DIY Projects for Reclaimed Wood

As they say, “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure”. This exactly applies to reclaimed wood… but not for those usual DIY habitués looking for a new project. For them, reclaimed wood is nothing to them but a slab of pure gratification came from the rubbles of the past.

That’s quite literal, if I may say so.

Reclaimed woods are usually salvaged, recycled woods from old, retired buildings, establishments, furniture and structural foundations like bridges and mines. In a way, using this practically old piece of lumber is like grabbing a chunk of history and incorporating it on a whole modern approach, making the project extra special.

As a treat, here are some fun DIY ideas for your reclaimed wood! Ready the carbide blades, saws and power tools!

Chopping Board/Block

A rustic feel as you go for speed chopping like a true chef by making your reclaimed wood as a chopping board. Better yet, make it a stand alone kitchen island-cum-chopping block to give your kitchen a more functional cooking hub.

Countertop

Photo courtesy: Josh and Melanie Rosenthal via Wikipedia

Laminated, treated and stained reclaimed lumber from, say a barn can be used as a formidable, and stylish countertop. A perfect substitute for chip-prone granite and marble slabs, this provides a countryside vibe to your kitchen and/or bathroom.

Wood Flooring

Because of its full-matured characteristics, reclaimed wood is one of the go-to choices when it comes to wood flooring, mainly because of its invulnerability to warping and expanding as well as its ability to withstand harsh conditions.

Wall Coat Rack/Stand

A combination of cabin hooks, varnish and small plies of aged lumber can make a great wall hanger for holding coats, hats, towels and car keys.

Interior Elements

Be it for minimalist, neo-eclectic or art deco, shingles from reclaimed lumber can be used as a superb and intricate interior element to your home’s bare walls, kitchen backsplash and room dividers to give it a more vibrant, warm ambiance.

Trellis

Garden peeps and patio dwellers, grow your vines and crawly plants by installing large reclaimed wood beams from barns and minery in your backyard.

Dining Table

Pair an equally-sturdy wood or metal base support with those huge slabs of timber and turn it into an inviting dining table. Feast in a unique, homey manner anytime – be it breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Wall Shelves

Aside from intricate wall décor and definitive interior details, small-sized slabs can also be a perfect cradle for your books, figurines and photo frames. This is highly-recommended for houses and rooms with relatively small floor area as well as for mobile homes.

Clock

Photo courtesy: design-shimmer via Pinterest

Want a unique, yet austere way of telling time? Shape and sand a piece of reclaimed wood board then attach a simple clockwork to craft a homey timekeeper. Don’t be afraid to use media variants for customizing your clock according to your artistic taste.

Wood Art

And speaking of unleashing your “artistic” side, bring on the chisel, hammer, power tools, power saw and sander, as you can use reclaimed wood as your main medium for shaping and molding your next sculpture, installation art or mixed media masterpiece.

Most Visited Celebrity Mausoleums and Graves

We all know that Halloween is already over. However, dead celebrities never fail to tickle our absurd fascination and curiosity about the life that they lived. The grasping of interest becomes too unbearable, that we somehow harness a sense of disbelief and ought to visit the gravesite to see for ourselves that they’re indeed gone.

As a result, cemeteries suddenly become a hub for tourists, willing to travel elsewhere just to get a glimpse of the famed personality’s last resting place. It may be the aesthetics of today’s mausoleums – thanks to the advancement of power tools and diamond blades – that added to the already dazzling life story of these stars, that even in death, they’re still considered … Or maybe they’re just plain famous and influential. (Too bad, some of them are in pretty bad shape.)

Here are the 10 most visited celebrity gravesites in no particular order

Jim Morrison – 1943-1971
Gravesite: Pere-Lachaise Cemetery, Paris

Photo Courtesy: cemeteryguide.com

Arguably the most visited celebrity gravesite, Jim Morrison’s resting place flashes an absurd irony of respect and well-appreciated nod for his contributions in music. The usual flowers and candles are often overshadowed by vandalism and often mistreatment of visitors and casual loiterers. The Lizard King’s gravesite has undergone a few transformations, including bust of the famed The Doors vocalist, which has been eventually defaced and stolen in the 80s... Twice!

Michael Jackson – 1958-2009
Gravesite: Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Glendale

Photo Courtesy: death2ur.com

A well-deserved resting place for a King, Michael Jackson’s remains gravesite in Forest Lawn Glendale exudes elegance. And even afterlife, he still considered royalty. His body is entombed inside the cemetery’s luxurious and highly-guarded, Great Mausoleum, where he shares the VIP spot with other famed personalities, including fellow celebrity and friend, Elizabeth Taylor.

