Helpful Finish Carpentry Tips, Tricks and Information

Finish carpentry is one of the projects more and more people are doing on their own. A few reasons for this are because of money or the lack of money, or because of the availability of all the information that is accessible. Some times even with all the information through books, videos, or the web people still have trouble with finish carpentry. Some reasons for this is because it is a type of craft that requires actually doing it and learning the different variables and problems involved with for example, hanging doors or just every time a stick of trim wood goes up. Some of these variables may include crooked floors, crooked walls, crooked framing or maybe even something like extra wide jambs. Here I am going to give some advice and tips to help explain some of these variables and problems you might encounter while doing your own finish carpentry.

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Hanging Doors
I have found that casing my doors on one side before installing the doors makes it much quicker and easier in most cases. This of course does not hold true every time but for the most part it does. Be sure to case the side which goes to the inside of the room. To make it even quicker some times you can order or buy these doors precased on one side straight from the factory, store or lumber yard.

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Casing doors or windows
One common problem when applying casing to a door or window is the jamb does not come out flush with the sheetrock of the interior wall. This is particularly true on outside doors or garage doors. One way to remedy this is to take your hammer and hammer down or crunch the sheetrock down next to the jamb. Be careful as to not damage the sheetrock out past what your trim will cover. If you do, it can be fixed with a little spackle or sheetrock mud but try to avoid this. The idea here is to get the casing as flat against the wall as possible so it is not tipped in toward the jamb. The more it is tipped the harder it is to get nice mitered corners.

For casing windows for the first time
With windows sometimes curtains or window dressings will cover up the trim. Start in the bedrooms or back rooms first or where you think there may be curtains. Casing windows does take a little practice and patience so take your time with the miters. Try to keep your reveal as uniform as possible but if you do need to fudge it a little to tighten up a miter that is ok as long as its just a tiny adjustment. The reveal is not as eye catching as a loose miter. If you look at trim work in restaurants and businesses and other homes you will see a huge variety of the quality of work. Some of the quality is really nice and some is so bad you wonder how it passed. I can almost guarantee yours won't be absolutely perfect every time so know your tolerances and what your expectations are that you will except from yourself. A good trimmer knows his tolerances well.

Using hardwoods
When using hardwoods such as oak or maple or whatever stay away from knots in the wood when nailing. If you shoot a nail in near a knot you risk splitting the wood. These hardwoods will undoubtedly split on you at one point or another. If the wood splits it can be filled with wood filler if it's not split to bad and would look just fine. If by chance a piece ends up splitting right off it can be glued and clamped back together without to much trouble and again would look ok. If possible use this piece in an area that is not noticeable such as inside a closet or back side of a bedroom door or some where it wouldn't be highly noticeable. Keep in mind almost everything can be fixed.

Match your Wood
Let's say for example oak. The wood grains and color of oak can vary quite a bit so match your trim wood ahead of time for a good uniform look in your work. For the pieces that don't match use them in closets and less conspicuous places or places only you will see like the laundry room, again just not in highly visible places. This applies to all other varieties of wood also not just oak.

Perfect measurements
In finish carpentry to obtain those perfect measurements, set the wood in place and mark the wood. It's quicker and much more accurate then using a tape measure for the precise cuts at joints and miters. I only use my tape when it is necessary. This is particularly true when applying casing. Very precise cuts are necessary and essential at times.

By using some of these suggestions your trim work will undoubtedly be more professional looking and at the same time may save you some aggravation. A few things to keep in mind while you are working on your project, nothing is absolutely perfect. Wood filler can and will fix some of the problems encountered. Know what your tolerances are, in other words know what is acceptable of yourself.

Helpful Finish Carpentry Tips, Tricks and Information

Pat Fisher is a professional carpenter and woodworking craftsman. For more information on finish carpentry and household carpentry projects, visit http://www.finishcarpentryhelp.com and pick up your free eBook.

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Installing Drywall - Mudding and Taping

Installing Drywall, or hanging drywall as the professionals usually refer to the task, can be done by the homeowner. However, it is usually best done with two or more people as it requires significant lifting of heavy material. Mudding and Taping can also be performed by the homeowner, however these tasks require some practice and artistry.

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Measuring and Ordering Drywall

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Prior to actually hanging the drywall, the material first needs to be ordered and delivered. To determine how much material to order, measure all of the surface area, starting with the ceilings and then the walls. Calculate the total square feet and divide by 32. The result should give you the number of 4'x 8' sheets of drywall required for the job. I would also recommend adding another 5-10% to this figure to account for inefficiencies. Drywall does come in larger sheets, such as 4'x12', however for a Do-it-Yourself homeowner these larger sheets can become unwieldy and maybe even impossible to bring into the existing home.

