Straight, Smooth and Square A Carpenter’s Lesson

By Robert Robillard on Contractor Advice

A Carpenter’s Lesson On Being Successful

Source: www.sfcc.edu.hk

Source: www.sfcc.edu.hk

 

 

THAT’S WHAT MY SHOP TEACHER USED TO SAY …. What he really should have been telling us is Level, Plumb, and Square.

Although he taught us a lot in class, the real learning happened on the job and continues each day.

Experience is the BEST Teacher

Being successful with carpentry is mostly based on making the right decisions. One learns to make the right decisions based on experience.  We gain our experience from past projects and making wrong decisions. Learning from our mistakes is truly one of the best teachers.

Plumb, Level, and Square

Carpentry is not an exact science; it is a pragmatic approach to problem-solving, building, and repairing.  My experience has taught me that a few basic principles guide us on what will or will not work.  Plumb, Level, and Square is one of those principles.
There are many different approaches to building things. One can argue that someone’s method may enable them to arrive at a better, faster, nicer looking finished result than another person’s method. But both methods still arrive at a finished product.
The old saying, “My way might not be the best way, but it will work. ” Which one is better? That depends if you’re building something for fun or if you’re in business to make money.
Carpentry is more than acquiring experience. It’s also confidence in your ability to solve problems, ultimately to get the job done. Arriving at an acceptable finished product.
For me, the best method is one in which I have fun, arrive at a superior product, and get paid to do both!
If you enjoyed Straight, Smooth, and Square A Carpenter’s Lesson, read the article on lessons learned running a small remodeling business.
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About the author

Robert Robillard

Carpenter / Remodeler / Editor

Rob Robillard is “The Concord Carpenter” Rob is a builder, general contractor, carpenter, woodworker, and editor of Concord Carpenter and ToolBoxBuzz As a General Contractor and carpenter, Rob owns and operates Concord Carpenter LLC. A full-service remodeling and construction company. Rob is a recognized leader in home building best practices and a source for how-to information for building professionals. On this website, Rob covers all aspects of home construction, building science, home improvement, woodworking, remodeling, and some of the best product and tool reviews. Rob is in charge of our Tool and Product Review series - Concord Carpenter Videos where we post all of our tool reviews and video tutorials. Rob approaches remodeling and building construction with a pragmatic and problem-solving approach. He enjoys using his knowledge and experience to help and educate building professionals as well as DIYers on best practices in the construction and remodeling industry. He's a strong advocate for "raising the bar" in the construction trades and promoting the trades to youth. #BeAMentor #Green2Great Craftsmanship, quality, and pride guide his journey on this channel The Concord Carpenter's motto: "Well done is better than well said!" : Read more about Rob

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