What is the bare bones that a carpenter needs?

[marslawn]

Let me just say that I love this Site!

I Love to get tools and have tools, I mean my shop is plumb full of tools. When ever I would read about a new tool that came out, I would have to get it.

I have been thinking lately about what would really need to survive. I dont do carpentry for a living and I dont do it that often anymore, but when I do it is nice to have good tools and the right tools.

Here is my list....

Strait claw hammer
Good sharp handsaw
Tool belt
3/4 chisel
Small hand plane
Pencil
Side cutter
Speed square
crow foot
Tin snips
Nail set
Utility knife
Plumb/ chalk box
Angle finder
Worm drive saw ( good blade and demo blade)
Sawzall
Cordless drill
2ft level

What did I forget?

 

[woody 73]

Re: What is the bare bones that a carpentar needs?

Wow good list

On the tool belt let me suggest one with small steel rings (4) that comes with a belt suspenders/or you can just buy the snap type suspenders(like old aligator clips); but I like the new design better.

You will want one of those drills that drill at right angles that can get between studs.

pick up a small pancake air compressor and look out for nail guns that can have smaller air requirements.

They make some great electronic measurement tools that will measure in any direction; you lay it on the floor and it reads off the measurements.

pick up one of those electronic calculators that help you with buying materials and figure out your angles.

They make some great tool pouches for your tool belt buy the one with a magnet to hold your nails.

Woody

 

[Polski-Chevy]

Re: What is the bare bones that a carpentar needs?

Good list going, I'll add a few...

Storage for screws, nails, cabinet hardware, etc with the individual boxes like this...
http://www.lowes.com/pd_212419-82673-212419_0__?productId=1234193&Ntt=stanley+storage+box&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNtt%3Dstanley%2Bstorage%2Bbox&facetInfo=

A couple of different pry bars or flat bars.

A set of levels, stabila is real good, need 8' to 2' for construction.

Jigsaw & impact driver, I would try to get the same battery pack as your drill so you have extra charger & batteries.

A couple good extension cords (50 & 100ft).

Adjustable wrench set.

Depending on what carpentry work, a frame & a trim gun.

I could keep going but those basics

 

[CTyankee]

Re: What is the bare bones that a carpentar needs?

Seems like you're headed in the right direction.

Sure it was just an oversight...but don't forget a tape measure.

+1 on the impact driver and some of the rest mentioned...

I'd get a regular skill saw before a worm drive..but that's an individual preference.

Orbital sander, framing square and a good set of drill bits...or a bunch of crappy ones..

I'm sure I'll get flamed for this..but grab a HF Multimaster knock-off for 20 bucks...I got about 3 years out of mine before I had to replace it...amazing the uses you can find for it once you own one.

 

[zuk123]

Re: What is the bare bones that a carpentar needs?

I'd add a phillips and big flat blade screwdriver (not a long one, just big).

An 8inch level.

Measuring tape (25 or 30, 12 if you are only doing small stuff.)

Depending on the type of carpentry:

Framing square.

20oz framing hammer.

Folding hand saw (pull type- I carried one and used it all the time. Sometimes it is way faster than getting out a power saw.)

Hand plane should be a block plane.

Ratchet with 7/16, 1/2, and 9/16 deep sockets - will cover 95% of needs.

6" wide mouth adjustable wrench.

(in toolbox)- 10" adjustable wrench, full size channel lock pliers.

- Homemade sanding block to fit belt sander belts, one end tapered.

- Normal size vise grip and small needlenose vise grip- 1 each.

I worked in a shop and on site with those plus your list for years. There is always something to add, but mostly that will depend on the type of work.

good luck!

zuk

 

[TommyK]

Re: What is the bare bones that a carpentar needs?

OK I gotta say it. The number 1 thing a carpentar needs is to be able to spell carpenter.

Sorry that wasn't much help was it?

awl

4 in hand rasp

coping saw

combination square

sheetrock saw

t-bevel

thin 1 1/2" putty knife

tin snipes

end nippers

dykes

 

[marslawn]

Re: What is the bare bones that a carpentar needs?

OK I gotta say it. The number 1 thing a carpentar needs is to be able to spell carpenter.

Sorry I will go in and edit. Spelling is not my strong area.

Thanks

 

[marslawn]

Re: What is the bare bones that a carpentar needs?

I guess it wont let me. Oh well.

Thanks

 

[AL`]

Re: What is the bare bones that a carpentar needs?

Pretty good list. I'd add a plumb bob and some clamps of some kind to what others have already posted. Not really sure if you consider it part of the tool list per se, but some kind of sawbench/sawhorse/portable bench. Many schools of thought on holding a workpiece.

 

[sberry]

Re: What is the bare bones that a carpentar needs?

Yes, dykes and pair of number 9 linemans pliers.

 

[dgreen1069]

Re: What is the bare bones that a carpentar needs?

Mitre Saw!!!

 

[Outlawmws]

Re: What is the bare bones that a carpentar needs?

I guess it wont let me. Oh well.

Thanks

You should be able to in an advanced edit of the first post.

 

[Outlawmws]

Re: What is the bare bones that a carpentar needs?

