Cool off this summer

Transcription

1 The Home January/February 2015 Vol 22 No 1 R33.00 (incl VAT) S ORIGA S INAL DIY MAGA ZINE Cool off this summer Set up your home office Select and install an air conditioner Ceiling fan options and maintenance Pool solar heating RSA R33.00 incl. VAT Other countries R28.94 excl. tax excl. postage & packaging Construct a dog kennel +plus Casual labourers Know the law before you hire casual labourers to work on your property Enter thetomaktec/makita Make a Make Kitchen Gadget Competition Last chance enter the Maktec/Makita a Kitchen Gadget Competition

2 Proudly presenting our new environmentally friendly Sealer PPG Industries, a world leader in coatings, introduces the new Woodpro Water-Based Sealer.Through our innovative global technology and sustainable approach, the Water-Based Sealer is weather resistant, longer lasting and enhances the natural beauty of wooden surfaces whilst it nourishes, seals and protects. NE W Water-Based Sealer Quick drying Non yellowing Interior / Exterior /29930 Available in a variety of popular colours AVAILABLE FROM ALL LEADING DISTRIBUTORS OF PROMINENT PAINTS PRODUCTS. FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT OUR CUSTOMER CARE CENTRE ON

3 EDITOR S NOTE Reflecting on the past year write this note to you just as I am about to go on holiday, or to be more I precise, with four working days left before I go on leave. And then I realised I can t begin to talk about 2015 while I barely have Christmas plans yet. So let me rather reflect on In my January 2014 Editor s note, I said: I don t know about you, but last year really flew by for me. Well, I could actually copy whole paragraphs from there because I feel exactly the same about 2014! In March, we held the Hobby-X and Maktec/Makita Make a Kitchen Gadget Competition at the Coca-Cola dome in Johannesburg. It was a highly successful competition with many quality entries. (By the way, the next competition is in March again don t forget to enter!) Along with the rest of the country, we spent most of the April holiday, making good use of all the public holidays. And in May, we made it to the ballot boxes for the fifth democratic elections in South Africa. In July, as part of celebrating Mandela Day, we constructed a Wendy house for Oasis Haven, something they really desperately needed at the time. This was a memorable feat for us and also something of which I am really proud. August was the month we all got sick! Within days, our office ran empty and the fevers high. Roelof even spent a week in hospital. According to some colleagues, I was the source as I was the one who got sick first, but I claim innocence. September saw us making the long trip down to Cape Town for the Homemakers Expo. This was also a very successful show for us. The only upsetting thing was when our vehicle got broken into on the last day, hours before we were to drive back to Johannesburg and all our luggage was stolen. I came back with the clothes I had on! October was a good month as summer was upon us and we could look forward to braais and days spent next to and in the pool. In November, Roelof moved on to new playing fields. His hard work and dedication will always be remembered. And now here we are! I hope you are all well rested and ready for 2015 and the challenges it will bring. The Home Handyman is published by Home Handyman Publishing cc ck2000/036356/23 PO Box , Benmore Cypress Avenue, Bryanston Ext. 3, RSA editorial@homehandyman.co.za Tel: Fax: Publisher: Allan Swart Associate publisher: Michelle Funke Editor: Johann Stadler Sub-editors: Lynne Yates, Loren Shirley-Carr Feature writers: Gina Hartoog, André Gous, Lynne Yates, Loren Shirley-Carr Editorial consultant: Denis Lock Photography: Loren Shirley-Carr Layout & design: Rosemary Johnston-Fitch HOW TO CONTACT US: Editorial enquiries: Tel: / 5796 / 5924 Fax: editorial@homehandyman.co.za Advertising representatives: Shelagh Page Tel: / Cell: shelagh@homehandyman.co.za Debbie Heard Tel: / Cell: debbie@homehandyman.co.za HOW TO SUBSCRIBE: By sarah@homehandyman.co.za By hotline phone: By fax: Online: Subscriptions manager: Sarah Moodley Subscription enquiries: Tel: / 5796 / sarah@homehandyman.co.za Subscription rates: SA: R (incl VAT) for 11 issues Reproduction: AstraGraphics Printing: CTP Web, cnr Electron Avenue and Industry Road, Isando Distribution: Republican News Agency The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher or its agents. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of its contents, neither the editor nor the publisher can be held responsible for any omissions or errors. Every care has been taken to ensure that all the information and projects presented in this publication are accurate, reliable and safe. It should be noted, however, that the ideas for designs and product use are presented as suggestions only. The editor strongly advises that the reader check local by-laws and consult a qualified professional before undertaking any project and cannot be held responsible for any loss, damage, injury or death resulting from any information contained here. The Home Handyman, All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any information storage or retrieval system without prior permission from the publisher. May this year be filled with lots of successful DIY ing. Johann Stadler, Editor THE HOME HANDYMAN JANUARY/FEBRUARY

