Welcome again to Saturday Morning Home Repair blogging, where we talk about fixing houses, the things in them that are supposed to work for us, and fixing them up. An ad hoc cadre of building professionals and gifted amateurs attempt to answer questions that arise from readers, and offer encouragement and advice for those inclined to do things for themselves, if they can. We all do a lot of things, collectively, and can probably help out with insights from our vast experience.
Or sometimes, we just gab.
Join the gabfest after the jump...
Before I say anything else, notice that we're now into our NINTH YEAR - a fact that escaped me until now - it's been a busy summer here! Congrats, folks, give each other a high five...
I don't have anything formal to touch on today, busy week - my helpers did some more painting on the house and my neighbor and I worked on the Monte (brakes all around, tie rods, and yes, I painted the calipers red). Next I have to set toe in/out to specs (gonna be using a string setup), do a trans filter/fluid change, and then replace the radiator cradle with one that isn't rusted through.
But I do have a question - what are YOUR favorite DIY short-cuts? How do you avoid some of the long, drawn out steps that can tie up projects/time/money, like when eeff makes jigs to weld shop necessities like downspouts and brackets, or how exlrrp uses "helpers" to make applying his siding easier, or even stringing my car to set the front end alignment? Have you found a way to save time, give more accurate results, allow one person to do the work of two, or just make repeated steps easier on a DIY project? If so, please share!
Also, I sincerely want to thank this summers' posters for some of the most interesting diaries we've had in a while (especially compared to mine...)! You guys rock, and I will admit to reading and re-reading a few of them (ok, quite a few), as well as lingering over the photos, and to feeling more than a bit of jealousy as well. Seriously, you guys are talented and skilled. Plus I'll admit that you're teaching an old dog some useful new tricks.
Finally, what projects are you working on lately? The floor is open... go for it. John
(And don't forget to make CJB's day - come on, volunteer to do a diary. Please? Just leave a post for her to say when. Thanks)