CarpentersCarpenters are involved in many different kinds of construction activity. They cut, fit, and assemble wood and other materials for the construction of buildings, highways, bridges, docks, industrial plants, boats, and many other structures. Carpenters� duties vary by type of employer. Builders increasingly are using specialty trade contractors who, in turn, hire carpenters who specialize in just one or two activities. Such activities include setting forms for concrete construction; erecting scaffolding; or doing finishing work, such as installing interior and exterior trim. However, a carpenter directly employed by a general building contractor often must perform a variety of the tasks associated with new construction, such as framing walls and partitions, putting in doors and windows, building stairs, laying hardwood floors, and hanging kitchen cabinets. Carpenters also build brattices (ventilation walls or partitions) in underground passageways to control the proper circulation of air through these passageways and to worksites. Because local building codes often dictate where certain materials can be used, carpenters must know these regulations. Each carpentry task is somewhat different, but most involve the same basic steps. Working from blueprints or instructions from supervisors, carpenters first do the layout—measuring, marking, and arranging materials. They cut and shape wood, plastic, fiberglass, or drywall, using hand and power tools, such as chisels, planes, saws, drills, and sanders. They then join the materials with nails, screws, staples, or adhesives. In the final step, carpenters check the accuracy of their work with levels, rules, plumb bobs, and framing squares, and make any necessary adjustments. When working with prefabricated components, such as stairs or wall panels, the carpenter�s task is somewhat simpler than above, because it does not require as much layout work or the cutting and assembly of as many pieces. Prefabricated components are designed for easy and fast installation and generally can be installed in a single operation. Carpenters who remodel homes and other structures must be able to do all aspects of a job—not just one task. Thus, individuals with good basic overall training are at a distinct advantage, because they can switch from residential building to commercial construction or remodeling work, depending on which offers the best work opportunities. Carpenters employed outside the construction industry perform a variety of installation and maintenance work. They may replace panes of glass, ceiling tiles, and doors, as well as repair desks, cabinets, and other furniture. Depending on the employer, carpenters install partitions, doors, and windows; change locks; and repair broken furniture. In manufacturing firms, carpenters may assist in moving or installing machinery. (For more information on workers who install machinery, see the discussion of millwrights as well as industrial machinery installation, repair, and maintenance workers, except millwrights, elsewhere in the Handbook.) Related news articles Carpenter says Ravlich job safe - 16 Oct 2006 Sunday Times.au,Alan Carpenter said today he believed Ms Ravlich had acted promptly and appropriately when she found out what the report contained late last week. ... Carpenter opens public relations business - 16 Oct 2006 Sarasota Herald-Tribune,Scott Carpenter has opened Carpenter Public Relations, serving Sarasota and the greater Tampa Bay area. Carpenter, a 16-year counselor ... Carpenter patent reveals new LED control technology - 16 Oct 2006 LEDs Magazine,Carpenter Decorating has patented a fundamentally new and different LED lighting control method for networking color-variable decorative LED lighting. ... Are Conservatives Prepared to Stop the Hillary Clinton Possible ... - 16 Oct 2006 FOX NewsI'm shocked. Joining us now, the author of this book, Amanda Carpenter. ... AMANDA CARPENTER, AUTHOR: This is absolutely not a smear piece. COLMES: Oh, come on. ... Personnel shifts fail to pay off - 16 Oct 2006 St. Louis Post-Dispatch,So coach Scott Linehan went with Dwaine Carpenter, who had been with the team since the start of training camp — except for a week's hiatus earlier this ... Is This Your Cy Young? - 16 Oct 2006 Kentucky Sports ReportOswalt and Carpenter posted the best overall numbers, but did not log as many innings as some of the other workhorse candidates. ... Tours impress visitors - 16 Oct 2006 Corsicana Daily Sun,...“It’s tremendous,�? said Rex Carpenter, who said he and his wife voted to approve the $44 million bond package that paid for the improvements. ... Theme parkgoers dine with derring-do, disgust - 16 Oct 2006 Los Angeles Daily News,..."It was a total hit," park spokeswoman Sue Carpenter said. "We were amazed.". ... "He was the only one that finished," Carpenter said. ... Ringolsby: Postseason Insider, Oct. 16 - 16 Oct 2006 Rocky Mountain News,Chris Carpenter is the ace of the staff. ... Carpenter worked 221 2/3 innings during the regular season, kicking in his $8 million option for next season. ... All-terrain vehicle crashes, injuring one - 16 Oct 2006 Cherry Hill Courier Post,...authorities said. Sidney L. Jackson of Carpenter Street was airlifted to Cooper University Hospital in Camden. Jackson lost control ... Sea of pink equals funds to fight cancer - 16 Oct 2006 Troy Record,...teachers' union. Making Strides has steadily grown over the years, said Karen Carpenter-Palumbo, the regional vice president for ACS. It ... Carpenter inconsistent - Oct 15, 2006 Rotoworld.comCowboys first-round linebacker Bobby Carpenter has reportedly been inactive on game days due to a lack of consistency. Dallas has ... Carpenter haunts Jays - Oct 13, 2006 SLAM! Sports,...rainout. "This time of the year, you've got to be ready for change," Carpenter told reporters. "You've got to be ready for anything. ... Cardinals need Carpenter to stay perfect - Oct 13, 2006 MSNBCIn his postseason career, Chris Carpenter has been nearly automatic for the St. Louis Cardinals. The ace will try to help St. Louis ... Cards overcomes Carpenter’s NLCS mistakes - Oct 13, 2006 MSNBCNEW YORK - Chris Carpenter was way off his Cy Young form. For a change, St. ... He didn’t think that would apply with Carpenter on the mound. ... More information on Carpenters from The U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook Overview of Carpenters occupation Number of Carpenters in the U.S. Salary and earnings for Carpenters Working conditions for Carpenters Significant points for Carpenters Training requirements for Carpenters Labor Information Home | Occupational data by city | Search Rainforests | Madagascar | What's new |