White Oak Beams Q & A - Scribing, Tools, Bidding, & More

[@InsiderCarpentry]

Festool HKC 55 - geni.us/AODBAM on Amazon (commissions earned) Festool TS 55 - geni.us/go3mWAz on Amazon (commissions earned) Leica Disto D2 - geni.us/ugWYym on Amazon (commissions earned) Senco 23 gauge headless pinner - geni.us/b5K3R on Amazon (commissions earned) FASTCAP GLU-BOT GLUE BOTTLE (16OUNCES) - geni.us/304qt on Amazon (commissions earned) Scribing/Marking Knife - geni.us/f2rLGs on Amazon (commissions earned) Shinwa Pin Chalk Line - geni.us/vC2j on Amazon (commissions earned) Low Angle Block Plane - geni.us/uUZ73 on Amazon (commissions earned)

[@mainyo1983]

Do you hang your box beams with just brad nails?! Have 4 to hang built from rift white oak veneer sheets and trying to decide between some groups trim screws and 2.5” brads.

[@stevebengel1346]

I think the Q&A format every now and then is outstanding; it clears up a few questions some of us old timers have about how you do your work, I've been doing this for 40+ years and one thing I've learned is that you've never learned enough. Great video 👍

[@lynnh7694]

I'm an old school carpenter as well, interesting to see how the new school works.

[@christophercrawford2736]

Not just great for old-timers. I’m about the same age as Spencer, in a different line of work, but I learn a ton from him.

[@zephyr1408]

Hey old timer ? Same here I am 63 a contractor finish carpenter & cabinet maker! I started at 50 after retiring from a 30 yr career let’s say in a skill set I really don’t need in a peaceful neighborhood! So I already grew up with a contractor/ carpenter so I p/u my license (Millworker ) and just really enjoy it!! And stay physically fit! Hang tough you would hate retirement !

[@ronallen6578]

This gives lots of answers to how you see a problem and then solve it. Keep them coming. Thanks for sharing. Ron

[@clintprice2123]

Even those of us in the trades can learn from things shown here. Just because we can get the job done doesn't mean he can't show us an easier way, a better finished product, or the reasons to buy certain tools that you've been putting off that actually will make your work life better. Spencer never appears to be stressed and it doesn't matter what the task happens to be. It's nice to know there are younger guys out there that really care about quality work.

[@zephyr1408]

Spencer ; you are a great benefit to our trade! I not only enjoy your videos I follow the thought process well! I am a late bloomer ? I served our great country because God called me to when I was young (you remember me I was an officer 4 30 plus years!) Then my dream became to be a carpenter? I had not tore up my body doing carpentry but did a little on the job? Couple surgeries and scars plus buried some good friends who gave their life for our freedom! So I am a licensed contractor , grew up in the trades (my dad built spec and custom homes). And I am really really blessed everyday at 63 hustling and doing great trim, doors, cabinets plus some custom furniture ! Just work alone stay in good shape ! God is good to his ppl & he has blessed you! Keep em coming brother and one day with my bags on they will say? Hey? He is not moving????

[@darkdelta]

This follow up Q&A is great. The painters tape method, I'm stealing that. Thanks for letting us look over your shoulder.

[@corcoransullivan1562]

You’re honestly a carpenter genius. I’ve worked with some really smart, skilled carpenters over the years and you would keep up with, if not school every one. Thanks for another good vid, I always learn something new watching your stuff.

[@Theyorkshirecarpenter]

nice to here your take on things regards Andy

[@stevenhzoll7057]

Retired Heavy Equipment Field Mechanic. Always worked alone. Liked working alone. I know what you mean. Thanks for the videos.

[@nigelboucher2014]

Another great video Spencer. Every Carpenter I mention you to here in Ireland 🇮🇪 already knows about you and gives you the thumbs up. You’re a local hero

[@InsiderCarpentry]

Thanks for that!

[@leemarzahl8891]

I really admire your craftsmanship & techniques!

[@royordway9157]

I liked your answer to having a helper. My thinking on having a helper on the payroll is I would feel obligated to pay them for a full week even if I don't need them for a full week. I have done a lot of what you do all alone. Yes there are times when I'm working high up in the air and it would be good to have someone to pass stuff up to me so I don't have to climb up and down so much. If I need a hand for 10 minutes I can get someone on the job to help. I also have contractor buddies who will give me a hand for a day if I need it. I do the same for them. The other thing is I don't need someone to talk to when I'm working because I am good at talking to myself. Talking to yourself out loud also keeps people out of your way, it scares them.

