Copyright (c) 2012 FineHomebuilding.com en-us Fine Homebuilding - JFink's posts http://www.finehomebuilding.com/profile/JFink Sat, 26 May 2012 14:51:03 -0500 Fine Homebuilding - JFink's posts http://www.finehomebuilding.com/assets/images/cs_logo_sm.jpg http://www.finehomebuilding.com/profile/JFink Fri, 23 Mar 2012 10:27:25 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/22378/high-tech-brushless-motors-hit-the-cordless-tool-marketplace http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/22378/high-tech-brushless-motors-hit-the-cordless-tool-marketplace Posted by JFink
Sweeping changes to power tool technology don't come very often, but there's one coming, and it's brushless motors. We'll help you decide whether they're worth their premium price. ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/22378/high-tech-brushless-motors-hit-the-cordless-tool-marketplace Tue, 14 Feb 2012 10:45:00 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/21862/tool-review-lenox-speed-slot-hole-saw http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/21862/tool-review-lenox-speed-slot-hole-saw Posted by JFink
One of the most challenging aspects of using a hole saw is clearing debris from the tool. Lenox claims that this new line of hole saws solves that problem once and for all. ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/21862/tool-review-lenox-speed-slot-hole-saw Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:41:06 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/21825/tool-guide-update-14-circular-saws-waiting-for-your-reviews http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/21825/tool-guide-update-14-circular-saws-waiting-for-your-reviews Posted by JFink
Even after narrowing down the list of available 7 1/4-in. sidewinders currently on the market, we still ended up with 14 tools to test. We had to make a decision: Option 1 - Pack all 14 saws into the... ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/21825/tool-guide-update-14-circular-saws-waiting-for-your-reviews Mon, 23 Jan 2012 08:08:51 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/21605/seven-steps-to-choosing-the-perfect-circular-saw http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/21605/seven-steps-to-choosing-the-perfect-circular-saw Posted by JFink
After testing 14 popular makes and models of sidewinder circular saws, senior editor Justin Fink sorts out the features that separate the good from the not-so-good. ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/21605/seven-steps-to-choosing-the-perfect-circular-saw Wed, 14 Dec 2011 16:04:02 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/21372/kobalt-enters-the-cordless-tool-market-with-an-impressive-18v-drill-driver http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/21372/kobalt-enters-the-cordless-tool-market-with-an-impressive-18v-drill-driver Posted by JFink
This new drill competes with the "big boys" on features, power, and price ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/21372/kobalt-enters-the-cordless-tool-market-with-an-impressive-18v-drill-driver Wed, 07 Dec 2011 09:35:00 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/21309/tool-test-preview-compact-compressors http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/21309/tool-test-preview-compact-compressors Posted by JFink
Do you have a compact compressor and an opinion? Then we want to hear from you! ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/21309/tool-test-preview-compact-compressors Tue, 29 Nov 2011 15:00:00 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/21217/sneak-peek-building-the-carriage-doors-in-the-shop http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/21217/sneak-peek-building-the-carriage-doors-in-the-shop Posted by JFink
Here, the doors are still being assembled. They're now completed and in place, so stay tuned for a full article about their construction and installation. ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/21217/sneak-peek-building-the-carriage-doors-in-the-shop Mon, 28 Nov 2011 15:32:44 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/21194/another-walkout http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/21194/another-walkout Posted by JFink
This walk-out basement was large, around 1200 sq. ft., and incorporated a full kitchen, bedroom, bath, and lots of storage. ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/21194/another-walkout Mon, 28 Nov 2011 13:37:07 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/20939/walk-out-basement http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/20939/walk-out-basement Posted by JFink
This was a walk-out basement in central CT. The slab was already insulated, and I added 2 inches of EPS to the walls before placing studs. Finished floor was cork. ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/20939/walk-out-basement Fri, 11 Nov 2011 14:40:14 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/20944/throw-away-your-hammer-stapler-and-get-a-pneumatic-cap-fastener http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/20944/throw-away-your-hammer-stapler-and-get-a-pneumatic-cap-fastener Posted by JFink
Installing house-wrap and roofing underlayment with cap nailers is definitely a best practice—but it may even be mandated by code. ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/20944/throw-away-your-hammer-stapler-and-get-a-pneumatic-cap-fastener Mon, 10 Oct 2011 11:20:37 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/20596/feds-consider-unprecedented-safety-rules-for-tablesaws http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/20596/feds-consider-unprecedented-safety-rules-for-tablesaws Posted by JFink
Many of you will remember the heated debate when Carlos Osorio, a carpenter who injured himself using a jobsite tablesaw, was awarded $1.5 million from One World, maker of the Ryobi... ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/20596/feds-consider-unprecedented-safety-rules-for-tablesaws Thu, 01 Sep 2011 12:40:20 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/20169/say-goodbye-to-ilevel http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/20169/say-goodbye-to-ilevel Posted by JFink
In it's latest identity crisis, iLevel, the company formerly known as Weyerhaeuser, is going back to being called Weyerhaeuser. ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/20169/say-goodbye-to-ilevel Sun, 14 Aug 2011 13:50:00 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/19075/festools-revolutionary-new-multi-mode-sander-ro90dx http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/19075/festools-revolutionary-new-multi-mode-sander-ro90dx Posted by JFink
--- ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/19075/festools-revolutionary-new-multi-mode-sander-ro90dx Fri, 29 Jul 2011 13:12:22 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/19479/tool-hound-favorites-nail-jack-nail-puller http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/19479/tool-hound-favorites-nail-jack-nail-puller Posted by JFink
Today's favorite tool was generously contributed by friend, and fellow tool junkie/writer, Marc Lyman. Marc is Editor and Diabolical Mastermind behind HomeFixated.com, a tool and home improvement... ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/19479/tool-hound-favorites-nail-jack-nail-puller Wed, 27 Jul 2011 10:03:15 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/19269/tool-hound-favorites-bolt-hole-marker http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/19269/tool-hound-favorites-bolt-hole-marker Posted by JFink
Today's must-have tool comes from Larry Haun - longtime Fine Homebuilding contributor, ringleader of A Carpenter's View blog, and author of the new book, out this Fall, A Carpenter's Life - My Story... ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/19269/tool-hound-favorites-bolt-hole-marker Fri, 22 Jul 2011 14:42:03 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/19094/lost-your-wrench-print-a-new-oneis-this-the-future-of-tools http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/19094/lost-your-wrench-print-a-new-oneis-this-the-future-of-tools JFink
