And they work underwater. The resin and hardener for these are thicker so they don't run. Each component is a different color to assist with the mixing. As you mix them, the color changes to a third color, indicating that they are properly mixed.

These paste epoxies have a long shelf life and hold great. One word of caution - when putting the lids back on the cans, be sure to get the proper lid on each can. If not, you'll never get the lids off.