FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In
All I Wanted To Be Was a Carpenter

All I Ever Wanted to Be Was a Carpenter

A former editor gets back to his roots by becoming a tradesperson once again.

By Andy Engel
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

It was in third grade when I realized I wanted to be a carpenter. One Friday afternoon in the spring, a truck from Gardener’s Lumber showed up and delivered a stack of lumber in our driveway. My father was going to enclose our side porch and extend our kitchen into the space. Even from inside the house the smell from the fir and pine was alluring. I was never so excited for a weekend. I had visions of working alongside the old man, turning that pile of lumber into part of our house.

But I was too young to be more help than hindrance. Despite my protests, Mom sent me to my friend Butch’s house on Saturday, and, after a battle royal, to Sunday school the following morning. I’ve rarely had a more disappointing weekend. The situation improved by fifth grade, when I was allowed to spend a weekend mixing concrete for the foundation of one of Dad’s serial additions. Going to school on Monday, I knew I’d done a man’s work. I had never felt better about myself. There would have been a spring in my step had I not been half-crippled with pain from muscles whose very existence I only discovered that weekend.

At twenty, I dropped out of college and became a carpenter. Banging nails fed me and my family for fifteen years. I only left the trade because, through a chain of events that surprised me more than anyone, Fine Homebuilding’s long-time editor Kevin Ireton offered me a job. I had every issue of the magazine. It was my Bible, and Kevin its chief apostle. How could I say no?

I spent the next 22 years in media; mostly at Fine Homebuilding or Fine Woodworking, but also as a freelance author (Taunton’s Building Stairs and Carpentry Complete), and then as the editor of Professional Deck Builder magazine, and then back to FHB, and then managing the live-action clinics at JLC Live and The Remodeling Show.

There’s no denying that it’s been a pretty cool career, but for the last few years, I’d been restless. Work that I’d once loved had become mechanical and unfulfilling. Six months ago, I realized that what I knew about myself at 8 was still true.

All I ever wanted to be was a carpenter.

Last week, I gave notice at my corporate job and dusted off my Occidental tool belt.

You’re probably thinking, “What the hell, Engel? Why would you, at 57, want to be a carpenter again? Was corporate life so trying that you miss digging splinters out with a utility knife? Icicles hanging from your nose in the winter? Headaches at two in the morning from the summer’s heat? Are you even physically capable at your advanced age?”

I’ve asked those same questions.

Call me a masochist, but I miss the elemental discomforts of building – they’re what outdoor enthusiasts call Type 2 fun. Plus, I never really stopped being a carpenter. Since going to work for FHB in 1996, my wife and I built the house our family lives in. And the garage/shop/apartment/tractor shed that sits behind it. And we renovated the house in New Jersey where I grew up. And I mountain-bike, hard, a couple of times a week. That physical fitness, along with the knowledge gleaned from 15 years in the trades and two decades in the magazine world, ought to make me valuable as a carpenter, particularly given that the leading complaint I hear from builders is the lack of qualified help.

Mason Lord and Dave Seegers, the owners of Hudson Valley Preservation Corp. in Kent, Conn., agreed. Now, along with Ian Schwandt, I’ll be one of two lead carpenters working for HVP. The company specializes in old houses, and this part of New England has some of the oldest ones in the country. Mason, Dave, Ian, and I all come from diverse backgrounds, and I’m very much looking forward to learning from them.

This blog will be about a couple of things. One is the transition of a middle-aged man back into the trades. The second, probably more interesting part, will be about the cool projects I’ll get to work on. I hope you’ll check back in.

Fine Homebuilding Recommended Products

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

8067 All-Weather Flashing Tape

Available in 2- to 12-in. widths, this is a good general-purpose flashing tape that sticks well to most things. It features a two-piece release paper, water-shedding layers, and good UV resistance.
Buy at Amazon

Reliable Crimp Connectors

These reliable, high-quality connectors from Wirefy work on 10-22-gauge wire have heat-shrink insulation to keep out water and road salt.
Buy at Amazon

Affordable IR Camera

This camera is super useful for tracking down air leaks in buildings. The one-hand pistol grip arrangement frees your other hand for steadying yourself while maneuvering tricky job sites.
Buy at Amazon

Sign up for eletters today and get the latest how-to from Fine Homebuilding, plus special offers.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters
×

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

New Feature

Fine Homebuilding Forums

Ask questions, offer advice, and share your work

  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

View Comments

  1. user-6777872 | Mar 06, 2019 11:21am | #1

    I enjoyed reading your story. I too got carpentry and trade work in my blood when I was young, put myself through college and law school working as a carpenter and contractor, subscribed to Fine Homebuilding from its start and have continued in such activities though I was an attorney and then United States Magistrate Judge. Now at 70, I’m back at it full time with skills expanded over the years.

  2. Andy_Engel | Mar 06, 2019 05:44pm | #2

    Thank you. My mother, a legal secretary, pushed me very hard to become a lawyer. That much schoolin' just wasn't in me though.

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

More All I Wanted To Be Was a Carpenter

View All
  • When Did I Become a Locksmith?
  • The First Two Weeks on the Job
  • All I Ever Wanted to Be Was a Carpenter
View All

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Putting Drywall Sanders to the Test: Power, Precision, and Dust Control

A pro painter evaluates a variety of drywall sanders and dust collection systems for quality of finish, user fatigue, and more.

Featured Video

Builder’s Advocate: An Interview With Viewrail

Learn more about affordable, modern floating stairs, from design to manufacturing to installation.

Related Stories

  • Podcast Episode 685: Patching Drywall, Adding Air Barriers, and Rotted Walls
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Patching Drywall Near a Shower
  • Podcast Episode 684: Masonry Heaters, Whole-House Ventilation, and Porch Flooring
  • An Easier Method for Mitered Head Casings

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

Video

View All Videos
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Patching Drywall Near a Shower
  • Making and Installing Wood Wall Paneling
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Designing and Building an Efficient Slab-On-Grade Home
  • Putting Drywall Sanders to the Test: Power, Precision, and Dust Control
View All

Skills and Techniques

View All Skills and Techniques Articles
  • Anneke Dunnington, Carpenter
  • Installing Prefinished Cabinet Molding
  • Tall Deck on a Sloped Lot
View All Skills and Techniques Articles

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers
  • Issue 327 - November 2024
    • Repairing Damaged Walls and Ceilings
    • Plumbing Protection
    • Talking Shop

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data