I asked a MASTER Craftsman to Grade my Best Work.

[@BrentHull]

I truly love it. You're work and craftsmanship is great!!

[@moneymakingmikeg.9555]

You guys are AWESOME together!!! Blessings guys, Dirty Jersey out!!

[@codaroma]

"Your" not "You're"

[@lawrencefreifeld895]

Loved that!! Another “young person” sucked into a bygone craftsmanship! 👏🏻

[@TheFishingFL]

Brent I would love to see a video (whether it’s on KZbin or Instagram) of you drawing over/re-designing this mantle like I’ve seen you do with front elevations of homes!

[@russellstone9056]

Hey give it up on the your vs. you're. Most people use speech too sex four comments and the otto-incorrect often uses the exact wrong word. Sew take it easy on the spelling and grammar from now on. Texting on a phone gives ewe carpal funnel syndrome. I wood rather sea grammar miss takes then a lot of people with car sell tunnel sin drone. Sew please folks, keep using sex two speech and just let the auto-incorrect fly.

[@davidjenkinson9153]

I think Richard speaks for a lot of us when he says if it wasn’t for Brent. I found Brent through Richard and I’m incredibly grateful for the content and education they provide. Awesome mantel there!!

[@patriciau6277]

For a finish carpenter that through himself into creating something with this beautiful detail, basically wanting to prove to himself he could do it. With minimal mistakes……. We’ll done it is beautiful. And to have a friend be honest is priceless.❤ your both great that’s why I love both your channels😊

[@wills4510]

This is not my style personally, but I am awestruck at the craftsmanship and attention to detail. In a world of cookie cutter, slapped together homes, it’s fantastic to see people building heirloom quality features.

[@douglaswilliams99]

Honestly, my favorite video so far. Thanks for taking the time to share.

[@billdylan1600]

German here, back in the days we had the "Made in Germany" all around the place. Nowadays you have to be ashamed of your own work. Im glad to see that there are still ppl, trying to get the best and not the fastest out of there work. Keep it goin!!!

[@jessboswell2581]

We are innovative people. Don’t lose spirit, we show it in our work. I hope Germany becomes majority German again. Good luck and God bless.

[@baseball4697]

My reaction to this interesting video is two fold: an even greater sense of Brent’s extensive knowledge but even more so the unbelievable distance that you, Richard, have journeyed since you first started sharing your trim carpenter life with us. Way to self educate. Keep learning and inspiring.

[@donwilliams3626]

It is such a pleasure to be in the presence of two contemporaries while they talk about their work.

[@FinishCarpentryTV]

Special thanks to Brent for agreeing to critique me in this. I definitely put him in a unique position asking him to do this, but I am glad he agreed. We only get better by asking questions and being open minded to criticism, especially from those with more wisdom/experience. I love the mantel but there are definitely some things I would do different! On to the next one!

[@micha-42]

What's Brent channel? I can't find it in the description.

[@FinishCarpentryTV]

@@micha-42search “Brent hull” it will be the first thing you see.

[@reallunacy]

​@@micha-42he's got his own books and channel, with some great info on wooden sash windows I might add, but he's also been on a few other channels, like Matt Risinger's, as a subject matter expert for keeping old techniques alive. He is definitely worth a binge. I wish I could afford some of his work.

[@matttafakt]

Look into and explore a Chateau in California my family used to own. It's called the Caroland's Chateau. It was purchased by my family and they were the care takers of it for several years after the 1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake. It was in great disrepair at the time. It was the biggest privately owned mansion West of the Mississippi River. Close to 50,000 sq ft. and boasted 99+ rooms. It has a wonderful history dating back to 1902. The new owners have spent 20+ million and several years renovated it back to it's former glory. I'm sure you'll enjoy it's architecture and history. Also, i think you are an outstanding craftsman. Enjoy.

[@Deans-Details]

Whether you like it or not, you’re probably one of the closest to being his “peers” I would imagine he enjoyed doing this critique for you - An honest peer review is the best way to learn.

[@bulfrog5]

It's awesome to share a friendship with someone on the same path.

[@jefferyholland]

I am pretty sure you saw that coming. That fireplace looks amazing, and you should be proud of it. The fact that you wanted an expert to critique it says even more about your ambition to improve. Well done.

[@hansangb]

Man...I still remember when you were sitting by your boat talking about selling it when some guys drove by your garage. And the superglue MDF wainscoting etc. Your attention to detail is what set you apart back then and you're knowledge and experience is what sets you apart now.

