NO More MDF!!! 

I'm a 40-year veteran of fine woodworking I've been watching you RU-vid You're a humble man keep up the good work

I saw the video and your comment about being called a cardboard carpenter. I have to say that I never comment because it’s usually a dumping ground for trolls, but I feel obliged to say something. As a DIY’er with a passion for what you pros do on a daily basis, I have to say your videos and skills are top notch. One thing that stands out to me is your passion to do things right and perform fantastic finish carpentry for everyday clients. Not everyone can afford maple trim throughout. Keep doing what your doing and I’ll keep watching!

This guy has been out working and building a business. He's been transparent about learning, mistakes, growing as a carpenter and as a business owner. I've been watching for a long time. Takes a lot of courage to do that in a trade. Especially finish carpentry. ESPECIALLY finish carpentry, damn. I'm a general contractor and I still learn every day. Probably forget something everyday also! I enjoy these videos, keep it up!

I subscribed to your channel a couple years ago because your humble. You don’t know everything but you show your way of doing things that work for you. And that’s important.

I have posted this statement before , I have been in trenches for almost (months short ) of 40 years , I have been a finish carpenter 30 years of that , enough of the credentials! 5 years ago I was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer of the throat , there was a 9 year stretch I did inordinate amount of work with MDF , I cannot say it was solely complicit of my diagnosis . But what I can tell you , is the symptoms after spending days cutting it , sore throat , a lot mucus, and yes I did go to n95 masks constantly. Then set up vacuuming, but the micro fine dust still prevailed , you have the idea , I’m still vertical and still out there ,but the residual effects have taken years off the back end . My point use alternative materials when you can , accompanied with masks and dust collection when inside this is a must, just a heads up , take heed

I don’t use MDF but would never criticize someone who does, what’s the point? Different people do things different ways. Richard has superior mechanical skills to most trim carpenters and if it works for his jobs then that’s great. I enjoy all of these videos and even after 44 years in the field I still learn from his techniques. People need to really stare in the mirror and decide if it’s really better if they just kept the nasty comments to themselves. More often (almost always) than not it’s the best choice.

I really enjoy your videos and I have learned a few tricks from you. I held a C6 contractors license here in California and worked as a "finish carpenter" for 18 years before going to medical field. Thanks for putting out content while still doing the trim work.

I’m not a carpenter but from watching you I think you take pride in you work. I love it when someone cares about their work

"That really hurts" lol, I almost feel the sarcasm. Love your humor.

Wow thank you so. Much for showing us the finished ship lap. It looks amazing! Outstanding work! Love it

I like how you always have floors protected whether it be paper drop cloths plastic there's always something very professional

Love watching you grow and advance in your craft. Enjoy your journey.

Wish I could get your "cardboard carpentry" skills. Great stuff and as always enjoy the high quality videos and audio. Nice that everything comes through sounding clear in the commentary and narration. Probably takes a fair bit of time editing these!

Thank you for making the videos. Extremely helpful and you’re a really good finish carpenter. Glad to see you getting away from MDF.

As a weekend warrior doing my own work slowly on my own house, I love solid wood for furniture that I make but for trim I really like mdf. It's just easy to work with, it's always straight, easy to cope, and it's cheap so if I make mistakes it's not a huge deal.

I believe that the last time,I commented on your site was about the advantage of using copped vs mitered inside corners for crown. You didn't blow me off as some kind of old back in the day gizzer. If fact you were very respectful, and wrote a great response. So I knew from that you were going to have a successful career in the finish business and that outlook would probably lead to a successful you tube channel. Well it's great to see that you are continuing to be successful in both arenas. I'm happy to see you make the decision to try and use a real wood product. I agree that MDF has a place in interior trim and always will but for my money Windsor One and other top quality paint grade fj wood moldings provide your owners with a higher quality product. In the "valve for money equation" they are superior in almost all applications of interior trim. Not only that but real wood it's so much more interesting, challenging, and healthy of a product to install. In my career there are a couple hand tools that have become invaluable trimming with real wood and I encourage you to consider. Buy the best low angle block plane you can afford. I've an old Stanley "Sweetheart" but there are better ones made and produced currently. Have a quiver of hand saws and even a back saw always raiser sharp and available. In this line of work you will never need one with less than 12 pti so an 8 pt need not apply. I've got both traditional western push and Japanese pull in softer words I prefer push on harder pull. While I mentioned planes I also carry a smoothing and two different kinds of spoke shaves. Next would a set of chisels so shaper you can shave with them,, I have a set of Marples that are probably 50 years old. They never leave their leather pouch until used and then go right back in after doing their thing. Real wood has grain and grain is the bane of a carpenters existence,,, MDF has none. Grain no matter how fine will affect the cut and demands a sharper tool. Speaking of which lean to sharper all you tools, including your saws if you have time but at minimum your planes and chisels. I rarely a adjust the machine cut on MDF by any other means than abrading,,I always adjust real wood cut with another cutting tool,,, must often with a plane, then chisel second, and finally hand saw. So in you next interaction, I expect to one day open your channel and find that you are primarily installing paint grade poplar, but mostly stain grade appearance millions of oak, cherry, walnut and maple!! Great channel, but I suggest an alteration to the title; Trim TV; evolution of a trim carpenter's life from journeyman to master,,, yes probably not a little to pretentions,,, humble is better. And "Keep up the good work"