I stumbled across this cool video from a National Geographic TV show on the tools used by astronauts. You saw it on Star Trek, and it turns out that reality isn't too far off the mark. A Burlington... ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/19094/lost-your-wrench-print-a-new-oneis-this-the-future-of-tools Mon, 18 Jul 2011 10:28:19 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/18719/tool-hound-favorites-12-in-hemostat http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/18719/tool-hound-favorites-12-in-hemostat Posted by JFink
For today's random, favorite, can't live without tool, we hear from FineHomebuilding.com web producer, Rob Wotzak: "I got one of these hemostats as a Christmas present from my wife's uncle last year... ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/18719/tool-hound-favorites-12-in-hemostat Thu, 14 Jul 2011 10:20:53 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/18437/tool-hound-favorites-screw-holding-screwdriver http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/18437/tool-hound-favorites-screw-holding-screwdriver Posted by JFink
For today's random, favorite, can't live without tool, we hear from fellow editor, of "There's a Better Way" fame, Charles Miller: "One measure of how important I consider a tool is how much time... ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/18437/tool-hound-favorites-screw-holding-screwdriver Mon, 27 Jun 2011 13:22:58 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/18039/sheds-are-an-almost-perfect-building-project http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/18039/sheds-are-an-almost-perfect-building-project Posted by JFink
This past weekend I "broke ground" on a shed at my brother's house. I love building sheds, so when he asked me to build him a 10x14 outbuilding nestled among some trees near the border of the woods... ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/18039/sheds-are-an-almost-perfect-building-project Tue, 21 Jun 2011 10:45:33 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/17986/what-tool-did-you-buy-today-or-recently http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/17986/what-tool-did-you-buy-today-or-recently Posted by JFink
For as long as I've been with the magazine, there has been an ongoing discussion in our Breaktime forum about everyone's latest tool purchases. Everything went in there, from a new pair of pliers to... ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/17986/what-tool-did-you-buy-today-or-recently Wed, 15 Jun 2011 11:13:21 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/17886/behind-the-scenes-at-bosch-am-i-even-allowed-to-show-this http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/17886/behind-the-scenes-at-bosch-am-i-even-allowed-to-show-this Posted by JFink
Last week Bosch held a media event at their headquarters in Illinois to show us media-folk some of their brand new, and yet to come, tools. As we settled in for day 2, I took some guerilla video of... ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/17886/behind-the-scenes-at-bosch-am-i-even-allowed-to-show-this Fri, 03 Jun 2011 10:29:36 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/17628/new-dewalt-cordless-in-a-world-of-18v-tools-why-go-20v-max http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/17628/new-dewalt-cordless-in-a-world-of-18v-tools-why-go-20v-max Posted by JFink
If you've been following my recent blogs here on Toolhound, or via Twitter (@toolhound), then you've seen quite a bit of new tool news coming from the folks at DeWalt, as we just wrapped up a two day... ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/17628/new-dewalt-cordless-in-a-world-of-18v-tools-why-go-20v-max Thu, 02 Jun 2011 07:33:08 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/17604/first-look-dewalts-new-12-in-sliding-compound-miter-saw http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/17604/first-look-dewalts-new-12-in-sliding-compound-miter-saw Posted by JFink
From Black & Decker University, Towson, MD – Yesterday DeWalt launched their new 12-in. sliding compound miter saw. The new tool, model DWS780, is a replacement for the DW718 we reviewed as... ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/17604/first-look-dewalts-new-12-in-sliding-compound-miter-saw Tue, 31 May 2011 13:02:19 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/17550/predictions-new-dewalt-tools-to-be-released-this-week http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/17550/predictions-new-dewalt-tools-to-be-released-this-week Posted by JFink
Folks, it's that time of the year again. The major power tool companies are gearing up to launch their new offerings in time for the summer. On tomorrow's agenda for this editor is a trip to DeWalt... ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/17550/predictions-new-dewalt-tools-to-be-released-this-week Wed, 18 May 2011 12:54:06 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/17330/new-tool-hardcore-framing-hammers http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/17330/new-tool-hardcore-framing-hammers Posted by JFink
Hardcore Hammers, a relatively new company, recently got in touch with me about a unique framing hammer. To me, there's no better inventor than a guy who has created a solution to a problem based on... ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/17330/new-tool-hardcore-framing-hammers Tue, 03 May 2011 12:50:51 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/17060/lenox-has-a-new-hole-saw http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/17060/lenox-has-a-new-hole-saw Posted by JFink
Sometimes plugs are easy to remove from a hole saw, other times they're one of the most frustrating parts of a job. When Mike Guertin reviewed hole saws in his article (Boring Into Hole Saws), he... ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/17060/lenox-has-a-new-hole-saw Thu, 21 Apr 2011 15:45:31 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/16771/boschs-360-degree-dual-plane-laser-level-is-affordable-and-versatile http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/16771/boschs-360-degree-dual-plane-laser-level-is-affordable-and-versatile Posted by JFink
This new tool bridges the gap between simple straight-line lasers and expensive, bulky rotary levels ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/16771/boschs-360-degree-dual-plane-laser-level-is-affordable-and-versatile Fri, 15 Apr 2011 15:04:50 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/16760/framing-with-energy-in-mind-were-still-missing-the-boat http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/16760/framing-with-energy-in-mind-were-still-missing-the-boat Posted by JFink
There's a raised ranch house going up next door to my house in Plainville, CT. The 7-man framing crew finished their work today, so I snuck over after work to peek at the quality of their work. I... ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/16760/framing-with-energy-in-mind-were-still-missing-the-boat Wed, 13 Apr 2011 10:40:24 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/16741/fastenmaster-buys-tiger-claw http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/16741/fastenmaster-buys-tiger-claw JFink
Hidden deck fasteners may still be a small portion of the overall deck fastening market, but that's changing...fast. Companies are beginning to jockey for position, and the purchasing game is now... ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/16741/fastenmaster-buys-tiger-claw Tue, 05 Apr 2011 13:17:17 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/16643/sneak-peek-at-new-line-of-dewalt-hand-tools http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/16643/sneak-peek-at-new-line-of-dewalt-hand-tools Posted by JFink
