Paint Pro Tip #888

This Construction Paint Pro Tip #888 is brought to you by CptFun a painting Contractor 

People tired of their stain/lacquer oak cabinets so these urethane acrylics in any color has been a great option for making old new and updated. The Emerald has a spray finish look when brush/rolled it levels so beautifully https://twitter.com/pedalfun4u/status/1378867859808530435?s=20

What a combo Paint Pro Tip it is- saves money, saves time, and allows for custom color choices!

Painting Contractor Paint Pro Tip #888 Kitchen Cabinet Upgrades

Sherwin Williams- Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel Semi Gloss looks to me as a solution to kitchen cabinet upgrades without the expense of having to buy new kitchen cabinets.

Retaining Wall Build from Natural Stone

Project photos of a Natural Stone Retaining Wall build with colorful and useful plant selections to accent a Stone Wall.

 If this was for my personal house I would have plants growing in the cracks of the Rocks.  With or without plants I still think this retaining wall looks kool!

Natural Stone Retaining Wall Project photos

Natural Stone Retaining Wall project photos. #StLouis Crown Candy area Location. https://t.co/zc02itpPWf

— Scotty (@StLHandyMan) May 18, 2019 

Below are some excellent plants for gardening in stone walls: according to gardeningknowhow.com Alyssum. Artemisia. Campanula. Candytuft. Chamomile. Columbine. Corydalis. Creeping Jenny.

Stone Retaining Wall Plant Selection Tip

Stone Wall Plants- "it is best to avoid plants that develop large, strong root structures that could potentially damage the structure of the wall. The best plants for rock walls are alpine plants, succulents, and plants that are drought resistant.” https://t.co/YgTN34lDbR pic.twitter.com/6Pkfwsy1QD

— Scotty (@StLHandyMan) May 18, 2019

Soapwort the perennial plant that can be used as Detergent and Soap is also a suggested Stone Wall Plant Idea.

Soapwort the perennial plant that can be used as Detergent and Soap is also a suggested Stone Wall Plant Idea.

Annual Lobelia Plant: Stone Wall Plant suggestion also treats Asthma

 Native Americans once smoked lobelia plant to treat asthma.

Annual Lobelia Plant: #StoneWall Plant Suggestion https://t.co/0aT8PU8mJD Native Americans once smoked lobelia plant to treat asthma. Also known as pukeweed, doctors once prescribed the plant to induce vomiting. https://t.co/G3uqiGD3Xu pic.twitter.com/kU6sDN87RL

— Scotty (@StLHandyMan) May 18, 2019

Thank You for stopping by the Green Blog. If additional information in needed or you have a question let me know by posting a question or comment. Together we can make a difference and create a future that will benefit everyone.

I happened to be in the Neighborhood and stopped by to photo a prior Jobsite that is standing up to the test of time. Natural Retaining Wall Build! > https://t.co/hHTiXop7JE pic.twitter.com/QfKfXyShRc

— Scotty (@StLHandyMan) August 27, 2021

TPO Roof - NO Touch Electric Ground Wire Installation

TPO Roof - NO Touch Electric Ground Wire Installation

A prototype CAD design has been created with SketchUp and uploaded as a Free Share / Open Source Design in the 3D warehouse

GAF TPO EverGuard 'strips" were fashioned around the Ground Wire attached to the rooftop communication equipment (Cable, Satellite, and Internet Antennas).  To keep the wire from rubbing holes in the roofing when the wind blows or from rain storms.  TPO strips (1in by 5in) were modified and welded to the existing TPO Roof surface to hold the Ground Wire 1 inch off the roof.  The modified NO Touch Electric Ground Wire attachments were placed 12 to 16 inches apart.

Ground Wire is held off the roof 1 inch with a 1in x 5in EverGuard TPO Strip-The TPO Roof will always be protected from the Ground Wire Rubbing a future hole in the Roof.
Installation Video see Green Blog: https://t.co/00PI08ZKJT pic.twitter.com/KTfShXLxbF

— Scotty (@StLHandyMan) April 12, 2019

#FreeShare White #TPO CAD Roof Detail-St Louis Flat Roof Brick Wall
WhiteRoofs save money + reduce Heat-island effect. #StLouis pic.twitter.com/ICCQO0aAAF

— Scotty (@StLHandyMan) April 11, 2017

Thank You for stopping by the Green Blog. If additional information in needed or you have a question let me know by posting a question or comment. Together we can make a difference and create a future that will benefit everyone.

