So you want to build a DIY cabinet or refurbish an existing cabinet in the study, a kitchen, bedroom, laundry, bathroom or garage?
It is not a difficult job if you have basic carpentry skills or alternatively, you may like to use a pre-fabricated kit. However, I encourage you find do-it-yourself plans or books for ideas and instructions on how to build that special cabinet.
I personally have a large range of “Time Life” woodworking, cabinetmaking books I have bought over the years, or magazines that I have subscribed to. These sources of information are invaluable as they give plans, measurements and detailed instructions on how to make a particular item. They ARE relatively straightforward to follow if you take your time. Many of my skills have been acquired over the years through learning on the job and building items from plans. There is a wonderful sense of achievement in doing-it-yourself especially when you marvel at your finished product.
If you are not confident in building it yourself, then you may like to start with buying a pre-fabricated kit in the item you wish to construct. I have tried several of these, and my personal experience has been one of frustration as they invariably took longer than I anticipated simply because the instructions were either not clear, steps were left out or parts missing!
On the other hand, if I build it from scratch I know exactly what I am getting.If you have an old cabinet that simply needs a make-over, then consider giving it a face lift yourself by changing handles, hinges, stripping back to the raw timber and restaining or re-painting it. See our article on “how to stain furniture“.
Another thing you may like to do is check your local phone book for companies that provide specialized effects for do it yourself projects involving the use of applying new finishes and getting an instant makeover. A professional finish with a special effect can completely transform a tired old cabinet.
Most refurbishing only needs very basic carpentry skills that the average person is capable of learning (including women), so if you have been blessed with patience and want to give it a go …. Then, I encourage you. It’s the old saying if you don’t try, then you will never know.
As we move further into the 21st century the impact of climate change is becoming more noticeable to the general public and more serious in its impacts on our way of life.
We are facing our second industrial revolution – abundant people but limited resources.
A smart capitalist always reinvests in his capital. Letting it run down through overuse, caused by ignorance of the importance of the capital resource to a successful business, is a myopic view of the symbiotic relationship between the capital resource and profitability. This is a recipe for disaster for any economic capital model – and this is what is happening in our relationship to Natural Capital. The result is disastrous climate change and the consequences are only just beginning to impact. Our recent sweltering summers and available scientific data illustrate what is in store, so the quest for workable solutions is urgent.
The Federal Government (and state governments to a degree) has fortunately finally woken up to the effect of climate change on all areas of our environment and subsequently our standard of living and long-term well being. It has now legislated to try and assist with the reduction in global warming and has made certain undertakings on the world stage regarding reducing green house emissions. One of these undertakings is occurring via the Building Code of Australia (BCA).
The BCA is implementing new changes to the design of buildings (including 9a and 9c) in order to assist in this process and these become legislation on 1st May 2006. All new and refurbished or renovated buildings Australia-wide are going to have to comply with changed BCA legislation that reduces the demand on natural capital and therefore reduces the production of green house gasses by improved design, construction standards and processes.
However, it is not all doom and gloom. There are powerful, effective methods available to us all to reduce our impact on natural capital (and therefore the greenhouse effect) while complying with the ensuing legislation and even exceeding it, and at the same time improving profit and amenity! How? By understanding and implementing Sustainability on any project.
Many lay-people, and even many within assorted professional industries, may automatically associate sustainability concepts with alternate or ‘greenie’ philosophies and practices. But this is not a “tree-hugging” exercise – it is a system that with appropriate knowledge can offer significant reductions in the bottom line of costs while at the same time significantly improving the negative affects on the environment and amenity /comfort of any facility. Surely a win /win situation.
Sustainability can offer significant proven savings in energy costs, water costs, building costs, lifecycle costs, running costs and labour costs whilst greatly improving value with a minimum initial outlay.