[@FinishCarpentryTV]

Man thank you so much! You’ve been here for a while!

[@nztabletmyimhyll9245]

I don't remember that episode. But I do remember him doing humble baseboards and when he switched from MDF to Windsor 1. Like most things, there is always something new to learn. The next level. That's why I like this dude. Plus he's funny.

[@GeraldD-bb9om]

Thank you, I enjoy your videos. 6 years ago when you releases “door transformation” I saw that and thought I can do that. We had just purchased a house and we loved it on. It had Crown molding in a couple rooms, so with your video, it started out with one doorway and morphed into so much more. Thanks to your videos and a cabinet shop that I could buy molding way cheaper and higher quality than the box store, our house was transformed from plain to exquisite. We just moved to another home and a friend commented, not a stick of crown molding in the house. It’s a blank slate, I’ve already put in 3 windows and trimmed them out in the style of your video 6 years earlier. You have provided a starting point and I just went from there. Thank you, I love watching your videos. You are a very talented young man. It’s kind of incredible with that one video how much of it impact that had on our houses, the one we sold and one we moved into, it’s already quickly changing

[@ajdonally1522]

Congrats! It's nerve racking inviting someone you admire to come and check your work out. It's a beautiful thing you created

[@nicklklusman5741]

I been watching you for years absolutely love your detail of your work, how master builders and Carpenter s inspire you WELL DONE!!

[@shanesouthwood8413]

You've turned into an artist! It looks beautiful to my untrained eye. I've enjoyed watching you grow as a craftsman and always love to see what you get yourself into next.

[@SaludWoodworks]

This is truly next-level. More art than carpentry. Congratulations on getting your skill set to this level. Sets a high bar for all of us who follow!

[@miketibbetts2175]

The wainscoting would look nice in that room but it still looks nice the way it is. You take such pride in your work. Looks good 👍

[@locke3141]

I’d thought this too. The fireplace looks great, but as a “whole room” view, it seems out of place in my opinion. I think Brent was right in suggesting a whole room wainscot.

[@d3lsl0w]

Yo, it stands out a bit from the wall because of that light shade of blue as well. But putting up wainscoting would tie everything together since it just kinda juts out from the wall. Like he said, perfect execution!

[@loloholmes2793]

Needs a bookcase on each side to anchor it. or wainscoting but it needs to be anchored with something.

[@FinishCarpentryTV]

@@loloholmes2793yes that would’ve been awesome.

[@ddutton0]

Richard, you have come so far as a craftsman, I was introduced to Brett through you and man this is amazing work. It’s always great to have a critique of your work, but your work is so beyond what most people are doing.

[@jimmayo7715]

I watched you do the fireplace from start to finish. I envy the talent that you have. Not many people out there could match your talent. Keep up the excellent work you do. Iam sure the people you do jobs for brag up your finshed product to their friends.

[@bp2335]

I absolutely love that you ask for genuine constructive criticism! In today's world, people are afraid of being honest for irrational reasons; but we are all students and should all be open ears to critique; especially from a master. I tell my customers all the time, "if ever you see something I've worked on and thought to yourself, "why in the heck did Bryan do that"; that they must address the issue and i promise to fix it now, or moving forward". It's the reason my customers love me.... because I'm not the know it all who says "oh ok, and your the (enter profession here)" one day when we are old and wrinkled we become the masters.... only at that point can you silence the next generation with your own knowledge and teach it for ages to come. It's the circle of life. Ok.... God bless yall, sorry for the rant.

[@t.e.1189]

Really liked this video. I agree with the need for the wainscoting going around the room. The mantel looks great and Brent is always a joy to listen to. Keep up the good work you two.

[@jcklop]

It is truly a gift that you share your craft with each other, like two musicians exchanging interpretations of a tune, or melody. You are both generous to share it with us too. Thank you!

[@philipmiller5202]

You got a A- from a master. Great job, keep learning.

[@timfoster5043]

Excellent! It's a little much for my personal tastes, as I prefer 'understated', but it's very good and I love that he studied before starting. Too many people try to replicate 'great ideas' without knowing what or why the ideas are great, or what really is great. My first thought when I saw the room: spread the love - let's get some action across the rest of the room so that the attraction isn't only on one end. Good job!

[@BrothaJeff]

I could listen to Brent for hours. Congrats Richard. Your mantle looks amazing.

