Issue 194

With a basic design that hasn’t changed in over a century, these shaping and smoothing specialists pick up where power tools leave off.

Time-saving tips about planning, materials, and construction that will get any outbuilding up in a hurry.

A small addition displaces the old kitchen to yield a mudroom, a laundry, a pantry, and a better-flowing first floor.

They’re big and expensive, but versatile enough for framing, trim, siding, and cabinetry work.

No matter where you live, a solar system can reduce energy costs and provide a reliable supply of domestic hot water.

Mike Guertin outlines the entire process, from preparing the site to pouring and finishing the concrete slab for a patio.

Five years ago, Jerry Crutchfield took a 3-in. framing nail through the cheek and into his brain. In December 2007, his lawsuit against Stanley Fastening Systems and The Home Depot…

Recent research on residential ventilation presented at 2007’s American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers conference is consistent with past research and current practice in Europe. Why is this…

Starting January 2009, builders in Connecticut will need to meet the equivalent of the LEED Silver rating on all public and private buildings (except residential with fewer than five units)…

The cold weather in Urbana, lll., barely registered inside the superinsulated houses on display at the second-annual North American Passive House Conference hosted by the Passive House Institute (www.passivehouse.us) and…

Zip System wall and roof sheathing

Convoy Super caulking gun

SpeedWave grinder blade

Convenience vs. energy consumption The Kitchens & Baths issue (FHB #191) included a feature on warming a granite kitchen countertop, as well as a separate article on choosing energy-efficient appliances. As long…

To eliminate backyard clutter, confine it in a small outbuilding with panache

Understand the difference between painted and anodized finishes.

Open cell and closed cell varieties have varying insulating qualities and applications

Grind out deep nicks with a belt sander, use a diamond stone to create a sharp edge, then finish with stropping compound

Carpenter Bill Shaw demonstrates how cutting the crown at the same angle as the projection ensures that the cope will fit every time.

Great moments in building history: Two inspectors recount a tale of a home damaged by a couple of furry houseguests

A litany of options for roof penetrations ensure that this connection stays tight

Learn how to use a belt sander, a diamond stone, and stropping compound to revive a dull or chipped chisel.

Tour the IceStone plant where recycled glass and concrete combine into countertops and floors

Using a construction calculator during planning helps avoid wasting time, money, and materials.

California finish carpenter Kit Camp tried out six of the newest top-of-the-line 12-in. sliding compound-miter saws and rated them on their vertical capacity, miter range, bevel range, noise level, and…

California finish carpenter Kit Camp tried out six of the newest top-of-the-line 12-in. sliding compound-miter saws and rated them on their vertical capacity, miter range, bevel range, noise level, and…

California finish carpenter Kit Camp tried out six of the newest top-of-the-line 12-in. sliding compound-miter saws and rated them on their vertical capacity, miter range, bevel range, noise level, and…

California finish carpenter Kit Camp tried out six of the newest top-of-the-line 12-in. sliding compound-miter saws and rated them on their vertical capacity, miter range, bevel range, noise level, and…

A pro points out the positive and negative attributes of the newest Makita model

California finish carpenter Kit Camp tried out six of the newest top-of-the-line 12-in. sliding compound-miter saws and rated them on their vertical capacity, miter range, bevel range, noise level, and…

A home inspector advises to skip the cosmetic inspection until completing the structural evaluation

Foundations and thresholds can invite water pooling, and weathered paint often hides cracked clapboards

A lack of sheathing inside this cold, drafty attic led to a myriad of structual damage

Despite fears of a dark, scary place, recent mechanical upgrades put a positive spin on this inspection