Replies

1. 
   danusan10 | Sep 20, 2009 05:29pm | #1

   Make a jig for your router

2. 
   renosteinke | Sep 21, 2009 02:02am | #2

   Gee, do you suppose that part of the 'high prices' charged by contractors is so they can have the right tools for the job? If you can't rent the necessary tools, perhaps it's time to hire somone who will be spreading their cost over many jobs.

1. 
   RichardZ | Sep 21, 2009 12:20pm | #5

   A coworker once told me that the difference with Pros and Amateurs is that the Pros have the correct tools and have learned from their mistakes.

   I am a student of woodworking and now home carpentry, plumbing, electrical, etc. I never mentioned "high priced talent", I am seeking better solution for a problem. Taunton states "dont be afraid to ask questions". I pay my annual subscription for FH. just as you do.

   One of my biggest gripes about using Tauntons' web site be it FW or FH is that there is always 2% fringe element that you have to contend with and the Editors never seem to notice the intimidation factor.

   I suggest you try to apply your frustrations (and energies) on your own skillsets and client building skills. And let those who are willing to mentor and help others do their thing.

   r

1. 
   IMERC | Sep 21, 2009 12:33pm | #6

   nicely said...

   seen the trim out done with a hot wire knief...

   google came up with this...

   foam hot kniefs... lots to pick from...

   a router, I'm WTB would make a serious mess...

    

   one more thing.. yur last post.. well said..

     

   Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

   WOW!!! What a Ride!

   Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

    

   "Some days it's just not worth chewing through the restraints"

2. 
   IMERC | Sep 21, 2009 12:35pm | #7

   take the fringe element with a grain of salt...

   BTW...

   welcome to BT and may yur skin thicken a bit... 

   Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

   WOW!!! What a Ride!

   Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

    

   "Some days it's just not worth chewing through the restraints"

1. 
   RichardZ | Sep 21, 2009 12:52pm | #8

   Thanks, your point is well taken and I will take a deep breath before posting similar comments.

   Everyone "has to" make a living. There are jobs that I feel I can do and there are jobs I know I cannot do or cannot do well. However, if there is a project that I can learn, improve my skills or simply enjoy I will do it. If there is a tool I need to get it done I buy it. I dont borrow tools, I dont lend them either.

   Plumbers deserve every cent they earn. It is a job I would not do. Lay on your back and try to dismantle a faucet and have debris or worse fall on you. I respect people who work with their hands.

   A friend of mine, a WWll vet, a grizzled kindly gent, related a story about the time his car broke down in the middle of traffic, he got out and was about to push the car to the side of the road, when another motorist drove up behind him and started sounding his car horn. My friend walked over to the impatient motorist and told him "I tell you what, you push my car and I will sound your horn". In other words, if you arent willing to help out, be quiet.

   Thanks again,

   R

1. 
   IMERC | Sep 21, 2009 01:00pm | #9

   WTB every body here started out that way... 

   Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

   WOW!!! What a Ride!

   Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

    

   "Some days it's just not worth chewing through the restraints"

2. 
   Clewless1 | Sep 21, 2009 03:14pm | #10

   By the same token, your original comment to 'reno' was well put. His original comment had a strong sarcastic tone to it. He also seem to not read well (which we can all have a tendency to do) in that it really didn't seem like he read your original intent ... that this is a DIY effort, not a high priced pro job as an option effort.

3. 
   Snort | Sep 21, 2009 03:47pm | #12

   Along with a collection of hand saws, my insulators use a homemade offset 2' sawzall blade with a knife edge ground on it.http://www.tvwsolar.com

   We'll have a kid

   Or maybe we'll rent one

   He's got to be straight

   We don't want a bent one

   He'll drink his baby brew

   From a big brass cup

   Someday he may be president

   If things loosen up

2. 
   Clewless1 | Sep 21, 2009 03:21pm | #11

   Gee, do you think that what drives many people to DIY is the frequent situation where you bust your butt earning money and then spend it on a 'high price' contractor and then have him do shoddy work?

