Rich

Rich Dana loves to build things, to tinker on things, and to grow things. After more than a decade as a historic building remodeler in Brooklyn, New York, he and his wife Ericka moved to their back-to-the-land dream home (and fixer-uper nightmare), an 1870s farmhouse on 15 acres in eastern Iowa that they call “Catnip Farm.” For the last 18 years, Rich has specialized in super-efficient historical renovations and solar PV installation. He is working to convert much of the farm into perennial food crops like nut trees and berries, and he helps Ericka out with her heirloom seed project. His latest passion is learning to sew.

Skil, Tools

Today’s Tongue Twister – See the Sassy New Skil Sidewinder Circular Saw

Most people call facial tissue “Kleenex.” Most carpenters call a circular saw a “Skilsaw.” Why? Because they were the first products of their kind. Coincidentally, both the Kleenex tissue and the first Skilsaw model E …

Written by: Rich

November 2, 2015

4 Comments

DIY Discussion, How To, Resources

Where the Wild Books Are – Public Domain DIY Classics

In the digital age, we have access to an immense amount of information on virtually every topic imaginable. Some might argue that we have way TOO MUCH information available. Nonetheless, if you are a do-it-yourselfer, …

Written by: Rich

October 16, 2015

Bosse Ergonomic Shovel – Will It Bury the Competition?

I have seen some wacky shovels in my day. It seems like every few years, someone tries to reinvent one of human’s oldest, simplest and most reliable tools. And not without good reason! Despite it’s …

Written by: Rich

October 6, 2015

3 Comments

Accessories, Rockler, Safety, Woodworking

Stop Duct Taping Your Dust Collection Hoses – Rockler Dust Right Kit Rocks

I have a confession to make. Once upon a time, I lost the one stupid adapter that would connect my Makita compound sliding miter saw to my shop vac hose. For years it was attached …

Written by: Rich

October 1, 2015

2 Comments

Bosch, Metalworking, Tools

To Die For – Bosch Electric Die Grinder

The Die Grinder. So simple, so elegant, so effective! When you are doing metalwork, there is just nothing else that is as versatile when it comes to getting into those difficult, tight areas. A long-time …

Written by: Rich

September 22, 2015

Detroit Maker Faire – Motor City Mayhem!

Detroit! The Motor City! Despite having fallen on some hard times, Detroit is still my favorite American city, and the 2015 Detroit Maker Faire was a perfect example of why I love the place. Great …

Written by: Rich

August 26, 2015

1 Comment

Gear, Rockler, Tools, Woodworking

Rockler Bandy Clamps – Spring Clamps That Don’t Suck!

Spring clamps. I have a love/hate relationship with them. For years and years, I only bought the old school metal spring clamps for a few specific uses around the shop. Inevitably, the little rubber boots …

Written by: Rich

August 21, 2015

1 Comment

Gardening, Kobalt, Tools

Kobalt 80v Blower – The Answer is Blowin’ in the Wind

Leaf blowers. Those screaming-loud, smoke-belching destroyers of weekend morning quiet. Of all tools in the entire world, these things are my least favorite. I just don’t get the attraction. Why do you need a leaf …

Written by: Rich

August 17, 2015

15 Comments

DIY Discussion, Featured, Gardening

Lasagna Gardening – Compostilicious!

Last year, I posted an article about double-digging, and how to turn some problem soil rapidly into a healthy garden that you could plant right away. Well, summer has flown by, and although I double-dug …

Written by: Rich

August 13, 2015

3D printers – Next Big Thing, or High-Dollar Techie Toy?

There is a whole lotta buzz out there about 3D printers right now. Folks are saying that 3D printing could be heralding in an era of “desktop manufacturing” echoing the major successes of desktop publishing …

Written by: Rich

August 7, 2015

1 Comment