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Exposing the Myths on Fuel Pump Compensators (Aneroid) added to After Market Turbo Systems
 by: Byron Moore

The addition of Fuel Pump Compensators to enhance power with After Market Turbo Systems:

There is quite a debate raging about Diesel Fuel Pump Modifications as people strive for more power than is standard from their After Market Turbo Charged 4WD! One of the main reasons driving this topic though is misinformation from diesel pump shops promising a large increase in power in addition to the gain obtained from the turbo! I have put our views below in point form.

* An Aneroid is a $1000 to $1800 addition to the existing injection pump. It is solely classified by the component manufacturer as a ‘Pollution Control Device’ fitted to factory turbo diesels.

* Contrary to this it is promoted by Diesel Injection shops as a performance device for after market turbo installations! What people don’t understand is that the same heavy fuel loadings obtainable with an Aneroid installed to a Diesel Injection Pump can also be obtained easily at no cost without it!!

Simple Layout And Framing Of Walls
 by: Mike Merisko

Framing walls is known in construction as rough carpentry. This has always seemed to me as a contradiction of terms. The framing holds the skin (drywall, sheathing, siding) and has the buildings life lines running through it (plumbing, electric, heating, A/C, telephone, and cable). Like the skeleton is to a body, as are framed walls to a house.

When laying out walls, care must be taken as to where they are placed. Finishes that will be applied must be considered in the mix. If a room is to finish 12′ x 12′ and the wall finish is 1/2″ drywall, then the rough (there’s that word again) dimension between walls must be 12′1″ x12′1″.

Wall stud placement must also be considered. They cannot be placed just anywhere. To understand how important this placement is, one must know the materials that are applied to the framing. Most common building materials come in 4 x 8 sheets. These sheets are usually applied with the 4′ horizontal and the 8′ vertical. The most common layout for wall framing is 16″ centers. When laid out and framed correctly, the edge of the drywall or sheathing will break on the center of the studs in 4′ increments.

Simplifying Stair Rise And Run Calculations
 by: Mike Merisko

When I first started my career in carpentry, building a set of stairs seemed like a complicated and daunting task. We’re not talking finished oak, curved or spiral staircases. I’m talking about your normal carpet covered straight run staircases or porch and deck staircases.

My first stair building experience sort of took the mystery out of it all. I didn’t have to do much figuring because it was a deck replacement job. All I did was save the old stringers from the demo of the old deck. In doing so it all started to make sense to me. How the stairs were attached, the width of the treads, and how high each step was became less of a secret to me.

Anyone with the courage to take on this job needs only patience, basic math, a framing square and the ability to stand back and look at the big picture.

Planning a Second Story Addition
 by: Mike Merisko

Planning is the key when taking on a project that involves removing your roof.

Before you plan your 2nd story, research what obstacles will need to be dealt with. Examples of items that need to be addressed are:

-Size of ceiling joists, can they support a 2nd story floor?

-Are mechanicals run over the top of existing ceiling joists? (plumbing, electRic, HVAC)

-How much overhang is on existing roof and are there any utilities fastened to it.

-Is the existing roof stick built(built on site) or a truss roof(manufactured).

-Is the roof sheathing 1x boards or plywood?

-How many layers of shingles are there?

-Are there any Stacks or flues protruding through the roof such as a fireplace chimney, furnace flue, or vent pipe.

These things need to be considered so the addition can be built as quickly as possible.

When starting the tearoff, the first thing that needs to be addressedis the soffit. Removing this first will free up the rafter ends when it comes time to remove them. Sometimes utilities like the phone and electrical lines are attached to the soffit. These should be moved by their respective utility company.

Installing Windows in New Construction
 by: Mike Merisko

Installing a window in a freshly framed opening is one of the more simple tasks in a construction project.

Most new construction windows have what is called a nailing fin. These are found on vinyl or aluminum clad windows. This nailing fin is either vinyl or metal and has nail holes every 4 to 6 inches and about 1 and 1/2 inches wide. Nailing fins take the place of brick moulding which can still be found on primed wooden windows.

Not only do these fins make installation easier, but also make a better seal against water and air infiltration. These windows can be flashed if desired but not deemed necessary. A window that does not have the benefit of a soffit or porch roof above it may need flashing or a drip edge above it.

