Hot Home & Garden How-Tos
How To: Cut a scrolled candle stand with a scrollsaw
In this tutorial from the Scrollsaw Workshop, Steve Good demonstrates how to build a scrolled candle holder, which, by his lights, is a very simple and entertaining project, great for novices to the scrollsaw. As always, you can find the pattern, free of charge, at Steve's blog, scrollsawworkshop.com.
How To: Build a scrollsaw cutting jig
In this tutorial from the Scrollsaw Workshop, Steve Good will teach you how to cut metal with a DIY cutting jig. Learn the basics of metalwork with a scrollsaw while Steve walks you through making jewelry from U.S. coins. Take a look!
How To: Build automata with a scroll saw
In this tutorial (with an extended introduction) from the Scrollsaw Workshop, Steve Good will teach you how to build automata using a scrollsaw. As always, the pattern and plays are available, free of charge, through Steve's blog: scrollsawworkshop.blogspot.com.
How To: Buy a scrollsaw
In this two-part tutorial from the Scrollsaw Workshop, Steve Good discusses scrollsaw basics, including what to look for in a scrollsaw, blade selection, installing blades, and how to square up your table. Let Steve get you started on the scrollsaw with this how-to.
How To: Finish a scrollsaw project
In this two-part tutorial series from the Scrollsaw Workshop, Steve Good discusses how to finish scrollsaw projects–a process which, according to Steve, includes four steps: gluing, sanding, beautifying and protecting. Let Steve walk you through his finishing process with this tutorial.
How To: Cut a tall clock pattern with a scrollsaw
In this tutorial from the Scrollsaw Workshop, Steve Good demonstrates how to cut a tall clock using a pattern available at Steve's blog, scrollsawworkshop.blogspot.com. For this project, you'll need a clock face, wood of your choice (two 5" by 10" pieces and two 3" by 10" pieces) and a piece of contrasting wood for use around the border. Make time for this time-making tutorial; you'll be glad you did.
How To: Make three-dimensional cuts with a scrollsaw
In this tutorial from the Scrollsaw Workshop, Steve Good will teach you to make basic 3D scrollsaw cuts using simple patterns. Watch as Steve takes you through the necessary steps while making a small jewelry box. Take a look!
How To: Frame a room
This instructional video demonstrates how to build level and squared walls. It's important that when you frame your walls that they be perfectly square; otherwise, you may have serious problems when it comes time to finish the room. Learn how to square up a room with this tutorial.
How To: Cut a candy dish with a scrollsaw
In this woodworking tutorial, you'll learn how to cut a candy dish pattern with a scroll saw. Watch as Steve of the Scrollsaw Worshop walks you, step by step, through the process of making your own candy dish from a block of pine wood.
How To: Rough out a small natural edge bowl
In this how-to, you'll learn how to rough turn a natural edge bowl from a piece of wood. (The wood used in the video is a Japanese wood called "Mukunoki.") The bowl is only about 8 cm in diameter and thus can be roughed out fairly quickly. Take a look!
How To: Make adjustments to a wooden clock
Watch this instructional woodworking video to make some typical adjustments to a wooden clock. If the tick is running unevenly you can add some lead discs to the weight. You can also adjust the pendulum length.
How To: Cut wheels for a wooden clock
This instructional woodworking video demonstrates how to cut out a wheel for a wood mechanism clock. You can use a band saw. The wood needs to be at least marine grade plywood.
How To: Make a wooden clock
This instructional woodworking video demonstrates how to make a wooden clock. Here are some of the steps that go into making a wooden clock from plans sourced by Clayton Boyer. View complete instructions at http://lisaboyer.com/Claytonsite /Claytonsite1.htm.
How To: Dry bowls for wood turning
This instructional wood turning video demonstrates how to dry a green piece of wood and avoid cracking. Date the piece and mop a green wood sealer inside the bowl. Set it aside for 90-120 days in a dry climate. This is a necessary step when preparing wood to make a carved wooden bowl.
How To: Make a sharpening jig set up for bowl gouges
This instructional woodworking video to make a wooden jig for sharpening gouge tools on a grinding wheel. These sharpening jigs give consistent grinds. The jig makes sharpening a gouge almost foolproof so you can get back to wood turning.
How To: Sharpen a bowl gouge
This instructional woodworking video demonstrates how to use homemade jigs to sharpen a bowl gouge for wood turning. This grinder will sharpen a double beveled gouging tool. You can use a brace or jig to help you sharpen the tool correctly.
How To: Use a finishing tool for carving wooden bowls
Watch this instructional woodworking video to use this bowl finishing tool. This tool is used to make the very last cuts when carving a wooden bowl. The finishing tool leaves a smooth surface on a wooden bowl.
How To: Use a skew tool
Watch this instructional woodworking video to learn how to use a skew tool. This is a difficult and slightly dangerous tool to use. Pay attention to these safety tips to help you carve wood with accuracy.
How To: Repair a stain damaged floor
This instructional video demonstrates how to repair a stain damaged hardwood floor. You may need an industrial floor sander to complete this job.
How To: Make an old world porphyry walkway
This instructional landscaping video demonstrates how to build a walkway with porphyry stones. Follow these guidelines to set stones into your front yard. Make sure the stones are level as you lay them down.
How To: Build triple decker retaining walls for a garden
This instructional gardening video demonstrates how to build three tiered walls into a slope to create a flowing curved garden. If you are gardening on a slope, you may want to build small walls to create level gardening areas. Use local stones to provide a rustic, natural look to your terraced garden.
