Softening Hardened Putty Sticks
Colored putty sticks are handy for filling nail holes, but they sometimes get hard with age and become difficult to use.  When this happens, I soften the stick before using it by immersing an end in very hot water for about a minute.  Don't submerge too much of the stick, or it will get too soft for you to hold properly.

Color to Dye For
Instead of buying expensive pre-mixed stains to color your projects, try using Rit dye instead.  This water-based dye is available in the laundry section of most grocery stores.  It comes in a variety of colors, which can be mixed to suite your project.  Experiment with a piece of scrap until you get the color and intensity you desire.

Candle Wax
Keep a candle or a block of paraffin in the shop to was wooden drawer runners, sliding machine parts - anything that rubs.  The was will make things slide easily.

  More Tips 

Humorous Bird
Houses & Bird Feeders

Decorative Bird
Houses & Bird Feeders

Bird House Potting Table

Multilevel Bird Houses
Woodworking Plan

Squirrel Feeders
Woodworking Plan



Birdie's Bar & Grill
Woodworking Plan



Bat House
Woodworking Plan