Still at it.....getting the installs done quickly.....granite templates get scheduled before I even start.

looks good
I like the 3rd one


Do you spend a lot of time unboxing all the stuff from all the cardboard?

I just did a stock kitchen for the first time in over 3 years and forgot how long it takes to un-carton all the stuff and deal with a huge pile of cardboard.
And my luck I get 2 cabinets they made a mistake on, one they extended the left style instead of the right , a wall cabinet had 2 right sides when they assembled it I guess on a Friday so the adjustable shelf holes don't line up, not even close.

Glad you are busy too

You're right about the cardboard Slip...it's a huge PIA.
There has been a few times lately that my young apprentice has unboxed all the cabinets and dealt with all that packaging...it's like getting a head start.

On the subject of job site debris......it amazes and disgusts me how much junk we generate building these houses. Constantly filling 30 yard dumpsters with it all....along with contributions of mattresses and TV's from all the neighbors.

You're right about the cardboard Slip...it's a huge PIA.
There has been a few times lately that my young apprentice has unboxed all the cabinets and dealt with all that packaging...it's like getting a head start.

On the subject of job site debris......it amazes and disgusts me how much junk we generate building these houses. Constantly filling 30 yard dumpsters with it all....along with contributions of mattresses and TV's from all the neighbors.

When my uncle built his own house in cumberland ri he brought one of his dumpsters from his company to his house that was strictly for cardboard only. He owns a recycling company in mansfield mass. He was amazed at the amount of cardboard that came out of his house.

We have a 40 lot subdivision.....which has just about sold out in two years thanks to the thriving economy. Boss decided every home will have one of these pvc lamp posts in the front yard alongside the driveway. I've been building them in my shop...five at a time. After completing about 35 I think I have the build process down. Really enjoy working alone in my shop...crank up my playlist and the heater and I'm good.

Nice work Bob
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Starts with 1x6 with butted corners...then a 1x5 ripped in half at 45 for the outside corner stiles. We use a PT 4x4 with a PT 1x4 1/2 slapped on the side..... it leaves a hollow chase to pull the wire. The top caps slides over the top but stays loose until final install.

Almost makes me wonna go back to work.... not :-)

Almost makes me wonna go back to work.... not :-)
Ray...I'm getting close to my full retirement age. But there will be a huge void in my life if I were to not get up every morning and go to work. Forty six years and counting! Also retirement would be more enjoyable if I had the financial wherewithal to do whatever I please, but I'm concerned that wont be the case. I do dream about building another, larger boat in the future...I'm thinking 21'er this time....have to wait and see.

Finished more lampposts, and a stairway, and kitchen for the modle house.

Built some quick and easy utility shelving for the surveyor/engineer renting one of our office units.

Good stuff as usual Bob!!

One of the issues I've always found with cutting PVC is that the cut ends promote mold growth so much quicker, specifically if you don't paint them. That and the contract/expand issue that's hard to chase... great stuff, but it does have its issues.
I've found that "Spray & Forget" works really well with cleaning and protecting PVC. I wasn't a believer at first, as when I first applied it, it took a couple of months before I saw any results, but then it lasted a couple of years before I had to re-apply. An annual application will go a long way... almost eliminates the cleaning part as it works more of a preventative agent.

Keep up the good work! or rather GREAT work... LOL

Thanks Gilly...The pictures I put up are just a small sample...most jobs never got photographed. My hands, wrists and thumbs are just about ruined from overuse....hurts to pick up a potato chip....couple more years and I'm done.

Bob,

Curious if you deal with the Kitchen Department at Mozzone at all?

We buy a ton of lumber from them but not the kitchens.
I can pm you the name of the guy we have been buying from.
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Got a call asking me to make protective plexiglass shields for the cashiers at all our gas stations. Using PVC leftover from the lampposts for the frames. Doing five at a time.

NICE!

If this keeps up the way it is....you could have a lucretive business there.

If this keeps up the way it is....you could have a lucretive business there.


I just placed a very large order for enough pvc trim to keep me busy for the next three weeks. The five plexiglass screens I made only took four hours to build. If more screens are needed I'll build them.
My motivation right now is to just keep busy with my work...i would go stir crazy if i didnt.

I just placed a very large order for enough pvc trim to keep me busy for the next three weeks. The five plexiglass screens I made only took four hours to build. If more screens are needed I'll build them.
My motivation right now is to just keep busy with my work...i would go stir crazy if i didnt.

I hear that, for now I'm still working my second job (home construction ) but who knows how long it will last.

Had a very productive week. No commute...no unloading tools and setting up.....no one getting in the way....no breaks or interuptions. Walk out the door of the house and into the shop.

Had a very productive week. No commute...no unloading tools and setting up.....no one getting in the way....no breaks or interuptions. Walk out the door of the house and into the shop.

The guys I work with don't get it. I try to explain to them that I get so much more accomplished when I work alone compared to working with the whole crew. No-one asking me to help them, questions about what they're doing, can I borrow a tool.....alone is much more peaceful and productive. I your case, being at your own shop is an added bonus.

The guys I work with don't get it. I try to explain to them that I get so much more accomplished when I work alone compared to working with the whole crew. No-one asking me to help them, questions about what they're doing, can I borrow a tool.....alone is much more peaceful and productive. I your case, being at your own shop is an added bonus.

No doubt about it.....working alone is way more productive and a lot less aggravation. Last kitchen I installed, while finishing up the soffit and crown, the electricians new helper, decided to switch and plug the kitchen receptacles. Well i could tell this kid was pretty green, so I nicely told him...."I cant have you in my way while I do my work here." He seem startled that I would claim that area as my own workspace.
Next day as I just finish putting the island cabinets in place, same youngster comes in and piles all his supplies in the upper drawers. This time I said loudly "Dont put your stuff there"
He must have told his boss....because he came in and asked "why you yelling at my guy"
I said "Well... either you teach him some job etiquette or i will"

How about the Estwing I drove through the plumbers TOO freaken loud boom box... god that felt good... LOL

The stories we could tell, I feel your pain you guys

no shortage of ignorance and incompetence

How about the Estwing I drove through the plumbers TOO freaken loud boom box... god that felt good... LOL
I did something similar once. A sales guy wasn't paying attention so I changed the font size on one of his PowerPoint slides. BAM! That's never going to happen again :rotflmao:

How about the Estwing I drove through the plumbers TOO freaken loud boom box... god that felt good... LOL


Yeah Ray....music too loud is one thing....I can tolerate most of it...
it's the white boys playing ghetto rap music...like the one with the lyric "mutha fucan nica whatchu want" repeated over and over....that kind of garbage upsets me. Some of it with much worse language....wish you had been there with your estwing. LOL

Got more dividers installed at another large dental practice. (actually remembered to take pics) Two counters. Amazing how out of plumb some commercial construction is...

Nice work Ross! The receptionists there must be relieved to have some protection. The cashier girls working at the gas stations were very pleased with the shields that i built...say they want them to stay permanently.....which seems appropriate now.


Another project that will keep me working alone in my shop for a little while.... I have a sign to build, which will be an exact replica of one that i did six or seven years ago. All pvc construction....cutting out the lettering from 1/2" sheet stock was easy......i will do all the painting as I did on the original which is a little faded but still looks good. Hard to tell....but the sign is 7' wide and 4' tall.

painting all the lettering first...before gluing them down. Colors were off a bit off...my fault for trying to match the colors by eye......only the first coat...so going back to the paint store for a better match to the original. The lettering will have a contrasting color around the edges...i'll use the dividers to follow around the outside edges a half inch in...then paint to that line by hand...after the interior color is done.

