I am curious about how the actual flow rate was measured. Typically, a door opening is utilized as an instrumented flow path. At the door, one could measure by the pressure drop through a calibrated venturi, but in that case there would be a pressure drop and not only would that cut the actual flow rate of the hood, but there would be some house leakage not measured. Alternatively, if there were also a fan in the path keeping the house pressure at zero to the outside, while also measuring the flow through the fan (by whatever means), then the flow rate measured should be the static value for the entire hood system. Of course, without the test fan providing zero differential, the actual flow will be less depending on where the MUA is sourced. No magic is involved. kas Correction: In an early message above, I asserted: "A fan at the hood can more easily overcome flow resistance between the hood and the outdoors, but normally this resistance is small, a few tenths of an inch w.g., so attic and roof mount fans work fine when properly sized." I now doubt that it matters much whether the restriction is before or after the fan, as most fans have fan curves that are based on total pressure drop around the path and do not differentiate between pushing and pulling. Differences could result from turbulence interacting with structures on one side or the other of the fan, and in such cases the actual flow might differ slightly for the same fan. I don't know how VAH squirrel-cage blowers might behave in this respect.

Yeah I heard about WI teachers and other state workers today on the news. Not sure what you think, but if taking a deduction helped keep my state from going belly up, I'd do it in a heartbeat. But that's just me, I look at the big picture and figure that doing the right thing now might hurt me a little bit financially, but in the long run it might just keep me from having no job at all. Less money for chocolate now is so much better than the possibility of no money for chocolate later. Dianalo, just do your taxes early, then don't worry and be happy. My cousins 25th anniversary was on 9-11-01. She was so excited about it, but called me saying she was so mixed about celebrating after what happened that fateful day. I told her there was nothing wrong with celebrating their love, in fact that day needed all the love it could get. We do the same thing with Christmas although my hubby always sneaks and gets me a little something. Like this year a web cam for my computer because our daughter had just left for S.Korea for a year so we can Skype. I guess I bought one for him too. LOL Funny how I didn't remember buying it. Yes, back to the room....I'd suggest grabbing a level after you make a few dots because you'll want the actual trim to be installed level.

Thank you for your replies. kew 2006: I moved the living room furniture in front of the wall unit in several different configurations. Unfortunately, it just looks awful. It is way too crowded and impractical with furniture blocking the wall unit. So I guess the issue is function vs. aesthetics. If I get the DR set, the wall unit has got to go. But since I need the storage space, I would probably buy a wall of Ikea bookcases and put them in a bedroom. Is the new DR worth the trouble?

Welcome Renee! I love your energy. You are ready to begin a wonderful adventure. First you must decide what machine you need and if you plan on sewing for your family you will need your own machine. By machine I do not mean a plastic overpriced object that will be a source of major frustration. Your first step will be to find a machine which will fit you and your needs. Read back on some of the posting on this forum. People have shared some excellent information. Make notes of any machines mentioned in your price range. Go to a reputable dealer.......which means not a box store which seems not to give service once the machine is purchased. Do your homework, look, read, ask.......if you have sewer friends or family ask their opinions on machines (makers, models, etc.) Go and "test drive" ALOT at various stores...take time to sit down and take demonstrations.....hands on, that means YOU sewing and not the person selling. Look and look and look somemore. It costs nothing but time and energy. If you have a friend, cousin, mother, aunt whatever who sew ask them about their machine, you might luck in and get a machine someone isn't using anymore. Begin by asking someone who sews and lives close by if they are willing to help you. Read....and I mean read, so terms that are thrown out to you aren't going to be foreign. Ask about classes where machines are sold so a sewer learns her machine. You should get a class or classes....and if they are open to helping you with any machine problems you run into. Check out classes for begining sewers.......get a pattern (in the sizes you need) in the "Sewing for Dummies" (I hate the word Dummies...beginners is more to my taste..a dummy is one who doesn't try in my words). Or if you ask a clerk they can say if something you like is really too challenging. Ask, ask, ask. Buy yourself some good quality sewing items. Ask your sewing friends or relatives what tools they NEED. Pins, a seam ripper, scissors and good thread spring to mind. When you first begin, get some inexpensive fabric (why ruin good stuff) and don't expect to have perfect results......give yourself time and enjoy the journey. Garage sales are sometimes good places to find a machine, but would suggest having someone with you who sews to check out a machine before purchasing that way. Enjoy yourself, you have begun a journey that is both exciting and challenging. People on this site are most helpful and will try to help. We have people at all levels of skill and they are most forthcoming with help. So you are in the right place, enjoy the journey and Happy Easter to you and yours. Budster