Kelly Smith's Blog
Posted by Kelly Smith
Well, I just had my second Thanksgiving dinner last night (with some family that was out of town for Turkey day), and this morning I woke up to find that the calendar says December 1! Where has the year gone? This means Christmas is upon us. All too soon. Again.
How Will Christmas Sales do This Holiday Season?
That's the big question. With most of the global economy in the tank, merchants are scrambling to re-introduce that old favorite - layaway shopping.
Another issue that brick and mortar store keepers are having to deal with is increased Internet shopping. Why? With virtual inventory stock, the selection available for buying, say, hand tool Christmas gifts, is incredible. Stores just can't warehouse such a big selection.
Many Internet sellers are also discounting shipping or offering it for free as an incentive. Now that's hard to beat!
What do I Want for My Christmas Gift?
Believe it or not, nothing having to do with tools, materials for remodeling, or even a tie. I really want a fish finder to mount on my fishing kayak. The fishing in the Gulf has been a bit spotty lately because Hurricane Ike altered the bottom so much.
The fish are just confused for now, but soon they will find new structure to hide in, and find out where the bait is schooling. Bottom line, I need all the help I can get!
I'd be out there right now, but I've got too much writing to do!
Posted by Kelly Smith
- Deck Design Fundamentals - Building a backyard deck is an easy DIY project when the right planning goes into it. Design the deck, research building codes and zoning, and sketch the deck design.
- Deck Design and Framing Concepts - Part 2 of the deck building series, Deck Design and Framing Concepts focuses on deck construction, using pressure treated wood, and framing the deck understructure.
- Deck Lumber Sizes & Spacing - When making a deck design, plan the deck understructure. Consider ledger boards, floor joists, beam spans, concrete post settings, max post height, and deck load area.
- Deck Design Post Hole Layout - This article is Part 4 of the deck design and building series. It explains laying out post hole locations and the ledger board: the same methods used by deck contractors.
- Deck Building - Setting the Posts - The fifth in a series of deck building articles covers installing the ledger board, digging footings, setting the posts in fast setting concrete and leveling.
- Deck Building - Beams and Joists - Next in importance after deck design is the understructure - posts, beams, joists, and ledger boards. Learn how to build a sturdy one. No need to hire a contractor!
- Trex and Hardwood Decking Material - Options for decking material include Trex, Ipe, Redwood, Mahogany, Teak and pressure treated lumber. The choice is determined by durability, price, and green building.
- Installing Composite and Wood Decking - Trex composite and wood decking may be installed with clips, deck screws or nails in several patterns. The most popular are plain, diagonal, or picture frame.
- Wood Deck Refinishing - To get ready for summer activities, you need to protect your investment by refinishing your backyard deck or your pool deck. Heres how.
Posted by Kelly Smith
The cooler weather (thanks Canada, for the last two cold fronts) makes working in my wood shop a bit more tolerable. Which means cranking up the table saw and other stationary power tools. And that means breaking out the jigs and maybe making some more, as the situation warrants.
Although some "jigs" are commercially made, like Keller dovetail jigs, most are designed and handmade by the carpenter personally. In fact, a particularly clever one is a basis for braggin' rights in DIY circles.
My stepfather (God rest his soul) was not only a Naval Commander, he was a master carpenter. He was particularly skilled at making jigs. I've got his band saw and a pile of his exotic wood, some of which he personally harvested in the Panamanian rain forest, in my shop right now.
One of the keys to making woodworking jigs is having the right materials on hand. These fall into three general categories:
- Sheet goods - Plywood, acrylics, MDF, etc.
- Plastics - Plastic laminates (Formica), Plexiglas, Phenolic plastics, and UHMW (Ultra High Molecular Weight), etc.
- Metal and hardware - Aluminum stock, carriage bolts, and a variety of knobs and T-nuts.
What fall projects do you have on your plate? I've got an entertainment center, a bookcase or two, and installing laminate flooring in two closets. And if I'm going to get any of that done and stay out of the doghouse, I'd best get away from the keyboard and get busy. We're burnin' daylight here.
Posted by Kelly Smith
I rode out hurricane Ike last weekend, and let me tell you, what an experience! This was my 10-year old daughter's first hurricane experience, so I was able to look at it through a new pair of eyes.
Big storms are nothing new to me, having been through about five hurricanes here in south Texas, dozens of tropical storms in Panama, and two typhoons in Okinawa, Japan.
