How to Carve a Wooden Pipe

carve-wooden-pipe
Wood carving is a popular hobby for people from all walks of life. Carving can be done for fun or you can carve figurines and items to sell. Carving a wooden pipe allows you to create a one-of-a-kind piece that can be used for your own benefit or given as a gift. You can create a pipe that is an art piece by adding embellishments and using a rare type of wood. No matter why you choose to carve a wooden pipe and how your pipe ultimately looks, the basic carving is the same for all pipes. You will want to choose a type of wood that is sturdy and attractive. Most wood carvers like maple or cherry, but keep in mind the wood can alter the scent and flavor of the tobacco. Many believe the alteration is an improvement, though. These harder woods are also more fire resistant, which of course comes in handy when you are using your pipe. Once you have chosen your wood, carve the basic outline of the pipe. You will start with a cube shape of about two inches high. This will eventually be the bowl...

How to Build a Castle

build-castle
Castles have long been used as homes, but they offer several added layers of protection. These days, the average person does not need the features of a castle to protect their families. However, many people love the idea of living in a castle. They might have a fascination with the old world or they might love the architectural look of a castle. Whether you want several layers of security or you love the idea of having a private, impressive home, building a castle is a great idea. Obviously, you need a location for your castle. Most people purchase land on which they want to build their dream home. Make sure the building regulations in your chosen area allow for creative building. Most people like to build elaborate homes in higher elevations so they are easily visible, but those who prefer privacy might want to build their castle deep in a wooded area. If you will be installing a fence or, more authentically, a moat, around your castle, make sure you get the necessary permits for these,...

How to Build a Mousetrap Car

mousetrap car
Mousetrap cars are usually built for scouts or school projects, but some people enjoy building the tiny cars as a hobby. The cars demonstrate several properties of physics, so they are popular science fair projects. They can also be a great partner or team project, so they help kids and adults work together to achieve a single goal. Best of all, building a mousetrap car is fun.  Materials Needed for a Mousetrap Car There are several materials needed to build a basic mousetrap car. These items should be available at your local hardware store. You need a wooden mousetrap, two rubber bands, metal rods, eye screws, plywood, a drill, a small handsaw, a scale, a ruler, a vice or someone to hold the project steady, and wood glue.  Safety First! Remember that you are using a real mousetrap, so you need to work carefully. Kids should have assistance from an adult, at least until you have modified the trap. To modify the trap, remove the bait holder and take out the wire catch. You will be reinstalling...

How to Build a Cabinet

How to Build a Cabinet
Cabinets are a great storage solution for a variety of challenges. You can make a finely crafted cabinet for storage in your living space. Many people have cabinets in their dining rooms, kitchens, and bedrooms. Cabinets can also be very basic and perfect for basement or garage storage. No matter what type of cabinet you need and where you plan to use your finished cabinet, the basic construction is the same. When designing your cabinet, determine how elaborate it should be. You can always use paint, stain, and hardware to make a basic cabinet look like a stylish piece of furniture.  Cabinet Supplies Once your cabinet design is complete, purchase your supplies. You will need wood, screws, nails, wood putty, and hinges. You will also need tools such as a tape measure or ruler, hammer, screwdriver, and drill. If you take your pre-planned measurements to the hardware store with you, the wood can be cut onsite to save you time at home. After your wood is cut to the proper dimensions, either...

How to Build a Pitching Mound

Pitching Mound
If you pitch and you are serious about playing baseball or softball, you will want to practice throwing from a pitching mound. Throwing from flat ground is fine when you are playing for fun or playing at lower levels. However, to really get a feeling for throwing and practice in a game-like situation, using a mound is necessary. Throwing from an elevated area on a field feels completely different from throwing at the same level as the batter. In order to authentically recreate the feeling of pitching during a game, you will need to build a pitching mound. Framing the Pitching Mound Building a pitching mound might seem as easy as just piling up dirt to elevate the ground, but of course it is more challenging than it seems. It is important to get the measurements of the mound correct, so you can create a genuine in-game situation. You will first need to measure the diameter of your mound. To create a regulation pitching mound, cut a piece of rope nine feet long. Attach it to the center of...

How to Clean a Carburetor

how-to-clean-a-carburetor
Vehicle owners know how important it is to keep their carburetor clean. The carburetor is responsible for helping the engine run smoothly and it regulates the fuel and air that pass through the engine. A dirty carburetor affects the engine’s timing, which can lead to sluggish operation. Cleaning a carburetor is a frequent service offered by car maintenance shops. However, it is possible to clean a carburetor on your own, saving you time and improving the performance of your vehicle. Most carburetors are near the same area under the hood of a car, but each will vary slightly. Using your vehicle manual and familiarity with the inner workings of the car, locate your carburetor. It is connected to five different lines extending out from your engine. These include the cold choke tube, the PCV hose, the gas line, the vacuum line, and the throttle. All of these lines must be removed and the carburetor must also be unbolted. An Allen wrench can be used to help you remove the carburetor safely...

How to Build a Fort

how-to-build-fort
Forts are great for kids because they provide a safe amount of privacy. Kids want a place they can go to play and hang out with friends, but they lack the emotional and financial ability to rent an apartment or buy a home of their own. Forts are usually built in an outdoor space and are usually elevated in a tree or built on stilts. If you think your child would have a great time playing in a fort, draw up a design and build a fort for him and his friends. To make the instructions easier, we will build a fort that sits on stilts instead of in a tree, but you can adjust the directions if you have a tree available. The first step for building a great fort is to find a sturdy, somewhat secluded area. You will build walls on your foot, so if the space is out in the open, children will still enjoy some privacy. Create a large cube out of pieces of wood. The cube should be large enough for a few children, but small enough to be supported by the stilts. Once the cube is complete, you can add...

How to Become an ASPCA Officer

ASPCA Officer
Helping animals is something most people are willing to do if presented with the opportunity, but others take it so seriously they want to do it for a living. There are plenty of ways to make a career of helping animals. However, you might be limited in what you can do based on your education, experience, and skills. If you want to help animals and enjoy a rewarding career, consider becoming an ASPCA Officer. The ASPCA features a Humane Law Enforcement Division. This is the group of people highlighted on some pet shows on television. If you think a career in the ASPCA’s Humane Law Enforcement Division might be right for you, you need to learn how to become an ASPCA officer. There are a number of state and local organizations that help animals, but the official ASPCA humane law enforcement program is located in New York City. If you do not live in New York, just contact your local ASPCA bureau and ask them if there are any nearby positions available. There might be other organizations...