Home Decor Projects Observer

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It's been a busy week here in central New Hampshire. A week ago today I awoke to my worst nightmare. The entire driveway was covered with 1 or 2 inches of ice.  

The day before the third storm in six weeks deposited slushy concrete out of the sky. That's what I call it. Snow so wet it's impossible to move with a snowblower. Snow so heavy it's virtually impossible to shovel it.  

The temperature plummeted overnight and it all froze. You have to come down a hill to my house and one 30-foot-length of the driveway is a 25-percent grade.  

That means the driveway goes up 25 feet in elevation for every 100 feet of horizontal travel. In other words, this section is very steep.  

I wasn't home when the last storm struck. Kathy did her best to clear two paths on the steep section so I didn't slide down into the lake upon my race back from Bar Harbor, Maine.  

Suffice it to say that after 400 pounds of salt, the past three days with temperatures hovering around 32 F, and me out there with special shovels I was able to clear the driveway of all ice. However, the flat section down near the house is a giant glacier. I'll see the blacktop again in April!

Great Keychain LED Flashlight

I received a cool gift this past Christmas. The Olight I1R EOS.

I GUARANTEE you'll be buying one of these bad boys for your keychain. This tiny little light saved my bacon in the dark crawlspace up in Bar Harbor ten days ago.

Update on Meghan's House

The weather has been brutal up in Bar Harbor, Maine and my daughter and son-in-law's house is struggling to get a roof on it.  

Finally the trusses started to go up two days ago.

CLICK HERE to watch a short video of that truss being guided into place at the south end of the house.  

See the BIG HOLE in the truss? Do you know what that is? It's the outline of a giant open attic space that will be in the house. Once all the trusses are set, there will be a room 43 feet long, 18 feet wide and 8 feet tall!  

Look again at the truss in the photo or video. Do you see how it has a built-in floor truss below the hole to support all the weight of a normal floor?  

Yes, you can have ROOMS up in attics that are built with trusses! You can have spaces in low-slope roofs for storage if there's not enough room to stand.  

CLICK HERE to discover more about Attic Trusses and the closest lumberyard near you that can design exactly what you want.   Look at the following photo of the roof structure and note how the floor trusses switch direction so a FULL-SIZED STAIRCASE can get up into the attic, not one of those flimsy pull-down staircases you see in most homes!  

CLICK HERE to discover how to get a full-sized staircase up into the attic of your home or your next room addition.

CLICK HERE to get a handle on all things attic trusses. I think you'll not be disappointed in this past column I wrote.  

The BONUS of CLICKING here is you get to see a photo of the desk I work at each day. Go ahead, do it. Wait until you see what's pinned to the ceiling/walls in my office.

Critical Thinking and Common Sense

Quite a few public relations people have my email address. It's their job to reach out to me on behalf of their clients.  

Each winter I get hammered with offers to speak with experts about how to save money on fuel bills. Some of the advice they're purveying is not the best. Yet, I see many of my peers publish the press releases and you may fall prey to the advice.  

CLICK HERE to watch one of my SHORT VIDEOS to see my advice on how to lower your heating bills.

That's quite enough for today.  

There's a MONSTER snowstorm forecast for my area this Saturday and Sunday. I'll be digging out all day Sunday and should be able to relax to watch the NE Patriots game out in frigid Kansas City.  

If you're a Patriots hater, remember the advice your mom or dad told you years ago:  

If you can't say something NICE about someone/something, don't say anything.

Tim Carter
Founder - www.AsktheBuilder.com
Get Certified Organic CLEAN - www.StainSolver.com
Morse Code is Alive! - www.W3ATB.com  

Do It Right, Not Over!

Source: https://www.askthebuilder.com/january-17-2019-askthebuilder-newsletter/

I stupidly flushed some cat litter a couple times yesterday( 2-3 flushes so i didnt do it all at once and clog it). I now realize i should not have done this as it causes major problems. Im in an apartment.

The toilet seems to be flushing and filling back up fine, but once the bowl fills back up with water and once it stops running i notice the water recedes about 2 inches or so. I even noticed when the neighbor flushed there toilet more got sucked out of mine a bit. I am assuming it is just cloged and thats what i need to fix?

Any tips or suggestions or has this happened to someone else?

Wrap yourself in a soft cardigan you’ll love! This versatile wrap cardigan hangs loosely around your shoulders and boasts a stunning crossbody fringe hemline. Pair it with some boots and jeans for a timeless look.

Care instructions:

This garment runs true to size:

• Small (Sizes 2-4)
• Medium (Sizes 6-8)
• Large (Sizes 10-12)
• X-Large (Size 14-16)

5251 Views

LEGO has uploaded images of 80103 Dragon Boat Race to its server in preparation for selling at shop.LEGO.com.

