Finish Carpenter's Manual
by Jim Tolpin
Sample Quote from Book:
"Finish carpenters today do some of the same work their grandfathers and great-grandfathers did 50 or 100 years ago..."
Topics:
standing moldings, protecting adjacent surfaces, groove wainscot, your pencil compass, running backing, stain grade work, return miter, butt mortise, skirt board, extension jambs, pinch sticks, leg levelers, pitch block, header jamb, running moldings, cope joint, closing board, panel wainscot, frieze board, striker side, jamb stock, scribe parallel, back bevel, jamb level, arched molding
What Customers Had to Say:
Finish Carpenter's Manual by Jim Tolpin
This is the finest "how to" book that I have ever read, regardless
of the subject matter or discipline covered. It pre-supposes nothing on
the part of the reader; it explains all techincal terms and techiniques
that are introduced into any discussion be it simple base moldings or
figuring return cuts for window aprons. Most importantly, everything presented
is useful to the average woodworker or wannabe woodworker with average
talent but above average desire.
The sad truth is that this fine book is but an introduction to a dying
art. In attempting to install (my first) window trim I read and re-read
all of the passages dealing with measuring the casings, determining the
width of the stool (sill?) and, best of all, how to make the necessary
cuts for the returns at the ends of the aprons.
At the same time I purchased this book I also purchased "Finish Carpentry"
which turned out to be a collection of articles from Fine Homebuilding
magazine showing finish carpentry in the homes of the wealthy and the
very wealthy including door casings made of molded plaster and arches
made of laminated mahogany, both of which I included in my baronial billiards
room (I wish!). Fortunately, there was one useful article on scribing
that happened to be written by Mr. Tolpin.
I recommend Mr. Tolpin's "Finish Carpenter's Manual" with great
enthusiasm.
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Carpenter? Own this book
The "Finish Carpenter's Manual" is for any carpenter from apprentice
to experienced journeyman that wants to keep up-to-date in the field of
finish work from prep work to installation.
The "Finish Carpenter's Manual" is a rare find, and deserves
Amazon's highest rating of 5 Stars.
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Best "How-To Manual" I own
This book is a great recource for professional finish carpenters learning the trade. Step by step instructions help simplify common finish carpentry tasks, each section contains a list of man-hours per job to aid in bidding and the book lay out is very friendly.
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Starting a New Carpentry Business, This Is The Book To Get
I started a new carpentry business a while ago. This book really helped me out. Business wise, from figuring manhours, to giving job estimates and to actualy earning money. Skillfull tips such as scribing a jambless window sill and coping crown moulding. I've read many books on this topic, but I have to say this is one of the "best".
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Great Business Advice
I am a retired aerospace engineer experiencing a "second life" as a woodworker/carpenter. Of all the finish carpentry books I have looked at, this one is better suited to the person going into the business (I am contemplating it). It offers a decent overview of the range of projects a carpenter will be called upon to do, and serves as a good general reference, though it takes on too wide a scope to go into much detail on all the topics it tackles. However, the last chapter, "Setting Up a Subcontractor Finishwork Business," is worth the cost of the book for someone who wants to learn about contracts, billing, and some of the management issues involved, which may be even more intimidating than the hands-on work. If you really get serious about the business, however, be sure to check out David Gerstel's "Builder's Guide to Running a Successfil Construction Company."
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The title says it all
This book is outstanding. It has already paid for itself many times over. If you're doing a finish carpentry project or even contracting one out, then this should be required reading.
This is a well-written manual that covers all aspects of finish carpentry including pricing your work. The advice is sound and this book has saved me from making a number of mistakes. The best part is that Mr. Tolpin is a fine writer and he even manages to make this an interesting read.
If you're interested in finish carpentry this is a great book for you. I read this book while a contractor was building a house for me -- I learned enough to get him to correct some framing and drywall problems that would have hurt me later. I also learned what to do before the drywall went on to save myself time when I added the chair and crown moldings.