Uncharted DIY was created for people with the DIY spirit tackling uncommon projects, utilizing common tools and often on a limited budget
Welcome to Uncharted DIY, dedicated to helping you to achieve DIY success!
Do you have an unusual DIY project but can’t seem to find useful how-to information? Do you want to Do It Yourself, Differently? There are so many benefits and reasons to DIY, so you’ve come to the right place!
Here you’ll find How-To Articles, Video Instructions, Plans and Links to useful tools and materials. If there is something you’d like to see, let me know in the comments or contact form.
Do It Yourself, but not alone — let’s build something great together!
Welcome to Uncharted DIY, dedicated to helping you to achieve DIY success!
Do you have an unusual DIY project but can’t seem to find useful how-to information? Do you want to Do It Yourself, Differently? There are so many benefits and reasons to DIY, so you’ve come to the right place!
Here you’ll find How-To Articles, Video Instructions, Plans and Links to useful tools and materials. If there is something you’d like to see, let me know in the comments or contact form.
Do It Yourself, but not alone — let’s build something great together!
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FacebookFeatured How-To Articles with Video
Easy DIY Lazy Susan – No Power Tools Required
Perfect for beginner and advanced DIYers! Make one for yourself or to give as a gift…
Laser Distance Meter Tips & Tricks
Laser Distance Meters are amazing tools, and here are some ways to get the most out of ANY LDM…
How To Use a Laser Distance Meter: Basic and Advanced Functions
Learn what all the functions of Laser Distance Meters actually do, and how to use them.
APEXFORGE Laser Distance Meters
Magic D80 Pro vs. Magic D50 Nano. Which one is right for you?
HOTO Tools 12V Brushless Drill – Unboxing and Review
This drill looks amazing, but is it useful? Let’s find out!
Inkerma Bilateral Laser Distance Meter
Are two lasers in one laser measuring tool useful? Let’s check out this laser distance meter to see…
More How-To Articles with Video
Finally… a Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder that works!
A squirrel proof solution that really works! Keep them out of the bird feeder! Super easy DIY, 2 hours and under $20…
DIY Shaker Table Project
Called many things: screen sieve, vibrating screen, compost screener, trommel tray, powered dirt mesh sifter, and many more…
Removable Countertop Extensions – Add Seating or Work Space
We never had enough seating at our countertop dining area “table”, so removable extensions solved the problem…
Leaked: Secret Critter Deterrent, Project S.C.R.A.M. Has Them Running Scared
Critters with boundary issues invading your yard? DIY camera & app controlled water blaster deterrent makes them afraid to return!…
Build a “Suite” Mason Bee Hotel
Mason and Leafcutter bees are just two amazing solitary orchard bee species. They boast an impressive 95% pollination rate…
Laser Distance Meter Tips & Tricks
Laser Distance Meters are amazing tools, and here are some ways to get the most out of ANY LDM…
Hoover SteamVac and Vax Valves that Leak
Even before the tank started cracking and causing serious leaks, the valves began to drip water AND concentrated cleaning solution everywhere…
The Ultimate Shop Vac Dust Collection Cart – Hot Rodded!
Top performance from your shop vac for less money, plus unique features not found on other designs…
Hoover SteamVac and Vax Hot Water Tanks that Crack and Leak
Hoover machines of similar design have the issue of the tanks cracking. Replacement tanks cost $90 and up…
HOTO Tools Smart Laser Measure
Could something this small contain a bevy of big features?
Cold Frame with Double Walls, Protective Screen and Automatic Opener
You no longer have to choose between protective screens OR automatic openers for ventilation. Now you can have both!
DIY Desktop Vocal Recording Booth
Dramatically improve your VoiceOvers AND improve the acoustics in your working space at the same time!…
A Portable Air Conditioner with a Split Personality
Too hot or too cold? This Keystone can solve both those issues in the same portable AC!
