I'm a Tool for not using the proper Tool

After several late nights (3 a.m. on the avg.), much pain (very BIG splinters), and some much needed research on the internet (I should have started here first) I have come to the conclusion that if a person does not have the required skill and experience to do a job, then that person needs to make very certain that he/she has the proper tools for the job.





After purchasing the tools I thought I needed for placing hardwood flooring, I proceeded in the installation of said flooring. Three days later that included one evening, one full day until 2 am the next morning, and one afternoon and evening, I had placed about 70 square feet of flooring. The installation inqluded boards that were very splintered (I have the healing wound from a 2" splinter to prove it too). At first I thought the boogered-up boards were due to user error -- for those of you familiar with the "I D - 10 - T" error code.





The next night was spent just looking at the floor trying to figure out what went wrong and what I could do to fix the mess I had gotten myself into. My answer was found on the internet of all places. It seems the tool I bought was not the proper one for the type flooring I was installing. It was a floor nailer, but for 1/2" - 3/4" hardwood, and I am putting down 5/16" hardwood. I should have checked and checked and re-checked before I started placing the first board, but I was sooooo excited about having new hardwood floors I just jumped feet first into the project without looking.





That night (3 a.m.) I orderd the proper floor nailer for the type of floor I have. It's AMAZING what the right tool can accomplish! I have been able to place more floor in just a few hours than I was able to place with the wrong nailer and a few days.

My New Floor

It has BEGUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I now have hardwood floor in the living room!!!

All stacked up in the boxes it was delivered in.

My new hardwood floor arrived Teusday, November 11, 2008. That Thursday I started pulling out vinyl and carpet. So far I have most of the vinyl and all of the carpet from the living room.

I am currently in the process of building up the sub-floor in the living room to match the gade of the kitchen floor so I don't have to put down a transition piece between rooms.

I should be putting down hardwood by the end of the week.

Yay me!

I have a New Project!!!

My life has meaning again!!!

I have a new project that should keep me busy, busy, busy for the next month or so. I am waiting on hard wood flooring to be delivered by Friday. I have started demolition of the 1/4 round and the base boards in the kitchen. I also took the opportunity to paint in the dining area without having to put down a drop-cloth. Next week I get to unload flooring and also get to pull up vinyl flooring and carpet. The following week I start installing the floor.

Yay me.