Man Made DIY


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May 05, 2010

ManMade Top Ten: Essential Bar Tools

created at: 05/03/2010

Unless you're a millionaire*, or a seriously, seriously committed enthusiast, your home bar won't ever rival the levels of underlit top-shelf spirits and specialized glassware of your local upscale martini bar. And to this, we say "good." Making cocktails at home is totally different than heading out on the scene. And, thankfully, with a few key wares and tools, you can make quality cocktails that'll make you think twice about whether or not you need to go out at all. And with that in mind, here's a ten home bar essentials tools that, with some glassware, ice, and spirits, are really all you'll need. AND, stay tuned, cause at the end of the month, we're gonna give away this entire Top Ten, plus lots of extra goodies!



created at: 03/03/2010


1. Cocktail shaker.  In order to mix a drink, you've gotta have something in which to mix it. The object of choice here is the classic cocktail shaker. There are two styles: the common three-piece Cobbler shaker, which includes the capped strainer and a lid, and the Boston shaker, which is a two-piece set consisting of a metal beaker and a mixing glass. Our vote here is for the latter, as it's certainly what the pros prefer, and offers much more versatility.

created at: 05/05/2010  … read more

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March 04, 2010

ManMade Top Ten: Sewing Notions that Guys Will Actually Use

created at: 03/03/2010

Every craft and medium requires the right tool for the job. And while most men won't need a Shape-A-Dart for altering patterns to match the proper cup-size, we do love us some gear, and sewing notions are no exception. Here are ten tools - beyond the obvious needle/thread and sewing machine/bobbin combos - you'll never regret buying.

created at: 03/03/2010

1. Seam ripper. I hate to admit it, but this is the sewing tool I use the most. One doesn't nail every stitch every time, and there's simply no better way to get it out and start fresh. These are also great for ripping apart clothing for fabric hacking and reuse.

2. Tailor's chalk/Marking Pen As a pencil is to woodworking, tailor's chalk is essential to proper seamster-ing. You gotta be able to mark what your doing - where to sew, where to cut, where to pin, and tailor's chalk, in both white (for dark fabrics) and blue (for lighter ones) is my favorite medium, as it rubs right out. They also make markers and pencils for special projects and fabrics - a water soluble pen is handy for special projects (like embroidery) when you need drawing control.

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February 04, 2010

ManMade Top Ten: Non-Powered Workshop Tools

created at: 2010/01/12

I do indeed love the sights, sounds, and smells of a razor-sharp sawblade ripping through a two-inch block of hard maple, or a router-bit whizzing at 23,000 rpm creating a perfect 1/4" roundover.

But, for as much as I embrace the strength and speed of power tools, I find myself spending even more time with those tools that DON'T require ear plugs. Of course, you need hammers and screwdrivers and wrenches, but here's a list of ten items you can find in your hardware store that'll help you turn out great work, without the need for batteries or electricity.

created at: 2010/02/04

1. All Sorts of Clamps. There's an old saying in the woodworking community..."You c… read more

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January 11, 2010

ManMade Top Ten: Most Useful Kitchen Tools

created at: 2010/01/12

Some might call them gadgets, others utensils, some are even appliances. These ten kitchen tools, in addition to some quality cookware, can turn whatever equipment you have into a functional multitasking culinary workspace.

created at: 2010/01/11

1). Spring-loaded tongs. Hands down, this is the tool I grab everytime I'm in the kitchen. The rule in my house is that these don't go in the dishwasher, not because they'll get ruined, but because I'm going to need them before it gets run and emptied again. Once you learn to trust the tool - and you can as long as long as you don't skrimp and get the .99-cent option - these things basically become a heat-resistant … read more

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