BIG
Courtesy of Adam Holman
Is your stainless steel stove or sink scratched up beyond recognition? Our Cottage Coach, Adam Holman, shows an easy and effective way to buff out those annoying lines and marks. In no time at all, your stainless steel will be shining like new again!
Courtesy Ancel/Bluetooth/DeWalt/AmazonPrime
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We asked Cottage Coach and enthusiastic DIYer Adam Holman for his top Amazon Prime Early Access Sale picks. Here they are:
Power-7 USB Wall Charger, 5-Pack 2.1A/5V Dual Port USB Cube Power Adapter Charger 10% off ($19.79)
ANCEL AD410 Enhanced OBD II Vehicle Code Reader Automotive OBD2 Scanner Auto Check Engine Light Scan Tool (Black/Yellow) 43% off ($55.99)
Bosch GPB18V-5CN 18V Jobsite Radio with Bluetooth® 5.0 and Power Station 36% off ($189.95)
Dremel 3000-N/18 Variable Speed Rotary Tool with 18 Accessories, Grey 32% off ($49.99)
BLACK+DECKER Workmate 225 450lb Capacity Portable Work Bench 27% off ($36.81)
Sengled Alexa Light Bulb, Bluetooth Mesh Standard A19 E26 Dimmable LED Bulb 6 Pack 30% off ($41.98)
DEWALT Oscillating Tool Kit, Corded, 3-Amp, 29 Pieces (DWE315K), Yellow 15% off ($169)
NOCO Boost XL GB50 1500 Amp 12-Volt UltraSafe Lithium Jump Starter Box, Car Battery Booster Pack, Portable Power Bank Charger, and Jumper Cables 30% off ($150.46)
10.5FT RIKADE Aluminum Telescoping Ladder with Non-Slip Feet and Stable Hook, 330lb Capacity 20% off ($132.79)
Product images courtesy of Amazon
Cottage Coach Adam Holman is Cottage Life’s resident DIY expert. Like many of us, he has been waiting patiently for Amazon Prime Day to scoop up some great deals on tools and outdoor gear. Here are his picks.
I’m always busy fixing or improving something, so I need my tools to work well and stand up to wear and tear. These are the ones that I reach for when I’m tackling projects at home or around the cottage.
Bosch 18-Volt Variable Speed Keyless Cordless Jigsaw
Owning a cordless jigsaw changed the game for me. Being able to manoeuvre in tight corners without wondering where the wire is hanging makes cutting trouble-free.
Pair this with a carbide blade for perfect, un-splintered cuts every time.
Bosch Glide 8-1/2-in 12-Amp Single Bevel Sliding Compound Corded Mitre Saw
This little saw packs a big punch. It slides so smoothly on the rails and can be angled or beveled for a variety of measurements. It’s small enough to take with you anywhere, but big enough to get the job done!
Use this with a Diablo 8 1/2-inch blade for best results.
Milwaukee Tool M18 FUEL GEN-2 18V Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless SAWZALL Reciprocating Saw
Whether you’re cutting wood, metal, plastic, or meat (haha), this is the saw for you. Get those cuts done quickly, accurately, and easily. Make sure you’re using the proper blade for the material you’re cutting. Add the extended capacity battery for added hours of power.
Pair this with a Diablo Pruning blade for quick work of little limbs around your property.
Petzl Actik Core Lamp
Having proper light when you’re working is not only useful, but it keeps you safe. I always carry my headlamp with me no matter where I go. Use three AAA batteries or a USB to charge the Core Lithium battery, and this thing will light up the night. It’s ideal for removing splinters and great around the campfire when you’re making s’mores.
STIHL BR600 backpack blower
When you’ve got a big job (or a small job), and you don’t want to swing a handheld around, this is your saving grace! It’s fuel-efficient, clean running, and low noise, this is one of my favourite toys…I mean tools.
Pair this with ear protection, eye protection, and a cold beer.
Poulan Pro PR4218 Handheld Gas Chainsaw, 18″
I know, it’s not battery-powered, but this cheap chainsaw gets the job done. It’s lightweight and easy to start, and it makes log-cutting quick and efficient. Make sure you check the bar oil frequently and keep it topped up.
The Spring Cottage Life Show is the ultimate consumer show for cottagers looking for design inspiration; their next DIY project, or a new cottage toy. Of course, it doesn’t stop there, the biggest cottage show of the year is taking place at the International Centre in Mississauga, Ont. from April 7-10, and with over 350 exhibitors and an impressive slate of presentations from television personalities with interior design and gardening expertise to chefs like barbecue king Brian Misko, you won’t want to miss it. Catch the presentations at the Main Stage, Cottage Workshop, and Cottage Kitchen. Here are the presentations you’ll want to make a point to watch.
