The Journal of Light Construction articles from November 2004

The Journal of Light Construction archives from November 2004

Are we still in Kansas?(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
November 1, 2004... Steve Thomas just told all the good and honest readers of JLC where he keeps the spare key to his truck ("Duct Tape for Dummies," Letters, 8/04). By including his first and last name and city and state, you could have just helped get his track...

Doubling compressed air output.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
November 1, 2004... Your recent article on compressors ("Stacked-Tank Compressors," 8/04) brought to mind something I learned on the job site many years ago, while nailing off sheathing. I discovered that we could double our compressor output simply by doubling...

Compressor specs.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
November 1, 2004... I found Victor Rasilla's article on stacked-tank compressors (8/04) highly informative. The only quibble I have is that some of the manufacturers' stated specs may not be true in real life. My Porter-Cable CPLDC2540S reportedly draws only 12...

Long spans and tile.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
November 1, 2004... Regarding the item "Setting Ceramic Tile Over Long-Span Steel Joists" (Q&A, 8/04), L/360 isn't typically a good indicator of a firm floor except for spans under 15 feet. L/480 is optimum for spans up to 20 feet, which equals 1/2-inch deflection...

Fannie Mae under fire: a regulator's report of "cookie jar" accounting sparks hearings and a criminal probe.(In The News)
November 1, 2004... Fannie Mae, the federally created financial corporation that serves as a major market maker for home mortgages, is facing a barrage of regulatory scrutiny, a criminal investigation, and Congressional hearings in the wake of a harshly critical...

New structural system weathers Charley's Wrath.(In The News)
November 1, 2004... On August 6, home builder Brian Bishop put the finishing touches on three affordable homes in Port Charlotte, Fla., and turned them over to the owners. He had built the homes using an innovative new structural system designed to resist high...

Texas tackles workers' comp crisis.(In The News)
November 1, 2004... A state "Sunset Commission" advisory panel assembled to troubleshoot the Texas workers' comp system is recommending "drastic changes," including the abolition of the Texas Workers' Compensation Commission (TWCC). Doctors, employers, insurance...

OSHA has launched a Web site.(Offcuts)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... OSHA has launched a Web site containing information and tips related to the safety and health of residential construction workers. Created with input from the NAHB, the Residential Construction Safety and Health site (www.osha.gov/...

The NAHB Research Center.(National Association of Home Builders of the United States)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... The NAHB Research Center has posted an updated version of the "Builder's Guide to Frost Protected Shallow Foundations" on its Web site. The manual examines the applications and limitations of FPSFs, and includes information on design methods...

Florida requires ring-shank nails for Hurricane-zone roof sheathing.(In The News)
November 1, 2004... The 2004 edition of Florida's building code has a new nailing requirement for residential pitched roofs: All sheathing must be nailed with ringshank 8d nails at 6 inches o.c. The requirement grows out of research conducted by Ricardo...

Big builders see gains in customer satisfaction.(In The News)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Smaller builders have always touted construction quality and customer satisfaction to differentiate themselves from big production companies. That may get harder as the big guys improve their image in those areas. J.D. Power and Associates, a...

Causes of attic mold.(Q&A)
November 1, 2004... Q. I've been a builder for more than 20 years and have come across my first serious mold problem--in my own home in Maine. The house was for sale and under contract pending a building inspection. The inspection revealed mold growth on one...

Effective low-tech scheduling.(Business)
November 1, 2004... Our remodeling company produces between 70 and 100 projects a year, from handyman work to whole-house remodels. We used to have a hard time scheduling that many jobs, but over the last two years we've developed a system that brings some harmony...

Protect what's yours: incorporate.(Legal)
November 1, 2004... A lot of small construction companies are incorporated. There are so many advantages to being incorporated, it surprises me everybody doesn't do it. The Corporate Veil The main reason to incorporate is to protect your personal assets....

Installing stone counters: for the flawless installation this premium material deserves, provide strong support and carefully plan the cabinet details.
November 1, 2004... It wasn't that long ago that stone counters were an unusual item only wealthy people could afford. They're still not cheap, but they have come down in price and are increasingly common in high-end kitchens and baths. I've been in the...

