When thinking about DIY, we normally don’t envision big or expensive machinery to do the job. There are times, however, when it’s really nice to have. There are some really good reasons for Water Jet cutting (or laser cutting), instead of the normal DIY methods.
Tools
Successful Threads With A Die
While the Tap & Die go hand in hand as threading tools, they’re very different in the way they work. There are also different tricks for success. So, let’s talk success tips for making external threads with a die.
9 Essential Tools For Your DIY Shop
We’ve been asked many times about “What are the most essential tools for your shop?” Well, that’s a hard question, because frustration and wailing are the result when the right tools are not available.
Get Thread Tapping Straight
A Tap and Die set is a near must for a DIY fab shop. While the thread creating functions are pretty easy to visualize, sometimes getting the tread to start straight and run true is a different matter.
Which Welder To Buy?
“I’m looking to build one of your trailers, but I need to know which welder to buy?” or “What type of welder do I need – 110 or 220 volt?” and “What about other projects from your site that may pique my interest?”
4 Pressing Issues
A shop press is a fantastic tool, and when you need it, there’s not much that can really substitute. On the other hand, we need to keep things in order because when things go bad, they can easily go really bad in a hurry.
Solutions! Found A Cool Air Chuck
Ever find something that wasn’t really a big deal, but you got pretty excited about it anyway? Me too. Found this fun tire inflation air chuck kind of by accident
Aligning Misaligned Holes
Despite your best efforts, sometimes the holes you drill for a project will not quite align with those in the mating parts. It is maddening, and often you feel dumb because it is messed up, but there are ways to fix
Storage Solution For Clamps
Storage space is a high priority in my shop. Maybe in yours too? It’s not that there is not enough space, it’s the prime space where tools are super accessible for any moment
Air Tools Lost & Found
A simple Solutions! reader submission for easy access and organization of his common Air Tools. Simple enough to build in an hour, and great enough to keep . . . forever. Try this.
What is Your DIY Legacy?
Who influenced your creativity and Do-it-Yourself enthusiasm? Was it your dad? A shop teacher? Or a neighbor that was into cool projects?
The Right Tools – Metalworking Files
Often misused and not very well understood — so goes the life of many metalworking files. Yet, they still do things other tools can’t. That makes them a tool worth knowing!
Force, Displacement & Bloody Knuckles
Is there anything more annoying (painful and frustrating) than busting a knuckle when working on things in the shop? To many of us, blood sacrifices are just part of getting a project done, but it doesn’t have to be that way. This article is NOT about iron gloves or
Do It Yourself, And Use The Right Tools !!
Fun side story about finding the right tools for a do-it-yourself (with a friend) in automotive repair. This story is not about building great new Do It Yourself projects, but it illustrates the need to have (borrow, or rent) the right tools for the job.
The Twisted Truth
Need a hole? Many of our plans require drilled holes, so here are some Tips about drilling in metal, like steel, as well as in wood, and other materials.