Issue 198
Features
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Router Tricks for Trim
Armed with two routers and three bits, an experienced carpenter shares five problem-solving tips for trim, cabinets, doors, and stairs.
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Install Your Own Seamless Gutters
Looking to save money? Have custom lengths of aluminum gutters rolled out on site, and get out the ladders.
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Stop Drafts with a Drop-Down Door Seal
This hidden mechanism retracts when the door is open and eliminates the need for a bulky threshold.
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A Brick Rehab Meets LEED's Highest Standards
Solar panels aside, you can’t see the upgrades that make this downtown remodel so energy efficient.
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Why Pay More for Paint?
Because the binders, pigments, and additives that make long-lasting, durable finishes don’t come cheap.
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Tool Test: Laser Measures
Handheld laser measuring tools are more affordable than ever, but are they accurate enough to replace a tape measure?
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Durable Deck Stairs
Ipé decking covers beefed-up stringers and a newel-post assembly that won’t rack.
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Proper Paint Preparation
Click before you dip. For a quality paint job, the first thing you need to do is consult our collection of tips and advice from the pros.
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Master Class Video Series: Running Baseboard
Learn the Ins and Outs of running baseboard in this video series.
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Job-Site Router Techniques
Gary Striegler shares the skills—and the tools—that make better site-built cabinetry, casing, brackets, and flooring
Article
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Use of home-energy rating index grows
HERS Index allows more latitude for recognizing reductions in energy consumption
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A new home in half the time
Study results: Structural insulated panels win out over conventional framing
Cross Section
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The perfect circular saw?
Fuego 6 1⁄2-in. Compact Circular Saw
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Solar panels disguised as skylights
Solar water-heating system
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Spinning screed for concrete finishing
The Spin Screed system offers ease and convenience for a tedious job.
Tools & Materials
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Traditional Trim for Timeless Style
Few design details can match the impact of well-crafted casing, crown, or wainscot
Finishing Touches
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What's the Difference: Metal-twist drill bits
High-speed steel, black oxide, titanium, or cobalt
What is the Difference
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Cutting with a Worm-Drive Saw
The secret to making accurate cuts while preventing kickback is letting the saw do half the work.
Building Skills
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Cutting and Bending Curved Floor Parts
Whether you achieve your curve with a saw or by lamination, a homemade template and jig ensure a tight fit.
Master Carpenter
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Bells are Ringing
Great moments in building history: The installation of a new wheel for a church's bell tower gets somewhat complicated
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In plain sight
A few years ago, I had the pleasure of working with a team that built an award-winning private golf clubhouse and spa in Scottsdale, Ariz. A seasoned crew of old…
Great Moments
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Handheld laser measuring tools
Laser measures do the math for you. Can your tape measure do that?
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Using a Worm-Drive Saw
Know where to put your hands and use this heavy saw's weight to your advantage
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Creating Curved Flooring
Use a jigsaw and a router to cut the shape and laminate the thinner strips for a decorative accent
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There's a Better Way: Tool-Belt Pencil Sharpener
A tip for when the point is to have a sharp pencil on hand
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Prompt Power-Cord Polarity
A simple square of tape saves time and aggravation.
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There's a Better Way: Working With Tough, Sticky Tape
A single-edge razor tucked into the roll keeps you from tearing your hair out
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There's a Better Way: Stud Finder On a Chain
Locate studs easily with a simple magnet and chain device
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Video Vault: Coping Inside Corners
Finish carpenter Tucker Windover demonstrates how to achieve a perfect inside corner when running baseboard.
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Video Vault: Mitering Outside Baseboard Corners
Once you've coped the inside corner to make a perfect joint, it's time to fit, measure, and place the outside corner.
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Video Vault: Locating Studs for Baseboard Installation
The trim won't hold up if there's nothing behind it. Tucker Windover shares his method for finding studs.
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Video Vault: Preparing a Room for Baseboard
A pro explains how he ensures trim will run square to the floor with joints that are clean and tight before the work even begins
Video
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When Dryer Vents Need a Boost
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The path to a perfect finish
