Tile Drilling Tip

Bob Schmidt shows you a simple tip that will help you from dulling drill-bits during drilling of hard tile.

Woodworker's Guide to Sharpening: All You Need to Know to Keep Your Tools Sharp

Step-by-step expert instructions and visual aids teach woodworkers the characteristics of steel, carbide, and ceramic while showing how to sharpen any device, from planes, chisels, cabinet scrapers, and drill and router bits to saws, axes, knives, and turning and carving tools. Readers will benefit from a detailed discussion on the four types of bench stones as well as a thorough resource of websites and contact information. An additional chapter presenting a peek at the sharpening setups of some of America’s best professional woodworkers—including James Krenov, Sam Maloof, and David Marks—is also provided.

Available at Amazon.com.

Shoulder Plane Techniques

Step up to precision-fit mortise-and-tenon joints with the shoulder plane. Master Furnituremaker Tim Peters demonstrates the techniques.

How and When to Use a Vise Grip

A vise grip is an inexpensive and useful tool that you will make your life a lot easier. See how to operate a vise grip.

Precision Cuts With Basic Tools

Glue-joint-ready cuts don't require expensive tools. See how you can make an easy guide for straight cuts and jointed edges with just a circ saw and router.

How to Use a Biscuit Joiner

Learn How to Use a Biscuit Joiner in this free woodworking lesson from our expert carpenter and furniture maker.

How to Safely Use a Hammer

Hammers are helpful around the house, unless you're the type to smash your thumb whenever you use one. Find out how to hold and use a hammer safely.

How to Use a Jigsaw

Many home projects require cutting, and the jigsaw is a great tool that's easy to operate when you have to start sawing. See how to use a jigsaw in three simple steps.

How to Remove Rust From Tools

Tools can last for years if you take care of them. But don't worry; if your favorite shovel has gotten a tad rusty, it's a snap to make tools shiny as new.

Laser Levels

Mark Donovan of HomeAdditionPlus.com reviews Laser Levels and how they can be used for hanging pictures, installing chair rail, or mounting electrical outlets and switches.

How to Clean a Portable Thickness Planer

Learn how to clean a portable thickness planer - free video clip.

General Safety with a Portable Thickness Planer

Learn about general safety rules when working with a portable thickness planer - free video.

How to Remove Stuck Fasteners

Popular Mechanics senior home editor Roy Berendsohn demonstrates some simple tricks to remove stuck fasteners - nails and screws.

Diamond Cuts With Tile Saws

In this free video clip, learn about safely using a tile saw, and how to do a diamond cut with a tile saw.

Miter Saw Basics

In this free video clip, learn how to properly and safely use a miter saw.

Right Angle Cuts With Tile Saw

In this video, learn about safely using a tile saw, and how to do a right angle cut with a tile saw.

Yard Work Accidents are Common This Time of Year – Here are 7 Tips to Stay Safe

This time of year, you can’t help but notice the chainsaws buzzing and the hum of wood chippers reducing twigs, branches and what were once towering trees into mulch. Not to mention, the noise coming from edgers, rototillers and other machines working hard to get the yard ready for winter. As long as the weather is nice, do-it-yourselfers will be out in force cleaning up yards across the country.

If you’re planning to join the ranks, be sure to take the time to study up on safety precautions before operating equipment like chainsaws, chippers and edgers. They can be dangerous if you don’t take the proper safety measures.

Since January 2000, there have been dozens of claims involving people who were injured while using rented yard equipment, according to ARA Insurance Services, an insurance company owned by the American Rental Association. Here’s the breakdown:

Wood chipper accidents -- 11 claims
Chain saw accidents -- 12 claims
Log splitter accidents -- 11 claims
Accidents involving rototillers -- 6 claims
Stump grinder accidents -- 6 claims

Don’t become the next statistic. Make sure you know how to operate the equipment before getting started.

A good place to turn for safety advice when it comes to using these machines is the very place you get the equipment -- your local equipment rental store. When you arrive, tell the person behind the counter what you want to accomplish and they will help you find the equipment you need to get the job done. Rental store employees are also regularly trained on using the equipment and can provide you with plenty of tips for proper and safe use.

“Employees at equipment rental stores are an excellent source for information when it comes to figuring out how to operate equipment correctly,” said Chris Wehrman, CEO of the American Rental Association, the trade association for the rental industry. “Safety is a top priority among our member businesses, and store owners go to great lengths to ensure that employees are regularly trained on proper use of equipment and machinery.”

If, for example, you’re planning to cut down a pine tree with a trunk that’s three feet in diameter, they will help you find the proper saw and show you the right way to handle it. You’ll likely be urged to first clear away dirt, debris, small limbs and rocks from the area you’re planning to cut. Then before turning on the saw, to check controls, chain tension and all bolts and handles to ensure they are functioning properly. You’ll also be instructed to wear protective equipment when operating the saw, which includes hand, foot, leg, eye, face, hearing and head protection.

Chippers can also be dangerous when they aren’t handled in the correct way. A machine that is powerful enough to chew up tree limbs and then spit them out as little chips can easily do the same to a hand or arm, according to ARA Insurance Services.

The Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration put together these seven tips to keep in mind while operating a chipper:

1. Never reach into a chipper while it is operating.

2. Do not wear loose-fitting clothing around a chipper.

3. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and safety instructions.

4. Use earplugs, safety glasses, hard hats and gloves.

5. Protect yourself from contacting operating chipper components by guarding the infeed and discharge ports, and preventing the opening of the access covers or doors until the drum or disc completely stops.

6. Maintain at least two tree or log lengths between chipper operations and other workers.

7. If your chipper is jammed, make sure the engine is turned off when you try and remove the shrub or branch.


No matter what kind of equipment you’re renting, chainsaws, chippers or some other tool, be sure to ask the clerk you’re dealing with to include the instruction manual and any safety information they may have. To find the rental store nearest you, log on to www.RentalHQ.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Shovels

Tim Carter, of http://AsktheBuilder.com, demonstrates how to choose the right shovel for the right job.

How to get the most from your stud finder

Bob Schmidt shows you how to properly use a stud finder in you home remodeling projects.

Pressure Washer Basics

A pressure washer is a fantastic tool, but if used incorrectly can cause many problems. Tim Carter of AsktheBuilder.com demonstrates the basics about pressure washers and power washers so you get excellent results without hurting your property or yourself.