Neat mailbox at good price.

thehardwarehut.com Made of solid brass, $100.

National Electrical Code changes...

Significant Proposals for 2005 NEC Part VI: "Chapter 3 Wiring Methods and Materials

Protection Against Physical Damage
(A) Cables and Raceways Through Wood Members.
(1) Bored Holes. New exception permits nail plate less than 1/16 in. thick if listed for this purpose and marked so the inspector can verify its listing. [Author's Comment: Hardened steel plates thinner than 1/16 inch have been tested and found to provide better protection from screw and nail penetration than the thicker plates.]

(D) Cables and Raceways Parallel to Framing Members and Furring Strips. Text revised to expand the requirements when the 1-1/4" cable clearance is required when the cable is run parallel to framing members."

Japanning Recipe

asphaltum, linseed oil & turpentine

Calibrate jointer knives for $20

dizzy's jointer jig

Groove Cutting Machine

mafell.com

Varnish issues...

Kremer Pigments: "The search for the right finish occupies woodworkers for many reasons. Historical authenticity as well as beauty and function motivate the use of classical techniques. Longevity, optical qualities, sound and handling are a few of the criteria used when looking for the right ground and varnish for musical instruments, and many furniture makers are guided by the same considerations. For many years scientists have been examining the varnish layers on violins from the time of Stradivarius and Guarneri. It appears that there is a layer of mineral matter just below the actual varnish, which is close to a mixture of materials bound with potassium silicate that has been pioneered by David Rubio. The mixture consists of calcium lactate, alum, manganese sulphate, titanium dioxide, yellow iron oxide and mica, which corresponds roughly to the spectrum analysis of historical instruments. Working from the original 16th and 17th century recipes and using only historical technology, Donald Fels has developed a line of mediums and varnishes that yield the optical effects and handling qualities of the gem-like amber. "

Miter clamping...

Gross Stabil Multi-angle Clamp

Quick clamping system with
adjusting lever up to 4",
clamping force up to 350 lbs.
About $100!!


Other Gross Stabil mitre products for clamping large beams, rafters, profiles, facing etc. Mastering sharp angles, semicircular arches, double corner joints and, of course, miters for up to 4" stock.




Use a bar clamp for miters... Mcx Mitre Clamping System easily clamps 22-1/2, 45's and 90 degree angles. Pressure up to 750 lbs. Uses interchangeable angle adapters. Use with biscuits or dowel rods. Clamping up to 4 inches. The power of the clamp is that it holds both pieces in place firmly and also squeezes that joint together rather than merely holding them together as typical angle clamps do.
Not costly. Not cheap.


Pinch Dogs - Old World Tools That Will Never Outlive Their Usefulness, 1-1 / 2 Steel Pinch Dogs About $4.00 each.



Adjustable Jaw Miter Clamp Kit Can be bench mounted. Has its uses with up to 5" stock. About $40.





Picture Framer's Miter Vise clamps stock up to 4" wide at 90° for sawing or joining.

Large (1-1/2" diameter) knurled knobs offer ample leverage; vise swivels 360° and tilts 90°.

A reasonable $50.




Large hog clamps are spring steel with pointed ends.

The Maestro CLAMP-ALL Woodworking Set works well with smaller items or thin materials when precise, pinpoint clamping pressure is needed.

Pointed tips grip tough surfaces such as laminate - enclosed suction cups with Teflon swivel tips gently handle more delicate surfaces. Set includes M103 expander tool with comfortable rubber hand grips, four M200 medium wood clamps and four MTC-1 suction cups with Teflon® swivel tips - extra clamps and suction cups available. Another good set is made by Europe's Ulmia.



Jet Super-fast Jointer Clamps: No need to tighten, turn or twist! JET Super-Fast jointer clamps hold work in perfect alignment:

Simply push the clamps into position and you can glue, screw, pin or hold a workpiece together.

Right angle, tee and butt joints are automatically aligned, freeing your hands.

Hold different thicknesses up to 3/4".

Custom jigs...

T-bolts And T-Track

Another time saver...

Self-centering Drawer Pull
Handles fronts from 7-1/2" to 40" wide.

Sets up for off-center pulls.

About $80. Costly.

Drill for 3 shelf pins at a time...

Euro System 32 Bore-a-line Drill Jig
Lets you drill three holes at a time on 32mm centers.

Uses a 3/8 drill (1,200 RPM recommended).

Not cheap: $140.

Long and flexible tool cords

woodworker.com: "Flexible, strong, and rugged to take abuse and prevent kinking, cords and strain reliefs resist oil, grease, sunlight, ozone, acids and most chemicals and solvents: 10' or 16', 14 gauge cords work with circular saws and heavy duty routers; 16', 16 gauge cords on light duty tools. About 10."

Much better than conventional grinding wheels

Available In Four Different Sizes, These Wheels Work Much Better Than The One That Came With Your Grinder, 1-1 / 4odx5 / 8idx3 / 4l Fibre Bush: "Fabricated to Woodworker's Supply specifications, Pacific grinding wheels run cooler because they eliminate much of the heat generated by conventional wheels:
Pink aluminum oxide abrasive is tough, but has friable grains that break away to continuously expose sharp edges. Suitable for grinding high tensile steel like hardened or High Speed Steel.$10 - $25"

Make Nearly Any Woodworking Joint Quickly

woodworker.com: "MATCHMAKER can make nearly any woodworking joint, plus it can duplicate complex parts. Matchmaker handles tenoning, box joint cutting, dovetailing, shutter mortise cutting and much more. By combining a table that moves 6', in or out, and 12', left to right, with a router that moves up to 5-1/2', vertically, many conventional (and some not so conventional) joints can be cut quickly and accurately - within 0.005'! By simultaneously controlling the positions of the 17-1/2' x 11-1/4' table and cutterhead, the operator makes the stylus follower trace the template while the router is shaping the workpiece to match the template. 6" maximum cut depth. 5"H x 10"W maximum tenon size - tenons take only a few seconds on a machine that's small enough to fit into almost any shop. Changeover time to switch from one cutting operation to another is about two minutes. $700"

Router Bits Expand Capability Of Delta Shaper

woodworker.com: "Plated- Heavy Duty Router Chuck, $80"

Perhaps for routing trim "in-place"?

