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For added strength when you're butting two boards together, use the carpenter's trick of splining. Using a router, cut a quarter inch by half inch deep rabbet in each of the pieces to be joined. Apply two beads of glue to each rabbet. Rip a piece of clear stock to one inch by one quarter, sandwich this "spline" between the pieces, and clamp for about an hour.

Here's a table saw accessory you can make yourself. It's called a featherboard, and it will make ripsawing safer asnd more accurate. Start with a length of 1 x 4 inch scrap. Miter one end; then make a series of closely-spaced rip cuts in the end grain. When you're ready to saw, position your work and clamp the featherboard to the saw. The angled fingers will hold the piece in line and prevent kickback.

Here's how to install window casings. After the window stool and apron are in place, start with the top casing and nail with brads. Glue the joints of the side casings and tack nail the miters. Pipe clamp the molding to get a tight fit (on the joints). Finish nailing the casing with brads to the premarked reveal line. Then use finish nails to secure the casing to the studs.

Here's a tip to help you drill neater holes in plywood. A common complaint with plywood is that it can splinter on the bottom when you drill through it. To keep this from happening, just clamp a thin scrap of wood under the plywood. Then drill your hole through both layers. When you remove the scrap, you'll find a clean hole every time!

Here's another great tip from BobVila.com. Don t let a drain clog slow you down; it s usually an easy fix. A partial clog can be cleared by cleaning out the drainpipe. Older plumbing can be damaged by using harsh drain chemicals, so opt for a naturally biodegrading drain cleaner or use this homemade solution: pour a half cup of baking soda down the drain, then slowly add a cup of white vinegar. Cover the drain for five minutes, then flush with a gallon of boiling water. Some clogs call for a plunger. The key here is to create a vacuum. If you re working on the kitchen sink, you need to clamp off the dishwasher hose and seal the drain openings in the other sink basins. If it s the bathroom sink or tub, plug the overflow opening with a wet rag. With at least a couple inches of water in the basin, plunge rapidly several times, pulling up sharply at the end to move the clog. You may need to do this several times. If plunging doesn t clear the clog, use an auger. If your drain opening is obstructed, sometimes a coat hanger wire with a small hooked end will bring up the clog. You can also detach the trap under the sink with a plumber s wrench in order to get at the clog or to rescue anything you ve lost down the drain. If you don t see an improvement in drainage after all of that and especially if more than one drain is slow in your house you should consult a plumber since the problem could be caused by blocked or improper venting of the wastewater system. Find out more at BobVila.com: The ultimate home improvement web site! BobVila.com 2008

Interior designer Leslie Curtis shows off another of her decorating ideas in the dining room. She's chosen to frame a sample of an historic wallpaper pattern. The frames were created by Ron and Tracy Lindholm from Cape Cod Picture Framing. Bob joins Ron and his daughter Tracy in the garage workshop to learn about the process. The first step is to choose moldings that will allow the creation of a rabbet that will hold the glass and the picture. Ron selected a few examples from a local lumberyard. Next, he combines two of the pieces using wood glue and a few nails. After cutting the moldings, he uses a corner clamp to hold the pieces together at a 45 degree angle. To secure the pieces, Ron applies carpenter's glue and a few nails. Once the frame is assembled, Tracy applies an antique finish. After priming the bare wood, she applies two or three coats of gold spray paint. Next, she mixes a combination of paste wax and pigment, such as Japan paint, to age the newly painted surface. Using a damp brush, she stipples a thin layer of the finish on the frame and then wipes away the excess to create highlights.