August/ September 2001

Articles		Page
SELECTING A CIRCULAR SAW by John Spier We turned a professional crew loose with eight of the toughest sidewinders on the market, and here's what they found out		54
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EXTERIOR-TRIM DETAILS THAT LAST by John Michael Davis Flexible caulk joints combined with a drainage path for moisture keep vulnerable trim elements rot-free		60
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INSTALLING A LEAKPROOF SHOWER PAN by Tom Meehan A thick mortar bed over a vinyl membrane makes a sturdy base for tile, but it pays to test for leaks		66
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FRAMING A GAMBREL ROOF by Joe Stanton Site-built trusses are a speedy way to frame a traditional barn-shaped roof		72
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BUILDING A MODULAR RETAINING WALL by Andy Beasley Stacked on a stable base, interlocking concrete blocks offer a solution to common landscaping problems		78
Clean cuts in concrete block		81
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JOB-SITE SHARPENING TIPS by Chris Green The right tools and a few easily made jigs will give you an edge on your chisels, your planes and your competition		84
Producing a hollow grind		87
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BUILDING SMALLER, FOR NOW by Robert Knight Two strategies that allow clients to live on their property before they can afford their dream home		88
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RETROFITTING A CURBED SKYLIGHT by Jim Blodgett Get the flashing right to ensure leak-free skylights		94
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A TOP FLOOR WITH A LOW PROFILE by Laura du Charme Conboy This 1920s Southern California home gets a second floor without losing its Spanish-style charm or outgrowing its neighborhood		98
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TEN TIPS FROM A HOME INSPECTOR by Rex Cauldwell Whether you're buying, selling or building, here are a few clues to some of the things that can go wrong in a house over time		104
Departments		Page
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LETTERS #nbsp;		6
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BREAKTIME #nbsp;		16
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QUESTIONS & ANSWERS #nbsp; Bathroom venting through SIPs. Slippery floor tiles		20
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TIPS & TECHNIQUES #nbsp; Removing glued-down carpet, The improved sawhorse		30
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DRAWING BOARD #nbsp; Locating switches and outlets		38
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CROSS SECTION #nbsp; Union boosts its membership		46
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FINISHING TOUCHES Craftsman details for the 21st century		110
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TOOLS & MATERIALS Radiant-heat subflooring, Unplugging hole saws, Miter saws		116
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WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE? Sharpening stones		128
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REVIEWS Small Volume Builder Guidebook Series, Fences		138
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GREAT MOMENTS The stud finder		150

Selecting a Circular Saw, Exterior-Trim Details That Last, Installing a Leakproof Shower Pan, Framing a Gambrel Roof, Building a Modular Retaining Wall, Job-Site Sharpening Tips, Building Smaller--for Now, Retrofitting a Curbed Skylight, A Top Floor With a Low Profile, Ten Tips From a Home Inspector