My philosophy on finish carpentry
Until A.I. develops a soul Im going to write these blogs myself. finish carpentry isn’t rocket surgery but for some people in this business it may as well be the same thing. My philosophy on finish carpentry is that it cannot be rushed. If you or your workers come to the job site tired and start making bad cuts and throwing the boards up there when they are gapped far enough apart for your fingers to fit, go home. Thats right, my philosophy is to go home if you start making too many mistakes. Your reputation is on the line here and if the trim isn’t near perfect than you must take it off and redo it. I say near perfect because once the wood goes up it is going to expand and contract.
keep the trim inside and if you have the option, turn the air on. If you are installing crown molding it is critical that the temperature of the wood matches where its going to remain. If you can, put the crown molding on scaffolding as close to the ceiling as possible in order to get it to the temperature its going to live at. The reason for this is because heat rises and affects the wood shape.
personally, I may only work 3-8 hours a day depending on feeling when it comes to trim. I am creating art that I am putting a lot of love into. I am also saying good bye to my art that someone is paying for but I would be lying if I said it doesn’t affect me. There is something so meditative about working with wood and giving it life one last time. Take pride in your work and do a great job.
Construction Poetry: These Walls
I build my soul into these walls
Intent that a temple will rise
For the wanderer that seeks
Silence allowing these walls to whisper
In your silence, feel eternity
In your depths, bury me
So that I may sow
To become another tree
When you reach the peak of me
That’s where I’ll be
Waiting for you all along
Building my soul into all you see
Never thought of myself as a poet, I simply prefer things I have never heard. For me there is deeper emotion when doing carpentry work. I will let it go, but I will contend with myself as I do. This is my art, it is my love, and it is the reason my work glows.
Zack Fair