Building a strong cathedral hip roof: custom steel brackets at the corners keep the hips from spreading.
November 1, 2004... My small remodeling company specializes in renovation, but we occasionally take on new construction, like the architect-designed pool house shown here. One of the keys to working successfully with an architect is to build the project exactly as...

Sidewinder circ saws: the best sidewinders are light and powerful, brake quickly, and have a large bevel capacity.(Tool Test)
November 1, 2004... The sidewinder circular saw is the quintessential East Coast framer's tool. As a full-time custom framer, I count it among my most important power tools. For this article, I reviewed eight 7 1/4-inch saws: the Bosch CS20, the DeWalt 364K, the...

Bosch CS20.(Tool Test)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Only Bosch has a built-in rafter hook, and it's exceptionally well designed. The Direct Connect cord system allows you to attach an extension cord directly to the saw and a positive stop prevents the cord from coming unplugged. No matter how I...

DeWalt 364K.(Tool Test)
November 1, 2004... If I were picking a shop saw, this would be my first choice. My only complaint with the saw is its weight: It's simply too heavy to carry all day long. But when cutting panels, the large rear-pivot shoe and extra stability are a plus. The bevel...

DeWalt 369CSK.(Tool Test)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... The best balanced of the bunch, this saw is no frills, all work. Bevel and depth adjustments are easy. It has a great bevel scale marked by the single degree with cast numbers that won't wear off. The 369CSK's shoe is made from a composite...

Hitachi C7BD2.(Tool Test)
November 1, 2004... Solid, ergonomically sound, and with plenty of power, this tool is a workhorse. I wish the graduations on the bevel scale were closer together--my only real complaint. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Makita 5007FAK.(Tool Test)
November 1, 2004... The LED light is nice and the maker says the bulbs will last as long as the saw. Unfortunately, that alone doesn't make this saw a worthy choice. The small shoe gives it a top-heavy feel and it has the smallest bevel capacity. ...

Milwaukee 6394-21.(Tool Test)
November 1, 2004... This saw has plenty of power and feels well balanced. With the easily replaced Quik-Lok cord (common to many Milwaukee tools), you can swap the standard 10-foot cord for a 25-foot version. The handle rotates through eight positions for greater...

Porter-Cable 325MAG.(Tool Test)
November 1, 2004... I found the Quik-Change system secure and quite easy to use. Instead of a blade wrench, it uses a hand-tightened nut to secure the blade. This is the most important circ-saw innovation to come along in years. Unfortunately, the saw won't cut...

Ridgid R3200.(Tool Test)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... The Ridgid is a decent low-cost saw, but it lacks a brake. Besides having the longest cord, nothing about it is really exceptional. It's probably a good choice if you don't want to spend too much money outfitting a crew. Light-up plug, cord...

Sidewinder Specs.(Tool Test)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
November 1, 2004... Sidewinder Specs Bosch DeWalt DeWalt Hitachi CS20 364K 369CSK C7BD2 Weight 11 lb 4 oz 13 lb 4 oz 11 lb 5 oz 11 lb 11 oz ...

Building a reinforced: concrete block wall.
November 1, 2004... I've worked as a mason for 31 years and have kept things interesting by taking on the most unconventional and technically challenging projects I can find, whether in repair, remodeling, or new construction. Recently I did a massive high-end...

QuickBooks Pro vs. Contractor: which is better? If you like to customize, stick with Pro; if you prefer prebuilt templates and reports, consider Contractor.
November 1, 2004... As a certified QuickBooks advisor, I am asked by a lot of contractors who are already using QuickBooks Pro ($300 retail) whether upgrading to the Premier Contractor Edition ($500) makes sense for them. The answer, not surprisingly, depends on...

Gift ideas.(Products)
November 1, 2004... Hard to believe, but it's time to start thinking about holiday gifts for your employees, subs, vendor, and customers. If you're like me, you use every excuse in the book to put off holiday shopping. Remember, though, that gifts with a company...

Cool cutter.(Gift Ideas)
November 1, 2004... Here's a handy gift for employees and subs that won't break the bank: the SuperKnife. The cool anodized knife accepts conventional utility knife blades and--unlike a traditional utility knife--folds up into pocket size. It sells for about $15;...

