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The garage tends to be a catch all for items we rarely use. Old toys, old clothes and everything else that is somewhere between junk and infrequently used, can be found there. This can lead to massive disorganized states of being. You probably have much more space than you think but you will never recognize that as long as it is buried under a mess. Clean up this area of your home and start using it wisely.

Before you begin organizing take the time to think about finding an accessible place for items you use on a daily basis. Also, think if places where you can store items you use infrequently. Use these five steps to organize your garage.

First, get everything out of the garage. Find out what you have and sort the items and categorize them. Put like items with like items and start figuring out how much stuff you have and what the best ways to organize it are. If there are items that should be in the basement or attic, put them where they belong. Items that you wish to throw out should be recycled when possible.

Separate items by purpose and use. Put up a rack to hang lawn maintenance tools. This will keep your lawn equipment out of the way but easily accessible. Put snow removal equipment together and summer items in a cabinet. Before each season, rotate your equipment. Non season items should be kept in another area.

Putting in some extra shelving and cabinets can make it easier to keep things in order. Shelves and cabinets also allow you to store more stuff with out things becoming cluttered. Mount shelves or cabinets on walls so they are not in the way. Store items that you use frequently in these cabinets. You will be able to easily locate items you use on a regular basis.

Set up accessible working areas. If your garage serves as a workshop, adding in a work bench is a good idea. Get a strong tool chest and a pegboard to store your tools and keep them in clear sight.

Move trash and recycling bins outside to the side of the house. Set up your trash and recycling bins close by for easy disposal. This will leave extra room in the garage. You also will be less inclined to keep junk because the trash will be out of sight, out of mind.

If you are handy, build the cabinets yourself. However, if you aren’t a builder, buy some storage cabinets or get a handyman to install some. Organize your garage and enjoy your new found space. Start sorting through those items that causing clutter and get it in order.

Woodworking jigs can be found in woodworking shops everywhere. When completing wood working projects, such as making a box joint, these nifty tools are useful for tasks that require repetitive motions. Projects can be done in less time and with less effort. Premade jigs can be bought or you can make them yourself. While they are cheap you can construct one for even less. The type of jig that will be useful depends on the project you are completing.

Dovetails require Dovetail jigs. There are diagrams online for making dovetails. If you would rather buy them, any wood working supplies store is sure to have them. Some of the diagrams on the Internet give instructions on how to make a variety of different sized ones.

If you will be making your own jigs you may need a dovetail saw and dovetail bit. There are a variety of templates for both spaced and fixed dovetails that can be used to build cabinets, tiny boxes and drawers. Buying systems that have bits and templates in them are more cost efficient than buying the parts individually.

For consistent, top of the line dowels, get a doweling self centering jig. A self centering jig is a good choice when working with thick timber. Sizes range from a quarter to a half inch. There are dowel jig kits that have hundreds of different sized dowels. Occasionally these kits have glue in them.

Cabinet making goes smoother with a kreg jig. For smooth cabinet slides they must be in the exact spot they need to be at. Kregs help with positioning because you don’t have to measure or take note of the spaces for the slides of the drawer. Metal drawer slides will be simple to mount and the kregs can be used to mount drawers in the center, bottom or as an extension. The kreg jig is cheap and very useful.

Creating woodworking jigs of your own is cheaper than buying one that are already put together. Get scrap plywood and low cost materials and create your very own jog. The type of materials you use and the amount of money you spend depends on your expectations for quality of the finished product. Ask yourself how many times you will use this equipment. If you will use it multiple times, get higher quality hardwood. If the it will only be used once, find the cheapest materials and use lower quality hardwood.

Woodworking books and magazines have instructions on how to construct jigs. Once you have directions on how to make jigs be sure to save them for later. You never know when a good woodworking project is going to catch your eye. Put the directions in a folder or drawer to keep them safe for the next time you will need them.