Been a big fan of ur channel and I wanted to let you know that thank you for the process or reasons of doing something one way compared to another way that's priceless information.

Thanks for all the information that you give and all the knowledge man I like how you’re so straightforward with all your information.

Thats what I'm talking about! Beautiful!!! Awesome job Richard!!!!

I very much enjoy your videos and the confidence that "you can do this too" that you project. I have bought many of the tools that you use and recommend and enjoy using them. You even gave me the confidence to tackle a wainscoting project of my own that I never would have attempted w/o your helpful instruction. That being said I would like to see you go into more detail on how to handle the challenges of uneven walls and not square corners. You do touch on it when it comes up but I would like to see maybe a whole more detailed video dedicated to overcoming the daily finishing challenges that all of us "cardboard carpenters" face.

Your level of creativity, & skill on measurements are amazing! Shout out to John, with his comment in the last video, about the wall. The odd number of panels horizontally, would look better with odd number of panels vertically. The even number of panels horizontally, WOOD look better with an even number of panels vertically. (See what I did there?) Finger joint pine joke.

Good on you! My house is 15 years old and and I am re-trimming the interior of our house. I am doing a classic craftsman style and I did not want to use MDF. I discovered W1 and I LOVE it, you wont be disappointed!

That was awesome watching it come together, the glue was super great thanks for sharing man. Love from Florida!

Definitely agree with you man. Prefer wood all day. But I’ve down some wainscoting and wall detail where the Mdf did work out better.

Hey man, been working in the industry myself for 5 years now, but we never get the chance to do finish trim like this everyday, I really wish I could! But saying that I love watching your videos, you give great advice, you keep it simple and your so humble! Please keep it up! My wife thinks I’m weird watching other carpenters on RU-vid haha

Broooo your attention to detail.speaks on levels!

Been a while since I’ve seen your channel. Your really stepping up your game. Beautiful work

Nice to see the tricks I learned are still being used today!!!!

I mostly use wood for trim, but I love using mdf for my window stools. I normally put a routed edge and the mdf is so nice to work with.

Great video, I really like how that glue worked out for you! very nice addition to this room.

Thank you Richard! Your attention to detail is unparalleled. I'm a finish carpenter myself and always looking to strengthen my skills. You're channel is one of the best. Keep this gold coming 👊

So nice to see someone take the time to setup the laser on the studs so all the vertical nails line up even though they will get covered and painted

Don’t worry about what other people say I watched all you videos. You do great work. 👍🏻👍🏻

Been using PUR for a while. Amazing stuff!

Been using pur for a while now. Excellent stuff.

I've done Windsor One on a few houses -- great product. In my experience though it still at least needs a light sanding and another primer coat. MDF is still great for a lot of things, like wainscot paneling.

In the Midwest, 90% of our trim is finger jointed primed pine, very little MDF. The painters do not like MDF either. All built-ins are poplar, along with all ceilings, fireplace build outs, wall build outs, and built in closet finishes.

Great job rich🙌🙌 doing 1 the marra myself. Learned so much from ur videos🙌🙌🇮🇪👌🏻

In the Pacific Northwest you can get wide crown materials in solid, finger jointed or MDF, but it helps being close to the source.

Insider Carpenter and you are both very good at what you do.

I checked out Windsor One when I was at the DECK Expo last year - that is some GOOD stuff!

I think you do a perfect job no matter what material you use, bang on job mate well done 👍

great video...appreciate you explaining the little details.

In my area I use Windsor 1x s4s instead of poplar for painted built ins and mantels. It actually is less expensive, they’ve cut all the knots out of it, and they come in reliable lengths. I have mixed feelings about working with MDF but they both have their advantages depending on the project. The best thing about MDF is that the material comes in 16 and 17 foot lengths and doesn’t have splits, twist etc for production trim work. Nice video.

