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Master Carpenter Videos

Building a Modern Mantel: Introduction

Meet Sebastian Eggert, creator of a modern version of an Arts and Crafts cherry fireplace surround.

By Sebastian Eggert

Introduction: Building a Modern Mantel

Sebastian Eggert has lived in Port Townsend, Washington, for the last thirty five years, where he runs Rain Shadow Woodworks, making architectural woodwork, stairs, and built-ins, among other things. Seb’s also a long-time author for FHB, and wrote his first article back in 1983. Fine Homebuilding editor Chuck Bickford and vidoegrapher John Ross traveled to his shop last summer, where they found him preparing to make a modern take of an Arts and Crafts mantel. Unlike many mantels, this one had to be assembled on site, rather than being built as a unit in the shop.

In this five-part video series, you’ll learn great shop and site tips plus a grab bag of the solid techniques that Seb has learned during his long experience, including – how to cut clean, accurate miters, clamping strategies, an easy finishing method, scribing tools and techniques, and how to make a mantel look as though it grew around the fireplace.

Read the companion article:

Modern Mantel Made Well

Modern Mantel Made Well

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Videos in the Series

  • Building a Modern Mantel: Introduction

    Meet Sebastian Eggert, creator of a modern version of an Arts and Crafts cherry fireplace surround.

  • Building a Modern Mantel: Design

    See how woodworker Seb Eggert incorporates historical influences, modern design principles, and smart fabrication details to create a one-of-a-kind cherry surround for a custom fireplace.

  • Building a Modern Mantel: Building the Parts

    Learn how an experienced woodworker creates the parts of a fireplace mantel that have crisp, seamless miters and are prepared for an easier installation process.

  • Building a Modern Mantel: Assembly on the Bench

    Learn how to join the mantel shelf to the frieze and add the trim before moving to the jobsite.

  • Building a Modern Mantel: Installation

    In this video, you’ll learn how to scribe and attach parts to the wall around the fireplace to create the finished mantel.

Previous: Modern Mantel Made Well Next: Building a Modern Mantel: Design

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Finish & Trim Carpentry

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Mantels and Fireplace Surrounds

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