Do It Yourself
Plans and tips for making almost anything, including exciting woodworking projects.
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11/17/2009 4:22:35 PM
Save on your heating bills and keep your home warmer this winter with this easy-to-make handy fireplace draft stopper.
11/17/2009 10:48:23 AM
Geoff Taylor talks about his childhood love of tools, his impressive collection of hammers and the first step in his plan for repairing an old friend.
11/12/2009 4:51:38 PM
Solar expert Gary Reysa has been developing and testing DIY solar projects for the last nine years. He’s designed and built projects to heat his house, water and garage workshop. Each project is carefully tested for efficiency. We asked Reysa how he developed his expertise and his favorite projects, plus his advice for other solar tinkerers.
11/9/2009 10:52:14 AM
Geoff Taylor reflects on his survival of a bizarre accident, his gratitude for life and his hypergraphia.
11/9/2009 10:25:37 AM
Geoff Taylor thanks the publications that inspired his writing career.
11/9/2009 10:05:59 AM
Geoff Taylor laments the frequency of ladder accidents that happen as a result of neglecting necessary precautions, such as wearing sturdy shoes and always have a spotter.
11/6/2009 3:13:03 PM
Need more storage space? Who doesn’t? Make better use of the space you have available with some shelves. Building free-standing shelves is easy and can be inexpensive. This is a great woodworking project for beginners.
11/5/2009 3:10:36 PM
You can build this simple, light-weight roof rack to transport your bicucles.
10/30/2009 4:27:12 PM
Put up a pole building (or pole barn) for a fast, solid and cost-effective workshop, storage space or livestock shelter. Learn how to build your own pole building — as a barn, garage or other space — with these simple instructions, construction photos and an illustrated diagram of parts. Have you built a pole barn? Tell us and other readers about your building experience in the comments section.
10/30/2009 12:49:02 PM
Put a barrel or two on wheels and you can feed your flocks and herds with ease, including diagrams, photographs and instructions.
10/29/2009 11:30:50 AM
Human-powered machines are great for the environment. They use no fossil fuels, plus they make some mundane jobs enjoyable. Learn how to build a human-powered snowplow with these step-by-step instructions. From the December 2009/January 2010 Country Lore department.
10/29/2009 9:31:45 AM
The parts of a worn-out treadmill can be reused in many ways. From the December 2009/January 2010 Country Lore department.
10/29/2009 9:21:55 AM
You can use a credit card as a windshield scraper or to scrape pots. From the December 2009/January 2010 Country Lore department.
10/28/2009 4:16:34 PM
Keep your outdoor cats safe and warm in the winter with this three-bale insulated cat house. From the December 2009/January 2010 Country Lore department.
10/28/2009 12:03:11 PM
You can use discarded beef, chicken and pork fat to make the base for cakes for suet feeders. From the December 2009/January 2010 Country Lore department.
10/28/2009 10:19:02 AM
You can store more and save more money by building a food pantry to hold a few weeks’ supply of canned and dry foods. From the December 2009/January 2010 Country Lore department.
10/27/2009 3:07:54 PM
You can build this handy folding camp chair/game board from one piece of oak lumber. From the December 2009/January 2010 Country Lore department.
10/27/2009 11:08:08 AM
“If I Had a Hammer,” Andrea Ridout’s DIY home improvement guide, is helpful to both expert and novice, homeowner and renter. Let this book assist you in completing your own projects instead of hiring professionals, and save!
10/21/2009 1:51:50 PM
You can fabricate this metal log lifter to make firewood cutting easier and safer.
10/16/2009 3:07:00 PM
If you are planning to build a backyard deck, consider whether the best strategy for footings is using deck blocks or cement piers.
10/15/2009 4:12:16 PM
Joining pieces of wood to create furniture or other projects can be easy. And the results will look great — if you understand a few tricks about choosing and using the various types of wood screws and the hardware options you can use with them. Each type of screw produces a slightly different appearance for the projects it’s used for.
10/14/2009 3:45:13 PM
Build a highchair that will follow your child through years of growth and development.
10/9/2009 5:13:00 PM
Find out how to build your own greenhouse using free and recycled materials. This versatile greenhouse is affordable and unique, and it’s small enough that you probably won’t need a permit to build it.
