Spec House Odds and Ends Ep.136

A few of the final processes and finishing touches. Getting pretty close to finished! Back stairs railing here: • Forged Iron and Oak: C...
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Thank you, be safe, and be grateful.

[@3ormore887]

I'm getting sad that it's almost done, I've seen every episode. Long, but very awesome journey.

[@matthewwright57]

Agreed, this has been one of the best series on youtube, Ive learned so much.

[@kevinfulmer106]

907i

[@Prodmullefc]

I started over from the beginning because there were things I didn't quite understand yet. But the things I didn't get mostly make sense to me now, but I have different questions about them now that I know how to think about the process better.

[@678friedbed]

the house is done, I've seen it.

[@matthewwright57]

@@678friedbed Pretty sure he meant the video series

[@simonwilson8911]

It's not easy to put something special, some little bit of soul, into a modern house. We've moved away from builds like that. But you've found a way to put a little bit of uniqueness and craft back in again, and it's by far the most impressive thing you've done with the whole spec house build. Bravo.

[@DubYaJsWorld]

Not only do you see a true craftsman but the wisdom of the words spoken is priceless. Be finishers and not just starters!!

[@fiveoakscarpentry]

Excellent work. Thank you for giving equal (as much as could be) time to each trade. It’s easy to forget the craftsmanship of another’s trade when it’s outside our own daily experience. No home or structure is complete without the capability of two trades working together. If there’s one thing all tradesmen can agree on - Everyone from the poorest to the richest has a place in this world, as soon as we’re done with our job. Thanks for what you’re doing to show that mutual respect. Keep it coming.

[@skyfire945]

As a machinist, I give my seal of approval. Any good machinist knows to only get it as good as it needs to be, while as close as possible is nice it doesn't put food on the table. That's a hard lesson to learn but tolerances exist for a reason.

[@bradcavanagh3092]

"Don't let perfect be the enemy of good"

[@dunep6465]

They're absolutely perfect, and my old sayin' is "Ya Can't See It From Your House"... :o)

[@nabwanimhana4200]

I'm from Israel. I've been following you for a long time, enjoyed each and every video you make. I learn from you a lot! Thanks

[@WilliamFontaineJr]

I watched all your videos on this project and spent 20 years in the trades building and repairing homes also. Without question my favorite part of this house is your handrail and railing system. I love the metal but I would have hated having a metal rail. The wood rail just makes it. The beauty and practical nature of it and your design is just really fine, Well Done, it deserves the compliment of “the icing on the cake”.

[@jeffbeeman8274]

I may be the rare machinist that greatly appreciates Blacksmithing and fine woodworking. Machinists have to be by the book (print) but some machinists are what they are because of their love to work with their hands and create the best they can. I am of the later and find your work second to none.

[@jerodboone1357]

"If you've gotta make more than two, you better make a jig." Short. Simple. Direct. Such wisdom, so humbly given. Thank you, Mr. Wadsworth.

[@MattsAwesomeStuff]

This is a much more absolute rule in computer programming too. If you do something more than once, put it in a function and just call the function when needed. And, change the function only once when needed, not chasing it down everywhere you spattered that snippet. For mechanical contrivances, my rule is much more flexible: *"If you'd save time making a jig, make a jig."* Sometimes that's as simple as twice, but sometimes the jig takes so much time you might not even make one if you had 20 to do.

[@obliquusfasciculare9963]

@@MattsAwesomeStuff Yes, sir.

[@yougetagoldstar]

Not to say that I'm so unfamiliar with this side of life, so unfamiliar with such a hallmark of masculinity, that I don't even know what a jig is, but... what's a jig? 🤔

[@TREACB]

We certainly are kindred spirits sir. I tuned into this one specifically to see how you were going to access those holes to screw the wood in. I spent two years making tools, punching, drifting, twisting, riveting, etc….I love it but often the majority of people have no idea the difficulties and time consuming nature of the craft. Not to mention, adding just as much time to the process for all of us to enjoy watching you work. People ask me to make them things all the time, but the truth is, I have not ever finished my own list of ironwork projects. I move dirt now, or at least “for now.” Anyway, much respect, mighty fine clean work sir. That includes all the video and editing time it takes for what I would also call “clean work.” 😊

[@w.w.8823]

Great job! Architect and philosopher Christopher Alexander talks about "roughness" being one of the essential elements of hand-crafted beauty. Your bannister achieves this at a perfect pitch. When I built my own house, towards the end, the number of small jobs needing done multiplied exponentially and frighteningly. You will get there (as you already know).

