The World of Concrete held every February in Las Vegas is one of the most fun trade shows that I attend. Besides providing a welcome respite from the Colorado cold at the peak of winter, it gives me a chance to run a lot of power tools and equipment in a hands-on setting. Most of the tool brands get booths outdoors in the front parking lot of the convention center to allow show participants to drill, chip, break, and cut concrete to their hearts’ content. A few of the major brands bring their full line of corded and cordless construction tools as well as their related accessories so folks can also try out the latest circular saws, impact drivers, and bits and blades. And it all takes place in a carnival-like atmosphere with the sun shining, the music blaring, and excited attendees shouting over the din of dozens of jackhammers. [Read more...]
World of Concrete 2013 – Power Tools and Accessory Highlights
Drywall 101
Drywall, wall board, sheetrock, gypsum board, plaster board, Gyproc or Gib. It’s a building material that comes in many forms and has many names, but they all share virtually the same design that’s been in effect since 1888. Without it, most houses in the US would be nothing more than framing. It’s Drywall and you either love it or you hate it. Read on for everything you’ve ever wanted to know about drywall, and more! [Read more...]
Radarcarve – No Relation to that Golden Earring Song
Perhaps it is a little outdated but does anyone remember that Golden Earring song Radar Love? You know “I’ve been drivin’ all night, my hand’s wet on the wheel. There’s a voice in my head that drives my heel. It’s my baby callin’, says I need you here. And it’s a half past four and I’m shiftin’ gear…Don’t need no phone at all. We’ve got a thing called Radar Love.” It’s a great song, you gotta love the Dutch! Regardless of whether you remember that song (or like it), this article has nothing to do with it. Instead, we’re here to talk about Radarcarve. If you’re a woodworker you might want to keep reading, and we promise note to quote any more lyrics. [Read more...]
Tool News Nirvana – Makita Xtract Vac, Veto Pro Pac, DeWalt Handheld Radar, Senco Collated & More
G’Day tool mates! You are cordially invited to another thick-as-a-brick edition of Tool News Nirvana. In this heavy-duty edition, you’re invited to take a look at Makita’s new Xtract Vac jobsite wet/dry vacuum, the Veto Tech Pac-1 (a unique backpack for your tools), DeWalt’s 12 volt Max lithium ion hand-held radar scanner, Zircon’s Metalliscanner rebar finder and Senco’s 2” DuraSpin collated Screwdriver. So settle in and get ready for a trip down under (this paragraph) and check out the latest tools this month has to offer. [Read more...]
Nine Products That Should Be On YOUR Bucket List – A Five Gallon Free-For-All!
In the movie “The Bucket List,” terminally ill Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman hit the road and attempt to do as much as possible from their “bucket list” before they kick the bucket. That’s all well and good, except for the part where you have to die at the end. Here’s a bucketful of products to help you get organized, give you a comfy work perch, and even help with that middle-of-nowhere call of nature. And best of all, you get to LIVE! [Read more...]
5 Sweet DIY Valentine’s Day Gifts
Well, it’s almost time for that major obligatory holiday many of us end up celebrating, whether we like it or not; Valentine’s Day. I don’t mean to sound disconnected or disheartened but I just think if we were to celebrate the holiday a little truer to historical events, well, it would be a bit darker than chocolates and heart shaped antacids. With that said, here are five pretty awesome yet manageable DIY gifts you can still manage to do without spending half your paycheck and a full day waiting in line at the Hallmark Store. [Read more...]
Rod Busting101 – Tying, Bending and Shaping Steel for Concrete Footers
So you think your job is tough? Try being a rod buster. These iron working heavyweights have to lift, tie and bend steel rebar all day long in the hot sun while being bent over or crouched for the majority of the time. Imagine going to the gym and lifting free-weights all day, 5-7 days a week. But instead of just lifting the weights, you’ve got to bend and tie them together. But don’t just think it’s all dumb muscle. These guys follow blueprints and schematics that make Chinese algebra look like third grade addition. [Read more...]
Installing Under Cabinet Lighting – A Flash of Brilliance For Your Kitchen
Hearing scary scrabbling noises coming from your kitchen at night? Need some task lighting while slicing and dicing your empty beer cans and rusty nails with your Ginsu knives? Often, the light from overhead kitchen fixtures leaves a lot to be desired. It may be coming from flickering fluorescent fixtures, or recessed lights that don’t quite hit the G-spot (that’s G for Ginsu…). You may even have a sad, underpowered little unit like the one at left, begging to be replaced. Fortunately, if you have upper cabinets, it’s pretty easy to get lit up; the recessed area under most upper cabinets provides the perfect platform from which to light up your world. [Read more...]
Saving Green while Going Green
Going green with spray foam insulation
Wood Pellets On Steroids – Tacoma Firelogs
Wood pellet stoves have been an increasingly popular fireplace alternative in recent years. They are highly efficient, and make use of wood pellets that burn more cleanly, with less ash, and with higher heat output than conventional cordwood. But not all of us have wood pellet stoves. For the rest of us, there’s the Tacoma Firelog. We ran into the folks from Tacoma Firelogs at a recent National Hardware Show and they sent us some of their product for a test drive. I know what you’re thinking. San Diego isn’t exactly known for being an ideal test location for products that warm you up. [Read more...]
