Few shop tools—yes, we’ll call it a “tool”—are as indispensable as a reliable work apron. While not a “tool” in the traditional sense, a good, durable apron can serve many purposes ranging from tool organization to even psychologically making yourself ‘present’ in the workshop. But no two aprons are alike—and striking the balance between functional and economical isn’t always easy. Which is why we like the Cross Back Adjustable Apron from Hudson Durable Goods. Made from thick and durable waxed canvas, this stylish work apron features design details that are as carefully considered as the long-lasting materials they’re constructed from. Additionally, the cross-back (X-back) straps ensure that weight from tools…

First used to carry items in nomadic times, then later sold as a way to sustain life, woven baskets have played a critical role in the history of human culture across all continents. While we may not have a massive need for them anymore, the craft of making woven baskets from scratch is still very much alive, particularly in cultures that have passed the skill down across hundreds of years. Among others still keeping the craft alive is Stephen Jerome, a Mi’gmaq ancestral black ash rib basket maker from Gesgapegiag, Quebec, Canada. Using skills and techniques perfected over many generations and passed down by his father, Stephen spends hours sourcing…

Back in the summer of 2016, MillRight CNC burst onto the scene with their surprisingly affordable M3 desktop CNC machine ($299 for the kit)–a barebones setup which featured an MDF frame, NEMA 17 stepper motors, a modest 10.25″ x 10.25″ (260mm x 260mm) work area and powered by an Arduino Uno control board. Consequently, the company has upped their game for this year by introducing their newest desktop CNC machine, the Carve King, a kit that boasts several new upgrades over the previous M3. MillRight Carve King Desktop CNC Most notably, the kit is equipped with laser cut, anodized 1/4″ 6061 aluminum bearing plates, making it more robust in terms of…

Now more than ever, the ability to craft a killer work email or create a work summary that is clear and concise couldn’t be more critical. While emojis, slang, and Slack are taking over the workplace, the dying art of well-written copy speaks volumes when done right. Unfortunately, most of us are too busy moving along to the next task than spending half an hour scrutinizing over every piece of outbound communication. The good news is, now you don’t have to. Used by everybody from students to C-Suite members, Grammarly is a clever little writing tool that assists your copy crafting with an advanced context-aware spellcheck, alternate word suggestions, and…

Measuring CUBES?! Yes. Measuring cubes because, really, who has times for measuring CUPS. This just beat out the carabiner and desk organizer for best 3D printed tool of 2017 (and lines up with our goal to stop printing crap). You know that drawer somewhere in the kitchen that needs dumped out every time you need a 1/2 teaspoon? Forget that. Next time, just dump it in the trash and replace that mess with a single measuring CUBE. San Diego-based, Iomaa, published a design for several measuring cubes which simply and elegantly incorporate everything, from 1 cup to 1/4 teaspoon, into each of the cube’s six sides. They used a MakerGear M2…

With another year just about coming to a close, companies who are gearing up to show off their latest wares at CES in Las Vegas in early January are already getting a head start on the news cycle. Among others, LG has just announced a pair of new monitors for the professional market that are sure to turn heads and make mouths drool. The 32-inch 32UK950 UHD 4K monitor will be the first to offer LG’s advanced Nano IPS technology. According to the company, IPS technology involves the application of nanometer-sized particles to the screen’s LED to absorb excess light wavelengths. As a result, this greatly enhances the intensity and…