10/8/2009 2:15:39 PM
To make the pulp for homemade paper, look no further than your waste and recycling bins.
10/2/2009 2:30:34 PM
Knowing how to choose paint is easy with these recommendations for some of the most common interior applications. Semi-gloss or eggshell for the bathroom? Latex or oil-based for the kitchen? Where is using environmentally friendly paint especially important? This article will help you understand the different types of paint and where to use each.
10/2/2009 1:54:57 PM
Once built, this window-mounted heat grabber should give you years of dependable service.
10/2/2009 9:48:30 AM
Fine Woodworking Editor Asa Christiana shares his design for an easy-to-build workbench.
10/1/2009 4:43:29 PM
Learn how to make a bootjack from a branch and scrap of wood.
9/22/2009 3:53:26 PM
Here is a plan for a metal candle lantern made from a coffee can, metal clothes hanger and a stick of wood.
9/21/2009 11:49:59 AM
Follow this Intructables contributor's step-by-step guide to building a desk with old crates and boxes for drawers.
9/18/2009 11:25:03 AM
Wooden toys made by you for that special child in your life will be memorable gifts.
9/11/2009 3:53:03 PM
How-to online videos are a valuable resource for any do-it-yourselfer. But there are a lot of videos out there, so we’ve picked noteworthy ones and provided a few links to help you find more in the future. From building a workbench to changing your car’s oil, these engaging and instructive videos will inspire you to start a fun, new DIY project.
9/4/2009 3:15:15 PM
By learning a few simple tricks and techniques, you can fix a leaking roof. It’s easy and inexpensive to replace shingles and stop leaks in metal roofs or around chimneys, too. These simple repairs can extend the life of your roof and save you money. Plus, you won’t have to listen to the “drip, drip, drip” any longer.
9/3/2009 9:55:15 AM
Kids love to build forts and space ships, and create secret places to dream and imagine.
8/26/2009 4:17:43 PM
Recommendations for building a wooden bed frame and how to customize the plans.
8/25/2009 3:29:32 PM
This woodstove hearth made from scrap lumber, stone and mortar is inexpensive and easy to build. From the October/November 2009 Country Lore department.
8/25/2009 12:45:34 PM
You can build an inexpensive DIY greenhouse from recycled window and storm doors. Add some plastic jugs that have been painted black to absorb and retain heat, and you’ll have a solar greenhouse. Or add a sleeping loft and make it a guesthouse. Let this collection of greenhouse ideas inspire you to design and build your own greenhouse from recycled or inexpensive materials.
8/24/2009 9:31:02 AM
Engaging in new projects around the house or yard can put us in unfamiliar territory where we might make mistakes that are potentially dangerous or just embarrassing.
8/21/2009 4:48:32 PM
Selecting the best method of termite control can be a challenge for anyone who has concerns about the use of toxic chemicals. But you can eliminate termites from your house without using chemicals, and termite bait systems use toxic chemicals only if necessary — and in small quantities. There are safe, effective methods for preventing termite infestations, too.
8/14/2009 3:45:47 PM
Pressure-treated lumber lasts a long time, but the chemicals used to preserve the wood are not eco-friendly. Certain species of hardwood are naturally more resistant to wood decay than others. An expert gives advice on the best types of wood for fence posts and outdoor projects made of wood.
8/10/2009 11:35:05 AM
You can use the power of the sun to heat water for your home using manufactured solar hot water systems or one you build yourself.
8/7/2009 2:44:07 PM
Reel mowers are quiet and don't spew air pollution like gas engine mowers do. They’re simple to maintain, and sharpening the blades is easier than you might think. Here are some things to look for when purchasing a used push reel mower, plus things to remember for properly maintaining your machine.
7/27/2009 12:11:26 PM
Super Glue is a wonderful product, as long as it stays where you put it. But occasionally the sticky liquid escapes onto fingers or toes.
7/13/2009 10:34:14 AM
Are there any fix-it projects that you have taken on recently, that you previously would have hired someone to do?
7/8/2009 4:11:05 PM
You can easily convert a bus stop shelter into a small greenhouse. Just add a door, enclose the open spaces, add a few vents and shelves, and you have a greenhouse! Plus, with these tips for managing a small greenhouse, you’ll have stronger, healthier plants.
7/2/2009 9:59:36 AM
Build this unique, natural-looking cradle of oak.
