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Features

Letters

  • Letters

    Another look at energy claims; feeling the financial squeeze

     

News

Q&A

  • Q&A: New Deck Footings Near an Old Foundation

    Q. Plans for a freestanding deck call for new piers about 2 feet from the house foundation. Is it necessary to dig down to the bottom of the house's footing to reach undisturbed soil, or would the dirt around the foundation of a 60-year-old house be compacted enough to be con sidered undisturbed -...

     
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    Q&A: Rafter Ties and Shallow-Pitch Roofs

    Q. My clients have a garage with a conventionally framed 4/12 roof that they want to convert to living space. They like the idea of a vaulted ceiling but not the expense of the new structural ridge it would require. As a compromise, can I replace the existing ceiling joists with rafter ties?

     
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    Q&A: Quick Fix for a Noisy Circulation Fan

    Q. My client's metal fireplace is supplied by a makeup air system with a built-in circulation fan. This fan - which plugs into an accessible outlet - is triggered by a heat sensor in the fireplace. While effective, it's also very loud. To reduce the noise, I'd like to replace the fan's on/off...

     

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Products

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    Products

    Central-vac alternative; bay-front fireplace; wood-look decking; quick-dry latex paint; lighter bricks; more

     

Toolbox

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    Makita BHR202 SDS-Plus Cordless Rotary Hammer

    Powered by an 18-volt lithium-ion battery, Makita's BHR202 SDS-Plus cordless rotary hammer is rated for making 15/16-inch holes in concrete.

     
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    Praxis Router Templates

    Outside of a few drywall contractors, I've met few people who could accurately guide a drywall router freehand.

     
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    FastCap Pocket Chisel

    FastCaps' Pocket Chisel is protected by its own folding handle and is tough enough — according to the maker — to withstand hammer blows.

     
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    DeWalt Track Saws

    DeWalt's new Track Saws make it a lot easier to break down sheets of cabinet plywood or MDF.

     
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    Dremel Multi-Max

    I've never met a carpenter who didn't like his Fein MultiMaster, but I've met plenty who think Fein's prices — especially for accessories — are a little steep.

     
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    Pacific Laser Systems PLS5 Point-To-Point Laser

    The self-leveling PLS5 point-to-point laser has been updated.

     
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    Ridgid OL50145MW Air Compressor

    At roughly the size and capacity of a large twin stack but easier to move, Ridgid's OL50145MW 5-Gallon Mini Wheelbarrow Air Compressor features a cast-iron cylinder, an oil-lube pump, a 10-inch flat-free tire, a ball-valve tank drain, a protective roll cage, and two quick couplers.

     
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    Bosch PS30 Compact Driver/Drill

    The two-speed PS30 Compact Driver/Drill from Bosch delivers 220 inch-pounds of torque and 1,100 rpm — but weighs a mere 2 1/2 pounds.

     
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    Jet 708315BTC Benchtop Table Saw

    I bought the Jet 708315BTC because I wanted to supplement my regular job-site table saw with a portable model.

     

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