Anybody have experience with Carpentry?

**brazuka** · 08-04-2013, 09:32 PM

So recently I needed a change from my full time job for many reasons I will not go into but I ended up leaving, now I have been doing about 25 hours tops at a restaurant as a server and I'm making more money than I was working 40++++ hours at the other job.

Today one of my tables the guy and I started talking about a bunch of random stuff throughout the time he was there. We happen to find out out we were both brazilian and started talking in portuguese the entire time about random stuff. He later came to me with a business card and I found out he is the owner of a carpentry company in my area. He asked me if I would like to work as a carpenter for him he would take me on as they are in need of people. The pay is $ $150 day=$750 week working Mon-Fri 8am-4pm which is pretty good I'm only 20 turning 21 next week - at my other job I used to only get paid 15 an hour but this job is 18.50-19 an hour and it's tax free (you could call it under the table). (Also later his wife said I could work like 8am-2pm if I wanted because I told them I work at the restaurants nights starting at 5 so she gave me some availability choices)

He has 2 locations that he's working on and they are both 10 minutes away from me, I forgot exactly what kind of work he said it was but it had to do with installing cabinets and counter tops from europe or something like that - I don' t remember exactly. He also said it isn't dirty work. I am thinking about giving this guy a call on tuesday. Will it be worth it? I have been looking for a job as a server in a busier and more upscale place, or as a bartender. But this path has opened up to me out of nowhere. What do you guys think does it sound good temporarily? Is carpentry backbreaking hard labor? Does it involve being outside in the hot sun because I am in florida? Don't have a clue about it... he also told me that carpentry is a career and the really experienced guys there can make 1200-1300 a week... WOW. I don't care about that but starting pay at 750/week is awesome... I have no clue about carpentry what should I expect? Thank You!

**.45Caliber** · 08-04-2013, 09:44 PM

Ya bro, if u get the chance to learn how to do kitchen/bathroom redo's, sure go ahead. Plus, your getting paid. On top of that, you can do your own one day.

I've done a lot of it. Kitchens/bathrooms/tile/finish work, is not that laborious. Concrete/excavation/framing, SUCKS!!!

just my opinion though

**brazuka** · 08-04-2013, 09:55 PM

Yeah he said I could give it a try and see if I like it. When he left he said he will be waiting for my call, seems like a really nice guy, lucky we are both brazilian. On his business card it says Cabinet Installation, Trim, Door & Window Trim, Crown Molding, etc. residential & commercial work licensed & insured...

I didn't think about it like that learning and getting paid I think I'm going to try it out if I don't like it I'll just tell him and move on... I really wanted to become a bartender though but I could do that on the side on some nights I guess I'll just leave the restaurant if I get a bartending job

**Lunk1** · 08-04-2013, 10:18 PM

I have worked carpentry jobs through college and poured concrete as a 2nd job. While not the most fun work, I'm glad I learned valuable skills that I have been able to put to use on my own stuff..plus got paid.

It's not horrible work and teaches you a skill

**lovbyts** · 08-05-2013, 03:03 AM

Originally Posted by Lunk1

I have worked carpentry jobs through college and poured concrete as a 2nd job. While not the most fun work, I'm glad I learned valuable skills that I have been able to put to use on my own stuff..plus got paid.

It's not horrible work and teaches you a skill

It's also feast or famine even if your really good. I know a guy who does excellent word work, high quality craftsmanship and made good money for several years but when the things slowed down he could not find any work so always have a back up plan.

My dad was not bad at wood work. I have done enough to know it's best to pay someone else to do it for me....

**austinite** · 08-06-2013, 11:34 AM

**GettingReal** · 08-06-2013, 11:57 AM

Really it depends on where you want to go in life. 1200 is decent money, may seem like a lot now, but won't later on. But this could give you a nice background, and maybe open doors to other areas, or even going into business yourself. At your age it sounds like a nice opportunity for you, and it being cash makes a huge difference. Only you can decide if it is something you want to do.