Quickscribe is an excellent product, a scribing tool for cabinetmakers, woodworkers, carpenters and installers of flooring, countertops, wall paneling and other wood items that need to fit to walls or floors. Using it and a laminate trimmer (not included), you can make the cut in the same time it used to take to draw the cut line!

Also works as a 'system' with its sister product called Scribemate.



Scribe tops to walls, backsplashes to tops or make perfect templates, quickly and accurately. Built in wheel rolls along the wall without marring, plus the bit is centered so the laminate trimmer can be rotated during cutting without loss of accuracy; fast setup time (under 5 minutes). 3' x 5' x 1-1/2'; ruggedly constructed for years of use. Fits Porter-Cable 7312, 97310, 97311 and BOSCH 1609 laminate trimmers. About $60. Quickscribe site is here."

Power Chisel

woodworker.com: "Ideal for precision joints, recesses, corners and other material removal operations, such as texturing and lettering. High quality woodcarvers chisels only activate when pressed into wood and change out in seconds with 'snap lock' fittings. About $170 with 5 chisels."

100 year paint?

BuildingGreen.com: "Mineral silicate paints are not new, but they will be new to many in North America, including most of those in the green building industry. Keim Mineral Systems invented mineral silicate paints in Bavaria (Germany) in 1878, and Keim paints are used around the world today. The binder is potassium silicate dissolved in water (sometimes referred to as 'waterglass'). This is combined with inorganic fillers and natural earth oxides to produce an inorganic 'liquid stone' finish through a process of petrification. Unlike conventional coatings, mineral silicate paints do not form surface films that can flake off; they soak into and permanently bond with the substrate, providing tremendous life expectancy. Durability in excess of 100 years has been reported, according to Keim. Liquid Mineral Systems"

Sanding louvered doors

Here’s a solution to the time consuming task of sanding slats in louvered doors. All that’s required is a simple device on your palm sander.


Take a wooden paint stir stick and cut it about 9" long, measuring from the handle end. Form indentations similar to those on the handle end 2" from the cut end. Cut strips of sandpaper the width of the stir stick and about 6" long. Then fold the sandpaper over one end of the stick, and secure it with duct tape. Hold the stick against the pad of your palm sander. Next, place a size 84 rubber band (available at office supply stores) onto the handle indentation of the stick and pull the rubber band up and over the edges of your sander. Hook it onto the other end of the stick. When you turn on your sander, the stir stick acts as a thin extension and fits perfectly between the louvered slats and into the corners, eliminating hours of tedious hand sanding.

A couple of hints: Keep several large (size 84) rubber bands handy, because they do break. And when the sandpaper wears out on one side of the stick, just flip the stick over to the new side. Britt Marie Storm Kansas City, MO

Fabric concrete forms

Fastfoot and ProfusionProducts.

Off-grid non-septic wastewater treatment

Ecoseptic Wastewater Management Systems'pre-manufactures' turn-key wastewater management systems operating predominantly by gravity and passive biological effluent cleaning action. These systems work very well with alternative energy applications and battery powered (or generator operated) back-up systems. All required wastewater management components for a 3-bedroom residential system including dual chamber septic tanks,stainless steel pumps, treatment medium and control/alarm equipment are housed in an attractive 8' by 8' by 8' insulated enclosure. Pricing for seasonal cottage and residential systems range from - Seasonal 2 bedroom cottage : $ 9,000 - 3 bedroom residential dwelling : $ 12,000.

Firm also makes the EcoNomad, an 8'x8' moduleto combine heating, electrical and plumbing systems into one container, which is then "plugged into" the house to provide off-grid power, heat, hot water, potable water and wastewater management. "

Floating modular...

The Cottageboat is built atop a specially-designed floating steel barge constructed for optimum buoyancy. The layout of the approximately 1,200 square foot two-level unit includes two large bedrooms, a three-piece bathroom, living room, dining area, hot tub, and large front deck. Further, the unit contains a kitchen with a stove, refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher, and BBQ. Constructed of a quarter-inch steel, the hull integrates with the building's structural floor and includes a towing and anchoring mechanism. The hull achieves 100 percent residual buoyancy, including snow loads. Eight bulkheads offer access for maintenance. The superstructure is constructed using a high-efficiency, lightweight modular steel panelized design developed for energy efficiency in all climates."

SOLARWALL for Homes and Cottages

Conserval: "Most commercial and industrial buildings replace their air once or twice every hour to provide fresh air and to get rid of contaminated air. Now your home or cottage can utilize the same Solarwall technology that has solved indoor air quality problems in numerous industrial applications.

The SOLARWALL heater is available as a modular, do-it-yourself kit that mounts easily onto a south wall. The solar heated air can be ducted from the panel directly into a room, heat recovery ventilator (HRV), or into a warm air furnance. On a bright sunny, winter day, the panel can produce a temperature rise of 50oF (28oC) over the ambient air temperature."

Links

• BuildingGreen
  
  
• The Blue Book of Building and Construction
  
  
• BuildNET
  
  
• Build.com
  
  
• Building Online
  
  
• Buyer's Index
  
  

Unusual kitchen sinks...

