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I mentioned a while back that there is now a DIY split system available -- a traditional style air handler coupled to an unusual compressor. This compressor looks like a mini split compressor vs the traditional square upright box type. Have seen this before as Mitsubishi is now making ...

I'm debating what to do with the interior of the outbuilding on the property of my current project. In the early 90's the previous owner carved out a 14x12 space when he built the 28x30x10 addition to the existing early 60's 24x32x8 garage. I'm not really sure why it was done -- may have been...

Can you even buy a decent trash can today? I'm back at my suburban place and the only decent designed cans I have are the ones from Sears -- they have to be 25 year old. Most are now shot. This is why I used to love Sears -- they had all that basic stuff .. USA ... good quality. The old...

Picked up a Bullet Vise at a farm auction years ago (10++) -- The replaceable jaws are held to the vise w/ two screws -- they look to be randomly drilled? This surprised me because it would seem like a quality product would have had standardized jaws that could be easily replaced. I was going...

Has anyone used either on WHITE OAK? Not garage This time I'm really having problems picking a finish. My new project will be wide plank white oak (10/12) --- going to the expense of getting very wide stock so I only have one board for each step w/ the staircases. Two sets -- three story ...

I was looking around the other day and noticed that Mr. Cool is selling a traditional split system with the "DIY" lines and fittings. It's about time ..... They sell the lines in various lengths .. the compressor is a mini-split style -- typical air handler. This will be a game changer --...

The most resent Fine Homebuilding has an advertisement for Smartside siding on the back cover ... "now in colors" . Looking on the Smartside web site ... looks like they are still doing it the same way -- outside finishers and it's not nation wide? Do not see anything new? Has anyone used...

There always are so many VB questions on the forum The new issue of Fine Homebuilding (March) devotes a few pages to what people are now calling "Control Layers" ... a term I encountered a few years back when I was researching Zinc for the roof of my current project. The article touches on...

This is the Garage Journal ... Garages are important --- I get it. While I have built houses w/ attached garages ... they are just for parking and light storage. IMO -- any garage drives design .. are ugly and expensive. I also find doing anything messy in an attached garage -- transfers...

Stopped at HF today to get some flashlights/ gloves/ glasses and a few other items .... also wanted one of the 4v handheld screwdrivers for $5 w/ coupon. I see they now make a higher end tool storage line ... Icon. It was rather expensive for HF ... I'm sure they go on sale like everything...

Wondering if there are other offering except the Arlington and Taymac. Have used the Arlington previously and it's just OK .. it has a really cheap door. The Taymac is new to me and has a nice design ... but having seen the other offerings from them I know the door is really cheap. I'm using...

Anyone using the C-start dimmers/ switches? Seems some people have issues ..... I'm not really interested in all the crazy stuff .... but I don't understand how they work together if you have many in a house. Actually don't want them to. but -- that's not why I like them anyway Happen to...

Just saw this in my new issue of contractor -- looks like the ticket for flares. Although -- they should ditch the system in Mini Splits. It should work like a car w/ o ring and clip -- or screw on with O rings. With the technology available in manufacturing and the almost universal...

Have to spec out the electrical soon for my new house. Having to remove a bunch of Lutron Screwless wall plates recently due to a lighting strike ...got me thinking. Don't really love the Lutron .... they snap on to a baseplate as they all seem to .. but you see this plate from the side ...

Crazy storm w/ lightning came through (again) -- couple hours ago. Heard the hit - lights went out twice - back on. On investigation: All the ground fault breakers tripped ... noticed a few others including the gas dryer's breaker. Tripped as I tried to reset -- smoked (always bad). On...

Power that is .... My studio is two buildings -- have had flickering occasionally with the FL lights. Replaced a few bulbs and even one ballast trying to solve. The spaces are all 8' T12's. It was so infrequent -- could not pinpoint over the past months. last week while I was there -- they...

I'm repairing concrete using Abatron liquid epoxy. The process is to mix it with dry aggregate to increase volume and strength. The kits they sell only come with very very fine sand ... the last time I used it for a project I was able to get "blasting sand" from a local masonry supply company...

I don't go to HD very often so I don't know how long they have sold Milwaukee cabinets or benches. We have been doing some outdoor projects and went to HD on Friday afternoon and noticed them setting up a large display (various sizes) -- happen to take a look at the one that's sized like a...

Wondering if anybody has even used one of the Rinnai condensing boilers with the included 24g water tank for DHW. Thought only Viessmann made this type. They sit on the floor and use less space vs a typical wall boiler and 40g indirect.

Garage door hardware .. anyone try? Newly acquired property has low headroom in the garage -- wide door with torsion spring ... no opener. Need to replace the rollers/weather seals ... going to get a set of green hinges and nylon BB rollers. Not much room for an opener