Carpentry is the skill of using wood and other materials to cut, shape, and install building materials in a variety of ways. It includes work on buildings, bridges, timber ships and other structures as well as concrete formwork.
Traditionally, a carpenter learns the trade through formal training which consists of a period of on-the-job experience and classroom instruction. This is called an apprenticeship and in some countries, a carpenter may complete one to four years of this and be considered a journeyman.
Rough carpentry
Rough carpentry is a job that requires a lot of experience and skill. It involves erecting the frame for homes, office buildings and other structures. This job also requires a great deal of time management and patience.
The frame of a building is the first thing that people see and this means that it needs to be sturdy enough to withstand the weight of everything else that is attached to it. This is why it’s so important to hire a professional rough carpenter to help you with your construction project.
On a daily basis, rough carpenters use tools such as handsaws, power saws, and woodworking machines to cut timbers and plywood to the proper size and mark cutting lines on materials. They also use bolts, nails, and steel cables to join or hold these construction materials in place. They are on the lookout for any flaws or potential causes of error, and they make sure that all of the work is done properly.
Scenic carpentry
If you have a passion for entertainment and carpentry, you might be interested in becoming a scenic carpenter. This career involves creating sets and stage pieces for live productions, including concerts, plays, talent shows, and other events.
A theater scenic carpenter builds these sets and stage elements according to models and blueprints from the set designer and tech director. They may also work with other tradespeople on the set.
Depending on the size of the theater and its needs, this job can be very specialized. It can include building and installing various components of a theater’s set, such as floors, stairs, doors, and dividers.
While each shop and theatre will have its own way of working, there are some common processes that can be used to ensure consistent and high quality results for scenic construction. These practices include interpreting design, model boxes and drawings; developing accuracy, finish and consistency; practical workshop mathematics and geometry; and fitting ironmongery.
Cabinet makers
Cabinet makers fabricate and install custom woodwork in commercial, residential, institutional, and retail construction. They use a combination of traditional hand tools and precision machinery to produce trim, molding, cabinetry and shelving, doors, windows, exposed columns and beams, displays, mantels and staircases.
In addition to the skill and equipment used for cutting, shaping, gluing and assembling wood products, they have the ability to work with metal, plastics and glass. They also possess the skills to safely operate machinery such as power saws, jointers and mortisers.
Finish carpentry
Finish carpenters specialize in making and installing decorative wood trim, such as door and window casings, mantels, crown mouldings, baseboards and other items of ornamental work. They also build furniture and other household items, such as cabinets.
Rough and finish carpenters may use blueprints to determine the amount and type of materials needed for a particular project. They then cut these materials to size and assemble them as elements of a larger structure.
A carpenter may also create the timber formwork into which concrete is poured when building bridges, highway overpasses, and other structures. Carpenters are often employed through apprenticeship programs in places such as the United Kingdom, United States and Canada.
Door Fitting: It’s crucial that doors hang and swing properly, as well as latch easily. This is where finish carpenters must be especially skilled. For example, they must carve a shallow pocket for hinges in the door jamb so that doors open and close smoothly. They must also accurately line up the strike plate for the latch.