Just Sinks

Cordless Finish Nailer

Paslode-- Uses the fuel cell; no reviews. Fast Set-Up - No hoses, no compressors Angled Magazine - Easy access to corners. Perfect for overhead use. Very maneuverable. Fits into tight spots Light Touch - Easy to operate. Depress tool only 3/4" to drive a nail Versatile - Drives 1-1/4" to 2 1/2" angled finish nails Depth-of-Drive Wheel with Probe Position Indicator - Provides precise control of nail depth in hard or soft wood. No wrenches needed About $320

Structural Insulated Panels...

Beyond the box: The structural insulated panels industry says SIPs are energy efficient, easy to assemble, and strong. But can they produce stylish architecture? About 12,000 homes were built with this technology in 2002, says the Gig Harbor, Wash.-based Structural Insulated Panel Association (SIPA). Considering how many houses are built in the United States, this number is barely a blip on the national radar. The technology, however, has come in from the fringe and is steadily gaining acceptance as an alternative to stick framing. Architects and manufacturers say the technology is a viable design alternative, too, and believe that it is only a matter of time until it will be the dominant method used to build homes.


There are engineering solutions that make sense for SIPs," says Mike Bryan, division manager for panels at SIPs manufacturer Premiere Industries in Fife, Wash. "Some areas have high [stick-framing] labor rates, and it makes sense to use SIPs to reduce the cost." Still, stick framing is cheaper because the lumber infrastructure is there and has been for a long time, he says. "In the panel industry, the infrastructure is not totally in place. Once it is, the price will come down and will be less than stick framing. Besides, demand in the production home market is bigger than the SIPs industry can supply right now.

Aggregate t&g panels...

B-Lite Panel Homes: "Construction starts with B-LiteTM panels utilizing varying widths each 1' providing R4 insulation. Panels are tongue and groove, go up easy, and provide the best properties for living comfortably, including superior noise abatement. 15% manufacturing cost savings w/B-Lite per 2' x 8' x 4" panel. Panel is now fire resistant. Panel is easy to work with (field labor). Panel has increased STC's (sound transmission coefficient). R-Values can be increased to 15 times better than normal concrete. Located in Arizona."

Europes' lego-block wall

Isorast 2000: "Isorast installation in a 'lego-like' fashion. Imagine to erect the main structure in one day... After pouring concrete the structure is absolutely solid. All different block sizes can be combined. No heavy work. A super clean building site. World grade insulation. Hurricane protection. Unlimited architectural design, up to 10 stories. Easy to use, easy to understand. The best product for do-it-yourself market. Reduces labor time and cost. Easiest method of pouring concrete. Incredible overall speed of construction. Longevity of building. Light weight of building materials. Superior stability of structure in hurricane force winds. Flood waters do not penetrate Styropor polysturene interior or exterior walls. Easily strengthened for earthquake zones. The Isorast styropor Forms provede the fastest method of construction a fully insulated wall, floor or roof, and eliminates outside air infiltration, leaks, and drafts. Wider Isorast forms permit "Passive Home" construction. (Homes without heating). The R 91 exterior block is so efficient that no heating equipment is necessary, even in severely cold climates."

Like the ol' days...

White Granite: "At $65 per ton!!. Truck from Reno. Any better sources at this price point?"

Grounding vs Bonding

Currently the NEC in Article 100 defines the terms "ground" or "grounded" as "connected to the earth or to some conducting body that serves in place of the earth." Yet, the NEC often uses the term "ground" when it really means "bond" (connected to an effective ground-fault path to clear a fault) [250.2 and 250.4(A)(5)].

Grounding - Grounding metal parts to the earth in premises wiring is only useful to provide a path for lightning, shunting high-frequency noise, or reducing static discharge.

Bonding - Bonding all metal parts together and then to the system winding (typically to the X0 terminal of a transformer) is done to provide a low-impedance path to the source (system) to facilitate the opening of the circuit-protection device to remove dangerous voltage on metal parts. In addition, bonding the system to metal parts (typically to the X0 terminal of a transformer) stabilizes the system voltage to the metal parts and it provides a zero system reference (to the metal parts).

It took me over 20 years to figure out that when the NEC, as well as books and magazine articles, state "ground or grounded" they rarely intend that the metal parts be connected to the earth or to some conducting body that serves in place of the earth. Typically, the intent is to have the metal parts "bonded" to a low-impedance path so that fault current can return to the system winding. See the definition of "effective ground-fault path" in 250.2 and review 250.4(A)(3), (4), and (5).

Grounding vs Bonding

Ornamental Mouldings

Ornamental Mouldings architectural mouldings, decorative trim and accessories can add rich detail to any room. Here you will find a guide to moulding terminology, an overview of moulding styles, decorating ideas, installation and finishing tips and frequently asked questions to make your next building or design project easier.

Shingle roofing underlayment

Benjamin Obdyke: "Cedar Breather is the solution for preserving the beauty and life of wood roofing. As an underlayment for wood shingles and shakes, Cedar Breather provides space for a continuous airflow between the solid roof deck and the shingles. "

The eight foot shingle...

Cedar Valley: Considered the finest panels available for residential and commercial construction, Cedar Valley Shingle Panels are handcrafted with the highest grades of Western Red Cedar. Each panel is constructed with a solid one-piece plywood backer followed by a moisture barrier that's waterproof and breathable. Panels go up an average of six time faster than individual shingles, dramatically reducing installation costs. Easy installation. Overlapping end joints don't require caulking. Blind nail patterns are available. Splitting of individual shingles is virtually eliminated. And single-course panels reduce waste in gables and other tight spaces.


The eight foot fiber cement shingle??
Nichiha USA: "Fiber Cement Shake panels are factory primed, and factory sealed on six sides. Able to withstand 110 mile per hour sustainable winds, blind nailed - ASTM E 330. Shake panels are available with factory applied stain or paint finish. [manufactured by Duckback Products, Inc. -- 12-year warranty* on stain finish and 15-year warranty* on paint finish] Less breakage during installation with thicker 1/2" panels. 8-foot panels mean less cutting & quicker installation. 30-year transferable limited warranty*.



