Comments on: Quick Update

By: dmac4870

dmac4870 — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 18:21:19 +0000

Hi Adam,

Totally understand that mission creep thing….happens all the time. Good luck with that!

I look forward to seeing pics….especially the bed, as I’m beginning to think on designing something for my toddler son….he’s beginning to outgrow the crib.

Cheers,
Derek

By: watermantra

watermantra — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 22:55:34 +0000

Very true. Especially in Dallas with their McMansion philosophy, new construction is just blazing fast and as durable as pig #1′s straw home. One thing I need to learn to do like the pros…roofing. Jeez, are they fast. And fast in the Texas Heat is a plus. The good ones even use (gasp!) hammers for the roofing nails. Apparently, pneumatic nailers can punch through the asphalt shingles.

Thanks for the write up. It’s great to know that there are others with similar sentiments about craftsmanship.

By: Adam Cherubini

Adam Cherubini — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 14:38:33 +0000

(zen master) Slow, fast, no matter.

(Adam) Given the choice, I still find myself leaning on hand tools just to produce woodwork that meets my acceptance criteria. Doors should have consistent and even gaps. They should lie all in one plane with the trim (these doors sit flush with the trim/wall). I guess I don’t know how to do this sort of work with machines (and/or don’t know what those machines are).

When was the last time you saw new construction that impressed you?

By: watermantra

watermantra — Sat, 28 Jul 2012 14:25:25 +0000

Adam, that post could have easily been written by me. One would think that our Mid-century Modern home remodel would leave little for hand tools to do, but I’ll find a way, and that way is simply faster for me. Hand mitered and coped corners, hand-planed window sills…I even cut the cork flooring upstairs (though it has a composite, click lock core) with my old panel saw and saw bench, because it’s easier and cleaner and quieter than lugging a chop saw upstairs. People who come over during the remodel always marvel that I’m doing it “by hand,” but they simply don’t understand that I’m doing it the most efficiently that I know how. The misconception that “by hand” equals “slow” is even pervasive amongst my friends who remodel and contract for a living.

By: DeGauss

DeGauss — Fri, 27 Jul 2012 14:46:28 +0000

Great post Adam, it reminded me of a post I recently read over at Joel’s Tools for Working Wood blog that is titled “A Nation that’s Losing Its Toolbox”. Sometimes we as woodworkers take for granted how even some basic tool skills help with everyday life. I was reminded of this recently when I was told that the going rate for hiring a handy man in our area was $75-$100 an hour, but what are you going to do if you not only don’t have tools but also don’t know how to use them. I also feel for your comment on straightening a 2×4, I would probably starve to death as a professional carpenter.

-Gary

By: Jonathan Szczepanski

Jonathan Szczepanski — Fri, 27 Jul 2012 02:00:06 +0000

Adam -
You answered my question before I even asked it. I look forward to the pictures.

Jonathan
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By: Adam Cherubini

Adam Cherubini — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 16:28:55 +0000

I’ll post some pictures next chance I get. Bedroom remodel included the construction of a pencil post bed. Owe you pics of that as well.