The Handyguys suspect that a lot of handguys would love to own a table saw.  But, is this a tool that the average handyguy should own?  Brian and Paul discuss whether this tool should be included in your toolkit workshop.

The issue of table saws was brought up by Bill, a regular listener

I am just getting into woodworking and am looking to build a T.V. Cabinet and a wall sized bookcase.  I know, when I do something, I go all out.  I have all of the other tools that I need except a table saw.  So, I am looking for a good Table Saw recommendation at around the $400 price range.
Thanks and keep up the great show!

Bosch Portable Table Saw

Before we answer Bill’s question, the Handyguys would like to take this time to address the whole issue of table saws and the handyguy.  Is this a tool that the average handyguy needs?  Sure… we would all love to have one, but is it a necessary expense?  The truth is that many handyguys do not have room for a table saw and many fix-it jobs around the house do not require a table saw.  Furthermore, if you need to rip a board (cut it lengthwise), you can make a guide or jig for your circular saws to make a safe rip.

So, unless you are going to be doing some serious woodworking and/or cabinetmaking, you may not require the functionality of a table saw.  Try using a friend’s saw in the few circumstances that require this beast of a tool.

Is renting an option when you need a table saw?  The Handyguys address this issue during their “Buy, Borrow or Steal” segment.  The problem with renting is that you are normally limited to table top, portable or light weight contractor saws.  You will not be able to rent a heavier cabinet saw.  In addition, the handyguy may only require making a few quick cuts with a table saw which makes renting an expensive option.  As always, listen to the show for more details.

If you require your own table saw, you should understand the basic types of saws and determine how are you going to use the saw.  Is portability important or is precision the highest priority.  The portable table top saws can be had for less then $500 and for as low as $100.  Beware of the cheaper saws because they often have fences that do not work well (to say the least).  The Handyguys discuss this in more detail on the show.

Jet contractor saw

A step up to the portable table top or lightweight saw is the contractor saw.  This saw has a more solid fixed base and a heavier aluminum or cast iron top.  It is heavier and more powerful.  You can move it but it may require the strength of two handyguys.  This saw is intended for the pro contractor and makes a handy addition to the job site.  Many handyguys will use this variety of table saw for their stationary workshop.  The contractor saw has some downsides because it lacks the power and dust collection ability of a higher end cabinet saw.

Grizzly cabinet saw

The next level of saw used to be a cabinet saw, but now there is a class of saw called a “hybrid.”  This saw has an enclosed base like a cabinet saw but uses the motor and mechanisms of a contractor saw to keep the price down. The cabinet provides some of the weight and stability of a cabinet saw but the hybrid does not have the power and features of a full cabinet saw.

The cabinet saw is the king of the table saws.  It starts at about $1000 and can scale up to several thousands of your hard earned cash.  Typically the cabinet saws have 3HP and above motors and require 220 voltage.

Once you get a table saw, you must learn how to tune the saw and use it safely.  You can get some great tips on table saw usage at www.thewoodwhisperer.com.  Check out all of his videos, including this one on table saw safety:  http://thewoodwhisperer.com/episode-51-tablesaw-experience/

The Wood Whisperer is a great site to learn about woodworking

Oh, getting back to Bill’s question.  The Handyguys don’t forget to answer it.  They also discuss looking for a used table saws and the new Sawstop technology.

Please listen to the podcast for all the details on Table Saws.

The Handyguys love their tools. Check out our other shows where we talk about tools!

Related shows:

1. Episode #87 – Top 10 Essential Tools, Duct tape and a Contest
2. Episode #56 – Deck Material and Design Part 2
3. Episode #65 – A Handyguys Kitchen

The Handyguys address carpet padding removal and  dangerous household Tools

Happy 2009!  The Handyguys are back from hiatus and ready to address another year of handyman Handyguy topics.  We have new voice-over talent, new music and a new look to the website.  We also have a clean studio (thanks Brian!) and we are ready to go.  So pour another single malt and let’s get started.

Listener Questions

A  question came from David:

I was wondering if you had any advice for removing carpet padding from Hardwood floors.  I recently bought a home with carpet over nice oak floors.  Pulled up carpet to find green carpet pad had solidified into a rock hard plastic and was fused to the hardwood floor.  In some areas where it was more of a dry Styrofoam consistency and was easily scraped up. However, the majority is rock hard, and scraping is not an easy task. Any advice would be helpful. I have scoured the Internet, and most advice I have found has not worked.  I think that most advice has been geared toward people who have carpet padding that has turned into a gooey mess.  Mine is rock hard. I tried a power sander with 80 grit, and that worked, but at such slow pace that it would take weeks to remove it all.

Handyguys Answer

Why did our parents cover up those beautiful Oak floors anyway?  I guess there are benefits to carpet but it sure is nice to see some wood.