Or the simulated cedar roofing shingle?
The EnviroShake looks like No. 1 grade taper-sawn cedar roof with a 50 year limited warranty. Installs as per code requirements for cedar BUT... less waste, you can walk on it, use standard roofing nails (11/2" or 2"), can be installed with power-nailer, trims easily, maximum 9" exposure (4/12 slope or greater) AND... no added expense of painting, treatment or preservatives; mould, mildew and insect resistant; competitively priced compared to other premium products plus maintenance and worry free.

Will Your Safety Harness Kill You?

From Occupational Health & Safety magazine, March 2003 [pdf file] sent by Mike Holt's NEC newsletters

Before the fall
The key issue of fall protection before the fall is compliance. If a harness is too uncomfortable, too inconvenient, or interferes too much with task completion, workers may not use the equipment or may modify it (illegally) to make it more tolerable. A second major point is the length of the attachment lanyard, or, how far can a worker fall before his fall is arrested? The longer the fall, the greater the stress on the body will be when the fall is arrested. The shorter the lanyard, the more often it will have to be repositioned when workers are mobile. A moveable safe anchor is one solution, but this situation is only occasionally available.

Fall arrest
The whole concept of fall protection is that workers who fall will be stopped by the tethering system. The longer the attachment lanyard, the greater the acceleration time during the fall and the greater the stress on the body at arrest. Unfortunately, the posture of the falling worker is unpredictable. Depending on the harness attachment point and the position of the worker’s body at arrest, different harness attachments offer different advantages. An attachment near the shoulders means that any drag from the lanyard will serve to position the worker’s body in an upright position so the forces are distributed from head to foot. The head is somewhat protected if the legs and body precede it in the fall, but this offers some disadvantages after the fall arrest is completed.

Suspension
Many safety professionals naturally assume that, once a fall has been arrested, the fall protection system has successfully completed its job. Unfortunately, this is not the case. A worker suspended in an upright position with the legs dangling in a harness of any type is subject to suspension trauma.

Fall victims can slow the onset of suspension trauma by pushing down vigorously with the legs, by positioning their body in a horizontal or slight leg-high position, or by standing up. Harness design and fall injuries may prevent these actions, however.

ebuild's report on fiberglass windows

Windows: "Fiberglass windows offer an attractive, durable alternative to vinyl and wood."

Links to moldings and trim

Interior trim at ebuild.com

Drywall and cement tools

Windlock

Shotcrete Panels & concrete thin shells

ICS 3-D Panel Works: "In a world grown accustomed to evolutionary change, one remarkable building system is making a truly revolutionary impact on global construction methods-the ICS 3-D Panel System. The components of the 3-D System are simple-a core of modified expanded polystyrene, flanked by wire mesh, connected with galvanized truss wires, field-coated with concrete. Yet its extraordinary design flexibility, ease of installation, versatility of application, and astonishing strength are changing the way the construction industry sees the future.

The 3-D Panel 'space frame' is exceptionally rigid and comprised of:
(1) Modified Expanded Polystyrene Core
(2) Two Outer Layers of 2'X2' Welded Wire Mesh
(3) Galvanized Truss Wires Pierce Core and Are Welded to the Outer Mesh Layers
(4) Field-Applied Shotcrete"

Concrete home building systems overview
Forum on concrete residential systems
Concrete Homes Magazine

An 8 foot masonry block called a 'castle block'. Cempo Form is a low-cost, stay in place concrete form system which out-performs all conventional methods of construction. Easy to work with hand tools, it can be cut, shaped and sculpted into a variety of shapes and details. Ecologically intelligent, Cempo Form™ consists of 86% recycled polystyrene and 14% cement. Cempo Form provides... Thermal Insulation... Sound Attenuation... Fire Resistance... Termite Resistance... Hurricane Resistance... Earthquake Resistance... Stucco, Tile and Plaster Base... Lower Maintenance Costs. Plus, Cempo offers a metal insulated panel used for roofing without rafters.

SteelCrete concrete panels are 1.5 to 2 inches thick while conventional tiltup is 6 to 8 inches thick. With conventional tilt-up construction, the load is borne by massive amounts of concrete and reinforcing steel (rebar). The large amount of rebar is time consuming and expensive to install. It requires a high level of engineering and supervision to make sure it all ends up in the right places in the concrete thickness.

In the case of SteelCrete, although the concrete is a fraction of the thickness, it takes the same loads and more because the metal framing takes the tension the conventional rebar takes in standard tilt-up. In other words, the metal frame takes the place of the rebar while also comprising a conventional framing element behind the thin concrete wall.

A 45% cost savings?!?! A standard 8' high wall using 3 5/8" studs on 24" centers and a 2" concrete skin would cost about $2.40 a square foot for material FOB. If you owned a SteelCrete Press, it would cost about $1.70 a square foot. The SteelCrete system may be produced on-site or off-site, at a precast facility, using a subcontractor or by yourself.

Building Guides

ICBO
Building Officials
BuildingOnline
ebuild
Builder's Websource
Green Building Source
buildercentral
Building British Columbia

Insulating sandwich tilt-up wall systems

Tilt-up concrete is another way to get a large amount of volume at an economical price.

THERMOMASS: "an insulated concrete sandwich wall system. The two component system consists of fiber composite connectors and pre-formed foam insulation allowing for a fast, error-free installation. These components are placed between two wythes of concrete to form a long-lasting, energy-efficient and appealing sandwich wall. "

TILT-UP FAQs
Residential Precast Concrete Systems
The Merits of Tilt-Up Concrete

Largest ICF community in U.S. being built in California using Eco-Block

I've built 3 residential eight-foot foundations using this SnapTie system.

96% Heat Transfer for H20!!