7/1/2009 11:16:45 AM
You can make this simple and effective solar cooker with just a few household supplies. From the August/September 2009 Country Lore department.
7/1/2009 11:08:59 AM
Greeting card pictures and textured paper make great scrapbooking materials. From the August/September 2009 Country Lore department.
7/1/2009 10:29:18 AM
Use graywater from your kitchen sink to water your vegetable garden with this simple irrigation system.
7/1/2009 10:22:17 AM
Build a simple garden gate from tree branches and angle brackets. From the August/September 2009 Country Lore department.
6/29/2009 11:40:59 AM
Purchasing the materials for a DIY project can involve making a number of decisions. When you’re deciding on the materials for an outdoor wooden project, are you more apt to be swayed by cost or durability?
6/29/2009 11:39:21 AM
During a power outage, one thing you’ll want to have on hand is some kind of non-electric lighting. There are many options to consider, but here’s one you might not have thought of: an olive oil lamp. You can make this simple, safe oil lamp using common household materials. Try this simple project for fun, or set the materials aside for when you need a backup lighting source.
6/25/2009 3:52:30 PM
Using earthbag construction (bags filled with earth and stacked like bricks), you can build this multipurpose building for $300 or less. This earthbag dome is suited for many purposes: a studio, garden shed, chicken coop or root/storm cellar. And the skills you learn by building the dome will serve you well if you plan to build a larger earthbag structure — or even an earth home.
6/15/2009 11:41:25 AM
Beautiful and practical trellises are easy to build for flowering vines or garden crops.
6/15/2009 11:40:13 AM
DIY projecters have many styles of building, from using detailed plans to building by-the-seat-of-your-pants. What is your favorite style?
6/12/2009 12:19:50 PM
When it comes to funeral planning, there are now many sustainable options for families to consider, including a natural burial, green funeral, and a homemade or eco-friendly coffin. Here’s a roundup of resources to help you plan a conscientious service for yourself or your loved ones.
6/11/2009 11:35:33 AM
Instructions for building a cold smoker (and three other things you can do with steel oil drums).
6/4/2009 4:44:19 PM
Learn to build while helping your community as a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity.
6/2/2009 10:23:21 AM
Learn how to make your own plant supports; perfect for tomatoes or similar vine fruits and vegetables.
5/22/2009 4:50:11 PM
Follow the sawhorse plans from our 1985 article (with a few variations), and you can build sturdy, inexpensive sawhorses.
5/21/2009 11:27:42 AM
The water for this homemade outdoor shower is heated by the sun, saving you money and energy. You can build it with a bit of lumber, a used 50-gallon drum, and a few plumbing parts from the hardware store.
5/21/2009 10:15:52 AM
A handsaw is a useful tool. This article tells you how to make a bucksaw with easy to follow instructions and template.
5/21/2009 9:59:15 AM
To cut down on plastic bags in the landfill and blowing around on streets, make your own lightweight fabric produce bags from tulle, hosiery or nylon netting.
5/13/2009 2:11:08 PM
DIY projects are great fun and can save money — unless you end up in the emergency room.
5/13/2009 10:07:04 AM
There are lots of options for covering your garage or shop floor to prevent oil or fluid spills from staining the concrete. Epoxy garage floor coating may come to mind first, but there are other types of garage floor paint. And don’t forget mats that cover the entire floor.
5/13/2009 8:54:10 AM
Without ventilation, the produce in your root cellar could spoil. Here are some tips for ventilating a basement root cellar to control temperature and humidity.
5/12/2009 2:44:37 PM
More electric riding lawn mowers are coming to the market.
5/4/2009 10:55:54 AM
Rechargeable tool packages use the same battery to power multiple tools: saws, drills, drivers and flashlights. What are the benefits of these systems?
5/1/2009 4:58:19 PM
Building your own house is much easier if you start with a house kit. Kit home packages include all the materials you need (sometimes they’re even pre-cut) to build the outside shell of a house. Learn all you need to know before you start shopping for kit homes.
5/1/2009 2:36:07 PM
Drying laundry on a clothesline saves money and fossil fuels. Plus your clothes will smell fresh without using dryer sheets or extra rinses in the washing machine. Learn how to make a super-sturdy clothesline by following these step-by-step instructions. Even if you don’t have a backyard, you can use a retractable clothesline, clothes drying rack or umbrella clothesline.
