At the top of this episode, podcast host and FHB editor Justin Fink skips his usual intro so that he can boast about how great this show is. Which it is, sure, but come on, a little humility? Then Brian talked trash about some poor guy who was trying to give construction advice on a morning radio shock-jock show. Seems that the radio hosts kept interrupting the guy, so the advice was not top-notch. That proves we’re the best home building podcast out there, somehow, and relatedly, Brian was in a band once. Enjoy!

Also, the guys talk about a ringtone that show producer Jeff once made. That’ll get posted here some time, once your humble show notes compiler gets the audio file and figures out how to link it online. Jan. 2, 2017 update: Here’s a link for that ringtone!

Then Rob reins things in and brings the episode back to the nuts and bolts of the podcast. There’s a passionate discussion of fine carpentry and hand planes. Justin’s advice, based on his own misadventures: don’t skimp on shoddy hand tools.

The first listener question, from John, concerns condensation in his attic. Brian explains that probably existing water vapor in the attic is condensing on cold nails; it is probably not a leaky roof. One likely solution is to find and fix sources of wet air, such as a bath vent fan or an air leak from the living area or from the hatch or door into the attic or from can lights. The guys also talk about how to air-seal attics, especially around the chimney, the entry door/hatch, and ducts.

The second question, from Sandra, is about the overwhelming options for fasteners these days. The guys really dive into the nitty gritty on this topic, beyond the ability of your humble show notes compiler to summarize. Go take a listen, if you have not already!

As Justin mentioned, the holidays are upon us, so invest in your craft by getting higher quality tools. And of course, we hope you will take advantage of two great offers for our podcast listeners: A special 20% off discounted rate to subscribe to the Fine Homebuilding print magazine. That link goes to finehomebuilding.com/podoffer.

Also, we have another special offer for podcast listeners … use coupon code GIFT20 at the Taunton Online Store. We have tons of home construction and remodeling gift ideas over there, electronic and print, for you or for your friends and loved ones. You may even find some ideas for the people in your life who love cooking, gardening, and sewing.

But what about the special offer? The prices in the store have been marked down up to 80%. Yeah, the “up to” part of that is a little weaselly, and you’ll find lots of things that are discounted by a lot less than 80%, honestly. There Ain’t No Such Thing As A Free Lunch. But here’s a true incentive: type in GIFT20 as a coupon code for 20% off.

Today’s episode of the Fine Homebuilding podcast is brought to you by Weather Shield.

Sophisticated styling. Sleek lines. Stunning simplicity. From the sightlines to the finishes and hardware, Weather Shield has considered every element of design to achieve a true minimalistic appearance with its Contemporary Collection line of windows and doors. Developed in collaboration with architects and interior designers, this collection brings a bold and modern aesthetic to the residential market. With more than 60 years of experience and 33 patents, Weather Shield is faithfully focused on helping you create something better and more purposeful. Find out how Weather Shield can bring your next project to life by visiting weathershield.com and finding a dealer in your area.

Today’s episode of the Fine Homebuilding podcast is also brought to you by Lenox Tools.

When you are in the middle of cutting, it is a hassle to change blades. That’s why Lenox is excited to introduce their new line of reciprocating saw blades. Now, when you are cutting through metal with the Lazer CT, or through nail-embedded wood with the Demolition CT, you can count on them to last 10x longer than standard bi-metal reciprocating saw blades. And, with the Speed Slot Hole Saw, you get twice as much life along with a unique staircase design that lets you easily pop out plugs. So, if you’ re cutting metal, demolishing, or drilling holes, you can rely on Lenox to last long after the job’s done.

The show is driven by our listeners, so please subscribe and rate us on iTunes or Google Play, and if you have any questions you would like us to dig into for a future show, shoot an email our way: [email protected]. Also, be sure to follow Justin Fink, Rob Yagid, and Fine Homebuilding on Instagram — and “like” the magazine on Facebook. Note that you can watch the show above, or on YouTube at the Fine Homebuilding YouTube Channel.

The Fine Homebuilding Podcast embodies Fine Homebuilding magazine’s commitment to the preservation of craftsmanship and the advancement of home performance in residential construction. The show is an informal but vigorous conversation about the techniques and principles that allow listeners to master their design and building challenges.

Here are a few great Mike Guertin articles on air-sealing and insulating attics:

• Roof Underlayment Over Zip.
• Air-sealing at Every Stage.
• Installing MemBrain.
• Attic Ventilation Channels.
• Insulation Ramp in Attic.

Three links from legendary framing expert Larry Haun:

• Larry’s classic article on how to nail with a hammer.
• A video of Larry raising a wall.
• The story of his life, told by Larry himself.

Here are a few more links related to this podcast:

• Enjoy another video of “Grooved Pavement,” Brian’s old band.
• The Mike Pekovich episode of the FHB podcast that Justin mentioned.
• The Lie Nielsen Low-Angle Jack Plane.
• The Brazilian Rosewood Shortage: Background Info and a Newer Update.
• Use coupon code GIFT20 at the Taunton Online Store.
• All FHB podcast show notes: FineHomebuilding.com/podcast.
• #KeepCraftAlive tee-shirts make great holiday gifts, and the proceeds support scholarships for building trades students. So go order some shirts at KeepCraftAlive.org.