http://carpenterconfidential.com Sat, 23 May 2009 12:22:59 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en For most of you, I don't have to go on about what this entails. But it seems that many people have missed out on the tribulations and of course the absolute joy of hands on, head scratching labors. See this New York Times article. I've been erratic in my postings ... http://carpenterconfidential.com/?p=517 When I first saw one of these Makita mini-sliding compound miter saws on a job site, it looked like a play school version of a grown-ups saw. It's a tiny thing, and I couldn't imagine wanting to use it in place of my 12-inch sliding compound miter saw. But, you ... http://carpenterconfidential.com/?p=511 While I know this has damn little to do with carpentry, it has to do with my day to day partner in the truck. I take my dog, Liza, to work with me as often as I can. She's a great ice breaker and doesn't let anyone near my (her) ... http://carpenterconfidential.com/?p=508 It's a sure fire, son-of-a-bitch moment when you're about to install a tricky piece of trim and you hear a hiss so loud you think it's a snake with a megaphone. But the reality is, you've damaged your compressor hose. It happens. You don't have to toss the hose, though. ... http://carpenterconfidential.com/?p=501 Last year I had to install bamboo plywood instead of drywall along the interior walls of an addition. Talk about pricey. The architect had specified a solvent free construction adhesive to be used for the installation, and I remember one carpenter saying, "This stuff'll never hold, smell it." I didn't ... http://carpenterconfidential.com/?p=495 Collins Miter Clamps are the third hand I'm glad I have. When dealing with a fussy assembly, whether it's on the job or for a woodworking project in my shop, these little spring clamps are a real help. Before discovering these clamps, I'd span the miter with my hand, apply ... http://carpenterconfidential.com/?p=488 [caption id="attachment_483" align="alignnone" width="225" caption="Courtesy of Toro Tools"][/caption] Hot-Diggity-Dog my life just got a w(hole) lot easier. With spring still a ways off for us in the Northeast, planning for a great outdoor project is the right antidote to winter. Many of you are thinking decks, fences, pergolas, or gardens. Such plans ... http://carpenterconfidential.com/?p=480 I run a few miles of crown molding every year, or so it seems. That's a lot of overhead work. And having a lightweight nail gun is a blessing. My Bostitch N62FNK-2 15 Gauge 1-Inch to 2-1/2-Inch Angled Finish Nailer weighs in at a tidy 3.8 pounds and is one ... http://carpenterconfidential.com/?p=473 In the upcoming issue of The Journal of Light Construction, Gary Striegler outlines his take on what makes a great walk-in closet. You can read that article here. DeWalt has its own version of reality TV with "Top 17 Finish Carpenters." I've had a blast checking over the entries and the ... http://carpenterconfidential.com/?p=470 I hate wrestling cumbersome sheets of plywood or MDF onto my table saw. In fact, I'm never going to do it again. Instead of pushing a 4 X 8-foot sheet of plywood through a saw, I now use my circular saw and a guide track. The product I use is ... http://carpenterconfidential.com/?p=464