A table saw is a required tool in any self respecting woodworking shop, or any workshop period. However, investing in one can take a big bite out of your budget. For that reason, you don’t want to fly blindly when you are buying a table saw. Table saws are supposed to last for years, and so you want to find one that you are both comfortable with and that can stand up to all of the work you do. Take some time out to do your homework before your invest in a table saw so you get the best one for you.

Table Saws 101 - What You Need to Know

Contractor saws are major saws with big time motors - motors than have between 1 and 2 horsepower, to be exact. Generally, these saws come with decent fences and tables with plenty of space to help with accurate cutting. Good contractor saws can last a lifetime if you look after it properly. However, these saws can be expensive and properly are not worth the extra green unless you cut extremely hard wood on a regular basis.

If space is an issue, go for the lightweight bench saw. These saws are portable and can easily be moved from place to place by just one person. However, there are less opportunities to upgrade a bench saw once you have it - what you see is what you get. For this reason, purchase at the top of the line instead of thinking about adding new features later.

Bench saws bring up a good point - do you want a portable saw or stationary saw? Portable saws are smaller while offering most of the same capabilities, but if you need to deal with large volumes of wood, a stationary saw like a sliding table saw might be the way to go. Stationary saws are pricier as a rule, so weigh up the pros and cons of each with the kind of work you will be doing with your saw.

Saw Safety Tips

As with any power tool, but especially with a saw, safety is paramount. No matter what kind of saw you decide to get, put these safety precautions into action:

- Protect your eyes and ears with protective goggles and muffs. - Loose fitting clothing is a no-no - it can get caught in the saw and lead to injury or worse. - Keep things tidy around your saw to avoid the risk of slipping. Further, make sure your shoe soles are non slip. - To do any work on your saw or change settings, turn it completely off.

The Microsoft Zune is a popular entertainment platform that has made quite a stir in the audio and entertainment industry. It features a long list of audio and multimedia capabilities that could keep anyone entertained for hours. But once the novelty of owning the prestigious Zune goes away- what does one do to keep the entertainment value running high?

The Zune, like most entertainment devices, has ways to express the owner’s creativity and style. Zune covers can be purchased that have different designs, patterns, and images on them to express one’s sense of personality. Because the Zune has such a wide support from stores, finding a design to fit any personality is possible- although creating your own design and applying it is equally expressive.

For those who like sharing their music with friends and family, the Zune FM radio transmitter might be a good add-on to invest in. It works by transmitting FM radio signals to the nearest radio received, which will then play the music that the Zune is playing. This innovative device allows anyone with a Zune to easily share music with friends any where a radio is present.

For audio and visual buffs, the Zune also has the travel pack and A/V pack to invest in. Both packs give the Zune added functionality for better sound quality, hookup to external devices, and an overall easier experience for the Zune user. Of course this usually requires that one has access to devices in which to hook to the Zune, such as an external stereo or speaker system. Either way, this is a great way to get phenomenal sound out of one’s Zune player.

But the sound buffs who enjoy phenomenal sound don’t necessarily like to carry bulky wiring and packaging around. If that’s the case, they may wish to invest in a separate docking station in which to place the Zune. Docking stations commonly connect Zune players to stereo devices and other multimedia displays. This essentially gives the Zune owner a way to play their music without messing with wires or carrying around excess packaging.

Of course not every situation allows for one to carry around their speakers. Often times, speakers are too bulky to take on travels and excursions. If that is the case, high grade earphone pieces are specifically designed for the Zune, in which offer a superior listening experience. These earphones likewise cost more than the normal earphones, but they are truly a wonder to behold.

Final Thoughts

What it all comes down to is this: the Zune is a very popular mobile entertainment machine that can be expanded through its many accessories. Investing in accessories is almost necessary in taking full advantage of the product that Microsoft so humbly released. If nothing else, Zune users who care about their music should obtain high definition headphones in order to hear the music with- this is often one investment that no one regrets.

