Issue 276 – July 2018
Features
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How to Wire an Instagram-Worthy Electrical Subpanel
When installing a panel, neatness counts, both for impressing clients and for future service.
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Siding to Last a Lifetime
Rainscreen details that improve the durability of any lap-siding installation.
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Good-Looking, Long-Lasting Lap Siding
Clever details and flawless installation means this rainscreen wall assembly will weather the biggest storms.
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Fine Homebuilding Issue #276 Online Highlights
Digital exclusives: video, construction business tips, podcasts, and architectural photos.
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All You Need Is a Track Saw
Learn how to break down plywood and other sheet goods efficiently and accurately without a tablesaw.
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How to Break Down Plywood With a Track Saw
Follow this step-by-step sequence for cutting sheet goods to accurate sizes, all without a tablesaw.
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Vent Flashing Done Right
Back up roof vent boots with flashing, counterflashing, and proper shingling to prevent leaks.
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A Guide to Better Boot Flashings
Use a better plumbing vent pipe boot flashing to last the lifetime of a new roof.
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Back Up Your Vent Pipe Flashing
Use flashing tape and additional underlayment to backstop your flashing boot.
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Small Home in Eastern Oregon Suits Its Site
This compact, panelized home takes its design inspiration from the vast Western landscape and local building traditions.
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How to Make a Small House Work
With a 960-sq.-ft. footprint, this building’s tall ceilings, interlinked spaces, and long vistas across rooms and the outdoors make this compact home feel expansive.
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How to Budget Home Construction on Target, Every Time
Bucking industry norms, these builders stay on budget with up-front, fixed pricing on every new home and remodel.
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Better Bidding for Residential Construction and Remodeling
Why “cost-plus” builders should consider getting to a firm price faster.
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How to Install a Tankless Water Heater
Pluses include endless hot water and a compact design, but the installation means a lot of pipes in a small space.
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Floating Shelves Made Strong and Simple
These grain-matched, mitered floating shelves slide onto a cleat for easy installation and a clean, modern look.
Article
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More Horses for Colt Routers
There’s a new Bosch Colt on the market, and its variable-speed, soft-start motor has been beefed up.
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DeWalt’s 60v Saw Is Not Quite Ready for Production Framing
A very nice piece of gear that would serve many carpenters well. But not in a production-framing environment.
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Perfect Pencil
I’m always just a quick spin away from having a sharp point.
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Killer Construction App
Builder’s Helper has all the features I need and at $15, it’s less expensive than a construction calculator.
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Covercraft’s Carhartt Custom Duck Weave Seat Covers Offer Fair Price, Stout Protection
Protect your car from job-site grime with these bib overalls for your truck.
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DeWalt Self-Leveling Rotary Level Features an Easily Seen Laser
Easy being green: The DW079LG is rated with an indoor-visibility range of 250 ft. and a detector range of 2000 ft.
Tools & Materials
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Project Gallery: Special Spaces
A third-floor sauna, a curved eyebrow dormer home office, and a jungle gym above a garage.
Project Gallery
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New Homes: 9 Things You Don’t Need, and 5 You Do
As construction materials and building-science principles evolve, the details we include in our new homes have to too.
Musings of an Energy Nerd
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Hand-Nailing Tricks
Building Skills: Tips for better driving and for a finished look.
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Building Skills Video: Tips for Hand-Nailing
A carpenter shows tricks of the trade to keep hand-driven nails from bending and wood from splitting.
Building Skills
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Keep Craft Alive: Jon Day, Restoration Carpenter
"I take jobs that a normal contractor looks at and says, ‘Oh, gee … I’m not sure.’ "
