iPhone Wood Types Reference Guide

I.D. Wood is a new iPhone application that literally becomes a pocket guide book to different types of wood from around the world.

The app' covers over 50 different types of wood and includes full screen previews, full descriptions and a large range of extra info, relating to each species and wood in general.

This app' is targeted to all woodworkers including, cabinet makers, designers, artists, architects, collectors, antique dealers, hobbyists, gunsmiths, musicians, homeowners, boat builders, carpenters and others.

Click here to find out more info.

Chainsaw Sharpening and Maintenance

My chainsaw started to do something strange the other day. It started to cut on an angle to the left in a curved crescent shape. I am by no means a chainsaw expert and had no idea what was going on.

After searching on the web I found this great document on the Stihl website. My chainsaw is a Husqvarna, but the fundamentals in this PDF are relevant to all chainsaws.

My problem was probably a number of things. I had hit some dirt cutting into an old tree stump and one side of my teeth were a bit blunter than the other side. I may have also been sharpening one side more than the other. Plus my chain bar was wearing unevenly.

So either way the problem does exist and it is easily fixed by having the chain professionally re-sharpened and the bar filed even.

The PDF can be downloaded here:
http://www.stihllibrary.com/pdf/SharpAdvice110606.pdf

PullzAll - Portable Lifting and Pulling Tool

I just heard about this new product from Ateco Eqipment. It is a portable, and lightweight Lifting and Pulling Device called the "PullzAll".

The PullzAll has the ability to lift or pull up to 450KG. It comes in 2 models. A cordless (rechargable) version and a plug-in version. It has a 4.5 metres of 5.5mm diameter wire rope and a variable speed trigger, and an integrated directional switch that enables you to instantly change direction giving you precise control you need to stop and hold a load exactly where and when you want it.

The RRP of the PullzAll is $520 for the 230v Corded version and $865 for the 24v Rechargable version. (Prices are AUD inc. GST)

This is from the PullzAll website:

When you're in the shop, working near a power source, just plug in PullzAll™ and let it help you tackle those labour-intensive chores. Move heavy machinery. Hoist an engine block. Lift a load precisely into place, then nail it, weld it, whatever it. You think up the task, and PullzAll™ flat out revolutionizes the amount of work one man can do.

When work takes you to more remote locations, bring the mechanical muscle of the portable, cordless PullzAll™ with you. From tough tasks like pulling pipe to stretching wire fence, you'll come to count on PullzAll™ to get the job done quickly and effortlessly.

A strong motor and variable speed control allow you to move heavy items into place smoothly and precisely. These features equate to saving both time and money.

The PullzAll™ is for the tradesperson, farmer/rancher, or anyone that needs to lift or pull up to 450kg. This makes PullzAll™ ideal for construction, pipe fitting, iron work, equipment and plant maintenance, farm and ranch use, auto shops, garages, machine shops, home improvement, hunting, camping, and more.

Click here to go to the site for more info.

DIY Concrete iPhone App - Imperial Version Now Available

The Imperial version of my handyman iPhone app' DIY Concrete is now available on the iTunes App Store.

This version has a redesigned user interface and handles all the calculations you need to work out and order concrete for your project in cubic yards or in 80LB pre-mixed bags.

Click here to go directly to the iTunes App Store.

Click here to go to the DIY Concrete website.

DIY Concrete Imperial - is a handy, easy to use application to help you work out the volume and cost of concrete (cement) required for your project, in cubic meters or 80LB pre-mixed Bags.

DIY Concrete Imperial - is useful to the DIY Home Handyman as well as professional trades people, as a quick and simple way for working out concrete volume and price requirements.

This application calculates the volume you require when ordering for a large amount that will be delivered by truck, as well as a 80LB Pre-mixed Bag calculator for the smaller DIY Handyman projects.

As well as calculating the volume, you can also add the cubic meter price or bag price to give you an overall cost of the concrete order.

All you need to do is enter the Length and Width in feet and the Depth in inches. The price component is optional. Then press the "Calculate" button.

Click "Reset" to start again with clean empty fields.

Also included are a couple of DIY Concrete Tips for on-site 90 degree set-out and the ratio for a standard concrete mix.

DIY Concrete - New Handyman iPhone App

Here is a new app that I have created for the DIY Handyman, and it is also handy for the professional trades person.


DIY Concrete is a handy calculator to help work out the volume and pricing of your concrete projects. The application will calculate cubic meters and price for the larger projects that require delivery by concrete truck, and it also calculates the qty of 20KG Pre-mixed bags required for the smaller projects.This version only calculates in metric, but the imperial section will be added soon, and will be available as a free download when available.

Here is a link to the DIY Concrete website for more info.

Also, click here to go directly to the iTunes store and download the app.

My First Approved iPhone Apps on the App Store

I have been spending some time learning the iPhone SDK recently, while planning to develop a DIY Handyman application, (that will include the Spirit level and calculators etc.)

However, as a start I have completed my first few apps that have been accepted into the iTunes App Store.

Being my first attempt I have kept to simple finance / productivity applications that calculate and reverse calculate sales tax, and you have a choice of 5 different versions.

Oz GST Mate - Australia, Goods and Service Tax (GST).
VAT Mate - United Kingdom, Value Added Tax (VAT).
NZ GST Mate - New Zealand, Goods and Services Tax (GST).
HST Mate - Canada, Harmonized Sales Tax (HST).
GST Mate - Goods and Servics Tax (GST) for Australia, New Zealand, Canada and Singapore.

Clicking on any of the links above will take you to their website that has all the info and a link to the iPhone App Store to download.

I am still planning the DIY Handyman Application, so if you have any suggestions on the features you would like to see implemented please let me know.

Handy Guide for DIY Floorboard Replacement

Here is a link to a post that has some simple instructions on how to replace a damaged floorboard.

All the instructions for this simple DIY repair job are on the Readers Digest site with step by sep instructions, including images.