Disaster Preparation is Key
It's not always wise to decline the government's subtle nudging about evacuating, but I live halfway between Galveston and Houston, Texas. There's a total of one North-South freeway and millions of people. 'Nuff said.
It's critical to lay in an ample supply of drinking water and canned goods. You're going to lose power - deal with it. If you've got expendible income, an emergency backup generator is an icredible luxury.
Put Together a Disaster Emergency Kit
You never know when emergency medical supplies are going to come in handy. As Ike hammered my house with 100 MPH gusts, I had to go outside twice to secure wood over my not so energy-efficient contractor grade windows.
As I listened to the corregated steel roofing on my shed clattering like the teeth in a feverish patient's head, I had these visions of decapitation. But hey, life's an adventure, right?
Massive Storm Surge
I knew there was a 20 to 25 foot storm surge predicted in Galveston, 30 miles away, but what would it bring me? In the end, nothing. Furious wind, but little water. Good thing too; I was not happy anticipating extensive drywall repair, rather than writing DIY articles for you.
Galveston flooded and Houston as well, but I was high and dry.
Posted by Kelly Smith
Not too long ago I read an article on plumbing. More to the point, how plumbing has been instrumental in advancing civilization. And most of us barely give it a thought, It's just there.
But it is aptly named. Some of the oldest materials used employed lead. Big mistake we now know, but hey, you use what you've got. The symbol for lead from the table of elements is Pb. No connection you say? Maybe not in English, but the word for it in Spanish is Plomo. I guess speaking Panamanian pays off!
Plumbing as Technology
Plumbing is a basic but very strong technology. It's one of the things that the Romans used to expand their (almost) world dominance.
When plumbing wasn't readily available, domestic upkeep was much more intense. All that walking to the stream with buckets takes its toll. And what about bumbling out to that outhouse in the middle of the night? Un huh!
Plumbing Pains
But one thing about this great technology - it requires maintenance from time to time. Like when you need to clear a clogged drain. Fun, eh? But life goes on.
When I worked as an Engineering Supervisor for a large Marriott hotel, we used to to a maintenance blitz periodically. Part of this involved drain cleaning. Home Depot once shipped us a bunch of gadgets called Zip-Its.
A simple device, it's a long plastic strip with plastic "teeth" along the sides. Just slide it into the drain opening all the way, and slowly draw it out. All that hair gets caught and drawn out and the act of pushing it in clears any building obstructions.
No chemicals, no disassembly. Yay.
The downside? I don't think Home Depot sells these in the store; at least not in my local store.
 |
Posted by Kelly Smith
Well, here we are smack-dab in the middle of hurricane season and the Summer Olympics. Those of us not in the path of a hurricane, tropical storm, or a tropical depression might be easily distracted by Michael Phelps' stellar performance.
Being prepared for a hurricane or other disaster is always important. I keep saying that one day I'll get an emergency generator. I'm certainly not going to evacuate if I can help it. Not that I'm foolhardy, but living south of Houston doesn't lend itself to getting out of town.
We are getting some good steady rain. And that's a fortunate thing because I've got to remove a tree stump. When we have a dry spell around here you have to use dynamite to shovel dirt.
Other than the Summer Olympics, one thing I look forward to at this time of the year is the prospect of cooling weather here in South Texas. Don't get me wrong, cooler doesn't mean cold, but just not stifling. It makes it possible to begin ramping up training for a fall marathon.
I can also get on some outdoor DIY projects. I've got a bit of exterior house painting to do. Not too much, thank goodness, because my home is brick. But I still have to paint the facia boards and soffit. Another thing I want to do is install radiant barrier foil in the attic. In fact, I've been thinking of taking up doing it for other people as a sideline.
But enough of this. It's time to open the windows and enjoy the rainy day. This is one day that the air conditioner won't be going full blast.
Posted by Kelly Smith
I recently, (well, OK, I'm not completely done...) remodeled a bathroom in my home. It's a pretty interesting experience because you get so much input (unsolicited advice) and helpful feedback (criticisms) from loving family members.
Have a Gameplan
Yeah, know what you're getting into before you start a bathroom remodeling project. This is not something to be taken lightly. Your bedroom can handle some down-time; after all, we've all crashed on the couch. But the bath? Nah, when you've gotta go, you've gotta go!
