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iOS 18 Tips, Tricks, How-Tos, News

News: Build Your Own Civilization with the Global Village Construction Set

If it takes a village to raise a child, you can imagine what it takes to raise a village! In brief: a whole lot! Thanks to the folks behind the Open Source Ecology movement, however, starting your own self-sufficient community has never been easier! Taking free software as a model, the group is working on what they call the Global Village Construction Set—"a fully integrated [and freely reproducible] set of machines for creating a self-sufficient modern life from the resources of a small amou...

How To: Better install automatic sprinkler systems

Sprinkler Daddy's Sean Stefan explains automatic sprinkler systems in a nutshell. You'll see how to better install automatic sprinkler systems with a little sprinkler knowledge. It's a lot easier to envision yourself installing your own underground sprinkler system if you know basically what's involved. So, to make your landscaping needs less in the future, and your grass beautiful and greener than ever before, just watch this educational piece.

How To: Use an arc weld

In this instructional video series, learn both safety tips and beginning welding techniques for shielded metal arc welding. Perfect for novice welders, these lessons cover basics like running a bead of weld, closed vessel safety, electrode care and maintenance, helmet safety, and how to strike an arc every time. Learn how to weld the right way!

How To: Get tips for beginning arc welding

In this instructional video series, learn both safety tips and beginning welding techniques for shielded metal arc welding. Perfect for novice welders, these lessons cover basics like running a bead of weld, choosing the right electrode for the job, helmet safety, and how to strike an arc every time. Learn how to weld the right way!

How To: Install a drip irrigation watering system

Check out this landscaping video tutorial to see how to install a drip irrigation watering system. You'll need this if you want to keep your garden looking great. You will have to poke a hole in the pipe for every shrub. Then, you'll need to install a coupler. This drip irrigation installation is explained in simple English by Sprinkler Daddy's Sean Stefan.

How To: Straight pipe your small tractor engine

In this tutorial, we learn how to straight pipe your small tractor engine. First, insert a one inch screw pipe to your exhaust, then connect pipes into it so it connects to the back of the vehicle. You will need to install several elbow pipes as well as longer straight pipes. The pipes should reach the end of your tractor out of the tires. Make sure it's secured tightly to the floor boards and screwed in on the bottom of the tractor. You can experiment with different types and shapes of pipes...

How To: Make a butter knife out of sycamore wood

In this tutorial, we learn how to make a butter knife out of sycamore wood. First, you will take a log then you would split it in half. After this, cleave off a flap off of this. Next, take a knife to flatten it out. Take the width down so it isn't thick anymore. Use a knife to sharpen out the knife so it will be sharp enough to cut into something. Mark the shape so it is in an arrow shape, then make the end of it into a handle shape so you can hold it. When finished, you will have a homemade...

How To: Get techniques for tig, mig and arc welds

In this video clip series, our expert will demonstrate the ways in which you prepare a welding machine, manage voltage and energy levels as well as techniques for the different modes of operation and equipment. Learn how to use the weld supplies, tig, wig and arc welds and more. Techniques such as the “Push and Pull” are explained and demonstrated, as well as basic information such as setting up the welding machine and an introduction to the gases used for welding are included.

How To: Change Lawn Mower Oil

For some people, Spring and Summer, are two of the most busiest times for a cutting grass. The best tool to use of course, the lawn mower. These useful machines make cutting so much easier and keep your yard free of any mulch. But one of the importat aspect of owning a lawn mower, is keeping it maintained. So in this tutorial, you'll find out how to change the lawn mower oil easily. This should be done about once a year. So good luck and enjoy!

How To: Collect dust and stay clean when drilling

Drilling is always a messy job. Some just drill and leave the mess behind to clean up later. Some require someone to stand next to them with a vacuum cleaner, sucking up the dust as they drill. But to eradicate the extra manpower, and to clean up your mess as you drill, try something a little simpler... a mere piece of paper.

How To: Check your lawn tractor's battery

If you are having a hard time with starting your lawn tractor, there may be several reasons behind this. One being the battery. Just like a car, the battery brings life to your lawn tractor and makes sure that is is working properly. Without the battery, you can't use your machine.

How To: Replace trimmer fuel lines

Replacing a fuel line, is a common practice when it comes to dealing with outdoor tools and equipment. In this tutorial, you'll be focusing on a trimmer fuel line. It's a difficult task that can take some time to complete, but the end result will be a much more efficient working device that will save you time and money. So check out the tutorial above and good luck!

How To: Operate a router to refinish cabinets

A router makes a great tool to have when working on fine finish work. This Home & Garden how to video demonstrates the proper operation and use of the router for finishing work on cabinets. Remodeling your home doesn't have to be such a daunting task. Create beautifully rounded edges and trims with a router.

How To: Cut a bolt and save the threads

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to cut a bolt and save the threads. The materials required for this task are: a hacksaw, steel bristle brush, bolt cutters, wrench, oil and a filer. Begin by putting some oil onto the threads of the bolt. Then place the saw on the desired groove and cut across through the thread. Now brush it with the steel bristle brush to remove the debris. Finish by removing the excess metal with the filer and unscrew the bolt(s). This video will benefit those view...

How To: Sharpen a jack knife or wood carving knife

This video shows you how to sharpen a jack knife or wood-carving knife using coarse, medium, and fine stones and cooking oil. Use the coarse stone, applying oil to the stone first then pushing the knife down on the stone in each direction, matching the bevel to the stone. Next is the medium stone. Add oil before continuing the sharpening process. Apply cooking oil to the fine stone and finish the sharpening process. Using a leather strop will remove any burrs and polish the knife.

News: Copy a key with a Coke can

Attention cheapskates and locksmith apprentices, this key copying solution is stunningly simple. We've really mulled over this one. As you can read in the comments below, people struggle with executing this successfully. But it can and will work. You just have to modify your key to fit your needs.

How To: Polish out aluminum

In this DIY video tutorial, learn how to polish aluminum using greasless and greased abrasives. It is extremely important to have the right equipment and a well-made breathing respirator as this process can be very dangerous and toxic. The products and tools used in this video to polish a piece of sand blasted aluminum, can be found at www.englishcustompolish.com.

How To: Use a reciprocating saw

In this instructional video series, learn the proper, safe way to use a reciprocating saw. Our expert will give you tips and techniques for doing metal and wood cutting work in a variety of settings. Demonstrations include important safety guidelines for saw use, choosing the reciprocating saw blade that is right for the job, how to replace a blade, and how to cut wood and metal.

How To: Use a table saw with Skil & Lowe's

In this video we learn how to use a table saw with Skil & Lowe's. The rip cut and the cross cut are two cuts that are most useful. A rip cut goes with the grain of the board to cut it to width. The cross cut goes against the grain and cuts it to length. First, position the board next to the blade and then raise the blade. The blade should be just above where the board is at. Slide the rip ends over to the dimensions you want and then lock it down. Put your safety glasses on, then turn on the ...