Heat Transfer Products, Inc.: "Voyager High Efficiency Gas Fired Water Heater is truly a unique appliance. The Voyager system is designed with the most advanced technology available. The use of modern technology optimizes the efficiency and operating reliability of each Voyager. The endless features will provide each customer with maximum savings on operation, space and installation. The Voyager commercial gas fired water heater is setting a new dimension in water heating technology."

Integrated Concrete Forms

There's updates to this post. ARIT has ceased all operations in 2007 for their "ICF" forms which they promoted as "North Americas fastest knockdown block".

Reward Walls has updated their site with challenging slogans: "Beyond the Block" and "More than Insulated Concrete Forms".

Offering two product lines, the iForm® and eForm®, Reward's "flat wall insulating concrete form is the most innovative and versatile on the market. Reward's flat wall forms produce steel-reinforced concrete walls that are straight, square and plumb, and buildings that are strong, safe and energy efficient."


Looking for something generic?
Formtech International has a reversible block system and pre-molded corners. Stronger than a commercial block, their "Warm Walls" have 6" or 8" concrete cores.

The Insulating Concrete Forms Association offers info, tutoring, specs and a corporate directory.

Concrete roofs??

Artform: "The first, cost effective, clear span ICF Roofing system, with no shoring required, spans up to 35 feet and slopes from 4.5/12 to 15/12. Because the insulation, vapour and air barriers are installed on the sloped surface of the roof, no roof venting is required. And best of all, it easily accepts ALL roofing materials including shingles, shakes, raised rib metal, clay tile, concrete and even our own acrylic stucco.

Why would you choose the ARTForm-R?
ARTForm-R extends the benefits of ICF wall systems across the top of the building producing a structure with 25 times the strength of wood frame, with energy efficiencies far beyond any normal ICF with wood truss system. With built in distater resistance, and perfectly sealed building envelope, we can provide a safe, healthy adnd clean living enviornment far improved from existing construction methods, while maintaining a low cost of construction. And its simple, The rafters can be either field cut to length or custom ordered, which are installed in every way similar to a wood or steel standard framed roof. The rafters are installed at 48' O/C, inserting the lock bars as you proceed. Upon completion of the stick framed assembly, our 4' ICF roof block and pre-cut/bent reinforcing steel, is inserted between the rafters. The entire system is then filled with concrete from the peak."

Slab-on-Grade Foundation with Radiant Heating

LEGALETT: "Provides the Foundation and Radiant Floor Heating System Together in One System

Air-Heated Foundation

Spiral ducts are cast into the concrete slab foundation. With the aid of a fan, air is circulated through a heating unit. The warm air travels through the ducts heating up the whole foundation. The system is simple, reliable, economical and easy to install.

Very simple in design. Contains a water/air heat exchanger to distribute the heat from the heat source (hot water tank, boiler,etc. ) to the air in the duct system. Contains a fan to push the air through the water coil. Simple thermocouple turns the fan on and off as demanded by the supply of hot water to the unit by the thermostat. "

Rotten windows??

Research on Treating Wood Window Joinery Fused borate and bifluoride remedial treatments for controlling decay in window millwork.

Dry Rot - Why Epoxies alone don't Work

The true dry rot fungus, Serpula lacrymans, is often regarded as the "cancer" of a building. Many myths have built up concerning what this fungal decay is capable of doing, occasionally leading to the belief that the fungus is indestructible and that the whole of the building will have to be torn down.

However, dry rot is vulnerable to certain environmental effects and like all wood destroying fungi it has essential needs, and it is those needs that limit the extent of spread and damage that this organism can inflict. Unfortunately dry rot is a very secretive organism, favoring dark, damp stagnant conditions to develop. This is frequently why it is able to spread extensively before the damage is first noticed. Often times, once it is noticed, extensive damage has occurred.

Remedial Treatment, or treating an existing problem is best done with Bora-Care. It is a liquid concentrate that is mixed with water and sprayed on the affected wood and all of the wood surrounding that area. A three-foot minimum perimeter treatment is recommended. [ read more ]

Repairing A Rotted Door Jamb

LiquidWood
One quart kit = $55 !!
WoodEpox epoxy paste

PC-Rot Terminator Kit = $30

RotFix About $25
SculpWood epoxy paste

Penetrating Epoxy Primer/Sealer

Madewell 927: " -- a two-component penetrating epoxy primer and sealer for porous substrates, such as wood, concrete, and other cementitious surfaces. Although MADEWELL 927 is 100% solids, thereby providing a safer working environment, it has a very low viscosity, which permits easy mixing, application and deep penetrating action into porous surfaces. "

Testing house paint primers

Resurfacing products

PERMA-CRETE liquid resin emulsion

Epoxy, Sealers, and Primers

Epoxies represent a modern miracle in coatings technology. Their film strength and resistance to harsh environments provides engineers with the ability to protect their structures and equipment with cost effective field applied systems. Most are available in a wide variety of colors and in semi-gloss or high gloss finishes. Film does not support mold or fungal growth. Excellent chemical resistance. Excellent moisture resistance. Excellent abrasion resistance. Excellent adhesion to clean, profiled surfaces. But they do chalk in the sun.

wessex-resins: Solvented Two Part Epoxy Sealer and Primer -- Wessex Resins & Adhesives Limited has developed WRA 200, a solvented, highly penetrative epoxy sealer suitable for contaminated timbers and other materials such as concrete, stone, brick and GRP. It can be applied to rotten or damaged timber to provide protection to that area.

Crack-Injection Resins

Other epoxy links:
Construction Chemicals Directory
Directory of Epoxy Web Sites
EpoxySystems
Repairing a cracked plaster ceiling

Adhesives, Sealants, Coatings, Chemical Specialties

Powder coating vs. high build epoxy paint

EpoxySystems' Polyester Wood Filler is a two component, wood like polyester filler paste. Quick setting and easy to use. EpoxySystems' Polyester Wood Filler is designed primarily for wood repairs in construction surfaces. Can be used to fill areas of deteriorated concrete (or holes). Also used by model shops for making permanent repairs, fillets, and design changes in the construction of all wood models and patterns. EpoxySystems' Polyester Wood Filler has excellent adhesion to wood, fiberglass, and plaster and can be worked with standard woodworking tools in a quick and convenient manner.

