August/September 1993

Articles		Page
CHOOSING SIDING by Scott Gibson Traditional wood is now challenged by wood-based composites, vinyl, steel, and aluminum		40
How long siding lasts		44
POURING CONCRETE SLABS by Carol Hagstrom Tips on ordering, placing, screeding, floating, and finishing		46
Tips for pouring in the weather		51
OPERATING A POWER TROWEL by John M. Schnittker Pressure on the handlebars controls the machine, and the blade angle controls the finish		52
A WELL-LIT ADDITION by Robert L. Marx A glazed cupola and exterior transoms light a new family room with northern exposure		54
AN ELEGANT SITE-BUILT DOOR by John Birchard Build a custom interior or exterior door with job-site tools and readily available materials		57
Selfl-centering router base		61
SIMPLE CURVED CORNERS by Scott M. Carpenter Bending plywood and joint compound make graceful curves in white walls		62
A SURVEY OF COMPOUND-MITER SAWS by Jim Chestnut this new family of saws offers precise, comfortable operation		64
Tips on buying tools		69
CUSTOM CLOSET WARDROBE by Philip S. Sollman A woodworker's tricks for dressing up simple plywood carcases		70
Vacuum-bag veneering		73
FANTAIL DECK STAIRS by José L. Floresca Radiating stringers and concentric treads result from simple geometry		74
BUILDING A POLE HOUSE by John Terrell Two novice carpenters build a house with 20-ft. poles, bolted connections, and a structural ridge		77
LOSING A FINGERTIP by Kevin Ireton A carpenter's journal reveals how it happened and how it changed his attitude about safety		80
A CONTEMPORARY FARMHOUSE by Charles Miller Complex shapes, unusual materials, and a surprising color scheme enliven this house		82
Departments		Page
LETTERS More on installing drywall, Comments on drills, Book review rebuffed		4
Q & A Buildilng a wall on an existing slab, Sizing a flue, Supporting timber-frame posts		14
TIPS AND TECHNIQUES Reducing dust, Boring metal-skinned doors, Moving sheet goods		28
FINISHING TOUCHES A Jouse of Timber, Straw, and Clay		88
TOOLS AND MATERIALS Plumb-line holders, Energy-efficient thermostat		92
CROSS SECTION A house with R-30 walls, Canadians suggest ways to cut job-site waste		108
REVIEWS The Walls Around Us, Bernard Maybeck: Visionary Architect		120
GREAT MOMENTS El Rancho Encantado		130

Choosing Siding; Pouring Concrete Slabs; Operating a Power Trowel; A Well-Lit Addition; An Elegant Site-Built Door; Simple Curved Corners; A Survey of Compound-Miter Saws; Custom Closet Wardrobe; Fantail Deck Stairs; Building a Pole House; Losing a Fingertip; A Contemporary Farmhouse