Hot Home & Garden How-Tos
How To: Reset a circuit breaker
This video shows you how to reset your circuit breaker if the power goes out.
How To: Recycle plastic bottles in unexpected eco-friendly ways
We'd never tell you not to recycle plastic water bottles, but there are other ways to reduce and reuse these commonly consumed products. And when we say "other ways," we mean ways that you've never even thought about.
How To: Change the spark plug on a trimmer
This is a step by step DIY tutorial of how to change the spark plug on your trimmer or weed wacker.
How To: Change the air filter on a push mower
This is a step by step DIY tutorial of how to change the air filter on your push mower.
How To: Change and sharper the blade on a push mower
This is a step by step DIY tutorial of how to change and sharpen the blade on your push mower.
How To: Change the oil in a push mower
This is a step by step DIY tutorial of how to change the oil in your push mower.
How To: Change the fuel filter on a trimmer
this is a step by step DIY tutorial of how to change the fuel filter on a garden trimmer or weed wacker.
How To: Change the air filter on your trimmer
This is a step by step DIY tutorial of how to change the air filter on your trimmer or weed wacker.
How To: Change the air filter on your riding lawn mower
This is a step by step DIY tutorial of how to change the air filter on your riding lawn mower.
How To: Restring your trimmer
This is a step by step DIY tutorial of how to restring a garden trimmer head.
How To: Grease the head on your trimmer
This is a step by step tutorial of how to grease the head on your garden trimmer or weed wacker.
How To: Change the oil & filter in your riding lawn mower
This is a step by step tutorial of how to change the oil & oil filter on your riding lawn mower.
How To: Change the spark plugs on your riding lawn mower
This is a step by step tutorial of how to change the spark plug on your riding lawn mower.
How To: Change the fuel filter on your riding lawn mower
This is a step by step DIY tutorial of how to change the fuel filter on your riding lawn mower.
How To: Make string art with Todd Oldham and Elizabeth Berkley
Need an Elizabeth Berkley fix? Todd Oldham overwhelms the actress here with his magnificently vibrant string art sculpture. See how a maestro of design does it.
How To: Build a dot ottoman with Todd Oldham and Joan Jett
Master of decorative schemes, god of modern motifs, Todd Oldham shows rocker Joan Jett how to make a round, rock and roll inspired ottoman. Nothing bizarre here!
How To: Print on sheets with Todd Oldham and Susan Sarandon
Beautify those plain white sheets with master designer Todd Oldham. Watch Susan Sarandon discover the wonders of the modern age, by custom printing those bed sheets with fabric paints.
How To: Decoupage tables with Todd Oldham and Amy Sedaris
Learn to decoupage tables from an famous ex-New York fashion designer. Todd Oldham, now a master of home design, shows Amy Sedaris, from Strangers with Candy fame, the frisky steps to decorate the surface brightly.
How To: Apply quarter round/soffet molding on bombe secretary
All the dentil molding is on and now it's time to add another layer. Tommy shows how the applied dentil molding looks and how the soffit and quarter round fit over it. He then attaches them to the case. Tommy cleans up the dentil molding with a chisel so it is flush with the quarter round. After gluing the final corner in place, the first part of the crown is done and Tommy can enjoy a victory cigar.
How To: Make the wood pediment astragal for a bombe secretary
Tommy has finished the box frame with front work and blocking attached. Now it's time to make the astragal for the pediment. An astragal can be an architectural element used at the top or base of a column, and it is also used as a framing device on furniture. He drank extra coffee so his hands are nice and steady for the astragal work.
How To: Make the fret work trim pieces for a bombe secretary
With divider and bevel in hand, Tommy walks viewers through the layout and design of the fret work trim pieces for the upper pediment. A little prep work on the pattern layout makes it a fairly simple process. Slow and steady wins the race -- or finishes the Bombe Secretary, in this case.
How To: Create the upper pediment for a wooden bombe secretary
Tommy’s ready to start the upper pediment of the secretary and shows the drawing for the upper case as well as what’s left of his wood to make it. He now has to figure out how to make the frame. He’s hoping that he’s found his stride and he’ll “get this thing done” because the bombe is “way more complicated” than he ever expected.
How To: Clean chewing gum stains from your clothing
Learn how to get rid of those very nasty and stubborn gum stains from your clothes and shoes using a very simple trick. Use vinegar!
How To: Do the interior of a hidden box for a bombe secretary
Tommy works on the interior of the hidden box. He’s added document drawers and a false back. He says, “It’s a pretty cool little thing, and I’m having fun making it.”
