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Andy Engel

Senior editor Andy Engel is a former carpenter and builder, as well as the author of two Taunton Press books, For Pros By Pros: Building Stairs (2007) and Carpentry Complete (2012). A New Jersey native, he now lives in Roxbury, Conn., where he has served on several town boards. When he’s not busy with weekend projects, Andy often can be found pedaling his bike through the Litchfield Hills.

Stress-Free Sander

The Makita XOB01Z 5-in. cordless random-orbit sander is well balanced and more convenient than its corded counterparts.
Podcast 190: Becoming a Contractor, Patching Old Siding, and Strengthening a Building With Spray Foam

Matt, Patrick, and special guest former FHB editor Andy Engel take listener questions on how to become a good remodeling contractor, the strength of spray foam, and adding to an existing deck.
When Did I Become a Locksmith?

This is what a carpenter resorts to when the job is supposed to be done in a week but the faulty custom door lock would take weeks to replace.
Two Saws Are Better Than One

Makita XSH06PT 7-1/4-in. circular saw, Makita XSH04ZB 6-1/2-in. circular saw
How Water Affects Buildings

In his book 'Water in Buildings: An Architect’s Guide to Moisture and Mold', research architect William B. Rose makes building science both understandable and interesting.
The First Two Weeks on the Job

Former Fine Homebuilding senior editor Andy Engel wonders if it's going to be a struggle becoming a carpenter again at 57.
All I Ever Wanted to Be Was a Carpenter

A former editor gets back to his roots by becoming a tradesperson once again.
Shop-Built Housed-Stringer Stairs

Building in the shop makes assembly easier on the carpenter
Cracked Foundation

Keep the soil next to the house dry; making sure your roof gutters make sure the soil against the foundation slopes away at a minimum pitch of 1 in 10; and bring in an engineer for structural questions.
Building Skills Video: Tips for Hand-Nailing

A carpenter shows tricks of the trade to keep hand-driven nails from bending and wood from splitting.