For bathrooms or other moist areas Greenboard should probably be used as this material is moisture resistance.

For bathroom areas where ceramic tile is to be applied, e.g. Shower/Bathtub areas, Concrete board should be used. The concrete board is also referred to as Wonderboard or Durock.

Joint Compound and Fiberglass tape will also be required for Taping and Mudding. Joint Compound typically comes ready-mixed in 5 gallon containers. I would suggest 1-2 containers per 500 square feet of drywall. Fiberglass tape is quite inexpensive so I would suggest picking up 2 to 3 roles for most Do-it-Yourself drywall projects.

Drywall screws or ringed nails will also be required. Typically I use 1.25" length screws or nails. Also, strips of corner bead will be required.

Drywall Tools

Prior to starting drywall installation, you need to obtain the proper tools. A Drywall Lift really comes in handy when hanging sheetrock/drywall on the ceilings. You can rent Drywall Lifts at hardware or home improvement stores. If your budget does not allow for this cost, Jacks (or Ts) can be made out of 2"x 4"s. The Jacks (or Ts) should be of a length such that they are just an inch or two taller than the height of the ceiling and have a cross beam that is approximately 3' in width. Usually there are a couple of 45o angle braces connecting the crossbar to the main stem of the Jack. The Jack can then be used to hold up the drywall to the ceiling while it is screwed/nailed into place.

In addition to the Lift or Jacks, a drywall screw gun, hammer, T-square, carpenters knife, drywall saw and a keyhole saw are required. The keyhole saw is used for cutting around electrical boxes.

If mudding and taping are to be performed then Taping knifes, a Corner knife, sand paper, a pole sander and a Mud easel or pan will be necessary. For the taping knifes you will need a 6" wide blade and a 12" wide blade.

Preparing the site for Drywall

Prior to hanging the drywall, make sure the building inspector has first approved the Framing, Plumbing, Electrical and Insulation jobs. Secondly, a vapor barrier should be applied over the insulation on the outside walls if un-faced insulation was installed. Frequently sheets of plastic are used for creating the vapor barrier. The plastic is simply stapled to the framing, covering the insulation.

Finally, inspect all of the framing carefully. Ensure that nailers (e.g. 2" x 4"s) are existent at each corner and header, that the framing is straight, and that the framed walls create smooth planes. In addition, the ceiling should have strapping applied (1" x 3" cross boards). Also, make sure metal protection plates have been installed to studding where sheetrock screws or nails could inadvertently penetrate plumbing pipes or electrical wire.

Safety

Drywall installation is dirty, heavy work. The Gypsum in drywall can be irritating to the eyes, lungs and sinuses so wear safety goggles and masks to avoid breathing in the material. Gloves are also recommended to protect against sharp blades.

Installing Drywall

Start with the ceiling as this will allow the sheets on the walls to help hold the sheets on the ceiling. Use the Drywall lift or Jacks to hold the sheets in place while screwing or nailing them to the ceiling. The screws or nails should be installed such that they are slightly recessed and create a small dimple without breaking the paper. Screws or nails should be applied every 8 to 12 inches on each stud. Screws are typically stronger and can be placed further apart, e.g. 12 inches. It is best to fasten the screws/nails to the edges of the drywall first and then fill in the field afterwards.

Rows of drywall should be applied in a staggered pattern. This will create an interlocked pattern that creates a tighter and stronger ceiling/wall.

After the ceiling has been completed it its time to move on to the walls. Drywall should be applied from the top down, with the sheets hung perpendicular to the floor joists or studs. Again the rows should be staggered. The bottom piece should sit about ½ inches from the sub-floor.

For purposes of efficiency and strength it is best to apply the large sheets of drywall over the doors and window openings and cut out the excess later. This will create stronger/cleaner looking walls and save significant time.

Installing Corner bead

Once the drywall has been installed, corner bead should be applied to all outside edges. Corner bead should be nailed every 6-8 inches and penetrate the framing.

Taping and Mudding

Again start with the ceiling. Apply a skim coat of joint compound over the surface of a seam using a 6" wide taping knife. If the seam is wide, apply a liberal amount of joint compound to fill it. While the Joint compound is still wet, apply the fiberglass tape over the skim coat of Joint Compound. Make sure the seam is centered under the tape. Once the tape has been installed, apply additional Joint Compound over the tape, again using the 6" wide taping knife. Continue this for all of the seams. Note: the tape will still be visible. Additional coats will eventually hide it.