Elvis Presley – 1935-1977
Gravesite: Graceland, Memphis

Photo Courtesy: Jan Kronsell via commons.wikipedia.com

Another King worthy of royal resting place. After his shocking death, Elvis Presley was initially buried in Forest Hills Cemetery in Memphis. But after attempts of stealing the king’s body, his family decided to transfer his remains to a place that’s very close to his heart… In Graceland. It may have been close to 40 years since the king has “left the building”, but a constant pack of  500,000 die hard fans still visit him annually.

Merv Griffin – 1925-2007
Gravesite: Westwood Memorial Park, Brentwood

Photo Courtesy: seeingstars.com

TV veteran, Merv Griffin may not be as “big” as the others listed on this article, but he sure did made one last attempt of reassuring laugh. His headstone reads, “I WILL NOT BE BACK AFTER THIS MESSAGE.”, which is a simple knack to his usual spiel just before going on a commercial break. Merv’s gravesite is one of the most visited gravesites in Westwood Memorial, alongside Marilyn Monroe, Frank Zappa, Bette Page, Walter Matthau and Jack Lemmon among others.

Ian Curtis – 1956-1980
Gravesite: Macclesfield Cemetery

Photo Courtesy: jonmwessel.wordpress.com

Ian Curtis was one of rock’s most flamboyant vocalists that have gone too soon. After watching a Hezrog film and listening to Iggy Pop’s The Idiot, Ian decided to cut his life short, merely out of desperation to break loose. The Joy Division vocalist’s remains was cremated and buried in Masclefield Cemetery. His marker reads, “18-5-80 Love Will Tear Us Apart” as chosen by his wife, Deborah. In 2008, the marker was stolen, and was eventually replaced a month after.

Bruce Lee – 1940-1973
Gravesite: Lakeview Cemetery, Seattle

Photo Courtesy: melancholyblues via commons.wikipedia.com

Bruce Lee shocked the world with his untimely death in 1973 due to allergic reaction from painkillers. His interment was attended by thousands of fans, friends, colleagues and other celebrities. His body was then returned to his wife, Linda’s hometown in Seattle. He was laid to rest in Lakeview Cemetery. The gravesite still attracts frequent visitors, most of them fans of the famed martial artist.

Marilyn Monroe – 1926-1962
Gravesite: Westwood Memorial Park, Brentwood

Photo Courtesy: A. J. Marik via findagrave.com

The sexiest woman of all-time was entombed in Westwood Memorial Park, as arranged by her second husband, Joe DiMaggio, as the bombshell’s foster parents was also laid to rest in the same cemetery. Monroe’s crypt is one of the most visited gravesites in Westwood Memorial, and it has said to be one of the most discolored and unhygienic due to frequent touching and kissing of the marker.

Johnny Cash – 1932-2003
Gravesite: Hendersonville Memory Garden, Tennessee

Photo courtesy: death2ur.com

Legendary musician, Johnny Cash died of complications due to diabetes on Spetember 12, 2003. He was then laid to rest next to his beloved wife, June Carter, whom had died just for months prior. Their black granite headstone carries both their surnames, accompanied by famous lines from their respective hits, “Walk the Line” and “Wildwood Flower”. Fans frequently visit the site to pay their respects to the “Man in Black” and his lady.

John Dillinger – 1903-1934
Gravesite: Crown Hill Cemetery, Indianapolis

Photo courtesy: Sean McKim via findagrave.com

John Dillinger may have been one of the untouchables back in his crime spree day, until he was shot in a nearby movie house in Chicago. That vulnerability still haunts the acclaimed bank robber from the day he was killed up to now. His funeral was attended by many spectators, all of whom wanted to get a hand of virtually any souvenir they could grab on at the gravesite. Today, John Dilinger’s marker was the forth replacement, still enduring torture from souvenir-crazed visitors.

John Bellushi – 1949-1982
Gravesite: Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts

Photo courtesy: Randy McCoy via findagrave.com

“I may have gone, but Rock and Roll lives on.” Indeed, John Bellushi was a rock and roll kind of comedy guy… And apparently, so did his fans. His gravesite at Martha’s Vineyard was constantly vandalized and trashed by fans visiting the Blues Brothers star. The recurring incident went too far, that his family and relatives decided to exhume his body and transfer it in an undisclosed location.

Did I miss something? Feel free to leave a comment. Let’s discuss more!