First pic, you spelled it wrong.... It was supposed to be 'Rosie's'




j/k, cool project an looks great

First pic, you spelled it wrong.... It was supposed to be 'Rosie's'




j/k, cool project an looks great


I keep telling myself...not to screw up the spelling.


I once drew commercial millwork with autocad for a cabinet shop.
One particular job was a very large school, with a huge amount of woodwork, cabinets, stairs etc. When I submitted the drawings of every detail, drawn to scale, for approval.... they were judged to be technically perfect....except for one small detail. I had misspelled the name of the project.:o

So, you will love this one, Bob.

We are cleaning up outside and the 3" round lamp post has been push over more than just a few degrees by the roses of Sharon, planted by my better half. I was elated to see the whole trunk of the bush come out in her hand today, as it had rotted at the root from too much mulch!

I tell her about this thread and that I can have the basic materials list in a jiffy. Well before I could put pencil to paper, she has a Made in the USA blown PVC unit, with the 3" galvy pipe, for $120 shipped! We will see how it looks, but cant buy material and build it for that price! (she found it on Bed Bath and beyond site cheaper than manufacturer's site (Mayne))

Apples & oranges I think Ross. My experience is you get what you pay for......a 10" square by 7' tall pvc lampost is going to cost a lot more than $120. I dont get involved in the costs of things very much these days... I build whatever I'm asked to without negotiating price and i like it that way. Spent way too many years sharpening my pencil to bid jobs I wouldn't get. Even had customers tell me my price was too high...then call me when they've been shafted by the lowballer.


Finished building and painting this sign job....no idea what it costs....and I enjoyed doing it.

Back to working at the jobsite for a couple of weeks now. Our new home sales are still going strong and we are working hard to keep up. We had a few customers back out for various reasons during the pandemic.....but other buyers stepped in right away.

Lookin good Bob

AEven had customers tell me my price was too high...then call me when they've been shafted by the lowballer.




Same with tree work Bob. Quoted a job and the guy laughed at me. Said he got a price 1/2 mine. The Asshats dropped the tree on the guys garage and had NO insurance. Guys call me back and wanted me to clean up the mess. Told him I was too busy.

Same with tree work Bob. Quoted a job and the guy laughed at me. Said he got a price 1/2 mine. The Asshats dropped the tree on the guys garage and had NO insurance. Guys call me back and wanted me to clean up the mess. Told him I was too busy.


Paul....It was quite a few years ago, I remember working diligently on the estimate, it was for a family room and large attached garage, big enough for the guys RV... total package ...everything included. I never gave prices on square footage....always a total breakdown of every aspect/cost start to finish. When we met to look over my proposal, the guy says "wow thats the price? I'll call you when I hit the lottery"
Waste of my time for sure....was a few weeks later, one evening around 10pm I get a phone call....woman was sobbing....something about the guy they hired ripping them off, and wanting me to consider renegotiating. Told her there was nothing I could do for them.

I love my trade.... never even thought about any other line of work, but dealing with customers...I dont miss that at all.

We sub out the hardwood install.....sure they're fast ....but the morons install every piece in the carton, including many pieces with defects...cracks, splits, checking etc....so they blame the manufacturer. We could have them come back and replace all the bad ones....we just dont want it to look worse when they're done....which it will....so I do it. Tedious job ...but hey I got the AC cranking ...:o

You should be fishin, Bob

There is no job I hate more than thieving out a piece of flooring....except getting the new piece in.
But....if I had to do it, the A/C cranking would definitely makeitg easier.

You should be fishin, Bob
I agree Chris! I get out to fish the surf a couple nights a week after work but, its been a crapshoot, as far as wind and wave height, trying to pick good days to take the boat out... ahead of time....and that my days off dont conflict with work schedules/closings on new homes. Forecast for next week shows lower winds and calm seas, so I will get out there. Company I work for takes good care of me....so I cant let them down when we're real busy.

There is no job I hate more than thieving out a piece of flooring....except getting the new piece in.
But....if I had to do it, the A/C cranking would definitely makeitg easier.


Ha Yeah....it's a real PIA, and this flooring is white oak....pretty hard stuff...doesnt come out easily.....having patience prevents damage to adjacent flooring pieces. Guys coming in from working outside.....say brrrrrr its cold in here.:)

Just decided to redo the kitchen- I need you to consult.

Just decided to redo the kitchen- I need you to consult.


Got a question? My advice is free....but not infallible.


Few months ago...I got a kitchen to install.. new house.
Looking at the plans I could see right away it was a a complicated design...big job with stacked cabinets and lots of optional bells and whistles. Usually we direct our customers to a kitchen designer we use all the time. He's not perfect but when there's a problem it is taken care of right away. But this customer wanted to save a lot of money by going to Lowes. I started noticing missing and incorrect items and plan discepencies right away ...I backed off installing and i brought this to my boss' attention and the customer was notified. Turned into a #^&#^&#^&#^&show when they tried getting help from Lowes.

I could see that whoever put this plan together had amateur level experience. Took weeks to get it all straightened out. House didnt get finished on time due to the customers decision to reject our designer to save money.

When not doing kitchen installs there are plenty of other projects.
A client renting space at the mill, wanted to find someone to assemble a project for them. No plans or instructions. Boss started to ask if it would get done that day. I interrupted him before he could finish his sentence, with a firm "No". He did send a guy over to help with all the fastening....I jokingly told him it was for a detention center.

Notice the "distressed" hardwood flooring. It is very pronounced....a little too rough for my taste......but you can probably repair any gouge or scratch with some stain and you're good. I also didnt like the location of the light switches and how they ended the backsplash there. The large crown moulding is popular but covers so much of the soffit...

Got a question? My advice is free....but not infallible.



Thanks. I just put a deposit on the cabinets last night. 11 weeks from them to come in. We like our design women. I need to decide on a contractor. I'm gonna do the demo myself and my buddy will do the electrical so I'm saving a good amount of $ there.

We like our design women.
How many do you have???

How many do you have???

A binder full.
I kid, I kid.


Nice work RMarsh, you do good work.

Nice work RMarsh, you do good work.
Thanks...I do my best, not as good as I once was.
The day I did the crown moulding in that kitchen, I struggled a little.
My eyesight is getting worse and my hands ache constantly with pain.
I wasnt 100% happy with the job I did with fitting the miters......but
the customer showed up the next day and praised the work....said "Incredible job on the crown moulding I love it...you're like a jeweler!"...never heard that one before.

Notice the "distressed" hardwood flooring. It is very pronounced....a little too rough for my taste......but you can probably repair any gouge or scratch with some stain and you're good. I also didnt like the location of the light switches and how they ended the backsplash there. The large crown moulding is popular but covers so much of the soffit...

Look familiar? I moved the frig to the left of the co
67416

Thanks...I do my best, not as good as I once was.
The day I did the crown moulding in that kitchen, I struggled a little.
My eyesight is getting worse and my hands ache constantly with pain.
I wasnt 100% happy with the job I did with fitting the miters......but
the customer showed up the next day and praised the work....said "Incredible job on the crown moulding I love it...you're like a jeweler!"...never heard that one before.