Your bathroom is probably small but you'd be surprised at how much work is crammed into that little space. Fixtures? Yeah. Floors? You bet. Electrical? What bath would be without it?
Don't Expect it to be Like a TV Show
My spousal unit (loving wife) watches a boatload of those home improvement shows. They always wrap it up in a half hour. Believe me, they never had to work on a real house. How do they get things to fit the first time around?
And don't get me started with what they do at "bargain stores". I guess I need to check more of those spots for some cool stuff!
A New Medicine Cabinet
This is the next thing I need to build for the bathroom. The wall-inset one I saw on the TV show was a nice metal one, but I really don't want that. Wood (especially home-crafted) is more attractive, warmer, and custom.
So I'll replace the original one with mine, plus improvements, and let you know how it comes out, with pics!
Posted by Kelly Smith
Some people consider antiques to be "old furniture". Granted, there is some junk out there, but for the most part, antiques are made of much better materials than you can find in modern pieces. Unless you've got very deep pockets.
Why not Refinish Rather than Buy New Furniture?
Seems like a no-brainer to me. If you've got a great hand-me-down dining table or bed, why not indulge in a little antique refinishing as a weekend project?
You do have to take some precautions if you want to preserve the antique status, but basically, refinishing is refinishing. I like using citrus-based strippers. They smell great, are non-toxic, and won't set you back too bad financially.
I've even seen it take off a vinyl tile mastic that other chemicals couldn't even make a dent in.
So What Makes an Antique an Antique?
Age, basically. According to the TV show Antiques Roadshow, "Generally speaking, an object of considerable age valued for its aesthetic or historical significance. In the antiques trade, the term refers to objects more than 100 years old."
So there you have it. Most likely, it's older than you are. Have a little respect.
Hide Glue is the Thing
Carpenters and cabinet makers of old didn't have access to all the engineered glues of today. So to preserve your piece's antique status you must use hide glue, if it was assembled that way. PETA won't like it.
Like the name implies, it's made from animal hides. You'll have to order the powder and mix it. By hand. The old fashioned way.
Posted by Kelly Smith
Ok, a huge number of folks are taking a "staycation" this summer; fuel is too costly to take a proper vacation. Even if you're not driving, planes, trains, busses, and boats are feeling the pinch. They have to pass energy costs on to the traveler. That's you, loyal reader!
Another Way You Shoulder High Energy Costs
Who else is affected? Your electricity provider. Since Congress (thanks, Nancy Pelosi) won't let us drill domestically or expand coal or nuclear power generation, they rely on fossil fuels and gas. This is a USA-centric observation; I don't know enough about other nation's policies to comment universally - sorry.
These prices are also passed on to the consumer, which makes even staycations expensive. But if you explore DIY alternative green energy options, you might find some way to relieve the bite in the long run. Such as:
- Residential solar panels - These PV (photovotaic) arrays capture the sun's radiant energy, and OPEC can't get their boney hands around your throat there!
- Wind turbines - You don't have to install a wind farm like the one on the Texas plains or the propsed floating ones in the Gulf of Mexico. A single "windmill" in your backyard can take advantage of nature's bounty. Once again, I say, "Ha, OPEC!"
- A paddlewheel and running water - You're saying, "Huh?" And you would be correct. This option isn't viable for most of us. But if it is, why not use it?
Posted by Kelly Smith
I wrote an article some time ago about troubleshooting and tuning up your thermostat. Proper operation is always important. But sometimes you can do much better than just having proper operation. I always say that lowering energy bills isn't one big thing, it's a grab bag of a lot of little things.
Menu-Driven Touch Screens
Installing a 7-day programmable thermostat is a prime example. Using the menu-driven touch screen makes it a snap to control your central air conditioner and heater, four periods a day, seven days a week. Different days, different settings.
The ones I looked at were Honeywell thermostats. For one thing, that's the kind I have and it's operated flawlessly for over ten years. Secondly, they're the leader in the industry. Can't argue with success.
Thermostat Pricing
One thing, they ain't cheap. But at $120 or so they're still a bargain. You'll be saving on your utility bills beginning right away, and from here on out you'll be money ahead.
Cheaper models are available. Hunter makes one without all the bells and whistles for around half of what the Honeywell runs.
Look for the Energy Star
Ah yes, you knew it was coming. If you want to save money in the long run, it's got to be Energy Star appliances. Whether you buy into the global warming thing and spend your spare time camping out in the tree tops or not, saving money is still saving money.