4 CONTENTS FEATURES 12 Air conditioning Keep cool and choose the right air conditioning unit this summer 17 How to lay floor tiles A quick step-by-step guide to laying floor tiles 18 Ceiling fans Discover economical yet stylish fans for your home Water filters Get a water filtration system in your home for clean, pure drinking water 26 Pool solar heating Extend your swimming season by keeping solar heating your pool 31 The Home Handyman 2014 index Looking for a particular feature covered in 2014? This handy reference will guide you to the right issue Top tips Ten little-known uses for toothpaste 36 Labourers on your property What you need to know about the law before employing casual labourers 38 Build a carport How to build a wooden carport when in need of additional parking space 42 Home office Clifford Roberts shares his experience of setting up a home office 45 Did you know? Interesting facts for DIY ers Competitions & giveaways WIN a Maktec MT940 Belt Sander... 6 WIN in our Make a patio accessory competition... 7 WIN a Bosch PLL 360 Laser Level WIN a Kreg Jig K4 Master System kit in a carry case Step-by-step Install a kitchen sink into a standard Formica worktop 48 Dog kennel Build a home for man s best friend 52 Woodworking Denis Lock tells you all you need to know about router bits 2 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015 THE HOME HANDYMAN

5 12 REGULARS 4 Off the shelf All the latest products for the DIY er 6 Voice your views Your chance to air an opinion 52 8 DIY matters News, views and reviews from around the globe 10 Ask our experts Your DIY queries answered by our panel of experts 30 Bright ideas Readers share their DIY ideas and projects Let s get social DIY has a social media side as well 56 Woodworker s corner An opportunity for readers to showcase their work 62 Subscriptions Save by subscribing to The Home Handyman and win great prizes. See page 61 to subscribe to the digital version and stand a chance to WIN a prize. 64 Tailpiece Reuben the Screwman shares more of his pool installation adventures 18 THE HOME HANDYMAN JANUARY/FEBRUARY

6 OFF THE SHELF Your guide to the latest products in the world of do-it-yourself Stay sharp Drill sergeant The Skil 2531 Cordless Drill/Driver is a powerful, ergonomic and lightweight drill/driver that is always ready to use thanks to advanced lithium-ion battery technology. The 18V, twogear tool weighs just 1.3kg. The motor and gearbox configuration has been upgraded, resulting in a higher torque and a higher maximum drilling diameter. Thanks to its high gear setting, the drill/driver is able to achieve 1 600rpm, allowing it to drill faster and more conveniently into materials such as wood, steel and plastic. It has two mechanical settings: A high speed setting for drilling and a high power setting for challenging screwdriving tasks. With a maximum drilling capacity of 35mm in wood and 10mm in steel, it is sure to satisfy a wide range of DIY drilling and screwdriving demands. Visit: Tel: The Woodster Diamond Drill Sharpener DS 200 is ideal for the professional contractor, DIY enthusiast, small contractor or workshop owner. It has a diamond wheel for accuracy and longer life. It is easy to use and requires very little skill to sharpen the drill bits. It comes in a set with a spare diamond wheel and cleaning kit. The sharpener is, however, only for HSS and masonry drill bits. Specifications Model: DS 200 Motor induction: Input: Grinding wheel: Weight (approx.): No-load speed: Sharpening capacity: 230V, 50Hz 80W Diamond 2kg Visit: Tel: rpm mm Sand away The Triton TCM BS Palm Sander is a compact and lightweight belt sander designed for single-handed use on most wood surfaces. The efficient 450W/3.5A motor delivers ample power for a high rate of stock removal across a broad range of materials. The flush side allows sanding up to the edge of a workpiece, and for confined areas or intricate projects, the small diameter front roller allows sanding in tight, awkward spaces. The sander is fitted with a comfortable over-moulded grip as well as an extraction port for a clean workspace. The sanding belt dimensions are 64mm x 406mm and it is available from Tork Craft. Visit: Tel: No more squeaks The new cutting-edge range of DIY lubricants known as Squeak Mouse includes a household oil, a tapping and cutting oil for steel, a tapping and cutting oil for aluminium and penetrating oil. All four of these oils are formulated with water repellent additives and specialised corrosion inhibitors. The long bottle nozzles allow for precise dispensing in hard-to-reach places and the bottle cap incorporates a built-in pin to ensure that the nozzle is free from blockages. The unique tear-off safety collar prevents premature piercing of the nozzle. Visit: Tel: or sales@pratley.co.za 4 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015 THE HOME HANDYMAN