The inside corners are usually the most tricky and require practice. Patience is the best advice and note that additional coats will be applied later to smooth out any imperfections.

Once the seams are done, using the 6" wide taping knife, apply mud to all of the screw/nail dimples. A skim coat is all that is initially required.

Note: When applying the mud over the tape and screw/nail dimples, make sure all excess material and uneven patches are smoothed down with the blade. This will reduce sanding later.

Once the ceiling is done, you can move on to the walls. Repeat the same process, however with the outside corners just apply a liberal coat of joint compound to the valley that is formed by the corner bead. This valley typically represents the first 3 or 4 inches from the edge of the corner.

Once the first coat has been applied let it sit overnight or until it is dry, prior to starting the second application of Joint compound. Make sure to completely clean off the taping knife, the mud easel and any other containers or instruments that have mud on them prior to finishing up for the day.

Applying the Second Coat of Mud

After the first coat has thoroughly dried, it is now time to apply the second coat of mud. It is this coat that should hide the tape.

Again, start with the ceiling. Using the wider taping knife apply a generous amount of joint compound over the taped seams as you want to build up the area over the tape. Taking large strokes smooth the joint compound over the tape applying more pressure to the side of the taping knife further away from the tape. This will help to leave more mud over the tape. When complete, the mud should cover an area that extends beyond the width of the tape by 2 to 3 inches.

After the seams have all been completed, apply a second coat of mud over the screw/nail dimples. With this second coat, flare out the mud over the dimples such that the diameter of the mudded area is about 3-4 inches in diameter.

For the inside corners a Corner knife may come in handy. Corners involve a little artistry so again take your time. Apply a generous amount of joint compound and then run the Corner knife down the corner starting from the top. Take long, even strokes. A 6" taping knife may also be helpful to smooth out any imperfections.

For the outside corners, using the broad taping knife apply a generous amount of joint compound and flare out the material such that it extends out 6 inches or so from the corner. Again, apply more pressure to the blade side that is further away from the corner so that you leave more mud nearer the outside corner.

Once the second coat has been applied let it sit overnight or until it is dry, prior to starting the final application of Joint compound. Make sure to completely clean off the taping knife, the mud easel and any other containers or instruments that have mud on them prior to finishing up for the day.

Applying the Final Coat of Mud

After the first coat has thoroughly dried, it is now time to apply the final coat of mud. It is this coat that requires the most artistry and the least amount of joint compound. Here you are simply applying a final skim coat to the already mudded areas.

Prior to applying the skim coat it is best to take your wide taping blade and lightly pass over the mudded surfaces. This will remove any bumps or ridges.

Again start with the ceiling seams and apply a small amount of joint compound using the broad taping knife. Again continue to flare out the seam by extending the mudded area such that about 6 inches resides on each side of the now invisible tape. Remember this is a skim coat so little mud is required. The purpose of this coat is to effectively fill in any lines or recessed areas.

After the seams have all been completed, apply a final coat of mud over the screw/nail dimples. With this second coat, flare out the mud over the dimples such that the diameter of the mudded area is about 6-8 inches in diameter.

For the corners use the broad taping knife and add just enough mud such that you can flare out the mudded surface area to about 8-12 inches, taking care to filling in any lines or dimples.

Once the final coat has been applied let it rest overnight or until it is dry,

Sanding

Sanding is a very dusty and dirty mess so please uses goggles and a mask.
I find it best to use a pole sander with an open screened sand paper material specifically designed for sanding sheetrock/drywall mud.

Lightly sand all of the taped areas, however concentrate sanding on the outer edges of the mudded areas such that all seams and ridges are eliminated and blend into the main surface areas.

Once sanding is complete, vacuum up the dust and you are ready for priming and painting the walls and texturing the ceilings.

Installing Drywall - Mudding and Taping

About the Author: Over the past 20+ years Mark Donovan has been involved with building homes and additions to homes. His projects have included: building a vacation home, building additions and garages on to existing homes, and finishing unfinished homes. For more information about Home Improvement and Home Additions, and Home Remodeling and Repair visit homeadditionplus.com and homeaddition.blogspot.com

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Jamie McMurray Captures First Cup Win in 166 Races!

Next stop on the Nextel Cup Schedule is Chicagoland Speedway

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Next week, the NASCAR Nextel Cup teams head will bring their tornado like speeds to the windy city of Chicago. Chicagoland Speedway is a young NASCAR track still coming into its own. NASCAR has been hosting Nextel Cup races at Chicagoland since 2001 with the hopes of capitalizing on the die-hard auto racing fans of the Midwest in the 3rd largest media market in the US. So far, the initial gamble has paid of.

