What "man jobs" have you done today?
- Thread starter jaybee
- Start date
Soldato
Built the ladder for my daughter's loft bed so she can finally sleep in it (it's been up a week). It'll get painted next weekend if the weather is dry - need a couple of hours for the two coats of primer/undercoat and then at least 4 for the eggshell to dry. It's just dry screwed to the frame so I can take it off to paint, then I'll put some glue in the pilot holes to lock the screws in for a bit of security.
Soldato
Nice work!, good to see the rungs are slotted into a groove for added strength.
Been doing a bit of woodwork myself today. Just need to wait for the Sikkens and external screws to turn up now.
Also made a capping for the top, which I might add a couple of drip moulds to while I am waiting for the other bits.
Been doing a bit of woodwork myself today. Just need to wait for the Sikkens and external screws to turn up now.
Also made a capping for the top, which I might add a couple of drip moulds to while I am waiting for the other bits.
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Soldato
Cleaned paving slabs with bleach mix - worked a treat.
Dave
Dave
Soldato
Thanks, I'm pretty chuffed with it. Though that was the second attempt, the first one from Sat morning was totally cocked - rebates cut at the wrong angle on one side and the spacing wrong for the top step. Then I went & bought a bevel gauge and had another attempt.
Nice door. I love a nice bit of woodwork
Is that your tablesaw under your bench there? Looks quite compact, what is it?
Soldato
Same here! I wouldn't dream of buying anything that I could make myself.
The table saw is a Dewalt DW745. I have very little space so had to go for something compact and light. It only weighs 22kg, so is easy to slide out from under the bence when I need it. I was looking at the Bosch and makita table saws as well, but went for this as it had a rack and pinion fence system. Really pleased with it so far.
The table saw is a Dewalt DW745. I have very little space so had to go for something compact and light. It only weighs 22kg, so is easy to slide out from under the bence when I need it. I was looking at the Bosch and makita table saws as well, but went for this as it had a rack and pinion fence system. Really pleased with it so far.
Soldato
I like the Dewalt 745, saw one a few months ago, very impress overall, it was mounted on a pair of universal brackets fitted to a Dewalt DE7400 or DWX724 heavy duty mitre saw stand.
Definitely added it to my wanted list, been looking on the bay for a cheap Dewalt mitre saw stand.
Definitely added it to my wanted list, been looking on the bay for a cheap Dewalt mitre saw stand.
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Soldato
Nice compact bit of kit. I have the same problem with a lack of space, just a 6x8 shed. How I'd love a garage or 'proper' workshop.
Soldato
Going to build around a 20'x10' workshop here, been on my to list of things to do, nearly 3 years now, but other jobs have got in the way.
Definitely going to start by May this year.
Soldato
Replaced the garage light with a flourecent strip which then unearthed a list of issues created by a shoddy past DIY job. Things like cabling being cut into to add a switch, another switch that tripped the fuses, and an attempt to run a power socket off the 20amp loop as well as some spaghetti like cabling.
Needless to say the whole lot has been ripped out and replaced with junction boxes, new cables, switches and all cable clipped away. Took me all day, and it still isn't as tidy as a pro but hey
Needless to say the whole lot has been ripped out and replaced with junction boxes, new cables, switches and all cable clipped away. Took me all day, and it still isn't as tidy as a pro but hey
Associate
I always read this thread with great envy at all the great DIY jobs you guys do. I usually dodge all DIY jobs and get my dad to do them.
I think its time I finally manned up and started to do them myself, Im just worried I will do a terrible job!
I think its time I finally manned up and started to do them myself, Im just worried I will do a terrible job!
Soldato
I'm the same, I just google the hell out of what I'm attempting to achieve and plan it to the Nth degree. If I'm not confident I'll pay for a pro (or ask a mate
) but part of the fun is making mistakes and learning. Of course, I don't condone taking risks with life endangering tasks though!
Associate
I'm the same, I just google the hell out of what I'm attempting to achieve and plan it to the Nth degree. If I'm not confident I'll pay for a pro (or ask a mate
I was thinking more about Tiling and plumbing so not sure if its dangerous
I suppose the best way to learn is just to do it, so brace yourselves for loads of questions
Soldato
I'm the same, I just google the hell out of what I'm attempting to achieve and plan it to the Nth degree. If I'm not confident I'll pay for a pro (or ask a mate
I was thinking more about Tiling and plumbing so not sure if its dangerous
I suppose the best way to learn is just to do it, so brace yourselves for loads of questions
Don't forget the correct PPE usage.
Soldato
IMO tiliing is a doddle. Plumbing on the other hand, I don't think I'd attempt. I'm not confident with that, particularly the creating bends and adding junctions then using a blow torch to attach it all. I'd be worried about a leak springing up and my house being soaked! Simpler stuff like replacing the tap and washing machine were easy, but I wouldn't quite class those plumbing tasks per se
Caporegime
I was thinking more about Tiling and plumbing so not sure if its dangerous
I suppose the best way to learn is just to do it, so brace yourselves for loads of questions
YouTube and DIYnot - lots of viewing and reading for the job in question and, if you have the right tools and take it slow, it's hard to make a real pig's ear of most things.
As with anything, the sooner to start doing it yourself, the faster you will become competent.
Associate
thanks guys, my first task is decorating the downstairs toilet. It is actually kinda under the stairs (ish) and there is a lot of pipework on the walls which I need to box in with trunking some how to make it look tidier. Also the walls need tiling and I want to fit a new wall mounted sink with mixer tap.
So its not a simple project (in my book anyway), but as you all say, a fair bit of research and take it slow and I should be fine (famous last words lol)
So its not a simple project (in my book anyway), but as you all say, a fair bit of research and take it slow and I should be fine (famous last words lol)
Soldato
Cuffy
If you are going to take up tiling don't buy a cheap tile cutter - I spent years of cussin with cheap plastic ones from local DIY store - spend 80 quid or so for semi pro one.
Chalk and cheese.
Dave
If you are going to take up tiling don't buy a cheap tile cutter - I spent years of cussin with cheap plastic ones from local DIY store - spend 80 quid or so for semi pro one.
Chalk and cheese.
Dave
Associate
Cheers for the tip, my dad has one that uses water to cool the cutter down, so i presume it will be a decent one even though I have never seen it
Caporegime
I bought a cheapy tile cutter and swapped the cutting disk before I'd even switched it on. I read that the blade is 90% of what makes a decent tile cutter, and I've certainly found that a decent blade makes a massive difference.