[@mwinner101]

Thanks for taking the time to do a thorough explanation on this project. Very helpful. 👍

[@dbconstruction7892]

Great format. Very informative to hear your thought process as you're going through the job. Please do more of this style of video.

[@robertsmith7637]

Best finish carpenter on you tube👍👍

[@pingpong9656]

You are so generous with your hard gained knowledge - you must be a God loving person!

[@davidparnum2476]

No matter what format I find all your vids very helpful and I am twice your age and was doing this kind of thing before you were born, I have learned numerous tricks from you. Thank Very You.

[@mattschoular8844]

Looks great. Nice work Spencer.

[@marcoantonioluna1325]

This video was awesome and will watch it several times. Thank you Thank you Thank you..

[@moderndesigncarpentry8055]

Definitely do more in the future! Pretty amazing you did this with just a track saw

[@MichaelCZUSA]

Yes. I found this type of video of your work insightful. All your videos promote trade education, and by that, improve excellence with our trade. Thanks for taking the time to do these. You certainly have helped me become better at my work.

[@InsiderCarpentry]

Glad it was helpful!

[@stefboulas]

Very helpful and nice change of pace

[@herefornow9671]

Thanks very much for answering my questions!!! Always learning such great stuff here. So much VALUE 🙏

[@zephyr1408]

Thank you Spencer for your time! Brief: I am 63 (good shape) I retired @ 50 and became bored with hunting fishing all the time ? Not my God given calling! I transitioned into finish carpentry! And cabinet making. I do not do full kitchens? Shop is small , work alone, and hv other work where I can compete! The one thing you forgot is ?? Stay in your lane ! To p/u some of that cash I loose on full kitchen I paint my pieces!! I hv a nice painter and p/u cash on it or by hand! Never do work on your work w/o pricing it!! Carpentry is a mental & physical job!! I see guys mentally sharp but totally physically unfit? I truly thank you brother for your valuable time you freely give to other pros ! God Bless you & Yours!

[@ethanneale]

Love this style format Spencer. Especially about tools used and your on going preference to work alone. Love it

[@zekelefty1158]

I'm a big fan of watching your videos, been upgrading the house we've purchased using your procedures. You truly are remarkable and I find your work very skill intreging . I am 53 and always am willing to do remodeling on my own vs hiring someone. I want to thank you again for the inspiring videos you post ☺. I have had to put up long boards by myself using a scaffold , I rigged up 2 adjustable T stand bars for each end ( adjustable ) were I can lock in place , so that it's much easier to not lift up a whole board. Take care my friend and God Bless You ☺

[@monkeygraborange]

The Q&A format is awesome. Keep ‘em coming!

[@juanc.mendoza632]

Thank you for your master class Spencer. Hi from Easton Maryland and is really enjoying like always watch your videos . Take care and keep going 🔨💪🏻

[@als1023]

Thank you Spencer for this style of video, it answered some great questions from Instagram, I'm not on that platform, so thanks to those who put them in. I would encourage you to consider this format once in a while, given the right circumstances, there are some excellent details revealed in your informal chat that I greatly appreciate. Thanks again !!

[@InsiderCarpentry]

Glad it was helpful!

[@cottonmouth1756]

Thanks for all the knowledge you share!!!

[@lees.7822]

Very informative and well planned video. I do like the new Q and A. Some of the questions you answered, I wanted to ask myself. I have watched your channel for awhile now, and I think you definitely are the most knowledgeable and well spoken instructor out there. Thanks for all you do. I have learned a lot from you and hope to learn much more. Keep 'em coming Sir.

[@modestohodesto7140]

Great video, love the question and answers. You are a true professional and inspiration for youngsters to follow.

[@petee6476]

I think we all appreciate everything you share with us..

[@texascraftsman7215]

I just finished longleaf pine beams in a 30 ft ceiling scribed everything it was a pain being up that high but it’s always worth it… and the way you do your scarf joints is the best way for sure i always use the same method, I even do that with crown molding I just rip the block on a angle then I square but it with glue… beams look great remodeling can be a challenge but an old carpenter told me on time when I was trying to make level in a screwedup ceiling and he said if it looks good it is good best advice

[@flubber27100]

Quality work from someone working on their own is amazing. Great video and well explained. Good job! :-)

[@fedge12]

I've used a fair number of your tips and tricks. I really appreciate what you're doing for our community of contractors. I wouldn't change s thing, keep up the great content 👍

[@InsiderCarpentry]

Glad to help

[@kiwdwks]

Great video/tips! Your skills/expertise is always worth hearing. Thanks Spencer. You are inspiring...

[@damienwills8658]

Love this format!

[@billyduffany3387]

I liked your video, I thought it was informative. I would like to see more.