[@df6580]

Love how your expertise has been evolving and more refined. You have encouraged me to buy a cheap miter saw and Brad nail gun to start wainscoting my home. I don’t have a teacher that I can go to for questions, but I will look for wood shop books to get inspired. I have been looking at your videos, but there are many minute details that are not addressed during the process. I am intimidated to start a project in my home. Don’t want to make big mistakes that will cost me to fix them correctly.

[@TristanB499]

I was in the same boat as you. Go for it. No misti you will do is costly to fix after. You can always rip it out and start over since you have the tools.

[@oltedders]

Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Go for it!

[@Automedon2]

I agree with him on the wainscot. It would elevate the spectacular into a real period room. I'm just blown away by your skill.

[@mattcable6379]

Love it. I'm UK based and have learnt so much from Brent. Richard - you fell off my radar a few years ago but it's amazing how much you've come on. I've black bell subscribed now and really looking forward to catch up on your vids. I think the last one I saw was on the castle pockethole machine.. And respect for getting Brent out to critique - he's a lovely guy buy that took some guts!

[@angelinaklineburgess5286]

The mark of having stepped up to the next level is that you executed such a great project and then that you can see and appreciate the next level of excellence that you will achieve. Wonderful series and stunning wall .

[@Rob-df6py]

this is an f'n awesome video. you should be seriously proud of it, the mantel, and the comments from Brent. bravo indeed

[@jillkaiser1747]

Wow I finally got to see the finished laundry room, happy to see it. You should be proud,it is a beauty. I say your fireplace is this best I have ever seen, I watched you through the whole build.STUNNING and that word doesn’t do it, I just LOVE that fireplace.

[@salvadorsepulveda6415]

Congratulations, Richard, you've been excelled into a higher level 👏 👍

[@christianvachon2235]

One of my favorite videos so far. So nice to see the finished mantle; looks awesome! It's great to see you share this with Brent. You have both been a huge inspiration for me and I can never thank you enough. Cheers!

[@28Coves]

From one finish carpenter to another Richard it looks great…..nice job

[@ronlinnebur2227]

Great video. The critical review from a master carpenter is very insightful. Love your work and channel. Keep it coming.

[@shaynesabala]

Wow that is so impressive. You’re a very talented man. Thanks for sharing.

[@wojtekp5684]

To get this positive feedback from Brent is very special. Well done on this build, it' beautiful.

[@drileydriley2814]

Okay, so I LOVE both these guys. They are BOTH masters of their crafts!

[@adamm9173]

This video is so inspiring in so many ways. Congratulations to both of you and thank you for sharing.

[@mauriceryton]

That was awesome, always open to assessment by your peers.

[@christophermcdonough1353]

@ finishcarpentryTV = master craftsman! Love the passion, it shows! Keep reaching for the sky! Keep making educational videos!!

[@schtuke]

Man, for you to open yourself up to that level of eye and expertise just says, you are all about the craft--and not ego! Sure, there's a ton of subjectivity in any analysis like this--so, to some degree, it can (maybe should) be taken with a grain of salt, but you know how it is--if you want to up your game, you have to invite people in and just say, 'chop it up!' It's got to be cool knowing you're on the same path as Brent. What a great compliment.

[@jeffreywalker9507]

I’ve been a finish carpenter and kitchen builder for 50 years, I can appreciate the level of workmanship and thought that went into this project. In my opinion the horizontal lines are fairly balanced , the vertical lines don’t flow ( to many jogs), also the raised panels don’t need larger beads, the mantel is not large enough to warrant that. When designing and building anything ,scale and proportion is as important as all other aspects of the design.

[@jamestobin4973]

Loved this video. Your first videos inspired me and your current skill level is light years away. I'm still trying to achieve your "first videos" skill level which is still very high bar. Keep learning, stay humble, and keep letting your work do the talking. You have a great long term series and wish you continued success. Thank you for allowing me/us to be apart of your wonderful journey.

[@nathanarganbright950]

To bring another angle to this. Check out the craftsmanship at the Yellowstone Lodge in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. I personally think that craftmanship is what looks good to the eye of many people who visit a place for decades.

[@wegotthis2734]

That's always awesome when an ol G can appreciate the newer generation and share tips and tricks to help better them. It's keeping the real craftsman ship alive in a time not many care about the trades or becoming masters of theirs skill set.

