Category Archives: Cool Projects

Residential Solar Power – Understanding The Basics Of Solar Panels

home solar panel illustration

It’s easy to say that anyone can build their own solar panel. With lots of tutoring that really is true. But the fact is, you really need to know what your doing. It’s not easy and It takes time, money and commitment to the project Continue reading

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I Have Green Algae In My Pool – The Challenge

Yesterday I cleaned the pool filters. I have a Hayward canister type filter system, so that was a simple matter of taking the filters to the car wash and hosing them down. I put the filters back in and started up the pump and set it for 24 hours filtration. Continue reading

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How To Build A Bookshelf On Top Of A Half Wall For Added Storage And Safety

unfinished_shelf

Here’s a half wall idea for both storage and safety where small children and 2nd floor half walls that overlook a first floor are concerned. This bookshelf project took about 25 working hours to complete and another 4 to 5 hours to install and apply the finishing touches. I worked on it over a two week period. They turned out looking great and are very strong. Continue reading

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What Exactly IS A Handyman Anyway? Or, Why The Heck Did I Become One?!

Salvatore_Vouno_Handyman_House

I think maybe lots of handymen must wonder why they do what they do. I know I have. After all, what possesses anyone to repair a toilet one day, and repair a roof the next, all the while maintaining a respectable degree of knowledge in both areas? Not to mention in the all the other areas they need to know a thing or two about. Continue reading

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Exterior Door Installation: How To Stain And Finish A Wood Door

using_steel_wool_for_fine_sanding

Recently I won my bid to install a new rear entry door on an older house. The homeowner loved the door she already had, but it had so many problems, it was highly impractical to repair it. It needed a new threshold, an entirely new jamb, and the original installer had cut the top of the door out of square to make it fit his make-shift jamb. I quoted to install a brand new, per-hung door and was able to find the exact same door. Continue reading

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