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Interesting to see good comments on Draytons. I was advised not to retro fit them onto an existing system as they are prone to faults, but fine if on a new installation. I'm guessing this is down to the crap that accumulates in the pipework over years. Colin

I think you have the right idea Andy. I'd put the best to one side and go to town on it and keep as a memory. The rest I'd sharpen, make them serviceable and sell. When my late father passed I went through his bits and kept a few things. His collection of slotted screws face me every time I open...

Stelrad radiators and Danfoss TRV's is the ideal combination. I used this set-up in previous houses, upgrading old systems and never had any issues. I was strongly advised to avoid cheap TRV's and did so. Colin

Just eyeing the Meths up. A great mixer with sherry. Sad but true, in my first year of teaching one of the pupils mother was a near blind alcoholic on that beverage. Colin

How about gluing the whole lot up, laying it onto a sheet of ply, draw around it and then screw through the ply into back edges of each piece. This would stop any potential stress on the mitred joints when in use. You could use an angled split batten on the back of the ply to hang the unit. The...

We are also on Devon, a new build bungalow in Hatherleigh on virgin land at the side of a country lane. At the start of the week with the grass about 100 -125 mm long I finally managed to give it a cut as it was dry and the grass was wet but firm, but not all over. A couple of hours later the...

I am a great advocate of water based/acrylic paints for use inside and out, but, for new exterior work I have a different approach. Soak everything in a clear wood preservative, including all of the beading and trims that have been cut/mitred to fit. Apply 2 coats of aluminium primer. Then apply...

Roger, I'm confused. You say you do not agree with my last sentence, but what is it you do not agree with? Spectric, I agree accuracy with a dowels is imperative, hence I used a steel template. As regards the function of the glue and the biscuit. I was taught the glue has several functions. It...

My initial thoughts are try and get the base units to take the weight by making a dresser type top. Secondly for fixing to the wall I would only ever use these type of fixing. Self Drill Pozi Plasterboard Fixing Zinc | Toolstation I use the metal and the nylon type. I've just finished fitting...

The ends will need a lot of sanding and filling, because as you have found out the grain is very open. An other alternative would be to put a 2mm x 45 degrees chamfer on the edges and then glue and biscuit joint a strip across the end with matching chamfer. A bit like the breadboard ends used on...

Firstly you need to apply as thin a finish as possible so as not to fill the grain. I've used white french polish in the past, which is not white but adds a nice warm tone to the oak. Over the top you apply liming wax, leave for 10 minutes or so and buff with a soft cloth. The white sticks in...

I used it many years ago in oil based gloss onto metal windows in a bathroom in the middle of winter. It worked very well. Back to the linseed oil, are we referring to the boiled variety as this does go off quicker than the unboiled. Colin

The idea of Chestnut is based upon my limited experience of post war utility furniture. It was used as an alternative to oak as it was cheaper. I'd always thought of it looking similar to oak, but rather blotchy or woolly in appearance, slightly larger in grain. I think it is softer, possibly as...

If it is post war utility, which it may be as what framework is on show is devoid of ornamentation, then it could be chestnut. Colin

Look up "Hailo Kitchen K60 Standardline Folding Steps - 2 and 3 Step". We bought the 2 step version in white for reaching top kitchen cupboards and the top back of tall built in wardrobes. You can buy cheaper but you will not buy better. Colin

HOJ, to be fair I did say " a very light jet wash " Colin

A light rub over with 120 wouldn't harm, your just trying to break the surface so the elements can get under the finish. It will probably look worse before it gets better. Colin

I'd do a couple of test joints,, you might be in luck. Colin

Git it a very light jet wash to try and remove or at least break the surface finish and then let nature do it's job. It will eventually turn a lovely pale grey. Do not apply anything again, just a bleach wash or light jet wash if you really have to every year. Colin

AS Mrs C, get a qualified installer. It will probably mean plywood glued and screwed to the T&G, followed by spot self levelling solution. A impact adhesive would then be the norm for gluing down the Amtico, but in areas of flooring subjected to large sun exposure a different adhesive will be...