Carpentry
(Builders of structures)

Researched by Camdon A.
2002-03
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Research Summary
A carpenter is a person who builds structures and buildings. They cut and shape their materials to the dimensions of the plans or blue prints. 

Job Responsibilities

Carpenters have to follow a "basic steps" plan. Carpenters do this first to look over blue prints, to determine the dimensions of structures, and the materials to use. Carpenters must follow the code set by the state they are working in. The code modifies how the structures should be built. Carpenters frame and install rafters, joists, sub flooring, windows, hardwood floors, staircases, shelves, cabinets, and trim. Carpenters have to do "precise workmanship" because when they are done the project has to look good and be safe.

Employment

"Carpenters, the largest group of building trades workers, held about 1.2 million jobs in 2000. One-third worked for general building contractors, 20 percent worked for special trade contractors, and 12 percent worked in heavy construction. Most of the remainder worked for manufacturing firms, government agencies, wholesale and retail establishments, or schools. More than one-fourth of all carpenters were self-employed." (This information came from "The Occupational Outlook Handbook" ) There are currently 45,000 carpenters  in Washington .

Work Schedule

A carpenter does not have a fixed work schedule. They only have a schedule when someone needs the job done by a certain time or if they have another job to go to.

Were They Work

Carpenters work inside and out depending on what kind of work is being done. For example, if a carpenter is putting in a cabinet he would work inside and when putting on a roof he would work outside.
Specific Kinds of Carpentry
There are two kinds of carpentry, one is rough and one is finish. The rough carpenters do the work that is not seen. They make the frame of the house or building. Finish carpenters do the work that is seen. They make cabinets, windows, and flooring.

Tools and Materials

A lot of tools used now are power tools. The majority of them are drills, saws, planes, table saws, routers, joiners, air nailers and compressors. Carpenters still use other hand tools,  hand  saws, chalk lines, rulers, framing squares, chisels, and hammers.
Carpenters use all kind of wood and plastics for materials. Common kinds of wood used are oak, maple, cedar, birch, pine, fin, and redwood. 
 
 

Good and Bad Aspects

There are many good and bad aspects related to carpentry. One good thing is you decide the hours you work and you work outside in nice weather. Some bad things are you don’t much get vacation, there is not a guarantee of work, and you work during bad weather (heat, cold, snow, rain).

Schooling and Training

If you are planning to become a carpenter you should take math classes, algebra, geometry, woodworking and drawing. To be a carpenter you don’t need to be a high school graduate but you should plan to become one. On the job training is provided in some places but if your team is pressed for time they are probably not going to be willing to spend the time. 
 

Beginning pay  as a carpenter is about $12,320. Most carpenters after being with carpentry for 4 years usually earn about $30,800 a year. If you were to stay with the same contractor for 
8-10 years you get another raise that brings you to about $50,000+ a year. "In 2000, median hourly earnings of carpenters were $15.69. The middle 50 percent earned between $11.99 and $20.86. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $9.48, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $26.73. Median hourly earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of carpenters in 2000 are shown below:

Masonry, stonework, and plastering $19.27
                                    Nonresidential building construction $17.43
                                    Heavy construction, except highway $16.74
                                    Carpentry and floor work             $15.51 
                                    Residential building construction $15.26

(This information came from "The Occupational Outlook Handbook") 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Who I Interviewed And What I Learned
My interviewee was Hershel Corbin. I interviewed him at 1611 Gibson (his house). I think that he was a good person to interview because he answered most of my questions and taught me a lot about carpentry. He told me that he was a "specialty contractor" and that he had been involved with carpentry for about 21 years. He is currently involved with carpentry by remolding, roofing, siding, and hanging doors. Hershel told me that the major problems facing carpentry are people who hire don’t have insurance or licenses (proper bond). I would like to thank Hershel for letting me interview him. He was a great help. 
Bibliography

"Carpenters". Career Discovery Encyclopedia. 2002

Jared, Alva H. "Carpentry" The World Book Encyclopedia. 2002

Morks, Andrew Furgunson’s Career In Focus Chicago, Illinois. Furgunsons Publishing Company 2001 pages 5-8 

Sheldon, Roger. "Wood Working" Microsoft Encarta Encyclopedia Deluxe. 2001

U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook. "Carpenters" February 27, 2003. <http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos202.htm>

 

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