Tools & Equipment Features
How To: Pick the right lathes for turning big bowls
Barnum, a woodturning instructor at State University of New York in Purchase, shows off the powerful motors on these lathes, which offer high torque at low speeds -- ideal for turning big-diameter or off-balance work. He also demonstrates how the heft, speed control, and outboard turning capabilities make these lathes ideal for just about any turning project. Pick the right lathes for turning big bowls.
How To: Oil a paper shredder
In this video, we learn how to oil a paper shredder. You will want to oil this every time you have to dump out the waste basket of your shredder. A good way to oil it is to grab the oil and make a zig zag shape on a piece of paper, then place it into the shredder. It's good to do this because the shredder teeth are made out of metal and need to be oiled, or they will start to not work correctly. Make sure you purchase oil that is made for shredders, or you could put the wrong type and ruin yo...
How To: Use a finishing sander
In this online video series, learn how to use a finishing sander and how to maintain it, from woodworking instructor Jon Olson. He will teach you the parts of a finishing sander, and general safety and electrical safety for using a finishing sander. Jon will demonstrate how to replace the sandpaper of your finishing sander, how to hold your finishing sander, how to use proper sanding technique with a finishing sander, how to sand edges of wood using a finishing sander, how to use the power sw...
How To: Use the General Pipe Cleaners Easy Rooter Junior
General Pipe Cleaners Easy Rooter Junior is the right machine to clear washtubs, small floor drains, roof vents and other medium-size drains. This video will give you a general overview of the operating instructions and safety procedures for the easy Rooter Junior. Take a look.
How To: Buy jigsaws and jigsaw blades
A jigsaw is a powerful piece of equipment, and it can make your home repair projects go a lot faster. But what should you look for when buying a jigsaw? In this tutorial, Mark Donovan of HomeAdditionPlus.com explains what you should look for when you are going to purchase jigsaws and jigsaw blades.
How To: Build a base for a model ic or steam engine
Whenever a new project comes their way, many people tend to go out to the store in order to buy all the parts they need instead of checking what they already have. This can be costly and can easily be avoided if they do find certain items lying around the house.
How To: Care for your garden hose
Your garden hose can give you many years of good service if you treat it right. Learn how to properly care for your garden hose with this gardening how to video.
How To: Use a sawzall
Tim Carter demonstrates the usefulness and versatility of a sawzall. The easy tips in this video will help you better utilize your sawzall on the job.
How To: Place concrete tampers
Tampers are used to push large aggregate and rocks into the concrete surface. Watch this video from the Concrete Network to learn how to use this tool to place concrete that has large aggregate or what is called a harsh mix.
How To: Use a table saw the right way
Tim Carter shows how to use a table saw and explains its benefits at a project site. Tim's table saw has wheels on it showing the portability of the table saw.
How To: Use a circular saw properly
Tim Carter helps you get more out of your circular saws and make better cuts with these helpful tips and tricks. Very informative video shows a better way to avoid splitnering a curve your cuts.
How To: Build a craft table
In this video Ron Hazelton tells you how to build a craft table. By following each step carefully you will have a sturdy and proper table. Some of the things you will need are laminate, trim, nails, screws and stringers. Using these steps and creativity putting together a craft table is made easy.
How To: Use a circular saw to cut plywood
Watch this video to learn how to use a circular saw to cut ply wood. Do it the right way, without wasting material. The more teeth your saw has, the finer cut you will have.
How To: Remove router bearings on a Bosch 1611 and 1615
Knowing how to use a tool and how it works, is important for any handyman or contractor. This is important, because if anything happens, they'll be able to diagnose what the problem is and find a quick solution for fixing it. In this tutorial, you'll find out how to remove the bearings to a Bosch 1611 and 1615 router in case you need to. It's a tough project that requires you know how to remove certain parts and then know how to put it back together again. So good luck and enjoy!
How To: Use hand planes
Hand planes are the epitome of fine woodworking. Extreme woodworkers use them, and serious collectors collect them. Planes come in a wide variety of sizes, styles and designs for specific woodworking purposes. Planes are available made entirely of metal, or made of wood with metal blades and parts. In fact, you can buy the blades and make your own planes, as the old-timers often did. Planes can range in price from about $25 for new, economical models to planes that cost several hundred dollar...
