Issue 265 – Feb/Mar 2017
Features
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Paint Problems and How to Prevent Them
Knowing why paint fails is the best way to get a long-lasting, problem-free paint job.
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Dress Up a Gable With Shiplap Siding
This traditional detail is fast to install and adds historic charm, even on a new house
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Fine-Fitting Solid-Plank Flooring
A long-lasting, good-looking floor starts with a smart layout and strong fastening.
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Bad Ducts = Bad Air
Higher energy bills and lower comfort levels aren’t the worst effects of faulty ducts.
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Gutting One Bath to Build Two
A contractor shares ideas for managing complex design/build projects.
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Tool Review: 18v Cordless Multitools
Modern batteries make this problem-solving tool even more useful.
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Bombproof Chimney Cap
Lead flashing keeps water out and protects masonry.
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Double-Duty Dust Collector
This portable homemade box catches dust and provides power to job-site tools.
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FHB House: Elevating the Standard of Building
The build team brings the project closer to completion in preparation for the reveal of the finished home.
Article
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Help Keep Craft Alive
Fine Homebuilding is launching a campaign to help close the skills gap.
Commentary
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Track-Guided Sidewinder
This is the first cordless saw that can replace a corded saw for 85% of what it does.
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Ultrasmooth Impact Driver
This cordless tool’s smoothness and control — no matter what type of fastener you’re driving — is impressive.
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Bright, Sturdy Worklights
Priced from $80 to $400, these lights are just the thing to illuminate your job.
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Hose-Free, Hassle-Free Nailer
This cordless model works consistently at high altitudes and in cold temperatures.
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Black is the New Teal
Makita's brushless drill and brushless impact driver are small and comfortable.
Tools & Materials
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Doggone Great Kitchens
Here are a few of our favorite ideas from kitchens that have gone to the dogs.
Project Gallery
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How Much Insulation Is Too Much?
Martin Holladay shares insights from industry experts about when envelope improvements are a waste of money and how to determine when enough insulation is enough.
Energy Smart Details
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Laying Out and Cutting Common Rafters
Traditional cut rafters are still the go-to approach to roof framing in some areas.
Building Skills
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Balustrades
If you can solve the geometry, spacing, and proportions of the balustrade along the rise and run of the stair, then the design for a level balustrade is a piece of cake.
Drawing Board
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Arts & Crafts and Automobiles
This elegant garage, inspired by the English Arts & Crafts movement, uses a hybrid system of trusses connected by steel plates and bolts along with support beams using mortise-and-tenon joinery.
Finishing Touches
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Keep Craft Alive: Monica Coyne, Blacksmith
“If I’m given a task in my shop, I solve it ... If I need a tool, I make it.”