Now that DeWalt has found a new home as part of the larger Stanley Black & Decker family, which also houses the Bostitch brand, it shouldn't be a surprise that a new line of hand tools is set to... ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/16643/sneak-peek-at-new-line-of-dewalt-hand-tools Thu, 24 Mar 2011 16:24:58 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/16370/are-modern-power-tools-junk http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/16370/are-modern-power-tools-junk Posted by JFink
A recent blog post asking readers to weigh in on the merits and utility of their corded drills has sparked an interesting topic: Are today's power tools junk compared to the power tools used by our... ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/16370/are-modern-power-tools-junk Wed, 23 Mar 2011 14:27:32 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/16360/reader-poll-do-you-still-use-a-corded-drill http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/16360/reader-poll-do-you-still-use-a-corded-drill JFink
I've gone almost totally cordless when it comes to drilling and driving, but I still can't manage to let go of my trusty 1/2-in. corded Milwaukee drill, passed down from my grandfather, mind you... ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/16360/reader-poll-do-you-still-use-a-corded-drill Fri, 04 Feb 2011 11:43:39 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/15862/mid-winter-sale-what-a-bust http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/15862/mid-winter-sale-what-a-bust Posted by JFink
I get email newletters from several tool manufacturers and retailers in my inbox each week. In some ways it's like a gambling addict working behind the counter at a lottery store, and I end up buying... ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/15862/mid-winter-sale-what-a-bust Thu, 27 Jan 2011 18:12:18 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/15779/is-hitachi-a-fading-brand http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/15779/is-hitachi-a-fading-brand JFink
It's a good bet that you will see the same names popping up in 75% of the reviews in our magazine. Bosch, Milwaukee, Ridgid, DeWalt, and Makita always seem to be included. Lately, though, Hitachi has me second-guessing things. ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/15779/is-hitachi-a-fading-brand Thu, 20 Jan 2011 09:05:20 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/15400/black-decker-sells-delta http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/15400/black-decker-sells-delta JFink
How much money does it take to buy Delta? ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/15400/black-decker-sells-delta Mon, 29 Nov 2010 11:22:14 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/14575/a-cyber-monday-deal-worth-considering http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/14575/a-cyber-monday-deal-worth-considering JFink
If you just can't resist the temptation of Cyber Monday online shopping, you may as well spend your money on tools. Problem is that many of the cyber deals in our world are just the stuff that the... ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/14575/a-cyber-monday-deal-worth-considering Mon, 22 Nov 2010 17:13:31 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/14521/whats-the-worst-time-for-a-holesaw-to-fail http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/14521/whats-the-worst-time-for-a-holesaw-to-fail Posted by JFink
One of my brothers has a colonial with two upstairs bathrooms. The builders who did his house clearly had enough good sense to include bath vent fans, but not enough sense to vent them properly. Both... ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/14521/whats-the-worst-time-for-a-holesaw-to-fail Wed, 10 Nov 2010 13:17:55 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/14300/dewalts-smart-take-on-the-12v-mini-drill-driver-was-worth-the-wait http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/14300/dewalts-smart-take-on-the-12v-mini-drill-driver-was-worth-the-wait Posted by JFink
According to the Tool Hound, better chuck, battery, and handle designs make this new cordless drill tops in comfort and convenience. ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/14300/dewalts-smart-take-on-the-12v-mini-drill-driver-was-worth-the-wait Fri, 29 Oct 2010 15:11:27 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/14082/this-combination-drywall-rasp-does-three-jobs-better-than-the-old-single-duty-models http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/14082/this-combination-drywall-rasp-does-three-jobs-better-than-the-old-single-duty-models Posted by JFink
This new rasp takes up less space, works harder, and multitasks, so why wouldn't you replace that old cheese grater in your toolbox? ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/14082/this-combination-drywall-rasp-does-three-jobs-better-than-the-old-single-duty-models Mon, 25 Oct 2010 14:40:24 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/14144/has-anybody-tried-windstorm-4x10-osb-sheathing http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/14144/has-anybody-tried-windstorm-4x10-osb-sheathing Posted by JFink
I've come across advertisements about Norbord's Windstorm OSB sheathing many times over the last couple of years. I've seen them advertised in competitive magazines, I've spoken with their... ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/14144/has-anybody-tried-windstorm-4x10-osb-sheathing Wed, 20 Oct 2010 11:33:11 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/14071/talk-about-inefficient http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/14071/talk-about-inefficient Posted by JFink
Credit for finding this gem goes to Andy Engel. He sent it to me awhile back as a two part email. The first photo is the clue - showing a whole lot of blackened fiberglass insulation near an air... ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/14071/talk-about-inefficient Wed, 20 Oct 2010 11:17:03 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/14069/more-bad-news-for-ryobi-cordless-drill-recall http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/14069/more-bad-news-for-ryobi-cordless-drill-recall Posted by JFink
In March, a jury awarded $1.5 million in a case against Ryobi for a benchtop tablesaw injury. Now, 7 months later, Ryobi is back in the news again with a recall report filed on the Consumer Product... ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/14069/more-bad-news-for-ryobi-cordless-drill-recall Mon, 18 Oct 2010 09:57:09 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/13890/sloppy-housewrap-install http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/13890/sloppy-housewrap-install Posted by JFink
This is a classic example of not understanding what housewrap is supposed to do. Just because it's protected by an overhang doesn't mean it shouldn't go all the way up the sheathing to prevent air... ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/13890/sloppy-housewrap-install Thu, 07 Oct 2010 09:42:35 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/13839/video-bosch-axial-glide-miter-saw http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/13839/video-bosch-axial-glide-miter-saw Posted by JFink
You've heard us talk about the new Bosch Axial-Glide Miter Saw, and you will find a full review of the saw in our most recent issue of FHB. Now you can watch Bosch's 4 minute video tour of the tool. ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/13839/video-bosch-axial-glide-miter-saw Wed, 06 Oct 2010 09:31:22 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/13830/hitachi-announces-lifetime-warranty http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/13830/hitachi-announces-lifetime-warranty Posted by JFink
The basics: Yesterday Hitachi Power Tools announced their new Lifetime Lithium Ion tool warranty, which protects the original purchaser of HXP Lithium Ion cordless tools against possible defects in... ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/13830/hitachi-announces-lifetime-warranty Thu, 16 Sep 2010 11:55:55 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/13546/finally-a-foam-gun-that-will-last-i-hope http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/13546/finally-a-foam-gun-that-will-last-i-hope Posted by JFink
