Library builder

If the deck perimeter isn’t parallel and square, the walls won’t be either. Take the time to check this now, following the procedure explained in chapter 3 (see pp. 54-56). If nec­essary, lino-tune the exterior wall layout to correct for out-of-square corners or nonparal­lel walls. The lines you snap define the insideedge of the exterior […]

WHETHER YOU’RE AN EXPERIENCED BUILDER, A HABITAT VOLUNTEER, ora novice carpenter, the wall-framing phase of a homebuilding project is especially exciting. Piles of lumber scattered around a flat platform are soon assembled into a complex skeleton that defines the shape and si/.e of a homes interior spaces. For the first time, it’s possible to experience […]

SOMETIMES A LITTLE extra persuasion is needed to unite tongue-and-groove sheathing panels. Have one person stand on the edge of the sheet and hold it flat and snug against the previous row of sheathing. Another person can lay a scrap of 2x (to protect the groove from damage) against the sheet and hit it with […]

MANY CARPENTERS CUT BLOCKS with a   chopsaw, which is fine if you have one. But there is another easy way to cut blocks. Try making a simple block-cutting tool to use with a circular saw. Once you have the guide, simply hook it on a 2x and make the cut along the edge.   […]

ONE OF THE MOST important skills a carpenter learns over the years is training and trusting his or her eye. And one of the best ways to develop this capability is to cut square by eye. Instead of using a square to mark a 90-degree cutoff line on a board, simply make a quick pencil […]

SIMPLE, SINGLE-STORY HOUSES are not only inexpensive to build but also lend themselves well to barrier-free (handicap-аccessible) eonstruction. In addition to the obvious differences that relate to wheelchair accessibility— 4 wider hallways and doorways, a ramp instead of a stairway at the entrvwav— / 4 4 many other smaller details help make these homes easier […]

Rim joists form the exterior of the building and are the first joists to he installed. The lay­out of other joist locations are marked on the top edges of the rim joists. Cut the rim joists to length and toenail each one flush with the outside of the sill. I drive one I6d nail every […]

FOR THE MOST PART, volunteers who help build Habitat houses use only hammers to drive nails. But these days, buildings are often nailed together with all kinds of pneumatic nailers. These tools have been around for 40 years or so and are generally good, reliable tools. Models are available for framing, fin­ish work, siding, and […]

DRIVING A COUPLE of nails through the side of one 2x into the edge or face of another creates a strong connection. This is a good way to join two 2xs at a right angle. But sometimes this isn’t pos­sible, either because the board is too thick or because its face is not exposed. That’s […]