And What'll you do with all that extra cash? As Tim Allen would say, "More tools, more tools!"
Posted by Kelly Smith
Residential energy independence. It has a nice ring to it, doesn't it? Easy to contemplate, a cash outlay to get started; but oh, the long-time returns in energy savings!
Residential Wind Turbines (Try to Catch the Wind...)
This type of technology goes way, way back. What would our concept of the Dutch be without windmills slowly spinning in the breeze? Generally speaking, windmills use the wind's kinetic energy to perform work such as grinding grain.
A residential wind turbine usually refers to a triple-blade mounted on a horizontal axis that generates electricity. Comercial power generating plants construct wind farms for large scale electrical production. Homeowners can install a small turbine to generate from 50% to 90% of the home's energy consumption. Not too shabby.
Solar Panels Have a Smaller Footprint
This is one reason to choose Solar panels over wind power. Wind towers are best suited to lots of at least one acre; photovotaic (solar) panels can be mounted on the roof or right out in the yard (neighborhood associations permitting).
Green Lawns with Reel Lawnmowers
Yeah, you're getting sick of me going on about reel (push) lawnmowers, but I'll just include a blurb for the sake of rounding out today's topic. Not having to drive to the store to fill up that 5 gallon gasoline can is a relief. Financially and time-wise.
Be as Environmentally-Friend as You Want to Be
You might not be able to implement all these things to get off commercial power crack, but the more I research the subject, the more I realize it's not doing one big thing but as many small things as possible to save on utility bills.
Posted by Kelly Smith
In the last blog entry I talked about ordering a Brill Razorcut 38 reel lawnmower. After much anticipation it arrived in the mail. Actually, by DHL. To their credit, they delivered it by the promised time even after seending it to the wrong hub city first.
The Mower Assembly was Reel Easy
It only took about five minutes to put the whole thing together. Weighing in at only 17 pounds it was a breeze to carry outside to try out. Easy to use too. I'm sure I looked just like Beaver Cleaver - he used to use one of these type of push lawnmowers.
The key, as I found out, was to walk at a steady pace. Nevertheless, just as I had read in a review on this model, those cute red hubcaps wouldn't stay on. Into the trash they went. Ironic; here I was doing my green lawn care while sending two plastic hubcaps to the landfill.
Just kidding - I recycled them!
On to Looking for CFL's for the Ceiling Fans
Almost all the light's in my house have been the lucky recipients of compact fluorescent bulbs. All, save the ones in the fans. I first shopped in Home Depo for CFL ceiling fan bulbs. I thought I had the correct ones, but the size of the base was wrong.
Why can't the fan industry standardize this kind of stuff? Anyhow, they were kind enough to refund my money, so the search continues.
Posted by Kelly Smith
Not so long ago, specifically the first time I mowed my lawn this spring, I had lawnmower woes. The chassis had rotted out from rust. I repaired it with steel mending plates and went on about my business.
The problem is that the next time I tried to use it, a week later, it fell apart at another spot. The motor is pristine but the body is shot. Oh well, time for a new lawn mower. This time I decided to go a different route. I ordered a reel lawn mower.
I'm not sure where I stumbled onto this (perhaps when my editor mentioned it a while back), but after some research, I decided to give it a shot. The model I ordered, the German Brill Razorcut 38, ain't cheap, but it dosn't use any gas either. And they claim the blades stay sharp for up to eight years. Heck, my Leatherman can't even do that!
All the hype leads me to believe that this modern version of grandpa's contraption is the bee's knees and the cat's pajamas, as grandpa would have said. Sealed bearings, ninja-grade steel blades, and ergonomic grips! (Can I get that in florescent?)
I read a lot of customer reviews online but I don't put too much credence in them. Nobody was on the fence. On the one hand they seemed to be environmental activists (love it no matter what), and on the other hand, complainers about too much work (most likely the typical obese American that wants an air-conditioned bubble around the mower).
So I guess I'll just have to make up my own mind. Rotary mowers VS reel mowers. I'll be in touch.
Posted by Kelly Smith
Lots of folks are getting rain lately - buckets of the stuff. It brings spring flowers and lets you put in a raised bed vegetable garden. Heck, even the first lady Michelle Obama put a garden on the White House lawn. And who doesn't love that? But it also drags along its own sad luggage. I'm talking about things like standing water in your backyard.
