Issue 274 – April/May 2018
Features
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Working With Steel
A collection featuring the basics you need and clever tricks when working with lightweight steel studs and other steel framing.
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Installing Rooftop PV
Get a detailed overview of how homes are evaluated for solar, how a photovoltaic system works, and how it’s installed.
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Decking on the Diagonal
Dress up your next deck by setting the boards at an angle.
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Build a Japanese-Style Garden Gate
Versatile assembly can be adapted to any gate design.
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Environmentally Responsible and Energy-Efficient Coastal Home
Thoughtful planning and materials choices helped this house achieve net-zero energy with very little impact on its site.
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6 Tips for Net-Zero House Design
Architect Garth Schwellenbach shares the lessons learned from a high-performance, low-impact, and zero-maintenance home with stunning views to spare.
Article
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Rhode Island Rock StarThis New England home is low-impact, no-maintenance, and zero-energy, but it also has big views from its rocky shoreline site.
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How to Hang Half-Round GuttersThis classic look is made even better with modern materials, but getting the installation details right is key for functional and good-looking gutters.
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Building to Survive in Wildfire CountryDon’t get burned: The right materials and details are a start. Landscaping and regular maintenance can help. But even these steps sometimes aren’t enough.
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3 Ways to Design Your Home to Withstand WildfiresThree ways to improve the chances that your house will survive in wildfire country.
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Get Your Deck Joists RightLearn how to calculate cantilevers and determine simple spans–plus find a series of installation tips for creating robust joist connections, weatherizing, and more.
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Online Calculators Help Cover Deck-Load RequirementsSpan tables don’t cover your deck load requirements? The American Wood Council has two handy online calculators that can handle a range of specifics.
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A Remodeler’s Approach to Replicating Plaster MoldingsFoam backer and a few jigs are the keys to reproducing this traditional cornice detail.
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Modern Approach to a Plaster CorniceUse a built-up rigid-foam backer and a benchtop jig to repair or reproduce historic plaster moldings.
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What’s the Best Impact Driver?Ten brushless impact drivers put through their paces.
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10 New Brushless Impact DriversModern impact drivers have longer run times, smaller housings, and better features than your old driver.
Commentary
Tools & Materials
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Contortionist Drill / DriverA great tool for cabinet installers and finish carpenters.
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Compact Thermal CameraThe Flir One Pro can turn your smartphone into a thermal imaging camera, giving you the ability to find hidden problems without resorting to demolition.
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Builder-Grade Smartphone ProtectionThe biggest surprise is how the textured slipcover prevents the user from bobbling the phone when retrieving it from a tool belt or pocket.
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Foam-Finger FeatherboardThe FeatherPro locks into a miter slot to provide just the right amount of pressure needed to prevent kickback.
Project Gallery
Musings of an Energy Nerd
Design/Build
Building Skills
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Laying Out Stud WallsFrom load path to jack studs, keep these four considerations in mind.
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Wall-Framing Layout, Step by StepFollowing a systematic sequence will ensure that your wall framing comes together without any mistakes.
Keep Craft Alive
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Keep Craft Alive: Josh Ford, PV Installer”I want to do something that actually makes a difference.”