[@BigJohnson1566]

You and your subs attention to detail is spot on. Great craftsmanship!

[@firebeard]

Beautiful job, I hope this is going to be a happy home for generations

[@jporterfield]

Hhhmmmm. "We should think about becoming FINISHERS of projects, not just STARTERS." Wow, that hit a nerve!!! Thanks. Well done.

[@Wrangler98JPTJ]

I enjoy seeing ....is it Ken? sitting there for quality control and moral support... I find that just having someone to talk to through your processes often eliminates absent minded mistakes!

[@endrankluvsda4loko172]

I love all the interesting/varied camera angels you use for your videos!

[@cnyjody9650]

I'm a machinist, and I love that hand rail. Truly a work of art. I have no problem chasing 10ths all day, but there is no way I could even come close to what you envisioned, and built by hand and hammer. A work of art indeed! I wish I had that skill set.

[@mudlakesawmill9332]

I seriously appreciate the content you put out......as AVE said something like. A masters knowledge at the price of a free subscription.......thanks for showing the spec house from its inception to the final nails driven.

[@Globerson]

That sir is a 5 digit railing system in this house. Meaning it’s worth between materials, the design, and your time, is well into the 5 digit price point. Both railings are impeccable, I would be honored to have those in my home.

[@cariboomike99]

“All in all it looks pretty good” is about the most modest thing I’ve ever heard. Absolutely gorgeous work as always!

[@harrytinker2328]

The stair rails are beautiful and one- of- a- kind.

[@mrbigtuna240]

No need for calipers those railings look awesome. You are a beauty and a master of your craft crafts? Keep up the good work.

[@T.E.P..]

Incredible video ... just like every single one of all the vids. Super classy and great results.

[@jamiebuxton6737]

Over the years I've been a mix of starting a job and finishing the job. I've wore many hats.

[@thomasmatthew7759]

"Disappointing, scary, confusing, and expensive" As a data scientist who works behind a computer, and who has grown up in and worked in the construction industry, I can tell you those 4 words are common to both worlds.

[@simons1992]

What a beautiful process to have picked out your own tree, had an experience splitting it into boards and finally handcrafting it into something that will be visible in the house every time you walk past. It is no longer just a piece of trimming, you've been with that piece of material since the day it was still attached to the ground and now its a part of your every day life. You videos always calm me down and make me appreciate the things we normally miss in life.

[@pats1010]

All in all it turned out pretty good? That is a piece of art and looks stunning in the house!

[@Adventure_Mike]

Looks absolutely amazing!! Great work!

[@rdmoore2968]

This by far, is my favorite part of the house!

[@rdmoore2968]

The Stair Rails that is.

[@paulsautocm]

Beautiful work, Scott.

[@garthbutton699]

Clever way to meet hand rail code using a blend of wood and iron,is everybody happy?Hope so you have worked hard and it shows🤗😎🤗😎

[@heinrichjanevanrensburg1900]

Nice work on the blacksmith . Good work all a round.👌🏻

[@bobkmac]

Thumbs up for carefulling with those safety squints!

[@Wrangler98JPTJ]

The banister sure did turn out mighty fine!

[@MrMerzforthewin]

Absolutely love the rail design. I've installed many over the years myself. The design you chose for the spec home is very unique. Love the details.

[@scottlange6442]

Art…meeting a code. Gorgeous!

[@joeholmberg250]

Absolutely gorgeous work.

[@mcd5082]

Such beautiful work, thank you for sharing.

[@trailprice]

Hit me right where it hurts. I have so many projects that are so close but still need to be "finished"!

[@markb.1259]

You're a great man Scott... and not a half bad carpenter! :-)

[@coryclark9259]

That’s freaking impressive!!!

[@davidhtims]

I was a machinist for a number of years. Any machinist worth his salt recognize the skills of black smiths. The art leading to the finished product is a wonderful thing

[@pauld9847]

Beautiful handrail!!!

[@robbflynn4325]

Looking amazing. I think you should take it easy now, you've more than earned it. I reckon there's a book in you, many of us would be interested in finding out what about your life. I enjoyed reading the great Larry Haun's book, I'm sure your life is just as interesting!

[@joephillips6634]

That handrail is amazing

[@TheBurnsStuff]

That railing is stunning!!

[@drain_001]

As a mechanical engineer and very amateur machinist, those railings look flipping sweet!

