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The Fine Homebuilding Podcast

Episode 44 — Tools, Kitchen Cabinets, and Shingles Under Solar Panels

Time for tech talk with FHB's resident tool nerd, Patrick McCombe. And a water heater in the attic?!

By Fine Homebuilding Editors
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In this podcast episode, host and FHB editor Justin Fink talks with design editor Brian Pontolilo and associate editor Patrick McCombe about cordless miter saws, routers, drivers, drills, and more. That includes some pretty honest evaluations of the strengths and weaknesses of tool makers including Milwaukee, Rigid, DeWalt, Bosch, Festool, and Makita. Plus Brian’s kitchen cabinets, jigs for drawer slides, roof durability under solar panels, and a water heater in the attic?!

The show is driven by our listeners, so please subscribe and rate us on iTunes or Google Play, and if you have any questions you would like us to dig into for a future show, shoot an email our way: [email protected]. Also, be sure to follow Justin Fink, Rob Yagid, and Fine Homebuilding on Instagram — and “like” the magazine on Facebook.

The Fine Homebuilding Podcast embodies Fine Homebuilding magazine’s commitment to the preservation of craftsmanship and the advancement of home performance in residential construction. The show is an informal but vigorous conversation about the techniques and principles that allow listeners to master their design and building challenges.

Resources mentioned in (or related to) this podcast episode:

  • Tool Test: Cordless Sliders
  • How to Install Inset Cabinet Doors
  • An Introduction to Photovoltaic Systems
  • Will Your Next Asphalt Roof Last a Lifetime?
  • We need your feedback! Please do take the Fine Homebuilding Podcast survey!

And here are the photos of Brian’s cabinets that were discussed in this podcast:

Cab 1

Cab 3

Cab 5

After hearing this podcast, a listener named Kurtis sent us this photo and link regarding cool vanity toe kicks. His brother made a sliding step stool for kids and a laundry chute (see photo below). Here’s a link to his brother’s blog.

KurtisPhoto

Fine Homebuilding Recommended Products

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

Paslode Cordless Finish Nailer (IM250A)

This finish nailer from Paslode is well-balanced, easy to handle, and good with even dense materials. The depth of drive is consistent and sensitive, making it a great countersinking tool.
Buy at Amazon

Hitachi Pin Nailer (NP35A)

This compact, no-frills nailer is a good choice for someone starting out in the trades or a builder unsure of how to get the most out of a 23-ga. pinner.
Buy at Amazon

Metabo HPT Impact Driver (WH18DBDL2)

This impact driver is a small, light, and powerful tool featuring three hammers and anvils instead of the usual two.
Buy at Amazon

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View Comments

  1. TinyHouseCult | Mar 28, 2017 12:52am | #1

    You guys do a fantastic job on the show notes, thank you! :-)

  2. gdirlam | May 16, 2017 05:49pm | #2

    So all the talk of how you like rigid and or Milwaukee is kind of funny. the same south korean company that owns Milwaukee tools is OEM manufacturer for rigid tools. BTW they also own the Ryobi brand. So I would not be expecting allot of differences in the guys of these brands.

  3. miw2140 | Jun 28, 2017 12:44pm | #3

    First off, love this podcast, but I've got a bone to pick.

    It was said by one of you on this episode that you can't glue a face frame to plywood with no fasteners. You absolutely CAN do that. I worked in a custom cabinet shop for a year and have been building them myself for years after. This was how all face frames were attached in the custom shop (They had been doing it for thirty years with no problems). Wood glue makes an extremely strong joint, even on plywood. The only use for biscuits on face frames would be for aligning things (biscuits are for losers ;-); as for pocket holes, if you don't have enough clamps they are a good substitute. However, neither of them are needed for strength.

    Probably coming off as a know-it-all, but I just can't help correcting that statement. Maybe go get a little lesson on the wonders of wood glue from your friends at Fine Woodworking. They'll let you know what's up ;-) If you can, talk to Mike Pekovich because he's nice. Matt Kenney will probably just make fun of you.

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