08/21/2026
DO NOT LET A BUILD CHALLENGE BECOME A MONEY SUCK! Two jobs, two problems, zero dollars spent. On one recent project, a pencil, a screw and some string gave me a perfect arc to create the perfect pill-shaped table top on a recent farm table build. Shortly after that, I found myself at a home in the Hollywood Hills with nothing but some painters tape, a piece of cardboard, and a sharpie, so I could capture the shape of an archway. This was the truest and simplest way to make my template and create the decorative walnut trim that goes around it. I encourage you to try and make the tool you need before you spend a bunch of money on a tool you might only use once. Feel free to hit me up if you are trouble-shooting a similar challenge on a build. Check out my website for the full story on the blog. What’s the cheapest trick that’s saved a project for you?