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.

Sink Installation Video

Posted on by Tim Carter

Do you want to install a sink in an existing countertop? Tim Carter shows you how to install the sink with these easy to follow tips.

Position the new sink upside down on the countertop and accurately trace the outline of the sink. This provides a guideline for the real mark for the cut-out. The cutout will normally be about 3/16" inside the original mark. This allows for the lip of the sink to overhang the countertop. Check the sink installation directions for the proper measurement. Don't make square corners when cutting out the hole. The corners should have a radius of about 1-1/2". Grab a can out of the pantry to draw your curve.

To make the cut out, two power tools will be needed. A regular drill to drill a starter hole in the counter and a spiral saw to cut the countertop. Drill the starter hole and cut out half of the sink opening with the spiral saw. Screw a board across the opening to hold the cut out piece of countertop from falling down into the cabinet. This board can also be used to lift the piece out of the counter.

The next video, Water Faucet, will show how to install the sink into the opening you just cut and install the water faucet.

Ridgid Table Saw Video

Posted on by Tim Carter

Ridgid Table Saw - One of the First

The Ridgid table saw was one of the first job site table saws. It was very innovative and the other tool companies got caught with their pants down.

Did the Ridgid Table Saw Have Wheels?

This table saw has wheels on it so it can be rolled right to your project site. The blade depth knob and the tilt adjustment are centrally located on the front of this portable table saw.

Where Can I Buy This Saw?

CLICK HERE to see about buying a job site saw like the Ridgid one. I now have the wonderful Bosch job site saw that has the spectacular gravity-rise stand. The Ridgid Table Saw is no longer made.

Where is the Rip Fence Stored?

The ripping fence stores right on the side of the table. That keeps it handy and you know where it is! The rip guide also stores on the saw. All the attachments are self-storing.

This model features a work table that pulls out to provide support for large pieces of wood. The electrical cord has its own storage reel and an exhaust outlet is included for connecting to your dry/wet shop vac.

Once the job is finished, the table saw folds up for easy storage in your garage. Look for these features when selecting your table saw.

ridgid table saw

I own this saw. It's quite accurate and it's easy to store. It's not a $2,000 Powermatic saw that you'd use to build fine cabinets, but it works for 99% of the stuff around your home. CLICK THE PHOTO now to have this saw delivered to your home.

Time Capsule Video

Posted on by Tim Carter

Time Capsule Video

Over the years, Tim has discovered some treasures - a 1909 cigarette case, old beer bottles from breweries no longer in business. Old newspapers make for interesting reading when found years after being buried in the wall.

Some time capsule ideas include a national newspaper and the local Sunday newspaper. Be sure to include the entire newspaper. It will be fun checking prices 80 years down the road. Your time capsule should include beverage bottles, an old electronic game and any other items you think will be interesting when found years from now.

Use a plastic bag to protect your treasures. Place them inside the wall and hide them away for that future remodeler to find and enjoy.

Drywall Primer Video

Posted on by Tim Carter

Drywall Primer

When finishing drywall, the drywall paper is a different texture than the drywall mud or joint compound. Painting directly over these two surfaces will not provide the results you want. The drywall compound absorbs paint at a different rate than the drywall itself. In addition, the drywall surface is not as smooth as the joint compound.

There are paint primers designed especially for drywall. These primers have a resin that seals the surface, so the next coat of paint will not absorb at different rates. The prime has a heavy pigment to help cover the little imperfections in the drywall surface.

The primer paint can be tinted in several shades of gray. The tint is matched to the finish paint color. In many cases, only one finish coat of paint will be required. What a timesaver!