[@va941]

I ve been a carpenter for 5 years, the entire time ive worked in a company that mainly designs and builds custom kitchens, (Jalokaluste) but also dies cabinets, moldings etc, and even i can just admire the quality of work you have done here, Bravo indeed.

[@egar4767]

Your craftsmanship is above all others. Brent said you are better than 99 percent above all others. I get the feeling no matter what you would have created Brent would have still made suggestion. Those differences between you and Brent, those are your own touches. That’s what makes you unique. The only thing I would say is that you have six separations or sectionals. That is an even number. I would have gone with 5. That would put one in the center. I know you mentioned before that you don’t believe in that kinda of thing. But many interior decorators would go with an odd number. So would I. Great vid.

[@tricia8727]

This was so awesome! These two guys together is magic. Love the fireplace too btw. Lol

[@Wooddust6]

Ok. Now let's see it in stain grade 😅. Awesome job. As a cabinet/furniture builder this would have probably been outta my skillset. As a woodworker i always prefer natural woods over paint grade. But that's just my appreciation for the beauty of woods.

[@tfbuild.oregon]

Super rad! Big Passion for Craft fan and love you getting Brent in there to check out your work. You guys encourage me to learn more about these beautiful styles.

[@SuperFly1414]

This is very beautiful, and I think you should be amazingly proud of it!! As an amateur, I understand the difficulties of some things, but it is extremely impressive, and amazing to see!

[@drileydriley2814]

If I ever had a home worthy of his skills, I would LOVE to hire this guy to make my home look like that (the spirit of what's behind the classical style)! Truly, what a talent God has given that craftsman!!! I have so much I'd love him to do to my home, he'd be here a MONTH!

[@sean369]

Great video. Very brave of you to expose Brent”s critique of your mantle. Shows your dedication to learning and passion for the craft. Bravo!

[@Joseph-jx8bl]

Haven’t watched your channel in a while, but MAN! That mantle is…….WOW! Impressive growth over the last few years

[@garypickup7654]

The attention to detail in your work is inspiring dude. Same for your willingness to accept honest critique in order to better yourself. I’ve really enjoyed your journey through the years. Big fan 🤙

[@albertm8576]

Excellent video. It takes a lot to ask someone who is considered a master in his field to critique your work. That shows your confidence and willingness to get better at what you are doing . Congratulations Richard. 👏👏👏

[@IdealistINFP]

Wow man! I can’t believe the level of craftsmanship… it’s insane! This is straight up amazing.

[@normabonaiuto1512]

Brent put into words what I’ve been thinking all along. You are truly amazing at what you do.

[@ms.ladietoyou8672]

Your work is impeccable. Great job.

[@cbarr0288]

If Brent came in to critique my work he’d probably run away crying. Much respect for you both!

[@FinishCarpentryTV]

Lol😂

[@bigbob3772]

OR laughing his butt off.

[@johnmbaer]

I’d run away if he looked at my work!

[@riverroadbuilds]

Really cool of you to do this. Not just the build, but the critique. Hats off to both of you. By the way, got some of my best additions to my library for classical architectural details from Goodwill - worth checking! Nearly lost it when I found my copy of Asher Benjamin there, ha!

[@kevinbezat6417]

Great vid, nice to see it come full circle!

[@peytonthomas9378]

Excellent! I agree with the statement about tying the room together with wainscoting

[@Goodnews4man]

I love the piece. If I had to pick, the room it is in makes this look wierd. So much detail and craftsmanship into this work. It would be awesome to see the entire room get this treatment. Well done!

[@johnnyhimburg6652]

Nice work man I just back from taking Brent's master class couple of weeks ago and we talked about how far you have come. I started watching you when you first got start and so glad to see the path you have taken in the finish carpenter world.

[@JakeV.I]

Amazing endeavor!!! If/when bring similar 'look' to rest of the room (by wainscoting, etc and via rug/drapes + furniture).. will be a spectacular room! Also wow'd by the mantle color - I'd NEVER have chosen, but you make it work.

[@Hakaze]

Cool to see the journey. From MDF glued to the wall, to this. True upgrade

[@stevenfoust3782]

You have arrived! Congratulations

[@theftworthrealtor]

Looks great...no one but a master builder would notice those small details he mentioned...if you ever sell the property, buyers will deff be impressed...

[@JT-vk5wy]

Awesome Work! Thank You for sharing your work with us!

[@wjcsaw9391]

what a great video! Thanks for the expertise and the allowing expert reviews including the books that inspired you and of course the people...well done sir!

