About
Bob Beacham is an engineer by trade and has spent 35 years working on everything from auto parts to oil rigs. He is also an avid DIY enthusiast. Bob started writing for the Bob Vila team in 2020 and covers tools, outdoor equipment, and home improvement projects.
Experience
Bob spent many years working as an engineer. This gave him the opportunity to travel around Europe and the U.S., working with component suppliers to Aston Martin, Audi, Rolls-Royce and Volkswagen. He also spent some time working on control systems for the aviation and petrochemical industries.
In his late 40s, Bob changed career paths. Since woodworking was one of his favorite hobbies, he decided to start his own woodshop. During this period, he remodeled an old rural farmhouse from the ground up with his wife—the first of two similar projects. As a result, he gained extensive experience with techniques and tools. The woodshop was hugely enjoyable, but not particularly lucrative. He supported his passion with consultancy work and began writing freelance articles about his experiences for several online publications. After 10 very enjoyable years, Bob closed the woodshop after relocating to his current home. The consultancy work and writing continues.
Education
Bob attended school in the U.K. and took an apprenticeship at age 16. He also studied for a degree in mechanical engineering at Aylesbury College in Buckinghamshire.
Highlights
- Specialties and interests: Engineering, DIY and home improvements, woodworking, auto and motorcycle repair and maintenance, and the great outdoors
- Education: Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from Aylesbury College in Buckinghamshire, U.K.
- Other work: Interesting Things, Popular Science, Futurism, Field & Stream, and BestReviews (syndicated to a number of regional newspapers, including the Chicago Tribune)
Best DIY Advice
The ground-up renovation of two homes made Bob and his wife very proud of what they achieved. They had minimal experience at the outset, and it took a lot of hard work. His best advice is to not rush and to not continue working when you are tired. Both lead to mistakes, there is a potential for accidents, and the task usually ends up taking longer anyway.
More from Bob Beacham
These Are Our Favorite Snow Blower Brands of 2024 These Are Our Favorite Snow Blower Brands of 2024
By Bob Beacham
October 28, 2024
The 7 Best Pellet Stove Brands of 2024 The 7 Best Pellet Stove Brands of 2024
By Bob Beacham
October 4, 2024
After Testing Work Gloves, This is The Pair We Use Daily After Testing Work Gloves, This is The Pair We Use Daily
By Mark Wolfe, Michelle Ullman, Glenda Taylor, Bob Beacham
September 24, 2024
The Best Heat Pumps of 2024 for Cold Climates The Best Heat Pumps of 2024 for Cold Climates
By Bob Beacham
August 30, 2024
The Best Pumps for Flooded Yards and Storm Season The Best Pumps for Flooded Yards and Storm Season
By Bob Beacham
August 29, 2024
The Best Quiet Generators for a Peaceful Power Supply, Tested The Best Quiet Generators for a Peaceful Power Supply, Tested
By Bob Beacham, Glenda Taylor, Mark Wolfe
August 24, 2024