Finish Carpenter's Manual [Paperback]

Jim Tolpin (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1993

Everything you need to know to be a finish carpenter: assessing a job before you begin, and tricks of the trade from a master finish carpenter. Easy-to-follow instructions for installing doors and windows, ceiling treatments (including fancy beams, corbels, cornices and moldings), wall treatments (including wainscoting and sheet paneling), and the finishing touches of chair, picture, and plate rails. Specialized interior work includes cabinetry and built-ins, stair finish work, and closets. Also covers exterior trims and porches. Includes manhour tables for finish work, and hundreds of illustrations and photos.

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Craftsman Book Co (April 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0934041822
• ISBN-13: 978-0934041829
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 8.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #627,338 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

41 of 42 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Finish Carpenter's Manual by Jim Tolpin, July 2, 2002

By 

Martin Howley (Las Vegas, NV USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Finish Carpenter's Manual (Paperback)

This is the finest "how to" book that I have ever read, regardless of the subject matter or discipline covered. It pre-supposes nothing on the part of the reader; it explains all techincal terms and techiniques that are introduced into any discussion be it simple base moldings or figuring return cuts for window aprons. Most importantly, everything presented is useful to the average woodworker or wannabe woodworker with average talent but above average desire.
The sad truth is that this fine book is but an introduction to a dying art. In attempting to install (my first) window trim I read and re-read all of the passages dealing with measuring the casings, determining the width of the stool (sill?) and, best of all, how to make the necessary cuts for the returns at the ends of the aprons.
At the same time I purchased this book I also purchased "Finish Carpentry" which turned out to be a collection of articles from Fine Homebuilding magazine showing finish carpentry in the homes of the wealthy and the very wealthy including door casings made of molded plaster and arches made of laminated mahogany, both of which I included in my baronial billiards room (I wish!). Fortunately, there was one useful article on scribing that happened to be written by Mr. Tolpin.
I recommend Mr. Tolpin's "Finish Carpenter's Manual" with great enthusiasm.

26 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The title says it all, October 21, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Finish Carpenter's Manual (Paperback)

This book is outstanding. It has already paid for itself many times over. If you're doing a finish carpentry project or even contracting one out, then this should be required reading.

This is a well-written manual that covers all aspects of finish carpentry including pricing your work. The advice is sound and this book has saved me from making a number of mistakes. The best part is that Mr. Tolpin is a fine writer and he even manages to make this an interesting read.

If you're interested in finish carpentry this is a great book for you. I read this book while a contractor was building a house for me -- I learned enough to get him to correct some framing and drywall problems that would have hurt me later. I also learned what to do before the drywall went on to save myself time when I added the chair and crown moldings.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Business Advice, April 27, 2004

By 

Richard Mastello (Seattle, WA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Finish Carpenter's Manual (Paperback)

I am a retired aerospace engineer experiencing a "second life" as a woodworker/carpenter. Of all the finish carpentry books I have looked at, this one is better suited to the person going into the business (I am contemplating it). It offers a decent overview of the range of projects a carpenter will be called upon to do, and serves as a good general reference, though it takes on too wide a scope to go into much detail on all the topics it tackles. However, the last chapter, "Setting Up a Subcontractor Finishwork Business," is worth the cost of the book for someone who wants to learn about contracts, billing, and some of the management issues involved, which may be even more intimidating than the hands-on work. If you really get serious about the business, however, be sure to check out David Gerstel's "Builder's Guide to Running a Successfil Construction Company."