[@steves2074]

I'm always surprised by which of your videos resonate with me to the point where i'm saying Wow! or some other exclamation. This one and that interior painting one are among those. This one for just the nature of something that is almost always bought as some kind of kit and made to fit. I don't even know all the part names, but darn if you didn't make every one of them for this home. Wow! The hipsters like to throw around the word 'bespoke', and this is the eiptome of bespoke. If i lived in that house, i would be thinking about the handmade nature of that work every time i walked up or down the steps. So cool... Also, i have learned form listening to you that obsessing over the details and visualizing myself making stuff or doing a project is ok and normal. I thought i was a little nuts, but sometimes i love to get working on projects just so i don't have to obsess about them anymore. wish i had half your skills (and tools/shop) but each man has his own circumstances and resources to fit into.

[@qgc3426]

If it weren’t for the taping, mudding and sanding I’d absolutely be a drywaller!

[@maxmcfadden1042]

Beautiful railing!

[@joebartley2302]

Beautiful work.

[@Zach-bc4vv]

This has been, for me, the single greatest pleasure that the internet has given me. Thank you so much Scott and Nate for this channel entirely

[@harrisonkatzz7090]

GREAT HANDRAIL then you sold it .The focal point very nice .

[@tc9148]

Love that stair handrail design and workmanship. The owner will enjoy how good it looks and how well it functions every time they use the stairs. And “we need more finishers” is just precious. Too many craftsmen let quality slip near the end of the job just to get finished.

[@pamelah6431]

And homeowners who live with half-finished rooms for decades.

[@Prodmullefc]

i first saw the burke bar on your tools list video years ago and I've been looking for one ever since. I don't want to have to order one, because I'm cheap. I will find one one day though and mark my words, it will be worth it.

[@howardemery1443]

amazing job Scott

[@mikegrasso749]

That is one beautiful railing

[@DoomlordVekk]

Scott, your end product, despite the stress and disappointments along the way, is beautiful and will never be mistaken for a mass produced product from the far east. Real craftsmanship is always visible and should be understood to be unique, in that one is not quite the exact replica of the last, or the next.

[@topfeedcoco]

Looks great brother.

[@Ktsusna37]

You are awesome. This whole project has been so cool to watch unfold and I learn something new in every video. I’m young and in the remodel business and your videos motivate the hell out of me to continue getting better and never stop. Nothing but love! Thank you people!!!!

[@OnlyOneFever]

That's a killer railing.

[@williamgillette3797]

Man, is that beautiful!

[@robthewaywardwoodworker9956]

I hope that whoever bought this place can appreciate the amazing amount of extra, custom, and loving touches that this home holds.

[@alexanderross2786]

Thats really beautiful work!! I wish i had that in my house!

[@jeffc6832]

As much as I appreciate machinists and the precise work they do, the heart and soul put into a hand forged piece of iron overcomes any tolerance shortcomings. Those railings are a work of art, and even my precise eye says they are perfect.

[@samiralbalushi4611]

Beautiful job 😍

[@bundle420]

This guy is such a master

[@danialmeeker7456]

That railing looks amazing. My old supervisor would always say,”the last 10% takes 90% of the effort.” I’ve been doing a lot of punch list ) or would it be pickup carpentry?) work lately and it crosses my mind often.

[@skidogallard]

Watching this series has brought me so much joy.

[@nickhenscheid369]

3:33 Sage wisdom. I grew up in the custom/high-end home business but moved into sci/tech after college. The trades can look very idyllic looking through the glass from this end, but they definitely have their own set of stresses (not better or worse, just different).

[@johndavies2396]

Scott makes it look easy but after 65 years in the building industry in the UK I know how much work and worry goes into this great project its been a very educational series

[@nickhenscheid369]

@@johndavies2396 Absolutely, agree 100%. Always looks much easier than it is.

[@jackjetpilot]

Beautiful!

[@billlyttle8224]

Great job Little finish jobs complete the Project. Great to see Dave working on the project.

[@conorlavery4762]

'Odds and ends'...... often the kost time consuming but equally essential elements of any project....... really enjoying the content - thank you.

[@donb8447]

I worked with a trim carpenter, who drilled a 1/2" hole in the end of his hammer, maybe 2" or so deep. He than filled the hole with beeswax... :)

[@brianpriest3638]

I’m a machinist and that looks fantastic!

[@landhunters1423]

great job on the hand rails

[@renasouza8261]

Just watched a few videos from you and already i'm learning to appreciate my craft more, and I don't even work with anything remotely related to this.