Often, properties aren't graded so that they get proper drainage. The result can be a mosquito breeding ground (ouch!) and a situation where foundation problems set in. Believe me, you want to avoid foundation repair. Your slab can crack or your basement can spring leaks.
But don't despair, you can make your property drain and you can do it yourself. How, you ask? By installing french drain systems and taking advantage of the force of gravity. The concept is simple - you dig a trench to lead the water off your property.
After digging the trench you have two options, line it with gravel and landscaping fabric or use perforated plastic PVC piping. Once you cover the whole thing with sod, no one will be the wiser. You can dig a French drain trench by hand, or you can rent a mechanical trenching contraption.
The scope of the project and the extent of your sturdy manliness or womanliness will determine the choice you make here. The beauty of this project is that it solves a very critical and irritating problem at a very economical price. This is the time of year to tackle this job before the heat cranks up too bad. Dig it!
 |
Posted by Kelly Smith
With the real estate market slumping as it is, this is not the time to list it with a real estate agent. However, it is a great time for a kitchen makeover. This one act of kindness to your home will really boost your property's equity.
Smart Planning - Building Materials and Your Budget
The key to remodeling is carefull planning and selection of materials. What kind of a decorating theme do you want? How much is in your remodeling budget? And do you really need that new dishwasher?
Choose Your Kitchen Countertop
You've got a lot to choose from today. But keep in mind what's hot today might be flop tomorrow. You might consider:
- Corian - An excellent synthetic by DuPont, it resembles granite and comes Kosher certified from the factory!
- Granite - A very trendy natural stone countertop. A bit pricey though.
- Marble - Another great choice in natural stone; it's been classy since Caesar's day!
- Concrete - Gaining in popularity, concrete counertops are extremly durable and come in many colors and styles.
- Butcher Block - Usually just a section of the countertop, it's made of hard wood such as maple. It's used as a chopping block.
- Plastic laminate - Usually referred to by the brand name Formica, it's the market standard.
- Ceramic tile counters - A very sturdy surface; it gives your kitchen that cool retro look!
Splash Board or Island?
Whether you go with a wall-touching counter with a splashboard or an Island is a personal call. Part of the choice depends on the kitchen geometry. Island counters are preferable for socializing. A wall-touching counter is more functional for small spaces.
You've got a lot of choices. As Indiana Jones would say, "Choose wisely!"
Posted by Kelly Smith
Lately I've been researching the world of evolving green products, materials, and methods. It's kind of like when you buy a red car, you suddenly notice how many red cars there are? Green home building (and remodeling) is like that. When you dig for the information, it's everywhere.
Going Green with New Construction
The goal of reaching the Energy Star certification is doable, especially with new construction. You might choose to use Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs) for your exterior and demising walls. Or, you might choose to go with Sturctural Insulated Panels (SIPs). Either way, the home will be nearly air-tight.
Green Home Remodeling
If your home is already existing, you have to work with what you've got. There are a number of things you can do here. One of the first is a green kitchen remodel. Install more efficient appliances. They'll have the Energy Star label on them. Funny how the first place they seemed to show up was on computer monitors.
How about a green bathroom remodel? The hot thing (so to speak) on the market today is the tankless water heater. It only heats the water when you need it.
How About Attic Insulation?
This is where you get a lot of bang for your buck, and you don't need an insulation contractor to do it! Just buy fiberglass insulation and install it. Don't forget to wear a long sleeve shirt and dust mask. One thing to be careful of is not to cover up the soffit vents.
These are just a few of the things you can do to shave your utility bills. As you begin, be sure to investigate which things you can get a tax credit for.
Posted by Kelly Smith
Ok, I admit it. My name is Kelly Smith and I'm a frugalaholic. There, now that the cat's out of the bag, I feel better. But I've got to tell you, I like to save money. So I have become very fond of the LED lights at my desk/work station.
See, in my home office, my desk/work station is one of those curved ones that fits into the corner of the room. Above and slightly behind me is the ceiling fan which runs continuously as I work. (Don't have to set the air conditioner so low!)
Even though I've fitted it with a compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL), it still seemed like overkill unless I'm reading for research. So I said to myself, "Self, how can I improve the situation?"
I had seen these little LED undercabinet light fixtures at Home Depot and I thought, well, why not?