5/1/2009 1:55:29 PM
Learn how to build your own wind turbine, install your own solar panels and convert your car to electricity with hands-on teaching by Dan Chiras.
4/30/2009 10:31:49 AM
You can make this tandoori oven with parts from your local hardware store.
4/20/2009 9:31:11 AM
Home improvement stores offer free DIY classes. What project have you not started yet but dream of doing?
4/13/2009 1:29:45 PM
Recycling a steel grain bin makes great use of an existing structure. You can probably find an inexpensive used grain bin and use it for a home, office, shop or storage.
4/3/2009 2:39:03 PM
Share the story of your success with a DIY project home business.
3/26/2009 10:23:15 AM
Electric saws make projects easier and boost efficiency, but if you're not careful, they can cause serious accidents. Learn how to use circular saws safely from a seasoned carpenter.
3/20/2009 2:45:45 PM
Tell us about your all-time favorite fix-it tool.
3/18/2009 1:08:28 PM
Building a greenhouse can be inexpensive if you use recycled doors or windows. And a small greenhouse is a great way to grow a few vegetables right through the coldest months of the year.
2/26/2009 4:05:54 PM
When you build with structural insulated panels (SIPs), wiring isn't as much of a challenge as you might think.
2/24/2009 12:43:51 PM
Explore the benefits of using a straight razor.
2/20/2009 4:01:10 PM
Check out these small stoves for cooking, heat and making biochar!
2/20/2009 9:42:41 AM
These stair-step garden shelves are easy to build and provide extra growing space on your porch or patio.
2/19/2009 4:45:13 PM
Use minimal expanding rigid foam to seal the holes in your mower tires.
2/18/2009 4:30:33 PM
With a few simple tools and these step-by-step instructions from an expert mechanic, you can change the oil in your car or truck in no time. Regular maintenance will help your engine last longer, and you might save money, too. Perhaps best of all, you'll gain the satisfaction of being able to do this important task yourself, on your own terms.
2/13/2009 2:26:57 PM
You can find lots of plans for chicken coops, but details and illustrations make these worth looking at.
1/29/2009 11:47:07 AM
Yes, it's possible to harvest trees from your own property to build a timber-frame structure. But here are a few things to consider before you decide to go ahead.
1/28/2009 4:50:41 PM
With inexpensive or repurposed wood, you can build a small table using basic tools.
1/14/2009 2:39:46 PM
Get organized and improve workshop efficiency with this nifty project.
1/13/2009 1:29:31 PM
See this unique new product - a toilet lid/sink combination.
1/8/2009 3:44:06 PM
Fixing a leaking faucet is easy. And doing it yourself will save you money. Most models are designed on similar principles, so you can fix any dripping faucet in eight simple steps.
12/29/2008 11:34:47 AM
Making a beautiful, handmade broom is easy, fun and practical. Start building your skills by making this hearth broom, then move up to larger brooms. An expert broom maker takes you through the process step by step.
12/23/2008 2:08:16 PM
These easy to make office paper holders can be made in a matter of minutes from small-mesh wiring.
12/23/2008 2:04:30 PM
Save money and resources by reusing paint thinner.
12/8/2008 3:57:30 PM
Children like to play, but they don't need expensive toys from the department store to have fun. You can make creative, original toys from household items in a matter of minutes, with results that last a lifetime. These toys are not only economic and eco-friendly, but they also provide developmental benefits that will help young children succeed later in school.
11/28/2008 9:26:17 AM
You can build a small greenhouse in an afternoon!
11/26/2008 4:32:06 PM
Find the right type of insulation for Mother's Solar Heat Grabber.
11/25/2008 9:35:59 AM
Build this portable poultry pen in an afternoon using only simple hand tools. It’s just the right size for a small yard, but you’ll find lots of uses for it around the homestead, too.
11/18/2008 2:30:28 PM
Think fast! How many types of doorstops can you name? Become familiar with the various types of doorstops and when to use them, and you can prevent unnecessary damage to walls.
11/7/2008 12:15:32 PM
You can make an heirloom braided rag rug from recycled wool blankets, skirts and suits.
11/7/2008 11:57:36 AM
A used pair of jeans can be transformed into a useful and fun apron for the little cooks in your life.
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