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Of all current drivers with 4 or more career starts at Chicagoland, Jimmie Johnson (average finish of 3rd) leads the pack.

Also expect the following drivers to do well next week:

Other drivers to note:

Kyle Busch - Average Finish 8th

Kevin Harvick - Average Finish 9th

Jeff Gordon - Average Finish 10th

Brian Vickers - Average Finish 10th

Next Week's Schedule (all times Central):

Nextel Cup: @ Chicagoland Speedway

7/13/07 - 03:10pm NASCAR Nextel Cup USG SHEETROCK® 400 Qualifying

7/14/07 - 12:20pm NASCAR Nextel Cup USG SHEETROCK® 400 Practice

7/15/07 - 03:00pm NASCAR Nextel USG SHEETROCK® 400

Busch Series: @ Chicagoland Speedway

7/13/07 - 04:45pm NASCAR Busch Series USG DUROCK® 300 Practice

7/14/07 - 10:05am NASCAR Busch Series USG DUROCK® 300 Qualifying

7/14/07 - 02:00pm NASCAR Busch Series USG DUROCK® 300

Craftsman Truck Series: @ Kentucky Speedway

7/13/07 - 06:30pm NASCAR Busch Series NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series "Built Ford Tough 225 Presented by Greater Cincinnati Ford Dealers" Practice

7/14/07 - 04:00pm NASCAR Busch Series NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series "Built Ford Tough 225 Presented by Greater Cincinnati Ford Dealers" Qualifying

7/14/07 - 07:30pm NASCAR Busch Series NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series "Built Ford Tough 225 Presented by Greater Cincinnati Ford Dealers"

Jamie McMurray Captures First Cup Win in 166 Races

The ending to Saturday night's Pepsi 400 was nothing short of spectacular. With numerous lead changes over the final 10 laps of the race, it was only fitting that the race was decided by .005 seconds. .005 seconds in the NASCAR world translates to approximately 15 inches, and made the Pepsi 400 the second closest finish since NASCAR began electronic scoring in 1993. In those final seconds of the race, Jamie McMurray, with teammate Carl Edwards pushing, was able to edge out 15 inches in front of Kyle Busch to capture his first win at Daytona and only his second in Nextel Cup.

Despite having one of the strongest cars in the field, Jamie McMurray's win did not come easily. After being penalized on lap 31 for passing the leader Jeff Gordon below the yellow line, McMurray found himself at the rear of the pack. However, by lap 123 Jamie had worked his way back up into the top 10.

Speaking emotionally after the win, "Every driver out here that goes through that (a lengthy winless streak) knows how special this is. I started crying. I'm Like, 'What are you crying for?' You're happy, celebrating, happy for all the guys." If McMurray can Continue to excel in the 2nd half the season, this season my turn to be an emotional one as well. Jamie currently sits 50 points out of the 12th and final Qualifying spot for the Chase for the Championship.

No Love for Kyle Busch

While it's common knowledge that Kyle Busch is not the most beloved driver for NASCAR fans, it wasn't apparent until last night that Kyle receives no love from his teammates as well. After Hendrick Motorsports announced the release of Kyle Busch after the 2007 season in order to make way for Dale Earnhardt Jr in 2008, Kyle has complained of not receiving respect from his Hendrick teammates.

While I've grown deaf to the Busch brothers' complaints over the years, I admit that after watching the Pepsi 400, Kyle may vary well have a point. For much of the race, Kyle had the dominant car. However, a dominant car at Daytona, or Talladega for that matter, does not win you a race. Teammates win you races (just ask Jamie McMurray who was pushed to the checkered flag by Carl Edwards). Had Jeff Gordon actually jumped down to the bottom groove in the closing laps to push Kyle when he had the chance, Kyle would have won.

To date, no announcements have been made for Kyle regarding where he will race in 2008. Is there a team out there that can give Kyle the love he needs? Make no doubt about it, Kyle is a talent to be reckoned with. However, it seems the kid from Las Vegas needs time to mature emotionally before his current or future teammates fully embrace him.

Pepsi 400 at Daytona International Speedway Recap

This year's Pepsi 400 at Daytona International Speedway was a lesson on how good life is when you work well with your teammates and how things can quickly fall apart when you don't. Just ask teammates Jamie McMurray and Carl Edwards who worked together at the end to finish in 1st and 4th respectively. Or, you can ask teammates Tony Stewart and Denny Hamlin who worked against each other while battling for the lead early in the race and finished 38th and 43rd respectively.