Benjamin Moore Polyamide Epoxy -- A clear sealer/finish for penetrating deeply into concrete or wood substrates providing the necessary foundation for high performance topcoat systems. May be used over color coats or as a clear finish. Benjamin Moore Polyamide Epoxy Mastic -- Hi solids two-component epoxy mastic for surface that cannot be prepared very well. Extremely surface tolerant, this product may be applied to tight rust or previous finishes without lifting. Contains copious amounts of rust inhibition and works well for immersion applications

Envirotex Lite Pour-On Finish -- Environmental Tech. (707) 443-9323 -- A clear, high-build coating for protecting and beautifying almost any material. 1 coat equals up to 50 coats of varnish. This 2-part polymer coating provides a durable, high-gloss finish. Easy-to-use. Simply measure, mix, and pour. Contains no solvents. Impervious to water and alcoholic beverages and requires very little care. Great for hobbies and crafts as well as table and counter tops. 5-Minute Epoxy

Rotted Sills, Rotten Wood and Epoxy Rot Repair Page

Fence & Gate reinforcing

Make contoured sanding pads

Tip for using a paintbrush to apply epoxy

Thinning epoxy

sanding epoxy: "Wet sanding with waterproof sandpaper is often the best approach to sanding cured epoxy. Wet sanding removes amine blush while you sand, reduces clogging of the sandpaper, and reduces dust and exposure to partially cured epoxy. It lets your sandpaper go farther and provides a visual clue that everything is properly sanded. However, if you have bare wood or wood that cannot get wet, you will need to dry sand.

Stabilizing a concrete block foundation wall with epoxy

epoxy and auto bodywork

Comparing surface preparation techniques for paints and primers

How to make your own rubber mold:

Environmental Technology Inc.: "MOLD BUILDER - Liquid Latex Rubber -- Now you can duplicate figurines, sculptures and other items with safe, brushable latex rubber. Mold Builder will not stick to metal, clay, ceramics, plaster, wood or plasticene clay. Mold Builder molds are durable, reusable, and economical to make. The molds you make from Mold Builder can be used to cast paper, plaster, candle wax, Soap Craft Soap and ETI Clear Casting Resin. QUICK DRYING, FAST BUILD UP, ECONOMICAL TO USE, PEELS EASILY FROM MODEL, FLEXIBLE AND STRETCHABLE, HARMLESS TO MOST SURFACES, REQUIRES NO MOLD RELEASE!

Mold Release, PVA & Hair Spray "

Epoxy undercoating for varnish

EPOXYWORKS: When varnish is used alone as a coating, it is constantly fighting two distinct battles. One is to stay attached to a substrate that is expanding and shrinking as the moisture content of the wood changes. Seasonal changes in moisture content occur because varnish is not a particularly effective moisture barrier. When the wood changes dimensions, it forces the varnish to stretch and shrink in order to stay attached. Given enough stretch/shrink cycles, the coating will eventually crack. The other battle is oxidation from exposure to the sun's UV light, a phenomenon that contributes to loss of gloss and cracking. Good varnishes are designed to address both stretch/shrink cycles and UV degradation, but eventually the two forces in combination will break down varnish and cause it to fail.

Another method to achieve "the look" is gaining popularity and cuts labor time. Professional yacht refinishers now use WEST SYSTEM® 105 Resin/207 Special Coating Hardener as a clear base over wood trim before applying coats of varnish. Three coats of epoxy followed by three coats of varnish can achieve the same depth and look of twelve or more coats of varnish. Because there are no solvents evaporating away from the epoxy, it builds thickness faster per layer than varnish and it doesn't shrink when it cures. In addition, three or more coats of 105/207 can be applied per day. More importantly, sealing wood with an epoxy moisture barrier dramatically lessens its stretching and shrinking. Varnish benefits from being applied over a stable substrate. High-quality marine varnish is formulated with UV filters. So, the epoxy coating benefits by getting the protection from UV radiation that it needs. WEST SYSTEM 105 Resin/207 Special Coating Hardener and varnish complement each other synergistically. The two in combination last longer than each coating by itself.

Some stains are better suited for use under epoxy than others. We recommend using water-based aniline dye stain if you plan to apply epoxy. WD Lockwood in New York City (212-966-4046) is an excellent source and offers a variety of different wood-colored stains which can be blended together to achieve a specific color. Their stain is sold in powdered form, which must be added to water the day before you plan to use it so all the crystals will dissolve. Aniline dye stains, when dry, allow the epoxy to penetrate through the dye and attach to the wood itself.

Rust coating

Zero Rust: "Zero Rust is a single-package, air-dried, direct-to-metal barrier coating formulated for complete rust & corrosion control. Zero Rust is a high solids, low VOC, impermeable coating. Zero Rust is easy to use and can be applied over fully or marginally prepared surfaces. Sandblasting is not a requirement and topcoating is completely optional. "

WOOD Magazine

Haunched Tenon: "You can go a long way with the basic mortise-and-tenon joint, but sometimes a variation comes in handy. With a haunched tenon, you can cut a groove the length of each stile's inside edge, then automatically fill the exposed end of the groove with the haunch as you assemble the joint. A haunched tenon looks like a standard tenon, but adds a shoulder that extends to the edge of the rail, as shown in the drawing. Making the tenon is simple. All you need is a tablesaw and dado set. "

Western Red Cedar

Soundcedar.com: "A Wood for Craftsmen
The same structure that gives cedar its excellent insulating and sound suppressing qualities makes it a lightweight wood, easy to handle and install for both the professional and do-it-yourselfer. Cedar is a pleasure to work using either hand or machine tools. The wood can be cut, shaped, planed, sanded, nailed and glued easily. It is free of pitch and resin and it finishes to a richly glowing surface that can be enhanced with transparent or full-bodied stains or with paints. An abundant supply from Canada to California, Western Red Cedar (thuja plicata) grows almost parallel to the pacific coast. Order a decking kit online."

