DIY Drama, Old Tractors and New Counters

You need to listen to the podcast to hear Paul's story about what happened to his nice laptop. Does this picture give you a clue? Click on the pic to see it bigger.

We start off by talking about the True Value DIY Drama contest. You can win $5000 if your story is chosen as a winner. Brian and Paul have both had some drama but Paul most recently. You MUST listen to Paul tell his drama story in the podcast. It was a very expensive story.

What are you working on lately?

Brian and Paul both discuss what recent projects they have been working on. First up, Brian.

Busted up old tractor

Brian was able to find an old tractor on freecycle. Well, nothing is ever free. The tractor needed a battery, a new fuel line and a fuel filter.  For good measure, Brian changed the oil filter and spark plug and sharpened the blades. After adding some fresh gas, the tractor started right up.  Not too shabby.

Over the past year and a half, Brian used this tractor for some pretty heavy duty mowing. Overgrown fields and campground trails were the typical terrain. In this time, the mower has required countless replacement belts plus a few hundred dollars worth of repairs for other busted parts due to its heavy abuse.

Brian and Paul discuss when is it time to cut the losses. Is it worth another $40 for a pulley assembly and another $25 for another belt?  A tractor that is designed and built for the uses Brian is putting this old thing through is just not in the cards at the moment.

New Counters

Paul’s project was new counter tops. The design committee (his wife) did all the legwork. In the podcast we discuss some of the options and considerations. The decision was made to go with Granite. Granite is a professional installation but there is still some work for the Handyguy. Paul removed the old laminate counters, installed the plumbing under the new sink and has the back splash to tile. Doing these chores yourself can save money even when you are having granite professionally installed.

Paul makes reference to a Fine Home building article on drain hookups.

Related shows:

1. Installing A Tile Back-splash For Your Kitchen
2. ZTR Mower Versus Tractor
3. Happy Thanksgiving

Cabinet Veneer and Fireplace Conversions

In this episode of The Handyguys Podcast we address two listener questions, one from voicemail about changing the look of a bathroom vanity and one through our contact form about converting a fireplace from gas to wood burning.

Refinishing a bathroom vanity

This question was left on our voicemail, listen to the podcast to hear the question in full. Essentially the caller, Susie, has a pine bathroom vanity with a whitewashed finish. She would like the look of a cherry vanity and wants to know her options short of replacing the vanity.

The Handyguys think that replacement would be the best option. We discuss some other options such as

• Refacing
• Refinishing
• Using a spray toner

Susie doesn’t want the mess of refinishing and doesn’t want to put a final finish on as required by using a refacing veneer. We don’t know of a pre-finished veneer. Contact paper comes to mind but that would look bad. That leaves a relatively simple and inexpensive option of using a spray toner. A spray toner is a top coat finish but with color built in. Its often used in furniture repairs. This would add the cherry color yet let the wood grain show through. We recommend to try it on some scrap wood first to see if she would like the look. Worst case Susie could try it and if it doesn’t look good then replace the cabinet.

Fireplace conversions

We received this question from Tyler:

I am wanting to put a wood burning stove into my gas fireplace. I am having a difficult time finding out what all is needed to be done so that the insert is installed and the flue is set up correctly. I have two chimney tubes one from the basement and the other from the upstairs, if it is practical doing both would be more beneficial than just one. If there is any information or help you can provide to assist me in this, it will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your time, Tyler

This is an interesting question. It is fairly common to convert a wood burning fireplace into a gas burning setup. Its not so common to go from gas to wood. If the fireplace was originally wood then it would be simple to convert back to wood. Regardless, Tyler, its time to consult an expert. There are many great local fireplace shops that can help you assess the situation and provide you with the right product for your conversion. This is no place to take chances, bring in a pro.

An announcement

We will be participating in a new venture with True Value and some really great bloggers. True Value is calling this the Blog Squad. Us, along with four other bloggers, will be combing the isles of our local True Value stores (on True Value’s dime) to find some great projects we can showcase. We already have some great ideas. Do any of our listeners have ideas? How about a segment on setback thermostats and energy savings? Fall lawn care? Garage organization? We may also revisit the essential tool kit for every homeowner. We might even have a giveaway so make sure you subscribe if you haven’t already.

Who is the True Value DIY Blog Squad?

• John & Sherry with Young House Love
• Katie with All Bower Power
• Josh with Bungalow 23
• Layla & Kevin with Lettered Cottage

What else? True Value is also giving away a prize worth $5,000 to one lucky homeowner in their DIY Drama Contest! The contest is open to any homeowner who has gone through any type of home improvement drama- whether it’s a DIY project gone awry or a stressful project you just can’t seem to ever mark off your “Honey-Do” list.
To enter, visit StartRightStartHere.com for a chance to win $5,000 to use at a local True Value store and an in-person project consultation with a knowledgeable True Value employee.

“I was one of five bloggers selected by True Value to work on the DIY Squad. I have been compensated for my time commitment to the program and my DIY project as well as my posts about my experience. I have also been compensated for the materials needed for my DIY project. However, my opinions are entirely my own and I have not been paid to publish positive comments.”

Related shows:

1. Installing A Co Detector
2. Installing A Tile Back-splash For Your Kitchen
3. Installing Wood Floors On Concrete, Dripping Faucets And Finding Stains