5 Power Tools Every Beginner Woodworker Should Have

As a beginner woodworker, you should buy the most important tools first. With the right tools, you will be able to complete your projects and, more importantly, gain valuable experience. With that in mind, here are five woodworking tools to get you started.

Circular saw
Used primarily to make straight cuts, a circular saw is a must-have tool even for a beginner working on a budget. With a circular saw, you would not necessarily need to buy a table saw because a circular saw can perform most of the work performed by a table saw. For instance, you can use a circular saw to make bevel/miter cuts, as well as make straight accurate rip cuts, including long rips. Moreover, with the right blades, you can use a circular saw in fine woodworking projects.

Miter saw
With a bevel angle ranging from 0 degrees to +45 or -- 45 degrees, a sliding compound miter saw is specifically designed for cutting wood and other materials at different angles accurately. For this reason, a miter saw is an essential tool for woodworking projects that require angled pieces. Examples of such projects include making picture frames, ceiling trim, decorative wall panels, cabinet molding, crown molding, wall panels and baseboards. Miter saws are generally classified into two main categories: compound and non-compound miter saws. Compound miter saws have a blade tilting (bevel) system in addition to the mitering system, meaning they can make compound cuts. A compound cut is basically a combination of both a bevel and a miter cut. The cost of a miter saw depends on its size and features. Hop on over and read Protoolzone's top miter saw buyer's guide for your woodworking projects.

Jigsaw
Similar to a band saw, a jigsaw is used primarily to cut curved and circular patterns in stock. Moreover, when fitted with the right blade, a jigsaw can cut other materials including drywall, fiberglass and steel. Beyond cutting patterns, you can also use a jigsaw to make bevel and compound cuts in materials. Jigsaws are available in both corded and cordless models. While both models are portable, the latter model can be used virtually anywhere on a job site, making it popular with contractors. If you are looking for versatility, you should go for an orbital-action, corded jigsaw with a quick blade change system.

Table saw
This is arguably the most important and versatile tool in a typical woodworking shop. You can make a table saw to make a variety of cuts including rip cuts, cross-cuts, dados, tenons, as well as miter/bevel cuts.  This means that a table saw will likely be the centerpiece around which you use or organize all your other tools, so you should not skimp on this important woodworking tool. Table saws generally fall into one of three categories: hybrid saws, contractor's saws and cabinet saws. Some of the most important considerations when buying a table saw include the size, voltage requirements, fence system, safety features and dust collection system.

Cordless drill
A cordless drill is a versatile and useful woodworking tool that you can rely on for both big and small woodworking projects, from remodeling projects to installing fixtures. Some of the important considerations when choosing a cordless drill include the type of batteries and motor. Drills with lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are generally more powerful and run longer between charges compared to drills with nickel-cadmium batteries. Similarly, drills with a brushless motor generally last longer and generate more power compared to drills with other types of motors.

Conclusion 
Some of the most important tools for a beginner woodworker include a cordless drill, table saw, miter saw, jigsaw and circular saw.  Consider these items to be some of the best gift ideas for the husband, brother, father, son, friend on your shopping list for any occasion!

Uncovering the Essential Concept of Debt Consolidation to be Debt Free

Are you under tremendous pressure because of the piling up debt? Well, debt consolidation may be the best refuge for you in this situation. However, it is important that you should have a clear idea about the concept of debt consolidation.

Debt consolidation means that you should combine all of your unsecured debt into one monthly payment. You can easily manage debt consolidation with the help of a debt consolidation loan.

Different Methods For Debt Consolidation

Managing Consolidation with a Home Equity Loan

If you decide to consolidate with a home equity loan, then this can turn out to be a risky option. The reason is that the unsecured debt becomes secure by your house. Let us assume that you are unable to make the payments; then in this situation, your house can be foreclosed. This is something which you would not want to happen at the end of the day.

