???Question???

I can't beleive anyone with a name like dennisjp seems to think that a guy with a name like catspaw wouldn't know what one is.

I say what I mean and mean what I say.

Catspaws are more useful than a pry bar. The chisel can be used as a flat bar...and before you say it.....use the chisel as a flat bar, that's why it's called a "combat" chisel. And no, it's not meant for "fine" carpentry and should be respected and kept razor sharp all the time, etc. That is a whole different set of chisels.

Since he is just starting out he doesn't need a great big selection of stuff (although chisels often come in packs at a good price. So buying the pack is o.k. ) You don't want to be loading yourself up with a bunch of stuff weighing your belt down. Yes, you can keep the extras in a tool box. Fine.

But, He will be much better off saving his money at first and letting the job and his actions dictate what and when to buy stuff. I've seen so many people go out and buy a bunch of stuff thinking that's what they need to become a framer <----note: specifically saying framer. Remember, everybody else already has that stuff and you only need one between two guys( like a chaulkline), so somebody usually has something someone else doesn't. Don't worry dennisjp.....I too would still recommend a chaulkline...it was just an example.

Which reminds me, stay away from pawn shops for active tools (powered stuff pnuematic, electric, etc.) It's either stolen or the "junk" someone is trying to "pawn" off. For dennisjp's benefit....yes....I know there are sometimes good deals there and you've probably bought tons of stuff that lasted you for centuries.

This kinda goes along with the previous paragraph (which may be where the "good" deals come from.) But, when you're STARTING OUT, don't waste your time.

If he's really concerned about it, tell him to go around to different sites and talk to the leads and GC's. Tell them you don't have any experience. Tell them you may or may not have the right tools. That doesn't mean they won't hire you. They'll probably have some respect for you and the fact that maybe you're actually serious about becoming a carpenter. And BTW, if they do hire him, everybody will STILL harass him when he walks on with new tools and stuff. It's fun! Just hope they don't nail his hammer to the peak of a truss....it's kind of a double edge sword....you gotta have yer hammer to get the nail outta yer hamm....well you get it.

Also, for a newby, getting stuff from .....eechh...hate to even say it....sears...........
can be a good idea, since they'll replace stuff (particular items) for free without questions. Alittle money saved. Others do the same too. Check it when buying. It's a good back-up to have.

For anyone who thinks I don't know what a catspaw is you can check my site (URL below) and go to Enter Catspaw Carpentry under Lulu (that's Lulu my littlest in the graphic) and click on somethin' projects upper left menu...Current projects or whatever. Project Pages. there's 3. haven't updated for awhile.

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To find out what an Arborial Reconfiguration Specialist does visit http://home.bluemarble.net/~cmdrvoid/cpc.htm

Can I add a dirt bike to the list? It seems most people we meet riding, and our riding friends, are in construction. I think it's an easy way to write off the trailer or sparkly pickup for the toys(construction I mean)

It's a great way to meet people(network!!) and blow the sawdust out of yer nose!!!

Mmmmm, and start working out with weights, you wanna be able to swing that hammer or nail gun all day without wussin out

Good Luck!!!!

Again I would like to Thank all of you for all of your helpful advice.

Oh...there's all kinda goodies you can write-off. I like those new little 12v coolers you can keep your b....er...uh...sodas cold in for lunch. I know a guy that used to cook soup for lunch in the winter with a propane camping stove.

but I kinda like the bike thing.

__________________
To find out what an Arborial Reconfiguration Specialist does visit http://home.bluemarble.net/~cmdrvoid/cpc.htm

Sorry CatsPaw, but a thin flat pry bar kind of thing is a pry bar.
A cats paw is a cats paw
A pry bar is a pry bar
As I said, a cats paw is a round or hexogon rod that has been bent on the end and split open and ground down so you can dig under a nail by striking it with a hammer, to pull it out far enough to grab it with the claw on your hammer.
I small pry bar is made to tap, very lightly under trim, etc., to lossen it up to remove it, and it is made from flat steel.
I just thought it funny that with your screan name you didn't know the difference, but I do apologize for throwing the dirt in your face.
God Bless
Dennis

__________________
If some one has done something before,
You can also do it, if you find out how they did it

We have power tools, ancestors didn't

keep kicking the ball
it won't stop rolling

Dennis

I think the first step for your brother-in-law is to talk to a carpenter, work with him in order to gain some experience.

Frank I'll try to say this real nice since I'm now dubbed as mean, but does BIL have any experience at all in this field? Lots of folks are giving some really good advice, but my first though was that if he didn't have a clue as to what tools he needed some other issues needed to be dealt with first. Maybe it is just me and the way I'm reading the post.
As for a pointer have him get some flat pencils (fella used to sell them by the box on Ebay). They're soft lead and since they're flat they won't roll away if you lay them down.

__________________
~Only the rocks live forever~

I can't for the life of me figure out why you are dubbed as mean. Pure ------- would seem to fit better.

__________________
If some one has done something before,
You can also do it, if you find out how they did it

We have power tools, ancestors didn't

keep kicking the ball
it won't stop rolling

Dennis

Agreed...Anyone who has ever built anything should have an idea already of basic tool requirements. Anyone who has to ask about tools might want to start out by building a tool shed. By the time you get that done, you'll have the basic tools for carpentry...and maybe a few skills as well...

__________________
"The most beautiful system of the sun, planets and comets, could only proceed from the counsel and dominion of an intelligent and powerful Being." - Sir Isaac Newton
(A REAL scientist)

Dashing?? Why thankee.