How To: Paint a room properly
This instructional painting video demonstrates how to prep and paint a room. First, go through the room and spackle any holes or dents in the wall. Sand it down after the joint compound dries. Paint the ceilings first. Follow these step by step instructions to paint a room; trim, window sills and all.
How To: Instal hardwood floors over concrete
This instructional flooring video demonstrates how to install hardwood flooring over concrete. Make sure the concrete is dry and level. Apply a moisture protectant on top of the concrete.
How To: Prevent moisture damage on hardwood floors
This instructional flooring video demonstrates how to prevent moisture damage on hardwood floors. Make sure your wood is delivered 48 hours in advance. Keep humidity levels at 30-50 percent.
How To: Build a rodent resistant composter
This instructional video demonstrates how to build a rodent resistant composter. If you find a rat in your compost, stop adding to it for a time and set a rat trap with bait to catch it. When you begin composting again, use a composter with wire mesh to keep rats out.
How To: Make a dog waste composter
This instructional video demonstrates how to make a doggy doo doo composter. Use a septic enzyme to break things down faster. Add leaves and brush to keep it from smelling. You should not use this soil on your garden, but it is an eco-friendly way of getting rid of dog waste.
How To: Find a lost contact lens
This video shows you how to find lost contact lenses and other small things very easily.
How To: Apply vinyl wall letters
This instructional interior design video demonstrates how to apply vinyl wall letters correctly. Always use a level to place the transfer tape. Use a smoothing tool to press the letters onto the wall and press out any air bubbles. Peel off the transfer tape of the vinyl wall letters at a diagonal angle.
How To: Make a mosaic counter top
Use a box of self adhesive vinyl tiles to make a mosaic counter top for a wet bar. This is a great way to spice up an old formica counter top without spending a lot of money. Each box of vinyl tiles comes with 225 tiles.
How To: Reduce water and energy while doing laundry
Here are a few simple solutions to help you save money and reduce your water and energy consumption. By washing your clothes in cold water you can save ninety percent of the energy normally expended in doing a load of laundry. If you do laundry before 9am or after 9pm you can allow energy companies to utilize more efficient renewable energy.
How To: Reduce waste from plastic bags
Here is the real answer to the question: Paper or plastic? Join your friendly neighbor for a fireside chat about plastic bags and how Americans consume 380 billion of them a year. If you don't need a bag, don't take one. You can use fabric bags and reuse them over and over again. You can also reuse plastic bags for trash can liners, doggy bags, etc.
How To: Decorate a light switch cover plate with scrap paper
Sue at Paper Source demonstrates how to decorate a switch plate. Everyone has scrap paper and probably some ugly light switch covers too. Transform a plain cover and add a little bit of flair to your home. Watch this video interior design tutorial and learn how to decorate a light switch plate cover.
How To: Make a photo wall
Got a boring blank wall? Hate framing your photos, but still want to put them out on display? Why not build a photo wall. This impressive effect will showcase your loved ones and artistic attempts, and in any case, is something to look at. Watch this video interior design tutorial and learn how to build a photo wall in your own home.
How To: Install photovoltaic laminates for easy solar power
Installing clean, reliable, inflation-proof solar power is easier than ever thanks to the invention of thin-film photovoltaic (PV) laminates that can be bonded directly onto metal roofing panels. Unlike crystalline PV material, there's no need for obtrusive racks and heavy, expensive glass. Instead, unbreakable thin-film PV is produced using amorphous silicon, encapsulated in Teflon and other polymers. Watch this video to learn how to install PV laminates on your own roof.
How To: Operate an Ariens rear engine rider lawnmower
This movie covers operation for Ariens Rear Engine Riders from the mid 70s up to 2003. So if you happen to have a Ariens rider lawnmower and don't know how to operate it, this tutorial will show you how. Operate an Ariens rear engine rider lawnmower.
How To: Install thin stone veneer walls in a boat
Thinking of redoing the inside or your boat? Then watch this quick excerpt from a DIY show. In this how to video Dean and Derek use a thin stone veneer on the walls of a houseboat. Its a great way to decorate any boat or wall. Watch and learn.
How To: Create a luxurious linen finish on a wall
Create a faux linen finish on your walls with the techniques shown in this how to video. Learn what a can of paint and a little imagination can do to completely change the look and feel of a room. This interior design video emphasizes ideas that turn even basic wall painting into something unique. Luxurious linen finishes will appeal to you if you're looking for something simple or dramatic that includes everything from walls to murals to painted furniture.
How To: Apply a negoro nuri lacquer finish
Negoro nuri is a technique using black lacquer topped with red lacquer. This how to video illustrates what a can of paint and a little imagination can do to completely change the look and feel of any furniture. This interior design video will appeal to you if you're looking for something simple or dramatic and includes everything from walls to murals to painted furniture. Keep watching to master the negoro nuri lacquer finish.
How To: Decorate bare walls with a terra fresco technique
Bring the Italian countryside into your home with this technique. Watch as our host shows you how to decorate your walls with terra fresco. Terra fresco simply involves using plaster and paint. Use two or three different colors of paint for optimum results. This interior design video will appeal to you if you're looking for something simple or dramatic and includes everything from walls to murals to painted furniture.
How To: Install bathroom sinks and cabinets
This how to video is a quick excerpt from a DIY show. Find out how to select and install cabinets for a bathroom makeover. Watch and get tips for installing your own bathroom sinks and cabinets. Doing things yourself will save money in the long run.