Post Leveling Tool

By Robert Robillard

  Fence post and column level On a recent porch rehab project I had to replace the two bottom newel post.  If you ever had to replace a porch newel post or set a new mail box post or column you know that you need three hands and two levels! columns, newels and mailbox posts…

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Use A Stair Calculator

By Robert Robillard

Recently my friend Todd at Home Construction Improvement wrote an article about how to build stairs. He recently put together a sweet Excel spreadsheet that helps you quickly calculate the total number of risers, riser height and tread run for stairs. You can download the FREE Stair Calculator here. All I ask is that you…

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Cutting Deck Balusters

By Robert Robillard

This week I was rebuilding a porch and needed to make 20 porch balusters all the same size.  this article is about cutting deck balusters so they are all the exact same size! Cutting Porch Balusters: 1.  Make a stop block that is 2-3″ higher than the miter saw cutting table. 2.  Screw your miter…

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Cutting Plywood To Size Using A Saw Guide

By Robert Robillard

Cutting Plywood Sheets Making a straight in plywood can be difficult. Instead of free-hand cutting with a circular saw, using a guide can can produce table saw straight cuts. A simple shop-made guide is easy to make out of a couple of strips of plywood scrap with two clamps. There are several different types of commercial…

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How To Build A Bookcase

By Robert Robillard

Convert A Closet Into A Built-in Bookcase Recently I was asked to convert two closets into built-in storage shelves or bookcases.  This article is on How To Build A Bookcase. Both built-ins were to be painted to match the rest of the room they were going in.  I came up with a plan to built the…

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Repetitive Cuts Using A Stop Block

By Robert Robillard

Stop Blocks For Multiple Same Size Cuts It is hard to beat a crosscut fixture sled for making cross cuts SAFELY on the table saw. You can make your sled cut with  zero tolerance to the blade for less tear-out and accurate cuts. I make repetitive cuts using a stop block, here’s how. Table saws are not well…

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Preventing Halloween-Related Injuries

By Robert Robillard

This Halloween before allowing your kid to run out of the house with their costume take a minute to assess whether it is a safe costume to wear. Safe Halloween Practices What do I mean?   Select a costume and related decorations that will not burn, cause a fall or a laceration injury. Taking a…

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General Electric Dishwasher Recall

By Robert Robillard

GE Recalls Dishwashers Due to Fire Hazard The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product. Name of…

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