Years ago, I grew tired of spending money on disposable cans of spray foam. With the exception of some of the newer multi-use throw-away cans (see a video here), I knew the reusable spray foam guns... ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/13546/finally-a-foam-gun-that-will-last-i-hope Wed, 01 Sep 2010 11:28:52 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/13326/gas-shut-off-valves-for-seismic-areas http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/13326/gas-shut-off-valves-for-seismic-areas Posted by JFink
Gas + Earthquakes = Trouble. These dirt-simple valves automatically cut off the gas supply to your house in the event of an earthquake. ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/13326/gas-shut-off-valves-for-seismic-areas Mon, 30 Aug 2010 10:39:54 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/13276/azek-now-in-home-depot http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/13276/azek-now-in-home-depot Posted by JFink
I went to Natick, MA the weekend before last to help my brother do some work on his kitchen. We took the obligatory drive to the local Home Depot to pick up a little of this and a little of that, and... ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/13276/azek-now-in-home-depot Fri, 06 Aug 2010 11:50:51 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/13103/lenox-releases-uber-recip-blades-and-a-really-cool-website http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/13103/lenox-releases-uber-recip-blades-and-a-really-cool-website Posted by JFink
To be honest, I was going to write a blog post about the new double-tang cast-iron cutting blade that Lenox recently released, but when I navigated to the company website I was immediately distracted... ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/13103/lenox-releases-uber-recip-blades-and-a-really-cool-website Fri, 30 Jul 2010 06:08:20 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/13076/building-skills-how-to-cut-housewrap-for-window-rough-openings http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/13076/building-skills-how-to-cut-housewrap-for-window-rough-openings Posted by JFink
Cover all of your framing with housewrap, but watch this video before you cut through to install your windows. ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/13076/building-skills-how-to-cut-housewrap-for-window-rough-openings Tue, 13 Jul 2010 15:31:34 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/12972/return-of-some-classic-hand-tools http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/12972/return-of-some-classic-hand-tools Posted by JFink
Just like a old leather tool belt or worn pair of double-knee Carhartts, there's a certain romance to classic hand tools. I was flipping through the latest Garrett Wade catalog and decided it would... ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/12972/return-of-some-classic-hand-tools Fri, 09 Jul 2010 15:14:57 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/12912/sencos-new-hoseless-trim-nailer-is-a-game-changer http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/12912/sencos-new-hoseless-trim-nailer-is-a-game-changer Posted by JFink
With no gas cartridge to change, and no mechanical flywheel to wait for, this fast and portable trim gun is well worth its premium price. ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/12912/sencos-new-hoseless-trim-nailer-is-a-game-changer Wed, 07 Jul 2010 10:17:03 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/12904/is-your-vac-compliant-with-epa-lead-regs-hint-who-knows http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/12904/is-your-vac-compliant-with-epa-lead-regs-hint-who-knows Posted by JFink
So, by now we all know about the strict lead regulations being handed down by the EPA (if you don't know, you aren't visiting www.finehomebuilding.com nearly as often as most doctor's would... ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/12904/is-your-vac-compliant-with-epa-lead-regs-hint-who-knows Thu, 01 Jul 2010 16:16:34 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/12913/handy-little-nailset http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/12913/handy-little-nailset Posted by JFink
This review was emailed to me by a long-time Fine Homebuilding tipster Don Mathis: Any old fool can drive nails under good conditions, but in hard to reach places (like hardwood tongue & groove... ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/12913/handy-little-nailset Mon, 28 Jun 2010 10:34:02 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/12900/reader-email-bargain-bin-flooring-nailer http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/12900/reader-email-bargain-bin-flooring-nailer Posted by JFink
I got an email this weekend from a reader that had a question about the off-brand flooring nailer pictured in last issue's What's the Difference? on flooring fasteners. Here's the... ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/12900/reader-email-bargain-bin-flooring-nailer Fri, 25 Jun 2010 14:59:12 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/12817/dewalts-slim-balanced-approach-to-12v http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/12817/dewalts-slim-balanced-approach-to-12v Posted by JFink
DeWalt may be late to the game as far as 12v Li-ion tools are concerned, but their new entries appear to be solid competition for the current market leaders. ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/12817/dewalts-slim-balanced-approach-to-12v Thu, 17 Jun 2010 18:22:30 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/12845/tough-folding-tweezers-easily-remove-splinters http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/12845/tough-folding-tweezers-easily-remove-splinters Posted by JFink
Pull the most stubborn splinters on the spot with folding tweezers that clip to your keychain. ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/12845/tough-folding-tweezers-easily-remove-splinters Mon, 14 Jun 2010 10:14:38 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/12782/building-skills-installing-housewrap-at-inside-corners http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/12782/building-skills-installing-housewrap-at-inside-corners Posted by JFink
Install housewrap right if you want your walls to last. Watch this video and learn how to get your corners tight. ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/12782/building-skills-installing-housewrap-at-inside-corners Thu, 10 Jun 2010 12:28:14 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/12765/why-im-switching-to-elmers-glue http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/12765/why-im-switching-to-elmers-glue Posted by JFink
I've been a steady user of Titebond 1, 2, and 3 for several years, mostly because it's what the next guy was using, and I could get it anywhere. Then one day I went into the store to grab a fresh... ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/12765/why-im-switching-to-elmers-glue Fri, 04 Jun 2010 11:25:03 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/12733/bosch-redefines-sliding-miter-saw-category-with-new-glider-system http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/12733/bosch-redefines-sliding-miter-saw-category-with-new-glider-system Posted by JFink
I give 'em credit. Bosch had what was arguably the best sliding compound miter saw in the industry. They came out in the top spot in many head-to-head reviews, and were responsible for innovations... ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/12733/bosch-redefines-sliding-miter-saw-category-with-new-glider-system Thu, 29 Apr 2010 14:38:21 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/12127/re-sealable-spray-foam http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/12127/re-sealable-spray-foam Posted by JFink