I don't do that many kitchens. I just finished one up that I started this summer. It was a full gut remodel. She got her cabinets from homies, Thomasville line. 30 inch tall cabinets with the two piece crown on top. The soffit part was rock hard maple painted white. That stuff is almost impossible to get a clean miter on the corners. Crown was tedious due to the fact that the house was from the 70s, truss roof, no strapping. We went over the old popcorn ceilings with another layer of 1/2 drywall. Had a bitch of a time to get the corners and miters to line up.

Been there Trevier... For the hardwoods, like maple crown stock, I have a designated 80T blade and set up a goof proof jig so I don't pooch the spring angle. Of course if the ceiling or plaster is off, well... then it's shim, cut, test fit, shim, cut, test fit, check how much stock I have on site.... And the cabinet manufacturers do not take into account for face frames that run proud of the cabinet's side panel, which is always fun to point out to a fancy kitchen designer that has sold the client on a fancy crown. ("Oh, I have never come across that before...") It's all problem solving boys.
Here's a kitchen I did not long before I had my knee replaced. Designer's plans were off by 3.25 inches on the height. She would not even show her face onsite until the counters were in....

Can someone smarter than me rotate these pics or tell me how?

when you open your pic , sometimes there is a little icon that has an arrow signifying that it rotates, do that until correct. I do it on my phone first usually.

I don't have much trouble with hard maple fascia, I actually prefer it. A Forrest Chopmaster 12" blade cuts it so smooth and chip free.
I have done thousands of feet of kitchen crown I don't even realize that others might struggle with it, I guess it comes natural for me. I take my time and do not rush it, sharp pencil marks are imperative. I also tend to sometimes use a beltsander on edge to semi-cope the inside miters or over-miter the outside to relieve the cuts so the profile points meet up clean.

I have gotten pretty good with the coping saw, and do not shy away from a table saw to remove material for the inside corners. Having a wide sharp chisel in your belt can help relieve some of the sins the plasterer/finisher has left on ceilings and walls.

I don't have much trouble with hard maple fascia, I actually prefer it. A Forrest Chopmaster 12" blade cuts it so smooth and chip free.
I have done thousands of feet of kitchen crown I don't even realize that others might struggle with it, I guess it comes natural for me. I take my time and do not rush it, sharp pencil marks are imperative. I also tend to sometimes use a beltsander on edge to semi-cope the inside miters or over-miter the outside to relieve the cuts so the profile points meet up clean.
The blade I used to do it was a brand new sharpened 80 tooth blade on my 12 inch slide. I had to tape the back edge when doing it so it wouldn't splinter out on me.

A Chopmaster blade has a negative rake on it so it tends to not even chip out the backside of veneer plywood. 80 teeth is decent but it depends on what grind the teeth are set, maybe a triple chip blade would be better for you or make slower cuts or invest in a Forrest, you won’t regret it.
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A Chopmaster blade has a negative rake on it so it tends to not even chip out the backside of veneer plywood. 80 teeth is decent but it depends on what grind the teeth are set, maybe a triple chip blade would be better for you or make slower cuts or invest in a Forrest, you won’t regret it.
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I do have a forrest blade. Not sure what model it is though. It's definitely a 80th one though.

Back at the kitchen and stair installs, after doing some rotted floor replacement at the mill that needed emergency repair, as in somebody or something is going to go through.
The newel posts extend down through the subfloor and are anchored into the floor framing from below.... rock solid.

Mitered nosing at newel post came out pretty good......cutting the nosing to fit around the newel posts is not easy...got to take your time.
The 35 pvc lampposts that I built in my shop during covid are all used up....most every house here sold preconstruction...the others sold as soon as they were finished.

Got a request to build a pair of "farmhouse style" driveway gates.
Located some heavy duty hinges that should do the job.
Important to remember to make a left and and right hand version....and not two of the same.:o

made some progress on these yesterday....going to hang them on pvc trimmed pt 6x6 posts

Nice, Bob. Lap jointed 1x on main frame?

Nice, Bob. Lap jointed 1x on main frame?


Yep.... two layers of 1X6 pvc ...with tight fitting lap joints....laminations all pvc glued. Was concerned about too much flex in the pvc trim...but when all glued up together and doubled...its fine.

more stairs and kitchens

more stairs and kitchens
I'd love to live in a house with stairs built post building codes, nice detail on those. I don't quite get the single cabinets on either side of the vent hood though, that seems like a quirky design.

Appreciate your comments...I agree...I just install"em
very basic kitchens on these houses.
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Where is this development? Still up in forest park?
Different that someone went with dark kitchen cabinets as trend seems to be leaning towards white cabinets. Last few kitchens we done been white. Wife is makin me paint our 20k in cherry SChrock cabinets white. Criminal.
Where is micro? Drawer micro? We just did one in the custom kitchen we just finished with similar good Big fan of the micro drawer.
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Forest park is mostly done...only about.4 house lots are left ...we've spent most of the last year or two building smaller houses ...at Highland Farms in the north end of Fall River....around 40 houses...its all sold out.
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Nice clean work Bob, looks good to me.

redlite, paint cherry? AHHHHH:eek: :smash: :hs:

Where is this development? Still up in forest park?
Different that someone went with dark kitchen cabinets as trend seems to be leaning towards white cabinets. Last few kitchens we done been white. Wife is makin me paint our 20k in cherry SChrock cabinets white. Criminal.
Where is micro? Drawer micro? We just did one in the custom kitchen we just finished with similar good Big fan of the micro drawer.
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The trend for sure has been towards painted cabinets ....mostly linen white but also some greys and blues.
Still have some customers that like that dark stain...I dont....shows every speck of dust....and the tiniest of scratches!
My wife also ....wants the kitchen cabinets that i custom built 30 years ago...ash with a light stain ..painted now. Have you gotten any quotes or would you diy.???
Micro drawer is in the island cabinets on some of these kitchens... like you mentioned....most don't want the old combination hood fan microwave over the stove anymore....and put the stainless chimney hood instead.
Another option is a wall cabinet with an open shelf they make for the mw.
You can see it in the last picture next to the fridge.
Got another stairway to finish starting tomorrow....
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Rough framing....its got a few errors but correctable...ill set the upstairs newel posts and nosings first so they can do hardwood flooring up there.

Is it my imagination, or are the walls painted already?? :eek5:

Is it my imagination, or are the walls painted already?? :eek5:
Our painter goes in after the skim coat plaster is done and primes everything. Then paints all the ceilings white and gets just the first coat of wall paint on before we start the interior trim. Makes his job much easier when he comes back to do finish coat of paint.

Painted bath cabinets....its hard to see but there is a little gold colored paint in the crevices. Newel posts are set....i cut open the subfloor so the post can extend down and be fastened into the floor framing.

Skirtboards are in.....some risers and treads next.

To fit treads to the skirtboard....which is seldom going to be a perfect 90 degree cut...i cut them about half an inch longer...then scribe them. This gets the length and cut at once.

No one else working here...I've done most of the finish work on this one by myself....rest of the crew are rushing to finish a house across town before Christmas.

Cool :kewl: It's always best to have the place to yourself when doing stairs that is for sure. Looking good
Merry Christmas

Who makes that compass/scribing tool? I have always had a love/hate relationship with my cheap compass...

Who makes that compass/scribing tool? I have always had a love/hate relationship with my cheap compass...

