How to make life easier

We have started a new section called *How to make life easier*, for all those ideas, short cuts, truc, etc. if you will, to make life easier. Photos of the finished idea in use are very helpful. We can then actually see what is going on. Once we get several ideas either in the same subject or using the same materials, we can form sub groups.

I'm back! Here are some very useful tips for the shop and household. Some are genius. Have a look and enjoy. Here Are 13 "Life Hacks" That I Wish I Learned Sooner (msn.com) SLAG.

Tips for beginners, 1 a clock, keep a big easy to read,clock in the forge , it's easy to loose track of time, when you are concentrating and this helps remind you exactly how long something takes to forge. And it is easy to get lost in what your doing, look up and realise you should of picked the kids up 2 hours ago. 2 a pen and paper, write down EVERYTHING, with little diagrams showing distance betwen points, how long was the taper, what size was that scroll etc. When some one asks you to make something six months after you made your prototype, you don't have to figure it out, just look in your book. 3 paint your punches and chisels a bright colour to m…

I didn't know where to put this so here it is. A friend sent me this video. Tick sticking is something I'd never seen before and it's one heck of a useful technique. You guys all make stuff, I think you'll like this one. Frosty The Lucky. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cd2LY857oTY

Sometimes you need a batter way to store chain. Get a old one gallon paint bucket. Start one end on the chain into the bucket. Pick the bucket up by the handle and be happy. To use, just grab the hood and pull the chain out of the bucket.

here's a nice little habit I'm trying to get myself into that I believe will be nothing but beneficial, I aim to always carry a notebook, or just a small notepad on me and a pencil to sketch out or write down ideas, I know there are a lot of ideas that are amazing that I've forgotten simply because I didn't write them down, have a designated pocket for it and the moment you get an idea, write it or sketch it, I think keeping it in as few words as possible might make it either easier to remember or improve on since you wouldn't be constricting yourself to a certain idea, unless that's what you'd want. Also another good use for a notebook is writing down goals and whe…

You ever have this happen? The bucket is still useful but the handle cracked and slips out of place and the wire digs into your hand. The hose was the cheap 1/2" style and it wrapped inside itself. This would be uncomfortable for the hands. So do it again. Now you have a handle with the split at the top and a smooth section against your fingers.

There is a simple way to store things in a vertical position, whether it is tools, metal stock, or what ever. Just get a 5 gallon bucket and some cardboard tubes. The cores from Christmas wrap, the core from rolls of carpet, etc. Measure the depth of the inside of the bucket and cut the tube about an inch shorter. Put the short tubes into the bucket. Collect similar materials and place them into the tubes. Works as a stock rack. Works for pry bars, or what ever else needs stored vertically. The storage system is easy to move when you want to sweep.