According to the statistics, the router has become the do-it-yourselfer’s second-most popular electric woodworking tool, right behind the electric drill. There’s a good reason for that. The router is one of the most versatile tools you can own. Combine it with the right assortment of bits and it can make moldings, cut intricate joints, shape fancy edges, cut curves and circles, trim laminates, etc.
Dents, gouges and scratches: These blemishes stand out on a piece of fine furniture like a facial scar. They’re so obvious and so distressing that it’s hard to believe you can ever make things right again. But you can, using the same simple system used by professional finishers and repair shops.
Self-adhesive tapes come in a wide variety of types for a wide variety of uses. But if you use them only for their intended purposes, you will never realize their full potential. Masking tape is a good example. It’s made to keep paint from getting where you don’t want it. But it’s also a great help when you want to make smooth cuts with your power saw. How so?
If you are like most homeowners, you probably have some sort of workbench in the garage or basement. And you probably store all or most of your tools on a wall near that bench. That’s a good idea for the kinds of tools you’ll be using for benchtop work. But most electrical and plumbing repairs don’t take place at the bench. For that kind of work, you have to take your tools to the job.
If you can squeeze your fist, you’re well on your way to becoming an expert with blind rivets. These nifty fasteners – commonly called Pop Rivets, after the most popular brand – are a quick, strong way to fasten anything from sheet metal to wood and leather. If you don’t already use them, you can get started with a pack or two of rivets, plus a special riveting tool.