Ross...had this pair for over forty years....General Tools I think....hard to find in stores now...
Starrett Tools makes a nice one but kind of expensive.
A quick search on line i saw Stanley # 41-017 compass divider same as what I use
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Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

The trend for sure has been towards painted cabinets ....mostly linen white but also some greys and blues.
Still have some customers that like that dark stain...I dont....shows every speck of dust....and the tiniest of scratches!
My wife also ....wants the kitchen cabinets that i custom built 30 years ago...ash with a light stain ..painted now. Have you gotten any quotes or would you diy.???
Micro drawer is in the island cabinets on some of these kitchens... like you mentioned....most don't want the old combination hood fan microwave over the stove anymore....and put the stainless chimney hood instead.
Another option is a wall cabinet with an open shelf they make for the mw.
You can see it in the last picture next to the fridge.
Got another stairway to finish starting tomorrow....
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I love your comments. All our kitchen cabinets are custom made....40 years ago. The guy who built them died 25 years ago and they are a work of art. The amazing thing is 15 years ago (and they were stained) my wife had me paint them linen white. Horrendous job as there are 23 doors. Took each one off prepped with Kills' oil based paint and then I forget how many coats of paint but they still look beautiful.
I also found your comment that micro over the stove are out. We never did it as we have 2 cabinets over the hood over the stove.
Question: What is a micro draw?

Its a microwave oven that opens like a drawer....goes in a base cabinet....lot of times in the island base ...food is top loaded.
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Cool :kewl: It's always best to have the place to yourself when doing stairs that is for sure. Looking good
Merry Christmas

Thanks! ...worked on it all day without any interuptions...great but doesn't happen a lot. I make less errors when there are no distractions
Merry Christmas
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I love your comments. All our kitchen cabinets are custom made....40 years ago. The guy who built them died 25 years ago and they are a work of art. The amazing thing is 15 years ago (and they were stained) my wife had me paint them linen white. Horrendous job as there are 23 doors. Took each one off prepped with Kills' oil based paint and then I forget how many coats of paint but they still look beautiful.
I also found your comment that micro over the stove are out. We never did it as we have 2 cabinets over the hood over the stove.
Question: What is a micro draw?

I dread painting our kitchen cabinets....huge job I would guess...I would almost rather redo with factory cabinets ...would be faster for sure
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Ross...had this pair for over forty years....General Tools I think....hard to find in stores now...
Starrett Tools makes a nice one but kind of expensive.
A quick search on line i saw Stanley # 41-017 compass divider same as what I use
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Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

Thank you, sir.

I don’t know why you’re so anal with the cuts, can’t you caulk up to like a quarter inch?

:hidin:

Any time you want to rehab my 160 year old staircase just let me know.
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One of my sons is fixin up his kitchen , thought he’d make new doors, add fascia with crown and spray paint water base lacquer.. uppers are done ( work in progress... :-)

67535

67536

ML Campbell is only paint or stain I would use for cabinets. Wife would go nuts when I was applying their laquer high gloss in our basement.....

I don’t know why you’re so anal with the cuts, can’t you caulk up to like a quarter inch?

:hidin:

Any time you want to rehab my 160 year old staircase just let me know.
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Little putty, little paint, make it look like what it ain’t?
I don’t think he needs a good painter to make his work look good.
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Its a microwave oven that opens like a drawer....goes in a base cabinet....lot of times in the island base ...food is top loaded.
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WOW! Thank you. I have never seen one.

I don’t know why you’re so anal with the cuts, can’t you caulk up to like a quarter inch?

:hidin:

Any time you want to rehab my 160 year old staircase just let me know.
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I understand the sarcasm....you make a good point about what are acceptable standards. When I worked installing commercial woodwork for banks, libraries, country clubs etc...we used the AWI for settling that arguement. It spells out in great detail how this is judged, understanding full well that nothing is 100% perfect.
I have a good friend that rehabs hotels all over the country.....he was doing a final walk through inspection with the owners representative...when she started pointing out the small imperfections that could only be seen up close......he reminded her that the contract states that upon inspection only the imperfections clearly visable from five feet away need to be corrected.

One of my sons is fixin up his kitchen , thought he’d make new doors, add fascia with crown and spray paint water base lacquer.. uppers are done ( work in progress... :-)

67535

67536


Nice work......I think there could be huge market for this kind of job right now.

Nice work......I think there could be huge market for this kind of job right now.


In your own kitchen, maybe. But as a contractor, with COVID going on, not so much. People want the work done, but no one wants you in their house. Nor do I want to be in their house. Difficult to shut down a kitchen for any amount of time with the restaurant situation.

Nice pics all around, gents.

Thank you, sir.


Your welcome..... what I find most usefull about this model is the spring loaded fine adjustment screw for the distance between the stylus and pencil.

To fit treads to the skirtboard....which is seldom going to be a perfect 90 degree cut...i cut them about half an inch longer...then scribe them. This gets the length and cut at once.

nice job. What I can't stand is cheap builders not putting in any humidifiers in a house then all the tight wood working shrinks outta sight. Baffles me all the time.

WOW! Thank you. I have never seen one.

Sharp makes all of them. They even make one for Bosch. bought one about two weeks ago for my kitchen remodel. About $1,300.
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nice job. What I can't stand is cheap builders not putting in any humidifiers in a house then all the tight wood working shrinks outta sight. Baffles me all the time.


Our walls and ceilings are skim coat plaster....that creates a lot of humidity.

We run one dehumidifier in the basement and one on first floor.
Heavy duty commercial units. Biggest problem can be new hardwood flooring s#^&#^&#^&#^&#^&g up moister after it gets installed. Also this time of year we get forced hot air heat running ahead of starting the finish....and let flooring acclimate for three days minimum.

Sharp makes all of them. They even make one for Bosch. bought one about two weeks ago for my kitchen remodel. About $1,300.
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Pricey. Not in this house but maybe if I build again. Jeanne really wants a pool so that's where the discretionary income will go next year.

Our walls and ceilings are skim coat plaster....that creates a lot of humidity.

We run one dehumidifier in the basement and one on first floor.
Heavy duty commercial units. Biggest problem can be new hardwood flooring s#^&#^&#^&#^&#^&g up moister after it gets installed. Also this time of year we get forced hot air heat running ahead of starting the finish....and let flooring acclimate for three days minimum.

Winter builds suck... :-)

Oak gets delivered right after plaster and raining...
We stacks the oak and wraps in a poly tent and adds a dehumidifier ,,,, checked it several times with the meter..

Gets a phone call at some point... hey Ray, the bottom of the slider is sliding out of the house... :-)
I guess I got the oak dry enough... LOL

This is why I hate these TV shows that have to have a remodel done in a week, or some other outrageous time frame. I have had to tell clients that this is not a half hour TV show.... Sometimes the universe just speaks to us and says; Not happening today! Be it the heat, the moisture, the flooring that has to acclimate....or a sub that doesn't show or want to play ball.... it is an inexact science.

Or shipping! I just got my special order email on December 2 for the decking I need to finish the last 17 inches of my deck. Except they sent me more square edge and I want the grooved to continue. They still billed me for grooved and longer lengths I ordered, a 26% overcharge for the wrong order!!!! It's just been a special year....

This is why I hate these TV shows that have to have a remodel done in a week, or some other outrageous time frame. I have had to tell clients that this is not a half hour TV show.... Sometimes the universe just speaks to us and says; Not happening today! Be it the heat, the moisture, the flooring that has to acclimate....or a sub that doesn't show or want to play ball.... it is an inexact science.

