I was wanting some input from everyone here. It doesn't matter if you're a carpenter or not.

Here's the deal...

I work as a fireman, which means I work every third day. Therefore I have 2 out of every 3 days off to do whatever.

I have been doing some house remodeling (my own) and discovered that I dearly love working with wood and such. I was a mechanic for 12 years, so I'm good with my hands anyway. It seems the wood work stuff is coming pretty easy to me though and I like sweating the details to make stuff perfect.

I'd like to become a trim carpenter on my off days. It seems they have a good gig going. I've already bought some very good tools and have the money to buy whatever else I'd need.

How should I learn the trade? Hire on as a helper or just jump in feet first?
How much money do these guys typically make?
What is better, remodeling and renovation or new construction?
Are there any legal things I need to be concerned with other than insurance to cover my boo-boo's?

Keep in mind, I will remain a fireman, I just want a sideline deal.

Thanks for your input,
Kevin

 

I am trim carpenter, and I prefer remodeling, it is harder, because you frequently have to fix other's mistakes, but IMO that is what makes it fun. I learned mostly as a helper, but it is mostly practice and patience once you learn the basics. I would reccomend getting a helper job for at least a little bit, and be upfront with them about what you want out of it, they will most likely be more than happy to give you some training.

 

I was a finish framer for 3 years and I really enjoyed it, I was working on very exspensive houses like 11mil. The most fun is when you are working with stain grade and every joint has to be right on. There alot of tricks that someone with exsperiance could teach you like coping and such, good luck.

 

You got that right!

 

Hey firefighter have you messed around with crown yet? If not when you do cut it backwards! My parents are building a new house right now and they are puttin in 5" Alder stain grade I wish that I had time to do the install.

 

JD Dearen, I'm definitely a rookie. I'd estimate my skill level on par with any production tract home stuff around here. I want to be a craftsman though, not a hack, and most production stuff around here looks shoddy.

I'm willing to pay my dues to learn the skills to do the job properly. I just need to figure out the best way to get my foot in the door.

 

I would try and get in with somebody for sure.

 

I agree, the diference in guys like me and JD as opposed to the guys that bang out base in tract homes is basically 3 things-
1. Caring
2. Attention to detail
3. Experience

I put experience last, because once you lean the basics, caring and paying attention to the little details is what really seperates the good trim guys, IMHO Lean the basics, and you will get the rest by caring.

 

How about a trade school? Then work as a helper and learn even more.

I would take this approach for mechanic, plumber, welder, etc.

Trade schools are usually inexpensive, and they provide a lot of valuable information.

 

My every 3rd day work schedule keeps me out of traditional school programs.

 

Oh yeah, I forgot you work 24 hour days... that would cause a problem.
I would try to get with an experienced carpenter and learn all you can though.

 

well i have done it and granted there are tricks of the trade on framing, remodeling and finish grade carpentry work. but i think you could learn what you need to learn from a book while you are on your fire fighting job. and go home and do a bit of practice to make sure you have the concept down pat. i have framed many a house and when people ask me how i learned i tell them to buy a swansons speed square. that little blue book that comes with it is worth a million dollars. and you have the free time at work to get one of the best education possible.

 

Gunracer, I've kept my eyes open in Weatherford for a long time and never seen your truck. You must stay off the main paths.

 

I would say that if you really enjoy woodworking don't make a job out of it. It will ruin your hobby. That being said doors, casings, and baseboard are easy and you can pretty much figure that stuff out on your own. Hanging cabinets and installing the scribe moulding is pretty easy too. The hardest thing you will run into is crown moulding. I saw a book at home depot on crown moulding. I didn't flip through it but for $17 it would probably be a good place to start. It's really easy to mess up crown moulding and at $7 and up per foot it can be a costly learning experience. A $17 book will save you time and money.

 

If you're interested in doing something, anything, with quality find someone who is good at it to coach you.

We've all heard the saying, "Practice makes perfect". That's not necessarily so, "PERFECT practice makes perfect". If you practice doing something wrong, you get real good at doing it wrong.