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Archive for the ‘DIY electrical tools’ Category

Outdoor Ceiling Fans

Tuesday, July 13, 2010
posted by Craig

Outdoor ceiling fans are not made the same way as indoor ceiling fans, because being outdoors means that they have to be able to handle moisture. All outdoor fans have to be tested before they are sold to the public to ensure that they can handle the weather and being outside.

These types of fans are normally installed in places that are likely to be exposed to the different elements throughout certain times of the year, also in places that aren’t open to complete cooling and heating from a house. They were made to be strong and handle sudden changes in temperature and some of them can even handle days of rain.

The biggest difference there is between outdoor ceiling fans and normal indoor ones is the fact that outdoor fans are generally made from plastic or resin as they have to be able to deal with weather conditions, while indoor fans can be made from soft wood and other materials that can easily be damaged.

The Tommy Bahama Breezes fan model TB344AP is a model that features dark mahogany blades and a three speed pull chain. The blades come separately with the fan so you can design however you want to. The motor on this fan is the most powerful one ever made.

Minka Aire Gyro model F402-ORB is also one of the outdoor ceiling fans; this one is bronze in color and comes complete with a transmitter and function wall control. With twin turbofans, this fan produces rapid cool air circulation. Both the cages of the fan can be rotated to ninety degrees for your convenience.

The Fanimation Old Havana Ceiling Mount Fan model FA-FPH210AC has an antique copper fan motor. These fans are not only function, but they are also very stylish. With five airflow ratings, a 0.75 amp motor, and a non reversible airflow this fan will provide you with all the cool air you need.

Another one of the popular outdoor ceiling fans is the Emerson Maui Bay Model CF 2000WB. The great thing about this fan is that there is not only one type of blades that can be used, from tropical leaf blades to tear-proof sailcloth and hand woven wicker. This fan also has three speeds and reversible airflow.

Concord Boardwalk Ceiling Fan Model 52BW5AP is available in aged pecan and it comes in three speeds that are accessed via a pull chain. This fan may look good but it is also cost effective as it will save energy and it costs less to maintain. It comes with an adaptor so that it can be installed in low areas.

Outdoor ceiling fans would not be complete without the Minka Aire Concept Wet Ceiling Fan model F577ORB. This fan is a very popular one because the motor has been modified to make it more powerful and it also keeps away bugs.

The Monte Carlo Grand Isle Ceiling Fan Model 5GIR54RB is also an outdoor fan. This one comes complete with a transmitter, three different speeds, different dimming options and reverse airflow.

The amount of outdoor ceiling fans are virtually endless, every design and style is just about covered. There is an outdoor ceiling fan to suit every home!

DIY how to Build a Drawer

Wednesday, July 7, 2010
posted by Craig

Drawer sides made from prefinished melamine consist with a dado cut 1/4″ deep running the length of the drawer depth. Building a drawer pullout is simply a box, with a drawer front screwed to the drawer face and a drawer knob attached to the drawer face. A typical drawer bottom is 1/4″ white melamine cut on a table saw. hardwood drawer front and backs finished nailed to the drawer sidesdrawer sides and drawer fronts pre-glued for the melamine bottomdrawer bottom slide into 3 sided drawer FRONT-LEFT-RIGHT sidesdrawer 1/4" melamine bottom nailed to pefectly square drawer box

Any cabinet can use some sort of box to pullout and fill with just about anything. The dimension can vary and prefinished drawer sides can be purchased up to 12″ deep for larger capacity. Hardwood drawer fronts and backs are considered mostly for the durability. Once the drawer box has been assembled with finished nails, gun or hand nails will suffice. The drawer slides can be mounted and installed inside the cabinet. All drawer slide hardware has adjustable slots or cams for fine tuning. You may now install the drawer faces and pull hardware.