My contribution: an aluminum straight edge guide for the Skill saw. I have two the are a bi over 8 ft long but can also be split into two halves which is nice for smaller pieces of Plywood. Oh year two C clamps to hold the straight edge when used for cutting.

 

[ADSR]

Re: What is the bare bones that a carpentar needs?

Good 4' level is a must. It's my main tool as a carpenter. Make sure you test the level in the store before you buy it.

 

[Gregg33]

Re: What is the bare bones that a carpentar needs?

I'll echo what others indicated and add a couple, impact driver, mitre saw, 4' or 6 ft level, tape measures (yes plural so when you misplace 1 you won't get held up lol), framing square, set of chiesels (not just the 3/4") portable compressor and a framing and/ or finishing nailer, drill bits including spade bits and hole saws and a sledge hammer (for demolition or aligning stuff).

 

[Justanoldguy]

Re: What is the bare bones that a carpentar needs?

I'll echo what others indicated and add a couple, impact driver, mitre saw, 4' or 6 ft level, tape measures (yes plural so when you misplace 1 you won't get held up lol), framing square, set of chiesels (not just the 3/4") portable compressor and a framing and/ or finishing nailer, drill bits including spade bits and hole saws and a sledge hammer (for demolition or aligning stuff).

Yep, chiesels are important ..
Don't forget a lunchbox and most importantly .. a first aid kit.

 

[AL`]

Re: What is the bare bones that a carpentar needs?

My contribution: an aluminum straight edge guide for the Skill saw. I have two the are a bi over 8 ft long but can also be split into two halves which is nice for smaller pieces of Plywood. Oh year two C clamps to hold the straight edge when used for cutting.

That is one of the primary reasons I was thinking of when I listed clamps. Glad you spelled it because I should've, but didn't. And of course, clamps come in handy for a host of other work holding jobs.

 

[boiler7904]

Re: What is the bare bones that a carpentar needs?

Not sure exactly what type of work you want to do but I would add these to the list:

Combination square
Compass - use it as a scribe too
Extra bits / blades for each power tool
Tri-tap power cord
Pocket hole jig - not required but makes life a lot easier
Trim router and basic set of bits
Air hoses if going with pneumatic nailers - i like flexzilla when working inside since they're non-marking
Saw Horses or other work support
2' and 6' Stepladders
Extension Ladder?
Small Rolling Scaffold?
Wet/dry vac, broom, dustpan and trashcan for cleanup

 

[JeremyManning]

Re: What is the bare bones that a carpentar needs?

X2 framing square, there are some brass attachments that screw onto the square for making multiple quick lines for stairs or rafters which I find handy, I use a regular Makita skill saw not worm gear, also a 12" miter saw for trim, decking etc, I also have a small router again for decks and a jig saw and a small portable tablesaw for ripping plywood. Oh and a chalk line plus tape measures as other have mentioned some have a guarantee if they break like fatmax.

 

[The Boss]

Re: What is the bare bones that a carpentar needs?

X2 framing square, there are some brass attachments that screw onto the square for making multiple quick lines for stairs or rafters which I find handy, I use a regular Makita skill saw not worm gear, also a 12" miter saw for trim, decking etc, I also have a small router again for decks and a jig saw and a small portable tablesaw for ripping plywood. Oh and a chalk line plus tape measures as other have mentioned some have a guarantee if they break like fatmax.

I don't like how the worm drives torque up and they are heavy - some will swear by them but I won't and on most jobs you'll find regular circular saws.

 

[zuk123]

"BAREBONES" was covered by the first few posts. The additions are all useful and good recommendations, but might be a little bit more than "barebones."

Start with the hand tools in your belt and a small box or bag. Most framers will need their own skil saw too (and cords and blades). Everyone could use a screwgun (impact type are awesome power for the weight. Get at least one extra battery.)

Beyond that, it's all about adding stuff as you can, and the things that the more experienced guys working around you have. Concentrate on the stuff that makes you better/faster at the work, and more valuable to your employer.


I started with the tools in my belt and bag from the first few posts plus a screwgun. I added a skil saw, then a good jigsaw. I added more specialized tools as I went. Eventually, I had a pretty good setup that fit in a 2x2x3ft Knack box. One day another carp asked me "why do you always get the good/fun/challenging jobs?" I answered simply that I had the tools to do the jobs and that he could do them too if he would quit blaming others and buy some tools. So he did, and he started getting interesting jobs in the shop too.

It would help us provide some more recommendations if you could tell us a little more about the circumstances that caused you to ask... are you starting out, want to be a contractor, home shop???

zuk

 

[BWS]

Framing sq(Stanley "100" or equiv) and a calculator.....and if you don't know what every last number/scale is on the sq....buy a book.

And snag a nice 100' tape.

+1 on a handsaw...."overuns" with circ saw on inside cuts(stairs,rafters etc) are bad Ju-Ju!!!! And the number one sign of jack-legged-ness.

 

[the1nonlyjl]

coffee or budweiser lol

and leatherman deluxe/swiss army...

 

[Justanoldguy]

Having all the tools in world does not make you a carpenter.
8,000 to 10,000 hours of training does that and even then
most are just mediocre at best.