Deck Safety Support Beam

In addition to the 2 prior blog posts on deck safety anchor point support.

1. Deck Failure Prevention Building Safety Issue

2. Deck Failure FIXED Prevented Building Safety Issue

3. The opportunity presented itself with this deck to add a Double 2x6 Support Beam.  This Support Beam cut the stress load on the Ledger board by over 50%.  It reduced the ledger board tributary load by 85%.

Additional Support leaves ledger board only supporting 48 sq ft of Deck Tributary Load

Support Beam is responsible 96 Sq Ft of Deck Tributary Load Stress, easily handled by Double 2x6 that are glued and screwed!

The new support beam now carries the biggest percentage of the load on the deck.

________
this blog post is not the place to teach about tributary loads.  A quick duckduckgo search pointed me to the following link:

Tributary Areas for Gravity Loads

Last Revised: 11/04/2014

If the beam is supporting a floor, roof, or wall that has a pressure loading normal to the surface, the total force on the beam equals the area of surface supported (i.e. the tributary area)...   http://www.bgstructuralengineering.com/BGSMA/BGTribArea/BGSMA_TA_02.htm

Thank You for stopping by the Green Blog. If additional information in needed or you have a question let me know by posting a question or comment. Together we can make a difference and create a future that will benefit everyone.

Construction Tip #72138 RevoR322 Tool Review

Today while working on another set of these beautiful Modern Stairs it was suggested to use the Revo Magnetic Drill to bore the holes in the 1/4 inch angle- steel stair-frame support.

This is an unpaid and not sponsored tool review of the RevoR322 Compact Electromagnetic Drilling System.   I'm sharing this information because I was so impressed with the tool. Scotty 10/28/2015

Set it against the metal, flipped the switch- it stuck like chuck! ElectroMagnetic Drill https://t.co/Yv0LeEM8bg pic.twitter.com/9JaqvQT3uj

— Scotty (@StLHandyMan) October 29, 2015

Beautiful Modern Stairs

I heard the Welders talking about the new tool on lunch break early this week:  

  Magnetic Drill and how it made drilling in steel easy-peasy.

Today I got my chance to use the RevoR322 and I was very impressed to say the least.

1. I opened up the kool case. 
2. Did not read the instructions- maybe they weren't in the storage case?
3. Could easily tell what part went where, because the Welder told me: "The Magnetic Drill was actually a miniature drill press."
4. Three screw in handles went in the obvious spot on the side of the drill- see first picture.
5. Put a 3/8 drill bit into the drill and tightened it down with the supplied chuck.
6. Plugged it in to 110v circuit. 
7. Set it against the metal, flipped the switch and it stuck like chuck!
8. I was amazed that it supported its own weight for as heavy as it is!
9. After a few try outs using an electro magnet for the first time- I positioned the Revo for its first hole.
10. Push button drill to start (and stop) was a handy feature.
11. Two Hands were required for operation: One hand dribbled the cutting oil onto the drill bit and the other rotated the drill press handles (see 1st picture)
12. The Revo Magnetic drill held itself onto the metal and in the position I placed it, eliminating the need for me to perform 3 actions at the same time: Hold the Drill, Dribble the Cutting Oil, and Operate the Drill Press.
13. I drilled a dozen holes with little to no effort.  Once the Revo Drills electric button is turned on.  It does not need any additional assistance holding itself in place.  And its a heavy drill.  Very Impressive.
14. I felt it drilled the 3/8 inch holes as fast as a stand-up drill press would.
15. I never lacked for power and made this phase of the staircase build virtually effortless when compared to drilling a dozen holes with my 18v cordless Ridgid hand drill.
16. I do not know how it will do with bigger holes.   I had no trouble with the 3/8 inch holes.
17. It works and made the out of position drilling easy-peasy.
18. I noticed that when the WD40 I was using as cutting oil ran down onto the electromagnets while attached to the steel: The Drill did not loose its grip on the metal and stayed in position. 
19. You can feel the electromagnet pulse in the steel: very, very slight vibration or pulse-weird feeling is all- doesn't shock or hurt in anyway, just weird feeling.
20. I did not try to over torque the drill while drilling the holes to test its powerful magnet.

Yes I would recommend this tool for drilling in steel. 

Set it against the metal, flipped the switch, and it stuck like chuck!
RevoR322 Compact ElectroMagnetic Drill Press

 I positioned the RevoR322 Magnetic Drill for the first hole.