How To Add an (110v) OUTlet

Wednesday, June 2, 2010
posted by Craig

low profile 110v outlet box inside a cabinet

In a crafts room we wanted to install electrical power to an area that was going to be used as a printing station and required a 15 amp 110v plug for this usage. The best and closest area to leg power from was above the ceiling in the attic storage. With an existing single gang box there we ran some 14/2 romex down the wall and into a cabinet side. This needed only 2 holes drilled and the side of the melamine cabinet wall cut for a low profile single gang retro plastic cut-in box.after layout and some relief holes drilled we cut the cabinet wall 3/4" melamineOnce the wall of the 3/4″ melamine was marked then the Fein Multi Masterassisted in the finish plunge cut, the romex pulled through the box and the electrical outlet box was mounted on the wall, 2 men 2 hours of labor and approx. $35.00 us in materials. Important to note here will be to consult your local building codes for do’s and don’ts.pull the romex wire through and fasten outlet box to cabinet wall

setting PreCast Concrete

Monday, May 31, 2010
posted by Craig

Many variation of precast tiles can all be installed anywhere such as tile, precast fire place mantels or precast exterior window and door accents. Precast concrete steps or stairs, for instance are applied such as ceramic tile with thin set adhesives and grout. A masonry diamond grinder or skilsaw blade can cut with ease and prefit into place as a dry run.

 lathe and prefloat the stucco pror installation of precast concretesupport heavy precast concrete Remove any loose or broken surface concrete or stucco to allow your precast concrete to bond as if its all one piece. After window was in place we also added some expanded wire for holding the grout and creating a bond reinforcement that wont crack. These precast stones need to be supported while the thin set dries for 24 hours. This is another fantastic way to accent the exterior finish for a better resale future value return on your investments.

Is Cash King?

Sunday, May 16, 2010
posted by Craig

* The 4 market cycles that all free market economies
go through, how to recognize when we are moving into a new
cycle, and most importantly, how to get rich in the cycle we
are in and the coming cycle.

* Discover the 3 real estate niches, and learn how to utilize
all 3 niches to create long term wealth in real estate

* Long term wealth in real estate is not made flipping every
house you short sale.  It is made owning real estate. And
owning real estate is simple and easy when you have the right
systems in place and learn how to do it. In fact, it is easier
than flipping a house to an end buyer.

* Why he believes Cash is not king, Cash Flow is. And he will
prove it to you.

* Learn how to safely and quickly remarket properties for
above market and have the buyer not even blink an eye… You’ll
even learn how to make the buyer completely ecstatic with the
deal and take care of the house like an owner would.

All this is possible in the real world once you understand how to leverage your tools for growth and nail down any future chances of getting an education in the market of a life time…….

DIY TOOLS

Thursday, May 6, 2010
posted by Craig

Most people don’t buy several different types of chainsaws or four different drills. But there are a few power tools that are essential for common home repairs and quick fixes. You’ll never regret purchasing a good set of tools, and even the unrecognizable ones will be guaranteed to come in handy one day. For any homeowner (or even apartment dweller), having a small set of tools is important.

Too often people feel forced into buying new appliances or furniture when these items could be easily fixed with the right tools and a bit of effort. Power tools are especially useful as they can help you repair things quicker and more effectively than just by hand-powered methods.

You don’t need to spend a fortune to create a small arsenal of essential power tools. There are only a few that you really need to get the majority of tasks done. Others can always be borrowed or even rented for a few days at a local hardware store. Here are some of the main power tools you’ll want to invest in.

1. Drill

Hammers and nails will never be as efficient as the power of a drill. There are many different varieties of electric drills available, but if you’re just looking for something to fix loose screws, you can choose the most basic of models.

Look for drills with varying speeds and a reverse option (this will be invaluable when attempting to take apart furniture). It may also be in your best interest to choose a cordless model. You’ll have to make sure the batteries are charged, but you won’t have to worry about tangles and storing messy cords.

2. Circular Saw

If you ever plan on undertaking any woodwork, this tool will be necessary. They come in small sizes, so it won’t take up too much space or be too difficult to wield. Around the house, they are popular for such projects as deck building and door frame repair, but can be used for just about any other wood project. They can cut across or with the grain, making them very versatile.