Compost Tumbler with A-Frame Base – Tumbler with a Twist
This design is wheelbarrow friendly. Now, emptying the compost doesn’t have to be a messy job…
Easy Rolling Shelving Rack for Uneven Surfaces
A quick and easy mobile rack for almost any type of outdoor terrain. Adaptable to tool carts, storage shelves, seedling stand…
5 Essential DIY Tools You Need, But Didn’t Know You Need!
These make great gift ideas for any DIYer too! These 5 tools turned out to be so helpful, and solve problems so effectively that I wonder how I got this far in life without them!
Replace Bath Fan Motor, Not Whole Fixture or Pricey Motor Assembly
The motor in my bath fan with infrared heater combo unit died, and I found the very idea of having to go into the attic to replace the fixture exhausting!
Full Extension Drawer Slides for Cheap Center Slide Cabinets
Cheap center slide drawers only opened part way, they were rough, and hard to open or close. Upgraded full extension slides made them feel like new…
Portable Air Conditioner – Vent Through Wall
Air conditioner vent hose too short? No window? No Problem! Vent your portable AC through the wall, with a stealthy…
How to Make a Loud Oxygen Concentrator Quieter
5 simple DIY ways to reduce the noise without making permanent changes
HOTO Tools 12V Brushless Drill – Unboxing and Review
This drill looks amazing, but is it useful? Let’s find out!
Shorten Bar Stools with Metal Legs – Cut Precisely and Evenly
The stools could only be adjusted to 24″ or 29″, with nothing in between. You know, the “Goldilocks” problem of too high or too short…
Hoover SteamVac and Vax: Brushes Stop Spinning – $10 Fix
My Hoover SteamVac tank had serious leaks and the carpet brushes stopped spinning…
Protect Cavity Nests, Tree-mounted Nest Boxes and Feeders – Effective Predator Defense
Cats, raccoons, snakes and other predators raid nests, killing the birds and eating the eggs or young. Squirrels want the nest for themselves…
Convert Old, Basic Gas Grill To Ceramic Briquettes. Simple, DIY Upgrade
Burnt food, flare ups, flames, hot spots, grease fires and dry, overcooked barbecued meals can be a distant memory!…
Rain Barrel – Simple, High Quality, Made with Easy to Find Parts
Capture and use water that would otherwise run off into the storm drains. Conserve and save money with this easy DIY project…
Easy DIY Lazy Susan – No Power Tools Required
Perfect for beginner and advanced DIYers! Make one for yourself or to give as a gift…
Prevent Bird Death by Window Strikes – DIY BirdSavers
Birds hitting windows kills more birds than any other cause. Prevent injury or death with a simple, inexpensive DIY solution…
How To Use a Laser Distance Meter: Basic and Advanced Functions
Learn what all the functions of Laser Distance Meters actually do, and how to use them.
Flicker Woodpecker Nest Box from Cedar Pickets – Lightweight, Inexpensive
How to build a large nest box for Northern Flicker woodpeckers, using lightweight, inexpensive cedar pickets. Costs less than $30…
Inkerma Bilateral Laser Distance Meter
Are two lasers in one laser measuring tool useful? Let’s check out this laser distance meter to see…
APEXFORGE Laser Distance Meters
Magic D80 Pro vs. Magic D50 Nano. Which one is right for you?
More How-To Articles with Video
Hoover SteamVac and Vax Hot Water Tanks that Crack and Leak
Hoover machines of similar design have the issue of the tanks cracking. Replacement tanks cost $90 and up…
A Portable Air Conditioner with a Split Personality
Too hot or too cold? This Keystone can solve both those issues in the same portable AC!
Replace Bath Fan Motor, Not Whole Fixture or Pricey Motor Assembly
The motor in my bath fan with infrared heater combo unit died, and I found the very idea of having to go into the attic to replace the fixture exhausting!
