See why Steve Maxwell started building!

Learn more about Steve Maxwell! [DIY University website]( [Premium Workshops]( [NEW! DIY Quick Class Subscription]( [Quick Classes]( [Premium Workshops]( [Meet a Visiting Instructor at DIY University]( [Browse DIYU Courses]( [Image of Steve Maxwell] Q&A with Steve Maxwell Steve Maxwell is a visiting instructor and an award-winning how-to building instructor. He has been teaching people to succeed with hands-on how-to skills for 30+ years. Q: What got you started building? I got my start building when I was 7 years old. That was when my grandfather tuned up an old wooden plane his father used as a cabinetmaker. Grandpa showed me how to turn an ugly old piece of wood into something beautiful with that plane. The rest has been an unbroken string of building projects for me. I’ve worked professionally as a cabinetmaker and carpenter, I’ve built my own home out of hand-quarried stone, and I’ve helped lots of other people design and build places they love. Q: Why did you start teaching? I’ve always loved teaching, especially when it comes to building and working with wood. When my grade one teacher caught me ignoring her lesson because I was building a little airplane out of popsicles sticks, she had me teach the class to make their own. I loved that experience. Q: What is your favorite tool? That’s a tough one. I love hand tools, and I have a couple of planes that I’m particularly fond of. I also love the carving chisels I use to cut letters into the furniture I build. That said, power tools are amazing, too. I have a really nice little cordless chopsaw that does great work for me. The cabinet saw I have in my workshop is something I couldn’t do without. But who wouldn’t love a great roofing nailer when there are a lot of shingles to put down? Like I said—naming my favorite tool is a tough one! Q: What is your best trick of the trade? There are many clever technical tricks of the trade I share with people I teach, but if I had to offer just one bit of advice to a novice builder this would be it: “Don’t be afraid to go backwards when you detect a mistake.” One of the worst things any builder can do is to plow ahead when errors and problems arise, which is bound to happen. The thing is, problems build on themselves. They never, ever get better on their own. So when some pieces don’t come together correctly on your cabin, don’t just cut them longer or shorter. Instead, back up a bit and find out where the real error lies. Correct the error at the root cause if at all possible, then move ahead. Let the Experts at DIY University Help You DIY University brings together the experts at Family Handyman as well as visiting instructors like Steve Maxwell to help you tackle home improvement projects as well as learning new skills. [Septic System Workshop]( [Premium Workshop]( [Expert Steve Maxwell will guide you step-by-step through your project, so you can create a septic system design and learn how to maintain a septic tank in just three weeks.]( [Enroll Now!]( [MIG Welding for Beginners]( [Premium Workshop]( [Steve Maxwell has over 30 years of experience, and he’ll show you how to master MIG welding and metal fabrication with five MIG welding projects.]( [Enroll Now!]( [DIY Solar Projects]( [Premium Workshop]( [Create solar self-reliance with Steve Maxwell. Learn how to make the sun work hard for you with this complete guide to solar heating, electricity, and food preservation.]( [Enroll Now!]( [Power Your Home with Renewable Energy]( [Premium Workshop]( [With detailed photos, illustrations, plans, videos and direct access to instructor Steve Maxwell, you’ll learn exactly how to generate your own off-the-grid wind and solar power.]( [Enroll Now!]( [DIYU Quick Class Subscription: Start Your FREE Trial - Learn More >>]( [DIYU Quick Class Subscription: Start Your FREE Trial - Learn More >>]( [DIY University website]( You are subscribed to this email as {EMAIL} To unsubscribe or update your Email Preferences, [click here](. View our [privacy policy](. Trusted Media Brands, Inc. 1610 N. 2nd St., Suite 102 Milwaukee, WI 53212 Copyright © 2020 Trusted Media Brands. All rights reserved.