I'm taking a bit of a journey to figure out a few things. First, who am I, and second what does that mean to the world? Ever wonder that? Here are 5 things I'm going to do this month to find the best of me.
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With time and dedication, anyone can build something incredible. Greenfield Guitars have been honing their craft for years, and the process is amazing to watch. … Continue reading on ManMadeDIY.com
Building a strong, sturdy fire is one of those basic skills everyone should have. When I'm out camping, I like to challenge myself to carefully prepare a perfect stack of kindling, tinder, and fuel, and see if I can get my bonfire started with just one match. But at home, in the backyard, when I'm grilling, what I really want is a perfect bed of coals that I can confidently cook on, and fast. For years, my preferred method of starting a perfect grilling fire has been to use a blowtorch. Sounds easy, right? It is. Here's how I do it:
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Right now, you can find more tutorials on how to use vinegar to clean your toilet than you can find to use vinegar with a delicious dinner. This is a travesty for such an amazing and delicious liquid! Unlike most condiments, vinegar is one that you can make yourself and will taste better than anything you can buy in a store. I guarantee it! Here is a simple tutorial on turning leftover wine into homemade vinegar.
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I grew up in the shadow of some major recycling nuts so it actually took awhile for me to get my rebellious nature out of my system and come back to the recycling fold. I now recycle as meticulously as I can and composting organic waste is just one more great way to do that. Stored correctly, it can be a blessing -- stored poorly, not so much. … Continue reading on ManMadeDIY.com
The Cabinet of Invisible Counselors is a term coined by success-guru Napoleon Hill referring to the great thinkers and authors whose work he found influential, whom he would summon in his imagination to consider their opinions on the tasks before him. Similarly, you may have heard the statement that, "You are the sum of the five people with whom you spend the most time." Combining these two ideas has been one of the great decisions of my life. … Continue reading on ManMadeDIY.com
We all watch a lot of movies these days, but only a few make an impression beyond the credits. Here are 5 of my favorites that left a mark. … Continue reading on ManMadeDIY.com
Have you ever wished for a fancy sports car or but didn't quite have the cash? Or have you fiddled around with rebuilding cars and are looking for the next step. Well here's an idea: your average DIY toolster with basic tools and a couple hundred free hours can buy the Factory Five kit car and can build their own hot rod, replica Shelby, or Type 65 Coupe. … Continue reading on ManMadeDIY.com
Suits are a common sight on an airplane. Sure, there are the business travelers who made be going straight to a meeting as they arrive, but just as likely - guys wear suits on a plane because they're impossible to put in your luggage without becoming a wrinkly, creased mess.
Except, there is a way to do it, and its worth a shot if you've a long flight ahead and would much rather snuggle down in something more comfortable. … Continue reading on ManMadeDIY.com
A few years ago, I was attending a conference, and, as I recall, not really listening to the keynote speaker. It was one of those trying to eat-lunch-and-try-to-meet-new-people-and-I-can-barely-hear-from-the-back-of-the-room sort of things.
But, in a moment of unexpected drop in the banquet room din, I caught something that sunk in. The speaker, musing on happiness, suggested that it's all those little tasks and the clutter that hang over our heads and keep joy from settling in. That knowing you have a million little tasks to do is more stressful than actually doing those tasks. And it's not the big work projects, the term papers, the spring deep cleaning that keep us down, but the little stuff that piles up and creates anxiety about when we'll get it all done. … Continue reading on ManMadeDIY.com
Curious about the camp moc? Pondering about pinstripes? Speculating on selvedge?
Then it's time to check out this collection of classic men's style items from the past century. … Continue reading on ManMadeDIY.com
We've said it before: yes, every man needs an apron. They're indispensable in the workshop, the kitchen, the garage, around the grill, even when shining your shoes. … Continue reading on ManMadeDIY.com
If you're a fan of salt and vinegar potato chips then you're gonna love this recipe for pan fried sea salt and basalmic potatoes. … Continue reading on ManMadeDIY.com
These days, the word "tailgate" conjures up images of cooler and pavement, jerseys and face paint, grills and foldable chairs. But, despite its current association with parking lots and sporting events, it's actually got quite a rich history. Like, older than you think. Like... 1861? … Continue reading on ManMadeDIY.com
Craft beer is growing out here on the West Coast like a wildfire in the wind. While visiting local breweries in the area, I've always been impressed by well made flight sets, so I decided to make my own. … Continue reading on ManMadeDIY.com
Hey ... welcome back to What's Good. We're switching things up a little bit this month. I think you're going to like it (I know I did). In case you're new here, What's Good is our monthly series where we (the ManMade guys) get to talk about what we're currently into. This month, it's media, clothing, and wonderment. Yeah, you read that right. Wonderment is a thing too. Read on to get your monthly dose...… Continue reading on ManMadeDIY.com
Six years ago, my father decided he wanted to read one biography of every American president before he dies. He’s fallen a little behind (I think he’s currently on Madison) but it’s made it easy to think up go-to presents when gift-giving holidays come around. Scouring the internet for the most definitive biography of each president has rubbed off a little and now I’ve got some serious must-reads to recommend…
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Leather is strong, durable, and extremely workable. But stitching leather involves some specific two-handed, two needle techniques, some specialized gear, and some definite knowhow. So, what to do when you want to make a custom piece, but aren't ready to invest the time and materials to learn to hand sew it?
