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Michael
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My lap, like my ass, isn't rectangular.
Make your own lapboards for eating, playing, drawing, writing, reading
This is a set of lap boards I made from my friend Leah. They're made from 1/4-inch oak plywood cut into 10"x16" rectangles, with photos applied using t-shirt transfers (you can do this). These boards have lots of uses including preventing spills at family buffet brunches! Leah chose a f...
Huffing VOC helps us forget unemployment is 11.4%
Scented laundry products found to emit harmful chemicals from dryers
via www.gizmag.com I've written about the dirty footprint of harmful chemicals in laundry and deodorizing products. Now science is pointing a finger at the problem. Maybe this new study will help end manufacturers' habits of putting carcinogens and VOCs into products.
There is another trick. Prime your project, and while wet, place American dollars in the paint and then apply the top coat. The inflation alone will give you that 70s look in no time.
Make your own 'shabby chic' crackle finish for antiquing picture frames and furniture
This is a really fast, easy project that allows you to be both sloppy and clever. And making paint crack is way more fun than watching paint dry. It's a great technique to use on old stuff or new stuff, bare wood or finished wood, even painted surfaces.
The problem with AA and AAA batteries is they lack circuit protection and can't be made rechargeable using lithium-ion without too much of a fire risk.
Wicked Tek4 battery technology runs compact Ryobi accessories
I'm a huge fan of lithium-ion battery technology. Lithium-ion holds a full charge for up to 18 months without draining, it's quick to charge and doesn't have the 'memory' problem that NiCad batteries have (i.e. if you don't charge them fully, they forget that they have extra storage, so they ju...
I'm feeling the need to buy a white leisure suit.
Summer backyard lighting in under 5 minutes with laser lights
This is a really cool, ultra-low power consumption (more efficient than LEDs), incredibly beautiful 'fairies and fireflies effect' technology for backyard lighting. You don't even need an electrician because you can run it off an extension cord with the available transformer, so you're done in ...
Scruzol sounds Italian. Not that they know how to screw judging from their birth rate.
A new Canadian tool that's both screwdriver and compact driver index for your power drill
The Scruzol is an awesome little Canadian invention that might be the last screwdriver you'll ever buy. (Here's how to find Scruzol in the U.S. ) Screw It! A Canadian makes screwing convenient again... I have a new favourite tool, the Scruzol. It’s inspiring in 7 ways: 1. It was inv...
There should be freebies for those that discovered this. No pink please.
Lose the pudge; my experiment with an 'accelerometer'
In just over 3 months I've lost more weight (10 pounds) than I originally planned (7 pounds) by using a MyTrak accelerometer to track exercise duration and intensity. I've also lowered my resting heart rate from 68 to 50. I haven't been this in-shape since birth. I realized back in January tha...
Is the $79 Canadian? They want $99 from this Yank.
Lose the pudge; my experiment with an 'accelerometer'
In just over 3 months I've lost more weight (10 pounds) than I originally planned (7 pounds) by using a MyTrak accelerometer to track exercise duration and intensity. I've also lowered my resting heart rate from 68 to 50. I haven't been this in-shape since birth. I realized back in January tha...
The first step is to set your goals. I have no goals. Do the have a motivational model? Maybe one with electrodes to spark you on your way.
Lose the pudge; my experiment with an 'accelerometer'
In just over 3 months I've lost more weight (10 pounds) than I originally planned (7 pounds) by using a MyTrak accelerometer to track exercise duration and intensity. I've also lowered my resting heart rate from 68 to 50. I haven't been this in-shape since birth. I realized back in January tha...
That's good. Mig and Tig aren't the easiest welders to use. You might let the reads know you won't find them at the craft store.
My niece's first welding project - drop dead gorgeous eagle bracket
Welding is so cool. You can make a piece that's beautiful, permanent and deeply yours in almost no time. My niece Susanna did this on her very first day using a cutting torch and welder. I just love this. (Wire feed welders are like glue guns, except you get molten metal instead of gooey pla...
I've got enough crap on the bed as it is. I have to draw the line at furniture.
Build a DIY Wide, Adjustable Height IKEA Standing Desk on the Cheap
via lifehacker.com Since standing is the new sitting, a nice high desk seems like a good way to combat sedentary-ness.
I got to say, the Brits have class when they spam.
Bookshelf-printed wallpaper roundup : Remodelista
via remodelista.com This would make me crazy because the patterns are too obvious, but if someone came up with a less repetitious version it would be a fun way to mess with people's heads (and also appear well-read).
If it is a GFCI circuit, the blades can be up. The circuit will cut out at a microamp level breach which is harmless. Since many kitchen and bath appliances are designed with a plug for the pin down position, it's better to install the outlet to match the appliance.