7 New rubber tape Some other suggested uses include: Repairing hosepipe leaks. Sealing cables and insulating wires. Sealing coolant pipes. Insulating spark plug leads. The new Pratley Rubber Tape fuses (amalgamates) to itself once wrapped and has many uses. The self-fusing property prevents it from coming loose, making it useful for fixing leaking pipes, making handle grips and more. It is also a high voltage electrical insulator. Visit: Tel: Quality coating Wall & Ceiling, a new addition to the Prominent Paints range, provides good coverage and a smooth, matt and durable finish. This premium acrylic is suitable for interior and exterior use. It is easy to apply by brush or roller, with low splatter. It is waterbased, so cleaning up after painting is fuss-free. The coating is easy to clean with water and it has a five-year life expectancy. It is lead-free with a low odour and low VOC levels kind to you and kind to the environment. Visit: Tel: Repair kits prevent leaking An affordable and easy-to-use Vala Mkhukhu repair kit for waterproofing and leakage repair in informal settlements is available through industrial packaging and construction sheeting expert Kahn & Kahn Plastics. The kit comes with a small and convenient storage case, with a sheet of 3m x 5m black heavy duty plastic sheeting and flashband. The plastic sheeting is used to cover the roof, to prevent leaking, and the flashband can be applied over holes in the walls to patch them up. The 3m x 5m black plastic sheeting is made from recycled polyethylene and has a minimum life span of two years. The flashband is a bitumen-based DIY waterproofing product that is covered with aluminium foil to protect it from drying out as a result of being exposed to the sun. Visit: Tel: Small and precise The new Bosch PSM Primo Multi-sander is a small, compact and easy-to-use sander aimed at the lifestyle-oriented DIY enthusiast. At 18cm in length and 600g in weight, the ergonomically designed tool allows for easy handling and manoeuvrability, and the precise placement of the switch ensures convenient operation It features a slim sanding plate and extended tip for easy sanding of edges, notches and hard-toreach areas. The sanding sheet comes with two spare tips, as this is the first part to wear. It can be changed when it is worn down without changing the entire sanding sheet, which is firmly fastened to the sanding plate via a Micro Velcro fastening system, but is still easy to remove and replace. Visit: Tel: THE HOME HANDYMAN JANUARY/FEBRUARY

8 VOICE YOUR VIEWS Do you have any thoughts or comments on issues of DIY? Don t retire, but rewire Retirement and ageing are not like drinking a cup of tea. A number of things have helped me to face and overcome some challenges in this new phase of my life. I would like to share a few. During the programme Kopskuif (Mind shift) on RSG (an Afrikaans radio station, FM), I have listened to the stories of people who have taken a new direction in their lives after retirement. These inspired me and gave me great ideas. Secondly, a happy second marriage after I had learned to understand being single for eight years. Also, the workbook Jy kan gelukkig wees binne 29 dae (You can be happy within 29 days) by Kobus Neethling. Then, a weekly Small Group (Bible study) where I am accepted as one of the group, without the expectation that I should take the lead. Usually it is the other way around when a pastor enters the room, everybody sits back and expects him to do everything. But lastly, there s The Home Handyman magazine. I only discovered this wonderful magazine at the beginning of this year. It is very inspiring and full of practical hints and articles. It fired up my interest in woodworking. The cherry on top was when the editors decided to publish my bright idea. I was as excited as a child waiting for his present under the Christmas tree when I learned that I had won a prize. That Christmas tree feeling returned when a smiling courier with a bright red T-shirt delivered my Triton hand plane. The Home Handyman gives meaning to the saying, Do not retire, but rewire! Chris Erasmus, De Doorns Hello and goodbye Thank goodness for s, or you would probably never have received this letter. The past four months have been difficult for all businesses due to the postal strike (I know, because it affects my business). Luckily The Home Handyman magazine also appears in store and I could get my hands on the December issue. Then, a week later came your newsletter. Click click and I got to vote in your poll. Yes, I will use my time off in the holidays to do home maintenance! I read Roelof s goodbyes in the December Ed s note. Well, bon voyage young man. We hope to still see contributions from you in the future. Johann, I read what you said in November about your pressure washer. Let me tell you, I love mine and my wife hates it. And her hatred grows stronger each Saturday morning when I start my Karcher at 7am, while she is still snugly in bed. T Esterhuizen Winning letter This month s winning letter comes from T Esterhuizen who wins a Makita 5704 Circular Saw WINNING LETTER WIN! A Maktec MT940 Belt Sander Share your opinion Send us your views, ideas and opinions addressed to The Home Handyman: editorial@homehandyman.co.za Fax: By mail: PO Box , Benmore 2010 Letters may be edited for length and clarity Please note: Winners prizes may take up to six weeks for delivery once the issue is on the shelf. 6 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015 THE HOME HANDYMAN

