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The kitchen is finished!

kitchen renovation by bethany72 on FlickrIt's been so long since we started our kitchen remodeling project, I almost forgot to post its completion. Though it's been functionally complete for several weeks, we were waiting on what turned out to be one of those "unexpected expenses" -- a new floor. The old one, much to our dismay, could not be patched.

Though we hired out the big work -- cabinet and counter top installation -- we did a lot of the grunt work ourselves. I wish I had kept a running total on the money we saved, because it was a lot. (Enough to cover the cost of the new floor? I don't know.) After the break, I'll share a summary of the work we put in to save ourselves money on the whole project.

Gallery: Kitchen: Before and after

Before the before pictureBeforeAfterAfterAfter

Continue reading The kitchen is finished!

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DIY "Rings of Death" force field to guard your laptop

When I spied the title "Guard your Laptop with Electric Rings of Death!," well, I had to check it out. And what did I find? Awesome pics of what looks like a bright electric force field circling a laptop! What is this? A DIY electric fence to keep unauthorized sticky fingers off your keyboard? Is it for real? Well, turns out this project is simultaneously very geeky and very cool.

Okay, so it's not a real force field. No, it will not zap your roommate for attempting to access your passwords file. However, creator TeslaDownUnder, says that, yes, the photos are for real and not Photoshopped. It's all done, he says, using a gadget involving rotating electrodes, which was then photographed in a dark room on a long exposure. Voila! Instant force field. Nope, it won't harm a fly. But it looks cool!
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Make your own toothpaste

toothbrushes with tothpasteWe all have our own DIY thresholds. Some of you are fabulous mechanics, but leave the gardening to somebody else. Others might love electronics, but wouldn't dare take on the simplest sewing project. I'll make my own cleaners and spa products, but I head straight for the store when our tube of toothpaste is low.

I don't think I could ever really wrap my head around making my own toothpaste, but if you're ready to take that extra step into greener DIY living, then be my guest. You probably already have these ingredients in the house, or can get them easily enough. Here's what you'll need:
  1. Baking Soda
  2. Table Salt
  3. Water
  4. Peppermint oil for taste
  5. Gylcerine
Check out the full post for the recipe and mixing instructions. Spread some of this green goodness on your homemade electric toothbrush and polish those pearly whites.
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Recall: Portable air compressors catch on fire

recall image

The U.S. Consumer Product and Safety Commission, in cooperation with All-Power America, has announced a voluntary recall of about 64,000 Strike Force portable air compressors.

air-compressor; twin-air-tank; recall; fire-hazard; electrical-shock-hazardThe motor on the compressor can overheat and ignite the protective cover, posing a fire hazard. The cover might not prevent internal components of the compressor from being touched, posing an electrical shock hazard. Although no injuries have been reported, the firm has received four reports of fires.

The recalled twin air tank compressors were manufactured in China and exclusively sold nationwide at Advance Auto Parts stores, and online at www.partsamerica.com, from October 2006 through December 2007, for about $90. The model and serial numbers for the recalled compressor are located on the compressor's housing.

Stop using the air compressor and return it to any Advance Auto Parts store for a full refund. For more information on the recall, contact All-Power America toll free at (888) 896-6881 or visit www.allpoweramerica.com, or www.advanceautoparts.com.

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Recall: Portable electric heaters catch on fire!

recall signThe U.S. Consumer Safety Product Commission, in cooperation with Aloha Housewares Inc., is voluntary recalling about 152,000 portable electric heaters. The unit can overheat and melt plastic parts, posing a fire hazard. Aloha Housewares has received 29 reports of electric heaters catching fire, smoking, or melting. They have received 18 reports of property damage, and have received one report of minor burns to a person's hands and feet.

Manufactured in China, the recall involves "Aloha Breeze" white electric oscillating tower heaters sold at Walmart and small retail chain stores nationwide from August 2006 through November 2007 for between $35 and $45. Check the CPSC press release for model numbers and date codes.

Stop using the recalled portable heater immediately and contact Aloha Housewares for a replacement. For more information on the recall, contact them at (800) 295-4448, or email them at ahitexaslq@aol.com.
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DIY lightning globe

Lightning globe by Instructables user NK5.If you have an old monitor sitting around (and come on: I know you do), and if you only kinda value your life, you should immediately go make this Lightning Globe, created by Instructables user NK5. It uses a light bulb, metal screening, a plain plastic plant pot... and a high-voltage power supply.

I say, "only kinda value your life," because in order to complete this project, you'll have to get the high-voltage power supply out of an old monitor, and you'll have to discharge the high voltage on your own. I'm not keen on the idea of our readers winning Darwin Awards, but this project is too cool to not post about it.

Keep in mind that this is not a plasma globe. The lightning will not flow to your fingertips if you place them on the globe. Your hair may or may not stand on end, but if it does, that's probably not a good thing: some of the other Instructables users report getting a shock after their globes were up and running. (This is one of those cases where the reader comments are particularly interesting and instructive.) If you do this project, please be extremely careful.

