The Craftsman

Sparking Curiosity

Eric and Viv decide it's time to redecorate the front of the mill. Eric also explains how Cesar rediscovered a trade secret to create angled corbels, and talks about the importance of curiosity in woodworking and in life.

Corbels, Columns and Sustainability

Eric sources and uses old growth redwood to rebuild Victorian corbels and columns for a long time client. We learn Eric's stance on sustainability comes from a need to switch careers in the 1990s.

Science, Art and Inspiration

Eric talks with a Nobel Prize winner about inspiration, reads some of his poetry while building doors for a historic theater and talks about the optical illusions created by bolection molding.

The Carson Mansion

Eric makes pilasters, corbels and a balustrade as he works on an addition to the Carson mansion. During the process we'll learn how the small city of Eureka, CA was founded, preserved and maintained, as well as how to cut wood so that it sheds water.

An Honest Day’s Work

Eric believes an honest day’s work is paid by another honest day’s work and helps a local farmer repair his 100-year-old cider press. He also demonstrates a trick for creating a split column for a home in British Columbia.

Traditions

Eric talks about traditions and community, and demonstrates how to create a corbel using old growth wood and a gable using traditional techniques.

Healing PTSD

Eric takes a job repairing a church bell in one of the city’s oldest churches. During its repair, we learn about Eric’s struggles with PTSD after the Vietnam War, and how communing in nature has helped heal his spirit.

Building a Truss

Eric builds a truss for a local nonprofit using hard-to-find clear heartwood and handmade hardware. Throughout the build, Eric discusses the importance of storytelling, and how it helps solve problems in the workplace.