While both Tony and Denny are practically locked into the Chase for the Championship (Denny currently sits in 2nd while Tony is in 7th) and were not seriously affected by their lack of cooperation, both Carl Edwards and Jamie McMurray had more to gain by cooperating. By winning the race, Jamie now sits 13th in points with only 50 points separating him from the 12th and final qualifying position for the Chase for the Championship. It only helps Carl Edwards and Matt Kenseth to have one more teammate qualified for the Chase.

Other drivers to note:

Dale Earnhardt Jr suffered major setbacks in the Pepsi 400. Once considered a ringer at restrictor plate races, Jr has since fallen from glory. After getting caught up in an early race wreck, Jr was never able to fully recover and finished in 36th. Jr now sits 12th in points with only 50 points separating him from 13th.

Tony Stewart was
smoking his wheels at the Pepsi 400. Too bad it wasn't at the end of the race, however. Smoke found himself tangled up with teammate Denny Hamlin early in the race and finished in 38th position.

Jeff Gordon looked poised to gain yet another win in 2007 Saturday night. However, lacking a teammate in the end to push him to the front, Gordon finished in 5th. Jeff is still comfortably in 1st place in points.

Jimmie Johnson looked as strong as any other Hendrick car in the Pepsi 400. The reigning champ found himself mired back in the front unable to mount a charge to the front at the end of the race. Johnson finished in 10th place and now sits 4th in points.

Jamie McMurray Captures First Cup Win in 166 Races!

Article is provided by http://everythingstockcar.com/ which is owned and operated by Everything Sports, Inc.

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Danger Signs of Foundation Settlement

If you are a homeowner, you naturally assume that your home's foundation will remain stable over time: offering solid protection to your family and your property investment. Although a certain amount of settlement is natural for any home over the first few years, too much settling or even damage due to a traumatic event could render the structure unsafe. Here are some typical causes of foundation settlement or damage and danger signs to look for.

A foundation is completely dependent on the soil under and around it to provide it with the strong support it needs. An analogy might be to compare your home to a laptop computer. If you put the laptop on a firm, level table it will remain secure; but if you place the same laptop on a bed pillow, there's a good chance it will eventually start to tilt one way or the other. The dirt under and around your foundation is either like the table or the pillow: if conditions shift, the house on top of unstable dirt will shift and settle in a different position. If excessive settling is allowed to remain unchecked, it can result in constant costly repairs to the home or, in a worst case scenario, result in a sudden and precipitous collapse of all or part of the structure.

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Settlement Causes

Each home is different, and too much settling could result from just one or a combination of the following reasons:

- Unstable soil
- Poor compaction at the time of building
- Poorly designed drainage system
- Large tree roots
- Plumbing leakage

Danger Signs

You'll want to watch out for:

- Visible signs of cracking or deterioration in the foundation itself
- Garage door leaning
- Large cracks along brick facing
- Exterior window and wall separation
- Cracks in your interior's drywall or sheetrock
- Doors out of square that no longer shut tightly

If you see any of the above signs, it is wise to contact a foundation repair expert in your area to mitigate any existing damage and set your home straight again.

Danger Signs of Foundation Settlement

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Platinum Prices

Platinum is a precious metal as well as an industrial metal, and its prices are dependent on economic supply and demand factors as is the case with other non-precious metals. However, since the supply of platinum is very limited, platinum prices are unstable as compared to other industrial metals. Other important factors that may influence prices are the policies in the most important producing countries' in particular, South Africa and Russia. Prices of other precious metals, such as gold and silver, can also influence the price of platinum.

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The reference price for platinum is the London Fix, which is usually considered as the international benchmark for platinum prices. The fixing is transmitted by international press organizations, and industrialists and producers all over the world use it as a benchmark.

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The fixing procedure starts when the chairperson announces an opening price to members, which is then transmitted to members' customers. When the dealers receive their customers' orders, members declare themselves as a buyer or a seller and state the amount that they wish to trade. Prices are adjusted accordingly when the amounts do not balance, and the process is repeated.

The price changes in platinum are volatile as small changes in supply and demand can lead to drastic changes in prices. The price of platinum not only varies according to its availability, but it normally costs approximately twice the price of gold. Platinum prices reached a peak in the year 2006 with an all time high of one thousand and seventy four dollars per unit in the speculative market. On the other hand, platinum bullion prices hover around the one thousand two hundred dollar mark per unit.

The price of platinum may hit new historic heights before the end of 2006, but increased production will help reduce shortages of the metal, according to some market experts. The price of platinum has risen about 15% since the start of 2006, and, thus, this metal presents a good investment opportunity for buyers.

