Framing Materials
Episode 3
Season 1
(00:01:35)
Stick Framing
Episode 3
Season 1
(00:00:46)
Manufacturing a Nail
Episode 3
Season 1
(00:02:06)
Framing Overview
Episode 3
Season 1
(00:01:08)
Tip #2: How to Choose a Contractor
Episode 2
Season 1
(00:01:00)
Total Station Technology Explained
Episode 2
Season 1
(00:02:31)
Layout Technology
Episode 2
Season 1
(00:03:16)
Insulating Concrete Forms
Episode 2
Season 1
(00:03:27)
Tip #1: How to Choose a Contractor
Episode 1
Season 1
(00:01:00)
Energy and the Environment
Episode 1
Season 1
(00:02:10)
Quality Materials, Quality Construction
Episode 1
Season 1
(00:03:23)
Training and More Training
Episode 1
Season 1
(00:02:59)
Carpenters Then & Now
Episode 1
Season 1
(00:02:45)
In-Depth Look at an Apprentice School
Episode 1
Season 1
(00:01:38)

Dick the Carpenter is a retired union carpenter with more than 50 years of experience under his tool belt. Since joining the union at 17 years of age and embarking on decades of dedication to his trade, Dick has seen a great deal, accomplished even more and performed an exemplary service to his community. Though he has hung up his hard hat and stepped away from the day-to-day skilled handiwork he performed, Dick retains his passion for the trade and knowledge of the industry.

BuiltToLastTV.com is privileged to have this master craftsman as its carpenter dignitary and industry expert. We invite you to submit your carpentry-related questions to Dick. Selected questions from fans of Built to Last along with Dick's responses will be posted on BuiltToLastTV.com.

Lloyd's question: Dick, my question is, Do you know if the Carpenters union has a volunteer program of carpenters that utilize their skills to assist not-for-profit organizations with various projects? If so, how can I contact them?

Dick: Thank you for your question, Lloyd, as well as your interest in volunteer work. The Carpenters union is deeply embedded in the community, regularly participating in volunteer endeavors that benefit nonprofit organizations. By now you should have received a personal e-mail from me, directing you to a representative with the Carpenters union who can provide detailed information.


Ben's question: Did the little nibs on handsaws serve any useful purpose? Can you tell me if there is one house that you remember as being the most challenging/enjoyable to build?

Dick: There is no clear answer to the question, "Did the little nibs on handsaws serve any useful purpose?" We do have five possibilities, Ben:

  1. Left over from a second handle at the front end of the blade on very early hand saws
  2. A gauge to show when the blade is about to leave the work on the upstroke - not much use when sawing fast, but useful on a slow/careful cut
  3. Used to hold a string tied to the top of the blade for a saw tooth guide
  4. Decoration only
  5. Makes it easy to spot an old saw at a garage sale!
I began working as a union carpenter at 17 years of age. Working on as many homes and structures as I did makes it pretty difficult to hone in on one or even a handful that I'd consider the most enjoyable or challenging. Most every project had its own unique set of challenges, but meeting those challenges and reflecting on the completed job contributed the greatest satisfaction.