Or shipping! I just got my special order email on December 2 for the decking I need to finish the last 17 inches of my deck. Except they sent me more square edge and I want the grooved to continue. They still billed me for grooved and longer lengths I ordered, a 26% overcharge for the wrong order!!!! It's just been a special year....
Wait, you don’t have a 3D printer to mock up all your projects? :rotfl:
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This is why I hate these TV shows that have to have a remodel done in a week, or some other outrageous time frame. I have had to tell clients that this is not a half hour TV show.... Sometimes the universe just speaks to us and says; Not happening today! Be it the heat, the moisture, the flooring that has to acclimate....or a sub that doesn't show or want to play ball.... it is an inexact science.....
Ross...I cant watch those remodeling/building shows without laughing. Do people really think that crap is real? I recall an episode showing a homeowner preparing to sand their own hardwood floors......they start the big walk behind sander...like they're actually going to do it......camera cuts to machine running.....and sanding begins....thats when you can see a pair of work boots walking behind the machine that obviously belong to a seasoned professional. Lots of other fake stuff

Just knocked down the wall between my old kitchen and dining room and the beam put in. They had to move the 2 registers which were in the wall each facing a different room). They put them in the floors in front of the windows. Wife said she wished they were in the walls. I told her most new construction has them in the floors. Is it more common to put them in the wall or in the floor? Thanks

All my forced hot air registers are in the floor, and are original to the house. If/when we add whole house AC, those will likely be in ceiling. When remodeling, it goes down the path of least resistance, then code and cost.... Tell her anything can be done for a price....

The 2 rooms have been demoed to the studs so if she wants something different, now is the time to do it. I'm also adding 1 registers to 2 different rooms upstairs.

Just knocked down the wall between my old kitchen and dining room and the beam put in. They had to move the 2 registers which were in the wall each facing a different room). They put them in the floors in front of the windows. Wife said she wished they were in the walls. I told her most new construction has them in the floors. Is it more common to put them in the wall or in the floor? Thanks

Not sure about Mass or Connecticut, but VT and NY both require ductwork outside the envelope to be insulated.
If you put the ductwork in the wall instead of insulation you pay to heat the outside air and also can have air leakage issues from the ductwork.

Here's a more lucid explanation.
https://www.energyvanguard.com/blog/third-worst-place-put-duct

Winter builds suck... :-)

Oak gets delivered right after plaster and raining...
We stacks the oak and wraps in a poly tent and adds a dehumidifier ,,,, checked it several times with the meter..

Gets a phone call at some point... hey Ray, the bottom of the slider is sliding out of the house... :-)
I guess I got the oak dry enough... LOL

We did 2500 sq ft of Bruce Hardwood, Oak a couple of years ago. We let it sit in the house for a week. It was summer and we had the central air running. No issues.

Thanks Ross and Pete.

I'll send that article to my wife.

She might take you down the healthy/efficiency rabbit hole and drive your contractor nuts.

Why not, she already drives me nuts.

Ross...I cant watch those remodeling/building shows without laughing. Do people really think that crap is real? I recall an episode showing a homeowner preparing to sand their own hardwood floors......they start the big walk behind sander...like they're actually going to do it......camera cuts to machine running.....and sanding begins....thats when you can see a pair of work boots walking behind the machine that obviously belong to a seasoned professional. Lots of other fake stuff

This is worse than finding out Santa Claus isn't real.....these shows are not real?!?! I try to explain this to my wife when she thinks we can do a project in a weekend.

When I interview with a new client(s) and find out they have not experienced a major renovation project like a kitchen or bath, I like to tell them there are two stages to such a project; Great anticipation, and Lord, when will this end?

When I interview with a new client(s) and find out they have not experienced a major renovation project like a kitchen or bath, I like to tell them there are two stages to such a project; Great anticipation, and Lord, when will this end?


I like to ask them how they feel about dust........:eek:

This is worse than finding out Santa Claus isn't real.....these shows are not real?!?! I try to explain this to my wife when she thinks we can do a project in a weekend.


So much fakery in the world...... when a potential customer gets their info about construction/remodeling from a TV show they are ill prepared for reality.
I remember my son at around 8 or 9 years old asking me if Santa was real.....I didnt want him to believe in something fake, and since he was asking.... he wanted the truth... I told him "No" and he responded with "I didnt think so".

This is worse than finding out Santa Claus isn't real.....these shows are not real?!?! I try to explain this to my wife when she thinks we can do a project in a weekend.

And for half the cost.....

Trimmed out the top of the closet by the front door to match.

Aw, man the stairway came out awesome.

Aw, man the stairway came out awesome.


Thanks Paul.......after having done so many, I still get a sense of satisfaction.... seeing the end results. Somewhere around 60-70 hours of labor..... no idea how many saw cuts.

[QUOTE=Rmarsh;1206357]Its a microwave oven that opens like a drawer....goes in a base cabinet....lot of times in the island base ...food is top loaded.
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Installed another MW drawer yesterday....the opening on the left is for a beverage cooler

Trimmed out the top of the closet by the front door to match.


Just trimmed or did you drop some flooring as well? To complete the look when looking at it from that balcony? Or is it just a void inside the trim?

Just trimmed or did you drop some flooring as well? To complete the look when looking at it from that balcony? Or is it just a void inside the trim?


It is filled in with hardwood flooring.

Got some of the crew back on this job after working alone here for the last two weeks. I've been with this company going on 18 years, working with the same three guys....good carpenters.... the whole time. Two of us are close to retirement age....and with all the work we have it was a about time to hire another younger man to help. So for the last year or so the new kid (He's actually a grown man..but i'm at least forty years older) has been on the job learning to be a finish carpenter. I have been impressed with his progress and work ethic. Very respectfull and humble guy..... came here from Ecuador.....and wants to learn all he can.... it takes time. I've taught a lot of guys the basics over the years but I've taken it upon myself to show Luis .... stuff he hasn't quite figured out.......and some things I dont normally share. I feel good about it when he comes back later and sincerely thanks me.

It is filled in with hardwood flooring.

Got some of the crew back on this job after working alone here for the last two weeks. I've been with this company going on 18 years, working with the same three guys....good carpenters.... the whole time. Two of us are close to retirement age....and with all the work we have it was a about time to hire another younger man to help. So for the last year or so the new kid (He's actually a grown man..but i'm at least forty years older) has been on the job learning to be a finish carpenter. I have been impressed with his progress and work ethic. Very respectfull and humble guy..... came here from Ecuador.....and wants to learn all he can.... it takes time. I've taught a lot of guys the basics over the years but I've taken it upon myself to show Luis .... stuff he hasn't quite figured out.......and some things I dont normally share. I feel good about it when he comes back later and sincerely thanks me.

Although it seems you are a bit older than myself, and most likely have been in the field much longer as well. I have been a finish carpenter or craftsman if you will for a long time as well. Having worked in several stair shops and being a stair installer for those companies I find great satisfaction when a stair (or any other job for that matter) is complete. But I especially have a feeling of satisfaction when I teach the younger generation a piece of the trade. I am having the pleasure of working with my son now as he is home from college and my boss hired him to be my right hand man. I also had him all summer. Its great teaching him...even more so because he wants to learn. Thanks for sharing the progress of your projects.