Platinum Prices

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Ideas For Basement Ceilings

One of the most challenging ideas for basement renovations are the ceilings. There are many different types of ceilings that you may choose from. There are plain ceilings just covered with drywall and painted. There are acoustical effects you can get from special paints that you apply to the ceiling dry wall. You can use suspended ceilings or other kinds of ceiling tile that gives a pleasing site to your basement rooms.

If you choose to drywall your basement ceiling you will need to nail a frame to the bottom of the floor joist to have something to hold the drywall in place. There are many drywall tips that you can get on your internet web sites if you need help.

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Once you have nailed up the drywall you will need to tape it to cover the cracks between sheets of drywall and the places where you nailed the drywall to the frame. After it is sanded smooth you can apply the paint or acoustical material.

An easier solution for ideas for basement ceiling is a suspended ceiling. Here again you will need a frame to suspend your ceiling tiles from and a frame around the outside to determine the area you need covered. There are many advantages to the suspended ceiling. One big advantage is your accessibility to the wiring and lighting in your basement ceiling.

These are only two ideas for basement ceilings to consider. You need to consider the best one for your needs and pocketbook. If you want to check on other ideas the best way is to use your computer and go to the web sites that offer more basement ceiling ideas.

Ideas For Basement Ceilings

Want more ideas for basement renovation? Discover practical basement remodeling ideas online and turn basement ideas into dream basements at a budget.

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Are You a Mile Wide and an Inch Deep?

Every day you get out of bed, you have choices to make whether you realize it or not. The funny thing is how many choices we make subconsciously without even realizing we are doing it. We are always heading in some direction with every choice. As the old saw goes, "If you don't know where you are going, any road will take you there."

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I had an excellent conversation a few days ago with Robert Menard. An industry expert in purchasing negotiations and systems for over a decade, Mr. Menard has a depth of experience that few posses. He has spoken to Congress about better ways to purchase. Mr. Menard and I talked at length about how he built his business to be one inch wide and a mile deep. I asked him about buying a car, and he referred me to someone else. He isn't a buying expert, he is a purchasing expert.

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After the conversation I walked by a repair on our family house that I had made 10 years ago. The previous owners had a large dog and right at the front of the house was a dog door big enough for most 5 year old children to walk through. One day someone walked in and helped themselves to a bunch of my stuff, and now the dog door is gone.

That dog door got me thinking about how different people cultivate different skill sets. In fact our "do-it-yourself" society encourages you to be a jack of all trades. The guy at the local home center convinced me that I could cover the dog door myself. On the outside of the house, my woodworking and painting skills are such that you would never know the door was there. On the inside we have a whole different story. My sheet rock installation skills are on par with my 5 year old nephews water skiing skills. We both rough up the surface and it isn't pretty.

The more I considered the dog door the more I thought about Mr. Menard's comments, and how much I had learned about focus over the years. When I was in high school, I wanted to be good at water skiing like my friend David, good at accounting like my friend Danny, good at fixing cars like my dad and good at construction like my friend Ron. None of these people were great at what they did, and I wasn't really looking to be great yet. None of those skills really connected or added any depth to my life either. I was just the guy that could do a little of everything, and mastered nothing and looked like I was having fun when I wasn't. I didn't realize back then, just knowing I didn't want to be a dentist was a step in the right direction.

At the end of my junior year of high school I didn't have any idea what I was doing, where I was going or why. When I asked other people in my class what they were doing, most of them had the same answer. There were a few that knew, a few wouldn't say. One day the the high school quarterback told me that he expected an NFL career, a few kids said something like "I'll just be working for my dad". Since my dad was a dentist, and I had no desire to be a dentist, I couldn't even see spending another year in high school, so I left and took a shot a college thinking I could be a computer programmer. After all I was a teenager and knew everything.

There I was, 16 years old, pretty proud of the fact that I got into college before I was 17. It turned out I was wrong, I didn't know anything I needed to know for having a fulfilled life or to pass a college class. Needless to say, I failed miserably at college and at 17 I left home to join the military. I was still seeking something that would give me some direction. I didn't know I was looking for direction back then though, I just knew I wasn't happy yet.

Knowing I didn't want to be a dentist was a step in the right direction if I wanted to take the long road. Can you imagine trying or investigating every job or career there is in the world one at a time and using the process of elimination to find happiness? That was the path I set out on. I really didn't have a clue.

The saying "A jack of all trades and master of none." is a great way to look at your options in life. One of the questions I always ask is "Who do you look up too or who do you want to be like?" With that question answered, I then ask "Why?". Never has anyone ever said they really want to be like anyone they know that is the "jack of all trades". The truly successful are like my friend Robert Menard. They are only a few inches wide and a mile or more deep.

