After retiring from almost 40 yrs as a carpenter, I've become disheartened now. Starting at 19 as a house framer, then into trim and finish work before going to work for the union, the quality of work I've seen recently is poor at best. Recently helping a friend with a plumbing repair, I took a good look at the basement framing. Floor hoist cut 1/2" short, scores of nails which never hit the floor joist, from the subfloor. In the attic, I saw rafters which didn't touch the ridge board, and ceiling hoist which barely laid on the walls, maybe, 1/2". All this going on in an expensive house, in an exclusive home edition. This was all compensated for by shooting what looked like 40 nails in each of these areas. All of this work was inspected by an inspector, and he passed it. Over the years, I climbed into attics that were 80 or 100 yrs old. I saw framing that was cut perfectly, probably cut by hand, and I'm sure nailed by hand. In this newer house, these cuts will eventually lose any strength, sag, and cause drywall to pop loose, bringing costly repairs, and other problems over time. Here's a suggestion: if your a young man just getting into carpentry, never accept this. If your crew does this type of work, quit this crew, and hire in with a crew that does good work, and, has a good reputation. Carpentry is hard work, it's never been easy. Be prepared to come home sore and beat tired many days. If you do decide to make this your chosen profession, you'll probably be a little banged up when you get older. I know I am. But keep in mind, your name is on the work you do. Someone, at some point will judge you by your work. Don't fall in with the hacks, and the wood butchers. Keep your head up, and be proud to be a carpenter. To sum it up here: do your best work at all times. If your going to be a carpenter- be a good one.