Wow! That glue is very impressive!!! Thanks for posting Cheers Doc

It's bad enough when you get lazy drywallers that hump they're flats or rough in carpenters who focus on rough. But when you pay for dimensional lumber and trim that's out of dimension, that just trips my trigger!

I work for Builders First Source in New Jersey. We stock and ship a lot of primed FJ 1x. They have locations in TX but I don't know what they stock. May be worth a look. Also BFS just merged with BMC so you may see some changes at your local supplier. Keep up the good work. I'm hooked on your videos!

This guy is the best carpenter on the net every video is superb and so accurate

I have a pretty big finishing job coming up. I need to go back and watch all of your videos. This is the first time I'm doing as the lead and not the helper.

A 35 year carpenter here and I don’t know how you work with MDF on the daily. I’m lucky enough to be able to get about anything I need in a primed pine of popular.

I feel for ya, Richard.. and I'm right there with you... MDF really does have its place, but for me, it has always been a measure of last resort. Don't let the haters get you down... they're gonna come around eventually for a couple of reasons... first: you're very good at what you do, and you take the time to explain your reasoning behind what you do.. and Second: you possess a degree of humility that one doesn't often find with someone who has mastered his craft. I've been a finish carpenter for over 35 years, and I appreciate what you do , and who you are. Just keep being you, brother!

Another great video ! Thank you for sharing the information on the glue gun and the new type of wood you are going to use. Great job !

Windsor is some of the best product I’ve ever worked with . From a standpoint of preprimed trim board .

Richard. I just like to say hello from Ireland. and wish you and your family everything that is good in life love your videos and your skill you explain everything clearly and do brilliant work, john

been using Windsor one for over 10 years now, great product

Thank you for the tips you have helped me a lot

Haters are gonna hate when it comes to things they feel intimidated by. Your skills are legendary and I’ve learned so much from your videos. Don’t worry about the cardboard haters. You could use the best high quality product and they would still find something to say about it... this is a case of it’s not you it’s them, lol.

Hey bro I am from jamaica and I watch your videos all the time ,good job

Looks awesome man, pretty abrupt ending lol

Man , that is looking great !

Wow, this is looking good. I'm just a homeowner but I'm getting ready to do something similar on a wall in my home. If it turns out well I will do other rooms. I went to both big box stores yesterday to look at lumber to use. Every single piece was warped after so many feet so I will be using MDF because it's straight. I can't afford the best but I want the end product to look as professional as I can get it. I have that texture on my walls as well and I've been sweating bullets over the thought that I might have to skim coat it. I've seen that "hardy board" (?) before but I wasn't sure how it's installed. I figured I'd have to cover the wall first but it looks like you got the frame up first and then cut it into individual pieces to fit inside the grid? I hadn't thought about gluing the joints. That's a damn nice house that you are working on. In the state that I live in, that home would be over $1M...depending on the lot. I can see why you used wood as opposed to MDF. I've learned a lot watching this video.

Awesome video as usual! Insider carpentry is a cool dude too!

I stopped using MDF ply woods years ago and switched to MDO ply- Medium density overlay, it has a brown paper top layer, I also use lots of FJP( finger jointed primed) 1"x12" , Im in the NYC area and get all of my moulding from Lenoble lumber

If you make your outer most stiles go all the way up the wall, you can easily compensate for dips in the wall like that by scribing to the wall and still build the panels faceframe style.

Around here pine and MDF are basically the same price.

Excellent Job!

I love your video's, not really need your level of attention to my next project (a new workshop) but it is great to see the perfectionism that goes into your work. One question though. As you are using real wood and you make everything very tight fitting, aren't you afraid of crimp or expansion due to humidity changes?

just amazing. I learn so much.

I use a lot of finger joint pine and the majority of it does come primed. I do look the pieces over prior to installation and sometimes there is a blemish or two in the primer application, but nothing a quick hit with some sand paper doesn't fix. If I do run into a situation where I can't get the material primed I just prime it before the installation. I find it is easier for me to sand and prime it on some saw horses rather than in place after the install. Thanks for all your work here I really enjoy your channel and have learned many many things from watching it.

Windsorone is really great stuff. Really nice to work with.

I was waiting for you to come around... 👌

I continue to learn so much for your channel. I live in a neighborhood that worships solid wood. Aside from the incredible front door you trimmed out, I can't recall any other solid wood projects on your channel. Is this just a matter of supply and demand?