Visit with a New Homeowner
I have a confession. A couple of months ago I met a lovely young woman named Jennifer Speedy. She had just bought her first home. She was anxious, yet suffused with anticipation. Maybe you've felt that way too. I got excited meeting Jen because I love first-time homeowners. They're full of ...
My sister's friends saw this.
http://aroundtheshop.net/2010/12/24/electrical-101-is-the-line-safe-to-work/
Guess what I'm doing this weekend?
Bookshelf-printed wallpaper roundup : Remodelista
via remodelista.com This would make me crazy because the patterns are too obvious, but if someone came up with a less repetitious version it would be a fun way to mess with people's heads (and also appear well-read).
Make you crazy?
Bookshelf-printed wallpaper roundup : Remodelista
via remodelista.com This would make me crazy because the patterns are too obvious, but if someone came up with a less repetitious version it would be a fun way to mess with people's heads (and also appear well-read).
Product Recall Notice: Tool can slip out of self centered mode and in to autonomous wander/kill mode. Tranquilize and return to vendor.
Find absolute center of any soft horizontal object with amazing new tool
Answers to 'Pandora'. Or tuna. [Thanks to Michael Ring for sharing this technology with ToolGirl.com]
This could save billions of man hours of labor each year and countless marriages.
Create floor plans, house plans and home plans online
via www.floorplanner.com Well this is pretty stinkin' hot for anyone who is moving, renovating,or thinking about building an addition. Or just for people who like to move their furniture around a lot. Or their walls. The 'personal edition' is free and is under-powered for creating detailed arc...
That's a very good call. They should be installed like smoke detectors, on the wall close to the ceiling. Unlike smoke detectors, you want to install them in areas such as boiler rooms and kitchens.
Also, many home security companies have added carbon monoxide detectors to their security systems. If you use such a company, you might want to check that you have CO detectors installed.
Fire safety: When your sprinklers are stalactites
via aroundtheshop.net If you're not sure if the fire safety in your dwelling is up to snuff, take a look at some ossified examples of 'NOT' from blogger Michael Ring.
It looks like they are aging steel. If you want to age brass, burn off the varnish like in the video and then get a oxy propane torch and create an oxidizing flame. Use just the outer third of the flame as the cone of the flame can melt the brass. Passing the flame over the brass will create a tarnish patina. You do want to make sure the piece you're treating is solid brass. Please note that the state of California has determined that Oxygen can be harmful to your health.
And gals, when you're buying that gun blue, pick up some Hoppe's No. 9. A little behind the ears drives the guys wild.
Fire & Acid Create Aged Hardware
via blogs.popularwoodworking.com What holiday season would be complete without getting out the propane torch and gun bluing? This super-short Popular Woodworking video is a fun primer on adding an expensive-looking patina to generic hardware. LOVE.
I ask as a single, never married guy. What are curtains?
Insanely cheap, gorgeous European curtain fabric
Richie is back! My favourite eBay source for dropdead gorgeous European fabric disappeared suddenly a few years ago to deal with some health problems. I missed him hugely, and now he's back. He ships to Canada and he's clearing out his entire UK warehouse to move to sunnier climes. He's a love...
I thought it looked cool, but after putting on my engineer hat, I keep getting the feeling that it might pull at the material being cut. My financial hat said it wasn't worth $30 to find out.
Besides, if God wanted man to cut things with a battery operated scissors, He wouldn't have invented the angle grinder.
ToolGirl's gifts for arty, crafty people [video]
Wouldn't want to be a Black and Wrecker, but I thought this was pretty cool.
ToolGirl's gifts for arty, crafty people [video]
The castrati seems more appropriate.
Scroll Sawed Wooden Bowls
via www.instructables.com Some people, like my friend Jeff Lumby, say that scroll saws are pussy tools. They're so wrong, because look at this groovy bowl design that you can make without owning a lathe.
Call it thinking outside the outside box.
I found a rabbit forum discussing how to make your own microwaveable heat pads and Snugglesafe was recommended. A reader posted about eugenol being toxic in large amounts.
I searched eugenol and ban and found an article about Canada and the EU banning eugenol.
http://forums.rabbitrehome.org.uk/archive/index.php/t-163925.html
ToolGirl's gifts for gardeners [video]
If you have a gardener in the family, here are some really cool new gifts they might like. Note: Since we shot this in October, Snugglesafe.ca's web site has disappeared so if you want one you'll need to start by asking your vet. Sorry about that - they're really fantastic and I had hoped they...
It means Christians support low fat protein sources.
Edouard Martinet - Lovely sculptures from metal scrap
via web.me.com Brilliant sculpture, mostly riveted together (I can't find any solder or welds) - like this fish made from spoons, spatulas, what looks like the private parts of a French horn and other metal scrap.
More...
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