Recent content by backmarkerducati

I use a tracksaw (poor man's Kreg one that uses a circular saw) for most stuff now instead of hauling out the table saw. Table saw comes out just when it is really needed or if something is more or a production like scenario (many multiple identical cuts). It is also way better to break down...

For mini-splits they sell DIY ones like Mr Cool with charged lines but the non-DIY ones the unit is charged you need to vacuum the lines etc... Even though the cottage has heat if for whatever reason that source is not working a heat pump system can be a backup in winter until the temps get too...

On Bloor near Yonge yesterday, there was a collision between one of the motorcycle/sportbike looking ones and a car, I did not see the accident but I suspect the car was turning into a garage and the guy (in the bike lane based, likely flying as they all do) collided... normally the car's fault...

Wood Peckers eat wood boring insects. So my money is on carpenter ants, termites, etc. They could be in the wood siding but they could also be behind the stucco in sheeting etc. in that case.

I have considered using an old car stereo head unit for such a job, just need a power source (old laptop, higher power, PS will do the job). Not designed to get wet but they can handle the temps. The rub will be speaker impedance and efficiency. Regardless of what they claim, power supply wise...

Do you know what is under the panelling? More times than not panelling like that is covering plaster walls that were in rough shape and of course they are also full of little nail holes now...

Not saying it is right or wrong... but my neighbours built a very, very large deck over their old patio about a decade ago. Not how I would do it but... They used 2X6 joists/framing. They cut 4x4 posts up (say 6.5 inches) and just sat them on the old patio and bolted the deck framing to them...

I would just level the pavers, yes a PITA but likely the best solution height wise.

Just data points... items for thought. -Laminate flooring needs to expand and contract. How much of a problem this will be will depend on the distance and are the cabinets holding it in place at both ends. Longer the distance, the bigger the problem. -If you go under, I agree with others to...

It is like the studies that find crime rates initially go up but then eventually go down near drug injection sites. Crime rates going down or people giving up and crime reporting has gone down?

We have the mix, non stick, stainless, cast iron. They all have their place and purpose. For non stick, we stopped buying the inexpensive ones and we have a set of All-Clad and some other one from WS I can't remember the name at the moment. Hand wash only, plastic utensils only, they last many...

I had my roof done in 2018 and quotes at the time were pretty high as that year had a few bad storms and roofers were anything but hungry. Top quotes were 20K and change. Mids were 10K and change, there were a couple of shifty ones in the 5K range... We ended up going with one of the mids. The...

Some bathroom progress... it is close but it is not the final..final..final..tub placement.

High-rise condo fees are based on square feet. What Canadians think they need square foot wise for a family sized condo is large enough that in most cases condo fees become never ending mortgage size payment. Outside of NA a family size condo is much smaller. We just don't get it. IMO/IME...

I have the Kreg Accu-Cut that uses your circular saw. Sort of a poorman's tracksaw. IME it does a great job, I also have the extra "clamps" that hold it in place. I cut on an old door used as a work table. If you place a piece of scrap foam board below your cut and set the blade to not go...