Vinyl decking if you must...

Decks Direct: "Covers wood or concrete with a vinyl cover. The surface has all the advantages of a new vinyl deck without ...

The product is made by Technidock and usually used in boat moorings.

Seems to cost above $1.50 to $2.50 per board foot."

Pole Buildings, The Forgotten Building

Mat Logan: "Anything you could build using the Stick Built Method and more. Build a garage, a barn, a carport and even a room addition, let your imagination be your guide. Think of it this way; Postframe construction is just another way of framing, a way for you to build easier, faster and at less cost. Plus, it gives you the advantage of building either 8', 10', 12', 14' or even 16' side walls. Whether you're a do-it-yourselfer or a professional builder, you owe it to yourself to learn the Postframe Construction method. My book shows you every detail.

Q How strong are Pole Buildings?
A There are three characteristics to Postframe Construction that makes it stronger than conventional Stick Built Construction:
The post in the ground adds to the building's stability and wind resistance.
If you notice the framing in the picture above, postframe const. is a process of strapping the posts together horizontally forming a tremendously strong box which adds greatly to wind resistance.
The trusses are nailed directly to the posts making it impossible for the roof to detach from the building.

Q Do I need any special tools or equipment and how hard is it to find material?
A No special tools or equipment is required. Even the trusses (with a little help) can be set by hand. My book even shows a technique on leveling that dates back to the building of the Pyramids and has the same accuracy as modern leveling equipment. I also show a simple 6-8-10 formula for squaring. Material is available everywhere, if you have a problem fi"

Invisible access panel

Uniflex Products: "We proudly introduce the recently improved, internationally patented UniFlex access panel hardware designed for use in home and commercial plumbing and electrical projects. Instead of unsightly wallboard or metal plating, use UniFlex to aesthetically conceal wall openings to plumbing and electrical controls as required by plumbing and electrical codes. Without hinges or fasteners, the practical design of UniFlex hardware is quick and simple for both the professional contractor and do-it-yourself homeowner to install."

System to dry out crawlspace

Atmox

Sealants Stains Finishes

Primeshop: "A technological breakthrough, this high-build, resilient urethane is superb for all woods, including hardwood floors, gymnasiums, cabinetry, furniture, and trim. Exceptional scuff resistance. Very fast-drying, multiple coats per day, yet self-levels to eliminate brush marks. Excellent response to brushwork, roller, or spray application. Gloss or satin."

New residential concrete system

Architectural Residential Technologies: "SPEEDFLOOR, the unique suspended concrete flooring system, is TRULY an innovation in the building industry. So quick and easy to install, SPEEDFLOOR is a lightweight, cost-effective system that's perfect for commercial and residential applications. Now it is possible to build multi-level residences with the same concrete and steel floors previously only economically feasible in a commercial building, condominium, or hotel. And SPEEDFLOOR can be installed on concrete, block, wood or metal stud wall systems. Why put up with wood floor squeaks and rot, not to mention termite damage, when all the advantages of a concrete floor upgrade can be yours for a minimal cost? Is this possible?"

Burton Wood Mouldings | Architectural Wood Mouldings

Burton Wood Mouldings | Architectural Wood Mouldings: "All Burton wood moldings and MDF moldings are professionally primed, available in 14 - 16 foot lengths, and shipped throughout North America, Europe, and Asia.
For over 13 years we have been manufacturing a full range of architectural wood mouldings for residential and commercial applications.
We carry many different lines of mouldings: Crown moulding, baseboards, casing, chair rails, window sills and much more. Custom mouldings are available upon request. Available Product: MDF moulding, Pine moulding, Ultra lite moulding, Hardwood moulding, Flexible moulding, and Polyurethane moulding."

Wood Paneling

Hyde Park Lumber Company: "a modular raised wood paneling system, using modern and efficient production methods that result in the panel systems costing less. And all this without sacrificing the many outstanding features associated with traditional raised panels. Now you can enjoy elegant rooms with paneled walls that rival the grand libraries of a century ago. Hyde park Raised Panels add warmth and elegance, and yet are affordable, they have become today's most attractive decorating option. Of course that's not all Hyde Park Lumber does. We supply everything for the entire job including baseboards, crown moldings, chair rails and trim. The Hyde Park Lumber Company also manufactures custom base cabinetry and bookshelves to the buyers precise specifications, all ready for effortless assembly. "

Outdoor stains and finishes

Weatherbos: "The photo is a cut piece of wood viewed through a microscope. It appears as a honeycomb comprised of many microscopically small cells. Whenever a honey comb is cut the entire surface has open cells regardless of how carefully it is cut. Likewise, wherever a board is cut, the surface will have cells which are exposed like little 'catch-basins.' As the cells fill with dust and dirt particles, the dominant color changes. On an actual wood surface, the exposed cells are catch pollen, dust and pollution particles. Particles larger than the cells will be blown away by wind or washed off by rain. Smaller particles will fall into the cavity and become trapped by gravity. Air pollution has become another contributing factor by creating an oily film on the surface. When the open cells are filled the wood color changes to grey, which is the color of the combined dust, emissions and pollens."

Outdoor Lighting Code Handbook

darksky.org

Take a walking tour of a soundproof house

soundproofing.org

Revolutionizing Roofing, One Roofer at a Time

THOR Tools - : "Patented THOR Roofing Layout Tapes and the THOR System have been documented and proven by roofers to increase productivity 18% to 36%! The Tapes are disposable tools, designed by a roofer for roofers to create easy and accurate hash marks for shingle placement in 5" and 5-5/8" reveals.




