Issue 325 – August/September 2024
Features
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A Deep Dive Into Continuous Exterior Insulation
From durability to energy efficiency, continuous exterior insulation is an accessbile approach to a high-performance wall.
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Secrets of Thermal Imaging
Diagnose comfort problems and building deficiencies without tearing the house apart.
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Money Matters for Owner-Builders
Understand the difference between estimating and cost planning, and don't let your sweat equity evaporate into budgeting mistakes.
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Pocket Doors Never Looked So Good
Installation tips and trim details for a modern-style pocket door.
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Straighter, Stronger Shelves
Add a rabbet to shelf nosing to keep plywood shelves rigid and free from curves.
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Storage-Bin Solution
Organize your tools and hardware on the wall by hanging unused bins on this variation on a French cleat.
Tips & Techniques
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Ladder-Top Tool HoldersPowerful magnets attached to the top of a ladder allow easy access to hammers and pliers.
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Keep Self-Leveler in PlaceWhen there are gaps in a soon-to-be-tiled subfloor, a self-adhered membrane applied on top will keep self-leveler from pouring through the cracks.
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Problem-Solving Stretch WrapA roll of plastic wrap can be used for material bundling, binding shut doors and drawers for transport, making insuation easier to carry, keeping router bits from getting dull in a tool box, and many more useful tasks.
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Sharper ShovelsUse a flap disc on a grinder to create a sharp edge that will slice through soil.
Tools & Materials
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Hybrid-Powered RouterMetabo HPT's dual-powered plunge router offers the option to plug in an otherwise-battery-operated tool for production work.
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Automatic Fresh AirAutomated casement and awning windows from Marvin can be opened and closed with switches, set up to operate on a schedule, and programmed to react to temperature and humidity levels.
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Unmistakable Extension CordBad Ass Extension Cords makes quality cords in different lengths and thicknesses, with bright color options as well as customizable branding to keep cords from being lost on the job.
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Portable Power WasherThe new DeWalt Power Cleaner can be hooked up to a garden hose or conveniently set up to pull water from a bucket if there's no nearby water source.
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Convenient Dust CollectionThe Bosch TS1004 Dust Bag is designed to attach to a tablesaw's dust port to collect up to 70% of the dust, without the need to haul and set up a vac or dust extractor.
HOUSES by Design
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Wood and Steel in SeattleThis home's open spaces feature architectural concrete walls supported by substantial wood and steel beams.
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Sited in the TreesThis home features dramatic interior spaces enhanced by views of the surrounding trees and stream.
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Slide-By HouseA minimal, straightforward layout with simple materials and details defines this net-zero-energy, single-level home.
