Random Thoughts from a Random Memory

By Edward Master

I never was much of a carpenter neither. I was the more ‘hold that end of the measuring tape.’ I really never undertook a major building project like when I helped my father build an outside storage building before buying one already put together was in vogue. We stored the lawn mower in there along with lots of junk. We kept something called a “doughtry” that was actually used to let bread raise at one time. I never saw it used for that purpose and didn’t care if I ever did. I heard once ,this kind of “box” was worth a couple dollars. You got me on that one.

Anyhow, I was the carpenter’s “helper.” I helped put up the shed, I helped with a back porch and its roof, I stained some trim, did lots of painting, both primer and second finishing second coat, plus assorted assigned tasks and to-dos.

I learned how to bend and remove bent nails and at one time knew the different sizes of nails in terms of “penny size.” I also learned the difference between a rip saw and a cross-cut saw, and why and when to use them. We actually had a few various types of saws, including a special one to go into the woods to cut down a small Christmas tree, usually a small-thorned hemlock (that still dried out and shed needles everywhere).

I managed to avoid construction projects for the most part, mostly out of necessity (I didn’t want any part of a construction project). Only one time did I fall into a building project. I first bought myself a handy portable and adjustable and mobile workbench. I turned a power saw upside down into a table saw. I cut my lumber to size.

We decided that we needed some place to put the stereo, the TV, the videodisc player, and the VCR. I came up with the bright idea of modules and that I would build them.

I think I built five, with one built upon which the TV sat. We stored videodiscs under the TV. The modules really served their purpose for years and looked quite nice sitting at the west end of the living room. The cats couldn’t make a home of them as they didn’t have room for their cat bodies.

I divert though.

I bought the lumber at a local hardware store, knowing full well, from experience, to avoid knots in the wood, bowed wood, and wood/lumber that looked bad. With the power saw in place, I set about cutting (and my own measuring).

I didn’t nail anything together. I used wood screws (and elbow grease) to bind everything together. Where the pieces (sides) of the modules met, I ran an extra one-by-one along the seam (joint) for reinforcement. That worked out perfect. I had the modules together.

I did a little sanding, but I don’t remember much. I went natural finish. They really did look wonderful at the end of the room.

And, the modules moved easily to where ever we lived. We used them for years. I have only one regret though. I should have bought myself a power drill. I would have saved my hands much, much anguish.

I think my wife actually liked having the modules and the convenience of the electronics being in handy, available-for-use positions. Again, the modules didn’t invite cats for living spaces and so we never had conflict. I’m glad my days as carpenter were numbered.