[@Nest2309]

Like the Q&A and yes sometimes we cannot figure it out how to do some of the stuff you do but thanks for the amazing “class “ thank you

[@Nest2309]

Hey Spencer have you notice that is not one dislike 👍

[@InsiderCarpentry]

It’s a new KZbin feature. They made dislikes invisible to cut back on Internet bullying

[@oroc750]

Very helpful advise thanks for doing this video!

[@alexarki4923]

Very insightful and helpful 👏👍

[@mastermetalshredder]

Love this format, and your explanations are definitely helpful. Nice work

[@joshuahellriegel3354]

Love these beam videos, working up the courage to try some. Love your tool recommendations, I’m fact was just thinking about that MW 23ga and I thought alright let me check out the Senco…..$$$ LOL. Just gotta keep repeating to myself “no more cheap tools, no more cheap tools.” Good stuff man.

[@hmtrimworks7148]

I too am a solo artist… Nice explanation video… Even though I know how it’s done I actually watched and listened to the whole video… You should be getting a tv show soon… I mean I see some diy on tv now and I’m like wth

[@JoeGerossie]

That’s awesome you’re answering these questions, you’re a better man than me! I have to say to my guy once in a while I don’t have time for stupid questions haha

[@Northernman68]

Excellent workmanship, thank you.

[@Goodoletom916]

Great video, lots of good info

[@Cousin.Justin]

*Welcome Back* 🤜🏻

[@nrehberg]

I like this style of video a lot.

[@stashoski2675]

Ever thing you say is great knowledge to know. 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@josephbowen525]

You are incredible!

[@darienpough2867]

Great video.

[@howardlaunius7484]

Good vid....very informative...Thanks

[@pauldunk2142]

The question and answers were very helpful.

[@MichaelTangorre]

You do amazing work. I really enjoy your videos.

[@Realism91]

This is how I always scribed things, after my dad who I worked for retired I got a job for a cabinet company for half a year in the shop and on the installs and the guy I was working under would always take multiple trips to scribe stuff it always made me mad, glad I'm not there because of the lacquer fumes in the shop and that. I was taught to scribe in art class in school, I'm the only person I trust unless I seen the other person do it right.

[@radchander]

Fantastic!!!

[@aaronmcintyre3998]

Thank you

[@woodmasterguy]

Very nice video, not on instagram, so I appreciate this kind of info...

[@nephewsque6751]

Great video.. it's good working by yourself , I do it a lot myself. but I could be teaching some young person a great skill that's helpful

[@qiangli5288]

Great job. thanks

[@SouthEastMassive]

Super helpful! Great format

[@casycasy5199]

i like this style

[@johnlong4335]

Spencer, let me start by saying I’m a huge fan of your work and your commitment to excellence. Been in the trade for nearly 40 yrs. I still learn techniques from you. Cuddos to you taking the time to teach and explain what I see is a dying trade ( high quality trim). Ok, here is my bone to pick. PIN nails in white oak ? Even in a controlled environment that wood is going to move. I would be really concerned that they would not hold. Would love to here your thoughts. Again thanks for all the content.

[@InsiderCarpentry]

Thanks for the kind words... You would be correct...but the pins just hold it until the glue dries. Glue is what holds the miter together.

[@dickdoc3337]

Should have been a Lawyer Spencer your "WAG" (Wild Apple Guess) may fit in that medium of work...Excellent Video and instructions Spencer you are a Modern Craftsman Par Excellence (Rare Breed for sure) interesting comments throughout the video the corded versus battery one of them ..... Yes I get that prefer corded but Battery has many plus points. ...Have a great weekend.

[@Michael-kf6bc]

looks great. thanks for the methodology breakdown. I'm sure it will look great when the finish is applied. Another client/builder to add to the rolodex.

[@harryl7946]

Lewis, you make me a better trim Carpenter and I need to be!! Always had a love affair with wood and what can be done with it. Wood shop in HS started it when the shop teacher removed some thumb with a dado head.

[@Burritosarebetterthantacos]

The cost on this is insane. I cant even fathom.

[@robertbamford8266]

Great information. Elapsed time might have been interesting, but you would be so much faster, it probably wouldn’t be useful. What I did miss was a review of the measurement tools you used. Those long spans.

[@stevemcginn9200]

He uses a laser measurerfor alot of the longer"tape breaker" lengths. He uses a Leica, not sure of the model, but can probably find it on his Amazon tools used list in the description section. Hope this helps

[@robertbamford8266]

@@stevemcginn9200 Thanks. It did. Leica Disto D2

[@tc9148]

Outstanding video!!!

[@apainlessone]

Great end product!!

[@craigmcknight1279]

Keep up the good work!!