My dentist friend, Jack Stephens, is an excellent dentist and has several other "hobbies". None of his hobbies take away from his dental skills. In fact watching him work with his hands, you can see him honing his skills that make him a great artist at dental work. Dr. Jack Stephens never loses focus on what is important to his success. When he is changing the brakes on our rust bucket racer race car or finishing a room in his house, he has an attention to detail in everything he does that says "if I fix your teeth, they are going to be this good." Because he is such a sought after dentist, he only has to work a few days a week and still generate an income level that other dentists dream of. When someone looks at your work, what are they thinking about your professional skills?

Dr Stephens is an excellent example of how you can go one inch wide and a mile deep, then go another inch wide and gently go more than a mile deep in the core area. 10 years ago when I made my dog door repair I was still working on becoming the master of everything. Of course that didn't work out so well. I know business, focus and technology. Those three areas when put together create my one inch wide channel that is one mile deep. Racing with Dr. Stephens is different for me than it is for him. For me it is a way to practice my focus skills and techniques. For him it is a way to hone his hand craft skills.

These days, I realize that my tape, float and sheetrock installation skills didn't meet any of the criteria of a skill set that would help me find success and happiness. There is not a lot of focus practice, there is zero technology and not much business training in covering a 2'x2' hole in the wall with sheet rock. To correct this deficiency in my skill set I have created a great relationship with three sheetrock pros. If I had done this with more of my life sooner, I would be having a lot more fun. The ability to manage the sheet rock pros helps with my business skills. The "jack of all trades" type person would have me work on my sheetrock skills instead. To achieve a greater success in my life I am better served working on my people and business skills and not my sheetrock skills. Now I understand this and that is exactly what I did when I started working with my first sheetrock pro.

With every course of action we take we have to see if it fits with our life goals. The first step is to become aware of what you want to do in life, the second is to become aware of your choices. Where are you going to go deep and find happiness?

"All things will be produced in superior quantity and quality, and with greater ease, when each man works at a single occupation, in accordance with his natural gifts, and at the right moment, without meddling with anything else." - Plato

Are You a Mile Wide and an Inch Deep?

Scott Bourquin is the Author of "So, Now What?" and is a business focus and marketing coach. His website is http://www.scottbourquin.com.

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Sheetrock Finishing - Some Quick Tips to Make the Job Easier

When you are learning how to work with sheetrock, there are some basic tips that will help to make your job easier. Installing and repairing sheetrock is not difficult as long as you know how to avoid basic mistakes. These tips cover not only hanging drywall, but also repairing and finishing it. Take the time to review these before beginning any project.

sheetrock dolly

When working with drywall, safety is of the utmost importance. Be sure that you have more than one person for installation in high areas and ceilings. Take care when lifting so you do not strain your back. You want to be able to finish any project you start and strained muscles will prevent this. Use the right tools for the job, which should include respirators and face masks during sanding. Safety goggles are also a must. Properly ground all power tools while installing sheetrock as well as with any repair job. Stepladders are another area which needs to be addressed. Never use the top step of a ladder during this job and make sure both legs are open as well as ensuring the spreader bars are locked into place. Never go farther than one quarter of the height of the ladder when leaning a ladder against a wall. This is the maximum safe distance for any job.

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Joint compound is also an important factor of learning how to work with sheetrock. The right mixture of water and joint compound is essential for a smooth finish. This is very important as joint compound, if too rich, will sag after application. One the other hand, if the mixture is too lean, this may lead to air bubbles which can ruin a smooth finish. Layer depth of the joint compound by using multiple coats or cracking may occur. If you pile the compound on, and cracking does occur, it will only take longer to repair the damage than it would to do it right the first time. Also, allow for drying between coats as this will help to avoid problems.

Last, but not least, detailing is very important when considering how to work with sheetrock. This will ensure your job looks professional. Use templates when making cuts to ensure holes and irregular areas are the proper size and shape. Detailing is also essential for when working with ceilings. To ensure a professional looking job, match ceiling work and trim throughout the house. By following these tips, you can be assured the job will be done right the first time.

Sheetrock Finishing - Some Quick Tips to Make the Job Easier

Jason Whitney writes about sheetrock finishing at http://www.sheetrockexpert.com/

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Chinese Drywall Issues

Chinese drywall emerged on the U.S. market in 2004 and seemed to be the answer to costly building materials with a prefab factory-made wall paneling. The construction industry could buy them for less than a U.S. grade material and the installation was fast and cheap. However, the Chinese drywall panels do not come without controversy, and dissatisfied consumers and contractors are coming forward with valid complaints.