You make no-sew project: just as strong, just as customizable. … Continue reading on ManMadeDIY.com
The chain saw. Love it or fear it, this workhorse has made its way into my DIY life after years of avoiding it. And? I'm totally mad I waited this long! A chain saw is a great tool for even the most entry level of projects, and, if you use good technique and follow the right precautions, totally safe to use. With autumn officially here, we're taking a look at this essential piece of gear.
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My best work is done when I'm inspired. These 5 DIY projects will make your office a place you want to spend the next 8 hours in. … Continue reading on ManMadeDIY.com
At its core, a chair is simply a seat with a back. And while they often have legs and arms and complex joinery for strength, sometimes, a little physics can accomplish the same thing. … Continue reading on ManMadeDIY.com
The term film noir (or “dark film”) was first coined in 1946 (though not used commonly for many years) by French film critic Nino Frank to describe the emerging genre of gritty films that proliferated in the American studio system during the 1940’s-50’s featuring hardboiled detectives, femme fatales, and doomed anti-heroes. … Continue reading on ManMadeDIY.com
There are plenty of places in the shop and office that need a bit of paper cover during a project. Here's a way to keep it close, but out of the way. … Continue reading on ManMadeDIY.com
Here at ManMade we love wood. It's versatile, strong, and, done right, it looks fantastic. However, working with wood means making joints, and joints can be a pain. That's where having a good jig comes in handy. Kreg Tool woodworking jigs are the best in the business and an absolute must-have for any woodshop. So here it is: Our Ultimate Kreg Jig Giveaway! One lucky winner will get:
Read on to learn how you can win!
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This ManMade guest post was written by Ben Robbins of Silas Jackson
It ain’t easy being a short guy. Women “swipe left” on our dating profiles based on height alone, we don’t make as much dough as their taller peers, and there’s no shortage of nicknames that seek to box us in (“shrimp,” “small fry”…I could go on and on). This isn’t fair, of course, but you as a fellow shorter dude actually have some power to fight back – it’s called the ability to “dress taller.” Now, I didn’t coin this term, but I do have some unique insights into how shorter guys can share in some of the benefits that taller guys take for granted. All you have to do is follow these five simple tips for making tweaks to what you wear and how you wear it: … Continue reading on ManMadeDIY.com
As a kid, I shared a bunk bed with my younger brother and every night we'd argue about who had to turn off the light and make the frightful journey through the dark to the safety of his own covers. Eventually our parents bought us The Clapper which was swiftly taken away from us due to the racket we made every night for fun...
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The backyard fire pit is the hallmark of great outdoor memory-making. Where friends gather, stories are told, beers are drunk. And sure they can be as simple as a no-frills dugout, but something a little more concrete demonstrates your commitment to the intentionality of the space.... … Continue reading on ManMadeDIY.com
Yep, it's dangerous, illegal, and still pretty interesting. Follow along with this guy as he tried to ride freight trains to Montauk. … Continue reading on ManMadeDIY.com
I wasn't always a bedmaker. It wasn't until I was living in the dorms in college, and my bed also had to serve as the sofa, chair, desk, laundry-folding area, and dining table that I got in the habit of the daily bedclothes readjusting. And my bed needs it, cause I sleep like a freaking tornado and things end up in impossible places.
It's a habit I'm glad I've held onto. Research shows that people who make their bed are actually happier. And because… Continue reading on ManMadeDIY.com
As this point in the DIY movement evolution, no one is surprised to learn that the strength and construction toy-like versatility of plumbing pipe makes it awesome fodder for building all sorts of projects. You've probably even seen it applied to lighting and lamp projects before. But, there's still room to improve on a classic, and we think this piece by Alyssa does exactly that. … Continue reading on ManMadeDIY.com
There are countless scientific and cultural studies, book summaries, and thinkpieces that come out each week, with attractive headlines about being more happy, or losing weight, or the benefits of travel or achieving crazy productivity. Most of them are sorta interesting, but ultimately disappointing, and very fun are pertinent to the discussions here on ManMade.