It's unclear at the moment whether it will be available outside of Asia and Australasia but if the company is true to its word about regional exclusives then we should expect it to be, perhaps in a few months' time.

You can view more photos of this exquisite set and its fifteen -- yes, fifteen -- minifigs, after the break.

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Pacific Laser Systems Upgrades Durability with PLS 180G Green Cross Line Laser

With the launch of the Pacific Laser Systems PLS 180G Green Cross Line Laser and the other members of its family, the brand is moving their focus from accuracy and range to improving the durability of their lasers. I brought it along to see how it stacks up against some of the other popular brands.

Pros

• Excellent accuracy
• Excellent visible and laser detection ranges
• Simple controls
• 1 meter drop tested and IP54 rated
• Multiple mounting options with clamp, bracket, and tripod threads
• Laser detector included in tested kit

Cons

• More expensive than less durable models
• No lithium-ion powered model available yet

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Accuracy

This PLS cross line laser has an accuracy of 1/8″ at 30′.

Cross like lasers at this level can be as accurate as 3/32″. Those are few and far between and 1/8″ is what we like to see at the Pro level. Less expensive models drop to 1/4″ accuracy.

Like many lasers in this class, this one self-levels up to 4°. Most of our laser blink when they get beyond the self-leveling range, but PLS just cuts the beam off to let you know.

You’re able to lock or unlock the pendulum with a slide switch near the base. Nearly every cross-line laser lets you lock it for the transport. However, not all let you operate the laser in the lock position. PLS lets you and it’s an important function when you’re checking the consistency of any install at an angle like stairs, ramps, and fine art.

Visibility and Range

The advantage of green beams like the ones the Pacific Laser Systems PLS 180G has is that the human eye picks up green wavelengths better than red. In general, they appear brighter than red and you can see them at a greater range.

There aren’t a ton of distance limitations for indoor use in residential construction. You can feel comfortable working with a visible range around 100′ on larger buildings.

With the laser detector that’s included in the kit and system packages, you can stretch that range to 200′ and make outdoor use more realistic. Many of the lasers competing in this class make it to 150′ or 165′ and only a few reach 200′, so this is on the high end.

Power Source

The PLS 180G Pacific Laser Systems cross line laser uses 3 AA batteries for power. The green laser beams use more energy than red, and you’re looking at least 3 hours of runtime before replacing them. On the other hand, the red beam version of this tool gets at least 8 hours.

At the moment, PLS doesn’t have any lithium-ion options, making it an easy target for a future upgrade.

Additional Field Notes

Controls

There’s no power button to turn the laser on and off like most cross-line lasers have. The PLS 180G uses the two beam buttons. Just hit the horizontal, vertical, or both to get the pattern you need. Hit it again to turn it off. It’s a simpler system than a power button and beam cycling button.

Next to the beam buttons, the lock button lets you know if you have the pendulum in the lock position while the laser is on and a battery alert lets you know when the power is getting low.

Plumb Spots

There are no plumb spots on this model, though PLS does have dedicated point and combo lasers with them.

Drop it Like it’s Hot

The PLS 180G is drop tested to 1 meter (3.3′) and that’s somewhat unusual for cross line lasers. The pendulum and diode inside are carefully calibrated to hit its 1/8″ accuracy. Most brands try to build some external protection, but don’t offer any kind of drop protection rating.

Not all lasers are IP-rated, either. This model gives you IP54 protection.  Dust isn’t an issue and it can handle splashing water for 10 minutes. Just don’t expect it to do well in the back of your truck during a rainstorm.

Pricing

We’re using the PLS 180G System that includes the following:

• Cross line laser
• Green laser detector
• SLD clamp
• PLS universal ceiling mount and wall bracket
• Floor stand
• Magnetic L-bracket
• Target card
• Canvas pouch
• 3 AA batteries
• Hard case

This kit is $539.99 and you can also get it as a bare tool for $332.99 or without the detector and SLD clamp for $422.99. The red system runs $449.99.

Most cross line lasers out there don’t give you the option of a laser detector as part of the kit, though they are available separately. You also get a tougher build than most.

There is a trade-off to consider, though. You don’t have a lithium-ion power source option. Keep in mind that you can get rechargeable AAs to use if you like – there are even a few lithium-ion ones.

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The Bottom Line

Pacific Laser Systems does a fine job dialing in the accuracy and visibility with this cross line laser. The PLS 180G is more expensive than other brands with a similar feature set, but it’s more durable and we expect it to last longer on jobsites. As a Fluke company, we also have more confidence in the general quality of the build over other brands.

If you’re going to use the laser inside, the bare tool or mid-range kit is the way to go. The system kit is your best bet if you’re going to use it on exterior jobs since it includes the laser detector.