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How to make a lamp from a bottle

bottle turned into a lampLooking at the prices of lamps kind of makes my stomach queasy. Even the cheap ones are too expensive. My lamps are in desperate need of being upgraded. It isn't that I don't like them anymore, it's just that the lamp shades have to be fixed. Oh, and I don't like them.

Over on Instructables, bekathwia has made a lamp from an old champagne-like bottle. She recommends using a bottle that is heavier on the bottom, since a top-heavy lamp would be a fire hazard. I think you could weigh the bottle down with some colored sand to avoid the issue of it toppling over.

You can purchase your lamp parts at the hardware store, but what fun would that be? Why not gather up the parts you've been saving just for this special lamp making day. A rubber stopper, a short threaded bar (which in my opinion could be a bolt with the head cut off), a bulb socket with cap, switch, and shell, some electrical wire and of course, a wall plug. You know you have all of it stashed somewhere.

In any case, you should be able to follow the easy step by step instructions, and in no time flat, you'll have made your very own table lamp from a bottle. If this idea isn't up your alley, then check out these other lamp making ideas from DIY Life, and you'll be sure to find something to suit your lamp tastes.
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Replace loose outlets in a flash (without the sparks!)

Everything you needMy wife I chose our last apartment based largely on the fact that the other tenants' complaints that the landlord never stopped by or cared much about the condition of the property. This was a welcome change from the pair of knit-picky, nosy, voyeuristic landladies we endured during our first years of marriage. However, that meant that minor home improvements were up to me if I wanted them done in a timely manor.

Most of the outlets in the apartment were so worn out that lamp cords would fall out the moment my hand let go. At best walking across the floor caused lights to flicker and the radio to shut off. Fortunately, fixing the problem is as easy as homemade sin and dirt cheap (so you don't have to worry about investing much pocket change into someone else's property).

All you need to do the deed is a 39¢ outlet from the hardware store (or Walmart's hardware dept.) and a #2 ("regular" size) flat screwdriver. Most electrical outlets are designed to accept both flat ( | ) and Philips ( + ) screwdrivers so if you have a Philips grab that too (it can be easier to use) but it's not necessary. A novice should expect to spend about 15 minutes from start to finish.

Continue reading Replace loose outlets in a flash (without the sparks!)

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Discuss electric cars with other DIY'ers

electric car AC plug inElectric cars are gaining in popularity. Whle many people are not running out to invest in a new car, they are interested in ways to convert their current vehicle to something more environmentally friendly. I didn't know that you could do this sort of thing yourself, but there is a whole community of people doing it. DIY Electric Car Forums is a great place to learn about the benefits, and process of converting your own car from gas to electric. Forum users are actively discussing the conversion process and the necessary materials to do that. Part manufacturers and dealers participate on the forum, answering questions and relaying information about their parts.

While this forum is only a month old, there is a good supply of information and it would be a great place to learn form. Users are quickly pulling together resources to share with each other. Alternatively, if you have done a conversion or know something about electric cars, take a look through the questions and share some of your expertise. People have posted detailed instructions for each part of the conversion in their wiki and the feeds are also an excellent resource.

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Alternate energy incentives to end current cycle in 2008

solar housePerhaps this note is a bit early but I thought I'd remind you while there's still time to take advantage of the current residential solar and fuel cell tax credits. The current program is quite generous but it is slated for expiration on December 31, 2008. By taking advantage of the program now, homeowners can still reap significant tax benefits and if your capital expenditures for alternative energy installations exceed the program limits, you can carry the balance forward into the succeeding tax year.

The DSIRE website provides an accurate and understandable summary of the program and its parameters, as well as providing links to the legislation upon which the program is built. The site does also make clear that alternative energy installations which were initiated with assistance of other government programs are not eligible for additional tax breaks (no double dipping please).

It is expected that the next presidential administration shall surely extend the current program or shall probably create something even better, so please don't be too concerned that you'll miss out on these tax advantages. The most important things to remember at this time are to document your expenditures, consult with a professional tax adviser and remember that eligible projects can recover 30% of their cost of construction up to a total of $2,000.
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DIY Life Toolstravaganza Day Ten: Porter-Cable reciprocating saw

It is day ten of the DIY Life Toolstravaganza giveaway, and today's prize is useful and a little bit too much fun. A reciprocating saw, or "saw's all" is useful for cutting jobs of all kinds, although it isn't always going to leave an elegant or clean cut. During my brief stint in the construction biz, we used these babies to cut off almost anything in our way, extra bits of drywall, small pieces of wood or metal flashing, and like all great construction workers we probably bit off more than the saw could chew at times.

Here's hoping the winner will treat this nice Porter-Cable quick-change Tiger Saw a little better. It features variable speeds at 0-2,000 strokes per minute, a 10-amp motor and a 1-1/8 inch stroke length. And of course, Porter-Cable makes some durable stuff (this is rated professional grade but it does lack the counterbalance sometimes seen on the higher end models). It does have a quick-change blade clamp so you don't need a tool to swap out saw blades.

To enter, leave a comment on this post and make sure to validate the comment (so it appears in the comments section). Read the full rules on our Toolstravaganza page or after the jump.

Continue reading DIY Life Toolstravaganza Day Ten: Porter-Cable reciprocating saw

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