Try out this new can of spray foam that doesn't harden between uses. ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/12127/re-sealable-spray-foam Fri, 16 Apr 2010 12:48:07 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/11917/accurate-marks-on-any-material http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/11917/accurate-marks-on-any-material Posted by JFink
On some materials - glass, tile, metal, and PVC for instance - a carpenters pencil just won't cut it. Here are your options for leaving a mark on those hard-to-write surfaces ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/11917/accurate-marks-on-any-material Thu, 18 Mar 2010 11:54:41 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/11600/my-mission-to-find-mineral-wool http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/11600/my-mission-to-find-mineral-wool Posted by JFink
It's sometimes easy for us to let readers know about new products like rigid mineral wool insulation (written by Alex Wilson in FHB issue #208, click here), but for our readers, finding a... ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/11600/my-mission-to-find-mineral-wool Tue, 16 Mar 2010 11:52:25 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/11571/festool-domino-to-focus-on-decking http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/11571/festool-domino-to-focus-on-decking Posted by JFink
Expanding on it's successful woodworking market, Festool has created fasteners that allow the Domino to be used by deck builders. ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/11571/festool-domino-to-focus-on-decking Fri, 05 Mar 2010 16:20:00 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/11467/premium-priced-finish-nailer-makes-the-grade http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/11467/premium-priced-finish-nailer-makes-the-grade Posted by JFink
The FN1664 is definitely at the high end of the 16-ga. price scale ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/11467/premium-priced-finish-nailer-makes-the-grade Tue, 23 Feb 2010 10:32:20 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/11339/in-search-of-a-quiet-air-compressor http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/11339/in-search-of-a-quiet-air-compressor Posted by JFink
A full-size twin tank air compressor is great for framing, flooring, and roofing, but what do you choose when all you need is a quiet, compact, and lightweight model? ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/11339/in-search-of-a-quiet-air-compressor Fri, 19 Feb 2010 09:53:51 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/11265/clam-clamp-for-perfect-miters http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/11265/clam-clamp-for-perfect-miters Posted by JFink
It doesn't taste as good as shellfish but it makes better miters ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/11265/clam-clamp-for-perfect-miters Thu, 11 Feb 2010 10:05:06 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/11149/beefy-nail-set http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/11149/beefy-nail-set Posted by JFink
I'm not technically allowed to participate in this contest, but I thought it was a fun opportunity to share a tool that I found in the wall of an old house while helping our Editor-in-Chief, Brian... ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/11149/beefy-nail-set Wed, 03 Feb 2010 16:26:42 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/11010/dewalt-hammer-drill-disassembled http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/11010/dewalt-hammer-drill-disassembled Posted by JFink
We completely dissect a hammer drill to discover what makes a hammer drill …well, hammer ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/11010/dewalt-hammer-drill-disassembled Wed, 03 Feb 2010 10:58:01 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/11016/dewalt-enters-the-box-level-marketbut-why http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/11016/dewalt-enters-the-box-level-marketbut-why Posted by JFink
DeWalt announced yesterday that they have teamed up with Empire levels to introduce a product that they claim will hold up 250% better than competitors ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/11016/dewalt-enters-the-box-level-marketbut-why Thu, 28 Jan 2010 11:21:32 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/10955/super-glue-on-steroids http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/10955/super-glue-on-steroids Posted by JFink
Ever since I tried my first sample, of 2p-10 adhesive I’ve been hooked, or stuck rather ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/10955/super-glue-on-steroids Tue, 26 Jan 2010 10:46:03 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/10942/reciprocating-blade-test-is-officially-underway http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/10942/reciprocating-blade-test-is-officially-underway Posted by JFink
You all helped weigh in on the types of blades that we should test, and some ideas on how to test them. Now, the test is underway... ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/10942/reciprocating-blade-test-is-officially-underway Fri, 15 Jan 2010 16:47:51 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/10860/makita-makes-it-easier-to-say-goodbye-to-nicad-batteries http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/10860/makita-makes-it-easier-to-say-goodbye-to-nicad-batteries Posted by JFink
Makita is now offering free tools as an incentive to help tool buyers make the switch to Li-ion cordless power tools. ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/10860/makita-makes-it-easier-to-say-goodbye-to-nicad-batteries Thu, 14 Jan 2010 10:51:12 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/10841/milwaukee-job-saw-kit http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/10841/milwaukee-job-saw-kit Posted by JFink
This Milwaukee multi tool may become the most-used tool you own ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/10841/milwaukee-job-saw-kit Thu, 07 Jan 2010 17:04:20 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/10751/sawgear-automatic-length-measuring-for-your-miter-saw http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/10751/sawgear-automatic-length-measuring-for-your-miter-saw Posted by JFink
The SawGear is an aftermarket addition to your chop saw that allows you to make precisely measured cuts with a keypad instead of a tape measure. ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/10751/sawgear-automatic-length-measuring-for-your-miter-saw Thu, 07 Jan 2010 16:30:25 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/10740/bosch-p2r2-driver-bit-does-double-duty http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/10740/bosch-p2r2-driver-bit-does-double-duty Posted by JFink
New drill-driver bit from Bosch can fit Phillips-head and square-head screws for extra convenience ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/10740/bosch-p2r2-driver-bit-does-double-duty Tue, 22 Dec 2009 12:42:50 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/10599/prediction-2010-granite-countertops-are-so-last-decade http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/10599/prediction-2010-granite-countertops-are-so-last-decade Posted by JFink
High prices and high maintenance are just two reasons this ubiquitous luxory kitchen countertop material will fall out of style ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/10599/prediction-2010-granite-countertops-are-so-last-decade Mon, 21 Dec 2009 15:25:00 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/10601/tape-measure-techniques-you-wont-learn-in-fine-homebuilding http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/10601/tape-measure-techniques-you-wont-learn-in-fine-homebuilding Posted by JFink
Superhuman tape measure skills caught on tape ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/10601/tape-measure-techniques-you-wont-learn-in-fine-homebuilding Tue, 15 Dec 2009 16:55:18 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/10451/clearing-up-the-confusion-on-drilldriver-settings http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/10451/clearing-up-the-confusion-on-drilldriver-settings Posted by JFink
