Issue 192
Features
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Build Your Own Interior Doors
Loose-tenon joinery and applied moldings keep door construction simple and strong.
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The New Age of Photovoltaics
Increased efficiency and better incentives are driving builders and homeowners alike to a cleaner source of electricity.
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Testing Worm-Drive Saws
Still powerful and durable, the newest models have lost weight and gained some useful features.
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Green Appeal, Craftsman Feel
Testing an attainable approach to green practices, an architect designs his own home for a friendly fit in a historic district.
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New Life for Old Double-Hung Windows
With new weatherstripping, weights, pulleys, and ropes, you can improve performance without compromising historical authenticity.
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What's the Best Multibit Screwdriver?
The $80 one, of course, but you can do pretty well for $10.
Article
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Why Add a Tank to a Tankless Water Heater?
Instant water heaters save energy and offer endless hot water, but not without some problems. A small tank and a big pump can fix the flaws.
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Ceiling Remodel: From Flat to Cathedral
Reframing exploits unused attic space and helps to open up a cramped ranch house.
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Extending a Tablesaw's Work Surface
An infeed support arm and outfeed table improve extra reach and stability.
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Fit New Sashes in Old Jambs
A restoration carpenter gives a primer on fitting plumb rails into crooked jambs.
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Boosting Tankless Water Heaters
A solar water heater and radiant-floor heat maximize efficiency
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Restoring Montpelier's Exterior
Preserverving a historic home brick-by-brick
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Restoring Montpelier's Historic Framing
Another chance for Montpelier's wood beams to shine
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Montpelier's Walls Take Shape
A look at the lath walls and ceilings that make up James Madison's home
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Support When You Need It
This handy infeed support stores flat when not in use
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Build an Outfeed Table
This support for long stock also makes a great working surface
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A Custom Hinge Mortising Template
This time-saver helps turn slabs into ready-to-hang doors
Cross Section
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James Madison's home is almost finished—again
What started as a simple roof-framing repair turned into years of history lessons and headaches.
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California codes improve fire protection
Taking effect in January, California’s updated wildland-urban interface building codes aim to improve fire protection in vulnerable areas where homes encroach grassy brushlands. The codes will address building materials, construction…
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A national green-building standard is on the way
With the proliferation of regional and national green-building rating systems, it’s hard to choose the best one. To complicate the situation further, or perhaps to simplify it, the National Association of…
Tools & Materials
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New antimold drywall, same green color
Sheetrock Mold Tough
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Fuss-free door hanger's jig
Jambmaster
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Does "One Coat" House Paint Really Work?
Aura interior paint with Color Lock technology is a step in the right direction.
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Versatile sink-installation tool
Ridgid introduces a new type of faucet wrench
Letters
Finishing Touches
What is the Difference
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What's the Difference: Safety footwear
Decifering the acronyms listed on the labels of shoes and boots
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What's the Difference: Phillips-head screwdriver bits
Choosing the right bit helps prevent stripping screws
Building Skills
Master Carpenter
Great Moments
Drawing Board
Video
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Video Vault: Cutting Curves with a Circular Saw
Learn how to build like a pro—use a worm-drive saw to make curved, plunge, and drop cuts
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Upward Expansion
Adding a third floor doesn't always mean on top of the second story
Ask the Experts
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Why brace some truss webs, but not all?
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Tapping in to a cast-iron waste pipe
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A Bad Splice Might Indicate More Problems
Readers Tips
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