[@placacentrocasamania]

.... better alone than in bad company saludos Gerardo

[@mugsmaxwell6822]

Very informative great work as always ...keep it up and keep the videos coming! 👍. I am interested to know just how much you did make xons the Jobe took a week 🤔😉

[@guachochi1970]

Great 👍🏻

[@goodtobehandy]

Working alone makes bidding easier . Only paying yourself. My youngest son started working with me but it didn't last. Splitting the pay wasn't enough.

[@poatjoler]

The bidding between a job done alone and with a team should not be that different in average, otherwise companies of more than one employee would not exist! If in your case the pay wasn't enough it was that the jobs were not done quickly enough with the extra hands to handle more jobs.

[@goodtobehandy]

@@poatjoler when my son started working with me most of work would have been a one man job. I was hoping he'd stick it out so I could take on work for two.

[@gregorymacneil2836]

Are they scarf joints if they butted together? Are they not butt joints with butt blocks? I know that you like the Lieca Disto - Do you use the iPad drawing apps that Lieca sells? Love your channel - you do great work.

[@Chris_Moncada]

Thinking this too. Not really scarfed in the traditional sense of the word. Still amazing and clean work regardless.

[@richardf9137]

Love it!!

[@mockry21]

Nice work 👌

[@carpenter33]

I just got a job that involves six vaulted ceiling beams and a 22' overall length. Since I don't do beams often, I was hoping video would give a ballpark labor cost. But good video nonetheless.

[@noskills9577]

Good video

[@paulramirez7792]

Awesome stuff! What angle do you use when you cut your scarf joints on the ceiling beams? I've heard 30 degrees is best.

[@Indigenousim]

Is there a reason not to use plywood (other than length)? Great video BTW

[@lynnh7694]

Cool video, why didn't you use small quarter round to level up against the ceiling? The quarter round also adds an element of depth to the ceiling.

[@Stefan_Kawalec]

The quarter round would only emphasize the unevenness of the ceiling. Besides that would completely change the character of it's design.

[@lynnh7694]

@@Stefan_Kawalec I completely understand what you mean but, he did say that the side beam are run unlevel to each other. That would be something that some people couldn't live with. Have a great weekend.

[@Stefan_Kawalec]

@@lynnh7694 Yep, you're right about the lack of level. Sometimes you just must show a client what that lack of level means. I would do the exact same thing - make it even and nice for the naked eye even if it meant sacrificing some laser level accuracy. For that span of ceiling even higher furniture/bookcases should not show that beams are skewed. Than you and you too have a nice weekend.

[@lynnh7694]

@@Stefan_Kawalec I would of had him find the low point and set up jet line in an X pattern for the bottom of the beams so everything was level.

[@Stefan_Kawalec]

@@lynnh7694 You're right about technical aspect of making the beams level in all directions - it's the best method. But we must remember that in commercial environment we do what we are being paid for. Sometimes overall quality of 80 or 90 percent is well enough and even if you want to make it 100 or 120 percent, nobody is willing to pay for it. I've been there and I often overdo my jobs, so they're perfect. But in this case I'd do what Spencer did. Especially that the lack of level in one direction is unnoticeable and irrelevant.

[@danielrybin2006]

Silly question, but how are you making sure the two side beams are running perfectly parallel to one another so that when you attach the bottom piece the miters close perfectly

[@epnugent2]

What do you fasten the beams to that are running the same direction as the joists?Does the rough framing need to be designed specifically for the beams??

[@ozziestrom9793]

Three thumbs down? They must be on Liquid Wench.

[@walshdiw]

Nice work. I have to do something similar but the beam doesn’t butt a wall on one side. Thoughts on how you would tie in an end cap? Also would you use the same material for a vertical beam?

[@DewaltFanboy]

How many days/hours did it take to finish a project like this one?

[@InsiderCarpentry]

It was a little over a week.

[@DewaltFanboy]

@@InsiderCarpentry Thank you for all your awesome videos! Im a beginner carpenter that worked with my dad for about 10 years now. I love all your amazing info. Lately i have been working more and more by my self while dad is at a different project and your videos really helped me get more productive and be able to finish the work by myself. The one with pocket door tech you showed was sooo good! thank you again!

[@hutchdw77]

Is it a scarf if it’s a 90? Isn’t a 90 a butt joint?

[@Oldiesyoungies]

why would you talk them out of the decorative strapping? it would have saved you so much work

[@willbass2869]

The beams are not proportinate to the room height or length/ width. Beams are a bit too massive, not by a lot but enough to ruin the effect, imo. Not your fault but someone (architect?) should've pulled owner aside and educated them.