Simple, easy-to-read marks on a glare-free surface provide fast, calculation-free roofing layout and easy navigation around dormers, skylights and chimneys. THOR Roofing Layout Tapes virtually eliminate human errors."

Patio Globe

backyardcity: "European Series patio and planter lamps are made of high quality weather resistant materials, powder coated aluminum, U.V. protected acrylics and polyethylene, with stainless steel fasteners to protect against rust and salt air corrosion. Acrylic globes offer the best in non-yellowing materials and are more impact resistant than glass. Each European lamp has a waterproof hi-low on/off switch, which provides two levels of light for both function and mood, and a 10-foot grounded cord and plug. Choose from two styles, 'patio lamp' or 'planter lamp'. Each is 80'+ high and available in single 12' diameter globe top. Available in texture black and white finishes to compliment today's outdoor furniture styles. Single globe style comes with ten pound weighted base. Additional weight can be added with sand or soil for extreme windy environments. Both are KD and can be shipped via UPS. For added stability an optional Ground Stake with PVC Finish can also be added.
Price: $207.00 Sale Price: $139.00"

Coolaroo

Coolaroo: "Coolaroo Exterior Window Shades are the ideal solution for reducing temperature within your home. Made from Coolaroo's unique knitted all weather fabric, they block up to 90% of the sun's UV rays yet still allow air to flow through. This breathable fabric not only significantly reduces temperatures behind the window shade but stil allows just the right amount of light transmission to ensure you can always see what's happening outside.


Only Coolaroo Shade Sails feature Coolaroo's unique Commercial Grade knitted fabric specially designed to breathe. The result? It keeps you cooler. This state of the art material blocks up to 90% of the suns harmful rays yet remains totally unaffected by moisture and natural temperature extremes. And because Coolaroo fabric is knitted, not woven, it won't tear or fray. Hard-to-find Shadecloth Accessories. Shade sails sold at backyardcity for about $75 - $85

Mailboxes.com

Mailboxes, posts, lockers, custom signage and postal specialties

Victorian components

Vintage Woodworks -- gingerbread house trim, fretwork millwork, porches, screen doors

Crown Moulding Drops

Crown Moulding Drops: "-- avoid tedious miter cuts and coping when installing Crown Mouldings. Just cut the Moulding to length and butt ends against Our Crown Moulding Drops. When installed, the Drops provide a 3-1/4' x 3-1/4' flat face to receive the Crown Moulding ends. This is perfect for Crowns #54-110 and #54-115. Standard in Pine. Upgrade to Poplar for free. About $15-40 per corner!!"

Accentrim

3M Products: "-- a competitively-priced alternative to cut glass effects and an opportunity to differentiate your product line with custom designs and patterns. Accentrim Products provide a low-cost, very attractive alternative to plain glass, divided light and machine cut glass."

Bargain Outfitters

Tool Outlet

Nail Kicker Introduction

The Nail Kicker:

IS a handheld pneumatic denailer or nail remover!

IS similar to a nail gun. It 'kicks' nails out of lumber instead of putting them in.. without destroying the wood! However, it does not pull nails.

IS leading a revolution in nail removal and deconstruction of buildings by bringing speed and automation to a traditionally labor-intensive task... resulting in cost-effective lumber salvage and reuse.

Is an essential demolition tool for contractors generating or processing construction and demolition (C&D) waste to meet safety regulations or who are including green practices such as wood recovery in the course of their work. As a wood flooring tool, it removes nails from loose boards without damaging the edges of tongues or grooves. Under $450."

HUD Community Renewal

Economic Development Programs: "HUD's Initiative for Renewal Communities, urban Empowerment Zones and urban Enterprise Communities. HUD re-energized this Initiative in December 2001 by designating 40 urban and rural RCs and 8 new urban EZs. These new designees are able to use a remarkable $22 Billion tax-incentive package to open new businesses, provide thousands of new jobs, rehab and build new housing, and change lives in urban and rural areas throughout the nation. "

Central Vacuum System Accessories

Automatic Dustpan: "VacPan -- No more stooping to use a dustpan in kitchen, mudroom or bath. A $35 add-on that installs along with central vac systems. Saves dragging a 30 foot hose out of the closet.


"

JLC Online: "Shower wall moisture questions"

The Inspector's Journal

- webzine for the home inspection industry.

A profit? What's that?

JLC Online: "You can't be a successful builder without also running a profitable business. And for many builders, the biggest barrier to turning a profit is that they simply don't charge enough for their work.

Why do builders undercharge? The habit often takes root when a startup company uses fire-sale pricing as a way to drum up business. That may be a fair exchange at first — it boils down to giving the customer a rebate for letting you use his or her home to practice in — but it's a dead end in the long run. "

GARLIC TESTED IN WAR AGAINST SNAILS AND SLUGS

September 12, 2003
Reuters
MANCHESTER, England - British scientists have, according to this story, produced a special garlic extract that may ward off slugs. Dr Gordon Port, of Newcastle University in northern England, was quoted as saying telling the British Association for the Advancement of Science conference Friday that, "It works well in repelling and killing snails. We've done scientific tests in the laboratory which have shown it to work." How it kills the slugs and snails isn't clear. As soon as the pests reached a barrier of the garlic oil they turned around and headed the other way.

It's only air conditioning

sunpipe.uk.co: "Windcatcher is a technology developed by Monodraught to provide natural ventilation without any moving parts.

Using the compartmentalised vertical vents, fresh outside air is brought into the room, and stale warm air is expelled - all using the natural effects of the wind.

As there are no moving parts, there is nothing to break, wear out, or maintain - the Windcatcher is the essence of sustainable technology."