DIY Network

Carpentry and Appliances From "Talk2DIY Home Improvement" episode TTD-408F

Figure A

Hosts Brad Staggs and Lynda Lyday get right into the questions --

Laminating Countertops

Problem: I'm laminating my countertops (figure A) and would like to know the trick to getting smooth edges.

Solution:

• Square fronts are easiest.

• An "end cap kit" will help. Glue battens from kit in place to achieve proper thickness and fasten with nail or screws.

• Attach the end cap by activating the heat-sensitive glue with a medium set iron.

• Wipe off excess adhesive.

• Trim with a laminate trimmer. To avoid scratching or cracking, you need to rout th end cap flush with the countertop using a small router. Be sure to work carefully so you don't tip the router and cut the surface.

• File down the edges until smooth.

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Figure B

Creating an Oval Table

Problem: A caller wants to know about how to draw out an oval shape for an oval coffee table?

Solution:

• Plastic jibs (figure B) are available, or you can make your own.

• Popular Woodworking has plans for making your own jib.

Measuring Angles

Problem: Can you help me with measuring angles. Is there a trick to it?

Solution:

• Start with a square, a triangle is half of the square (90/2 = 45 degrees).

• All three angles must add up to 180, with 60-degree angles at each end, therefore cut each angle at 30 degrees.

Figure C

Crown Molding

Problem: I'm trying to put crown molding (figure C) on imperfect walls. Help?

Solution:

• For outside corners, use a bevel square to set the miter saw with the correct measurement.

• To match inside corners, you may have to use a coping saw to take out the back of the molding on one side so they can overlap a bit and make a fitted corner.

• Decorative blocks for outside or inside corners allow you to have a nice look without having to cut the molding at an angle.

Fireplace Mantle

Problem: What would be an easy and inexpensive way to spruce up my fireplace mantle?

Solution:

• If the existing mantle is a shelf-like style, try adding decorative molding to the underside of the shelf.
  
  
• You could also add a pre-made molded shelf, with dental molding along the sides of the fireplace.

Clothes Washer

Problem: Can you add transmission oil to a washing machine?

Solution:

• Depending on the brand of washer you have, you can add transmission oil to some washers.

• The transmission is the "muscle" of the washer and can burn out -- much like a car -- if it is low on oil.

• It's found underneath the washer and it ramps up the speed of the washing machine.

• Be sure to follow manufacturer instructions.

Figure D

Tankless Water Heater

Problem: Is it hard to replace a regular water heater with a tankless model?

Solution:

• You get 80 to 85 percent efficiency with a tankless water heater (figure D) because it only burns fuel when you're using it.

• Some brands require a licensed installer to maintain the warranty but there are others that you can install yourself. Be sure to closely follow the manufacturer instructions.

Figure E

Unclogging a Dishwasher

Problem: Do you have any suggestions for unclogging a dishwasher (figure E)?

Solution:

• Remove the basket and spinner jet.

• Check strainer for napkins or blocking debris, lift off and check drain valve for debris.

• Reset elements and run a cycle to see if it's clear.

Figure F

Garbage Disposal

Problem: My garbage disposal (figure F) has stopped working. Do you have any suggestions for what I can do?

Solution:

• Be sure to turn off the breaker supplying power to the garbage disposal.

  
  

• The reset button may have set off, check that it's in it's proper setting.

  
  

• Or, use the jam key to manually turn the blades to get rid of blocking debris.

Figure G

Ceramic Cooktop

Problem: Do you have any tips for removing dark rings (figure G) from around my ceramic cooktop burners?

Solution:

• Avoid using scouring pads, steel wool scrubbing pads and razor blades as you could damage the surface and void your warranty.

• Try an appliance cleaner or cooktop cleaner made specifically for cooktops.

RESOURCES :

Popular Woodworking
F & W Publications, Inc.
Website: www.popularwoodworking.com

Hitachi Miter Saw
Website: www.hitachipowertools.com

Bosch Tankless Water Heater
Controlled Energy Corp.
Website: www.boschusa.com

Rinnai Tankless Water Heater
Website: www.rinnaiamerica.com

Whirlpool Ceramic Cook Top and Cleaners
Website: www.whirlpool.com

Baser Door Handles
Baser LLC
Website: www.baserdoorhandles.com

FastCap Tape Measures
FastCap LLC
Website: www.fastcap.com

The Outlet Cover
PD Industries
We apologize no contact information is available.

PopStopper
Website: www.popstopper.com

GUESTS :

Courtney Cachet
All-Stars Contracting
We apologize no contact information is available.