You know what it's like. You get done with a relatively simple task, then need to change to corded tools that provide more power. Once you've completed that project, you need to switch back to a lower-powered tool system again. You know you could get better efficiency out of your crew's time if you could avoid all the switching! Fortunately, the innovative engineers at DeWalt have heard your call and have developed their new FLEXVOLT batteries and line of tools to create exactly what you need. Here are the details to help you get started.

Cordless tools tend to be saferáthan corded tools in rough worksite conditions, as there is less hazard of accidentally cutting a cord or being shocked by a short in your extension cord. But cordless tools also often have drawbacks, primarily in terms of power available to get the job done. What's even worse, you often have to work between the convenience of cordless tools and the power of corded alternatives. You can spend a lot of time going between these two systems, losing precious time that could be better spent getting your project done. Though we could imagine that the future could have a better way, it seems a long way off. Fortunately, DeWalt has brought tomorrow's technology to your hands.

Set up to be backwards compatible with DeWalt's 20V tool series, the FLEXVOLT battery can automatically detect the required amount of power for 20 volt, 60 volt or 120 volt tools. When used with DeWalt's classic 20 volt tool line, each of these batteries will deliver four times the amount of power you'd expect compared to the batteries from that series. The 60 volt batteries can also be paired to form a single 120 volt battery, providing the same amount of power you'd expect from corded tools.

The company has also developed a line of tools to work with the 60 and 120 volt power sources. In the 60 volt line, you can now purchase a powerful grinder, circular saw, recip saw, a table saw and a powerful stud and joist drill kit. In the 120 volt line, two batteries can be paired to run a couple different 12" miter saw options. Though they are both double bevel compound miter saws, the first has a fast charger while the second is a sliding miter saw that includes DeWalt's Cutline blade positioning system and a dual-port fast charger. Both miter saws include two 60 volt batteries, a 120 volt AC adapter.

DeWalt has also developed a line of accessories, including blades, hole saws and abrasives, to maximize your tool run time before you need to change batteries. With all these options available, you can quickly improve your job site efficiency. Instead of spending all your time chasing down and changing out different tools, you'll be able to keep your crew running effectively. At the same time, you won't have to start with a completely new tool system - you'll simply need to build out your collection with the higher voltage tools while using your existing tools with the new batteries. You instantly get the flexibility of a wide range of tools, including those you're already very familiar with. Watch the video below to learn more!

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Veneer plaster is an excellent finishing alternative to painted drywall. It is a fine choice for renovating older homes that were originally built with lath and plaster walls. For best results it should be applied using "blueboard" drywall underneath though with a few added steps, it can be used with existing wall structures.

Utilizing veneer plaster offers a few conveniences over the more traditional, well-known drywall application found in most modern homes. Four good reasons are discussed here.á

1. Veneer plaster offers moisture protection that drywall does not. Once the plaster has dried, it seals out water whereas drywall will absorb it. You will not see any signs of structural failure where veneer plaster has been applied.

2. Veneer plaster is pleasing to the eye. Plaster is applied and spread with a trowel. Different types of trowels are available. If you would like a smooth finish, choose a smooth trowel. If you would like to add texture, choose a trowel that has teeth around the edges. Trowels are sold with varying widths between teeth.áá

The color of veneer plaster is typically called "mottled white." Color tint can be added while the plaster is wet if preferred. Adding a little bit of tint rather than applying primer then paint is much more convenient.&nbsp

3. Veneer plaster does not require any sanding. Anyone who has ever installed drywall knows once the joint compound has dried it is time to make a dusty mess. There are ways to get around all that dust but this adds to the time it takes to complete your project. Veneer plaster simply has to be troweled out and left to dry.á

4. Using veneer plaster usually saves time. If you are using a plaster that contains lime or are covering with 2-3 coats it will take a little longer. Most applications are one-coat that are ready to be painted over or otherwise decorated after 24 hours. In a traditional drywall application the joint compound needs 24 hours to dry. Sometimes a second coat of joint compound is necessary which extends the drying time by another 24 hours before you can get to the sanding and painting.

If you are taking on the task of redoing walls and trying to balance your time between this, work, and family, using veneer plaster may be the right choice for you.

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Fire treated lumber is used in structural building as a means of limiting fire potential. To put it simply, fire treated lumber is used to inhibit a fire from progressing, at least long enough for any individuals to escape. Therefore, knowledge of the different types of fire treated lumber is essential for any builder or contractor. There are different types of fire treatment for lumber and each one has advantages and disadvantages.á

Surface Applied Coating

The simplest, and typically cheapest type of fire treatment, is the surface applied coating for lumber. This can come in the pre applied variety or the contractor applied. The process by which it potentially limits the progression of fire is by charring.

Charring prevents a even transfer of heat from the source to the material. However, with both variants of surface application coatings, is that after charring has occurred the char will burn off and expose the wood underneath. This type of fire treated lumber is known as intumescent.

Pressure Applied Fire Retardant

Another type of fire treated lumber is the pressure applied fire retardant. The pressure treated wood is infused by high pressure and heat to allow the retardant to penetrate the surface of the wood. This allows for a more even protection at the surface.

