The evolution of the workshop
There’s no question that tools have evolved a lot in the 35 years since Canadian Home Workshop’s first issue. The average workshopper of today has access to a broader array of tools that are more powerful and easier to use (and safer) than ever before. In fact, they’re likely to be a lot better than the average pro would have had 35 years ago.
That’s also true of building materials. Engineering wonders such as structural insulated panels, insulated concrete forms, spray foam and composite roofing are widely available and easy to use. And, for the most part, these materials are vastly superior to the ones we were using a few decades ago. Sounds like it’s not such a bad time to be a workshopper.
THEN | NOW |
Pickup truck meant for the farm | Souped-up toolbox on wheels |
Estwing steel hammer | Stiletto titanium hammer |
Fibreglass batts | Spray foam |
19-lb corded Skil saw | Cordless lithium-ion circular saw |
Tape measure | Laser measurer |
White, brown or clear silicone | Paintable latex caulking |
Cement, sand, gravel | Ready-mix post-hole fill |
Canvas work gloves | Contoured ballistic nylon gloves |
Blue or green work pants | Pants with built-in knee pads |
Wooden toolbox | Rolling structural foam toolbox |
Corded incandescent trouble light | Cordless LED work light |
Drain snake and shovel | Drain scope with TV screen |
Prybar and sledgehammer | Reciprocating saw |
Six screwdrivers | Picquic multi-bit screwdriver |
Paint store, hardware store, lumber yard | Big-box building centre |
Wise old handyman friend | The internet |
Cedar | Pressure-treated SPF |
Corded drill | 18-volt drill/impact driver/hammer drill combo tool |
Varnish | Wipe-on, water-based polyurethane |
Propane, copper pipe and solder | Shark Bite tool-free fittings |
Oil-based paint | Latex paint |
Napkin sketch | Cellphone camera |
Trip to the hospital | Saw Stop tablesaw |
Hammer and nail set | Cordless nail finisher |
Duct tape | Duct tape |
Bob Villa | YouTube |