Most of the manufacturing problems have come from the southeast states, where a warm and humid climate may have hastened an adverse effect of the interior materials used in the Chinese drywall. Florida has received the bulk of the consumer complaints, with an estimated 100,000 plus homes made of the imported material. Residents complained of a noxious rotten egg smell and many people suffered a physical reaction to the chemicals used in the Chinese drywall products. Headaches, nausea, sinus inflammation, nose bleeds and respiratory problems top the list sparking a flood of complaints sent to the Florida Department of Health.

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The Florida Health Department is investigating the Chinese reports and is yet to determine if there are any long-term health risks to the consumers. However, though the jury may be out for the moment, a class action lawsuit has been filed to represent Florida, Alabama and Louisiana on behalf of angry residents that claim the drywall did serious damage to air conditioning units, wiring, and piping. The charge is that not only does the electrical work need costly repair, the homes have to be destroyed to remove the sulfuric-based compounds permeating the properties, with many residents left in the lurch with no place to live.

Though the evidence has proved a serious problem with contamination from imported Chinese drywall, Congressional investigation has discovered there are no contaminates found in the domestically made product. If you have a concern that your home was constructed with the tainted materials, you may visit The Consumer Product Safety Commission's website set up for concerned home owners to learn the facts on the variations of the drywall product. Investigations and data collecting have shown that the Chinese drywall reacts to humidity and homes affected by water damage, however, just because you do not smell the sulfuric gases or have not suffered a medical reaction as yet, does not mean that your home is in the clear. Sufficient evidence has been gathered to indicate that any property that is installed with the imported brand of Chinese drywall should be tested for harmful chemicals and waste materials.

The Columbia Analytical Services has contributed to the Consumer Product Safety Commission website and made available a home testing procedure for concerned Chinese drywall customers. The consumer will extract approximately 5g of drywall filling and send it to the Columbia Analytical research laboratories for an analysis of the material compounds. The turn around time for testing results is fast and efficient to determine if the Chinese drywall panels contain toxic or hazardous materials, separating the good Chinese drywall products from the bad. The test kit is moderately price at 0, inclusive of test results and full report delivered to the consumer.

Chinese Drywall Issues

Joe Cline writes articles for Austin Texas realtor. Other articles written by the author related to Austin Texas homes for sale and Round Rock homes can be found on the net.

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How To Repair Damaged Drywall (Sheetrock)

Drywall that has been well finished looks good and there's no denying it. I have been in the home improvement business for almost a quarter of a century and I am regarded as a fine finisher and drywall repair man in some circles, but I must admit I can always appreciate fine walls and ceilings that have been masterfully taped and finished. In my opinion it is a beautiful sight and I'm not above giving credit to other fine craftsmen that deliver good quality work.

sheetrock jack

But this article focus is to help the novice; the inexperience homeowner who wants to repair their own damaged walls/ceilings themselves. And I'm confident you can do it because I'm living proof that taping and finishing drywall/sheetrock can be accomplished by practically any one. All you need is good information (which I will provide) and the willingness to implement it. That's all. Hiring a contractor to repair your damaged walls/ceilings can become quite expensive to say the least, but with practice and the will to get the job done, you can do a fine job yourself and be proud of your own work. And not only that but you can save yourself a bundle of money over time too!

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The most important aspect of repairing drywall (sheetrock) is having the patience to do it correctly. When I first started out I couldn't get it right for the life of me. It was really embarrassing---I was fired from three jobs! I had to fight back the tears and I walked around with my head hung down for a long time and although it's been nearly twenty-five years ago, I still remember the pain and disappointment that I suffered. But you don't have to endure that because I'm going to instruct you on how not to do what I did. I'm going to walk you through it step by step to help you achieve quality results. And the great part about it is that it won't cost you a single penny and you will not be embarrassed about your failed attempts either. All I ask of you is that you be committed to the task and give it your very best; after all, I'm going to give you my best in hopes of helping you to repair your home and restore it to its former grandeur and beauty. So welcome aboard and off we go.

INTRODUCTION TO DRYWALL/SHEETROCK REPAIR

Stress lines, mapping lines, crevices, cracks, small holes, dents and busted drywall/sheetrock can cause agonizing headaches for most homeowners. But most of these problems can be corrected and alleviated by homeowners and novices alike. For starters you need to take a good look at the damage area and see what category it falls under.

How To Repair Damaged Drywall (Sheetrock)

If your walls or ceilings are showing signs of stress lines or mapping lines here's how you should address it. Learn More

Donald Thomas is owner of American Painting and Pressure Clng., Inc. Please feel free to visit our website for more full length feature articles at http://www.americanpaintingandpressurecleaninginc.com

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