Home Projects and Tool Basics
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DO-IT-YOURSELF
a resource for DIY projects
If you want to learn more about carpentry and tools this is a great place for you. I want to teach people the basics, so you can buy your own tools and do your own projects. This is a DIY website, but less about following instructions to build something and more about learning how to use tools properly and safely. Also, we have tutorials for home improvement projects and repairs. Everyone likes to get their hands dirty every now and again. This website is here to give inspiration and instruction for all your household or craft DIY needs. I am, myself an avid craftsman. As an ex-carpenter's apprentice and now a handyman, I love working with my hands. I also have tool recommendations. These aren't just reviews like you'll see around the web. My recommendations are more focused on what you actually need and how to go about buying a tool collection. I was always interested in the trades throughout my life. Everything always seemed so difficult. If something was broken, rest assure, I was calling a professional. But here's a little tip - MOST HOME REPAIR IS EASY. Sure, there are plenty of times where calling a professional is the best move, but not always. First off, tradesmen have minimums, almost always. Which makes sense, they can't drive across town 10 times and not make any money. That means that loose, leaky valve behind your toilet cost you $50. Or, with a crescent wrench and a pair of channel lock pliers you could've done it yourself. |
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This is more than just another do it yourself website. This is a "save yourself some money on labor" plan. I will continuously update this page with new step-by-step tutorials, plans for DIY projects, and reviews of tools or materials. I am merely here to inspire and teach in the simplest terms I can. This kind of work doesn't have to unenjoyable or boring if you don't want it to.
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Not Sure Where To Start?
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Head over to the tool basics section for a list of tools. Each one links to a page with a description of the tool, as well as tips to safely use them. From there you could head to our recommendations pages for those tools directly from that page. I have my own terms section in the tutorials area. So, any term you click links directly to my own definition and examples to help you clearly understand each term.
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If you're already pretty familiar with proper safe tool use, head over to the recommendations or tutorials pages. I'm always adding new things. Maybe I found a cool new system or tool that's new to the market. New technologies are always coming out and it's my job to make you aware when they come out and how to use them.
This website is monetized through an affiliation with Amazon. Basically just meaning, if you click a link leading to Amazon, I'll make a small commission. This is paid by Amazon not you, so the price remains the same for you. All of the Amazon ads I placed are there for a reason. They are advertising products I am personally advocating for. I do not take money from specific manufacturers. Therefore, you can rest assured, knowing I am giving you a non-biased recommendation.
This website is monetized through an affiliation with Amazon. Basically just meaning, if you click a link leading to Amazon, I'll make a small commission. This is paid by Amazon not you, so the price remains the same for you. All of the Amazon ads I placed are there for a reason. They are advertising products I am personally advocating for. I do not take money from specific manufacturers. Therefore, you can rest assured, knowing I am giving you a non-biased recommendation.
Tool Reviews are Recommendations
All reviews and recommendations are from me personally. This means a few things. Most importantly, these reviews, are just personal preference. I do research around the web, as well as, use most of the tools I recommend myself. One thing I can promise you about my recommendations, is there was no outside force determining my choices. Bosch, Dewalt, Milwaukee all great companies, but none of them pay me. The tools I choose have been chosen for unbiased reasons. And last but not least, I'm an honest person.
Now, I have used a lot of tools from a lot of different companies. Here's the deal, if you are getting tools from a top manufacturer, it's a good tool. Everyone has a company they tend to lean towards and that's great. In this world of battery powered, interconnected systems, it's good to choose a manufacturer and roll with it.
This isn't how I am. I do recommend finding a company you like for your cordless tools, but I have Dewalt this and Makita that, still I have some Milwaukee tools and Bosch things. But most of those are corded. I personally chose the Dewalt 20v Drill and impact driver, so all my cordless tools are Dewalt. Whenever I finally choose a company, I try another providers tool and am won over. The point is, don't stress. And remember while picking tools that a less expensive tool ALMOST always means a less efficient tool.
I just want to say one final thing about choosing your new tools. Always ask yourself, how much am I going to use this tool? From there you can decide if you need the big brand or could settle for something less expensive. You can save $200 on a 12" chop saw, but it probably wont last as long. If you're using it everyday you would be looking at models with more durable parts, but if you're only going to be using a tool every once and a while, getting a $400 saw probably isn't worth it (then again, they are really nice).
Now, I have used a lot of tools from a lot of different companies. Here's the deal, if you are getting tools from a top manufacturer, it's a good tool. Everyone has a company they tend to lean towards and that's great. In this world of battery powered, interconnected systems, it's good to choose a manufacturer and roll with it.
This isn't how I am. I do recommend finding a company you like for your cordless tools, but I have Dewalt this and Makita that, still I have some Milwaukee tools and Bosch things. But most of those are corded. I personally chose the Dewalt 20v Drill and impact driver, so all my cordless tools are Dewalt. Whenever I finally choose a company, I try another providers tool and am won over. The point is, don't stress. And remember while picking tools that a less expensive tool ALMOST always means a less efficient tool.
I just want to say one final thing about choosing your new tools. Always ask yourself, how much am I going to use this tool? From there you can decide if you need the big brand or could settle for something less expensive. You can save $200 on a 12" chop saw, but it probably wont last as long. If you're using it everyday you would be looking at models with more durable parts, but if you're only going to be using a tool every once and a while, getting a $400 saw probably isn't worth it (then again, they are really nice).