Succession planning is one of our most popular topics at Cottage Life. Real estate lawyer Peter Lillico’s presentation will focus on how to keep the cottage in your family. Get your questions ready, he will present at 5 p.m. on April 7, 8, and 9.
We know there’s a tendency to indulge at the cottage, especially when it comes to eating. Stop by the Cottage Kitchen to watch health and wellness expert Rose Reisman whip up some quick and healthy recipes that are easy to make at the cottage. She will be demonstrating at 1 p.m. on Friday and 12 p.m. on Saturday.
With spring planting season just around the corner, gardening expert Frankie Flowers will be on the Main Stage talking about resilient plants that are suitable for the cottage. He also has some tips and tricks for keeping them alive while you’re away. Make sure to grab a seat early, he presents at 11 a.m.
The Spring Cottage Life Show is a unique opportunity to meet the faces behind Cottage Life magazine. Swing by the Cottage Workshop and learn how to make a DIY drink caddy with the one and only Cottage Coach Adam Holman at 3 p.m. every day of the show. If you’re considering renting out your cottage, Senior Associate Editor Alysha Vandertogt and editor of The Key—Cottage Life‘s new real estate newsletter— shares her advice and tips for keeping it safe. Catch her on the Main Stage, Friday through Sunday at noon.
For the full list of presentations please click here.
Photo by Bradley Reinhardt
What could be more comfortable than lounging in a Muskoka chair? Answer: an upgraded Muskoka chair. The lumbar spine—your lower back—is often tested by the cottage lounger. By adding lumbar support to the flat backrest, you can bring your spine into its proper alignment. Better ergonomics can improve your breathing and circulation, as well as reduce spinal pressure and muscle stress. This all adds up to greater relaxation!
Curved strips fastened on top of the existing back slats will provide support for the spine. Any dry 2x lumber will work to create the supports—one support per slat. Make a pattern by drawing an arc on cardboard, using a compass set to a radius of 10″. Cut off a slice (a chord, technically) with an 8″ base. Trim 1/8″ from each end of the pattern; those sharply tapered ends will just chip off unevenly when you’re sawing and sanding.
To make supports that sit cleanly against the chair slats, you’ll need to saw or plane off the radiused corners on the lumber to leave sharp, square corners. Then cut the curve with a jigsaw (or a scrollsaw or bandsaw).
Using one of the offcuts as a curved sanding block, sand off any saw marks with 80-grit sandpaper, followed by 100-grit. And while you’re at it, lightly round over the long, curved edges. For the finish, I like Sansin ENS for outdoor furniture; it’s highly durable, quick-drying, and enviro-friendly. For longevity, finish the backs of the supports before attaching. If your upgrade is to a new Muskoka chair, you’ll want to finish the slat fronts too.
Test-fit the supports before securing them permanently. Tape the supports in place, with the bottom edge 3″–5″ above the seat. Have different users sit to test the support position for comfort. Once the supports feel right, attach each from behind with two small stainless-steel screws. Then remove the tape and relax. Did someone say, “Cottage Kolsch time?”
Photo by Bradley Reinhardt
What could be more comfortable than lounging in a Muskoka chair? Answer: an upgraded Muskoka chair. The lumbar spine—your lower back—is often tested by the cottage lounger. By adding lumbar support to the flat backrest, you can bring your spine into its proper alignment. Better ergonomics can improve your breathing and circulation, as well as reduce spinal pressure and muscle stress. This all adds up to greater relaxation!
Curved strips fastened on top of the existing back slats will provide support for the spine. Any dry 2x lumber will work to create the supports—one support per slat. Make a pattern by drawing an arc on cardboard, using a compass set to a radius of 10″. Cut off a slice (a chord, technically) with an 8″ base. Trim 1/8″ from each end of the pattern; those sharply tapered ends will just chip off unevenly when you’re sawing and sanding.
To make supports that sit cleanly against the chair slats, you’ll need to saw or plane off the radiused corners on the lumber to leave sharp, square corners. Then cut the curve with a jigsaw (or a scrollsaw or bandsaw).
Using one of the offcuts as a curved sanding block, sand off any saw marks with 80-grit sandpaper, followed by 100-grit. And while you’re at it, lightly round over the long, curved edges. For the finish, I like Sansin ENS for outdoor furniture; it’s highly durable, quick-drying, and enviro-friendly. For longevity, finish the backs of the supports before attaching. If your upgrade is to a new Muskoka chair, you’ll want to finish the slat fronts too.
Test-fit the supports before securing them permanently. Tape the supports in place, with the bottom edge 3″–5″ above the seat. Have different users sit to test the support position for comfort. Once the supports feel right, attach each from behind with two small stainless-steel screws. Then remove the tape and relax. Did someone say, “Cottage Kolsch time?”