The router is one of the most versatile tools in the workshop. With the correct bits you can form edges, add decorative inlays and even make raised panel doors. Practice is the key to successful routing. However, the right bit is just as important. In thi...

The router is basically a simple portable tool, consisting of a very high-speed motor mounted vertically on a horizontal base plate. In this article I'll cover the types of routers available as well as the safe way to use them. Parts Of The Router Mot...

The reciprocating saw is an adaptation of the saber saw, or jig saw, for heavy duty work such as construction. In this article I'll cover the types available as well as blade types and their uses. Reciprocating saws range widely in power, speed, and fe...

In a previous article I covered selecting the right circular saw and using it in a safe manner. In this article I'll cover how to adjust and set your new saw as well as how to pick the right blade for the job. A safety tip before I go on. When replacin...

Any portable saw you buy for your home or shop should be capable of cutting a 2 x 4 piece of wood at a 45-degree angle. In general, saws that have a blade diameter of 7 or more inches are good choices. Using a saw safely should be of primary importance. I...

In normal use, electric and cordless drills require little maintenance beyond a periodic lubrication and, after considerable use, replacement of the motor brushes that make electrical contact with the rotating commutator. Since maintenance varies with mak...

Arguably one of the most important inventions in modern times, the portable drill has proven to be one of, if not the, most important and useful tool today. In this article I'll offer a few tips on how to choose the right power or cordless drill for your ...

Without a doubt one of the most common housekeeping appliances is the ordinary vacuum cleaner. These range from light-duty models up to the 100 gallon shop models. What vacuum you choose depends largely on the demand you expect to place on it. In this art...

Levels in their basic form have been used for thousands of years. Ancient South American Indians used a crude form of the level, utilizing water in a bowl to form a bubble, to design and build their irrigation canals. Modern researchers have marveled at t...

Winter Haven, located in the heart of Polk County, is home to roughly 30,000 people which makes it one of the largest cities in the county. This county is one of the most rural counties in the state of Florida and is distinguished by its rolling hills an...

If you’re like most do-it-yourselfers, you don’t know much about buying the paintbrush that fits the job you plan to tackle. There is generally an endless selection of sizes, shapes, and bristle types, etc. etc. to consider at your local hardware stor...

Most homes have a room or two that has vinyl flooring. Sheet vinyl is a large piece (like linoleum) that has been precut to fit a specific area. Vinyl tile floors are made from square pieces of vinyl that are available in different sizes. Repairing damage...

Human nature being what it is, it should come as no real surprise that a great number of people facing foreclosure fail to act until it is far too late. The question is why the delay when there are countless resources and services available? One could pon...

Like anything else that is man-made, walls in your home lose their “brand-new” look over time. Walls develop cracks and are eventually damaged as a result of accidents such as dings and smudges when you move objects around your home. Left uncared for,...

Recently RealyTrac, a real estate information watchdog located in Irvine, California, reported yet another doubling in the number of foreclosure filings across the United States. Homes going into foreclosure almost doubled last month compared to September...