Although it seems you are a bit older than myself, and most likely have been in the field much longer as well. I have been a finish carpenter or craftsman if you will for a long time as well. Having worked in several stair shops and being a stair installer for those companies I find great satisfaction when a stair (or any other job for that matter) is complete. But I especially have a feeling of satisfaction when I teach the younger generation a piece of the trade. I am having the pleasure of working with my son now as he is home from college and my boss hired him to be my right hand man. I also had him all summer. Its great teaching him...even more so because he wants to learn. Thanks for sharing the progress of your projects.

I too have greatly enjoyed teaching and passing on the knowledge, even just opening the door to the trade. I wish I could get my son back working with me. He lives here in town, at my ex's house and works for her husband's contracting company. (Had to send him away when I totaled my knee and knew I was out for a year.) I think her husband holds him hostage working for him, saying if he leaves he has to move out, pays him half of what I would be paying and certainly below what he's worth... It is complicated.

Although it seems you are a bit older than myself, and most likely have been in the field much longer as well. I have been a finish carpenter or craftsman if you will for a long time as well. Having worked in several stair shops and being a stair installer for those companies I find great satisfaction when a stair (or any other job for that matter) is complete. But I especially have a feeling of satisfaction when I teach the younger generation a piece of the trade. I am having the pleasure of working with my son now as he is home from college and my boss hired him to be my right hand man. I also had him all summer. Its great teaching him...even more so because he wants to learn. Thanks for sharing the progress of your projects.


Its great that you are getting to work with and teach your son some valuable skills.....less and less of our kids are going into the building trades. Both of my boys went their own way vocationally and are doing fine. Getting closer to retiring now and I am feeling it's time to try to give it away to someone deserving.
As a 19 year old, I was lucky enough to have a knowledgeable and highly skilled mentor teach me stuff I still use now...decades later. I bump into him every once in a while and thank him sincerely for taking the time.

I too have greatly enjoyed teaching and passing on the knowledge, even just opening the door to the trade. I wish I could get my son back working with me. He lives here in town, at my ex's house and works for her husband's contracting company. (Had to send him away when I totaled my knee and knew I was out for a year.) I think her husband holds him hostage working for him, saying if he leaves he has to move out, pays him half of what I would be paying and certainly below what he's worth... It is complicated.


Ross....hopefully that situation will correct itself in time.
I worked with my dad on a few projects.... my parents inherited a fixer upper home when I was a teenager....and my dad... an electrical engineer needed a helper. My older brothers were already out of the house so it fell to me......It was not much fun. But when my dad figured out how to lay out and cut new stair stringers to the basement...I thought it was pretty cool. I bought him a cheap skillsaw that fathers day......now I realize that it was so I could use it.:)

Its great that you are getting to work with and teach your son some valuable skills.....less and less of our kids are going into the building trades. Both of my boys went their own way vocationally and are doing fine. Getting closer to retiring now and I am feeling it's time to try to give it away to someone deserving.
As a 19 year old, I was lucky enough to have a knowledgeable and highly skilled mentor teach me stuff I still use now...decades later. I bump into him every once in a while and thank him sincerely for taking the time.

He is in college to be a biologist, a wildlife biologist actually. He loves the outdoors and the animals that live there. I explained to him that I want him to get his education, and work with his head. But he also should learn a trade as well. He really enjoys the finish work end of construction. He's young but grasps it well. Understanding the way things work is half the battle. I joke with him and tell him I don't want him to do this for a living, he needs to learn it so he doesn't call me every time he has a door that won't close of a stair that squeaks....he'll know what to do.

My three sons all got a hammer on their 14th birthday.... ;-)

I too have greatly enjoyed teaching and passing on the knowledge, even just opening the door to the trade. I wish I could get my son back working with me. He lives here in town, at my ex's house and works for her husband's contracting company. (Had to send him away when I totaled my knee and knew I was out for a year.) I think her husband holds him hostage working for him, saying if he leaves he has to move out, pays him half of what I would be paying and certainly below what he's worth... It is complicated.

Not a good thing for your son. Long term implications. You could be making such a difference for him. I'm sure it is complicated.

Trimmed out the top of the closet by the front door to match.

that front door needs a nice door surround.

Put eight four inch cans in the ceiling today and the wife came home and start screaming she wanted 3-in even though I told her last night they were four inch. Wait till I tell my Friend the electrician
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My three sons all got a hammer on their 14th birthday.... ;-)

I had my son with me a lot during the summer months and anytime there was no school when he was young. I was working for myself building homes and would have him in tow instead of paying for daycare. At first...I would have him do small tasks for me... just to keep him busy. Then came one very hot summer...He was old enough now to really help and I had two good size houses to frame up. So I hired him and his cousin to be the laborers.

Many years later now and they still talk about how much they suffered in the heat and how I showed no mercy. That may have convinced them both that the job wasn't for them.

Another with the MW drawer in the island.

Another with the MW drawer in the island.

So I thought the move was to "linen" colored cabinents.

So I thought the move was to "linen" colored cabinents.
That was from a few years ago....I did the install...but didnt remember until looking through old pics. I like the classic look of the cherry....its got a light stain on it I believe. Our buyers get to pick what they want for finishes...so it varies. I dont find out until I start opening the boxes.:)

Stain on cherry,,, sacrilege....

Stain on cherry,,, sacrilege....


I have a lot experience with cherry.

Good article on the subject

https://finishing.tips/finishing-cherry/

couple more kitchens.... second one is cherry. Many years ago I was building cherry kitchens from scratch....bought the rough cherry from Rex lumber..... thickness planed...then join edges, glue up panels, make face frames....stiles and rails....raised panel doors the entire job. Even made my own cherry crown with just a table saw.

Looking through my older pictures....hardly remember doing some of these.

The question has to be asked.... Are you retiring on your upcoming 65th? Last day of the year too!

Either way I wish you a Happy Birthday, Robert.

Thanks Ross.....I am planning to work full time until age 66 and 2 months....which is my full retirement age according to SS.....but that could change.

Gates that I built in my shop installed.... checked my measurements over and over to make sure everything would fit right ....still need to attach some cane bolts

I love the work of a craftsman, if I had a redo in my life, it would be get into marine biology or become a carpenter, love wood.

I love the work of a craftsman, if I had a redo in my life, it would be get into marine biology or become a carpenter, love wood.


Bob.....I didnt have a lot of career opportunities when I graduated high school......there was the suit coat manufacturer where I had worked a few months .....and hated so much it made me sick. Hated school too.......cooped up with a bunch of morons....inmates running the prison there. So when I hit the ground of my first construction site....I felt like I was free....like a bird.
I do love wood....such a great material......but the gates are all pvc...which is less fun to work with ...but more weather resistant for sure.

I really enjoyed this thread! Always wished I had such an ability but I don't we just had out kitchen remodel this year after 18 years of wishing! Its a modest small ranch and the kitchen wasn't just small and run down but dysfunctional even for its size. So happy with the new design (same size!) crazy how a better design and quality work can change everything! We are not carpenters so we saved money by doing what we could...ripping the old out and doing what we could ourselves. We were smart enough to hire carpenter to install cabinets and hire a tile guy....it certainly upped the budget but knew better than to attempt ourselves and screw it up! LOL! Have amazing respect for a good tradesman! Even more so now! Some things just are not worth trying to save a buck on and Im so glad we recognized that from the get go. I have friends that are better "do it your-selfers" but in the end wished they hadn't....

