Norm Abram
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Norm Abram (born 1950) is an American carpenter known for his work on the PBS television programs This Old House and The New Yankee Workshop. He is referred to on these shows as a "Master carpenter"[1].
Abram was born in Rhode Island and raised in Massachusetts. He attended high school in Milford, Massachusetts. During high school and college vacations, he learned construction from his father, who was also a carpenter.
Abram studied mechanical engineering and business administration at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He founded a general contracting firm called Integrated Structures Inc. in 1976, operating it until 1989.
Television shows Abram appears on include This Old House, a popular program about renovating and improving old houses; and The New Yankee Workshop, of which he is the host. The New Yankee Workshop first aired in 1989 and is a spinoff of This Old House. Both programs are produced by Russell Morash.
Abram has published eight books about carpentry: Ask Norm, The New Yankee Workshop, Classics From The New Yankee Workshop, Mostly Shaker From The New Yankee Workshop, Outdoor Projects From The New Yankee Workshop, Norm Abram's New House, Measure Twice, Cut Once, and The New Yankee Workshop Kids' Stuff.
Abram voiced the character of himself in the Freakazoid! episode "Normadeus". He had also appeared on Between the Lions and twice on Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego? (two WGBH programs); and starred in a series of Foot Locker commercials titled "House of Hoops".
Abram is also on the board of trustees of Old Sturbridge Village in Sturbridge, Massachusetts, and had the privilege of giving the 2001 commencement speech at The North Bennet Street School in Boston, which is renowned for its commitment to teaching craftsmanship.
Abram lives with his wife in a classic Colonial home that he built in Massachusetts. They enjoy cooking and entertaining, visiting art galleries and museums, as well as boating, fishing, and kayaking.
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[edit] Quotes
Near the beginning of each episode of The New Yankee Workshop, Abram recites a standard monologue about safety. The exact wording has varied over the years, but most of the time it is substantially as follows:
- Before we use any power tools, let's take a moment to talk about shop safety. Be sure to read, understand, and follow all the safety rules that come with your power tools. Knowing how to use your power tools properly will greatly reduce the risk of personal injury. And remember this: there is no more important safety rule than to wear these — safety glasses. [He points at his aviator-style prescription glasses.]
[edit] Trivia
- The term "Normite", usually found in online woodworking forums, refers to woodworkers who make frequent or exclusive use of power tools. See Galoot.
- Abram was featured in the (currently) last episode of Freakazoid (episode 11, season 2).
- In this episode, The Lobe tempts Abram (spoken by Abram) into building a resonance instrument made of wood, which could destroy Freakazoid. If Abram would refuse to build the device, the Lobe threatens to destroy what looks like 1.2 cubic meter of, quote Lobe: ... finest Birch, not a flaw, not one imperfection ..." with a chain saw.
- Abram gives up, unable to face the consequences, and builds the device. Freakazoid, with help from Abram, defeats his arch enemy once again.
[edit] Notes
- ^ Abram's use of the term "Master carpenter" is informal, as the title does not officially exist in North America.
