April/ May 2002

Feature Articles		Page
CHOOSING AND USING A MITER SAW by Clayton DeKorne These indispensable tools come in many shapes and sizes; here's how to get the most from them		54
IS IT TIME TO SWITCH TO ALL-VINYL WINDOWS: by Scott Gibson PVC extrusions offer low cost, low maintenance and thermal performance that rivals wood		62
Clad and composite windows: low maintenance without the vinyl look		67
ASPHALT SHINGLING FROM THE TOP DOWN by John Carroll On steeply pitched roofs, working from the ridge down is faster, safer and easier on the shingles		68
LOOKING OLD, LIVING NEW by Steve Heffner Maintaining historical proportions and details makes a big modern house look like a traditioinal New England colonial		72
Common mistakes in modern colonial style homes		77
BUILDING CONCRETE COUNTERTOPS by Fu-Tung Cheng with Eric Olsen A carefully constructed mold is the key to creating a beautiful kitchen counter from everyday materials		78
An all-purpose concrete recipe		83
INSTALLING BASEBOARD by John Spier One builder's take on installing this fundamental trim element		84
A FREE-STANDING CARPORT by Bill Phillips A hidden steel frame supports the roof and keeps this bandylegged structure on its feet		90
FIRE-SAFETY ALARMS by Robert Marino An electrician describes what kinds to get, where to put them and how to wire them to save lives and homes		92
A DECK RAILING WITHOUT FASTENERS by Arthur Chenoweth Top-grade lumber, clever joinery and some unexpected materials take the place of the traditional stuff on this oregon deck		98
ROUND ROOF IN THE CITY by Dan Parke Urban infill jazzes up a neighborhood and makes good use of recycled timbers		102
Departments		Page
LETTERS		6
BREAKTIME		16
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS Attaching a deck to a water table, Horsepower ratings for tools		20
TIPS & TECHNIQUES Boot cleaners, The glue sled, Precision chainsaw cutting		30
DRAWING BOARD Designing a comfortable guest room		36
CROSS SECTION Sharing building-code knowledge		46
FINISHING TOUCHES Counter culture		108
TOOLS & MATERIALS Body-grip router, Cushion for roofers		116
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE? Shop-vacuum filters, AFCIs vs. GFCIs		124
REVIEWS Building Pathology, Finish Carpentry		132
GREAT MOMENTS Arrested development		142

Choosing and Using a Miter Saw; Is it Time to Switch to All-Vinyl Windows; Asphalt Shingling from the Top Down; Looking Old, Living New; Building Concrete Countertops; Installing Baseboard; A Free-Standing Carport; Fire-Safety Alarms; A Deck Railing without Fasteners; Round Roof in the City