Drill Press Video

Posted on by Tim Carter

A drill press provides a solid table for drilling straight holes. The drill press table is adjustable for the size of the part being drilled. Some tables will tilt to get that hole at the proper angle. A drill press vise is available for holding those smaller parts.

Most drill presses offer several chuck speeds with the use of belts and pulleys. Open the top, change the belt from one size pulley to another, and you change get the proper drilling speed for the material being drilled.

Other features include a safety switch key, which can be removed to prevent the drill from being accidentally turned on while you are changing drill bits or adjusting the material. Many drill presses allow the handle to be switched from the right side to the left for south-paws out there. A built-in light helps you see your mark.

A drill press is a must for every do-it-yourself home workshop.

Hand Crank Radio Video

Posted on by Tim Carter

Another great idea is a very cool emergency radio. It is powered by either a hand crank or a solar panel. No batteries or electricity required! Working outside on a sunny day, the solar power will keep the radio playing all day. A few quick cranks will provide up to 30 minutes of play time.

This radio features four bands - AM, FM and two short wave bands. So if you are looking for a special gift, consider this portable radio. It is sure to please.

Hardwood Inlay Manufacturers

Posted on by Tim Carter

OK, are you strapped in? If you want to see some absolutely incredible hardwood floor inlay products, you must contact each and every manufacturer below. They produce some inlay products that are as good as any I have ever seen. Some of you are probably wondering which border and corner block set that my wife and I chose for our family room. Not a problem! Call Rare Earth Hardwoods below and ask them for the one page color sheet of their Earth Line Design Collection. Look for the one named Sidewinder - that is the one I look at each night I sit in front of the fireplace! There are 22 different borders just on the one sheet!

A Must See catalog is the one from Historic Floors of Oshkosh, Inc. They have a fully integrated line of products. Medallions, borders, parquet flooring with inlays, vintage medallions, animal medallions, even custom ones - you send them an idea, photo, sketch, they make the medallion! Their catalog is a MUST!

Make sure you can dial 911 after you look at Renaissance Floor In-Lays. Their products are incredible. You might pass out when you see the detail, craftsmanship and style of their inlays. My favorite ones are their 3-D Hole in the Floor products. When viewed from a distance, you actually think there is a trapdoor or stone staircase leading from the room to the basement below!

Premier Inlays has some great floral borders and even an octagon border that you can use to surround a table!

Call all of the manufacturers below and get as much product literature as is available. The photos in the brochures are simply stunning.

  • Dynamic Laser Applications
    800-849-8575
  • Oshkosh Designs
    920-582-9977
  • Premier Inlays
    800-616-0762
  • Rare Earth Hardwoods
    800-968-0074
  • Renaissance Floor In-Lays
    925-464-9529

Reviewed: May 2015

AsktheBuilder Podcast

CLICK this image and listen to the first call on the podcast. I talked to Jill about how to repair wood kitchen flooring, and possibly installing an inlay border as an option. Copyright 2018 Tim Carter

Related Articles:  Hardwood Inlays, Hardwood Floor Inlays

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Installing a Door Hinge Video

Posted on by Tim Carter

Start by marking the area to be cut. Screw the hinge in place with a couple of screws. Use a razor knife, instead of a pencil, to mark the outline. Tilt the blade in and carefully scribe a line around the door hinge. Don't cut too deeply, but just enough to provide a guideline.

After removing the hinge, use a wood chisel to cut the wood. Be careful using and handling the wood chisel. The edge is very sharp. The beveled edge should point down when using the chisel. Carefully use a hammer to tap the head of the chisel to start cutting. Don't cut too deep. The hinge is not that thick.

Once the recess is cut, put the door hinge in place to check the fit. By cutting to the razor blade line, you will have a perfect fit for the hinge. A screwdriver, utility knife and wood chisel are the only tools required for this project.