3. Jigsaw

There are now smaller versions of the jigsaw, so you won’t need to buy a huge table setup. Jigsaws are also used for woodworking, but unlike the circular saw, they can be use with thin wood and for fine detail work like trimming thin edges or making curved cuts.

4. Reciprocating Saw

This is one of the more fun power tools a person can own. The reciprocating saw is an all-purpose cutting and destroying tool. It can tear down a variety of different materials, making it suitable for remodeling jobs or if you just need to replace some stubborn floorboards. It can also be use to make cuts in tough materials such as metal.

Having these essential power tools will help you get a good set started. Additional can always be added on later. With proper maintenance and care, power tools can last many years, so they will be well worth the initial investment.

Baldwin Lockset installation DIY

Wednesday, February 24, 2010
posted by Craig
There are two sizes of Baldwin mortise bodies that are commonly used on conventional residential doors as shown below. You determine which one is right for you by how much room you have on your door “lock stile” and which trimset you have selected. General door hardware specs that any DIY’er CAN DO!

The illustration below is a Baldwin mortise body with a 2.5″ backset. This means that the CENTER of whatever trimset style you select will be 2.5″ from the edge of your door. This body must be cut into the door’s edge approx 3.75″ deep. You will need to drill approx. 5,   3/4″ holes centered on the doors edge 3 1/2″ deep and remove whats left with a sharp 3/4″ wood chisel.
The illustration below is a Baldwin mortise body with a 2.75″ backset. This means that the CENTER of whatever trimset style you select will be 2.75″ from the edge of your door. This body must be cut into the door’s edge approx 4.25″ deep. This type requires a 7/8″ bit drilling 4″ deep and removing the rest with a sharp chisel.

Pre Paint Prep with BONDO

Thursday, February 18, 2010
posted by Craig

Thats right folks the same 2 part epoxy mix that autobody shops use on cars. In SOCal where some of the new rich reside is also Satisfaction Gauranteed seal of approvalwhere some of the best professional house painting occurs. Magazine model material, custom multi-million dollar homes with the same home improvement center paints the rest of us buy and use on our biggest investments in our IRA plans, the biggest dpainting preparation BONDOifference though is the prep work being done to create some of the finest home painting on the prestigious west coast.

I only emphasize this painting prep point, because I see the difference. Bondo or whatever brand you buy will change your homes detail of paint grade finish like night and day. Case and base nail holes, vacuum dents, mars and gouges, offset splices and even some miter joints go from nice job to vavoom. Interior spackling never really can give you that it truly is “all one piece look” but bondo does and does not shrink.

an improper fascia remove and replace Can you believe my client actually paid for this for this fascia board/ termite repairs, removal and replacement, 2-1/2 years ago, in California during a drought period. We also will point out that 1×6 fascia board was not pre-primed before install and fastened by the drip edge metal roof flashing by the face nails through the bottom half of the drip edge flashing. Forcing it tight against and not letting it perform it’s designed task.2x replacement fascia with room to drip free from face

Extremely important is the fact that the moisture has to fall free from the roof and away from the face of the fascia board. This allows the costly repairs of real estate construction work, more time [6-10 years] between home improvement repairs.

Tools required: nail puller / small prybar / tin snips / electric reciprocating saw [sawzall] / straight claw hammer / primer / paint brush etc. DO IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME and REAP the REWARDS of HOME OWNERSHIP!

Find Your Creative Outlet

Wednesday, February 10, 2010
posted by DI-Myself

home-decor_175Redesigning an entire room from the ground up can be as daunting as it is exhilarating. After you have done the heavy work and can put your electrical tools away, it is time to consider the interior decorations. Once a homeowner has settled on the general theme of a room, it comes time to add some complementary touches. Some of the smallest elements of a room can attract the most attention, especially when they are selected carefully.

For a room with white walls, it’s nice to spice up the décor with a few flourishes. Electrical outlet covers can add flair to a room’s functional necessities. When decorating a library or study, think about implementing some earth tones - something that connotes the comforting smell of books.