When getting ready to install a window, make sure the sheathing is not hanging into the rough opening. This could cut down the size of the opening and not let the window go into the opening. Once this is done, measure the rough opening to make sure the it is big enough for the window. You don’t want to lift a heavy window to an opening only to find it won’t fit. Rough openings are usually 1″ wider and 1/2″ taller than the window unit. Rough openings are spect and provided by the window manufacturer.

Tips to Build an Energy-Efficient Home
 by: Ricky Domalewska

Building an Energy Efficient Home

With energy costs rising and concern for the environment, more and more people are expressing an interest in building energy efficient homes. Not only are the effects positive from an environmental standpoint, but they can also positively affect the wallet, saving money in heating and cooling costs. By following a few guidelines in building and landscaping, you can have an energy efficient home.

Tight construction tightens the air penetration from home exterior and in the process improves the energy efficiency of the home. Tighter construction ensures that the air gaps, generally caused during framing are enveloped well by air sealing. This also improves the home air quality since the polluted outside air will not be able to affect the cleaner inside air. Thus, cooling in winter and heating in summer is aptly prevented.

Make use of improved insulation to stop heat transfer through the home. If insulation, that is free of crimping, gaps, and compression is carefully installed it can help keep warm air inside during winter months and cool air inside during the summer. This way you will have much less need of the heater or air conditioner because your house will retain the desired temperature. It will save you money in energy costs.

How To Install A Prehung Door
 by: Mike

Hanging a door these days is easier than its ever been. In the days before prehung doors, it took more tools and knowledge to hang a door than it does now.

Imagine getting a door slab, an unassembled door jamb, hinges and door hardware and having to do all the mortising, drilling, rabbeting on site.

No longer do you need an array of tools such as a drill, a mortising jig for hinges, strikes, and bolt plate. No jig for drilling the backset for the doorknob and bolt.

Nowadays all you need is a hammer and hard trim nails or a finish nail gun and some shims.

The first thing you need to do is check the opening you’ll be hanging the door in for the correct size. It should be 2″ bigger than the door size. Even though it’s a rough opening it should be reasonably plumb and square.

If the opening was framed by someone else, you may want to break out your level and framing square and check this also. Drywallers sometimes believe the rough opening was meant for them and will let the drywall run into the opening. If this is the case use a drywall saw or sawzall to cut it back.

5 Steps To A Better Lawn And Garden
 by: George Chapman

If you’re lucky enough to have a lawn with a good topsoil base, much of the hard work of keeping a lawn beautiful is already done for you. But many of us do not have this luxury, and besides, even with a good topsoil base, you still have to work hard to keep a beautiful lawn and garden.

1. The best time to mow a lawn is when it is cool and dry. Wait for the morning dew to dry off, and before the afternoon heat takes hold. Alternatively, late afternoon or early evening following a watering in the morning is also a good time.

2. A hedge is a much better boundary divider than a fence. It will provide better privacy and keep pets and children in - or out. It will attract birds to its shelter, and provide a great backdrop for plants and flowers.

3. Bring the beauty of your garden to you; plant hyacinths near walkways and doors. Their magnificent perfume will swamp the spring air and make your garden really come alive.

Help Desk Support To The Rescue
 by: Sara Jenkins

Think what the world would be without modern technologies. Everything would be simple, you can say. But with all its simplicity comes things in complexity. Tasks that can be done in short minutes today can be doubled or even tripled. Think also about the hassles of getting and sharing information. That would be too hard and the process long and difficult. What about if communications are not developed? There would be something close to a chaos, for sure. What would it be like being able to pick up your telephone or going online to ask for the speedy assistance that you need? Imagine not having help desk support to help in basic services that people require in a push of the button.

Country Decorating - What Influences Your Decorating Style?
 by: Karen Cundiff

What features compel us to decide upon a particular decorating style? The process begins with what we want our home to feel like and what we want out of the environment, in which we spend our quality time. Being with our families, enjoying time with friends, sitting in a cozy chair with a great book and favorite drink - these are the things we think of when imagining our time at home. If you ask anyone what words best describe country decorating, they would say warm and cozy. Having family and friends feel welcome and relaxed when visiting is important. Visitors don’t want to feel like they can’t sit on the sofa or kick off their shoes. The country decorating style, in its simplistic, yet beautiful appearance, achieves this objective.

Country decorating fills your home with charm and personality, while creating a warm and cozy environment for your family and friends. In the fast-paced world we live in, having a home that is reminiscent of a simpler time is a comforting feeling.