Home Improvement Thread

[malkintent]

Yeah if you're not ripping anything, it's a luxury you don't need for that project

[NTP66]

Handheld circular saw, 2 clamps, a board and a square (to square up the board you're clamping to the door to use as a guide) will work.

This. I bought a $20 saw guide when we sold our condo and used it to cut all new 6-panel doors for the interior. Made short work of it, along with the hinge jig I also bought.

[AuthorTony]

Another question, could I use a miter saw to cut 2x4s or 2x6s at 45 degree angles on the 4" or 6" edge? I was thinking about "framing" the bottom of the posts on the pergola to make it look a little more finished. I don't know how to really describe what I'm picturing, so this probably makes no sense.

[NTP66]

Another question, could I use a miter saw to cut 2x4s or 2x6s at 45 degree angles on the 4" or 6" edge? I was thinking about "framing" the bottom of the posts on the pergola to make it look a little more finished. I don't know how to really describe what I'm picturing, so this probably makes no sense.

I know what you mean, and on most (if not all) 10" mitre saws you should be fine. It'll actually tell you the largest board you can cut, and I'm pretty sure that 2x6 is the largest on a 10".

[AuthorTony]

Perfect - thanks!

[mac5155]

You can get a sliding miter saw to cut wider boards.

[Nuge]

Anyone have experience painting vinyl shutters? I've read that painting a darker color could cause them to warp. Any specific paints that work well?

[AuthorTony]

After trying a variety of cleaning products and strippers (not those kinds, you perverts) to clean 20+ years of stain of my deck, I have given up on the "easy" solutions. I bought a random orbital sander and started sanding down the boards. It's going to take a ton of time but I think it'll be worthwhile when finished.

[LITT]

lawnmower recommendations?

[Silentom]

Push or riding?

[NTP66]

Assuming you're talking about push mowers, I've used Craftsman mowers with B&S engines all my life, and couldn't see myself changing brands. I've only ever had one issue with a mower, and Sears covered it without question (too long ago for me to even remember the problem). It'll be hard to beat the price/performance of one. Honda and Husqvarna make some really nice mowers, too, but they're pricey. I also dislike the self-propelled models. Higher cost, more things to break, and I think they're generally useless.

[LITT]

Push or riding?

push. i got legs.

[Kraftster]

Honda

[Silentom]

Honda

[DigitalGypsy66]

[Craig]

Im about to buy a mower. Just a craftsman push mower most likely. I havent looked yet but i bought my parents one a few years ago for a little under $200. Thats what ill get now most likely.

[Nuge]

The conversation in the Home Buying thread got me thinking. I'm in the early stages of finishing my basement. Anyone here have any experience with that? I would like to start framing it over the next few months but I'm wondering about whether I should do any interior waterproofing first (Drylok the walls, seal the floors, etc.). My house is 16 years old and there is no visible signs of water damage, but I've read that Drylok can help regulate the humidity down there. Any opinions?

[mac5155]

Put a square of plastic up on the wall, and tape it well. Leave it sit for a week or so. Check for moisture on the plastic after a week. If there is any, I'd do a vapor barrier.

[Shyster]

I have a Toro Super Recycler push mower that I really like. The Super Recyclers differ from the regular Recycler models in having aluminum decks that won't ever rust. They are harder to find, as most box stores only sell the cheaper Recyclers. Hondas are also good mowers. If you go Honda, I'd pay the extra money to get one of the models with a no-rust polymer deck (the HRX series). A well-maintained mower can last for decades, so I classify it as one of those purchases where I'm willing to pay more money up front to get better quality.

[tifosi77]

Put a square of plastic up on the wall, and tape it well. Leave it sit for a week or so. Check for moisture on the plastic after a week. If there is any, I'd do a vapor barrier.

If the room is below grade, shouldn't you do a vapor barrier anyway?

[Craig]

Put a square of plastic up on the wall, and tape it well. Leave it sit for a week or so. Check for moisture on the plastic after a week. If there is any, I'd do a vapor barrier.

If the room is below grade, shouldn't you do a vapor barrier anyway?

id be careful with a vapor barrier. Where does the moisture go?

[robbiestoupe]

Put a square of plastic up on the wall, and tape it well. Leave it sit for a week or so. Check for moisture on the plastic after a week. If there is any, I'd do a vapor barrier.

If the room is below grade, shouldn't you do a vapor barrier anyway?

id be careful with a vapor barrier. Where does the moisture go?

Just fill the space with desiccant beads

[Miami Vice]

patio project:


I have an amp and Chromecast audio stashed in here:


I'll figure out a way to eliminate the duct tape this weekend

[NTP66]

Any of you ever repair cracks in your foundation? I've got a few settlement cracks in my basement that, despite not letting any water through, I'd like to go ahead and repair. I've all but ruled out having a contractor do it given how much they charge, and am really looking more for a DIY epoxy kit. Amazon has a few highly rated ones, but wanted to see if anyone here has personally done it before.

[Craig]

I dug out a fire pit this weekend and have the stone to build it up the next few days. I have a lot of shrubbery that im going to burn in it since waste management only picks up yard waste one an effing month.