I really enjoyed this thread! Always wished I had such an ability but I don't we just had out kitchen remodel this year after 18 years of wishing! Its a modest small ranch and the kitchen wasn't just small and run down but dysfunctional even for its size. So happy with the new design (same size!) crazy how a better design and quality work can change everything! We are not carpenters so we saved money by doing what we could...ripping the old out and doing what we could ourselves. We were smart enough to hire carpenter to install cabinets and hire a tile guy....it certainly upped the budget but knew better than to attempt ourselves and screw it up! LOL! Have amazing respect for a good tradesman! Even more so now! Some things just are not worth trying to save a buck on and Im so glad we recognized that from the get go. I have friends that are better "do it your-selfers" but in the end wished they hadn't....


Jenn....It's great that you finally got your new kitchen.....after 18 years! Small kitchen is not necessarily a bad thing.....could be a more efficient work triangle than a large spread out one....more counters just means more clutter and more to cleanup. Did you get all new appliances too? So whats next? Bathroom?


Once in a while we get a customer who wants to save a few bucks and do their own painting. I chuckle to myself...seen it many times....they way underestimate the amount of time and effort it will take......then settle for a job they would never accept if they paid someone.

Supply chain problems...we have five houses framed up waiting on windows...going to be a few weeks..so I got the job of covering all the openings with heavy mill plastic...so work can continue....hope I put enough staples to hold up in this wind. I usually dont spend much time on the job during this phase of the construction.....got a good look at the quality of the framing job.......very disappointing....does not meet my standards at all.

Unfortunately most framers are not like you and I. I would make certain that every joint and miter was tight as a bulls ass in fly season. Seems like not many can read tape anymore....if its within a 1/4" its close enough. I worked for a guy a few years back and all my framing was on point, tight, clean. He decided to go by on a Saturday and "help me out". Money was my last day. Absolutely terrible! Where the framing net the pitch of the ceiling he used all square cuts, I mitered it, Headers were short, JACKS were short. I asked if he even knew the purpose of a jack stud. And the stew that broke the camels back is the post he put in to carry the beam...it sat on the floor boards ..between the floor joists.. with nothing on the floor below. I tried to explain point loads but it was useless. I told him I would either take things apart and re do them or fix them, he said it wasn't in the budget.....that was my last day. I couldn't in good conscience leave it that was and I sure couldn't keep going and have my name on it that way.

Small kitchen is not necessarily a bad thing.....could be a more efficient work triangle than a large spread out one....
I used to be a hardcore home cook and definitely preferred a smaller kitchen where I didn’t have to move far to reach things. Also invested in work tables that could be multi function. A kitchen table that’s rock maple I could make pasta on or a side cart that has an electric burner in it. Hardly ever use it but when you need it it’s gold.


Once in a while we get a customer who wants to save a few bucks and do their own painting. I chuckle to myself...seen it many times....they way underestimate the amount of time and effort it will take......then settle for a job they would never accept if they paid someone.
I’ve painted dozens of my own rooms and it’s just not worth it unless it’s a cheap starter house. I’ve got an awesome painter and they often spend more time prepping than painting, especially exterior. Always monitoring moisture levels and as clean as can be.
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WTF, I cut it twice and it’s still short!
67639

WTF, I cut it twice and it’s still short!
67639
Ray....it's worse than that...I could have gone around taking a bunch of pictures of the crap job they did.....gaps everywhere!!!(here's where improper use of a nail gun is to blame......nails go in but lumber is not driven together ....like with the last blow from a 22 oz hammer).....out of plumb studs....wall intersections hardly nailed.....headers sticking past the studs.....i could go on....horrible! Bottom line is they lack the intelligence and skill to understand the process.....and dont give a crap what I think anyway. I was framing houses "the right way" before any of these guys were born. But exposing them as butchers would not change a thing... whoever replaces them will be just as bad or worse.....seen it before. Boss doesnt want to hear it either......rant over

Ray....it's worse than that...I could have gone around taking a bunch of pictures of the crap job they did.....gaps everywhere!!!(here's where improper use of a nail gun is to blame......nails go in but lumber is not driven together ....like with the last blow from a 22 oz hammer).....out of plumb studs....wall intersections hardly nailed.....headers sticking past the studs.....i could go on....horrible! Bottom line is they lack the intelligence and skill to understand the process.....and dont give a crap what I think anyway. I was framing houses "the right way" before any of these guys were born. But exposing them as butchers would not change a thing... whoever replaces them will be just as bad or worse.....seen it before. Boss doesnt want to hear it either......rant over

Its just beer money for the week end...a job, thats all it it. They are not craftsmen at all.

How bout these..

Nailing off strapping by hand....
Miter cut wooden gutters with hand saw miter box....
Nailing the last few cap shingles after the suns gone down to finish the roof in the middle of February and you hit your thumb....
Staging plank snaps with u on it...
One of the monkeys removed a temp stay and a gust of wind blows the gable wall falls off the end of the frame........
Carrying 1 1/8” ply on a commercial job...
Your lunch left in the pickup didn’t thaw....
First day of deer season and no one shows for work.....

While I can relate to this Guy....I always take deer season off. LOL

...whoever replaces them will be just as bad or worse...


Not that it would solve any problems, but with that trade not requiring a licensed tradesman for anyone touching a tool, the door's wide open to any #^&#^&#^&#^& or Harry not knowing what all the little lines between the big numbers on a tape measure are to find employment.
Perhaps if the BI held that trade to a higher standard things would be different, but I imagine there just isn't enough time in a day. Or perhaps the tolerance levels for stick-framing are too loosey-goosey?

Gilly.....You're right.... the trade I've spent most of my life learning and doing has been diminished to.... finding the cheapest source of labor....immigrants with questionable legal status. This has been going on for a long time now.
The houses will pass the building code....wont be falling down....but with no standards for tolerances or accuracy......sloppiness and discrepancies prevail.
I got my construction supervisors license in the '80s.....doesnt mean that I know anything about the proper way to frame a structure.....just how to read a code book.
I am strictly a finish carpenter now...but I spent many years framing houses, some with very complicated roof structures, with all the various types of rafters that need to be precisely laid out and cut, I excelled at it and took great pride in the accuracy of my work. I cant frame these houses now so I just complain here....

I love it Ray!


How bout these..

Nailing off strapping by hand....switch hands when one arm goes numb
Miter cut wooden gutters with hand saw miter box....then drill for the lead outlet....trace and chisel out to set flush
Nailing the last few cap shingles after the suns gone down to finish the roof in the middle of February and you hit your thumb....or sitting on icy staging plank with snow melting off the roof
Staging plank snaps with u on it...then a spliced 2x4 pump jack pole snaps with me at the tippy top.
One of the monkeys removed a temp stay and a gust of wind blows the gable wall falls off the end of the frame........lift a wall to shoulder height and the wind takes it and throws it from the second floor
Carrying 1 1/8” ply on a commercial job...or two twelve foot sheets of 5/8 firecode with my nut job boss running with it
Your lunch left in the pickup didn’t thaw....left it on a lumber pile and a dog ate mine
First day of deer season and no one shows for work.....for me would be first FAC day in june.

Was working on a roof one time...putting in skylights with my brother and another guy. Very exclusive neighborhood....rich folks....when a barrage of small stones landed on the roof near us.. turned to see two yooths...riding off on a minibike.....I wasnt botherd but guy with us chased them down back to the mansion.....the maid said she would inform the parents about the incident.:huh:

Did soffits on a big job one time. 2 stores high and we carried full sheets of 5/8 exterior plywood up ladders to a pick at 10 degrees and snowing. SUCKED!!!!!