9 The Home Handyman magazine will sponsor supplementary prizes of gift vouchers, storage binders and subscriptions Design brief R eaders are invited to design and construct a useful patio accessory it must be functional but there is no restriction on creativity. Let your imagination run wild or play it safe, that s up to you. Ideas include braai equipment, coasters, a potjie stand, cutlery holders, lanterns etc. but the list is endless. The patio accessory can be made from any type of wood, man-made boards (i.e. medium density fibreboard) and/or metal. Use any materials for the accessories and the finish that will enhance the aesthetics of your handiwork! The patio item should not exceed 700mm (w) x 700mm (h) x 700mm (d). Judging criteria The patio accessory will be judged in two categories Innovation and Craftsmanship with three winners in each category. Innovation will look at creativity, taking into account imagination, originality, resourcefulness and functionality. Craftsmanship will be judged according to Quality of craftsmanship, Degree of difficulty, Joinery, Overall finish Great prizes to be won! How to enter All entries must be constructed between 30 September 2014 and 24 February Closing date: 24 February 2015 See page 56 for entry form and competition rules or visit or 7 THE HOME HANDYMAN JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

10 DIY MATTERS News, views and reviews from around the globe How secure is your home? Are you still hiding your keys under the front door mat or your favourite pot plant? Do you know what lock you have on your front door? More importantly, if you accidently locked yourself outside your house, could you break in? National Home Security Month, a Yale initiative, is designed to create awareness around home security and to highlight ways in which you can keep your home and family safe throughout the year. National Home Security month officially takes place in March, which is one of the more popular times for perpetrators to attack. The campaign is designed for everyone, especially homeowners and tenants with homes to protect, and with the day-to-day pressures of work and family life, it s easy to overlook home security, so Yale offers handy tips, precautions and advice on how to protect yourself, your home and your possessions throughout the year. It also offers a platform that allows you to get in touch with supporters of the campaign nationally who will assist you with upgrading the security of your home, offer self-defence courses and, should the need arise, put you in contact with a victim support centre in your area. The latest crime statistics reveal that house robberies have increased by 3.6% and house burglaries went up by 3.3%. To place this in context, on average 290 robberies are reported every day. In other words, one every five minutes. and to participate visit Geberit partners with LIV Village to turn scars into stars In March 2013, Geberit was introduced to the powerful and visionary venture at LIV Village in KwaZulu-Natal by Mike Horn, and immediately sprung into action to be part of its solution to restore the family unit and create a safe community. Recent statistics reveal there are over five million orphaned children in South Africa, and it is against this background that Lungisia Indlela Village (LIV) launched its initiative in 2010 to help deal with the crisis and leave a legacy for future generations. Many of us have big dreams of making a difference in the world, and entrepreneurs Tich and Joan Smith are doing just that. It was in 1997 that the seed was sown with Tich to create a safe haven for children. The calling grew louder and in 2009, he and his wife, Joan Smith, purchased land and the dream began to become a reality. LIV focuses on the solution and is evolving all the time and expanding very quickly, shares Joan. The property boasts 96 eco-friendly homes, a well-equipped school, library, computer lab, art and music classes, a rugby field and tennis court as a balanced life is crucial to a child s holistic development. There is also a state-of-the art medical centre and soon there will be a multipurpose church and hall. Geberit has to date donated R1.2-million, with a further CHF planned for 2015, towards rebuilding the new accommodation facilities for volunteers at LIV. The block will incorporate eight bedrooms, a living and dining area, bathrooms, kitchen and patio, which will accommodate up to 16 volunteers who come to LIV from across the globe. Joan explains, It was one of our wishes to incorporate some of the original farm buildings when constructing the volunteer accommodation block. Knowing this to be somewhat of a challenge, we are thrilled that together we have managed to achieve this. Education is one of the fundamentals in Geberit s CSI projects. Another is sustainability and respect for our planet. We hope to continue being part of growing leaders across the country, says Dorianne Isaacman, national marketing and retail sales manager for Geberit Southern Africa. 8 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015 THE HOME HANDYMAN