__________________
~Only the rocks live forever~

I was thinking pure...common sense...
pure...amazement that someone has to ask about tools
pure...raw guts and courage to state the obvious...

Go ahead Willy...be a Pure--------

Yer one of the best!

__________________
"The most beautiful system of the sun, planets and comets, could only proceed from the counsel and dominion of an intelligent and powerful Being." - Sir Isaac Newton
(A REAL scientist)

Torpedoe level....has anyone suggested a torpedoe level. Must have a torpedoe level.

[since this has become a bashing thread, I figured I'd just mosey on by that stuff and get back to HELPING the poster of this thread.]

Forget the fancy ones. Buy a cheap one. (he'll be glad the first time he sees it bounce off the concrete floor from two stories up.) Torpedoes are for just getting the general of level and not for real precise work, so cheap is good.

so basically:

belt
hammer
speed square
chaulk line
chisel
Tape measure
Utility knife and 100 pack of blades
Pencils
Levels
Small tool box
Assorted tools small hand tools for general repair (Phillips, flat screw drivers, pliers, spares)
Maybe a circular saw if he really starts pitching a tent for one.
25' or 50' 12 gauge extension cord


That should get him framing. Everything else is for other stuff which he can acquire as needed.

__________________
To find out what an Arborial Reconfiguration Specialist does visit http://home.bluemarble.net/~cmdrvoid/cpc.htm

Bolezy, you don't own any common sense. If you do it has already spoiled.
Look, I don't want to start butting heads with you again, but we are trying to help this boy out so he will turn in to a good young man.
It is easy to see he has no experiance, but he's man enought to ask for help so he can get started out right.
He probably isn't 17, 18, 19 year old. When I was a kid, the younger people helped out older people and the older people helped out the younger kids.
Is there something in your head that can't figure out we need to help the kids out, wheather they are red, green, pink, purple, black or white.
I thought that was what this site was all about. Working together and helping each other, and not being a sh@# he@# to each other.
I'll be right back.

__________________
If some one has done something before,
You can also do it, if you find out how they did it

We have power tools, ancestors didn't

keep kicking the ball
it won't stop rolling

Dennis

Now ain't that something?????????????????

__________________
If some one has done something before,
You can also do it, if you find out how they did it

We have power tools, ancestors didn't

keep kicking the ball
it won't stop rolling

Dennis

How much common sense does it take to read what has been said before and be nice to the kids.

Now leave the kid alone before I come through the wires on our computors and pinch your nose off.
Have a nice day.

__________________
If some one has done something before,
You can also do it, if you find out how they did it

We have power tools, ancestors didn't

keep kicking the ball
it won't stop rolling

Dennis

These threads help more than just young kids. I'm 45 years old, and have worked as a carpenter's hepler on construction sites (albeit 20 years ago ) and I am not ashamed to admit that a comprehensive list of tools from experienced carpenters is a valuable bit of knowledge for me. Heck, I have even started a shopping list based on the posts on this thread. Nothing worse than having to stop and run to the store for a tool because you didn't know you needed one. Worse yet, to struggle through a job because you don't even know that the perfect tool you need is sitting on the shelf.

So a personal thanks to all who have contributed to this thread. You rock!

Ya know dennis...I read the posts...this guy might be 50 for all we know...but since he complimented you a time or 2 for your help, he's now "Your Boy" and everyone should hush.

When I was 16 years old, I was working a man's job, around hard men at a trucking company that hauled coal. The men there treated me like one of their own...not a baby. I got quite a bit of good-natured ribbing.

As far as consistently acting like a Sh@# HE@# on HT forums, you're the most consistent one I know.

Heaven help the guy who ever laughs or contradicts you. Sorry, but I'll speak my mind...even without your approval.

By the way, Boys are fine, but a boy ain't much use in a man's world.

(That's one of the "Teasing" things I often heard on the job when I was 16...It didn't hurt me, it was good-natured fun)

__________________
"The most beautiful system of the sun, planets and comets, could only proceed from the counsel and dominion of an intelligent and powerful Being." - Sir Isaac Newton
(A REAL scientist)

Didnt read all the post but he,ll need a good sturdy pair of work boots. He needs a firm solid footing and protection. DH has been in the carpentry business for 50 years and he insists on that with his guys. NO TENNIS shoes......

__________________
suz

My instinks tell me he will make a great carpenter!

I'm going to go out on a limb and tell you it's time to come indoors! Especially if you live where the bad weather is expected.

Wow, you know I’m not really sure what to say Boleyz. The views you are expressing are surprisingly narrow minded and more than just a little stuck up. First of all, My BIL is the one that is looking at being a carpenter, not me and yes, he is clueless. He is smart enough to look to those more experienced than him for advice on where to start. Instead of sitting on his butt saying, “Well, Gee wiz. I don’t know anything about being a carpenter so I should just give up. Heck, I don’t really know much about most jobs. Maybe I should just live with my Mom and Dad forever.”

I am sorry that you were working in a “man’s job” at 16, but my BIL was lucky enough to be able to wait a few years before having to jump into adult responsibilities.

As for myself, Yes, I have been an electrician’s helper for a year and a half. This was a career change for me. I was a trucker and on the road for a good many years, but after my son was born I decided it was time for me to stick a little closer to home. Despite what ever you may like to think, boy is a word that hasn’t described me in a long time. I also have done roofing through most of my teen years and off and on since then.

I think that before the next time you decide to be rude and condescending, perhaps you should find out more about the person you are choosing to look down your nose at.

Or if that is too difficult, just stick to the old adage, “If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.”