Research by the BCA for the new regulations coming into force in May 2006 indicates the following:
o The building sector is one of the fastest growing sources of greenhouse emissions – 21% of Total (RIS for increasing Energy Efficiency of Housing, Feb 12 ,2006)
o The DTS provisions of the BCA add relatively little to construction costs- between .06% – 2% (RIS for increasing Energy Efficiency of Housing, Feb 12 ,2006)
o The cost of DTS provisions is substantially offset by savings in HVAC plant and in a number of cases delivers a net reduction building cost (RIS for increasing Energy Efficiency of Housing, Feb 12 ,2006)
o A 5 star building (NATHERS) uses up to 30% less energy than a 4 star building. (RIS for increasing Energy Efficiency of Housing, Feb 12 ,2006)
Practical sustainability has many examples of significant improvement in all profit and amenity outcomes.
The new ING insurance headquarters in Amsterdam was designed and built as a green building in 1987.
It featured an integrated design team process, passive solar heating and ventilation, day lighting, water efficient landscaping and rainwater capture. They achieved a 92 % reduction in energy used compared to a conventional building of similar size ,which results in $2.9 million (US) per year saving on energy costs.!
The energy efficiency features themselves were paid back in just three months.
Absenteeism decreased by 15% over the previous head quarters building and productivity was noticeably improved. (RMI- Green Building case studies 2005)
The US Dept of Energy, indicates numerous examples of significant energy and related cost savings in buildings with a sustainable infrastructure of over 50 per cent of the base cost of energy use per year, major improvements in productivity, and decreases in absenteeism of 15-20 % over all types of facilities (US Dept of Energy 1998)
As you can see, sustainability is survivability.
What is sustainability?
Sustainability is the practice whereby the demand on capital resources is significantly reduced through appropriate analysis based on an integrated systemic overall approach to facility resource use. This approach is then incorporated into those facilities.
This results in inefficiencies being identified and removed from the demand cycle.
This is not just an action – it is a philosophy, a way of thinking, being and understanding the issues that accepts the logic behind sustainable practice and incorporates it into the total company philosophy.
“Efficiency creates wealth” or conversely “inefficiency wastes money”.
No business can survive if it wastes money. This approach is relevant to all types of commercial and residential facilities alike including: aged care, hospitals, shopping centres, manufacturing process, entertainment, infrastructure and housing projects.
Sustainability is about reducing these loads on natural capital, thereby improving profitability and environmental outcomes through:
1. Integrated system design and whole system thinking
2. End use-least cost analysis principles
3. Efficient and energy and human resource management
4. Practical and innovative sustainable practices
5. Understanding and implementing the four principles of “Natural Capitalism”.
Why Sustainability?
This integrated approach to sustainability results in the following benefits:
1. Improved profit due to:
o significantly reduced running costs due to more efficient usage of natural capital resources such as power ,water, and the related infrastructure that drives the demands on these resources
o improvised integrated building envelope and internal fit off design reducing thermal and acoustic loads, improving worker efficiency, increasing resident appreciation due to improved comfort and therefore increasing value
o reduced authority approvals time and costs by advocating and incorporating sustainable principles
o significantly reduced water use costs due to rainwater capture, improved water use practice resulting in decreased demand for water, water recycling and low water gardens etc
o reduced lifecycle costings due to improved system design, reduced loads on equipment ,better specified and therefore smaller ,more efficient and longer lasting equipment
o reduced maintenance/repair costs due to less wear and tear on equipment caused by reduced demand on equipment or reduced amount/smaller/better specified equipment
o improved functionality resulting in reduced labour requirements/costs and improved labour outcomes/improved system efficiencies
o reduced absenteeism and lost time due to improved working conditions
o improved staff productivity because of a healthier working environment
o increased demand for facilities due to the improved amenity for residents. This results in less advertising costs ,less resident vacancies and down time
o reduced rubbish and associated costs due to improved recycling and reduced waste due to designs of systems and operations replicating
“bio mimicry systems.” (Systems based on the natural concept of “no
waste” closed loop systems- all production being used)
o improved building practice /design /process/materials quality resulting in reduced building and system waste, rework, maintenance.