What Triggers Diamond Segment Loss

Image Credit: www.stihlusa.com

One of the things that indicate that your diamond blade is on its way to being worn out is the breaking of diamond blades. When this happens, there is a good chance your diamond blade will not properly, and trying to use it even further will only damage the material and even endanger you and the people around you as they have the tendency to fly out in the middle of an operation.

This is why you should be observant when it comes to the working state of the blade. Keep in mind that this tool is something essential, so you would want it to last, if possible, longer than advertised.

But how have those diamond segments really broken? When you know the answers, you will surely be more careful when using the blade. By the way, this breakage of the diamond segments is referred to as segment loss.

Insufficient water

When you are using the blade and the water is not enough, there is a strong chance the segments will get damaged. There should be sufficient water flowing through the sides. Otherwise, extreme will cause the breakage. Overheating is what causes the segment loss.

As for dry cutting, what causes the loss is the arbitrary use of laser-welded diamond blades. This is something you must be careful in the completion of your project. You have to be really sure you know how to use the blade for dry cutting.

Material slippage

Obviously, you have to be able to keep the material from slipping while you are in the middle of cutting. Be sure you are holding it properly in place. It must be well-secured so it wouldn’t be much of a problem.
If not, you will most certainly endanger your life and the people around you if you happen to be working in a place with other people. Just to reiterate, make sure the material is firmly secured.

Saw-related problems

Before you start any cut, you have to be perfectly sure that the blade is working well. As much as you have to check on your car everyday before you embark on a trip, so you should also need to check on your diamond blade to prevent any mishap and to lengthen the blade life.

You also need to check on the saw blade itself. If the blade shaft and/or the shaft bearings are worn, this will cause the blade to bounce up and down while you are working. Now this will definitely lead to segment loss. Be sure you have this problem covered by replacing the shaft/shaft bearings before using it. Other possible reasons of segment loss with regards to the saw itself being Improper mounting of the blade, foreign materials like sand trapped between the steel core and flange.

Increase in Jobs Seen in Irish Construction Sector

Image Credit: www.ibtimes.co.uk

A quick look at online job firms will readily yield an increase in jobs in the Irish construction sector. It is certainly a great development, as it only shows that the industry is in progress.

In the first quarter of 2014, it was reported that the number of jobs advertised online alone has increased by a good 5% parallel to the same time of the preceding year. Again, that is merely online. There are jobs that are being posted on the paper and other forms of media.

It may be a rather small increase, but the important thing is that the industry is thriving and it is safe to say that better things are ahead. It shows a lot of promise for an industry that a few years ago may not be as good as it is now. Quite truthfully, whichever way you look at it, a small rise is still a rise. But if you look into a much bigger picture, that percentage has all the potential to go a long way.

The increase in jobs opens doors for the different workers in the construction industry. The firms are now even more strict in hiring workers, which means they are trying to get only those that are fit for a specific position. The ones deemed more effective and efficient will get the jobs, thus making for a steady progress. Gone are the days when some knowledge of tools like a diamond blade or a diamond core bit is good enough to land you a job in the industry, as firms have presented a much better screening process.

According to Irishjobs.ie, the said rate of 5% is a decent leap from the preceding quarter’s 2%. But the construction industry is not the only one that has seen progress, as others have also been steadily rising Engineering, tourism, architecture, property, manufacturing, and production – things are certainly looking good for many businesses in this part of Europe.

If things are looking good for Ireland, global construction can only hope this success resonates to a much bigger scale. The good thing is that the UK generally has been experiencing a steady progress in construction, and the same goes for the United States. If things go well for these top economies, global construction may just experience a boom. Of course, this is something we are all hoping and praying for.

Drilling Holes in a Glass Block

When drilling a hole in different kinds of materials, the diamond blade is your tool. This holds true in glass, too. When drilling holes in a glass block, what you need is the right core bit for the job because like diamond blades, there is a wide variety of diamond core bits for different applications. For this you will need the help of the store personnel in your local store.

There are harder materials that the conventional bits cannot cut. Diamond core bits come to the rescue as it can cut much harder materials, the diamond being the hardest substance on the planet. The thing with glass blocks when drilling a hole is you have to make a good cut without damaging other parts of the glass, or worse, shattering it to pieces. If you have chosen the right diamond core bit, then you are now ready for the job. 

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to drill holes in a glass block:

1.    Place the glass block on the operating surface of the drill press. With the power still off, lower the press. Make sure it is matched with the right spot on the block. This way you will have a solid grip to avoid spinning as you go on operating.