Windsorone is carried by my mill shop. Quality and consistency are important attributes I like about their products. I used MDF for some trim in my house 20 years ago, some of it is still okay, but most has show to be problematic: Susceptible to water, chips easy on door casing and mushrooming from nailing.

I love mdf, I saw a video where you don't know anyone who does everything in builds,frame, drywall, plumbing,paint,trim, electrical,custom stairs, and design cool custom built ins,etc. I have made a complete living on all trades.certified in most where needed, different woods for different projects,love your videos, thank you for sharing,God bless you and your family.

Another interesting and educational video, thanks 🇨🇦

I am always impressed by the way you come up with solutions to new problems. I wonder if you lay in bed at night with ideas running around in you head thinking how to proceed the next day, I do and my problems (woodworking) are simple ones. Many times I find the answer then.

Killer Work!!!!

I know not main part of the video but love that base detail what reveal ends up on the top portion that the 1x6 goes over? Feel like that would be a slick baseboard detail even with out the rest of the wall.

Looks great for a "cardboard carpenter"! You use whatever materials make the most sense for the job. Anyone doing trim and accent walls should know this. Makes your life easier and that's the point.

Mighty fine work.

Great video ! Another must have tool👍

Looks like you need to run your trim through a planer or a thickness sander.

Awesome work bro !

Damn you are good! Keep up the good work!!!

Gave me the gospel from Winser one and was saved from mdf. Love that

Do you have a video of how you figure out the spacing for everything on the wall?

Finish Carpentry; just want to say i luv ur videos cause ur such a perfectionist n i learn so many good tips from u on how to do good work. I have a question, i am doing board n batten n a bathroom n was wondering how u do the slats against the door. Since the door has the same size trim, would u use that as ur first slat or do u butt ur first slat up against the door trim? (Hope that makes sense). 😟

I did trim work from 83 to 88 and after military service 92 to 96. I trimmed with a master carpenter and we worked in Dallas doing remodels and new construction in the Inwood area where Ross Perot and the likes lived. In the late eighties, builders were trying to skimp and use mdf in million dollar homes. If this stuff gets wet, it becomes sawdust mush. We refused to use it because of the warranty work involved. Finger joint is good to or painted areas and grade A for stained areas all with furniture tight joints. When we left a house it was there for life.

Also I've ran into different 1 by lumber being different thickness really makes a pain in the ass when doing finish work.

This reminds me of the old homes of medieval England style. Thanks.

I got my de waukee shirt for me and dad . He is going to love it.

great videos !!!! as a safety tip be careful with the ladders. at the 10:46 you can see the ladder is not fully extended.

I wasn't gonna say anything.....but since you brought it up.......Good for you, Richard! I always thought - you spend so much time doing meticulous perfection and attention to detail - what a waste not doing it out of real wood....especially in the homes you work in, your customers should demand real wood. MDF trim is for my neighborhood LOL Always enjoy your work!

You’re the man that got me into carpentry. Been watching your videos for years. I have 3 questions for you.. Why not CA glue it? You’re a huge advocate for it + you sell it yourself.... When did you give up on the second gen Milwaukee brad nailer? The one with no wind up noise.. When are you going to do a free DFW T-shirt giveaway and rig the outcome so I’m the winner? You still skating?

Hey Bud, great content you are posting keep up the good work! I will say that by installing and painting your own trim work, you are asking to become one of those rare animals you often talk about in your channel, one that can do more than one craft and do it well. The other comment I'll make is that when you talk about MDF being pre-prime as an advantage when it is time to paint, in my experience that only holds true if you are doing a level one paint job, Anything custom work or higher grade you have to prime with a quality primer over their water down product they use at the factory, otherwise the topcoat has a tendency to not lay down smooth.

San Antonio in the house. Love when you show how to fix issues like the bulge in the wall. Keep the great videos coming. Look forward to following you with this install.

I am a huge windsor one fan. Been using it for years. Definitely a superior product compared to some of the other fjp manufacturers out there.

Just a suggestion that I do. So on that first vertical board you put on that you had to scribe after you put the 15 degree bevel on it. This wouldn’t work always but I use a palm sander to remove what needs to be removed. Works good if you only need to remove little amounts

I appreciate your videos... I do flooring and finish carpentry .

I also follow insider carpentry and bought the HIPUR gun he recommended. I had moderate success with it. I felt like the strength wasn’t that great until it was able to set over night on window and door casing. The ease of removing squeeze out is awesome versus the CA glue. We pre-assemble all of our window and door casings and during installation actually broke a couple of joints while manipulating them into place. We decided to let them sit overnight and then the strength was incredible. Just my experience with it.