Basement OSB Subfloor Video

Posted on by Tim Carter

A typical basement floor is just concrete, which is a tough surface to work with. Need a wood subfloor to make that basement remodeling project easier? Install these OSB squares designed for installing over concrete. They have a special plastic mat backing to help drain water. The squares interlock with a tongue and groove for easy installation.

Most basement floors are not level. No problem with this product. There are special leveling shims that snap right onto the backing. Add as many spacers as required to level the floor.

This provides a great subfloor to help your basement remodeling. Cover it with carpeting, tiles or any other finished floor surface.

Wood Putty Video

Posted on by Tim Carter

Wood Putty

To make the nail hole disappear, be sure to use a countersink tool to recess the nail head. Some plastic wood filler, or other types of compounds, contain resins and other chemicals which can create marks in your wood. By staining the wood or applying the urethane first, then filling the hole, you will avoid the discoloration.

Wood putty comes in different colors and you can mix them to get the correct color match. Fill the hole only part way to check the color match.

Once the hole is filled, put one additional layer of stain on the entire piece and you won't be able to see where the holes were.

This was the Mystery Column Link in the March 26, 2016 AsktheBuilder Newsletter.

Brick Cleaning Video

Posted on by Tim Carter

Brick Cleaning - Beware Pressure Washers

Pressure washers are not necessarily the best method. A pressure washer can erode the mortar between the bricks or remove the cement paste off concrete. A better method of patio cleaning is with the use of oxygen bleach. Do not use chlorine bleach that is toxic to the environment. Oxygen bleach is safe to use and it removes the mildew and algae built up on the brick.

CLICK or TAP HERE for the best oxygen bleach AND the correct mixing instructions.

Mix the oxygen bleach with warm water and let it dissolve completely in the water. Then just pour the cleaning solution on the patio and let the bubbles work. After a short wait, use a street broom or scrub brush to work the liquid into the brick. Then, rinse with a garden hose.

The results will be great. You will have a clean patio to enjoy this season.

Message from Tim:

Years ago while researching a column about cleaning decks, I discovered the wonders of Oxygen Bleach. It is perhaps the 'greenest' cleaner I know of as it uses oxygen ions to break apart stains, dirt and odor molecules. There are no harsh chemicals, and it works on just about anything that is water washable.

I decided to create my own special blend using ingredients made in the USA. In fact, the raw materials in the active ingredient are food-grade quality registered with the FDA. I call my product Stain Solver. I urge you to use it to help with cleaning your brick patio. You will be amazed at the results!

Wheelbarrow Video

Posted on by Tim Carter

There is a wheelbarrow with steel handles and a steel body featuring a handbrake on the handle. This can be important when you are going down a hill with a heavy load. You can control the wheelbarrow so it doesn't get out of control.

Another wheelbarrow has a very large plastic tub. This model also has two wheels in front which makes it more stable. The wheelbarrow is harder to turn over with the added stability.

A third type of wheelbarrows is different from the rest because it has the location of the wheel further back. This puts the cargo weight on the wheel instead of in your hands.

Research wheelbarrows to get the model which meets your project's needs. Tim even uses it for a quick break on the project.

Wiring Box Video

Posted on by Tim Carter

The wiring box has different type junction boxes to handle the various types of wiring. Then the wiring to all of the various locations in the house are run from this distribution panel.

Wireless systems can have their distribution point running from this panel. But running cable to all the locations will allow faster data transfer.

This is designed for use with your low voltage wiring distribution. It will simplify you wiring when you use a central wiring panel.

Utility Sink Video

Posted on by Tim Carter

A few measurements are needed to hang the wall mount utility sink bracket. Use a level to mark the proper height for the mounting bracket. The weight of the utility sink, full of water, will be hundreds of pounds. The use of stud anchors is recommended to prevent the tub mounting from failing. Be sure to put the hex nut on before hammering the stud into the wall.

Once the bracket is mounted on the wall, hang the utility sink and you will ready to run the water lines.

This was the Tip Of The Week in the November 11, 2014 AsktheBuilder Newsletter.