Snack packs.(Gift Ideas)
November 1, 2004... Sweeten your business relationships with treats from the Apple Cookie & Chocolate Co., whose extensive line of construction-themed gifts includes Sweet Tool Belts ($50), (Construction Drawings ($18), and Hard Hats of Snacks ($30 to $60). The...

Watch out.(Gift Ideas)
November 1, 2004... Construction sites are tough on wrist watches, so if you're looking for something useful for your lead guy (or your whole crew), consider the new Guard Dog watch. This good-looking timepiece clips to your belt and folds inside a plastic cover...

Lighter fare.(Gift Ideas)
November 1, 2004... Looking for a good way to spark long-term relationships with employees, subs, and vendors? Try giving out the new-generation Zippo MPL. This cool-looking refillable lighter comes packed in a gift box that you can have engraved with your company...

Jingle bell rock.(Gift Ideas)
November 1, 2004... If you're looking for one gift that you can give to the whole crew, check out this job-site radio. The Power Box from Bosch not only sounds great, it has four GFCI-protected outlets, a 12-volt DC power supply, and a Bosch battery charger. The...

Mug shot.(Gift Ideas)
November 1, 2004... No matter how small, a holiday gift can make your company look better than the stingy competition. And if you choose something people actually use, so much the better. Take the 14-ounce Thermos Travel Mug. It keeps that daily cup of coffee...

Stay in touch.(Gift Ideas)
November 1, 2004... During the holidays, make sure to send a card to subs and former clients. Oxman Publishing specializes in well-illustrated and humorous Holiday Cards for construction types, from plumbers and GCs to excavators and electricians. The card...

Thick skin.(Foundation Waterproofing)
November 1, 2004... We all know that slapping on a bucket of foundation coating does little to protect basements from water intrusion over the long term. For a more permanent basement-waterproofing method, take a look at the Tuff-N-Dri system from Tremco Barrier...

Slab-seepage control.(Foundation Waterproofing)
November 1, 2004... Any comprehensive foundation-waterproofing plan prevents vapor transmission and seepage through the basement slab. In areas with a high water table, where a layer of poly might not be enough to stop water seepage, an air-gap membrane is extra...

Water-management mat.(Foundation Waterproofing)
November 1, 2004... Air-gap membranes work according to a fairly simple principle: If you give water an easier path to follow, it won't penetrate the foundation. Products like Eljen's No Aggregate Drainage System use a plastic dimpled mat that channels water to a...

Life guard.(Pools & Spas)
November 1, 2004... Pets and children drown in backyard pools with startling frequency, but the Poolguard Underwater Alarm can help prevent such tragedies. When the portable alarm detects underwater waves, it triggers an 85-dB siren; a remote receiver located in...

Ultimate info.(Pools & Spa)
November 1, 2004... If you're interested in learning more about swimming-pool equipment and repair, check out the Ultimate Tech Manual, a well-written book from our sister publication Pool & Spa News. It covers repairs and maintenance of most pool mechanicals in...

Plastic spa pad.(Pools & Spas)
November 1, 2004... Most spas require a pad or deck for support, but getting a short load of concrete is expensive, and mixing some 30 bags of concrete isn't much fun. Here's a practical solution: The EZ Pad is a 3-inch-thick solid plastic mat designed as a base...

Out of the mud.(On The Job)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... There is a saying we have here in Portland, Ore., where we work in the rain nearly seven months of the year: "If you want to eat in the rain, you work in the rain." Recently I was brainstorming with the crew of Nathan D. Young...

Out of sight.(Range Hoods)
November 1, 2004... A custom range hood provides the flexibility to either match or be concealed within any kitchen design style. The SHL Series stainless steel range-hood liners are available in 36- and 48-inch widths and a whole slew of airflow options driven by...

High-power vent.(Range Hoods)
November 1, 2004... Don't mistake the low-key profile of this extraction canopy for a lack of what-for. The U120 Slim-Line Under-Cabinet hood can be paired with an external blower capable of 1,500 cfm. That'll just about suck the grease off a steak, so hold on to...