The process is similar to the applied coating in that the treatment is designed to char and not oxidize and thereby limit heat transfer. However, due to the infusion of the treatment to the underlying layers of the wood this process further limits the ability of a heat source to continually transfer heat. This means as soon as the heat source is removed the heat ceases to transfer at all, making the chance that the wood will catch fire, that much less likely.

Advantages to using fire treated lumber are:

• Relatively Inexpensive
• Better Insurance Rates
• Family Protection
• Increased Home Value

Using fire treated lumber is an excellent way to help protect a home, structure and family from the hazard of fire. Any extra expense in using fire treated lumber is more than balanced out by allowing a family to escape and to potentially limit any damage to the structure.á

Fire treated lumber saves lives and limits property damage. Honestly, there is very little reason to not use this type of treated lumber. For protection and value, fire treated lumber cannot be beat.

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Photo credit: Kake Pugh / Foter / Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)

Every day, we meet a range of different colors that strongly influence our well-being, often without our being aware of it. Especially now in the spring, when it blooms and sprouts: eg on the way to the tram; The shining light green of the trees, the bright silver of the passing cars, the whiff of orange flowers, the wild violet flowers on the roadside.á

There is even color therapy to take advantage of the positive effects of pain for pain relief or encouragement.

Already in your own four walls you can apply this positive effect of colors. The color of the effect which is produced by us depends on our association with the respective color. At the same time, the cultural space, personal experiences and the influences affecting the taste play. While bright colors small rooms make it bigger, give dark shades large rooms a feeling of coziness. Depending on the use of the rooms, colors can be created or accentuated by colors.

1. Colors In The Dining Room

Because eating is a pleasure and you want to stimulate communication and eating, a warm yellow, orange or green is recommended.

2. Colors In The Living Room

Similar to the dining room, the living room is used for rest, energy refueling and entertainment. Therefore a warm red or brown is recommended.

3. Colors In The Bedroom

In the bedroom, it is recommended to choose cool tones to convey a certain practicality and peace. But if you belong to the people who are fast-shivering, then you should choose earth tones instead of the most widely used blue.

4. Colors In The Children?s Room

The children?s bedroom is not only used as a bedroom but also as a playroom. On the one hand, it is intended to stimulate a quiet oasis, on the other hand to play. In the vicinity of the bed, cold and lighter tones should dominate, while in the play corner warm colors are recommended. What colors do you find appealing? Do you feel comfortable in your 4 walls or are you looking for change? Dare to try something new tomorrow!

If you're looking for a way to be the uber-parent in your neighborhood, nothing quite cuts it like creating an awesome play space for your kids. The ultimate in child-friendly play places is, of course, the tree house. We've taken a look to find these top 5 most awesome tree houses and did a quick break down of what's involved in building each one.

If your child loves a bit of whimsy and you've got an older tree stump you haven't figured out what to do with yet, this awesome tree house is the way to go. It melds together somewhere between Peter Pan in the awesome suspended bridge, Tinkerbell in the fairy-house downstairs and simple whimsy in the upstairs loft and balcony. This beautiful tree house uses natural materials, such as cedar shakes and rough wood siding, but combines the ease of assembly of dimensional lumber and, on the loft stairs, fitted iron pipe treads and rails.

If history is more your child's game, with fairy-tale princesses and knights in shining armor, this tree-top castle is just the thing. It will go up quickly with standard frame walls, OSB, trim boards, metal lathing, stucco and a bright, shiny metal roofáreminiscent of slate or tile, but without the serious structural demands. If your project needs to go up quickly, consider buying pre-assembled railing, then cut out a rung or two to allow for ladder access. The braces from the bottom provide extra support if your trees are still relatively young and need more growing time to fully bear the structure.

If your child is enamored of the pioneer days and old west, consider building a tree house that reflects that interest. Corrugated tin roofs are relatively inexpensive to purchase and fast to install, while simple flat, white boards create the majority of the wall space. Make it go up quickly and easily by using a simple frame construction on the inside, and don't forget the cross-brace on the door to prevent sagging. The ultimate option for no boys/girls/siblings allowed? The retractable ladder strung across the deck. If your child is somewhat small, consider adding a pair of pulleys to both ends to lower the load, the same way an old-fashioned block-and-tackle would work.

Does your tomboy climb trees in princess dresses? If she does, she may appreciate this lovely cottage loft with a view. It's especially handy if you need to get the work done quickly, as it incorporates vinyl siding, a metal roof and pre-assembled porch railing panels, with the exception of a small amount of customized work for low-hanging branches. Use a simple OSB and frame structure for the walls and roof, and create an easy-to-climb staircase ladder for those trips to the top with a laden tea tray.

If your child's interests lay closer to Swiss Family Robinson or Lothlorian, creating a rough and ready tree house with all the right touches can be a perfect retreat from the real world. To provide additional strength for larger structures, you can add posts to the corners, with a hand-hewn touch added by roughing up the perfect squares with an ax or draw knife. Pre-assembled deck railings can receive the same treatment to improve authenticity. The branch ladder can be assembled with local material and deck screws to ensure security, then tie a short length of hemp or jute twine over the screws to hide them and create authentic touches. To really go all out, purchase artificial coconut fronds or thatching to cover the roof.

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