Finish Carpenter's Manual
by Jim Tolpin

Chapter One

Modern Finish Carpentry

Finish carpenters today do some of the same work their grandfathers and great-grandfathers did 50 or 100 years ago. But construction changed dramatically during the 20th century. Techniques changed. Materials changed. The trades became more specialized. And some types of work simply vanished. For example, how long has it been since you carved the gooseneck for a handrail, built cabinets on site, or milled window sash?

Some tasks that were once considered finish carpentry aren't any more. Fitting exterior siding and trim were once finish carpentry. So was hanging windows and exterior doors. Now these jobs are usually done by framing contractors. And other jobs, such as hanging drywall or installing suspended ceilings, are now primarily done by specialty subcontractors.

Even so, there's plenty of work left for a good finish carpenter to do, and a good living to be made by doing it! It's important, however, to master (or at least have a thorough knowledge of) all the aspects of the trade, past and present. Even if you don't hang windows, you still have to know the difference between a window that's hung right and one that isn't. It's senseless to spend an hour carefully trimming out the interior of a window - and then have it yanked because the sash is misaligned. An old-timer who's mastered all the trade wouldn't make that mistake. And you shouldn't, either.

That's why I'll cover all the basics of finish carpentry in this manual. Some of this you'll use fairly seldom. But every professional finish carpenter (and that's you!) is expected to know it.

Finish Carpentry Skills

Finish carpenters need all the skills (and most of the tools) of a framing carpenter - and more besides. But, obviously, the trades are very different. For example, framers work in two dimensions - length and width. Cut it, stand it up, and nail it in place! Precise fitting is seldom practiced or needed.

On the other hand, we finish carpenters work in all three dimensions - length, width, and depth. Most of what we do requires precision fitting and careful installation.

A framer's work will be covered and forgotten long before a building is occupied. But what we do will be on display for the entire life of the building. The smooth, even surfaces we install have to fit right because they're always in full view. That means measuring and cutting must be precise. We have to calculate and cut compound angles exactly. We have to fit smooth trim pieces on rough textured surfaces that are neither plumb nor square. It takes skill to do that, skill to create a gap-free joint, skill to shape, smooth and fit wood until it's perfect. The finish carpenter carries a big burden. Dennis Calleson, a master of the trade, puts it this way: "A good finish carpenter is the conscience of the construction project."

Precise installation is the essence of finish carpentry. If you enjoy joining smooth, sleek surfaces to create a perfect match where materials meet, congratulations You have the makings of a true professional craftsman. You'll have no trouble absorbing (and applying) all the information between the covers of this book.

Scope of Modern Finish Carpentry

Even though perfect installation is the essence of finish carpentry, finish carpenters need more than installation skills. You'll find there are many times when the architect's plans and details won't show finish work details. It will be up to you to assume responsibility for layouts and joinery choices. You'll also have to write up bills of materials, develop cut lists, and on some jobs you may even have to design the trim elements from the ground up.

Here's a list of what I consider to be the scope of the modern carpenter's trade. It's also what I intend to cover in this manual.

1) Material take-off and layout of finish elements.

2) Preparation of interior surfaces to receive finish work.

3) Hanging and trim out of interior doors.

4) Trim out of interior window casings and jamb extensions.

5) Installation of running moldings such as base, cornice, chair and picture rails.

6) Installation of wainscoting, and other types of wall paneling.

7) Installation of wood strip or paneled ceilings, as well as applied beams,
posts and corbels.

8) Fabrication and installation of closet shelving and clothing poles.

9) Installation of wood flooring.

10) Installation of factory-made cabinetry.

11) Fabrication and installation of fireplace surrounds and mantels.

12) Installation of interior stairways and balustrades.

13) Installation and trim out of entry ways.

14) Installation of door and bathroom hardware.

Since almost nothing gets done in finish carpentry without the right tools, I'm going to begin by describing the tools you'll need. That's the topic for Chapter 2.