Workshop Journal

Is Lanolin Undercoating Safe for Hybrids and EVs?
If you’ve searched for clarity on whether undercoating is safe for hybrids or EVs, it seems there’s a lot of disparate information out there, and not much for conclusive objective data. Here’s my take on the subject. First, it’s a small sample size, but I’ve coated hybrids and EVs (Prius, Land Cruiser 250, Fiat 500e)…
Wood and Metal Bench
An open slatted oak top on a powder-coated steel base, designed to fit one specific entry, with a half-lap grid planned around the real thickness of planed boards.
Lincoln Weld-Pak 100 Fixed with a Diode Replacement
A Lincoln Weld-Pak 100 that came to me dead, the shorted rectifier diode behind it, and the notes and wiring diagram from the repair.
Ridgid Batteries run a Ryobi Power Station
The power station will not acknowledge a battery without a temperature signal. A 10 cent resistor and a tooth washer solved it.
Interlocking Wheel Cribs
A one-piece cribbing block for getting a vehicle up to working height. Interlocking cleats, a 16 by 10 inch footprint, 6 inches per block. Posting the design, not selling it.
Cyclist’s Garage Storage and Layout Design
Design proposal for a cyclist’s three-car garage: cabinets and french cleat on the home side, a bike shop and winter training space on the third bay.
Hot-Swap Bike Hitch Rack Dolly
A rolling dolly with a height-adjustable lift that raises a loaded bike hitch rack to receiver height. Load at ground level, roll it over, crank, slide in, pin. Concept, not yet built.
Chlorine Dioxide for Stubborn Odors
Chlorine dioxide (ClO2) is an oxidizing gas used to eliminate odors in serious remediation work - flood damage, mold, and biohazard situations. It works differently than enzyme sprays, ozone generators, or activated charcoal - worth a try if you have something smelly in your car or other space. When ClO2 gas contacts an odor-causing compound,…
Custom Steel Stair Railing System with Safety Gate, Minneapolis
A local client had a multi-part problem: a stairwell and landing in need of railings, an exploratory dog, and stair safety concerns with a baby on the way. And they wanted a unified and elegant design. They were pleased with the results in this full custom steel system, including kid-resistant gate and bespoke latch design.…
4th Gen 4Runner Owner Pro Tips
Overview Toyota’s 4th-generation 4Runner was made through 2003-2009 model years. They came in three trim levels - SR5, Limited, and Sport Edition - and with V6/V8 and 2WD/4WD configurations. Some notable changes through the model years: 05 got an engine update for the V8 2UZ-FE with VVTI and a bit of horsepower gain, 06 got…