   Good contractors are worth their wage, but there are plenty out there that are charging the same amount, but do substandard work. I built my own house (subbing some tasks out) and I frequently had comments that I did some things better than contractors would.

   Your cutting sarcasm and shows a lack of respect when your point could have been made more simply. I'm sure this was simply a slip ... and like the other poster said ... to some extent, people just lay it on the line in here. So I still respect your post and point of view.

1. 
   renosteinke | Sep 21, 2009 05:49pm | #13

   I think you are correct ... I did't fully appreciate it at the time, but I was sarcastic ... and probably more than was warranted. For that I apologize.

   I suppose the 'formative moment' for me came the day I was approached at the ATM by the quintessential 'nice little old lady' who said she could tell I knew what I was doing, as I had such a nice truck with all those tools and parts. How much to ...?

   Feeling generous, I told her I would come out for $50. My goodness! I haven't heard a howl like hers' since the day a check bounced at the Mustang Ranch! Suddenly I was a crook, or worse. I had to wonder: just where did she think that truck and those tools came from? Did she think some $8/hr handyman would bring that 20ft. ladder with him on the bus?

   Then there is my work itself, where I often find myself sorting out the mess left by some unqualified person, using 'creative' methods and materials. Such work often has the result of turning an easy 5 minute job into a 3 hr nightmare.

   The final 'impression' is a more pleasant one, and one that I've only recently begun to have with any regularity. That's where you go to do a job that you detest, because of past bad experiences - and the job is a positive pleasure, because THIS time you have the right tools and know what you're doing. Suddenly putting that hole in the concrete wall is not an all-day sweat fest!

   With this comes the realization that my days of buying $20 tools - even $100 tools - are pretty much over. The already have those; the tools I buy these days usually start at $400. Heck, you can't even get a decent push cart for less than a couple hundred (Milwaukee wants $800 for theirs).

   Trimming foam? Sure, there's a real nice 'roller' type tool that the operator runs over the studs, shaving off any foam that projects. You won't find it at Home Depot, though .... and it probably will cost you several hundred dollars. IF you can get it; I would not be surprised if the tool I'm thinking of is proprietary, and made available only to factory-certified installers.

   There are reasons some things are called "skilled trades."

1. 
   Clewless1 | Sep 23, 2009 03:03pm | #15

   No worries, dude. It happens. This kind of communication can be tough to judge a lot of times (intent of others and especially our own tone).

3. 
   Slowandsteady | Sep 21, 2009 04:40am | #3

   I just did a front wall (21') of my home using Foam it Green from Guardian Energy Technologies.  I used a somewhat flexible hand saw, laying the saw on adjacent studs and easily "sawing" off the excess.  For tighter areas, around windows or protruding electical boxes, I bought and used a 99 cent only store bread knife.  It didn't seem to take too long, but then it was only one wall.

   If I may, now that I've done this, I can't get the inspector to sign off on it so that I can install drywall.  Are you working under a permit, and if so, how are you getting your inspector to by off on this DIY application of spay foam?

1. 
   RichardZ | Sep 21, 2009 12:07pm | #4

   I, too am using the Guardian Tech Foam It Green product, specifically the 602. No, I am not working under a permit, sorry no help here. Have you tried contacting GET, Mark Munns? They appear to be very customer oriented and might be able to assist you with your BI,

   Richard

4. 
   cussnu2 | Sep 21, 2009 08:13pm | #14

   I've never done it but based on what I have seen, it looks like you could grind down one end of a bow saw blade and use that in your recip saw.

5. 
   fingers | Sep 27, 2009 04:00am | #16

   This is exactly the type of job where Red Green could come up with a custom made foam trimmer, perhaps removing the wheels on an old lawn mower with the blade cut down to 14 1/2 inches.