Made snow a couple of winters in the 70s when construction was slow, at night, below freezing and water. At Killington you were responsible for guns on a trail, you got dropped off and walked up and down, moving and adjusting guns till your shift was over.
That was colder than framing in the winter here in Vermont.
Spent years doing that, we’d quit working if it was single digits and blowing.
Usually if it was an artic high the wind only blew when it came in.
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Just a couple of reasons why these framers suck! ...... they should have their nail guns confiscated:uhuh:
I dont do hiring or firing....if I did there might be nobody left. I keep hearing the plumber say to the framer boss...."so ...what are we going to f*ck up today":deadhorse:

unfortunately the level of caring has been below 50% for a very long time. It is getting harder and harder to avoid incompetence in life not just the trades. I am not sure how much longer I can continue and deal with the morons out there but I know there are still plenty of good people that care. I am lucky that there still is a demand for quality work.

Just a couple of reasons why these framers suck! ...... they should have their nail guns confiscated:uhuh:
I dont do hiring or firing....if I did there might be nobody left. I keep hearing the plumber say to the framer boss...."so ...what are we going to f*ck up today":deadhorse:

HACK

I'm not sure I understand what you guys mean??

All those features are intentional.

"picture #1" = The framers are simply testing the integrity of the sheet-rock guys...wondering if they'll just rock right over it or report it. It's a simple matter of quality control....wish my framers would have "tested" my rockers' integrity like that.

"picture #2" = Perhaps you didn't know, but by carefully positioning a knot between some 2x's promotes a "Good Omen". They're simply wishing the owners Good Luck. Superstitious, is all it is. They know the owner's wife is a palm-reader.

"picture #3" = This is a Concept Trial. They are purposely missing the sheathing so they can then turn the nails back into the 2x6 for better security. This way the nail can't back out...this is a new code which was implemented in some of our hurricane states.

Bob took the picture prematurely....this is the after pick from the following day.

:jester::jester::jester::faga:

Jenn....It's great that you finally got your new kitchen.....after 18 years! Small kitchen is not necessarily a bad thing.....could be a more efficient work triangle than a large spread out one....more counters just means more clutter and more to cleanup. Did you get all new appliances too? So whats next? Bathroom?


Once in a while we get a customer who wants to save a few bucks and do their own painting. I chuckle to myself...seen it many times....they way underestimate the amount of time and effort it will take......then settle for a job they would never accept if they paid someone.

Oh you're funny "whats next"...whats next is paying off what we put on home equity to make it happen :hf1: oh and the washer dryer combo is way overdue LOL! I almost feel like it's too fancy for the rest of the house now! HAHA! but I dont regret any of it...honestly it was our 20th anniversary present to each other! And I am no longer ashamed of what I called my dumpy kitchen! new range, hood and finally a dishwasher... kept fridge because it wasnt THAT old ... we had to got short a few years back to fit under old cabinets .. was not easy to find :( ...designer worked in space (removable panel)to fit common modern size when we need to upgrade which probably wont be long since every thing is made like crap these days...anyway everything new from tile up except fridge and we did not rip out plaster walls or ceiling (had skim coat put on ceiling though). I love the tile, under counter lighting, granite counter top, etc. I don't mind small kitchen itself but seating is limited to basically 4...not great especially with no separate dining room but as far as kitchen goes I love that I now have dishwasher, 3 times the counter space and ten times the cabinet space I used to have. Did not expand kitchen size at all but the space where the stove is now was bare wasted wall. To the right of fridge was the stove and as you can imagine counter and cabinet space was VERY minimal. Wish I had a good pic of crown molding it came out flawless especially for a 60 year old house! I feared it would be too much in such a small space but it wasn't , all in all the small is so much more functional (and beautiful) seating area stayed the same but over all we made better use of wasted space for higher function! I am too ashamed to show the before pics....but trust me the transformation was huge!

I'm not sure I understand what you guys mean??

All those features are intentional.

"picture #1" = The framers are simply testing the integrity of the sheet-rock guys...wondering if they'll just rock right over it or report it. It's a simple matter of quality control....wish my framers would have "tested" my rockers' integrity like that.

"picture #2" = Perhaps you didn't know, but by carefully positioning a knot between some 2x's promotes a "Good Omen". They're simply wishing the owners Good Luck. Superstitious, is all it is. They know the owner's wife is a palm-reader.

"picture #3" = This is a Concept Trial. They are purposely missing the sheathing so they can then turn the nails back into the 2x6 for better security. This way the nail can't back out...this is a new code which was implemented in some of our hurricane states.

Bob took the picture prematurely....this is the after pick from the following day.


Funny stuff there Gilly.....We got a saying "Dont piss on my leg and then tell me it's raining" ...basically meaning..... dont make excuses or try to bull#^&#^&#^&#^& me. I have way to much experience for that.......cant be fooled.

Picture #2 ....is actually a (lucky) rock stuck between the top and double plate....notice the nails in the hurricane clip......into nothing....they didn't see the rock? Come on man!
The sheetrock guys would rock over anything and everything in their path.

Oh you're funny "whats next"...whats next is paying off what we put on home equity to make it happen :hf1: oh and the washer dryer combo is way overdue LOL! I almost feel like it's too fancy for the rest of the house now! HAHA! but I dont regret any of it...honestly it was our 20th anniversary present to each other! And I am no longer ashamed of what I called my dumpy kitchen! new range, hood and finally a dishwasher... kept fridge because it wasnt THAT old ... we had to got short a few years back to fit under old cabinets .. was not easy to find :( ...designer worked in space (removable panel)to fit common modern size when we need to upgrade which probably wont be long since every thing is made like crap these days...anyway everything new from tile up except fridge and we did not rip out plaster walls or ceiling (had skim coat put on ceiling though). I love the tile, under counter lighting, granite counter top, etc. I don't mind small kitchen itself but seating is limited to basically 4...not great especially with no separate dining room but as far as kitchen goes I love that I now have dishwasher, 3 times the counter space and ten times the cabinet space I used to have. Did not expand kitchen size at all but the space where the stove is now was bare wasted wall. To the right of fridge was the stove and as you can imagine counter and cabinet space was VERY minimal. Wish I had a good pic of crown molding it came out flawless especially for a 60 year old house! I feared it would be too much in such a small space but it wasn't , all in all the small is so much more functional (and beautiful) seating area stayed the same but over all we made better use of wasted space for higher function! I am too ashamed to show the before pics....but trust me the transformation was huge!


Kitchen looks great Jenn! I admire your patience and attitude.


The proverb “all things come to those who wait” comes to mind.... if person is persistent and patient, they will finally achieve their goal.

...Picture #2 ....is actually a (lucky) rock stuck between the top and double plate....


:shocked: .... A rock?? How da-hell does a rock get on top of a wall that was stood up after being nailed together? I Thought for sure it had to be a knot that fell out and got ignored.

But a rock...That's a totally different omen.... a rock causes a cursed omen.
Run Bob....while you still can!!! I'll meet you at the ramp! :sled:

Framers were back to install the big front door unit at this house.....I went over to speak to one of them about the window headers.... right off he told me he didnt speak English......."thats okay" I said "You dont need to.... I'll point". He followed me over ....I pointed and he stood there looking at it...... dumbfounded! "There's more like that and they need to be fixed" I told him.
If I spoke spanish I would have said....."Es un hachazo lo que hiciste."

never mind