These aren't the larger, fancy ones. They're round, about two inches across, and have adhesive on the back. My keyboard and monitor sit underneath the curved desk top so I stuck a couple of these on the underside of the desk top and viola!
They not only provide just the right amount of light, but they'll probably last at least a year on battery power. That, and there's no glare on the monitor screen.
Posted by Kelly Smith
Just lately there seems to be more emphasis on all things green and organic. I guess it's due to the fact that Earth Day happened recently and the main thing in the news cycle is Hillary and Obama slapping each other.
Yesterday I was at the gym on the treadmill watching CNN. They were discussing the fact that food prices are rising due to fuel costs and the corn crop getting hijacked by the bogus fuel, ethanol. This is leading consumers in some areas to buy their produce directly from the farmers. Good idea.
But then, listening to a home improvement show on the radio later, I found out more about green home building than I ever imagined. For example, did you know that one criteria is that the building materials should come from a close location? I believe he said less than 500 miles away.
Well, that makes sense. Especially in light of transportation costs.
Whether you support the global warning issue or not, there's no denying the fact that keeping utility bills low is a good idea. Of course, I've been on that mission around my home for a couple of years now. I've done the radiant barrier paint, gone to compact fluorescent lights, and added to my attic insulation.
We bought a new refrigerator in the middle of last year and it's certainly saving some juice. Gotta love the ENERGY STAR!
Posted by Kelly Smith
Spring is here and this year I'm trying something new - a Morel mushroom garden. I love mushrooms; portobello, shiitake, and others. But I hate paying the high price in the grocery store. So growing my own from a kit seemed the obvious choice.
The kit itself is a clump of what seems to be a cross between light, fluffy dirt and sawdust. The spores are in there somewhere, I'm told.
They like shade so I picked a place in my garden under the arching crepe myrtle branches. I wanted a raised bed since the literature asks for well-drained soil.
I built a "box" using cedar fence pickets. The price is right, chemicals are absent, cedar weathers well, and it has been said that it shuns insects. Then I filled it with dirt and turned it over a few times with some organic matter. Finally, I turned in the kit.
I like these "mini gardens". I put in asperagus a few years ago and still harvest it throughout the spring and early summer. I also grew my own hops back when I used to brew my own beer. But that's another story...
Posted by Kelly Smith
I've got to be honest with you here; I'm sick to death of the whole low flow thing. Low flow toilets, low flow shower heads... enough already! Of course here in the USA, we're mandated to use low flow toilets during new construction or replacement.
The dang things don't do a good job of “waste removal” and so you sometimes have to flush twice to get the job done. A couple of years ago, I heard a report on the radio that as a result of this misguided potty legislation, there exists a brisk full-flow-toilet black market via Canada! Eh!
Low flow shower heads likewise give a less than satisfactory experience. But recently I discovered that inventor Fred Rahaming took a look at this issue and came up with a better solution – the It Just Makes Sense Shower Head.
Have you ever taken a camp shower? You know, where the water only comes down on an on-demand basis? This shower head works in a similar manner; just pull the chain for a powerful blast. Let go, and it goes back to a trickle.
Bottom line? You save hot water while still enjoying a steaming powerful spray. Of course, if your spouse isn't like minded, the chain/spring can be disabled with two fingers. And, viola! Back to the regular conventional full flow shower experience.
Hot water conservation and energy efficiency just got easier!
It's an easy installation as well, It only took me about five minutes or so to change it out. A “clean installation”, if you'll pardon the pun!
Posted by Kelly Smith
It's all green today, and I'm not referring to anything about Al Gore or ELF (Earth Liberation Front or Eco-Terrorists). Nope, I'm talking about Saint Patrick, the man who brought Christianity to Ireland.
In fact, today he's recognized as the patron saint of all Ireland, both the Republic and the occupied north. What's with the green though? The “wearing of the green” refers to pinning a shamrock to your clothing. But if you've ever wandered the isle like I have, you know that the green grass on the hills and in the dells is somewhat overwhelming.
Eco-Terrorism and Renewable Resources
But what's with the other kind of green? I mean besides the growing interest in sustainable and green building practices. Yes, the whole ozone hole controversy. Well, in the news lately is the story of John Coleman seeking to sue Al Gore over An Inconvenient Truth and his shrieking rabble-rousing, panic-attack tactics.