CHeating at poker is as old as the game. There are a number of methods to cheat at poker from very simple to very complex ways. There isn’t much harm in knowing a few ways to cheat at the game, even if it is only to recognise when someone is cheating you.

1.How A Child Would Do It There isnt much technique or expertise required in ‘peeking’ but if you can divert the other players’ attention and take a look at your opponents cards. Its quite difficult to prove you were intentionally cheating but don’t do it too often or you will be caught!

2.How the Mean Players Do It A miser never likes to lose their money or part with it. A miser will try and avoid paying house feels and may also ‘palm’ his chips when he is seemingly placing a bet. Don’t get caught though or you may get banned for life!

3.How the Conjurors Do It A conjuror is an expert at rigging cards and may replace a bad hand with another hand hidden elsewhere.

4.How the Shady Dealers Do It The shady dealers know how to cull their favorite cards, and place the most desirable cards at the bottom, the second to bottom, the middle or the second to top card position. They may also use their index finger to peek at the cards before dealing. Notice how closely everyone eyes a self-appointed dealer as he deals out hands.

5.How Manipulative Dealers Do It There are unscruplous dealers and there are downright crooked dealers. Any good cheat knows that they cannot win every hand. However ensuring another player gets a good hand will ensure that the pot continues to boil!

6.How the Card Makers Do It Cheating my bringing your own deck to the table is a bit of a low blow. You can set up the cards so that (say) every 4th card when dealt to you will give you a winning hand. Or you could bring a deck of marked cards with you. (Common markings include a scratch, a circle or a sun discoloration)

7.How the Confederates Do It Collusion is a great way to cheat because people expect onlCollusion is one of the best ways to cheat at poker, since everyone suspects a single cheat, but they do not expect a team of cheats. Techniques in this case might include raisinfg and re-raising the pot to trap other players.

Thinking about using the Internet to get the latest Hollywood blockbuster movie for free? Perhaps you’d like to find out how it’s done since you’ve heard that lots of people are doing this? Maybe you are already practiced at this and want to build up your bootleg collection. You may want to reconsider your actions whether you’re already doing it or not. A lot of the movies to be had for free are considered pirated material and were uploaded illegally. Whenever you download these movies, you’re breaking the law and if caught, may in theory be prosecuted.

Due to the epidemic proportions of on line theft of copyrighted movies, organizations like MPAA are getting ever more aggressive in their efforts to fight it. The possibility of being sued is ever present every time someone engages in illegal downloads. The likelihood of getting caught will increase as enforcement gets intensified over time.

Occasionally, the file that’s downloaded is infested with viruses, mal ware, or unasked for pornography. Identity theft and mysterious withdrawals from their bank accounts have happened to people. If you’re getting your downloads from peer-to-peer (p2p) networks then this is no exaggeration.

Your downloads may be nothing more than bundled up advertisements if they are from p2p networks. Before you can access your movie download, you may be required to do some hoop jumping. These ‘hoops’ commonly require distributing your email address to a large slew of advertising promotions.

The war against piracy of copyrighted material has been stepped up by the film and music industries. Anti-piracy measures such as criminal prosecution and loss of Internet access may become the norm as the Internet wild west days come to a close. A good deal of progress has been made in p2p anti-piracy enforcement in Europe.

However, in on line memberships, all downloads are 100 percent legal and guarantee security from computer viruses, spy ware and mal ware. By contrast, you may be playing a game of Russian roulette when downloading films from ‘free’ web sites. The ‘one’ file that seriously damages your computer might be that shared file that you’ve just downloaded or that required media player that you’ve never heard of.

In order to furnish movies and films for legal download by their customers, the legitimate on line download memberships are cooperating with the major studios. The hazards that accompany illegal movie downloads can be avoided and some peace of mind can be attained. Preserve the integrity of your bank account, your computer and your privacy by taking advantage of legal movie download memberships.

