Homeowner Forum / Repair / February 2004

I used an oil-based primer (in the heated basement) on some lumber that
is going to be placed outside. It is now 24 hrs later, and the paint is
still sticky: it shows fingerprints and even leaves paint on my fingers.
The directions for use do say that one should wait at least 24 ...

Hi, I'm installing a 125 amp sub panel in my garage for power tools.   Will
be installing a 70 amp breaker in the load center to feed the sub.  Will be
installing 240v circuits along with 120v.   What wire size do I need to go
with from load center to sub?  Distance is bout 30'.

When I moved from NJ to MA, I was surprised to find so many houses
with sprayed-on "popcorn" ceilings.  I realize that nowadays, many
builders use this technique and gawd... if I ever build again, I'd
never, ever request popcorn ceilings.

Dishwashers in this part of the US have a vent in the drain line.  The
vent is at counter height, between the dishwasher outlet and the sink drain.
Several people I know have removed this vent and connected the
dishwasher outlet to the sink drain, just above the trap.

It's old, and has several cracks recently appeared in it.
Is the ceramic top generally available as a seperate item, though
it would need cut to size?
(around 450*450*5mm)

I need to replace my old snowblower.  Which ones are most dependable and will
last?  I live in the snowbelt area in Central NY where it isn't uncommon to
wake up to a foot or two of snow so I figure I would like an 8 to 10 horse,
dual stage.

A friend has a cake stand with a glass dome.  She put a plate on the
stand and put the dome over it.  The plate was too close to the size
of the dome.  When she tried to lift the dome the plate was tightly
stuck inside the dome.  She tried oil and WD40 and placing it in hot

The Wife and I are looking to buy a new mower for our new house.  We saw 2
troy-bilt models that are identical except for the horsepower.  One is 18.5
HP for $1300 and the other is 21.5 HP for $1500 with free $100 Cart,  Our
lot is completely flat so a vote towards the 18.5. But ...

My washer lid switch burned out today and it's gonna take a week to get
one I ordered.My question is can I take and use a jumper wire to bypass
the switch?( untill the other one arrives)
Th

Any recommendations on good manufacturers (or ones to avoid) for an acrylic,
backyard spa?  I've had bad experiences with a Morgan - they seem to be the
big boy here in Dallas, but with my negative experience with them, I'm
looking for alternatives.

Time for another wonderful MSPaint drawing.
http://members.rogers.com/kevinck/house/house2.jpg
Our house is 1.5 years old.  Just yesterday we came home to find water
dripping from the spot where the underside of the overhang touches the

Has anyone used this system ? What are the installation / maintenance
costs.Thanks
Jim

I like to do things right and if I don't know something I like to find the
answer in writeing but, I can find in writing that over 3 conductors in a
conduit must be derated in current capacity. I  also have a reference that
says you can put, for one example, up to 12 #14 conductors ...

Up until a month or so ago, all of my house's electrical receptacles worked
fine. Now, one electrical receptacle in each of my house's two bedrooms does not
work. All other receptacles in the house work and have readings of about 120
volts.