Who is John Coleman? He's the founding meteorologist of The Weather Channel. Why is he suing? Because Al Gore refuses to debate him. If I were to draw a conclusion...
But what about ELF, and what does it have to do with DIY? For one thing, they're against the harvesting of any trees. As a woodworker, I take offense. Of course I don't want to see those majestic Redwoods cut down.
But we can harvest commercial and exotic wood, provided we replant and maintain a balance. We've been doing that for wood framing houses and for newsprint for a long time. With success. That's the very definition of a renewable resource. The solution is to harvest responsibly and punish the ELF anarchists.
Posted by Kelly Smith
Not too long ago, I wrote an article about pellet stoves for a client of mine. I had never heard of them; probably because the winters here aren't too harsh. Advances in air conditioner technology and higher SEER ratings is more likely to get my attention.
Fuel for Pellet Stoves
What kind of fuel do pellet stoves use? You guessed it – pellets! This is one of the major advantages of this technology. The pellets are made up of all kinds of scrap wood, sawdust from mills, and any other type of wood that was just trashed prior to now.
The wood is ground up and then compressed into pellet shape. Since they're all the same size, they burn evenly and efficiently. And since the wood was all refuse anyway, the price of the finished product is quite reasonable.
How the Stove Works
You can expect to pay anywhere from $1,500 to $3,000 for one of these contraptions. The reason they're so high is because there's a bit of mechanics involved. The stove has a hopper, usually on top, that holds the pellets. An auger, timed by a control to a certain rate, feeds the fuel to the burner.
A fan draws room air into the unit. Then it's blown across a heat exchanger and back out into the room. Some models are self-lighting so there's no mucking about with matches. Very clever set-up.
Is a Pellet Stove in your future? Maybe, if you live in icy environs. I don't see it happening in my home but if I was building one from scratch, I'd certainly look into it.
Posted by Kelly Smith
Of Lawnmower Repair & Weed Eaters
I know many of you are still shoveling the white stuff. I feel your pain. But here in South Texas, spring flowers are emerging. Specifically, weeds. This prompted me to dust off the lawnmower and weed eater and get busy with yard work. But alas, things don't always go as planned; I have a bit of lawnmower repair to wrestle with. And after I get all that under control, I can set an agenda for outdoor do it yourself adventures.
Weed Eating – Mission Accomplished
Here's what transpired... Although the trusty Homelite weed eater had been hibernating through winter, it fired right up. Edging and trimming complete, I fetched the lawn mower. I would have put it off an hour or two since the lawn was still wet with dew, but rain was threatening.
I got about ¾ of the way done when things went south. The lawnmower's front end went down like a quarterback with substandard defense. The frame had rusted through and finally separated near the left front wheel.
Some folks might load it up in the old pick up and take it somewhere to get it welded. But that demands an unnecessary outlay of moola. There's a better solution.
Metal Joist Hangers and Self-Tapping Screws
I always keep some joist hangers and other mending plates in my wood shop. I used my tin snips on a galvanized joist hanger to make a custom brace. Then I used vice grips to hold it in place on the lawnmower frame. Then it was simply a matter of using self tapping screws to secure it to the frame.
I first tried using Phillips head screws but that didn't work out. Hex head screws did the trick. Did I finish mowing? Heck, no! Like I said, rain was coming.
Posted by Kelly Smith
Back in the day when I was a full-time Journeyman Carpenter, I did about 99% commercial work; interior finish for the most part. 14 years of it. I did my apprenticeship with the Carpenter's Union in Miami. They didn't treat us apprentices very well. For example, we had to log a certain amount of hours each month to qualify for medical benefits. Somehow we always came up one hour short - even when there was plenty of work. No hard feelings though; they gave me a great career.
Acoustical Ceilings, Metal Framing, and Drywall
For the most part I installed acoustical ceilings, but I also laid out and did metal framing and hung drywall. I didn't make much money, but I loved the job. When I was hanging ceilings or installing Raco, I spent all day walking around in stilts. Sometimes I used scaffolding when the ceiling was too high.
One day I was hanging ceiling grid in a school gym. I was riding a Safeway scaffold 20 feet in the air. The scaffold had wheels so when I needed to move, I would just throw my weight and the scaffold would scoot over a foot or two. On this particular day I was working through lunch so I was alone.
