June/ July 1994

Articles		Page
ALL ABOUT ROOF TRUSSES by Stephen Smulski Trusses can be used for even complex roofs, but they must be installed and braced properly		40
- Strength in triangles		42
A FURNITURE-GRADE FINISH FOR TRIM by R. Duncan and S. Davis Applied in layers, alcohol-based dyes and stains make for a beautiful job		46
- Finishing without a sprayer		49
DISAPPEARING ATTIC STAIRWAYS by William T. Cox Folding stairs are the most common, but sliding stairs are easier to climb		50
DESIGNING A SMALL, STYLISH KITCHEN by Ron Berger A carpenter makes the most of limited space and budget		54
SURVEY OF JIGSAWS by Herrick Kimball Aggressive orbital cutting actions and different handle styles add versatility to these tools		58
- Jigsaw blades		63
INSTALLING A BUILT-UP GIRDER by Scott Knight The process goes smoother if you have a system		64
- Alternatives to built-up girders by Chris DeBlois		65
CURVED CONCRETE DECK by Greg Torchio Layout tricks and precise formwork create a sinuous addition to a square house		68
STEEP LOT, NARROW HOUSE by Jonathan Livingston Plaster, concrete and weathered timbers come together in a cozy California cottage		72
PATTERN ROUTING EXTERIOR DETAILS by Joseph wood This production-line method of shaping helped put a new deck on a Tudor house		76
- Making finials		78
GAS WATER HEATERS by Rex Cauldwell Choosing, installing and maintaining a gas-fired water heater		80
- The bottled-gas alternative		81
- The perfect gas water heater?		84
A ROMANTIC HOUSE by Jeremiah Eck Playful detailing and asymmetrical plans make a more comfortable home		86
Departments		Page
LETTERS Comments on using a cargo rack, Further cautions about respirators		4
Q & A Flashing a fieldstone chimney, Cutting handrails, Finding lightweight concrete		14
TIPS AND TECHNIQUES Gang-cutting angled clapboards, Foolproof fluting		28
FINISHING TOUCHES South American Exteriors		90
TOOLS AND MATERIALS Padlock protector, Great grease, Solid-surface tools		94
CROSS SECTION Vermont builder uses a portable mill to trim rising lumber bill		104
REVIEWS Rough Framing Carpentry, Basic Engineering for Builders		116
GREAT MOMENTS What Oval Vent?		126

All About Roof Trusses; A Furniture-Grade Finish for Trim; Disappearing Attic Stairways; Designing a Small, Stylish Kitchen; Survey Of Jigsaws; Installing a Built-Up Girder; Curved Concrete Deck; Steep Lot, Narrow House; Pattern Routing Exterior Details; Gas Water Heaters; A Romantic House