Podcast Episode 116 — Math and Metrics
Pre-stain conditioner, tape measures, drywall, lally columns, passive houses, and stairs.
This episode features our regular podcasters, Justin Fink, Rob Yagid, and Brian Pontolilo. Last week Rob was in Denver and Brian was in Austin. Now back in the studio, the guys jump right into it.
Listener Keith writes in to second Brian’s endorsement of pre-stain conditioner — Brian had mentioned it for a cherry mantle project in episode 113. Justin says he’s going to try a side-by-side comparison and report back in a future podcast.
Listener Tim wants opinions on the metric system. “What do you guys think? Are we doomed to an inferior measuring system because of our reliance on 4×8 sheet goods and the great American 2×4 (38 x 89 mm)?” The guys admit that they seldom grapple with the metric system. Justin has a couple tips for dividing fractions without using math. Show producer Jeff sheds some light … turns out it’s the United States and Liberia that are the only countries using the English system.
Speaking of measuring, the guys talk about their tape measures.
Listener Douglas asks if regional differences in drywall are really a thing. The guys say, well, sometimes. And they dive deep into examples.
It’s time for our new segment, in which we feature gems published in the past …
Favorites From the FHB Vault: The article you are most proud of editing, producing, and/or shooting.
Brian knows his favorite right off the bat: Rick Arnold’s Framing a Roof Valley.
Justin is proud of another Rick Arnold piece: Doghouse Dormers: Framing from the Ground Up.
Rob thinks this is the quintessential FHB article: Manny Silva’s Replace a Rotten Lally Column.
Rob has another he wants to mention: James Tuer’s Exploiting the Elements of Passive Design.
Justin also talks about The Passive House Build series of articles and videos.
A listener — sorry, don’t have the name — asks about sistering supports in a major multi-floor remodel.
Finally, a listener named Taylor is looking for advice on open-stair design with no railing on one side. Take a look at the photo for an example. Brian says it fails to meet code. The risers are too tall to be open. There are no railings. It’s a goat rodeo. Justin likes it. Rob thinks it is dangerous.
This episode of the podcast is brought to you by our sponsors, FibaFuse and Danner.
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And as Justin mentioned, you can enter the Festool prize give-away sweepstakes at FineHomebuilding.com/Festool. This offer ends May 31!
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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.
Links related to this episode:
- Keep Craft Alive: Profile of Wood Finisher Peter Gedrys.
- Articles from the FHB Vault by Peter Gedrys.
- Metric System: John Carroll roofs in metric.
- Metric System: Canadian carpenters.
- Watch a video on using your measuring tape.
- Six Ways to Stiffen a Bouncy Floor.
- All FHB podcast show notes: FineHomebuilding.com/podcast.
- #KeepCraftAlive tee-shirts support scholarships for building trades students. So go order some shirts at KeepCraftAlive.org.
- The direct link to the online store is here.
View Comments
Love the FastCap tapes. Especially the Standard/Metric versions. I tend to use metric when doing woodworking projects since mm are smaller than 1/16ths. Standard units for doing all other carpentry projects. I don't mind switching back and forth, but try to stay on one system per project.
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