Podcast Episode 104 — Ben Brunick Interview
Restoring historic buildings, divided-light windows, tools, concrete, and insulation.
In this episode, Justin and Brian interview contributor to the magazine Ben Brunick of Chalkstone Woodworking. A window restoration expert, Ben talks about the rehab of a historic building that will soon become a museum. Ben had the job of restoring the windows. Here are the amazing marble stairs in the building currently being restored (photo courtesy MeadBuilding.org):
Here are the windows with arch tops that Ben restored.
Ben also describes the old tools he used to do the work, including chain mortisers, a hollow-chisel mortiser, and a single-end tenoner. The guys also discussed window “joggles”—which you can see below, courtesy of Sussex Sash Window Restoration.
Ben also tells the story about how he restored the antique pool table used by presidents in the White House.
Finally, the guys talk about sharpening chisels with a diamond plate and diamond paste.
This episode of the podcast is brought to you by Boral.
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This episode is also brought to you by Danner.
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This episode is also brought to you by Chief Architect.
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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.
Links related to this episode:
- Ben’s recent article: Restore a Wood Window Sash.
- Check out Ben’s Instagram.
- We recently shot two videos of Ben at work here and here.
- Here’s our Keep Craft Alive profile of Ben.
- All FHB podcast show notes: FineHomebuilding.com/podcast.
- Sales of #KeepCraftAlive tee-shirts support scholarships for building trades students. So go order some shirts at KeepCraftAlive.org.