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Essay / Carpentry Essay - 646
When it comes time to retire, many try to take up a hobby to keep them busy and boredom-free. For those who are crafty and enjoy working with their hands, carpentry is a great choice. However, before diving into it blindly, some research is necessary to ensure that it is something that piques interest. Otherwise, getting started will become a big waste of time. To be able to understand and develop basic knowledge of carpentry, one must become familiar with what carpentry is, the different techniques used and the many tools involved. Beginners may wonder: what exactly is carpentry? Carpentry can be described as “a wide range of woodworking that includes the construction of buildings, furniture, and other wooden objects” (Harris 3). It is one of the oldest professions and has existed since the 17th century (“Carpentry”). Carpentry consists of four main areas: rough carpentry, naval carpentry, carpentry and finish carpentry. Rough carpentry is oriented towards large structural work such as framing, formwork and roofing. Naval carpentry focuses solely on the construction and maintenance of ships. Trim carpentry develops moldings and woodwork for window frames and doors. Finished carpentry includes flooring, carpentry, cabinet making, instrument carving, furniture making and fine woodworking. It is also a space intended for amateurs and beginners. Some will say that “wood has a seductive power” in carpentry and “it takes an artist to draw it with elegant contours, burnished grains, and silky textures” (Whiteley 128). Within each concentrated area of carpentry are numerous techniques. and areas of specialty. It takes a true craftsman to carry out some of these projects such as marquetry and parquetry. Both involve the middle of the paper before gluing the pieces together. Sanders are also used for this purpose and facilitate the “finishing process” (Barret 106). For carving purposes, a combination of rasp and file is needed for shaping. When it comes to carpentry, special tools such as dowel templates and marking templates are used for layout and alignment. Two simple but important tools are needed: pliers and sharpening stones to hold and keep tools sharp. Although one can start carpentry as a hobby, it can lead to a promising career due to the variety of specialties. He “has often been respected for his importance in society throughout history” (Harris 3). When considering taking up carpentry as a hobby, make sure you understand what it involves, its specialties, and the types of tools used. Once this is accomplished, there is no telling what a person can make or construct in the art of carpentry..