Using a Line of Credit to Consolidate Your Debt

You can also use a line of credit to consolidate your debt if your bank gives the approval. The line of credit is usually secured by your house. If you have a good income, then, in this case, the bank may offer an unsecured line of credit also.

Hiring Professional Assistance

You can also think along the lines of hiring a professional debt consolidation company. When you hire a professional company, then, in this case, your payment is consolidated, but the debts are kept separate. What you have to do is send one single payment to the debt consolidation company. The company will manage the division of the payments and send it to the respective creditors. Now, the important thing you need to know is that the debt consolidation world is full of scams and you need to be on your guard. There are debt consolidation companies out there that push you into paying high-interest rates. The result is that you end up paying more in the long-run. There are also companies out there that fail to send your payments to the creditors. This is why it essential that you should evaluate a debt consolidation firm and choose a reliable company to consolidate debt.

It is also vital that you do not misuse the concept of debt consolidation. What generally happens is that when you consolidate your debt, then it helps to acquire free credit. Many people have lured to avail this free credit. As a result, they end up piling new credit on top of the existing one. If you have decided to seek professional help to consolidate your debt, then make sure that you have a good credit score. The reason is that the credit score is the deciding factor in the rates that you will have to pay for consolidating the debt. Another factor that decides your rate for debt consolidation is the collateral that you are willing to offer. Ideally, you should have a clear strategy in mind if you have decided to consolidate your debt. This can help to avoid the problems in the future.

2018 Means Big Bonuses on Swagbucks ... Cha-Ching!

Looking for a way to rebuild your finances after the holidays? 

If you haven't tried Swagbucks before, you can get a bonus $3 for signing up as my referral during January. Swagbucks is a rewards site where you earn points (called SB) for things you're probably doing online already, like searching, watching videos, discovering deals, and taking surveys. Then you take those points and exchange them for gift cards to places like Amazon, Starbucks, Walmart, Target, or PayPal cash. 

When you sign up through me this month, you can earn a $3 bonus! Here's how: 

1. Sign up using this link 

2. Earn 300 SB total before 2/1/18. You'll get a $3 (300 SB) bonus for it! 

3. If you want even more bonuses, you'll get a $10 (1000 SB rebate) bonus for making your first shop purchase! That's in addition to the SB you earn for every dollar you spend.  

That's it. It's super easy, and Swagbucks is for real. I use it myself, and I've earned 111,401 Swagbucks since joining and usually just cash out in PayPal so I can then use the cash to pay for my Hulu subscription, buy Christmas and birthday gifts, and the other day I bought a bunch of Trim Healthy Mama goodies because I just found out I'm prediabetic and I need to drop about 10 pounds to reduce my risk of diabetes. Swagbucks do SO MUCH!

A Parent’s Guide to Swaddling

Swaddling is the practice of wrapping a baby in a blanket to keep her warm, safe, and secure. It helps prevent babies from inadvertently waking themselves up with their startle reflexes and will keep them cozy and comfortable until their internal thermostats activate.

Most babies respond well to swaddling until they turn about 3 months old. Some of them continue to

enjoy being swaddled after that point, but many of them prefer to have their arms and legs free when

they get a little older.

Swaddling provides many benefits, and it’s an easy way to comfort a newborn.

Reduces the Risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

Swaddling reduces the risk of your baby developing SIDS. Most parents know not to put their babies

to sleep on their stomachs, but some babies figure out early how to roll into that position without any

help. Swaddling makes it very difficult for them to flip onto their stomachs which improves sleep safety.

Swaddling also prevents infants from pulling blankets and/or clothing over their faces and covering

their mouths and noses. This also helps decrease the risk of SIDS.

Plays an Important Role in Soothing

Swaddling plays an important role in soothing an infant. If your baby gets upset while you’re swaddling

her, don’t give up. An infant will often get frustrated while she’s being swaddled but will calm down after

you’re done. Go ahead and swaddle, and then add an additional layer of soothing. You could provide a

pacifier, turn on some white noise, or rock a crying baby. The swaddle will help them relax and fall

asleep.

