Ask This Old House Season 1 Episode 5 Sanding Options; Digging Post Holes; Better Boiling

Ask This Old House season 1 episode 5 contains three segments that focus on different home improvement tasks. In the first segment, "Sanding Options," carpenter Norm Abram visits a homeowner who wants to sand and refinish his wooden floors but is unsure which type of sander to use. Norm explains the differences between orbital sanders, belt sanders, and drum sanders, and demonstrates how each one works. He also shares tips on how to avoid common mistakes and achieve a smooth, even finish. This segment is perfect for DIYers who are planning a floor refinishing project but are unsure which tools to use.

The second segment, "Digging Post Holes," features landscaper Roger Cook, who helps a homeowner install a fence around her property. Roger shares his tips for digging post holes quickly and easily using a clamshell digger and a post hole digger. He also explains how to measure and mark the post locations correctly, and how to pour concrete for a secure foundation. This segment is useful for anyone who wants to install a fence, deck, or other outdoor structure and needs to understand the basics of post hole digging.

The final segment, "Better Boiling," is all about cooking. Chef Brianna Jenkins visits a kitchen that has a cramped, inefficient stove and demonstrates how to cook pasta and vegetables using a stockpot and a steamer basket instead of relying on the stove burners. She also shares tips on how to season the water to enhance the flavor of the food, and how to avoid overcooking or undercooking. This segment is great for home cooks who want to expand their repertoire of cooking techniques and learn how to improvise with the tools they have on hand.

Overall, Ask This Old House season 1 episode 5 offers a wealth of practical and informative advice for homeowners and DIYers. From sanding floors to digging post holes to cooking pasta, the experts on the show provide clear, easy-to-follow instructions and share their years of experience in their respective fields. Whether you're a seasoned DIYer or just starting out, this episode is sure to have something that will help you tackle your next home improvement project with confidence and success.