Finishing Wood: Applying Polyurethane After applying each coat of polyurethane, examine the surface after it dries using a bright light. You can wet-sand with a fine abrasive pad to remove dust and other surface problems, like air bubbles. After sanding, wipe the surface clean with a tack cloth.

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- Butch Rough

Outlet Caution Many older homes were wired before the need or understanding of a ground wire was understood. When the wiring system is examined, there is a conspicuous absence of a ground wire. The receptacles in these buildings are of the two-prong variety. Many times when a receptacle is replaced, it is replaced with a grounding type or three-prong receptacle. This makes it easier to plug things in but it provides a false sense of security. There still is no ground but now it is not obvious to the user. Play it safe and don't replace two-prong outlets with three-prong receptacles.

- Stephen Corwin

Three To Two NO NO If we are stuck with a building that has two-prong receptacles, then how do we plug in modern appliances and tools that have a three-prong plug? The most common way is to get an adapter that allows for three to two. Things will work but they still aren't grounded and that's not a good thing. Short of rewiring the building, the situation can be made better by replacing an ungrounded receptacle with a ground fault receptacle. These receptacles provide added protection for people but they are not foolproof.

- Stephen Corwin

Power Planer And Belt Sander If you have a lot of planing to do, buy a power planer. The depth is easy to adjust, and as long as you hold the base flat against the surface, you will get a smooth cut with little effort. Be sure to use carbide-tipped blades, or you will be changing them often. If you can work carefully, a belt sander shaves material, especially softwoods, with relative ease. Start with coarse sandpaper. Hold the belt sander flat to the surface. If you tilt the tool you'll make gouges in the wood. Once you have taken off most of the material, switch to smoother sandpaper.

-- Anonymous, March 23, 2002

Answers

As to the outlet problem, sometimes you can add a ground that will work if you have the electrical wiring inside of conduit. there is a little tester thing that you can buy and plug into the outlet to see if it worked, too. That way, you can have grounded outlets without going to the extra cost of an electrician.

You do have to add a ground wire from the new receptable to the conduit box. usually this wire is connected to the mounting screw of the receptable.

If this is not clear to the reader, don't feel bad. I just can't explain it well. LOL

-- Anonymous, March 24, 2002

I have 3 tester thingies!!!! with hot wires and electric fencers, it is a GOOD thing! :^ )

-- Anonymous, March 24, 2002

After a defective lamp timer burned down a house (and killed two dogs and two cats) in our neighborhood, I have gradually been putting surge suppressors at every outlet with appliances, even though we have a grounded system with a circuit breaker box. I just need one more and I'm fully covered.

-- Anonymous, March 24, 2002