If you set your drill/driver to high speed and maximum torque, you aren’t getting the full benefit of the tool. This video will help. ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/10451/clearing-up-the-confusion-on-drilldriver-settings Thu, 10 Dec 2009 10:47:19 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/10285/torture-test-recip-saw-blades http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/10285/torture-test-recip-saw-blades Posted by JFink
Fine Homebuilding is gearing up for a torture test of demolition reciprocating saw blades, and we need your input on what matters most. ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/10285/torture-test-recip-saw-blades Mon, 07 Dec 2009 15:21:46 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/10249/new-tool-category-impact-drill-driver http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/10249/new-tool-category-impact-drill-driver Posted by JFink
Bosch unveils a new category with the release of the Bosch Multi-Function Impactor, which can switch between impact, drill, and drive mode. ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/10249/new-tool-category-impact-drill-driver Thu, 03 Dec 2009 14:11:24 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/10073/time-to-retire-your-hammer-tacker http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/10073/time-to-retire-your-hammer-tacker Posted by JFink
As Mike Guertin wrote in the opening paragraph of his excellent Tools of the Trade article ( ): If you're still using hammer-tacker staples alone to attach housewrap and synthetic roof... ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/10073/time-to-retire-your-hammer-tacker Tue, 24 Nov 2009 11:15:00 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/10070/rockwell-jawhorse-ruined-by-infomercial http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/10070/rockwell-jawhorse-ruined-by-infomercial Posted by JFink
As seen on TV? Does the infomercial for the JawHorse make you want to run out and buy the tool, or just laugh out loud? ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/10070/rockwell-jawhorse-ruined-by-infomercial Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:15:00 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/10036/cash-for-caulk http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/10036/cash-for-caulk Posted by JFink
"Cash For Clunkers" was one of the few successful strategies of the economic stimulus plan, now "Cash for Caulkers" aims to follow suit. ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/10036/cash-for-caulk Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:59:42 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/9974/which-is-the-greenest-wall-system-brick-stucco-or-eifs http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/9974/which-is-the-greenest-wall-system-brick-stucco-or-eifs Posted by JFink
BASF recently conducted an Eco-Efficiency Analysis of wall systems to determine whether brick, stucco, or EIFS strikes the best balance between environmental burden and lifecycle costs. ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/9974/which-is-the-greenest-wall-system-brick-stucco-or-eifs Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:07:07 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/9840/breaking-news-senco-unveils-a-nitrogen-powered-cordless-nailer http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/9840/breaking-news-senco-unveils-a-nitrogen-powered-cordless-nailer Posted by JFink
Toss your fuel-cylinders, because Senco just unveiled a completely sealed Nitrogen-fired hoseless nailer. ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/9840/breaking-news-senco-unveils-a-nitrogen-powered-cordless-nailer Fri, 09 Oct 2009 15:47:03 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/9555/are-hoseless-nailers-worth-the-hassle http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/9555/are-hoseless-nailers-worth-the-hassle Posted by JFink
Gas and flywheel powered nailers allows you to unplug from the compressor, but is the additional cost and maintenance worth the convenience? ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/9555/are-hoseless-nailers-worth-the-hassle Fri, 09 Oct 2009 09:32:18 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/9546/gas-fireplaces-direct-vent-vs-vent-free http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/9546/gas-fireplaces-direct-vent-vs-vent-free Posted by JFink
If you don't have a chimney through which to route the flue for a gas fireplace, you have two options: direct vent, and vent-free. But the choice is more fiercely debated than it seems. ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/9546/gas-fireplaces-direct-vent-vs-vent-free Wed, 30 Sep 2009 11:55:00 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/9462/new-national-standard-to-limit-formaldehyde-content http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/9462/new-national-standard-to-limit-formaldehyde-content Posted by JFink
As of today, the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association is throwing their support behind legislature that aims to limit the formaldehyde content of particleboard, hardwood plywood, and medium density fiberboard (MDF) panels. ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/9462/new-national-standard-to-limit-formaldehyde-content Wed, 30 Sep 2009 10:47:37 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/9449/fein-multimaster-patent-has-expiredcompetitors-on-the-move http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/9449/fein-multimaster-patent-has-expiredcompetitors-on-the-move Posted by JFink
MultiMaster knockoffs are coming out of the woodwork, but mostly from bargain priced tool makers. ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/9449/fein-multimaster-patent-has-expiredcompetitors-on-the-move Thu, 24 Sep 2009 15:39:20 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/9407/new-miter-saw-stand-from-makita http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/9407/new-miter-saw-stand-from-makita Posted by JFink
Makita releases a miter saw stand, model 195083-4, to accommodate their new LS1016L miter saw. ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/9407/new-miter-saw-stand-from-makita Wed, 16 Sep 2009 13:50:05 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/9229/drywall-tool-cuts-like-magic http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/9229/drywall-tool-cuts-like-magic Posted by JFink
BladeRunner drywall-cutting tool speeds up the process with good results ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/9229/drywall-tool-cuts-like-magic Wed, 16 Sep 2009 11:40:00 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/8827/impact-driver-lets-you-choose-the-speed http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/8827/impact-driver-lets-you-choose-the-speed Posted by JFink
A closer look at Makita's BTD144 Cordless Impact Driver ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/8827/impact-driver-lets-you-choose-the-speed Mon, 14 Sep 2009 17:03:32 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/9327/accessory-prevents-installation-damage-to-prefinished-flooring http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/9327/accessory-prevents-installation-damage-to-prefinished-flooring Posted by JFink
Protective sub-base attaches to pneumatic flooring nailers and staplers to widen the bearing area and prevent damage to prefinished flooring during installation. ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/9327/accessory-prevents-installation-damage-to-prefinished-flooring Fri, 11 Sep 2009 11:53:18 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/8998/payback-estimator-insulation-upgrade http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/8998/payback-estimator-insulation-upgrade Posted by JFink