Rain Barrel – Simple, High Quality, Made with Easy to Find Parts
Capture and use water that would otherwise run off into the storm drains. Conserve and save money with this easy DIY project…
How to Make a Loud Oxygen Concentrator Quieter
5 simple DIY ways to reduce the noise without making permanent changes
Prevent Bird Death by Window Strikes – DIY BirdSavers
Birds hitting windows kills more birds than any other cause. Prevent injury or death with a simple, inexpensive DIY solution…
Hoover SteamVac and Vax: Brushes Stop Spinning – $10 Fix
My Hoover SteamVac tank had serious leaks and the carpet brushes stopped spinning…
Convert Old, Basic Gas Grill To Ceramic Briquettes. Simple, DIY Upgrade
Burnt food, flare ups, flames, hot spots, grease fires and dry, overcooked barbecued meals can be a distant memory!…
Shorten Bar Stools with Metal Legs – Cut Precisely and Evenly
The stools could only be adjusted to 24″ or 29″, with nothing in between. You know, the “Goldilocks” problem of too high or too short…
5 Essential DIY Tools You Need, But Didn’t Know You Need!
These make great gift ideas for any DIYer too! These 5 tools turned out to be so helpful, and solve problems so effectively that I wonder how I got this far in life without them!
Compost Tumbler with A-Frame Base – Tumbler with a Twist
This design is wheelbarrow friendly. Now, emptying the compost doesn’t have to be a messy job…
Flicker Woodpecker Nest Box from Cedar Pickets – Lightweight, Inexpensive
How to build a large nest box for Northern Flicker woodpeckers, using lightweight, inexpensive cedar pickets. Costs less than $30…
Full Extension Drawer Slides for Cheap Center Slide Cabinets
Cheap center slide drawers only opened part way, they were rough, and hard to open or close. Upgraded full extension slides made them feel like new…
Leaked: Secret Critter Deterrent, Project S.C.R.A.M. Has Them Running Scared
Critters with boundary issues invading your yard? DIY camera & app controlled water blaster deterrent makes them afraid to return!…
Inkerma Bilateral Laser Distance Meter
Are two lasers in one laser measuring tool useful? Let’s check out this laser distance meter to see…
Removable Countertop Extensions – Add Seating or Work Space
We never had enough seating at our countertop dining area “table”, so removable extensions solved the problem…
The Ultimate Shop Vac Dust Collection Cart – Hot Rodded!
Top performance from your shop vac for less money, plus unique features not found on other designs…
Easy Rolling Shelving Rack for Uneven Surfaces
A quick and easy mobile rack for almost any type of outdoor terrain. Adaptable to tool carts, storage shelves, seedling stand…
Finally… a Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder that works!
A squirrel proof solution that really works! Keep them out of the bird feeder! Super easy DIY, 2 hours and under $20…
HOTO Tools Smart Laser Measure
Could something this small contain a bevy of big features?
Cold Frame with Double Walls, Protective Screen and Automatic Opener
You no longer have to choose between protective screens OR automatic openers for ventilation. Now you can have both!
Laser Distance Meter Tips & Tricks
Laser Distance Meters are amazing tools, and here are some ways to get the most out of ANY LDM…
Portable Air Conditioner – Vent Through Wall
Air conditioner vent hose too short? No window? No Problem! Vent your portable AC through the wall, with a stealthy…
Protect Cavity Nests, Tree-mounted Nest Boxes and Feeders – Effective Predator Defense
Cats, raccoons, snakes and other predators raid nests, killing the birds and eating the eggs or young. Squirrels want the nest for themselves…
How To Use a Laser Distance Meter: Basic and Advanced Functions
Learn what all the functions of Laser Distance Meters actually do, and how to use them.