Drill stopped halfway thru the bore hole to take this picture

Self Supporting Magnetic Drill-RevoR322 

Building Custom Modern Staircases is a small part of a Green Build Renovation Project located in Downtown StLouis Missouri -

 See more at: http://blog.stlouisrenewableenergy.com/#sthash.kgd745vV.dpuf

#ConstructionTip I used this Kool Magnetic Drill Press on the Jobsite> I was impressed to say the least! #RevoTools pic.twitter.com/o65xbHQp1j

— Scotty (@StLHandyMan) October 29, 2015

Thank You for stopping by-Share and Comment below. If additional information in needed or you have a question let me know. Together we can make a difference and create a future that will benefit everyone. Build a Green StLouis Green Building Tips and Resources via: Scotty- St Louis Renewable Energy Green Blog
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Aesthetically Pleasing Wrought Iron Baluster Preparation

Aligning the Do-Dads on the spindles takes a few steps to get the wrought iron that is irregularly shaped with no real measure point and uneven bar stock lengths to all line up correctly.

Here are the steps I use to get  the aesthetically pleasing look

of the Balusters on the Landings on the Custom Stair Project.

Time and Labor saving tips by Scotty used in 
Building these Custom Modern Stairs.  I snapped
 a few photos to help you build your own custom
 stairs and for an example of how the construction 
tip was used in the example. 

Contract Labor Project

Custom Modern Stairs is part of a Green Build Renovation Project located in Downtown StLouis Missouri

Step 1	Stock 35 inch Wrought Iron Baluster with twists fits perfectly in this handrail that is 37 inches off the floor.
Step   2		Using 37 1/2 inch Wrought Iron Baluster with Do-Dads   Align the Balusters Parallel to each other in groups of 4 or 5 (length of the speed square). Center the Do-Dads  in the flat portion of the middle of the Stock 35 inch Wrought Iron Baluster step 1
Step  3		I strongly suggest to make a prototype (and Don't Forget to Tag It (I used  Duck Tape).   Be sure to test fit this first baluster in various spots. All the Balusters with the Do-Dads will use this baluster as the guide.  Make sure this 1st baluster is 100% right.
Step  4		This is a critical step that must be done correctly.  Remember all those Do-Dads may not be all the same size.  And their irregular shape does not provide a spot for centering (easily) use the wire wrap as the guide to align the Do-Dads.(see close up picture in step 3) The wraps next to the Do-Dads are what the eye sees when out of alignment.
Step  5		With the Do-Dads all aligned. You can now mark the overall height or the bottom of the balusters with speed square.  From the Prototype in Step 3. See the thin red lines (guide cuts)  and also notice that all the  baluster bar lengths are different. TIP: If you tried to install these without making all the balusters the same length or not aligning the Do-Dads  with its neighbors difficult and increase the difficulty factor in the overall installation.
Step  6		We are now working on the opposite end of the balusters and marking the top of the balusters.   Be sure to make an extra mark so that you can tell the top from the bottom of the balusters. Balusters were delivered in groups of 10 wrapped in plastic.
Step  7		Now that the Balusters are marked to proper height and Do-Dads are centered in the Stock Bars you are now ready to cut them to proper length. I set the Balusters in a Jig Set Up to hold the balusters in place when cutting them with a Portable Metal Band Saw with metal blade (Milwaukee). (Remember we are doing hundreds and thousands of balusters in this project.   It is cost effective to use a bandsaw over the black abrasive cutoff blades that wear out fast)
		Prior to getting the wrought iron Balusters ready; I installed a Handrail using a Laser for the guide.

Thank You for stopping by-Share and Comment below. If additional information in needed or you have a question let me know. Together we can make a difference and create a future that will benefit everyone. Build a Green StLouis Green Building Tips and Resources via: Scotty- St Louis Renewable Energy Green Blog

Construction Tip #87779 Stair Building Tip

#StairBuilding Tip- Metal Balusters require deep hole in Handrail> Tape around Drill bit as depth gauge- > 2 deep=NoNo

CUSTOM STAIR BUILD TIP  METAL BALUSTERS Drill HOle Depth Guage #87779 BY SCOTTY

Time and Labor saving tips by Scotty used in Building these Custom Modern Stairs.  I snapped a few photos to help you build your own custom stairs and for an example of how the construction tip was used in the example. 