Do you have a quote for an insulation upgrade? Use our calculator to estimate how long it will take to payback your investment based on savings in energy costs. ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/8998/payback-estimator-insulation-upgrade Wed, 02 Sep 2009 11:50:00 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/6772/riving-knives-on-the-rise http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/6772/riving-knives-on-the-rise Posted by JFink
These long overdue tablesaw safety devices are finally becoming an industry standard. ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/6772/riving-knives-on-the-rise Tue, 01 Sep 2009 15:25:33 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/9207/simple-question-is-festool-worth-the-money http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/9207/simple-question-is-festool-worth-the-money Posted by JFink
Festool manufactures power tools that often sell for twice the cost of competitive tools. But are these premium-priced tools worth the premium price? ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/9207/simple-question-is-festool-worth-the-money Wed, 26 Aug 2009 15:15:41 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/9118/video-review-tool-hound-takes-the-festool-ehl-65e-for-a-test-drive http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/9118/video-review-tool-hound-takes-the-festool-ehl-65e-for-a-test-drive Posted by JFink
Festool's newest portable power planer, the EHL 65E, packs some premium features, but do they warrant a price tag of nearly $400? ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/9118/video-review-tool-hound-takes-the-festool-ehl-65e-for-a-test-drive Mon, 17 Aug 2009 11:43:40 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/9046/video-tool-review-makita-ls1016l-sliding-compound-miter-saw http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/9046/video-tool-review-makita-ls1016l-sliding-compound-miter-saw Posted by JFink
Tool Hound takes a closer at Makita's LS1016L 10-in. sliding compound miter saw. ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/9046/video-tool-review-makita-ls1016l-sliding-compound-miter-saw Tue, 11 Aug 2009 14:33:40 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/8957/dewalt-launches-12-corded-hammer-drills http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/8957/dewalt-launches-12-corded-hammer-drills Posted by JFink
Dewalt recently announced the addition of two new corded hammer drills: the DWD520K and DWD525K...one of which features a mid-grip handle. ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/8957/dewalt-launches-12-corded-hammer-drills Mon, 03 Aug 2009 16:16:23 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/8794/ridgid-r4516-portable-tablesaw http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/8794/ridgid-r4516-portable-tablesaw Posted by JFink
Ridgid's R4516 portable tablesaw packs a big punch, and gives the Dewalt DW745 a run for it's money. ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/8794/ridgid-r4516-portable-tablesaw Thu, 30 Jul 2009 10:18:54 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/8736/win-a-ryobi-tek4-laser-distance-measure http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/8736/win-a-ryobi-tek4-laser-distance-measure Posted by JFink
Ryobi adds to their line of Tek4 Li-ion powered professional tools with a new laser distance measure. Weigh in on the discussion and you could win a Tek4 RP4010 and battery charger. ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/8736/win-a-ryobi-tek4-laser-distance-measure Fri, 24 Jul 2009 10:15:00 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/8658/stiletto-titanium-flat-bars http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/8658/stiletto-titanium-flat-bars Posted by JFink
Stiletto, makers of high-quality, high-priced titanium hammers, have now branched into the pry bar market. ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/8658/stiletto-titanium-flat-bars Wed, 22 Jul 2009 11:11:39 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/8655/tool-competition-and-5-reasons-women-should-own-a-drill http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/8655/tool-competition-and-5-reasons-women-should-own-a-drill Posted by JFink
A bit of insight on the nature of magazine competition, and ToolGirl's 5 humorous reasons why women should gear up with power tools ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/8655/tool-competition-and-5-reasons-women-should-own-a-drill Mon, 20 Jul 2009 14:02:45 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/8601/ge-promises-turn-key-net-zero-system-by-2015 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/8601/ge-promises-turn-key-net-zero-system-by-2015 Posted by JFink
General Electric brings us one step closer to living off of the grid - this whole-house approach combines residential energy-farming products like geothermal heat pumps, solar PVs, and wind turbines. ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/8601/ge-promises-turn-key-net-zero-system-by-2015 Tue, 14 Jul 2009 17:00:17 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/8565/lightweight-structural-steel-beam http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/8565/lightweight-structural-steel-beam Posted by JFink
LiteSteel Technologies has created a cold-formed steel structural product for use as a header, roof or ridge beam, or other carrying beam. ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/8565/lightweight-structural-steel-beam Fri, 10 Jul 2009 14:12:58 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/8355/new-miter-saw-blade-from-forrest http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/8355/new-miter-saw-blade-from-forrest Posted by JFink
Forrest Manufacturing, makers of the the Chop Master miter saw blade just announced the first blade in their new series... ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/8355/new-miter-saw-blade-from-forrest Fri, 26 Jun 2009 15:32:12 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/8352/kreg-miniaturizes-their-pocket-hole-jig http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/8352/kreg-miniaturizes-their-pocket-hole-jig Posted by JFink
Kreg, maker of excellent pocket-hole screw jigs, has recently released a new Micro-Pocket Drill Guide. ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/8352/kreg-miniaturizes-their-pocket-hole-jig Fri, 19 Jun 2009 16:29:02 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/8276/makita-launches-redesigned-sliding-compound-miter-saw http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/8276/makita-launches-redesigned-sliding-compound-miter-saw Posted by JFink
Makita's new 10" sliding compound miter saw, the LS1016L, was designed to match the cutting capacity of a 12" slider. ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/8276/makita-launches-redesigned-sliding-compound-miter-saw Fri, 12 Jun 2009 11:44:36 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/8176/milwaukee-launches-another-new-tool-category-hvac-and-electrical http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/8176/milwaukee-launches-another-new-tool-category-hvac-and-electrical Posted by JFink
Milwaukee introduces a line of electrical, HVAC, and other mechanical testing equipment. Category to include, among other things, laser temp-gun, fork meter, digital multimeter, non-contact voltage tester, and clamp-gun meter. ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/8176/milwaukee-launches-another-new-tool-category-hvac-and-electrical Mon, 08 Jun 2009 10:16:44 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/8096/very-cool-video-of-concrete-screed http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/8096/very-cool-video-of-concrete-screed Posted by JFink
Spin Screed concrete roller screeds use an electric angle grinder motor to power a screed bar up to 22ft long. This tool is perfect for screeding everything from driveways to concrete pads in basements. ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/8096/very-cool-video-of-concrete-screed Wed, 03 Jun 2009 12:19:35 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/7982/ridgids-new-fiber-cement-saw-sucks-in-a-good-way http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/7982/ridgids-new-fiber-cement-saw-sucks-in-a-good-way Posted by JFink
