Barnwood Builders Season 14 Episode 12 Tools of the Trade

As the fourteenth season of Barnwood Builders drew to a close, fans of the hit DIY Network series eagerly awaited the premiere of the twelfth episode. Titled Tools of the Trade, this latest installment promised to be an exciting deep-dive into the world of traditional tool-making and how those tools are used to create the stunning structures that have made Barnwood Builders a must-watch show for fans of rustic architecture and DIY construction.

With the gang back at the Barnwood Builders' West Virginia headquarters, viewers had the opportunity to see lead builder Mark Bowe and his team as they took a break from restoring historic homes and put their skills to the test in a far different way. Rather than swinging hammers and wielding saws, the team focused on the more traditional tools of the carpenter's trade, exploring how each one was made and how it was used in the building process.

The episode kicked off with a look at the basic tools of the trade: hammers, chisels, and hand planes. In an engaging and informative sequence, viewers watched as Bowe demonstrated how a hammer is made, starting with raw steel and ending up with a perfectly balanced tool that one of his team members could put to use in the field. From there, the episode delved into the various types of chisels that the Barnwood Builders use and how each one was specifically suited to different jobs.

Next up, the team turned their attention to hand planes. While these classic tools are often seen as being used to shave down individual boards, the Barnwood Builders revealed how they use them to level entire floors. By using a long wooden beam as a guide, one of the team members was able to quickly and easily plane an entire floor to perfection.

From there, the episode shifted to a more detailed exploration of some of the more specific tools that the Barnwood Builders use in their restoration work. Viewers learned how to distinguish between a mortising chisel and a carving chisel and how each is used to create different types of joints. The team demonstrated the use of traditional bow saws and crosscut saws, highlighting the importance of selecting the right tool for both the job at hand and the type of wood they were working with.

Finally, the episode wrapped up with a look at some of the most essential tools that every DIY carpenter or builder needs to have in their toolkit, regardless of whether they're restoring a historic home or building something completely new. Viewers learned how to choose the right tape measure for the job, how to select the best saw for working with rough-cut lumber, and how to properly use a framing square to ensure that everything is square and level.

Throughout the episode, viewers were treated to stunning visuals of the Barnwood Builders' impressive collection of antique tools, each one carefully restored to bring it back to its original glory. And as always, the team's unparalleled passion for their craft was on full display, with Bowe and his colleagues offering plenty of tips, tricks, and insider knowledge for anyone who's interested in getting started with traditional carpentry. And while the episode may not have featured the team constructing a new building from the ground up, fans of Barnwood Builders were undoubtedly thrilled by this fascinating look at the tools that make that work possible.