Replies

1. 
   Guest_ | Aug 18, 2000 07:19pm | #1

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   There are zillions

1. 
   Guest_ | Aug 18, 2000 07:35pm | #2

   *Dummies shouldn't be carpenters and carpenters shouldn't be dummies. Taunton press has some very good books out; Frame Carpentry, More Frame Carpentry. The journal of Light Construction also has; Advanced Framing. Buy them. Read them. Learn from them. But keep in mind..............A little bit of knowledge is a dangerous thing. Best of luck.

2. 
   Bob_Godfroid | Aug 18, 2000 08:09pm | #3

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   Richard,

   There are zillions alright, and I think I have read most of them. In my HFH experience, the best book is by Larry Haun. I think it's called "The Highly Efficient Carpenter," or something like that. Taunton press sells it and it reads like it was written specifically for HFH. He describes very fundamental and fast ways to build simple homes. Many other books focus on the esoteric (from a HFH POV) techniques like curved staircases, multilevel ceilings, built-ins, soffet returns, etc. His book is simple: subfloor, plating, headers, walls, roof, the basics. Since a HFH house is basically a 1000 sq.ft. subdivided box, the instruction level in the book is perfect.

   A great supplement to the book is the video, which shows great time saving techniques to build better faster. This is especially useful for the volunteer that does not spend 60 hours a week in the building trades.

   Hope the suggestion helps,
   Bob

1. 
   richard_kern | Aug 18, 2000 10:45pm | #4

   *Thanks Bob. Your suggestion is a good start for me. I have something more specific in mind, like a small handout to be given each volunteer.

3. 
   richard_kern | Aug 18, 2000 10:45pm | #5

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   We need a "carpentry and home building manual for dummies" A well illustrated and small booklet for the novice volunteer that will give a brief description of the task at hand with helpful hints.