Improved Sleep Quality

Swaddling improves babies’ quality of sleep. By preventing random arm movements, babies are less

likely to wake themselves. Newborns are notorious for taking short cat naps all day, and swaddling can

help turn a short nap into a longer one. This gives the parents time to rest and helps a baby’s mood

and development.

Swaddling Blankets

When you’re choosing swaddling blankets, pick materials that are breathable. You want to keep your

child warm, but you don’t want her to get overheated.

Muslin is a good material for swaddling blankets. It’s a finely woven, lightweight, breathable material

that parents have been using for many years to keep their babies comfortable and safe. It’s also

durable and will get softer with each wash.

If you decide to shop for muslin wraps online, consider ones made from organic cotton. These blankets

are made without the use of pesticides, which is good for your baby and the environment. There are a

variety of designs to choose from, so you’ll be able to find blankets that suit your personality and that

your child will grow to love.

Takeaway

Parents have been swaddling their babies for centuries. It helps keep them calm and relaxed while

improving their sleep length and quality. Swaddling blankets should be lightweight and breathable to

keep babies from overheating. By swaddling your child, you and your baby will enjoy longer, better

naps, and you’ll be able to relax because you’ll know he’s warm, comfortable, and safe.

4 Tips to Make the Inside of Your Home More Appealing

A lot of freedom comes with owning a home. As a homeowner, you will be able to change your surroundings as much as you want without having to get approval from anyone. Generally, the longer you live in a home, the more changes you will ultimately make. Rather than letting the look of your home’s interior suffer, you will need to find ways to increase its appeal over time. Without a great deal of research and the right supplier, you will struggle to find the right décor and furniture for your home. If you are looking for a way to increase the appeal of your home’s interior, be sure to consider the following factors.

1. Adding New Area Rugs is a Great Idea

If you are looking for a cost-effective way to increase your home’s appeal, then investing in new area rugs is a great idea. The Designer Rugs market is filled with options, which means you should have no problem finding the design you want. Before going out to shop for a rug, you need to give some thought to how big the rug needs to be and what colors you want. Neglecting to have this type of information can lead to a variety of problems. If you are unsure about what you need, then working with a reputable rug supplier is a great idea. These suppliers will have no problem taking the needs you have and then helping you narrow down the selection of rugs they have in stock. Rushing through the selection of a new area rug may lead to you getting the wrong one. Taking your time and weighing all of the options you have is essential and the only way you can get the best rug to fit your home.

2. New Living Room Furniture is Always a Good Idea

Does your existing living room furniture look faded or broken? If so, then it is probably time to start thinking about getting new furniture. While new furniture can be a bit expensive, it is well worth the money due to the increased appeal and comfort it can offer. Going in to get a firsthand look at the furniture options on the market is a good idea. Being able to actually sit on the furniture in question can help you figure out whether or not a particular sofa or loveseat is the right fit. You will also need to search around to see which furniture supplier in your area can offer the best deal on the furniture you want.

3. Installing New Lighting

If a home is looking a bit dark and unappealing, investing in new lighting is always a good idea. When the time comes to get new lighting installed, you will need to call in a local electrician to help you out. They will be able to run the wire and connect the new lighting in a hurry. Investing in lights that are energy-efficient can help you save a lot of money over time. The last thing you want to do is to take on a complicated job like this due to the complexity involved.

4. Putting a New Coat of Paint on the Walls

Another great way to revamp the look and appeal of a home’s exterior is by taking the time to have a new coat of paint applied to the walls. Before getting this work done, you will have to figure out what color paint you want to use. Ideally, you will want to use paint that goes with the existing décor in your home. Hiring a professional painter to do this type of work is a great way to ensure it is done correctly.

The time and money that is put into beautifying the inside of your home will be more than worth it in the long run. New furniture and rugs will help to enhance the beauty your home has with ease.