Well, I rolled a bit and one wheel went into a hole. The scaffold started to go over. I thought, "Oh, &)%!?;!!" What could I do? I was able to reach up, grab a bar joist, and throw my hip against the scaffold railing. It saved me but I had to hold on for about 15 minutes.
Software Engineering
After about 10 years of night school, I got my degree and became a Software Engineer. I made about 4 times more money, but never had as much fun.
Posted by Kelly Smith
Mission Energy Conservation
A few years ago I started off on a bold new mission: energy conservation. OK, perhaps not so bold, but at least new. Energy prices were climbing, and here in South Texas the summers are blistering. Which means what? The air conditioner never stops running.So the mission was to cut electricity usage.
At the time I was somewhat gainfully employed as the Engineering Supervisor at a large Marriott hotel. Well, a building that large uses a lot of power so we were always looking to pinch the penny.
The Case for Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs
I got to be pretty good friends with the salesman who kept us supplied with light bulbs. With over 300 rooms and a lot of public areas, you go through a lot of light bulbs. So he preached to me the glories of compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL). Every time an incandescent light bulb burned out, in went a CFL. I’m thinking about LED light bulbs in the bathroom vanity light fixture now.
So far, so good. My KW’s were dropping. But now I had a problem. The first step was to admit it. Yes, I confess… I had become an anti-electricity junkie. I needed a fix.
Really Right – Radiant Barrier Paint
I heard about radiant barrier paint on one of those weekend “ask-the-handyman” shows. Sounded like science fiction but I researched it. Then I had to have it. I bought a bucket of the powder and 5 gallons of paint and went up into the attic with my spray rig. OK people; don’t do this job during the summer. Hot!
The KW’s continued to fall. My bill never went down. The electricity “fuel surcharge” kept rising, but at least I’m treading water.
Posted by Kelly Smith
Well, part 2 in the Deck Building article series is now available for reading. This one is about the types of materials needed (pressure treated lumber, hardware and fasteners, and concrete) and basic deck framing.
A deck is a mighty fine thing to have in the backyard for family gathering, entertaining, and rolling out the barbeque pit. It also makes for less grass to mow! But on a more practical level, it makes good financial sense – your home is your biggest investment and installing a deck is a great way to increase equity in your property.
But I Mentioned Real Estate Instability
Yes, unless you live under a rock, it’s impossible not to be overwhelmed by news of the housing market imploding. Hopefully you’re not the owner of one of those sub-prime loans. It’s obviously not a good time to be selling a home. And it’s a shame that some folks are going to lose their homes. But too many people bought into bad borrowing advice and easy money; even when the buzz for the past year has been about the impending collapse of the real estate bubble.
- Mortgage Trivia – The word mortgage comes from the old French and means death pledge. Chilling isn’t it?
So, if you’re like me and have a nice stable home and monthly note (not the dreaded adjustable rate mortgage), it’s a great time to invest in your property with a dose of home improvement. And we’ll be getting that juicy income tax refund soon.
Good Home Improvement Projects to Tackle
These are some I’ve done in 2007 –
- A new roof
- Install ceramic tile in the living room
- Install laminate flooring in the bedrooms
- Wall painting
- Fascia board repair
Whew! It never stops!
Posted by Kelly Smith
Well, before we recently flipped the calendar page to January, I posted an article on DIY New Year’s resolutions. Now that the holidays are over I thought it was time to tackle a series of articles that many of you will benefit from when the weather warms up a bit. (It’s t-shirt weather here in South Texas today; no home heating systems in use.)
Decks, Decks, and More Decks!
And the first DIY project topic is backyard decks! The first article, still hot off the press, is on deck design fundamentals. The devil is in the details, as they say. And no one wants to get halfway through setting posts and then decide the design is wrong.
Or even worse, your snoopy homeowner association “representative” looks over the fence and decides you can’t build! I hate it when that happens.
The DeckBuilding Article Series
I plan to write a few articles in the deck series; deck foundation and framing, modern deck materials, deck finishing and refinishing, etc. I’m open to suggestions if something needs clarification or if you want more focus on a particular aspect. Yep, that’s what my email’s for. And the Home Reno & Repair Discussions, which are highly under-utilized, I might add.
Decks seem straightforward at first glance, but there are so many options that designing and building one opens up a whole new world. Basic decks, multi-level decks, decks with hot tubs (yeah, baby…), and decks integrated into a flower garden.
Here’s to a satisfying, productive, and spouse-pleasing New Year!