June/July 2006

Articles		Page
A SOLID DECK BEGINS WITH CONCRETE PIERS by Rick Arnold Build this simple foundation with basic tools and ingredients		44
TUBULAR SKYLIGHTS by John Ross There's no view of the sky and no direct sunlight, but they promise an easy installation and natural light for less than $200		50
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES by Justin Fink This new generation of batteries will make your current cordless tools seem overweight and underpowered		55
OLD BARN INSPIRES NEW HOUSE by Robert Weatherall A traditional design adapts nicely to a residential site		60
WAINSCOT FOR A WINDOW by Gary Striegler A simple frame and panel with applied moldings gives an ordinary window an extraordinary appearance		66
PEX PIPE: IS COPPER ON THE WAY OUT? by Andy Engel Cross-linked polyethylene tubing is cheaper to buy, is faster, to install, and won't corrode or explode		70
BUILD A CHINESE RAILING by Scott McBride This alternative to balusters is attractive and easy to assemble		76
DUST CONTROL by Tom O'Brien Nobody will notice your flawless miters if the home is covered in filth. Here's how to clear the air and contain the mess		78
ANCHORING WOOD TO A STEEL I-BEAM by John Spier Forget about packing the web; fasten wood to the top, and hang the floor framing with top-mount joist hangers		84
AVOIDING ACCIDENTS ON THE TABLESAW by Gary M. Katz Here's how to get the most from your saw without getting hurt		86
Departments		Page
CONTRIBUTORS		6
LETTERS		8
CROSS SECTION The Katrina Cottages, Code changes		18
TIPS & TECHNIQUES Door buck, Caulk-tube extension nozzle		26
TOOLS & MATERIALS Sliding compound-miter saw, Joint compound		34
BREAKTIME		40
FINISHING TOUCHES A different outlook on railings		92
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS Tiling over different substrates, Floor joists vs. rafter ties		96
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE? Toggle bolts, Speed squares		102
BUILDING SKILLS Build a tablesaw crosscut sled		108
DRAWING BOARD Laundry rooms for small spaces		116
MASTER CARPENTER Cutting elliptical trim		124
INDEX TO ADVERTISERS		132
GREAT MOMENTS A Little Wiggle Room		134

A Solid Deck Begins With Concrete Piers, Tubular Skylights, What You Need to Know About Lithium-Ion Batteries, Old Barn Inspires New House, Wainscot for a Window, PEX Pipe: Is Copper on the Way Out?, Build a Chinese Railing, Dust Control, Anchoring Wood to a Steel I-Beam, Avoiding Accidents on the Tablesaw