But, this one kinda got to me, and I thought it was worth sharing. And the reason is: … Continue reading on ManMadeDIY.com
There are some very impressive makers out there. not only can they craft amazing projects for the home and shop, but they even go a step further an make their own power tools. Take a look at five impressive projects from start to finish. … Continue reading on ManMadeDIY.com
I like a properly matted and framed piece of artwork as much as anyone, but sometimes, it can be a little overkill. First off, it's expensive, especially for large pieces, and secondly, it doesn't always fit the style of the art. Framing a poster or screenprint can often make it a space feel more like a movie or record execs office rather that a home filled with awesome art.
When I found this large vintage FBI target practice sheet, I loved the bold graphic design and aged colors. And I knew a classic frame would be way too expensive for something this size (that was originally considered to be consumable), and not the best fit, design-wise.
So, I took a cue from the classic pull-down maps of my elementary school classrooms, and created a simple way to hang it on the wall. Here's how to do it. … Continue reading on ManMadeDIY.com
I wish I could say I loved winning as much as I hate losing (what's up, negativity bias) but unfortunately I can't. So generally speaking I avoid boardwalk-type games that are usually unevenly weighted against the participant, but the recent fervor of state fair mania in my hometown got me thinking about them, when I conveniently came across this... … Continue reading on ManMadeDIY.com
One of the last steps in the shop on any project is sanding. It can be a long, drawn out process to get the final shape and then smooth it all out but this drum makes quick work of it. … Continue reading on ManMadeDIY.com
I am a total scrap hoarder. Whether it's wood, metal or other trinkets, I can't help but think to myself that one day I will use some of these. From time to time, I search the depths of Pinterest to find some really good uses for all the junk I collect. Because if I don't I might not have a workshop to work in anymore!
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Here's a project that deserves to be checked out both for its utility on your own projects, but also for its simple, inspired creativity. This is why the DIY, craft, and maker movement continue to grow; there are super smart, thoughtful folks figuring out how to help other keep making stuff. … Continue reading on ManMadeDIY.com
Old tape players are abundant, and cheap. Many have solid speaker sets, perfect period styling and design, and handle-equipped portability. So, what to do with 'em? Play music through them! Oh, tossed your mixtape collection in the late 00s? Then, I guess you gotta make that music yourself. … Continue reading on ManMadeDIY.com
I LOVE my cast-iron skillet. I was in skillet envy for quite awhile watching other guys flaunt theirs at home and on camping trips before I finally pulled the trigger and got my own. I'm fairly certain I've got the hang of skillet maintenance, but having just come back from a wonderful camping trip in Big Sur, I realized there are some key tips everyone ought to keep in mind with this essential cooking tool... … Continue reading on ManMadeDIY.com
A few weeks back we talked about some of the basic, essential tools for getting started in leatherworking. Once you're set up, its time to put them into practice. Here are a few projects to hone those skills, and end up with some great practical pieces you can use everyday … Continue reading on ManMadeDIY.com
It's getting a bit colder here lately, but no matter how frigid it is there's always somewhere with a lot more ice. Here are a few videos to take in while digging out the long sleeves. … Continue reading on ManMadeDIY.com
David Picciuto is THE FAN of bandsaw boxes -- the man literally wrote the book on them. This bandsaw box design of his is simple enough for a novice to produce with limited materials, but also offers enough opportunities for more experienced woodworkers to take challenging risks. Not to mention the final product has a gorgeous, mid-century modern look... … Continue reading on ManMadeDIY.com
As autumn cools the air here in the south you will quickly find all the campgrounds and nature centers booked up from September through November. It seems like everyone comes out of their humidity-soaked habitats and are starved to trek all the great mountains and valleys all across the southeast. Hiking season is upon us!
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I've had a small piece of scrap black walnut in the shop for a while. It was perfect to make a few simple bottle openers. Take a look. … Continue reading on ManMadeDIY.com
We're really excited to announce that Curbly (the company that publishes this blog and Curbly.com) is putting on our first ever photography workshop! We'll be bringing in one of our all-time favorite ManMade contributors, Gabriel Cabrera, for… Continue reading on ManMadeDIY.com
In a post-apocalyptic future, a wrench is actually a fairly good weapon of choice, but what if you could augment it a bit by, you know... forging it into a tomahawk? Well that's exactly what Miller Knives did in their recent YouTube tutorial and it's definitely worth checking out... … Continue reading on ManMadeDIY.com
I'm a huge Legends of the Fall fan, to the point that I was actually embarrassed when I saw it for the first time in my early twenties because I realized I'd spent much of my life emulating a character I hadn't known existed. While I did take the time to study a Native American language, I have yet to make forge my own antler-hilted blade like Brad Pitt's iconic weapon of choice...
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With so many things able to connect via Bluetooth, isn't it time to make a few things to receive the signal? Here are 5 projects to make today. … Continue reading on ManMadeDIY.com
Sure, you can make a cutting board from those scraps in your shop, but how about making something a bit more memorable? Take a look.
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