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It's one of these: I am very fond of it, and it's probably my most used power tool by a country mile. But... after lending it to a neighbour, it returned with the chuck jammed wide open (everything else is fine). I can't free up the chuck (yet!), I think because the scroll is damaged - it was...

Hmm. Isn't that a bit like advocating euthanasia as a cure for the common cold? For the record, it is not necessary to run Microsoft software (of any sort) on a PC in order for it to be an excellent desktop machine... just sayin' :-)

Reminded me: I have a bike with stainless exhaust system, into which some numpty* put mild steel Allen bolts. These "exploded" with rust where they were in contact with the cans, and were impossible to get out. I found a local firm that does spark erosion - cost me 50 quid for four threads (M6...

Phil, as usual, is dead on. I use Scary Sharp (SS) for anything critical. Glass is whatever I have around - I recently salvaged a long narrow piece from a built-in cooker. I think it's only 5mm or 6mm, but it is toughened and it works well. Using SS and an Eclipse-guide I can easily get to...

Have a look at Adam Booth's YouTube channel ("abom79"). He is a very patient expert machinist, with an enthusiasm for traditional work, and who works to tight tolerances. He regularly removes "impossibly stuck" threaded objects from holes, and keeps the remains as trophies too. Take-homes for...

A short history of wood in space (by a space scientist). Enjoy... https://youtu.be/gtxYP9fLMmk

I can't add anything except to say that's a horrid shock and my thoughts are with you. We've always enjoyed your contributions too - if you still feel it's do-able, then please don't be a stranger! E.

I have a close friend who has been Clerk of Works for two housing associations, focused on their new-build projects, some involving 100+ dwellings. He is not a fan of plastic, and the HAs insist that if used, all joints must be accessible (so for example, you are not allowed any under the...

1: Start off with LEAD solder, not lead-free. It has a lower melting point and is more ductile. Toolstation et al sell it for plumbing. It is not suitable for potable water, although there must be many millions of joints made all over the planet using it. 1a: Don't even think about butane...

It's the same as polishing/sharpening, etc - going "down the grits". You might try this, but beware that shininess doesn't mean good optical performance, so you might find, for example, that it lets you down in strong sunlight. 1. Clean thoroughly with soft materials. I've used my similar mask...

I think your suspicion of the shower unit may be well founded. When reading what's below remember that our cold water pressure is mains (about 4 to 5 bar depending), and the DHW should be 3 bar, but often is higher because of the fault. I have an ongoing fight with a shower in our place. It is...

I only use a small quantity of Robertson (Kreg) screws at a time, so bulk buying isn't really worth it. I get what I need from Amazon usually. I haven't looked recently but last time I did it was surprisingly inexpensive. Not saying it's the cheapest, but it worked for me. But that was before...

It occurs to me, too, that there may be signs of wear, damage, etc. to the top surface. That's a good opportunity to try out your newly-learned skills. I was amazed the first time I tried removing dents from wood with a wet teatowel and an iron - it worked really well. I later discovered the...

I wonder if it's been modified at some point in its life. The middle drawer doesn't look as though it belongs - it has an applied moulding decoration around the front that doesn't seem to match the rest of the piece anywhere. Have a look at the drawers to see if they all look similarly made...

Wealden. Google or use the site's search engine - this comes up a lot. There are two versions: 3- and 6-wing cutters. I have the 6-wing one and it's great. Others get good results from the 3-wing. I've never been clear about why there are two rather different designs. Links in the old threads.

For some really odd reason they love to do that. When I was a child we had a succession of cars with proper wing mirrors, and those must have given them some headaches - they were always tapping fiercely at them around this time of year. They are very funny to watch, but also very messy.

Much better! :-) [edit] Just thought about it: The only thing about the hob is that the oven spur will/should be capable of 6kW (25A) continuous, although modern units often don't need that. It means, without any in-line fuse for the hob's spark igniter, it can tolerate a substantial fault...

Yup, absolutely. We live in a world of factory-made components. These often require tight tolerances - as you pointed out at the top, hinges are one such. Of course you can put them in/on the door with oversize holes, but many designs require "exactness". I have seen older ones that need a...

This thread I shall be floolwing with interest! Did you power the bits with a drill press or a hand drill, or do something else? I'm on my fourth generation of battery-powered hand drill now. The better quality ones, by far, were the first two. The latest one, bought circa 2010, has more...

I still have a bass guitar cab built to one of their designs, and with a Fane driver from them. It still works just fine, although my bass playing doesn't!