Ep 12. Pieces Of The Past

The episode "Pieces Of The Past" from season 6 of Barnwood Builders is an exciting journey into the history of a structure built in 1840 in St. Mary's, West Virginia. The team of expert woodworkers, known as the Barnwood Builders, embark on a mission to salvage the historic building before it is deemed unstable and torn down.

As usual, the team starts by examining the structure closely, identifying the different types of wood and the damage caused by years of exposure to the elements. They also notice that some of the pieces have been replaced over time, which is not uncommon for buildings of this age.

The team's main objective is to save as much of the original wood as possible, which requires careful planning and precision. They begin by removing the newer pieces that have been added and then carefully disassembling the rest of the structure. Each piece is meticulously labeled to keep track of its position in the building, making it easier to reconstruct the original structure later.

One of the challenges the crew face is the fact that the building was built using mostly square nails, which are very difficult to remove. It requires a lot of patience and effort to pry them out without damaging the wood. The team also faces the challenge of working with very heavy pieces of wood, some of which weigh over 500 pounds. They use a combination of brute force and clever engineering to move them into position and secure them in place.

Throughout the episode, the team members share interesting facts about the history and construction of the building. For example, they explain that the original builders used a technique called "notching" to secure the beams together, which was a common practice in the 1800s.

As they progress with their work, the Barnwood Builders uncover several surprises, including a hidden room that was likely used for storing food and supplies. They also find evidence of a fire that occurred in the building at some point in its history, which has left a distinctive charred mark on some of the wood. These discoveries add to the intrigue and excitement of the project.

Finally, after weeks of hard work, the team is able to reconstruct the building using as much of the original wood as possible. The finished product is a beautiful, authentic structure that has been given new life and will stand for generations to come.

Overall, "Pieces Of The Past" is an engaging and informative episode that showcases the expert craftsmanship of the Barnwood Builders. The team's dedication to preserving history and creating beautiful structures from salvaged wood is truly inspiring. Anyone with an interest in woodworking, history, and architecture will find this episode fascinating.