How To: Glue the wooden hidden box for a bombe secretary
Tommy finally gets to glue this “bad boy together.” After putting glue in the front only, he assembles the drawer dividers, the back and the partition and puts them in the desk to show the viewers. Watch this episode to find out why Tommy calls himself a “colorful guy, just not too bright.”
How To: Finish the hidden box in wooden bombe secretary
Tommy finishes construction on the hidden box for the secretary. Between segments, he takes time to show the viewers his personal memorabilia hanging on the walls, including family photos and accolades for his work. Tommy says he’s having fun making the box because it doesn’t have to be precise. He’s especially happy when the box is finished because he’s moving into his final phase of the desk assembly.
How To: Use dovetails to attach wooden legs to a column
Tommy and Al dedicate this podcast to answering the question of the week: What is the best way to attach legs to a column? With explicit instructions, they demonstrate how to use dovetails to get the legs and columns to fit together “nice and tight.”
How To: Construct the hidden wooden box for a bombe secretary
Tommy had debated on whether he was going to show the viewers the hidden drawer in the Bombe, which is typical of a period piece. Considering how the early podcast at the museum showed how it was taken apart, he figured why not. Using scrap wood he has saved while working on the project, Tommy begins construction on his first hidden drawer. He’ll need to mill the pine, cut the sides and glue the bottoms. While waiting for the glue to dry, he demonstrates how to cut dovetails again.
How To: Design pigeonhole valances for a bombe secretary desk
Tommy gets a second wind now that he can see noticeable progress on the Bombe. He draws and cuts the dividers for the pigeonhole assembly and inserts them from the back. Using scrap wood from previous cuttings because it has the same colors, tones and textures, he designs a pattern for the valances. Now the top row is almost complete, and Tommy is “feeling energized again.”
How To: Tune up a woodworking hand plane
Taking a break from building the Bombe, Tommy tunes his hand plane by taking it apart and sharpening it. He demonstrates the power of the plane, showing how to flattening an uneven piece of wood. Using paraffin wax to glide the plane, he gets the piece of gnarly wood in perfect shape.
How To: Plan the pigeonhole assembly for the bombe secretary
Before Tommy can get started cutting and shaping the pigeonhole assembly, he needs to select the style and get a 1:1 scale plan together. Tommy walks us through his thought process on selecting the style and how he prepares to cut.
How To: Build a scrub plane to shape the lower bombe secretary
Tommy builds a custom scrub plane to work the side shapes of the bombe lower cabinet. He transposes the curve to the bottom edge of the plane and the blade and then shapes the tool. Once the plane is shaped, he shows off the new plane working the sides. PLANE, PLANE, PLANE... Nothing like making a tool before you start the job.
How To: Shape the lower cabinet sides of the bombe secretary
Tommy surfs the long board in the shop and then tackles the first cuts of the bombe secretary cabinet sides. This is a critical part of the secretary since it determines the real look and feel of the piece of furniture.
How To: Use the Saw Stop table saw for woodworking safely
Watch Al, Bobby, and Tommy discuss (with big words) some table saw safety tips and demo the Saw Stop table saw. Tommy breaks down the process of setting the saw up, engaging the safety systems, firing the blade break and resetting the saw.
How To: Build a big wooden dining room table for your dinner
Tommy shows how to make a BIG dining room table (approximately 14' long) and walks you through the wood selection, milling, stickering, and routering out the top. As Tommy goes through this process he explains the science behind the wood. And don't adjust your computer screen, Tommy isn't turning into the hulk, just blowing off some steam.
How To: Make a table saw push stick to keep those fingers on
Tommy and Al talk workshop safety and make a table saw push stick to ensure all your digits stay intact. Woohoo!
How To: Make simple wooden interlocking dovetails
Tommy (with Al asking the tough questions) walks you through the process of making simple dovetails and some classic "George Washington wooden teeth".
How To: Install a water heater wrap
Check out this video to learn from Owen Bailey how to save money and energy by installing a water heater insulation wrap.
How To: Install a low-flow showerhead
Watch this video to see Owen Bailey show you how to install a low-flow shower head to reduce water consumption and energy use.
How To: Cut circles in your wood with a bandsaw
Bandsaws have always been great at cutting curves. With a simple jig, perfect circles are a breeze. This woodworking video demonstrates this jig, and also briefly shows some minor mods that I have made to my 14" Jet Bandsaw to keep the tyres clear of sawdust.