2. Improved amenity for residents due to:
o improved building envelope and fit off design resulting in improved living conditions.
o more natural lighting improving reading conditions and reducing negative affects of artificial lighting such as glare and associated negative visual impacts.
o more thought given to residential functionality resulting in more joyous and harmonious living atmosphere.
o reduction in toxic products being used such as paints, internal finishes, materials, carpets etc.
o improved comfortability due to reduced heating and cooling requirements nad the resultant improved equilibrium of temperature.
o more comfortable environment due to the improved functionality of design based on residents and staff requirements.
o use of bio-phillic concepts in design parameters where possible bringing residents into closer contact with natural systems -proven to improve health outcomes (-Ulrich RS 1990- Effects of Nature and Abstract Pictures on patients recovering from open heart surgery.)
o fresher air ,cleaner water ,more peaceful environment.
o improved relationship between staff and patients.
o improved acoustic outcomes due to super efficient windows and insulated building envelopes.
o less stressful and more relaxed environment benefiting residents and staff.
3. Improved environmental outcomes due to:
o water recycling and waste water recycling.
o innovative, coordinated and cost effective building design resulting in improved building envelope and fit off outcomes reducing thermal and acoustic loads.
o reduced power/energy demands resulting in decreased contribution of CO2 and other green house gases.
o reduced loads on the sewerage system and stormwater system.
o reduced loads on machinery thereby reducing demand for inefficient production practices for that machinery.
o reduced demands on natural capital due to recycling, waste awareness, and bio mimicry.
o reduction in the related supply chain loads caused by the reduction in end use loads due to the improved efficiencies resulting from end use least cost analysis.
o improved labour efficiency resulting in reducing waste and downtime.
o improved productivity due to less maintenance costs.
The important thing to remember is that sustainability must be cost effective. If it is not, nobody will use it. Even though it has great benefits for the residents and the environment, if it costs more to implement without any cost benefit then it is in itself not a sustainable practice. Also, it must be a system that, whether we like it or not, appeals to the financial bottom line.
Sustainability must be practical.
Even “not for profit” operations must be aware of this issue, otherwise they will reject sustainable practice as redundant as they cannot afford to operate in a sustainable way if they are running at a major loss. Of course, this can be avoided by ensuring that sustainability is practical.
Sustainability is a practice that is more cost and result effective the earlier it is implemented into an integrated system of design and operations. In any project, 90 percent of all costs are decided on the first day. The effectiveness and value of any decision, not just sustainable ones, are lessened exponentially the later a decision is implemented into the project cycle. (e.g.: adding an extra room once the building is finished or increasing or changing the productivity requirements once the factory is complete is obviously disproportionately expensive)
Those first decisions can have enormous bearing on the success or failure of a project.
If sustainability as a direction is agreed with on day one then the benefits are significantly increased. There are many benefits to be gained from implementing sustainable practice at any stage of development but the most benefit is gained if incorporated at the beginning of the process in an integrated, coordinated manner.
Appropriate management of the overall integrated system is required to ensure all stakeholders needs are examined and understood and wherever possible are taken into account for successful sustainable implementation. This way all the relevant design team members and stakeholders, including operations staff, can be included in the process resulting in an integrated system based on understanding and outcome.
It is important to note there is minimal benefit in trying to improve sustainability by reducing running costs with stand alone, non- integrated processes. The installation of such items as a solar hot water heater on a roof of a building with no sustainable infrastructure is not going to provide the results you need to validate sustainable practice. It will not be a cost effective exercise, as it is not an integrated component of a sustainable system and as a stand alone and consequently inefficient component it will not have the desired result. As a consequence, its comparative ineffectiveness will eventually persuade management that sustainability is a waste of time.
Sustainable practice is not about achieving massive reductions in power useage or water recycling cost through single non-integrated items which are not repayable or economic over the short to medium term.
Big savings can be cheaper than smaller savings.
Sustainability is at its most fulfilling and beneficial when the system is integrated and coordinated. Minor concessions, such as just replacing the light globes in your facility with energy efficient types, do help of course, but much more advantage could be gained by a more integrated initial design or retro fit concept for a similar outlay but with greater results.