2.     Before you actually start your drilling techniques, first make a guide hole. This will ensure an accurate, cleaner hole. When you have made a guide hole, you are ready to drill.

3.    Time to turn the drill press on. Lower the core bit pointing to the glass block and make a small hole. Pull back the press and see if you are on the right track. Allow the core bit as well as the glass surface to cool down with some running water. This will also help eradicate harmful dust.

4.    Drill deeper to complete the hole. Do this by carefully lowering the press and steadily moving it through the glass block. Remove the press and turn off the drill when you are done. Repeat the process if you have to drill more holes. As with any project, remember to wear the necessary safety gears.

Always remember that measurements matter so make sure you have them dialed before you actually started drilling. You may have made perfect holes. But imperfect spaces will probably mean a waste of time. Remember this every time you are doing kind of project, or any project that involves measurements.

Must-have Tools for Home Repairs (part 2)

Image Credit: www.bobvila.com

In the first part of this article, I enlisted tools that every household should own. The tools I included on that list are the following: hammer, screwdriver, stripper/wire cutter, vise grip, and handsaw. I also mentioned tools that are so useful they don’t even need to be part of the list, and they are the diamond blade and diamond core bit.

As promised, here are a few more all-important tools you should have in your collection:

Utility knife – As a boy scouts need it, so should every home owner. They are used in a variety of applications, from simple ones to more elaborate tasks. It can also serve as a substitute for other tools that you may not have in possession. There are now utility knives that have replaceable blades and most people I know have them. Surely, it is wise and practical to have this in your collection, too.

Tape measure – As a DIYer or even an ordinary homeowner that doesn’t have much knowledge about home repairs, you will find yourself dealing with measurements. With a tape measure, life would be easier. It helps you get precise measurements, and essentially make for a better project. A good tape measure is one that is easy-locking.

Chisel – While not as often-used as the previous tools, a chisel should serve you just right. The fact that it has many uses and can substitute to some tools for a certain use make a chisel part of this list. A little trivia: it is one of the oldest tools known to man and has served its purpose well since when it was invented. It can be used in woodworking, metalworking, etc.

Safety glasses – Why safety glasses? Well, as with any home repair task, you need to be safe, and a pair of safety glasses is your fundamental shield from injury. Without wearing safety glasses you are most definitely at risk. When doing any home repair job, safety should be of utmost concern. Safety first, so to speak. Invest in a good pair of safety glasses. After all, you can use it for almost any home project.

It is very important to have the tools available in your home. There are many other tools must-haves that aren’t part of this list. Be sure you have them, along with the knowledge of how to properly use them. Until next time, please keep it here.

Must-have Tools for Home Repairs - Part 1

Image Credit: www.bobvila.com

As a homeowner, you want to have tools readily available for any repair project. There are tools that are so useful they don’t even need to be on the list, like the diamond blade and diamond core bit.

The following tools should be a great investment:

Hammer – Really, I don’t know of any home that don’t possess a hammer. It is, after all, one of the most used tools in the box. Many projects involve the use of a hammer so it is definitely on top of the list. From simply woodworking that can be done by a single person for bigger projects like the renovation of your patio, a hammer should always come in handy.

Screwdriver – This is another tool that every household I know has in their collection. A screwdriver is either a flat head or a Phillips head driver, and they equally useful. They come in handy for any electrical work that involves nuts and bolts. Usually they are available in the set so you need not buy them separately. Also, electric screwdrivers are already available in the market today, so you may want to look at them.

Stripper/wire cutter – Another tool normally used for electrical purposes. You can actually strip wires using diagonal pliers, but there is actually a tool used for this very purpose. Using a stripper or a wire cutter is simply the way to go as they make the job much easier and faster.

Vise grip – Anything that needs stabilizing, the vise grip is the tool for the job. What it does is it acts as a clamp in that tightens the jaws of the tool against whatever it is you are working on so it doesn’t slip while you’re working on it. Vise grips make your work easier by holding things in place so you can focus on the task.

Handsaw – Another very common tool. It is also heavily used in woodworking. In fact, most woodworking projects cannot be done without a handsaw. Surely, there are electric saws available. But for home use, a handsaw should be more than good enough.

See, there are tools that you should have at home, it is a mortal sin to not have one. Be sure you have these readily available for your repair needs. In one of my future blog posts, I will show you more tool must-haves. All of these are a great investment, so if you have the money to spare, you might as well get the better-performing, although more expensive ones.