How To: Make your own extension cord caddy out of a bucket
In this tutorial, we learn how to make an extension cord caddy out of a bucket. First, you will need an old bucket that you aren't using for anything else. Then, drill a 1" hole into the bucket on the bottom with a drill. Then, feed your extension cord through the hole in the bottom and place your extension cord in the bucket for transport. You can also place tools you need into the bucket. This is a lot more convenient than having to run around to pick up different tools. This is also a grea...
How To: Use a Rockwell reciprocating saw
Mark Donovan of Home Addition Plus goes over the key features and benefits of the Rockwell reciprocating saw with active vibration canceling technology. A reciprocating saw is a type of saw in which the cutting action is achieved with a push and pull reciprocating motion on the blade. A positive feature of the Rockwell is that there are no tools needed to replace the blade and it acts great with all materials including wood, metal, plastic, and/or aluminum.
How To: Set up and use a mortise router jig
A router jig is a handy tool for any woodmaker. It helps can clean messes that other tools may have caused and can be used to help finish certain wood projects. In this tutorial, you'll find out how to set up a router jig and then properly use it on any wood project that needs it. So sit back, pay attention, and enjoy! Set up and use a mortise router jig.
How To: Use a pocket hole jig in your home repair projects
Tim Carter, of Ask the Builder, demonstrates how to attach two pieces of wood that can be detached later on in your house project.
How To: Use an overhead projector for concrete coloring
An overhead projector can easily be used to transfer high-end graphics onto a concrete floor in preparation for saw cutting or coloring. Watch this video from the Concrete Network to see how.
How To: Iron a blazer on a PRIMULA Flex 1242 ironing table
In this video tutorial, you'll find a video demonstration of ironing a suit jacket with the PRIMULA Flex 1242 table and a Vapormat steam generator.The PRIMULA Flex 1242 ironing table has a working surface 120x42cm with a sleeve ironing buck. The board also features suction and blowing with stepless adjustment of air flowing, automatic interchange suction or blowing from the working surface to the buck in addition to heating of the working surface and buck. The technical parameters are as foll...
How To: Easily use a framing square
A framing square is a common tool that all carpenters use to help make accurate cuts. But many crafted woodworkers also use the framing square as well. Surprisingly, it can be used to make a perfect circle as well as an octagon. So in this tutorial, you'll find out how to use a framing square several different ways. Enjoy! Easily use a framing square.
How To: Protect and store a pressure washer during the winter
When storing your pressure washer for more than 30 days, it is important to take preventative steps to protect the pump and other components from damage caused by the cold temperatures. This home and harden How-to video will show you how to protect and store you pressure washer during the winter. Use a fuel stabilizer for your engine and remove all water from your washer before storing it. Protect and store a pressure washer during the winter.
How To: Use weed eaters and push & riding lawn mowers
In this series of expert videos, you will learn more about lawnmower maintenance. You will learn how to start your lawn mower as well as clean it and keep it free of dirt, rust, and grass clippings. Get tips on changing the oil and air filter on your lawnmower. Learn how to mix two-stroke fuel for your mower. Watch as our expert removes gas, foam filters, and dirty spark plugs from a lawnmower. When changing the blades of your lawnmower, use precautionary measures demonstrated in these videos...
How To: Choose a drill
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to choose a drill. There are 3 types of drills: cordless drills, electric drills and rotary hammer drills. cordless drills run on batteries and have a hammer setting. cordless drills are able to drill into concrete with mason drill bits. Electric drills last much more longer than cordless drills, but are limited by the extension reach. Rotary hammer drills are only used to drill into concrete. Some drills require a chuck key. Others have a key-less ch...
How To: Tune up a circular-saw
You don’t have to take your circular saw to the shop for a tune-up; we’ve brought the shop to you. Learn how to extend the life of your saw with simple cleaning and general maintenance. There's no 3,000 mile rule here, but if your saw starts running slower than normal, or you see sparks coming from the back of the housing, it’s time for a tune-up. Tune up a circular-saw.
