7
Section 1 Preparing
to Build
1. Building Materials  17
1.1 Lumber  18
1.2 Wood Structure and Growth  18
1.3 Kinds of Wood  19
1.4 Cutting Methods  20
1.5 Moisture Content and Shrinkage  21
1.6 Lumber Defects  23
1.7 Softwood Grades  25
1.8 Hardwood Grades  27
1.9 Lumber Stress Values  27
1.10 Lumber Sizes  27
1.11 Calculating Board Footage  27
1.12 Metric Lumber Measure  29
1.13 Panel Materials  29
1.14 Wood Treatments  37
1.15 Handling and Storing Lumber  39
1.16 Engineered Lumber  40
1.17 Nonwood Materials  43
1.18 Metal Structural Materials  44
1.19 Concrete  51
1.20 Adhesive Bonding Agents  51
2. The Carpenter’s Workplace  59
2.1 Skill Development and Job
Competency  59
2.2 Conduct on the Job  60
2.3 General Safety Rules  62
2.4 Decks and Floors  66
2.5 Excavations  66
2.6 Scaffolds and Ladders  66
2.7 Fall Protection  67
2.8 Falling Objects  68
2.9 Handling Hazardous Materials  68
2.10 Lifting and Carrying  69
2.11 Fire Protection  69
2.12 First Aid  69
3. Plans, Specifications,
and Codes  73
3.1 Set of Plans  74
3.2 How to Scale a Drawing  90
3.3 Changing Plans  92
3.4 Specifications  92
3.5 Modular Construction  92
3.6 Metric Measurement  95
3.7 Building Codes  95
4. Hand Tools  103
4.1 Measuring and Layout Tools  104
4.2 Saws  109
4.3 Planing, Smoothing, and Shaping
Tools  111
4.4 Fastening Tools  113
4.5 Prying Tools  115
4.6 Gripping and Clamping Tools  116
4.7 Tool Belts and Storage  118
4.8 Care and Maintenance of Tools  118
5. Power Tools  121
5.1 Power Tool Safety  122
5.2 Portable Circular Saws  124
5.3 Saber Saws  127
5.4 Chain Saws  129
5.5 Portable Electric Drills  130
5.6 Rotary Hammer Drills  131
5.7 Power Planes  132
5.8 Portable Routers  133
5.9 Portable Sanders  135
5.10 Staplers and Nailers  136
5.11 Radial Arm Saws  138
5.12 Table Saws  140
5.13 Special Saws  142
5.14 Jointers  143
5.15 Specialty Tools  144
5.16 Power Tool Care and Maintenance  146
Contents