Finish Carpenter's Manual
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Whether you're an experienced finish carpenter with sawdust in your blood, or just beginning in the finish carpentry field, this manual is for you! The seasoned finish carpenter who wants to keep up-to-date will find the latest methods and tools, time-saving tips and shortcuts - based on the author's successful career as a master finish carpenter. And the step-by-step descriptions of the professional way to do a job will save the beginner time, frustration, lumber, and money.

This manual will become your favorite reference for all of these finish carpentry topics:

• Evaluating the job

• Choosing the best tools

• Selecting the right materials

• Preparing framing for finish work

• Installing door and window trim

• Applying ceiling and wall treatments

• Installing cabinets and fireplace surrounds

• Selecting, laying and finishing flooring

• Trimming out the stairs

• On-site troubleshooting

Every step is illustrated with clear photographs and drawings that show exactly how each job goes together. You'll learn how to do high-quality finish work that will build your reputation and keep you up to your tool belt in work.

And so that you're not working just for the fun of it, you'll find manhours for each kind of job. You'll know just how long it will take you to hang a door, install a lockset, or set door or window casings. You can estimate your jobs accurately and submit bids that will get you the job and a fair profit.

The final chapter explains how to establish and run your own subcontracting finishwork business. It includes sample forms, tips on finding work, and hints that will help you find, manage and keep a good crew.

The Author:

Jim Tolpin has been a professional woodworker for over twenty years, specializing in finish carpentry and custom cabinetmaking. His company, Interwood, has installed finish trim and built staircases and cabinets for scores of homes and businesses on both the East and West Coasts. His articles on cabinetmaking and finish carpentry have appeared in Fine Homebuilding, Fine Woodworking, Journal of Light Construction, CabinetMaker and a number of other magazines and books. He is also the author of Working at Woodworking (published by Taunton Press).

Introduction | Table of Contents | Preview A Chapter