Pacific Laser Systems Green Cross Line Laser Specifications

• Model: PLS 180G
• Power Source: 3 x AA batteries (included)
• Estimated Runtime: 3 hours with both lasers on
• Operating Temp: 14º – 122º F
• Storage Temp: -13º – 158º F without batteries
• Dimensions: 4.6″ x 2.5″ x 4.1″
• Weight: 1.3 lbs
• Wavelength: 525 nm (+/- 5 nm)
• Warranty: 3 years
• Price: $332.99 bare, $539.99 as tested

Get your PLS 180G from Acme Tools, where they’ve been serving Pros for more than 70 years!

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Source: https://www.protoolreviews.com/tools/test-and-measurement/pacific-laser-systems-pls-180g-green-cross-line-laser-kit-review/44533/

Already well-known for their gorgeous and sustainable tiny structures, Estonian design firm Kodasema has just unveiled a floating prefabricated tiny home. The 227-square-foot KODA Light Float is an updated version of their KODA design, set on floating pontoons that enable the minimalist home to be installed on virtually any waterfront space.

Much like its land-based counterpart, the solar-powered KODA, the floating tiny home is a beautiful example of modern minimalism. Built in collaboration with floating marina installations company Top Marine, the Koda Floating Light was built with a timber frame and platform. Under the platform are a series of floating pontoons that enable the home to be docked at virtually any waterfront property.

Related: Sail away from it all in this gorgeous floating tiny home

According to the Kodasema team, the floating tiny structure would be just as home at a private yacht club harbor as it would be a secluded lake or canal. Although the structure has all of the amenities for a serene home or weekend retreat, it could also be easily used as a harbor cafe, information center or even an artist’s studio.

The floating home‘s cube-like volume is surrounded by the large platform with a bridge that attaches to the dock. The extended platform acts as a wrap around deck for the home, and can be crafted into added green space or vibrant entertaining area. The exterior of the home can also be customized with a variety of cladding options such as timber or zinc.

The interior is also a contemporary space, with all-white plywood walls and high ceilings. The 277-square-foot interior houses an open-space living area, kitchen, full bedroom and small bathroom. The home is also equipped with extra large window panels, that flood the interior with natural light and provide stunning views of the surroundings.

+ Kodasema

Via Designboom

As part of its growing support for urban agriculture, the Recreation and Park Department plans to launch a new garden resource center in the southeast part of San Francisco to provide supplies, plant starters, and advice for community gardeners.

The site would include a fruit tree nursery, orchard space, and space for managed beehives.

Mei Ling Hui, Rec and Park’s program manager of community gardens and urban agriculture, told the Recreation and Parks Commission about the plans for the center Thursday when presenting an annual report on the department’s Urban Agriculture Program.

The center would have demonstration plant beds, a greenhouse to grow plant starts to give away to gardeners and a station for experienced gardeners to give all sorts of gardening advice.

READ THE FULL STORY: http://www.sfexaminer.com/sf-plans-launch-urban-agriculture-resource-center-community-gardeners/

Curbless shower pan installations require skill and attention to detail.

Otherwise the entire shower could be a huge failure, and that would suck.

Plus you’d also be wasting a lot of time and money.

Today’s tutorial shares how to install a VIM curbless shower pan.

You can do this installation, and we’ll show you the correct methods.

Let’s dive in!

Curbless Shower Pan Installation…VIM Method

There are many ways to build a curbless shower pan. The project begins with determining if you have a wood or concrete subfloor.

Curbless showers over concrete subfloors are can be a challenge. It requires removing the old concrete, new plumbing, and building the concrete pan.

In today’s tutorial the VIM shower pan was installed over a wood subfloor. And the first step is to cut the shower pan to size. A tub to shower conversion was done in this bathroom, and the VIM pan was cut to roughly the same size as the old tub.

But the pan could also be cut so that it extends beyond the functional shower area.

However, only the old 3/4″ plywood subfloor in the tub area was removed. Then new 3/4″ plywood was installed flush to the top of the joists. Don’t worry, we show exactly how this is done.

Once the new shower area is framed, the VIM curbless shower pan can be back filled using modified thin-set mortar. Then the same mortar is troweled onto the subfloor.

It’s best to have the plumbing done before cutting the pan. This allows the VIM pan to be dry fit and positioned.

Watch our detailed video to see how to install the VIM curbless shower pan

What’s Next

The next step involves waterproofing the pan and bathroom floor. Stay tuned, we’ll share that tutorial next week.

Mention Home Repair Tutor to the VIM Team if you buy their curbless system and get a free corner trowel.

If you want more videos that show how to simplify the craft of building custom bathrooms check out Bathroom Repair Tutor.

Let us know your questions below, we’d be happy to help.

Cheers,