Sustainable practice is about trying to achieve smaller reductions in power and water useage, for instance, over a raft of integrated areas .Achieving 20% reductions over 5 or 10 areas of operations will result in a 100-200% improvement in sustainable outcomes rather than trying to achieve 100% reduction in environmental loads through one item in one area. This is practically unachievable and will not result in the desired sustainable outcome. If the aim is for massive sustainable outcomes over a limited number of avenues the outcome will be disheartening.
The results from sustainable practice can be quite significant for a small outlay.
In a recent and new $9 million Aged Care, “not for profit” project of 90 high and low care beds in Sydney, we increased the size of the Stormwater detention tank required by council by about 300% at an extra over cost of about $4,000 and then at a cost of around $11,000 we returned the water from the tank into the toilet system.
Based on water consumption figures from the previous 60 bed nursing home on the site we will save approximately $1,500 per month in water bills. This means the system will pay for itself in about 11 months and from then those savings come off the financial bottom line.
This system was implemented into the design at quite a late stage in the process and shows how beneficial sustainability can be for relatively small investments.
In another example we spent $23,000 on high efficiency, long life globes throughout the complex which, based on energy costs from the previous nursing home, will pay for itself in 2 years and then save around $1200 per month in energy bills for that item alone. There are also reduced labour costs for monitoring and maintenance, reduced capital lifecycle costs including managing and buying globes over the longer term, improved lighting outcomes for staff and residents. This is due to clearer, stronger lighting colour and definition as well as improved lux levels and a reduced number of actual lights. Just these two simple concepts will improve that business’s bottom line by around $25,000 per year after 2 years, providing more funds to be cycled back into the development to be used for patients’ amenities or even more improved sustainable outcomes.
It is important to note these concepts were introduced very late in the design process and were not as integrated, and therefore as beneficial, as they could have been had sustainable practice been considered on the first day of project inception.
Another area to consider in sustainable practice is the importance of getting the most impact from what you are implementing. Although the initial cost of an item may be higher it may allow greater savings in other areas. This will significantly add value to the cost of the item relevant to the reduction in costs of other related items within the system.
The use of Super Windows (triple insulated glass) for example can result in the following benefits
1. increase the amount of light into a building resulting in decreased electrical lighting requirements in daytime, including capital costs of lights etc
2. improve daytime heat storage in winter/cooling in summer to reduce heating/cooling requirements
3. reduces construction costs due to smaller HVAC infrastructure (heating /cooling)
and improved efficiency of structure due to increased space released
by reducing or eliminating HVAC fixtures
4. reduced maintenance costs and capital outlays due to reduced heating and cooling requirements
5. reduced energy costs due to improved thermal values of the windows and reduced artificial lighting requirements
6. improved daylighting performance resulting in the proven benefits for residents and staff that daylighting brings over electrical lighting (US Dept of Energy Report 1998)
7. improved noise suppression
8. improved heating and cooling at perimeter zone areas
9. reduced need for curtains to provide thermal/acoustic balance at window openings
10. increased design scope due to more glass being able to be used
11. reduce significantly the loads/energy requirements on HVAC reducing or eliminating the needs for same
12. improving amenity and comfort by bringing the residents closer to the natural environment by using more glass
13. improving the productivity of staff as they are working in better environment
14. reducing staff absenteeism due to improved working conditions and happier environment
15. increased demand for the facility by prospective residents due to the overall benefits the residents experience resulting in reduced marketing costs and less down time in rooms.
This example suggests that if we properly count multiple benefits and take credits that are real and measurable in rigorous engineering-economic terms we will very often find that one way to make a building inexpensive to construct and run is to install initially more expensive but ultimately sustainable windows. This is not the usual value engineering approach of squeezing dollars and cents out of each component separately, but is utilising our money in a highly integrated fashion to place greater investment in some areas in order to reduce expenditure in others.
