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?!
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?!
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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:
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.
Old House Journal Recommended Products
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Spyder Stinger Spade Bit
Heat-Shrink Tubing
Milwaukee Compact Cordless Router (2723-20)
View Comments
You guys do a fantastic job on the show notes, thank you! :-)
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.
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.