Ethan O'Donnell

1 month ago | familyhandyman.com | Ethan O'Donnell

If you find yourself cutting a lot of wood for DIY projects-or if you'd like to find yourself doing more woodworking-you need a miter saw. Sometimes called a chop saw, a miter saw is a hinge-mounted saw blade that you pull down to make cuts. Since it's fixed, the blade is easier to control and make repeated, accurate cuts. It's also the perfect tool for making angled cuts, which is why it's a must-have for trim work, decking, etc. Miter saws are incredibly safe and easy to use, even for beginners.

2 months ago | familyhandyman.com | Ethan O'Donnell

Coke, soda, pop, cola ... we're not going to get into the debate over what to call it, but a bottle of Coca-Cola, or one of its numerous counterparts, can be remarkably handy around the house. You can use it to clean stains, get rid of smells, or even break up rust. What makes Cola such a powerful tool? Phosphoric acid and citric acid. The former helps clean up rust and break down oils. Citric acid is a well-known cleaning agent too, killing bacteria and helping to get rid of stains and odors.

Mar 4, 2025 | familyhandyman.com | Ethan O'Donnell

Woodworking jigs ensure that cuts are straight, holes are plumb and parts are square-among many other things. And jigs are worth the time it takes to make them because you'll use them over and over again for years. Here's a baker's dozen I recommend for your workshop. Drill Press TableJig for Routing DadoesWhen building a cabinet, dadoes are often used to ensure that shelves and partitions are spaced correctly.

Feb 28, 2025 | familyhandyman.com | Ethan O'Donnell

There's just something special about aged wood. It's got that timeless, rustic charm to it that gives furniture and other natural features in your home just a little more character. But most of us don't want to wait years while wood ages naturally. Fortunately, you can speed up the process with a little help from some readily available wood stain products or even using some ingredients found commonly around the house. Here are five ways to make new wood look old instantly. What Is Aged Wood?

Feb 28, 2025 | familyhandyman.com | Ethan O'Donnell