Just making a building the right shape and pointing it in the right direction for solar orientation is enough to save one third in energy use. (A.S.H.R.E.A Journal, June 1995)
The use of sustainable practice for all buildings is the way of the future and the facility that embraces this concept will gain the competitive advantage. Sustainable practice is not a complicated premise, but a logical engineered practice that has proven results.
After reviewing what has been outlined here it is important not to lose sight of the benefits it provides to all stakeholders, particularly the residents we all care so much about in our aged care developments, our hospitals, and our retirement villages.
It is here we can really highlight the benefits of sustainable practice and assist the most deserving of people -our residents.
We must do “more for less” if we are to advance sustainably.
Posted in Green Living Tips | 
Tags: Building Code Of Australia, Workable Solutions, World Stage | 1 Comment »
I love my Mum, but not as much as I love my Makita sliding compound mitre saw. It is a dream to use!
This is the first of a number of reviews on tools I use personally in my workshop making furniture. Each post is written from a woman’s perspective. You will find my posts are written not from a technical review, but rather a practical “what is it?”, “why do I like it” and “what do I use it for” review.
I have a two year old Makita LS1013 10 inch (255mm) sliding compound mitre saw which has now been replaced by the LS1016. Many of my comments will, I believe, be relevant also to Makita’s other models on the market the LS-714 (7 ¼” / 190mm) and LS1216 (12” / 305mm).
I acknowledge that some later models come with a light and/or laser light, which my model does not have.
Here are its specifications of the current LS 1016 model
Dual slide compound 10-inch (255mm) mitre
Cuts up to 279mm at zero degrees or 197mm at 45 degree mitre cut
Accurately performs cross cut, bevels, mitres, compound cuts easily
Has a double sliding guide fence that can be adjusted
Cuts bevels up to 45 degrees (left and right) with positive stops at 22.5, 33.9, 45. Adjustments made quickly and easily.
Mitre cuts up to 60 degrees right and 52 degrees left
Soft start motor and electric brake
Work clamps to hold down timber
Extension arms at each end to hold lengths of timber
Dust bag
What I like about the Makita Sliding Compound Mitre Saw
The saw head is mounted on a double rail system which allows the head to slide back and forth very smoothly, making it easy to use. What’s more, there doesn’t feel to be any weight in the saw head as I slide it in and out.
I like the soft start and electric brake, as the saw blade builds momentum almost instantly when I squeeze the trigger. However it also stops quickly after releasing the power switch. This is an important safety feature in the event of having to stop the blade in the event of an emergency.
The handle is positioned so that I can take hold of the handle in either hand and pull the handle down onto the surface of the wood and pull or push the saw head in either direction.
The power trigger is positioned so that it is easy to squeeze with either hand.
My Makita sliding compound mitre saw has 15 amps of power and to date has not bogged down or struggled cutting thicker timber. For example, I found it slices through 100 mm thick timber with ease and doesn’t become sluggish in any way during the cutting process.
It also has a flat, sturdy aluminium base that holds all straight timber exactly where I want it.
It is relatively quiet when compared to so many other electric saws on the market. Easy on the neighbour’s ears too!
I have found my Makita Sliding Arm saw cuts both mitres and bevels accurately and square!
It cross cuts up to 280 mm wide and if I flip the timber over I can cut up to 550mm wide. This has proven to be very useful when I have a 400 mm wide cabinet top that needs to be cut. The Makita does this perfectly.
Bevels and mitre cuts can be adjusted quickly simply by turning the black knob at the front of the saw 90 degrees to quickly lock or unlock the mitre angle lock.
For cutting vertically (up to 120mm high) I will use a backing “fence” to provide additional support.
I find the holding clamps very useful when cutting mitre cuts as the clamp(s) hold the wood firmly enabling me to cut through the wood safely and keeping fingers well out of the way.
The dust bag reduces the amount of saw dust by collecting most of the dust created, although I still seem to end up with plenty of sawdust on the floor.
