Essential Skills to Become a Successful Carpenter
Information
Being able to understand the brief of a prospective client is an essential part of being a great carpenter. Both understanding and then being able to communicate your varied options and ideas back to the client is so very important. Here at Carpenta we also like to produce 3-D drawings to help prospective clients to visualise their projects.
Numeracy
Carpenters need to understand mathematical elements including trigonometry, geometry, algebra and calculations. For instance, a lot of our work involves fitted wardrobes which often follow the angle of the roof line. Here trigonometry could be used to define the relationships between fitted wardrobe components which should be plumb and the triangulation this forms with the angle of a pitched roof. Carpenters also use mathematics to determine area, volume, diameter and circumference. Probably the most used maths skills would be the addition, subtraction, division and multiplication of every day measurements.
Creativity
Often an overlooked requirement, the ability to run with imaginative idea and turn it into reality is a tremendous carpentry asset to have and can sometimes make yourself, your company and your project stand head and shoulders above everyone else. To perceive an original brief or idea and further enhance that with artistic, creative flair can also be very rewarding and gives exceptional levels of satisfaction knowing that the end user or customer has got everything they wanted and more.
Experience
It can be said that “Experience is knowledge or skill in a particular job or activity that you have gained because you have done that job or activity for a long time.”
When I served my apprenticeship over 3 years, part of the process was to be placed with an older more experienced carpenter. I would glean information from them by watching how they constructed wardrobes, hung doors, built alcove cupboards and fitted kitchens. Then after a period of time, I would be placed with another carpenter who invariably had different techniques and skills.
I would perhaps learn alternative skills and approaches that could have been used to expedite woodworking tasks. All the while gaining considerable experience and woodworking knowledge.
Health and Strength
Of course the tradesperson needs a high degree of physical strength bridled with stamina and good health. Certain aspects of carpentry such as pitching roofs can be physically demanding and requires a certain amount of dexterity. Handling large sections of constructional timber, some being very dense like Oak framing components, quickly saps strength and eventually slows down productivity.
Physical activity and exercise of course helps greatly to improve health and stamina within the work place and conditions the body and mind to withstand the rigours of working physically and mentally.
We at Carpenta are based close to Thame, OX9, Oxfordshire and offer carpentry jobs and services to the following areas, Thame, Long Crendon, Haddenham, Princes Risborough, Wendover, Aylesbury, Tring, Brill, High Wycombe, Marlow, Beaconsfield, Chalfont St. Peter and in deed most parts of Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire. If you would like some inspiration for your project, visit our Houzz profile.