[@grady7374]

This series has truly been an inspiration for me to change habits and even my own career. Thank you guys on the EC crew, and keep up the good work!

[@RegnaldHumperdink]

love this channel. Thank you for all you do. I do have a quandary though. Maybe its my own particular brand of crazy doom and gloom.... but the space between the top of the banister and the bottom of the handrail, seems a perfect place to catch a hand when tripping, running or falling down the stairs. all of which will happen at some point. Please don't get me wrong, the style is gorgeous. absolutely eye catching. But I wonder if it might be unnecessarily dangerous. ah well. looks amazing and I appreciate watching you do it.

[@spareamintz8708]

I like that Burke Bar!!! 😁

[@merlinsatrom6678]

Wow! That’s some impressive blacksmithing! I love how you used a tree that you yourself processed to make the railing - such a nice touch!

[@NameNaameNameeNaamee]

It might not be perfectly symetrical and tolerances might be a bit off, but real beauty seldom coincides with those things. That stair railing is a thing of beauty, and even 40 years from now, every now and then someone will look at it and think "...wooooow...someone actually DID this...what a wonderful thing to have in my life..."

[@mikemichelizzi2023]

Great job on the handrail! You're a braver man than I to use a carbide burr in a die grinder while walking around in socks, haha

[@SerranoPE]

What a beautiful handrail!! The wood makes it stand out...bravo, well done!!!

[@paulmichaelmark]

It’s nice ur friend gets to watch ur handi work since he is unable. Next best thing for him. 🙏

[@trulyhappy8855]

The more I learn the more I see the wisdom in the building of a jig.

[@ajs96350]

Exactly, I tell my guys it can be 1/16" off, they just all need to be exactly the same, make a jig! Some of them are stubborn.

[@hoeckcarpentry5984]

That sir, is a nice handrail. Beautiful

[@RI-uv3lm]

Watched every episode. Followed your journey. Thank you for the education & inspiration. Best wishes Is the house sold now? Hope we get to see a ‘custom spec’ & Custom built house!

[@152lb.mousehole2]

Hand rails are second to none...great work buddy

[@evanschachle8549]

Happy Birthday 🎂

[@goodtobehandy]

There are lots of times my vision exceeds my ability. Making the finishing a bigger challenge. So far I just keep at it and do find the finish line.

[@markheaney]

Your handrail shows that you all are truly Craftsmen. I would love to have such a thing in my home.

[@Jys71208]

Scott , how you don't have a prime time tv show , beats me.

[@mackfisher4487]

Your handmade banister is a work of art, the hammering of the metal is like brushstrokes on a canvas it will stand as a testimony to your craft as will the home you built.

[@TheEricj1337]

That's the most unique and beautiful hand rail I've ever seen!

[@DewaltFanboy]

Nice support jig for the handrail thats just clamped up! INGENIUS ! You guys make it look so pro, i love this channel. Keep up the good work!

[@treyhart6861]

I totally agree, its easy, and fun to do framing. the difference a single day makes when standing up walls is HUGE... touching up nail holes in baseboards is incredibly time consuming, and after spending a whole day patching nail holes, The jobsite really doesnt look all that much different. Sure, filling those holes is critical to finishing, and making everything "done" but its such a small, time consuming detail.

[@jbones123]

Same goes for grouting tile. You spend so much time making sure you set everything perfect then you still have to do a physically demanding job to fill the gaps.

[@treyhart6861]

@@jbones123 Exactly... All those tiny, time consuming tasks.. Same with the bondo when they were painting.. Yes, ITs such a small thing that so many people wont notice, but if it wasnt done, it would really stand out as "unfinished"

[@krenwregget7667]

Those handrails are fantastic. I don't know what you ended up selling that house for but it's not enough with the quality of work that has been displayed in this series. What you said about finishing a project is so true as it's easy to become fatigued and let things slide the closer you get to the end; it takes real integrity and strength to maintain the same level of quality throughout a build and you've certainly done it with this home.

[@michaeldougfir9807]

Ah. Very useful, and helpful. I do maintenance at my church. And am putting up two handrails next to steps. I have been copying whatever I found elsewhere. But I appreciate the tips you have given. Though I am in a jurisdiction south of you, I am going with the 38" railing height. At least things will be consistent. It was good to see Ken again.

[@alasdairmunro1953]

It turned out better than pretty good Scott. It turned out great, really great! 👍🏼👍🏼😀