February/March 2003

Articles		Page
18v CORDLESS DRILLS: POWER TO SPARE by Rex Alexander It's no surprise that each sinks hundreds of screws on a charge, but you might be surprised by which tool drove the most		58
Why I use an 18v cordless drill by Gary M. Katz		58
REJUVENATING AN OLD PORCH by Keith J. Mazzarello PVC rails and ifberglass columns keep the look classic and the maintenance minimal		64
ROOF FRAMING WITH ENGINEERED LUMBER by John Spier Tips from a custom framer make the engineered-lumber learning curve easier to negotiate		68
THE NEW WOOD SCREW by Scott Gibson Stronger, better-equipped screws are tailored for specific applications		74
Drywall screws are the carpenter's duct tape		76
HOUSE FOR TWO, ROOM FOR MANY by David O'Neil Separate buildings are arranged to create privacy and inviting outdoor spaces		78
PEX: AN ALTERNATIVE TO COPPER PIPE by Dave Lovesky Cross-linked polyethylene is tough and flexible, and you don't need a torch to install it		84
More than one way to plumb a system		85
REPLACING INTERIOR TRIM by Brian J. Doherty Careful preparation and confident brush work are the keys to a professional finish		88
Latex over oil takes extra prep		93
SEALING A CRAWLSPACE by Larry Janesky Close the vents and let a heavy-duty vapor barrier keep moisture, mold, and radon out of the living space		94
Damp crawlspaces can make your living room moldy		97
NO-TRIM DOOR JAMBS by Kevin Luddy For a clean, contemporary look, create a door jamb, stop, and casing from one piece of wood		100
RESCUED FROM THE JUNKYARD by Frederick Hyer An urban renovation recycles everything from auto parts to old bottles and comes up a winner		104
How much does "green" cost?		106
Departments		Page
LETTERS		6
BREAKTIME		18
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS Clothes-dryer plugs, Whole-house fans		22
TIPS & TECHNIQUES Bending PVC pipe, Chalkless shingle layout, Painting next to carpet		30
DRAWING BOARD Designing a laundry room that works		38
CROSS SECTION Treehouses, Tool recalls		48
FINISHING TOUCHES A craftsman in the house		108
TOOLS & MATERIALS Edging sander, Porch flooring, Respirator, Texture gun		116
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE? Sandpaper grit, Drop cloths, Joist hangers		128
REVIEWS Living Homes, Contractor's Plain-English Legal Guide		142
INDEX TO ADVERTISERS		152
GREAT MOMENTS My two cents		154

18v Cordless Drills: Power to Spare; Rejuvenating an Old Porch; Roof Framing with Engineered Lumber; The New Wood Screw; House for Two, Room for Many; PEX: An Alternative to Copper Pipe; Repainting Interior Trim; Sealing a Crawlspace; No-Trim Door Jambs; Rescued from the Junkyard