Working Alone (Hardcover)

~ (Author) "The human hand is a magnificent structure, and it will never be completely replaced..." (more)
Key Phrases: Pythagorean Theorem, Swanson Speed Square

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Carpenters will be enthusiastic about both these new efforts. Together they make a complete package for anyone interested in building. Spence has produced a hefty textbook-style guide to carpentry that covers the entire process of building from planning through finishing. The scope is impressiveA704 pages and 2300 black-and-white photographs and drawings, building codes, foundations, framing, doors and windows, exterior finishing, cabinet construction, and tools. Newer techniques, such as steel framing and popular trends, like post-and-beam construction, are covered in separate sections. The comprehensive safety section is outstanding. Many of the processes are way beyond the comfort zone of the average do-it-yourselfer; however, there is something here for everyone, beginner to expert. Most do-it-yourselfers have encountered jobs where they could have used three or four hands; Carroll, a solo homebuilder, has come to their rescue with a slim volume that shows many of the tricks he uses to safely and efficiently complete work on his own. Readers who have completed projects will be suprised at how much easier their projects would have been had they known Carroll's techniques. Using straightforward text and line-drawings, he shares a variety of tips and labor-saving techniques for masonry, framing, siding installation, measuring, and hanging drywall. He shows how to cope with problems such as the collapse of the overextended tape measure. There really isn't anything else like this book on the market. Spence's title will get greater use in the library because it is a more general reference title; but both are excellent and will appeal to both do-it-yourselfers and professionals. Recommended for larger public library collections.AJonathan N. Hershey, Akron-Summit Cty. P.L., Akron, OH
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Description

This unique book is worth a second set of hands. It offers solo builders and do-it-yourselfers proven tips, techniques, and shortcuts for careful, precise, and safe construction.

There are many times when a helper would make a job easier, and in some cases doable at all, but with John Carroll's clever, expert tips, there's no need to wait for help. This book, the only one of its kind, offers ways to get by with not only one pair of hands but to work more efficiently as well. A perfect example is the problem of bringing a large sheet of plywood up a ladder. Even with a helper this is a difficult and dangerous task. But if a large C-clamp is fastened to one end of the plywood, it's easy to pull the sheet up the ladder from behind.

Professional builders and contractors who work alone or in small crews will find this book full of invaluable ways to keep the work moving, without costly delays or the need to hire additional helpers. Homeowners, who are often faced with working alone, will use these clever techniques to solve common problems safely.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 160 pages
• Publisher: Taunton Press; illustrated edition edition (October 20, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1561582867
• ISBN-13: 978-1561582860
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.7 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (29 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #38,411 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #35 in	Books > Home & Garden > Home Design > Buildings & Construction
  #44 in	Books > Home & Garden > How-to & Home Improvements > Reference
  #55 in	Books > Home & Garden > How-to & Home Improvements > Do-It-Yourself

• This item is part of The By Pros for Pros Series.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

78 of 80 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very Useful and Informative Book, April 25, 2000

By	Reeder Lyons (Dallas, Georgia) - See all my reviews

I've been in the remodeling business since 1975, and have worked most of this time by myself.

I'm just finishing a 10 x 20 room addition for a customer. I purchased this book at the beginning of this project and have found Mr. Carroll's book refreshing and informative. There were many ideas and suggestions that were benificial. I found the rafter layout-jig very useful.

His suggestions about the "math" of the rafter was very useful, and increased my capacity to complete the job in a timely maner which helped my bottom line.

I appreciated his easy reading style and found his book enjoyable.

I wish his information on the cornice system had been a little more detailed, but found his explanations sufficent.

I found his information about clamps and holding jigs to be of special interest and enjoyed all of his book. I even bought his other book, "Measuring, Marking, and Layout", which I also found enlighting, enjoyable, fun, and benificial, to my professional standing as a remodeler.

Thanks for two great books, that help take the mystery out of some of the more complex parts of our profession.

Respectfully

Reeder Lyons IMH Remodeling & Repair

30 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Speaking as a novice..., February 6, 2004

By	MicrobeMentor "akbca" (San Diego, CA USA) - See all my reviews

this book was extremely helpful to me in building a detached room for my son. The book was recommended from a website about building small houses, so I reserved it through our library. Having read the book, I found the tips and explanations for framing rafters provided clarification for the sketchy instructions from the 5 other books we have about building outbuildings. Perhaps using clamps and homemade jigs to support work is a given for a professional, but it was an eye-opener for me! I did extensive renovation on my historical house, but had help from friends to do it. Building this room from the ground up mostly alone is a different matter. I wish we had this book when we were trying to square the foundation. I am now ordering the book for myself, as the library wants their own book back!!

31 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gleaning one useful tip alone worth the book's price, December 22, 2000

By	John A. Grossbohlin "the_colonial_craftsman" (Kingston, NY USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

It has been some 30 years since I first helped build a 4 car garage and there have been many "working alone" projects, ranging from additions, to decks, to complete home remodels since. I'm completely remodeling a house now... Over those years I figured out many of the tips in the book myself. However, it would have been far more efficient to have had the book 30 years ago. The book somewhat makes up for not having a mentor... i.e., someone to "cause [you] to be taught Informed and Instructed in the Trade, Art and Mystery of a [builder]." (Paraphrased from an 18th century apprenticeship agreement). I'm about to order another copy for my brother...