Ask This Old House

Replicating Moldings
Tom demonstrates ways to replicate hard-to-find moldings using a router, table saw with molding head cutter, and molding machine.

Where to Find It
Router: Porter-Cable

Table saw: Model# TS2400LS. Cat# 14648, manufactured by RIDGID
Available at The Home Depot

Molding head cutter (for use in table saw): Triple-Cutter Molding Head Set, Model# 93214 manufactured by CRAFTSMAN and available at Sears

Molding machine: The W&H Molder available from Williams & Hussey Machine Co

Fixing an Unlevel Patio
Roger repairs a dip in a brick patio. He first removes some of the bricks in the depressed area using a flat bar. He then numbers each of the bricks to make sure they go back in the same places once he levels the base. He then removes some of the wet, clay soil and replaces it with ground limestone. He then compacts it and adds a layer of sand. He then taps the bricks back into place. Finally, he sweeps some sand into the joints between the bricks.

Where to Find It
Flat bars, kneepads, rubber mallets, levels, limestone and sand can be found at your local home center.

What Is It?
The guys try to guess the intended purpose of an unusual-looking product.

Where to Find It
Tommy showed a device for holding a board in place while it is being planed.

Stripping Wallpaper
Kevin and a homeowner are joined by painting contractor Jim Clark, who shows a new way to strip wallpaper using sheets and a stripping solution. Jim scores the wallpaper and applies the wet sheets over the old wallpaper. He then peels off the old wallpaper and uses additional solution and an abrasive pad to wash off any existing paste on the wall.

Where to Find It
Wallpaper Removal System:
Wallwik, Inc.
117 East Maple Street, Suite C
River Falls, WI 54022
866-295-8914 or 715-426-9794