Whether you want to become a professional carpenter or simply build items for personal use, learning carpentry skills is the first step.Start by learning how to use tools.Take courses in carpentry or even earn a degree for a more in-depth approach.To gain relevant experience, volunteer for a building organization, work on a construction crew, or become a carpenter's apprenticeship.Remember that carpentry is physically demanding work and always take precautions to keep yourself and those around you safe.
Step 1: Make sure you brush up on your math skills.
Geometry is an important part of carpentry.If you don't like math, you can get a tutor, take a course online, or work on your own.There are a lot of online math lessons that teach you how to solve problems step by step.
Step 2: You can read books about carpentry.
If you are new to carpentry, reading books, magazines, and journal articles can introduce you to basic skills as well as new industry developments.Visit your local library to find publications.
Step 3: You can watch online to see how projects are completed.
From learning how to measure wood to building a shed, there are tons of carpentry videos on the internet.You can find the skill or project you want to learn by searching through the videos on the topic.To make sure the information they give is safe and accurate, look for videos made by licensed carpenters.
Step 4: Become familiar with power tools.
Measuring tapes, squares, and levels are essential for nearly every project because carpenters use a variety of tools.Use a hammer, drill, nail gun, wood plane, and chisel.You can cut wood to any specification with a variety of saws, and learn how to use them.
Step 5: If you are still a student, enroll in a shop class in high school.
Safety procedures, how to measure and cut wood, and basic hand and power tools are some of the things you will learn in an introductory course like this.You could learn how to read building plans.This can help you decide if carpentry is a career path you want to pursue.You will need a high school diploma or GED to become a professional carpenter.
Step 6: The basics of carpentry can be learned in a class at a community college.
If you already have a full-time job, community colleges offer courses in carpentry that you can take on nights or weekends.The classes introduce you to the basics, such as safety procedures, terminology and materials, and how to use carpentry tools and equipment.You can take advanced courses in framing and building construction.You can earn a certificate for completing one of these courses, which is a great addition to your resume.If you want to learn a specific skill or build a structure, look for classes that teach you how to do it.
Step 7: A degree in carpentry will give you an edge over the competition.
It's the best way to gain knowledge and experience in the industry if you don't have a degree.Make sure the school you choose is accredited so that your degree will be recognized and respected, Vocational schools are more likely to offer this degree than traditional universities.You can major in construction with a concentration in carpentry.
Step 8: If you don't have a lot of experience, you can volunteer for a community carpentry project.
If you volunteer for a charity that builds houses, you can learn carpentry skills.You can find volunteer opportunities by looking at the website of an organization near you.Donate your time to help with a project in your area.If you don't know anything about carpentry, many community organizations that build houses will have you help and learn along the way.
Step 9: As a construction worker, you can learn from other carpenters.
Gaining experience in this field can be accomplished by working as a day-laborer or part of a construction crew.You can expand your knowledge base by working with more experienced carpenters.You don't generally need any previous experience, but you may need to provide your own safety gear, like a vest, hardhat, gloves, and goggles, as well as some basic tools.Reach out to a labor company or temp agency in your area for more information.
Step 10: If you want to have a career in carpentry, you should become an apprenticeship.
You need to complete an apprenticeship if you want to become a professional carpenter.Depending on where you live, this could involve a rigorous 4-year program or a less formal opportunity to work under a journeyman carpenter.You will learn skills such as reading blueprints, framing, welding, and fabrication.