Cheng's hood.(Range Hoods)
November 1, 2004... Despite the universal habit of matching range-hood and stove widths, research indicates that bigger is better--a range hood should extend at least 3 inches beyond either side of the cooktop for maximum capture efficiency. The Okeanito, designed...

Friction-free extraction.(Range Hoods)
November 1, 2004... The Magic Lung blower in this hood uses centrifugal force to liquefy and contain grease vapor within a cleanable housing, eliminating the typical baffle filter arrangement. Without the airflow resistance that comes with filtration, the Emerald...

Slick duo.(Laundry Rooms)
November 1, 2004... Since the typical consumer spends 5,987 hours doing laundry during his or her lifetime (I just made that up), why can't the room have a little ambience? I'm thinking mood lighting, piped-in music, and two of the slickest-looking, quietest...

Sink on steroids.(Laundry Rooms)
November 1, 2004... A washing machine no more eliminates the need for a laundry tub than a dishwasher does for a kitchen sink. Heck, it's where I rinse out my latex paintbrushes. The SinkSpa Jetted Sink was designed to emulate the action of handwashing, using...

Dryer vent solution.(Laundry Rooms)
November 1, 2004... Plastic dryer hose is a fire-hazard no-no. Flexible aluminum duct is safer but easily crumpled in the struggle to connect and position the appliance. The solution? The Dryerbox, an aluminized steel receptacle that installs between wall studs...

Two-in-one combo.(Laundry Rooms)
November 1, 2004... When space can't be found for side-by-side laundry machines, you've got three options: Get a clothesline (and a chiropractor); get a stacking unit (and a chiropractor); or get the LG Wash & Dry Combo, a single unit that combines both functions...

High-speed cordless.(Collated Screwdrivers)
November 1, 2004... According to the maker, the SF 4000-A is the first cordless screwdriver with the power, speed, and endurance to rival corded models. The 4,000-rpm tool can be fitted with a 50-screw magazine ($100) to speed production even further. Battery...

Jack of all trades.(Collated Screwdrivers)
November 1, 2004... It's hard to get bored doing remodeling work: One day you're hanging drywall and the next you're building a deck. If you're looking for a collated screwdriver you can use on all your projects, check out the Senco DS275-18v. This 18-volt tool...

Stand-up deck driver.(Collated Screwdrivers)
November 1, 2004... Screwing down deck boards may be a great way to prevent cupping and donkey tracks, but all that kneeling can be tough on your knees and back. The P13 autofeed screwdriver from Pam offers a more comfortable way to screw decking and subflooring....

Floor jack.(Flooring Tools)
November 1, 2004... Installing the last row of strip flooring or fighting a bowed board can be a real pain. While improvised solutions like wedges and flat bars sometimes work well enough, there is a better method: the Powerjack. The tool's ratcheting action makes...

Moisture management.(Flooring Tools)
November 1, 2004... There's only one way to know for sure whether subfloors and slabs are dry enough for finish flooring: Use a moisture meter. Unlike cheaper alternatives, the Delmhorst BD-2100 can test a variety of materials in addition to wood, including...

Out of a jamb.(Flooring Tools)
November 1, 2004... Slipping finished flooring under door jambs can be faster than other methods, and the results often look better. But conventional handsaws scrape your hands against the subfloor, and electric jamb saws may be too expensive if you're not a...

Squeak-stopping screws.(Flooring Tools)
November 1, 2004... Few things irritate new-home buyers more than floor squeaks, but solutions aren't always easy--especially when squeaks are on the second floor. The Squeeeeek No More for carpet and the Counter Snap for hardwood use special screws to eliminate...

DeWalt 433 belt sander.(Toolbox)
November 1, 2004... Belt sanders are the tool of choice for smoothing rough wood or flattening out mismatched glue joints. Their ability to quickly remove large amounts of material with just a few passes makes them indispensable timesavers. But what renders them...

Dirt is in the eye of the beholder.(Backfill)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Mud is probably the oldest and most common flooring stock in history. And, despite a rather remarkable written disclaimer delivered to prospective clients by Ed Crocker of Crocker Ltd., nothing will dissuade upscale aficionados of indigenous...