[@m.d.d.3051]

I remember the days when you told us "it hurts to be called a cardboard carpenter" back in your mdf trim days. To see that you have progressed to this masterpiece. Bravo. Keep the past alive. Well done.

[@jasonkoth8593]

Glad to see Poseidon' temple was an inspiration. That temple is one of the most beautiful I've seen in person

[@brians9072]

How long before his critique keeps you up all night and you break down and change things? lol. No lies bro. It's magnificent. Beyond what 99.9% of us viewers do and it's the reason we watch. Bravo.

[@ILruffian]

A friend of mine is a New York City Fireman who used to be a union taper. I asked him to look at some of my taping work. He really let me have it. Motivated me to improve.

[@hicks1394]

Bro you did do an amazing job with that piece you built!! To have an expert compliment your work (which is expert level by the way!) is awesome!!! Very well done and congratulations!!

[@BrianDoane1]

You and your videos inspire me to be better and push my ability, thanks so much.

[@funnytimeshorts4406]

He was being kind. It shows skill but lacks artistry and balance.

[@johnhamilton9229]

Your skills have amazed me for a few years now. Im happy to see your response to a experts opinion 👍

[@thomaskila3801]

That dude truly is a master. And you were quite brave to have him critique your work. Excellent video!

[@jmim17]

For those of us who are still unfamiliar with the different terms, a laser pointer would be really helpful to point out exactly what you're talking about. Other than that, I love your work.

[@promotinggrandpa]

its good to keep an open mind and learn to be critique so you can learn and improve but also remember that process will never end... but your knowledge and work will be better ..to the average person if it looks appealing they will like it and will not care or know the detailed reasons or faults in the creation ...keep on learning and trying your fantastic

[@azpcox]

Glad he talked about it being a lonely feature of the room. I’m sure there will be additions going forward. It’s a beautiful mantel!

[@fiddlefolk]

Big follower of this channel and Brent's... Understanding proportions and dimension is a key take away I get from Brent and how to cut it from Richard!

[@nickreffer3046]

Great job Richard you are inspirational. Also, I’ve been following you from day one I love Brent workmanship also congratulations and good luck to you

[@mib20000]

I think the fireplace looks amazing. I like coffered ceilings with all the fancy moldings and the giant plaster multi-piece crown you would see in a mansion

[@scottmcfarland1177]

You definitely did a great job! Getting everything to proportion to fit the scale you want from a picture can be a challenge for sure! Nice job looks like it came out of an old colonial home!

[@txhookey5608]

Masterpieces are in the eye of the beholder. From a child's crayon drawing to a cherished family heirloom. Things that bring memories or stir an emotion are the true Masterpieces.

[@notice9218]

What happened with the mantle is common in artistic development. Students learn about a few particular techniques, and then they make a big project where they just start stacking those techniques together. He didn't critique your execution, simply your design. That's a very high level critique, and you should take it very well. The next level for you is to think more holistically about your designs, BEFORE you execute, and you'll be even higher level. Bravo!

[@stevenfontaine4021]

You inspire me as a human being, after many years looking your video still see this child magic of passion in your skills, I've done time in all this as carpenter and finishing, money and bad people, had killed the magic i had for this trade. Still doing it but with a feel of that i need to try something else.

[@morebassman5860]

Your work is outstanding! Brett is considered a master carpenter. When do you get to be called that? I think your there in my opinion!

[@FinishCarpentryTV]

Too much to type here. 😎You should check out his channel! Thank you!

[@Always-kSalty]

Love to see everything go full circle!

[@patbird9694]

Been waiting for this video. "No matter how big you get, no matter who you can push around, there's always someone better out there who makes you feel like squat." "There's always someone greater." "If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself."

[@kelstra1997]

As a lover of contemporary architecture, I would be lying if I said this was to my taste but nevertheless I can appreciate craftsmanship and it doesn't get much better than this.

[@FinishCarpentryTV]

I can respect that!

[@leemarzahl8891]

Very Cool! Very well done Richard!!!!

[@spilleradam]

That’s very nice Richard , I live in England and I don’t know anyone who would have a clue how to do that, I lived in America Massachusetts, and you can do so much more there in the carpentry trade, and I like watching Brent’s videos he really knows his stuff.

[@brucebenson9651]

Brent is a Master craftmen. Congratulations on an amazing fireplace surround. I have been a long time subscriber of Brent's chanel. I subscribed to yours.