Contract Labor Project

Custom Modern Stairs is part of a Green Build Renovation Project located in Downtown StLouis Missouri

#StairBuilding Tip- Metal Balusters require deep hole in Handrail> Tape around Drill Bit as depth gauge -> 2 deep=NoNo pic.twitter.com/yoi5VnxfKw

— Scotty (@StLHandyMan) October 20, 2015

CUSTOM STAIR BUILD TIP  METAL BALUSTERS DRILL HOLE DEPTH GAUGE #87779 BY SCOTTY

Drilling too deep is not an option as it would ruin the expensive Handrail.   With what seems like hundreds of holes to drill when mounting the metal balusters its better to be safe than sorry.  The tape ensures that I do not drill too deep; but, is deep enough to allow the placement of lower part of the spindle into its location that is plumb and inline with its brothers and sisters.

Thank You for stopping by-Share and Comment below. If additional information in needed or you have a question let me know. Together we can make a difference and create a future that will benefit everyone. Build a Green StLouis Green Building Tips and Resources via: Scotty- St Louis Renewable Energy Green Blog
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Construction Tip Protecting TubSurrounds

Construction Tip #87673 Protecting Jacuzzi Tub and Granite Surround during construction with plywood wrapped with carpeting to make a tight fit that will stop the construction debris, dust, boot prints, or misc mishaps from marring the finish.

Tip: Protect Tub finish with plywood wrapped with carpeting

Thank You for stopping by-Share and Comment below. If additional information in needed or you have a question let me know. Together we can make a difference and create a future that will benefit everyone. Build a Green StLouis Green Building Tips and Resources via: Scotty- St Louis Renewable Energy Green Blog
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Construction Tip #89777 Metal Baluster Caps

CUSTOM STAIR BUILD TIP  Metal BALUSTERS Cap #89777 BY SCOTTY

Time and Labor saving tips by Scotty used in Building these Custom Modern Stairs.  I snapped a few photos to help you build your own custom stairs and for an example of how the construction tip was used in the example. 

Contract Labor Project

Custom Modern Stairs is part of a Green Build Renovation Project located in Downtown StLouis Missouri

Holding Stair Spindle Caps In Position Easily

The Modern Decorative Metal Stair Spindle Caps have a set screw that may or may not hold the cap in place.  

To prevent the cap from falling out of place in the future the caps were glued in place.  

While waiting for the glue to dry use ~ Spring Loaded Clothes Pin to hold the caps in position ~.  

~ Spring Loaded Clothes Pin to hold the caps in position ~

Thank You for stopping by-Share and Comment below. If additional information in needed or you have a question let me know. Together we can make a difference and create a future that will benefit everyone. Build a Green StLouis Green Building Tips and Resources via: Scotty- St Louis Renewable Energy Green Blog
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Custom Modern Stairs Dark Stain Oak

Custom Stair Build Tip Metal Balusters #89764 by Scotty

Time and Labor saving tips by Scotty used in Building these Custom Modern Stairs.  I snapped a few photos to help you build your own custom stairs and for an example of how the construction tip was used in the example.

Contract Labor Project

Custom Modern Stairs is part of a Green Build Renovation Project located in Downtown StLouis Missouri

The Modern Decorative Metal Stair Spindles have that twisted metal do-dad for appearances and aesthetics and should maintain the same slope of the stairway- per client.  

This is accomplished by:

1. setting up a string line at the proper height at the
2. upper most decorative spindle and the 
3. lowest decorative spindle.
4. Pull the string line taunt
5. Tape the String Line to the Post
6. you have the same height at both ends of the stairway.
7. The Taunt String Line is your guideline for setting the remaining Decorative Spindles at the Same Height and slope of the Stair Case.

Modern Decorative Metal Stair Spindles have that twisted metal do-dad for appearances and aesthetics should maintain the same slope of the stairway- as this client requested. 

 Taunt String Line is your guideline for setting the remaining Decorative Stair Balusters "Do-Dads" at the Same Height and slope of the Stair Case.

#ConstructionTip Setting Decorative Stair Spindle Accents Evenly https://stlouisrenewableenergy.blogspot.com/2015/10/custom-modern-stairs-dark-stain-oak.html pic.twitter.com/PJtWyK3DfI

— Scotty (@StLHandyMan) October 4, 2015

Modern Dark Stained Oak Staircase Project pic.twitter.com/UwVjRUCIIQ

— Scotty (@StLHandyMan) October 3, 2015

Thank You for stopping by-Share and Comment below. If additional information in needed or you have a question let me know. Together we can make a difference and create a future that will benefit everyone. Build a Green StLouis Green Building Tips and Resources via: Scotty- St Louis Renewable Energy Green Blog