October/November 2008

Issue # 198

$7.99

Table of Contents

Articles	Page
IS WOOD HEAT THE ANSWER? by Matthew Teague By installing a modern wood-heat appliance, you can save money this winter and reduce your environmental impact	40
ROUTERS TRICKS FOR TRIM by Gary Striegler Armed with two routers and three bits, an experienced carpenter shares five problem-solving tips for trim, cabinets, doors, and stairs	46
INSTALL YOUR OWN SEAMLESS GUTTERS by Mike Guertin Looking to save money? Have custom lengths of aluminum gutters rolled out on site, and get out the ladders	50
STOP DRAFTS WITH A DROP-DOWN DOOR SEAL by Jay B. Lane This hidden mechanism retracts when the door is open and eliminates the need for a bulky threshold	56
A BRICK REHAB MEETS LEED'S HIGHEST STANDARDS by Richard Renner Solar panels aside, you can't seer the upgrades that make this downtown remodel so energy efficient	58
WHY PAY MORE FOR PAINT? by Scott Gibson Because the binders, pigments, and additives that make long-lasting, durable finishes don't come cheap	63
TOOL TEST: LASER MEASURES by Kit Camp Handheld laser measuring tools are more affordable than ever, but are they accurate enough to replace a tape measure?	68
DURABLE DECK STAIRS by Scott Grice Ipe decking covers beefed-up stringers and a newel-post assembly that won't rack	72

Departments	Page
CONTRIBUTORS	8
LETTERS	10
CROSS SECTION Home-energy rating index, Speedy SIPs	18
TIPS & TECHNIQUES Template for cutting curves, Tool-belt pencil sharpener	24
TOOLS & MATERIALS Circular saw, Skylight or water heater?	32
FINISHING TOUCHES Traditional trim for timeless style	78
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS Dryer venting, Paint conditioners	82
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE? Metal-twist drill bits	88
BUILDING SKILLS Cutting with a worm-drive saw	94
DRAWING BOARD Designing doors for large openings	100
MASTER CARPENTER Cutting and bending curved floor parts	108
INDEX TO ADVERTISERS	117
GREAT MOMENTS In Plain Sight	118
BACK COVER Water from a Stone

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