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January 20, 2011 04:58– by Everett Snyder
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There are several different ways to saw trees into usable lumber, and quartersawn (quarter-sawn) lumber is a particular method of milling trees that yields highly usable, very strong boards with a lot less waste than, say, riftsawn lumber. Quartersawn lumber is particularly popular for oak and maple, where the exposed grain in the wood is important and plays a part in its use within a project. Most lumber is made by a process called rip-sawing (plain-sawn lumber), an efficient method that utilizes almost every square inch of a tree to make usable boards. The most hardy wood is made using a rift-sawn method that makes sure all pieces of wood are aligned towards the center of the tree. This generates a grain that crosses the wood and allows it to expand only along its length-side. Quarter-sawing is like the happy medium, presenting a cut that takes more time and energy, but using more of the trees available wood than the riftsawn method.


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January 11, 2011 00:23– by Everett Snyder

Many people take milled lumber for granted, not realizing there are several types - and they each affect how the wood is cut, how it wears, and how it ultimately looks in a finished piece. Rift-sawn lumber is a largely theoretical, unique and special method of milling that yields particularly usable, very strong boards with grains that run completely perpendicular to the face of the board. What do we mean by this? Well, basically that nobody does it. Rift-sawn boards are essentially choice cuts from a Quarter-sawn milling method. To actually set out and rift-saw lumber directly would be more than a little wasteful of the original tree, as each piece is cut towards the center, a method that is overly difficult, and produces less boards than either Quartersawn or Ripsawn (Plainsawn) milling.


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January 06, 2011 04:09– by Everett Snyder

There are several different ways to saw trees into usable lumber, and quartersawn (quarter-sawn) lumber is a particular method of milling trees that yields highly usable, very strong boards with a lot less waste than, say, riftsawn lumber. Quartersawn lumber is particularly popular for oak and maple, where the exposed grain in the wood is important and plays a part in its use within a project. Most lumber is made by a process called rip-sawing (plainsawn lumber), an efficient method that utilizes almost every square inch of a tree to make usable boards. The most hardy wood is made using a riftsawn method that makes sure all pieces of wood are aligned towards the center of the tree. This generates a grain that crosses the wood and allows it to expand only along its length-side. Quarter-sawing is like the happy medium, presenting a cut that takes more time and energy, but using more of the trees available wood than the riftsawn method.


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November 12, 2011 20:16– by Everett Snyder

There are essentially 4 parts to a central vac system and installing one is really not as daunting a task as you may think. Whereas most people are of the opinion that these are very difficult and most be thought out before building a home, retrofitting a central vacuum system is actually one of the more straightforward projects you'll undertake. While we won't go into specific details on the installation process in this article, let's just summarize what you're looking at with the goal of simplifying the process of deciding if it's right for you.


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June 23, 2009 09:17– by Leo Gaige

Here are some simple tips that will help you to produce almost completely usable compost in far less time. Before we get into those specifics though, let’s point out a few general do's and don'ts about composting.


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June 15, 2009 09:27– by Aaron Mir

Cleaning and caring for a composite deck is comparatively simple. This is one of the aspects of ownership that appeals to many people. While wood decks require a periodic stripping and refinishing, composite decks require a simple cleaning on a regular basis to ensure a long-life.


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June 15, 2009 09:27– by Aaron Mir

When you choose to fertilize your lawn, there will be a number of things to consider that will help you choose the best option. First, with the growing impact that we have on the environment, it is worth the effort that may be required to look into environmentally friendly fertilizers. It is also important to think that many of the “green” fertilizers may actually be gentler on your lawn.


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March 24, 2009 18:06– by Everett Snyder

Everyone needs insulation in their attic, but did you know there are recommended values depending upon where in the United States you live? For those in the southernmost part of the US, attics should have from R30 to R60. Those up north will want anything from R49 to R60.


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January 15, 2009 22:09– by Everett Snyder

If you don't want to have to buy a paint brush every time you paint, then it's important to take care of the brushes you purchase. Doing so, will ensure a long life and repeated use for years to come. One thing most people don't realize is that the package your brush came in can be used to help the brush retain its shape. Consider this before throwing away that resealable plastic or paper wrapper (ever wonder why it was resealable?).


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January 15, 2009 21:57– by Everett Snyder

Protecting wood floors isn't difficult, but it's important to understand how different sealers work and the advantages and disadvantages of each. There are two basic types of sealers: penetrating sealers and "top" sealers. Penetrating sealers, as the name implies, soak into the wood and seal from within. When the floor becomes worn you can re-apply penetrating sealers. Top sealers, like lacquer, shellac, and varnish stay on top of the wood and cannot be applied for worn spots without showing.


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