What do I use my Makita Sliding Arm Saw for
Cutting all cabinet timbers up to 500 mm wide. Most being 19mm – 38mm (3/4″ – 1 1/2″) thick with the occasional size up to 100mm x 100mm (4” x 4” thick.
Mitre and bevel cuts for cabinets, picture frames
Cutting the top and base of cabinets up to 500mm wide (once joined)
Most of my use is light home workshop cabinet making and it fulfils all my requirements perfectly.
It certainly has been worth spending the money to buy a saw that cuts accurately and adjusts quickly.
Remember the old adage – you get what you pay for, and one of the lessons I have learnt over all these years is to buy quality tools!
Optional Extras
Whilst I do not have one, if you are sawing long lengths of timber on a regular basis it may well be worth your while purchasing the Makita table extension accessory.
If your saw does not come with holding clamps these are also worth while accessories for holding difficult pieces of wood in place so your fingers are well out of the way. This then allows you to cut through the wood safely. Holding clamps are particularly useful for mitre cuts.
Recommendation:
Irrespective of which Makita Sliding arm saw you buy LS0714 (190mm), LS1016 (260mm) or the LS1216 (305mm) you should be very happy with your purchase.
The big thing these days is to reduce the size of your “carbon footprint” on the environment, meaning of course, that you try your best to use less non-renewable energy. One of these energy resources is electricity, which is usually generated from Coal fired or nuclear power stations. Coal, as a fossil fuel, generates a lot of carbon emissions, and even nuclear power leaves hazardous waste to be disposed of.
So how do we reduce the amount of electricity we use, and what real difference does it make? Let’s look at 10 ways to save electricity:
1. Replace all the light globes in your house with low energy globes; the flourescent tube type. These globes save about 82% of the electricity used by a normal incandescent globe. What this means, in a family of 2 adults and 2 children, having a house with 20 light globes on in a four hour evening, is a reduction in electricity usage from 8 Kilowatt hours down to 1.44 KW hours, a saving of 6.66 KWh. If you multiply this by the amount of homes in America, say about 50 million, this is a saving of 333,000 Megawatt hours. What this means in real terms is that you could probably completely do away with 2 or 3 large coal fired power stations, just on this saving alone.
2. Switch off lights and appliances that you are not using. Don’t walk out of a room and leave everything going. Switch off when you leave.
3. Insulate your water heater, or “geyser,” with an insulating blanket. This can save you about 2KW hours a day, possibly more in cold climates. Also put insulation around your hot water pipes, to further reduce heat loss and consequent energy usage.
4. Don’t use the hot water tap to wash your hands, etc. By the time the hot water gets along the pipes to your hands, you’re finished. Then the water heater has to heat up that bit of water that you didn’t actually get to use anyway.
5. When boiling a kettle, only put in the amount of water that you intend to use. The rest of the water is just going to cool down again, unused.
6. Try and avoid using appliances that use a lot of energy, like tumble driers, stoves and heaters. There are situations of course where you have to use these appliances, but if possible, use another method. For example, don’t use the tumble drier when the sun is shining warmly on your washing line.
7. Make sure your energy use is efficient. For instance, don’t run heaters with the windows open, as the heat is then lost. Please note that if the manufacturers instructions tell you to leave a window open, then do so, as this is normally for a good reason.
8. Try and shower rather than bath, as this uses less water, which in turn saves energy.
9. If you leave outside lights on for security reasons, make sure that they have a light sensor, so that they will automatically switch off when it gets light, preventing them from being left on all day accidentally.
10. In the kitchen, use a microwave oven rather than a stove where possible; don’t leave the refrigerator or deep freeze door open, and use a dishwasher if you can afford one. Apparently, dishwashers use less hot water than doing the dishes by hand, thus saving energy.
By saving these little bits of electricity we save ourselves money, we help the environment, and if we all work together on this, we can slow down global warming by reducing carbon emissions.
Sounds like we all win for a change!
Duncan Kelly
Posted in Green Living Tips |
Tags: Carbon Footprint, Megawatt Hours, Ways To Save Electricity | Comments Closed