Step away from the plunger! Put away your tool boxes. The idea calling a plumber may have you trying to will that plunger into getting the job done, but really, if it hasn’t worked yet, it’s not going to. The fact of the matter is that some jobs just require professional help. If the though of calling a plumber has your wallet trembling in fear, here are a few ways you can keep the costs down.

Comparison Shop

Call around and get estimates from a few plumbers. Don’t forget to ask about those little hidden fees some plumbers slap on the end of a bill, like mileage fees or after hour premium charges. Remember, most plumbers work by the hour, so also ask for an estimate of how long they expect a job like yours to take - this is the best way to get the best comparison of prices.

A word of caution: cheaper does not always mean better. Plumbing problems can get very expensive, very fast. If you know a plumber by word of mouth who may charge more than other guys, bank on the one with good rep.

Maintain Your System

The best way to save money on a plumber is to not call one. If you have a drain problem, see what you can do to fix things yourself (of course, the first rule of thumb is to try and not clog your drain in the first place by pouring things down that should not go there).

If you have poured grease down the drain and now things won’t move, try using vinegar and water to clear things out. Heat vinegar, pour it in your drain, wait 30 minutes, and then pour hot water down there to swoosh it all away. Bingo, functioning drain!

For hair filled drains, check your local grocery store for hair dissolving drain cleaners, and use according to the package directions. You can avoid this problem in the future by putting a mesh drain cover over your drain.

You can also cut down on your need for a plumber by keeping an eye on things and watching for any problems so you catch them early. Make sure none on your fixtures are loose and watch for drains that are slowing.

Buy Direct

If you are bringing in a plumber to replace some of your appliances, don’t let the plumber do your shopping for you. You pick out the new toilet, basin, sink, etc that you want and buy it directly from the vendor. Your plumber will only charge you a surcharge for the same product. You will, however, have to consult with your plumber to make sure the things you are buying are compatible with your plumbing pipes

If you’re into woodworking, you know you need a good selection of hand tools by your side. But if you are a novice woodworker, then finding the right hand woodworking tools at a price you can afford can be a little tricky. Take a look at this list to see what you need to put on your list and how to find good tools at good prices.

Wood Shaping Tools - A selection of clamps - Clamps are the things you will use the most of in woodworking - go for several different sizes and keep lots on hand. - A bench chisel - Brushes (look for stiff ones made of wire) - Saws are a big investment, but you will need a few of them in different sizes. - Smoothing planes, scrapers and files. (Always go for the sturdiest ones you can find.

More Hand Tools for Wood Working

These tools aren’t used for shaping like the first list, but these hand tools are a must for your wood working collection:

- hammer and mallet - Allen key with many different allen wrenches attached Allen wrenches in a variety of sizeso - Several screwdrivers of different sizes, and with different heads (flat and Phillips) - Ruler and Tape measure - Bevel - Two knives (one for putty, one for utility) - Compass and protractor

Good Hand Tools at Good Prices

That list of tools is a long one, and when you are just getting started in woodworking, the cost of getting things all set up can be a little overwhelming. Resist that natural urge to go cheap on your tools. Cheap tools break, and they should be an investment that will last you for the long haul. It is worth saving up your money and buying tools one at a time so you get the good quality pieces you need.

When money is an issue, used tools are better than cheap tools. Used tools are often reconditioned so they work as good as new. Often, you can find good quality used tools on internet auction websites or at local restoration shops that sell larger pieces of reclaimed tools. Most used woodworking tools come with a warranty of at least a year, so be wary of a dealer who won’t give you one.

Don’t be afraid to hit the flea markets and yard sales to find used tools, however. You may not get a warranty with these because they are not reconditioned, but if you can find a reputable brand, the low price makes it worth the risk.

