Recent content by ct01r

I usually use plastic laminate (Formica). I can clean up spills super easy, it's free to me (last guy that lived here left several sheets), and pretty durable. Curt

Nice! I have an old Oliver band saw, and have tried various blade guides, but haven't been able to get anything to fit. Yours looks great! curt

I like using wood. I have thin luan subfloor on my walls. Holds paint well, and is extremely easy to work with. I've also seen tongue and groove flooring/siding used, which has the advantage of being thick enough to screw things to (small signs and other decorations). You can go for the...

Joe, I love the way you're fixing up your shop, and agree with everyone else that it's an asset to town. Thanks for taking the time to show us all the pictures, not only of your place, but the rest of the town too! Keep up the great work! Curt

I just had metal vertical siding installed a month ago over my wood vertical siding and the contractor installed it right on top of the wood, no lathe for air space or anything. The put the Tyvek paper moisture barrier down first, then screwed the new siding right down. Curt

I have 2 Workmates, and 1 cheaper version. Have also used friends' cheaper versions. The Workmates win hands down. Stronger, steadier, etc. I like using them for larger projects (painting doors, etc.) so they'll sit in the corner for a year or so, then get used regularly for a month. I like...

I put Hardee's cement siding on mine. Looks like T-111 siding (even has wood grain), comes primed and lasts a long time. You still have to paint it, though. Mine's been up for about eight years, still looks good. Some insurance companies will give you a discount for having non-combustionable...

I've used formica for some of my work benches. It won't take any abuse (hammering, etc.), but it's great for painting items on it, gluing up projects, etc. It's flat, cleans up easily, and easy to install. I often see whole counter tops on craigslist for a nominal price, or even free. Curt

Bayer makers a weed killer that includes something for crabgrass. It's pretty effective on my lawn. If I have a bad problem with crabgrass, I usually try to spray the Bayer a day or so before we get a good soaking rain. That way the crabgrass is on the way out, and the lawn has a chance to...

I second the motion for the Weller dual temp (or 3rd, or 4th, etc.). I'd also suggest dual clamps for holding the wires. I'm not computer savvy enough to post a picture, but you can buy clamps that either clamp to a bench, or use weight to keep it still. Twist the wires together, clamp one...

We have a 7500w generator we put in the barn, to be rolled outside under roof for actual use. It's 300 feet from the house, and we haven't had any problem with it. Unfortunately, I can't tell you the copper wire size. We installed PVC conduit underground years ago before we paved our...

Thought I'd add my two cents: you may not want to hold that over your feet when you're only wearing sandals. Curt

Don't use Roundup on your lawn; it'll kill EVERYTHING. Bayer makes a spray that will kill weeds (broadleafs) and crabgrass, but not harm your lawn. I buy it at Lowes, and use it several times a year. I have 3 acres, but use the spray as a spot treatment. Works pretty well, but it may not be...