How To: Use stair threads risers and the MFT by Festool
Home improvement tools and equipments make do-it-yourself enthusiasts' lives easier. Among these tools are the Festool MFT 1080 and saw. Watch this video tutorial to learn how easy it is to use the Festool MFT 1080 in conjunction with the Festool 55 saw to cut threads and risers for fitting in an exciting stairway.
How To: Use a portable table saw
Start building and remodeling with a portable table saw in this free construction tools and home construction repair video series.
How To: Setup and use the Festool LR 32 system
This video tutorial shows the setup and use of the Festool LR 32 system that can be used when building cabinets. This how-to video is a must-watch for all furniture and woodwork enthusiasts.
How To: Use a power edger for a well-manicured landscape with Lowe's
A gas-powered edger will give your lawn a finished professional look with a well-manicured appearance, without taking a lot of time or effort. An edger helps cut away weeds and grass that grows over sidewalks, patios, driveways and curbs. Plus it can get nice sharp looking edges for garden beds, pathways and roads to give your lawn a professional look. Lowe's home improvement expert, Mike Kraft, gives helpful tips on how to use a power edger.
How To: Use a corner sander
In this woodworking video series, our home improvement expert Jon Olsen tells you how to use the corner cat finish sander to smooth out the shop project you've been working on. He begins with an overview of workplace safety, covering work area safety as well as electrical and personal safety. Then he tells you how to identify individual parts and then how to selection the correct sanding pad for the job at hand. Don't know how to properly attach the dust bag?
How To: Be your own locksmith
Jim Koch has worked as a repo man and a locksmith. He gives you an insider's perspective on how to theft-proof your home by setting up surveillance systems and engraving your possessions. He also explains the basic workings of several kinds of locks and how to pick them. So next time you like lose your keys, you'll know exactly how to get in. And how to keep Big and his friends out.
How To: Use a torque wrench for a bicycle
Today's bikes are tough, but they're held together by fasteners that mustn't be stressed. Many components come with recommended torque settings. Breach these settings and you may void your warranty. It now makes sense to use torque wrenches. Torque is a measurement of torsion, a twisting force. A "torque wrench" has a spring-loaded indicator that gives a numerical readout of the amount of torque being applied through it.
How To: Choose 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.
How To: Build a basic tool box
In this series of instructional video clips you'll learn how to build the perfect tool kit for your home improvement needs. Expert Carolyn Saylors offers tips on choosing the right type of box to store your tools in, and shows you step-by step what tools are absolutely necessary to keep in your home. She explains the various types of screwdrivers, including torque and all-in-one models, the most commonly used types of pliers, wrenches and ratchet kits, drill bits, small saws, levels and hamme...
How To: Jump the battery on a lawn tractor
Just like a car, a lawn tractor comes with many parts that are usually found on a car. One of those parts is a battery. This is needed to get the lawn tractor started and ready for use. BUt like the car's battery, it can go dead sometimes and leave you in a sticky situation.
How To: Use an electric grass trimmer
In this landscaping video series, learn how to use an electric grass trimmer from expert Jon Olson. Jon will give you general safety precautions and electrical requirements for edging your lawn with an electric grass trimmer.
How To: Organize nails and hardware in disposable containers
Do you find your tool shed to be a little disorganized? Do you find yourself frustrated over is at least once a week? Ron Hazleton is here to help you, getting your screws, bolts, nails, fasteners, hardward (and more) neat and tidy using plastic food containers for storage.
How To: Maintain the guide bar on a chainsaw
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to maintain the guide bar of a chainsaw. Begin by removing the guide bar from the chainsaw. Unscrew the two nuts on the side of the saw and then remove the chain. Now rest the guide bar at an angle and scrape off the metal bur, using a flat file. Simply run the file down the guide bar until it is clear of any bur. Then use a tool to scrape any debris that is inside the groove of the guide bar. This video will benefit those viewers who are in the const...
How To: Choose a hand plane for woodworking
Learn about the most common, and popular, hand planes used by crafts people today. At first glance, the whole subject looks complicated, because there are dozens of major plane types and many different variations within each of those categories. But most accomplished woodworkers agree that there is a core list of planes that any woodworker should consider for their toolbox. This video introduces and demonstrates how to choose and select, and use five of the more useful handplanes used by cont...