Posted by Bob Bulmer on Fri 15th August 2008 at 06:00 AM, Filed in Tools
1. If you’re smoothing a piece of timber, simply hold it firmly within a vice or brace using a workbench.
2. Push down on the front end of the plane at the beginning of each stroke.
3. Try and make sure you keep an even pressure as you push the plane.
4. Ease up the pressure towards the end of each stroke.
5. If you’re planing an edge, carefully use push down on the front of the plane whilst guiding it with a flat palm gently pressed to the side.
6. Be careful. Using a plane is straightforward but fraught with danger.
If you are thinking about decorating your child’s bedroom then you should probably consider the very simple to use Room Makeover Kits available.
Here are examples of 2 very different kit themes, Outer Space stickers are ideal for decorating a whole room and Wish Upon a Star stickers are better for making feature walls or furnishings.
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The best thing about the wall kits is that there are no glues, no mess and no fuss. The effect is a transformation from boring to bold in a matter of minutes. The stickers are vinyl pre-cut self adhesive stickers which can be applied or removed without fuss, they are also washable. You can expect up to 96 stickers per box all of different sizes and colours.
The room themes come in four ‘Original’ themes:
• Undersea Adventure
• Funky flower
• Outer Space
• Jungle Safari
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Everybody thinks that by adding any sort of space to your home - it will add value. Well sorry to disappoint, but that’s not always the case.
Done well, loft conversions can yield vast amounts of space and add value to boot. Done badly, they can cost serious money and add negligible if any value.
Here are some things to bear in mind:
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Posted by Bob Bulmer on Mon 11th August 2008 at 06:00 AM, Filed in Plumbing
I came across the tubular S trap when I was trying to sort out a plumbing problem recently. I wasn’t sure what it was and I’m sure you might be scratching your head right now - so here’s a quick info point on what it is:
Essentially it’s a two piece trap that’s used with a basin or sink for waste egress. The S connotations are obviously derived from the shape....
Usually problems occur at the connections and can be resolved by new rubber o rings or a tightening of the connector points.
Posted by Bob Bulmer on Fri 8th August 2008 at 06:00 AM, Filed in Construction
For me, gravel is one of the most elegant surfaces you can have. It looks good, it’s cheap and it adds security...... a burglar creeping up your driveway in the early hours of the morning will find it difficult not to be heard.
Usually a mix of course sand and small stones works best on a firm surface. Available in various sizes and shades.
You will need approximately 1 ton of gravel to cover 15 square metres. The sub base for a drive or path should be 100mm of compacted hardcore topped by 20 mm of sand.
I would say that the only problems with gravel are that it can be difficult to push things over it and you’ll need to rake it over now again to keep it tidy. Also, have some consideration as to how you’re going to keep the weeds away…
