A carpenter is someone who works with wood. They can make furniture, build houses, and do other things with wood. A lot of carpenters learn their trade through an apprenticeship, but there are also some schools that offer carpentry training. The main duties of a carpenter are to cut, shape, and assemble wood.
Follow blueprints and building plans to meet the needs of clients
Carpenters interpret blueprints and building plans to calculate materials needed, plan the steps of a project and set a timeline for completion. They build scaffolding and other working platforms to gain access to the upper levels of a structure under construction.
Most carpenters are generalists who perform many tasks, such as measuring, cutting and shaping wood, installing drywall or insulation, fitting doors and windows or creating custom built-ins. Some specialize in specific areas of carpentry, such as cabinetmaking, trim work or framing.
Carpentry is one of the oldest trades in human history. Carpentry skills were developed by early humans to create shelters, tools and hunting implements. In ancient Egypt, carpenters built ships for transportation up and down the Nile River. In Europe during the Middle Ages, knights were often required to be skilled in carpentry so they could build siege engines used in battle.
Today’s carpenters use modern tools and equipment but still rely on their skill and experience to complete projects efficiently and safely.
Construct and install building frameworks, including walls, floors, and doorframes
Carpenters typically work in the construction industry on residential or commercial projects. They may also work in other industries such as manufacturing or timber production. Carpenters generally work full time; however, some may work part time or overtime to meet project deadlines.
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The majority of carpenters are employed in the construction of new buildings; however some may find employment repairing or renovating existing structures. In either case they must first measure the area to be worked on and calculate the amount of materials required. They then select the correct type of wood for the job at hand – taking into account factors such as strength, durability, and resistance to rot or pests. Once they have the necessary materials they cut them to size using hand saws, power saws or machines such as lathes before shaping them into the required form using chisels,, hammers,, planes,, files,, routers,, sandpaper,, screws,, nails & staples,. Once all pieces are ready they are assembled using glue,,,, clamps & braces,. Once dry,,,,the final product is given a finish using varnish., paint., stains., oils., waxes & dyes.. Carpentry is a physically demanding job that requires good stamina as well as strength and coordination to lift heavy pieces of wood and operate power tools safely. Carpenters must also have good eyesight and color vision in order correctly match different types of woods together when creating products such as furniture.. Most carpenters learn their trade through an apprenticeship program lasting 3-4 years during which they receive on-the-job training under experienced journeyman carpenters as well academic instruction in subjects such as blueprint reading,,,, safety regulations & first aid,. Some programs also require completion of an Associate’s degree before beginning an apprenticeship..
Carpenters start out earning lower wages but with experience can earn salaries upwards of $60 per hour plus benefits.. Some car pen teers unionize which gives them added protections & perks such as better working conditions & pay raises,. Being part of a union often requires passing an entrance exam