Don’t let that unsightly hole in your wall ruin the look of your home. Holes in walls are easier to fix than you might imagine, and a DIY job that almost anyone can handle. These steps will walk you through patching your hole with ease

1. Size it Up

One size definitely does not fit all when it comes to repairing holes in your walls. Different types of holes need to be fixed with different building material. For instance, small nail holes can be fixed with a little slap of synthetic plywood patching compound. Fill the hole with the compound, sand it done, and the job is complete.

If your holes are bigger than nail holes, then a little extra work will be needed. If the hole is about the size of a light switch plate, stuff some old newspaper in the hole and the repeat the above steps. For holes that are around the size of a tennis ball, you’ll need a little more work again. You’ll need to buy some drywall and fill the hole with that, leaving enough hanging over the edges that you can make it blend into the rest of the wall.

Very large holes should be treated as wall replacement rather than repair. Get rid of any lingering nails and screws and apply a whole new piece of drywall. To do this job right, you’ll need to learn the steps involved in drywalling and complete the process from start to finish.

If you are in doubt as to which kind of hole you have, measure it and seek advice at your local hardware store.

2. Get Ready

Before beginning, make a list of all the materials you will need and make sure you have them on hand. Otherwise, the end result could be a little less than great. For instance, if you put a bunch of spackle in the hole and then realize you don’t have any sandpaper, the spackle will be dry and hard to smooth out by the time you pick some up.

3. Easy on the Spackle

Think you can get around all of those annoying little steps involved in repairing medium or large holes by going spackle crazy? Think again. Your hole will only sink in again if you don’t put any backing behind the spackle in a big hole.

4. Breath In, Breathe Out

DIY projects can sound like a good idea until you actually get started, in which case most of the time you can’t wait to be finished. The problem here is that doing the job half way will make it worse than if you had never done it all. Gather up all of your patience, and power through the pain.

5. Finishing Touches

If you haven’t sanded, your hole is not smooth, period. If it looks good enough, your eyes deceive you. Sand it down and be done with it. You’ll be glad you did.

If you have a woodworking shop, hardwood lumber is a necessity. Of course, you don’t want any old wood. You want lumber that is durable and that looks good. Choosing the right hardwood lumber comes down to picking the right kind for the job you are doing.

Lumber Types

Its deep and rich tones make walnut hard to beat. Walnut has a tight grain which increases its durability and its attractiveness. The exact color of walnut depends on where it was grown. This wood is a great choice for high veneer furniture and clock making.

Many pieces of wooden furniture, not to mention hardwood floors, are made of oak. Oak’s soft and light tones make it versatile enough to work with many different design styles, and it is a kitchen cabinet top choice. Oak is pricey, though, which impacts its popularity.

Many people who have oak tastes but not an oak budget turn to poplar wood. Poplar is easy to work with and much less expensive than oak, but it still looks good. It is a good choice for furniture and is also frequently used in toy making.

If staining is what you are after, than you want to go for beech. This wood is in high abundance and though very light in color, its porous nature makes it a stainer’s dream.

When you need good quality at a good price, go hardwood plywood. Windsor and oak hardwood plywood is used to both strengthen and build certain kinds of furniture. Plywood is extremely durable, but is also stains very well.

Lumber Suppliers

If you are new to woodworking, you may be wondering just where one goes to pick up some lumber. You may be surprised to discover that your local chain hardware mega store has a wide selection of lumber on hand. Most towns also have dedicated lumber retailers who can supply you wood for your prjects.

Be warned, however, that some kinds of lumber, like expensive walnut, may not always be on hand right away. For unique or pricey lumber, a special order may be needed. Remember to factor this ordering time into your promised delivery date if you are selling your wood working projects.

If there aren’t any good places to pick up lumber in town, then you can buy the lumber you need on the internet. Yes, you really can get anything online, including lumber. Ordering online can be easy and convenient, but when you are shelling out for special woods like walnit and oak, make sure you are buying from a reputable dealer. Specialist dealers often sell these kinds of woods, so seek them out, since you are buying your wood site unseen.