Build a “Suite” Mason Bee Hotel
Mason and Leafcutter bees are just two amazing solitary orchard bee species. They boast an impressive 95% pollination rate…
Hoover SteamVac and Vax Valves that Leak
Even before the tank started cracking and causing serious leaks, the valves began to drip water AND concentrated cleaning solution everywhere…
DIY Desktop Vocal Recording Booth
Dramatically improve your VoiceOvers AND improve the acoustics in your working space at the same time!…
Easy DIY Lazy Susan – No Power Tools Required
Perfect for beginner and advanced DIYers! Make one for yourself or to give as a gift…
DIY Shaker Table Project
Called many things: screen sieve, vibrating screen, compost screener, trommel tray, powered dirt mesh sifter, and many more…
HOTO Tools 12V Brushless Drill – Unboxing and Review
This drill looks amazing, but is it useful? Let’s find out!
APEXFORGE Laser Distance Meters
Magic D80 Pro vs. Magic D50 Nano. Which one is right for you?
Some of the Projects in the works (stay tuned...)
- Outdoor Extension Cord Fix
- Replacing an outdoor extension cord with a nick or cut is not the only option – fix it and protect it for less than $10. Repair it in place, making it weatherproof and only taking about 15 minutes to complete.
- Easy, wooden Lazy Susan
- Simple weekend project that looks great and is amazingly handy. Customize to make any size.
- Replace a Roomba Battery
- 5 minute job to make your 500 and 600 series Roomba run like new
- Raised Garden Bed with Retractable Screen Netting
- Screen lifts out of the way when needed, then seals down tight to keeps the pests out.
- Retractable Garage Shelving / Power Tool Storage and Charging Station
- Hanging, adjustable shelving that tucks up out of the way. Mine is for storing and charging my cordless power tools, but design is adaptable to any situation.
- Sliding Shade Cover
- Adaptable to patios, raised beds, gazebos or freestanding. Simple to build, easy to use, providing nice cool shade wherever it’s needed.
- Compost Shaker Table / Garden Soil Sieve / Biochar Strainer
- Powered frame sorts into three sizes at once, making quick work of filtering out large chunks or rocks.
- Biochar burner, aka gasifier, reactor, pyrolysis machine
- “New” 3,000 year old technology for converting biomass waste materials into a super soil enhancing carbon charcoal. Increases soil biodiversity, sequesters C02, improves soil fertility, retains water, and so much more.
Please leave comments and questions below
rick
04/04/2022 @ 2:45 pm
i watched your video about the compost barrel but i am not sure where you could pick up the barrel from or the aerator that fits inside it could you give me some ideas on where to find these items at
Uncharted Steve
04/04/2022 @ 3:08 pm
Hi Rick,
The barrel I used was from a company called “Container Reclaimer” that sells used barrels and totes. I don’t know if they have any other locations or if they are just local.
For used, I would recommend Craigslist, Nextdoor or other local ad listings for used barrels, but regardless of where you get one, I highly recommend making sure that it was only used for food-safe uses. Sometimes these types of barrels are used for chemicals, and I don’t think they’d ever be safe for compost.
Otherwise, Home Depot has new ones, but they are more expensive. Use search terms such as shipping barrels, poly barrels, shipping containers, etc.
As for the aerator, I’m not sure what you are referring to, but you can download the free plans that list everything along with photos and commonly used descriptions. That way you can bring the list to the hardware store and use it as a shopping list.
I hope that helps,
Steve
Lee Pennington
10/30/2022 @ 11:08 pm
Hi Steve,
Watched your Youtube video about your “DYI Shaker Table.
I must have watched 25 (or more) Youtube videos before finding yours, and I have to say, Yours is the BEST!
As soon as your Youtube video was over, I purchased your “Shaker Table Plans & Tutorial Membership”
And again, you did NOT disappoint! I watched every video and went through the PDF in one setting.
I have to say, you make everything look simple!
I’ll be building my own (just like yours) instead of buying one for $2500.00+
I’m sure the pre-built metal ones are good, but this one should work just as well for a lot less.
Thanks for creating all of the videos and PDF! Worth every penny!!!
Lee