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Q & A with a Timber Framer Featuring Rick

Rick Vanwuyckhuyse can be a hard guy to catch, at least when he sees a camera headed his way. On a job-site, it’s harder for him to avoid the lens—and he’s a dynamic subject. We asked Rick a few rapid fire questions while he was crafting a trellis in the shop – of course, we left the camera in the office:

 

Gotcha! We managed to catch Rick at a raising on Cayuga Lake.
Gotcha! We managed to catch Rick at a raising on Cayuga Lake.

 

What’s your favorite phrase or word? You know what I mean?

What’s your favorite time of day? Afternoon.

What’s your favorite truss style or joint? Scarf joint.

 

Traditional scarf joint with a walnut key.
Traditional scarf joint with a walnut key.

 

A scarf joint (without a key) on a curve.
A scarf joint (without a key) on a curve.

 

What’s your favorite wood species? Fir.

 

Douglas fir. Rick’s favorite and our most commonly used timber species.
Douglas fir. Rick’s favorite and our most commonly used timber species.

 

What’s your favorite curse word?  Oh &#*%!

What sound do you love? Diesel motors.

What sound do you hate? The adze.

 

The sound of the adze in action is not Rick’s favorite.
The sound of the adze in action is not Rick’s favorite.

 

What’s your favorite region in the US? Not Michigan. That was brutal this winter. East Coast.

What’s best about being a timber framer? The unique craftsmanship.

What profession wouldn’t you want to do? Property management. 

What’s your dog’s name? Harlow (lab/pit rescue) and Jamison (Boston Terrier)

We tagged a mini-bio interview on after these questions and here’s what we learned: Rick’s been crafting frames with us for half a decade. By all estimates, he has been a part of over 150 of our raisings around the nation. With stints in C++ programming and property management, he is happy to be crafting with his hands, traveling, and finds much satisfaction in seeing a frame together. Rick’s another musician in our ranks, favoring blues, specializing in the harmonica and guitar. He plays locally here and there to the enjoyment of many, including his wife Brenda.