Canadian contractor Michel Roy sounds off on Ridgid’s Fuego R3400 Fiber Cement Saw ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/7982/ridgids-new-fiber-cement-saw-sucks-in-a-good-way Mon, 01 Jun 2009 11:43:23 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/7944/help-me-write-a-cordless-drill-review-and-watch-a-video-of-a-drill-powered-mini-bike http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/7944/help-me-write-a-cordless-drill-review-and-watch-a-video-of-a-drill-powered-mini-bike Posted by JFink
Fine Homebuilding is going to review cordless li-ion drills for an upcoming issue. So, do you want 12v, 14.4v, 18v, 36v, or do you want us to make sense of it all and tell you which voltage is best for what you do? ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/7944/help-me-write-a-cordless-drill-review-and-watch-a-video-of-a-drill-powered-mini-bike Tue, 26 May 2009 11:03:03 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/7875/festool-wants-to-replace-your-table-saw http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/7875/festool-wants-to-replace-your-table-saw Posted by JFink
Festool came in to the FHB offices last week to give us an opportunity to get up close and personal with a few of their newest tools. Bookmark the Toolhound blog in your internet browser to read more... ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/7875/festool-wants-to-replace-your-table-saw Thu, 21 May 2009 11:45:05 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/7845/the-no-swear-approach-to-cutting-crown-molding http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/7845/the-no-swear-approach-to-cutting-crown-molding Posted by JFink
I once had a “Do-It-Yourself” type of customer who was remodeling his kitchen and had refinished the floors, installed face-frame cabinets, and set a laminate countertop. But when it came... ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/7845/the-no-swear-approach-to-cutting-crown-molding Mon, 18 May 2009 09:35:46 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/7692/two-tools-for-tight-miters http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/7692/two-tools-for-tight-miters Posted by JFink
Not every tool that you read about in this blog will be brand-spankin’ new. That’s because some of the best tools have been around for years, but they aren’t commercially marketed... ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/7692/two-tools-for-tight-miters Thu, 14 May 2009 14:41:32 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/7627/new-dewalt-drill-bits-fit-for-an-impact-driver http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/7627/new-dewalt-drill-bits-fit-for-an-impact-driver Posted by JFink
The rotating hammer action of an impact driver puts more stress on drill bits and driver bits than a traditional drill-driver does. ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/7627/new-dewalt-drill-bits-fit-for-an-impact-driver Thu, 14 May 2009 09:25:02 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/7604/dumb-as-we-wanna-be-about-energy http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/7604/dumb-as-we-wanna-be-about-energy Posted by JFink
In this NEWSWEEK Q&A, New York Times columnist Thomas L. Friedman criticizes America's passive attitude towards energy, how we got lazy about change, and why we're "dumb" for thinking that switching to compact fluorescent bulbs will solve the problem. ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/7604/dumb-as-we-wanna-be-about-energy Fri, 08 May 2009 19:50:11 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/7486/has-the-cordless-tool-market-become-overpopulated http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/7486/has-the-cordless-tool-market-become-overpopulated Posted by JFink
Of all the tool categories that I have to keep track of for the magazine, none demands more careful attention than cordless drill/drivers. New models are released at such a feverish pace that... ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/7486/has-the-cordless-tool-market-become-overpopulated Fri, 01 May 2009 16:30:00 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/7368/sizing-up-ridgids-new-tile-saw http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/7368/sizing-up-ridgids-new-tile-saw Posted by JFink
A few weeks back I sent one of Ridgid’s brand new tile saws to our go-to tile author, Tom Meehan. Now, Tom has been in... ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/7368/sizing-up-ridgids-new-tile-saw Mon, 27 Apr 2009 11:39:05 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/7103/fly-ash-deck-planks http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/7103/fly-ash-deck-planks Posted by JFink
I know what you’re thinking: “Oh brother…how much can these guys at Fine Homebuilding tell us about synthetic decking?” Well, at least one more thing, apparently. But first a... ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/7103/fly-ash-deck-planks Wed, 22 Apr 2009 10:00:41 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/7004/stiletto-hammers-trade-intrade-up http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/7004/stiletto-hammers-trade-intrade-up Posted by JFink
If, like me, you are always just one lotto ticket away from being able to afford a Stiletto titanium hammer, then listen up to this latest promotion: Bring any old hammer into your local Stiletto... ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/7004/stiletto-hammers-trade-intrade-up Thu, 16 Apr 2009 08:29:47 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/6826/bosch-unveils-pneumatic-nailers http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/6826/bosch-unveils-pneumatic-nailers Posted by JFink
Pneumatic nailers have been around for almost 50 years, but it wasn’t until Tuesday, during a press conference at their North American headquarters outside of Chicago, that Bosch officially... ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/6826/bosch-unveils-pneumatic-nailers Mon, 30 Mar 2009 14:06:54 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/6274/return-of-rockwell-tools http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/6274/return-of-rockwell-tools Posted by JFink
When I was a kid, most of the tools owned by my Dad and Grandfather were made by Rockwell, the powerhouse of tool manufacturing between the late 50’s to early 80’s. Pentair bought the... ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/6274/return-of-rockwell-tools Wed, 25 Mar 2009 11:44:06 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/6081/modern-source-for-antique-glass http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/6081/modern-source-for-antique-glass Posted by JFink
Part of the unmistakable charm of an old house comes from the slight distortions, bubbles, pits, and imperfections of the glass used in the windows. So when one of these old panes breaks (or you want... ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/6081/modern-source-for-antique-glass Thu, 19 Mar 2009 12:47:00 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/5997/this-faux-slate-may-be-worth-a-closer-look http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/5997/this-faux-slate-may-be-worth-a-closer-look Posted by JFink
I didn’t want to like Davinci Roofscapes synthetic slate roof tiles, I really didn’t.   The product isn’t really to blame. It’s just that I’ve been ruined by... ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/5997/this-faux-slate-may-be-worth-a-closer-look Fri, 16 Jan 2009 09:36:48 -0500 http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/4329/mantel-making http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/4329/mantel-making Posted by JFink
Here are a few shots of a mantel that I made. Some moldings are custom, some are stock millwork at the local home center. Unfortunately, I didn't snap any photos once I added the top shelf and... ]]> http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/4329/mantel-making