Kreg Jig and Me
There are a few tools in my arsenal that have allowed me to make a nearly evolutionary jump in craft. A tool that could be seen as the “missing link.” For me, that tool is my Kreg Jig.
It’s not just a face frame tool, although it is unsurpassed in its speed and accuracy for joining [...]
How To Hire A Damn Good General Contractor
The right addition or remodeling project should seamlessly blend in with the rest of the existing house adding functional, yet comfortable living space. It shouldn’t look like your house is wearing a funny nose and glasses. A great finished project isn’t something that just happens, it’s a well-planned and executed series of events. Having work [...]
Why Use Wood Screws?
Trust me, using the right type of screw for your work, and driving that puppy home with a lithium-ion powered impact driver is as good as a cold beer after roofing all day. No, not really. Actually, there is only one thing better than a cold beer after roofing, and I can’t say it out [...]
Don’t use drywall screws!
Drywall screws are not multi-purpose screws. They are a specialty screw designed to efficiently install drywall. For me, nothing screams “hack job” louder than the misuse of these fasteners. I’ve seen them used to build pressure treated decks, to set handrails, and even for framing houses.
Why shouldn’t you use drywall screws?
The Phillips drive, that cross [...]
To Coin a Phrase
I got my start in the trades hanging drywall, or rock as it is referred to on most sites, at a condominium complex. And back then some hard-drinking French Canadians did the drywall work in my area. These guys could work as hard as they drank. They’d start at six in the morning and by [...]
David Foster Wallace
Alas, poor Yorick! I knew him, Horatio, a fellow of infinite jest, of most excellent fancy. He hath bore me on his back a thousand times. And now how abhorred in my imagination it is! My gorge rises at it…Where be your gibes now? Your gambols, your songs, your flashes of merriment that were wont [...]
These Boots Are Made For Working
And that’s just what they’ll do… You know the riff. I’ve been an avid fan of Red Wing Boots for some years now. They hold up, they’re toasty warm in winter, but most of all, they’re comfortable. You can buy them online here. But, I’d suggest going to a local merchant where they can properly [...]
Bending the Rules of
Woodworking with the Help
of Some Strong Wood Glue
I use carpenter’s glue everyday, and I think I’ve tried most brands on the market. I prefer to use Titebond III. If you’re wondering why I explain everything here.
Just When You Think Your Job Sucks
Last winter I was working for one of the slipperiest general contractors I’d ever met. He once did some work for Martha Stewart, in what capacity I don’t know, but once he cast that line he caught the big jobs. And, he was a great carpenter. But, what he had in carpentry skill he lacked [...]
Cuts, Bangs, and Bruises
Get enough trades people together with some libation and the talk will invariably turn to injuries. Remember that scene comparing scars in the movie Jaws?
I’ve been a carpenter most of my adult life, and with that kind of work comes accidents, injuries, and an abnormal amount of wear and tear. Like many other carpenters, I’ve [...]
About
I’m a sawdust making, tool buying, work boot wearing kind of guy. When I’m not building something useful, usually for someone else, I’m writing about it for Fine Homebuilding or This Old House. I’ve spent most of my adult life honing my craft and now I want to share what I’ve learned. From tool reviews to how-to this blog will explore a bunch of interesting stuff. So strap on a tool belt or crack a cold one and let’s have some fun.
