Carpentry is one of the oldest trades in the world. And today it is an attractive activity that, in addition to allowing us to develop manual skills, also encourages creativity and personal satisfaction when creating something with our own hands.
How many times have we seen videos on the internet of people transforming their home with something they made themselves and considered the option of doing the same? For Alex Najera, coordinator of workshops in San Miguel Madera, the only thing you need to get started in this trade is to know about units of measurement, have patience and practice.
To start, Najera recommends taking a course or workshop to acquire the basic knowledge, since the most difficult thing, according to him, is not knowing how to assemble a piece of furniture.
Furthermore, according to the carpenter and instructor of the Technical Institute for Training and Productivity (INTECAP), Adrian Villatoro Argueta, with this trade, one can undertake in various fields, since in addition to being carpenters, those interested can specialize in areas such as lathe, finishes and furniture installation, or even cabinetmakers, “many are interested in working with wood, so in their free time they begin to do their first jobs and over time they develop in this trade,” he mentions.
Woodworking tools
The first step for anyone interested in learning about woodworking is to familiarize themselves with the essential tools. Experts agree on the following as a basic kit to get started:
- Hammer: One of the most basic and versatile tools, essential for nailing and unnailing, as well as adjusting pieces of wood.
- Sierra: There are different types, but a manual and circular saw are essential for this job. The manual saw is useful for precise and small cuts, while the circular saw facilitates straight cuts in large planks of wood.
- Formones: are for carving and shaping wood. They come in different sizes and are perfect for detailed and more precise work.
- Electric sander: They save time and effort in finishing wood surfaces, leaving them smooth and ready for the final finish.
- Tape measure and square: Accuracy is the key in woodworking, so measuring correctly is essential. They help ensure that cuts and joints are accurate.
- Basin: for drilling small holes without causing cracks in the material.
Other tools that may be useful for woodworking:
- Hand brush
- Garlopa
- Electric toothbrush
- Gramil
- Screwdriver set
- Small
- Broca
- Corner Presses
Types of wood
Understanding the different types of wood is crucial for any carpenter, as each type has its own characteristics. There are many types and different classifications, however, according to Villatoro they can be grouped into two: softwood (the most common and accessible for beginners) and hardwood.
Among some of the most common ones that are worked in Guatemala we can find:
Safety equipment
Accident prevention is key to enjoying carpentry, so you should also have:
#Tools #types #wood #tips #started #trade
