December 2013 Table of Contents

The basic FastCap Pro model has no wheels and comes with one continuous 64-inch wing with a metric or imperial scale and a flip stop. The rest of the stands have four wheels for better mobility, and include a variety of accessories. Read more

Many carpenters make their own saw stands, which they can tailor exactly to the work they do. These stands are their workbenches, and because the stands are wooden, users can nail or screw their accessories anywhere. Read more

The concept of the Trojan Workcenter is simple: Two pairs of collapsible legs firmly clamp to a 2-by rail, which you supply; there’s an MDF saw table and two adjustable support rollers that clamp to the top of the rail. Read more

According to the specs, the Ridgid AC9945 Miter Saw Utility Vehicle weighs just 57 pounds and extends to an overall length of about 9 1/2 feet. Read more

This station is designed to pair with the Kapex saw that many high-end finish carpenters like to use. The two extension wings give continuous support and provide extra work surface that is ideal for trim work, and simple flip stops allow repetitive cuts. Read more

Made of aluminum, the 35-pound DWX723 folds into a slender, 6-foot-long package that totes easily and doesn’t crowd a pickup bed. Setup is a simple matter of squeezing release levers and swinging out the legs before securing the saw. Read more

This stand won a Editors’ Choice Award from Tools of the Trade magazine in 2002 because it unfolded in a minute to become a long and sturdy 18-inch-wide stand, and it had an adjustable deck height to accommodate almost any saw. Read more

In a recent JLC Tools & Equipment forum, several contributors, including Connecticut remodeler Phil Herzegovitch, said they liked Ryobi’s A18MS01 miter-saw stand. Herzegovitch has now been using two of these stands for more than five years. Read more

An informal survey reveals the most popular manufactured models, plus some ingenious homemade options. Read more

The Bosch T4B's solid-rubber tires roll over rough terrain and make it easier to get the saw and stand up a stairway. Read more

Four design/build teams solve the puzzle of high-performance wall construction—in four different ways. Read more

Four design/build teams solve the puzzle of high-performance wall construction—in four different ways. Read more

The wall system shown here is an improved version of the system I used for the house I built in Knox, Maine, in 2011. Read more

Our wall example is part of a zero-energy single-family house built for the tenant farmer of an organic farm in rural Connecticut. Read more

Our challenge was to realize the owners distinctive artistic vision for their home, along with their very ambitious energy-efficiency goals, while also working within the hard limits of the budget. Read more

Insurance adjusters are on the road for days or weeks at a time and need to be prepared. Here's what you should have on hand. Read more

When a hurricane or other natural disaster strikes, CAT-adjusters go to work, assessing damage for insurance companies. Contractors looking for a job that takes their stiff joints and aching back off the jobsite might consider using their experience in construction as a licensed adjuster. Read more

Reader comments and author replies on "Strong, Safe Decks (Sep/13), continuous joists (Q&A, Oct/13), and stone veneer (Sep/13). Read more

Michael Byrne, a veteran tile installer and consultant, explains two scenarios: The hole is to be covered up by something (such as a shower pan), or it will be covered directly with floor tile. Read more

Taking just one minute to make this push stick could mean still being able to count to 10 on your fingers. Read more

The SEO rules have changed. This article describes how to use Google Keyword Planner to find the three or four keywords that best describe your expertise, and how to use them to rewrite your Web copy. Read more

While unit prices for labor are available from a number of sources, the best source is a company's own job history. This article uses an example of framing an exterior wall to show how to use that data to calculate unit costs for labor based on material quantities. Read more

Encapsulating ducts with at least 1 1/2 inches of closed-cell spray foam substantially improves HVAC performance in all U.S. climate zones. Burying the encapsulated ducts in loose-fill attic insulation improves performance even more. Read more

Although Atlas' new high-performance or HP Technology Shingles are no thicker than other architectural grade roof shingles, they're warranted to withstand 130 mph winds with four nails per shingle and a 6-inch course exposure. Read more

Vola’s new Modular Electric Towel Warmer hides the technical elements behind the wall, leaving a cleaner look than radiator-style warmers. Read more

Secure-A-Tank brackets are a simple, inexpensive way to add support to contemporary toilets, reducing strain on bolts and gaskets. The plastic braces simply hook over the lip of the tank. Read more

A line of half-round column elements for cabinets, kitchen islands, and other surfaces, Design-A-Column includes columns and more in maple and cherry with a variety of designs. Read more

This unique outlet conceals three electrical sockets behind a flat wall plate. Push on the plate and the spring-loaded outlet emerges. Read more

These countertops are made by fusing the end pieces of wood strips. Colors range from creamy white to light brown and dark chocolate brown. Read more

The Infina LED bulb screws into any fixture made for a standard Edison bulb, turns on instantly, and is dimmable. Read more

This Trex decking, which is part of the company's Select Composite system, mimics the natural graying of wood often seen on homes near the ocean. Read more

The watertight outward-opening door on American Standard's Walk-in Bath makes it easier to access the tub seat, especially for wheelchair users. And the Quick Drain pump drains the tub in two minutes. Read more

These Signet foam-filled fiberglass entry doors are available in custom widths and in heights up to 8 feet. Doors are individually hand-stained and can be customized with different styles, colors, and finishes. Read more

According to the manufacturer, you can safely lay a hot pan on this Pyrolave countertop's surface. The product's signature look is a delicate crazing that appears in the glazing during manufacture. Built-in drain boards and sinks are available. Read more

Marvin's shading system can be fitted to a range of the company's windows, is invisible when retracted, and fully integrates into the frame. Plus, the motor can be controlled via an iPad or iPod app. Read more

Veteran drywall contractor and JLC Live presenter reviews the Bucket Splash Guard. Read more

This free industrial catalog, available in print and online, covers more than 570,000 products. Read more

Together these two products will remove and prevent rust on tools and equipment, even in harsh coastal environments. Read more

A contractor reviews this portable drill, which when equipped with annular cutters, greatly reduces the time required to drill up to 1 1/2-inch-diameter holes in steel up to 2 inches thick. Read more

A production manager for a St. Louis remodeler has high praise for this cap nailer after a year of use fastening foam, housewraps, and synthetic underlayments. Read more

Sometimes called "coffin" or "witch" windows, "Vermont Windows" are a unique feature of farmhouses in several New England states. Read more