Podcast Episode 64: Top-Down Shingling, Dormers, Trimwork, and Working Alone
Brian's visit with master carpenter Ben Brunick includes a discussion of preservation carpentry, pool tables, and window sashes.
In this podcast episode, host and editor Justin Fink is joined by editorial director Rob Yagid and design editor Brian Pontolilo. Brian talks about his recent visit with South-Dakota-based master carpenter Ben Brunick. They discuss Ben’s honest, do-it-the-hard-way technique, including how he softens window glazes, but not old paint. Plus, more on Rob’s roof renovation — see below for photos.
The guys also talk about roofing from the top down; working alone; and a range of building materials. Check out all the links below.
We also have our continuing request for listeners: We need all our fans to take our podcast feedback survey by clicking here. There’s a chance to win one of ten Amazon Echoes. October 2017 Update: Okay, we’re not giving away Amazon Echoes any more. That reward expired. But there’s a chance that we’ll have SOME kind of reward for those who take the poll. Well, honestly, a CHANCE to win a reward. Can’t say exactly what the reward will be, because you may be reading this in 2018 or 2024 or 2109 after the zombie apocalypse and climate change means we all have to build new net-zero fortress-houses on the seaside islands of Kentucky. But if this text is still here, we still really want your opinions, so please take the poll and we’ll enter you for a chance to win something good, like a $100 gift card or a couple cases of ammo or the antique Snapple bottle caps we’ll use for currency in 2109. Or at the very least, for our deep thanks and the knowledge that your feedback is helping us make the podcast a little better. That’s something everyone who takes the poll gets!
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The Fine Homebuilding Podcast embodies Fine Homebuilding magazine’s commitment to the preservation of craftsmanship and the advancement of home performance in residential construction. The show is an informal but vigorous conversation about the techniques and principles that allow listeners to master their design and building challenges.
Resources and links mentioned in (or related to) this podcast episode:
- Ben Brunick’s Instagram page.
- -> Brian and Ben at work on Ben’s house.
- -> Brian and Ben visiting the National Music Museum in Vermillion. South Dakota.
- Work Smart With PVC Trim.
- Double Doors are Twice as Tricky.
- Rick Arnold’s Adding Detail with Built-Up Molding.
- Kuiken Brothers.
- Moisture resistant panel options: Medite, Medex, MDO, and MgO.
- Top-Down Shingling:
- -> Shingling From the Top Down.
- -> Upside-Down Roofing.
- Working Alone:
- -> Justin’s post and video on Working as a Solo Carpenter
- -> Replacing a Helper’s Hands.
- -> For Pros By Pros: Working Alone (eBook).
- All FHB podcast show notes: FineHomebuilding.com/podcast.
- Buy a shirt at KeepCraftAlive.org.
Here’s the roofing of the 2016 ProHOME house, following a top-down shingle procedure:
Also, click on the gallery button below to see photos of Rob’s roofing, dormers, and trimwork.
View Comments
Gary Katz has the only method to setting doors.
You can watch the videos at This is carpentry.com.
I really enjoyed today's episode. I'm actually really loving all the webcasts from this website particularly because of all the links that are posted in addition to the video. It makes it so much easier to bookmark the link and keep it in storage and not be lost when I need to look up solutions for my own home fixes!