A Great Carpenter
A skilled carpenter can build an array of items from wood. The profession of carpentry is an ancient and rewarding one. These professionals can turn lumber into homes, furniture, cabinetry and boats. Timber and tools can come together in order to be transformed in a myriad of ways. This craftsman must have a treasure trove of skills, knowledge, vision and creativity. Not all carpenters, however, are the same. Many are classified by their specialization.
Some specialties include:
Framers: These workers get their name by their duties of framing houses and commercial structures. The frame of a building is much like a body’s skeleton. It is the backbone and the foundation of all the other components. A framer must be competent with measuring, sawing, leveling, hammering and reading blueprints and plans.
Finish carpenters: These wood workers focus on refined finish work that has detail and finesse. This is not a slap dash methodology but rather the final touches. Finish pros work on items such as furniture, floorings’ parquet design, structural models, musical instruments and toys. An artistic flair and exactitude is required for this segment of pros.
Cabinetmakers: Cabinetmakers must be able to put timber together not only beautifully but functionally, as well. Shelves, cupboards and drawers all fall into the classification to be made by cabinetmakers. Doors and drawers must fit exactly, in order to be able to open, close and slide effortlessly.
Trim Carpentry: Trim work is a specialty within itself. There is a certain knack to baseboards, crown molding, fireplace mantles, window and door trimming that requires a steady hand and good eye. Without this professional’s touch, buildings would look unfinished and sloppy.
Ship Carpenters: Boats and ships require a certain kind of timber working technology in order to make components sea worthy. These professionals must be properly trained in every aspect of “sink and float” mechanics.
Carpenters have been around for eons but the structures, tools and materials they work with have continued to evolve and change over the years. Tools have been redesigned to be ergonomically correct in order to protect physical well being; they have evolved to be more streamlined and powerful, as well.
Timber products have changed over the years, too. Because earth’s natural resources, including wood, are being depleted, those in the lumber trade are coming up with greener ways to produce wooden products without robbing the earth of all forests. Some examples are manufactured lumber, compressed wood by-products, fast growing timber such as bamboo and the practice of using reclaimed or recycled wood products from old salvaged buildings. Not only does this recycled material help our planet, it also gives personality to the products made from it. Many cool floors and furnishings have been made from old pickle and whiskey vats or the side of great-granny’s barn.
These professionals aren’t just born knowing how to build. Many learn from family members who were craftsmen and women before them and others complete apprenticeships in order to gather experience to become a highly skilled carpenter.
