The Very Efficient Carpenter
by Larry Haun
Review by Mark Gezella – December 2005
Before I begin with this month's selection, I'd like to take a moment to compliment Don Snyder on his presentation last month. I think he drew the largest member turnout we've ever had for a presenter. I guess word got out that Don really knows how to put on a show! His delivery was complete, well presented, and he provided a very thorough supplement with references for additional reading. With that being said, I'd also like to take advantage and once again make a pitch for the library. Many of the sources Don listed in his hand-out are available in the SLWG library. Specifically, the Inlay book by Zachary Taylor, and all of the articles mentioned in FWW - we have every issue of this publication dating to the very first. Thanks again, Don!
Now to transition from small-scale, intricate work of inlay to large-scale, course work of building habitable structures. I felt it was very appropriate for me personally to peruse The Very Efficient Carpenter at this point, as virtually all of my woodworking of late has been relegated to framing as I repair/remodel my house in the city. I don't recall if I mentioned this in the past, but my wife and I are on our third house in town, and we've always bought something older, usually dated (if not neglected!) in order to keep the price down. I seem to deal better with more work and less cost than I do the other way around. Besides, it keeps me out of trouble!
Mr. Haun provides us with a practical manual that not only describes how to frame every part of a house, but also how to do it efficiently. His years of experience are quite evident as he describes how to select tools, materials, and what to expect in terms of project scale. The book is segmented among six chapters; Getting Started, Framing Floors, Framing Walls, Framing Ceilings, Framing Roofs, and Building Stairs. It contains many line drawings and photos taken on the jobsite, and also includes "Safety Tip" boxes throughout that contain sage advice to keep you from harm as you tackle projects of this sort. There's also a two-page introduction that provides a neat little story all by itself. The Author describes how, as a young boy, his interest in building was sparked by the remodeling of a local high school. He sat by and watched builders for so long they eventually hired him as a water boy! By that time he was hooked on the building trade, and has since spent these last decades not only honing his skills, but also learning to embrace change inevitable in modern technology and economic sectors.
For me, the two most interesting chapters were Framing Roofs and Building Stairs, mostly because they tend to deal with complicated joinery and compound angles that you might expect to find in modern house design. For example, the uninitiated may think a roof is nothing more than a bunch of "2 by's" nailed together at a peak, then covered with sheathing and shingles to "button it up". But, did you ever consider how many styles there are to these things? Roofs can be flat, gabled, hipped, or contain combinations of geometric patterns to form bays, dormers, or sometimes embellishments simply for "the look". Complex designs incorporating these elements lead to onerous tasks of measuring, cutting, and fitting to arrive at a roof that is square, pitched properly, and retains a proper symmetry for the style of house. Did you know there are entire books written solely on the use of a framing square for laying out complicated roof designs?! There is also consideration given for the use of "pre-fab" trusses in Framing Roofs.
Building Stairs provides adequate detail on how to properly size stairs for location, use, and building codes. These can be designed as simple, straight runs or head in several directions by using landings. Basic landings are employed in both "L" and "U" shaped stair design. And a landing itself can become more elaborate by "winding" it, which is to use a short series of wedge-shaped treads to form an angle. But proceed cautiously, as these present special safety concerns which are closely regulated by local building codes. All of these designs are fully described and illustrated throughout the text. In a way it's a shame to think of all the superb joinery that must go into framing a stair, only to be covered over by treads, risers, decorative skirting, etc. I think that's why I like spiral staircases so much - you get to see the "bones" of the structure in all it's glory.
I realize this is not your typical "woodworker" book, but since our membership represents quite a "melting pot" of talent I didn't think it would be too risky choosing something a little different. I hope you agree. I consider this to be another quality entry in our library from The Taunton Press. The manufacture of the book is also a bit different; it is more like notebook construction, with a coiled wire binding as opposed to a glue-up. I suppose it could actually be taken to a jobsite and used as a reference when needed. So, if you see any remodeling in your future, have a look. It won't disappoint! This book will be available for check-out at the next general membership meeting.