Handyguy Brian suggests that David try some power sanders  meant for refinishing floors with various levels of grit.  Perhaps a heavy orbital edging sander or a larger drum sander could remove the padding which became attached to the wood flooring.  Listen to the Podcast for more details.

Most people have different sorts problems when removing carpet padding.  Typically, the the most difficult problems are removing the tack strips and all the staples used to attach the pad to the floor.  If you have harder floors such as oak, you can typically remove the protruding staples with pliers or vice grips.  If your flooring is pine or some other softer variety, the staples often penetrate the flooring leaving nothing to grab with the pliers.  People often try to dig out each staple with a screw driver, but this can take all day, especially if you have hundreds of staples to remove.  Listen to the Podcast for a better suggestion by Handyguy Paul.

A Discussion of the Dangers of Everyday Handyguy Tools

Brian and Paul have spilled some blood when working around the house.  You might think that they were injured on large and powerful tools like a chainsaw or tablesaw.  While these tools are very dangerous, it is sometimes the more common tools around the house that will draw the most blood.  Check out this discussion in the podcast and stay safe in your home!

If you have any suggestions of dangerous tools around the house not mentioned in the podcast, please leave a comment.

We will be back next week with another a follow-up to our basement finishing series.

Related shows:

1. Episode #63 – Handyguy Hardwood Floors
2. Episode #51 – 10 Handyguy Questions…Rapid Fire!
3. Episode #81 – Handyguy Vehicles, Air Conditioning and Mower Repair

The Handyguys Podcast discuss some unique stocking stuffer gift ideas for this Christmas season.

So you want to purchase some nice gifts for the handyguy in your life but you don’t want to break the bank.  You could go to your local big box store and pick up some screw drivers or duct tape, but that’s kind of boring and what kind of message are you sending?   This sort of handyguy gift giving is inefficient and thoughtless.  You need to be more intentional about your gift giving while concentrating on the neglected items on the honey-do-list.

For instance,  your kitchen counter back splash has some cracked caulk… why not stick a tube of caulk in the stocking?  It’s not an exciting gift, but it will surely send your handyguy a hint!

If your handyguy is often working without proper safety glasses, put some Eye Armor safety glasses in the stocking.  They are comfortable, fit over prescription glasses, and will preserve his eyes for all the other honey-do list items!

How about that unfinished basement that you would love to have finished.  Stick a copy of Roger German’s Remodeling a Basement (Build Like A Pro) book in the stocking.

If you’re hoping to finally have a green lawn, you will need a soil test kit.

You want some shelves hung, how about a stud finder.

You get the idea.

10 Handyguys stocking stuffer ideas!

These 10 items are discussed in detail during the podcast. This list is not complete, there are many interesting and unique items in our store. Feel free to browse. Purchases through our store help keep The Handyguys Podcast on the air. If you need any specific recommendations for a particular handyguy in your life feel free to contact us and we will help you out. Thank you for your support.

Related shows:

1. Episode #45 – Innovative Tools
2. Episode #41 – Mighty Putty
3. Episode #22 – Part 2: An interview with Roger German (the Basement Guy!)

Part 4 in the Basement Finishing Series

The Handyguys are becoming the “Basementguys” in this new fourth installment of the basement series.  The Handyguys discuss basement materials and revisit some old advice they gave about mowing lawns.

First up… a discussion about some advice that Handyguys gave in Episode #15 on lawn care.  Is it true what one of the Handyguys said regarding your mower height?  Handyguy Paul said that if you mow the lawn lower, the grass will grow faster in order to get more sun and generate more food for the roots.  It sounded too good to be true so he sought out to prove his own advice.  Paul performed a little experiment on his backyard.  We could show you a picture here but Paul was a little embarrassed.  He cut a 30 foot swath down the middle of his back yard an inch shorter then the outside edges of his yard.  He wanted to see if it would grow any faster then the rest of the yard.  What was the result?  You will have to listen to the Podcast and see if the Handyguys offered good advice or bad advice.

The Handyguys then discuss the many choices that you have in regard to basement materials.  You want to finish your basement but what materials will you choose? Should you use steel studs or wood?  What about the pre-fabricated basement systems?  Drop ceilings or sheet rock?

The Handyguys also discuss sound blocking options.

Photo © 2008 Bungalow Chronicles

Good design will help your basement blend in with the rest of your house and not feel like a cheap addition. Planning and good material choices with a good decorating sense will go a long way.

Material talk and more discussions about your basement on episode #19 of the Handyguys Podcast.

Thanks for Listening

Related shows:

1. Episode #18 – Finished Basement Planning and Dealing with Building Codes
2. Episode #17 – Is Your Basement Ready?
3. Episode #16 To DIY your basement or not… that is the question