Family Handyman Winter 2023

When I was about 10 years old, my neighbor and I decided to build a raft. I use the term build loosely, as it was just several layers of plywood scraps nailed together. It wasn’t well thought out, and at about 24 in. square, it was meant to hold only one person. When it came time to test our creation in a cattle water tank, at least I had enough foresight to allow my neighbor to take the raft on its maiden voyage, and I got to bike home dry. I’ve learned a bit since then, especially in the five years I’ve been at Family Handyman. Starting here meant closing my cabinet and furniture shop. I hauled all my tools home and crammed them into my one-car garage, where they’ve been…

facebook.com/thefamilyhandyman pinterest.com/family_handyman youtube.com/thefamilyhandyman instagram.com/familyhandyman tiktok.com/@familyhandyman READER CONTEST SHOW US YOUR HOLIDAY SPIRIT! Maybe you’re not feeling merry yet, but you could be! Here at Family Handyman, we think that making something is the answer to everything. Try your hand at creating a great gift or special decor. Then send us your photos and details of your project (see below). PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED IN THE FOLLOWING CATEGORIES: 1. BEST HOLIDAY DIY DECOR: This can include any type of holiday decoration, either outdoor or indoor, made with any type of materials. Cash prize: $500 2. BEST HOLIDAY DIY GIFT: This can be something you built for a loved one, or something a loved one built for you. Cash prize: $500 3. EDITORS’ CHOICE: This will be awarded to one lucky entry that catches our eyes. Cash prize: $500 SCAN THIS CODE TO SEE…

MODULAR ROLLING TOOL STORAGE The DeWalt ToughSystem 2.0 Rolling Tower consists of three toolboxes: a standard, an extra large and a rolling one that’s even bigger with sturdy 8-in. wheels and an adjustable handle. The set measures 40 in. tall and provides almost 5 cu. ft. of storage. Each ToughSystem 2.0 toolbox features spring-loaded, auto-connect side latches for one-handed operation, durable metal front latches and a padlock hasp. The set of three is dust and water resistant and includes two large organizer cups as well as two removable inner trays to maximize storage space. The Rolling Tower is compatible with any ToughSystem product, past or present. After loading up the Rolling Tower with 100 lbs. of tools, I was able to easily roll it up and down stairs and across bumpy terrain. The…

A FRESH SCENT FOR FABRICS Baking soda naturally absorbs odors. To freshen up fabric-covered furniture, put baking soda in a salt shaker or similar dispenser and sprinkle liberally. Baking soda takes time to do its work, so let it sit for an hour or so. For really bad situations, leave it on overnight. Then thoroughly vacuum up all the baking soda. This should freshen up most fabrics. NOTE: Always test cleaning products in an inconspicuous area first. ANDREA CATRANIS GIFT WRAP HOLDER To keep your rolls of gift wrap neat and tidy, just slip a clip on the end of the roll. BRIAN GUPTA CONVENIENT STRING DISPENSER Try this tangle-free way to dispense string or twine: Cut a 2-liter plastic soda bottle in half horizontally and shorten one of the halves. Cut slits along the edge of one half…

As with many other projects on my “want to do” list, this growth chart languished for a long time. It’s been six years since our first child was born! With three kids now to record heights for, it was time I took the chart off my list. I wanted something unique, so I designed this version on a live-edge slab of cherry, adding custom maple inlays to mark each foot measurement. You can use this same inlay technique to make a variety of personalized projects. Now that the chart is done, the kids can’t wait to show everyone how much they’ve grown! 1 CLAMP A STRAIGHTEDGE DOWN THE CENTER Establish a line near the center of the slab, from the bottom to the top, then clamp a straightedge along it. This allowed me to…

SCAN THIS CODE TO SEE JAY MAKE THIS BENT-WOOD MIRROR FRAME, START TO FINISH! MEET THE EXPERT PROJECT EDITOR JAY CORK HAS TAUGHT CLASSES ON BENDING WOOD WITH STEAM. AND, TRULY, NO ONE IS MORE FULL OF HOT AIR. Steam bending has long been employed to build boats, ships and wagons, even toboggans and snowshoes. A time-honored method of manipulating wood, steam bending will be a fun and rewarding addition to your woodworking skill set. To begin your wood-bending journey, you’ll need a few basic items: an inexpensive steam generator, an easy-to-make plywood box and MDF to make a form. Bending wood takes patience and practice; a simple round mirror frame is the perfect place to start. HOW CAN WOOD BEND?? Some wood species—such as ash or oak, even cherry or walnut—can be bent by softening…