I grew up working on construction, I was always very meticulous about details, which made me not the fastest guy but always had quality. Even though some finish work I really didn't enjoy. More than likely what you are doing won't burden you too much physically, except when ripping out old cabinets etc, or carrying in new ones. I wonder if you will be in his shop building the cabinets, or just doing lots of installs. I noticed windows and some other things, most of this stuff is very easy to do, and can make good money. Not to mention if that is all you are doing and not all the extra stuff you can get very efficient at what you do.

If it interests you give it a shot.

**Dukkit** · 08-06-2013, 01:55 PM

Take a shot at it. Its something worthwhile to learn. He'll mostly have you being the gopher and helper for awhile. But pay attention while doing that and youll pick things up quick.

I just started teaching myself some carpentry skills last year. I enjoy it and its nice to say... I built that.

I wish I could make that amount of money doing something I like.

**fit2bOld** · 08-06-2013, 08:19 PM

Today cabinets tomorrow digging a trench to china. If you get paid is the next question. Life time of disappointment. Go to college!!!

**Dukkit** · 08-07-2013, 05:31 AM

Originally Posted by fit2bOld

Today cabinets tomorrow digging a trench to china. If you get paid is the next question. Life time of disappointment. Go to college!!!

I call bullshit on this.

In this day and age... a college degree doesnt mean anything other than years of debt.

I just turned 29 and I have more friends than I can count that went to college and cannot find a job in their field. They are stuck waiting tables and working at grocery stores while trying and trying and trying to find a job.

My gf and her sister both have their teaching degrees... been out of school for 4 years and no teaching job.

The list goes on with numerous other friends.

And they all have a massive debt in the form of school loans.

Fukk that. Im glad I skipped college.

Skilled trade is where its at these days.

**ironbeck** · 08-07-2013, 05:43 AM

What the hell, give it a shot, you can always go back to being a server.

**GettingReal** · 08-07-2013, 07:51 AM

Originally Posted by Dukkit

I call bullshit on this.

In this day and age... a college degree doesnt mean anything other than years of debt.

I just turned 29 and I have more friends than I can count that went to college and cannot find a job in their field. They are stuck waiting tables and working at grocery stores while trying and trying and trying to find a job.

My gf and her sister both have their teaching degrees... been out of school for 4 years and no teaching job.

The list goes on with numerous other friends.

And they all have a massive debt in the form of school loans.

Fukk that. Im glad I skipped college.

Skilled trade is where its at these days.

This right here is honestly how it is. Maybe if you got a masters or doctorate and had something very specific set up. Otherwise it is not worth going into debt for a degree. I'm doing fine now, working somewhere not even close to my degree. I honestly would be making the same if I started working here fresh out of high school, although in a slightly different position, maybe even making more, long run who knows how it will benefit me. I have my student loans paid off, but managed to avoid them until my last little bit of school. Honestly I wish I would have done something entirely different if you could go back, but then again I wouldn't be me, and dunno if I would change my experiences in life. Bottom line education may be good, but a bachelor's degree isn't going to be very beneficial currently.

**JAB1** · 08-07-2013, 11:27 AM

I started out raking lawns/ lugging bricks and mixing cement, etc out of high school for the company I work for. I am 34 and now run one of there companies. Several different paths you can take. Dont be afraid to get your hands dirty and work hard. Just make sure you are always focused on getting to the next level, and make sure your boss knows it. College im sure is great for alot of people, I hire alot of people with degrees

, however its not the only path to success.

**Lunk1** · 08-07-2013, 12:13 PM

and remember, bartending isn't a career, it's a job!

**Buddyguy** · 08-13-2013, 10:21 AM

I'm a carpenter..the type of work this guys does, I'd be all over bro. It's the nice part of carpentry, framing and forming sucks! But I'm getting out of the carpentry business out here in vancouver cause the wages are horrible. We got all these East Indian carpenters who work for 13-15 an hour.. Driving wages down. And! Their work quality is bs and a lot of times don't even follow wcb safety regulations. And they're dirty I've seen them pissing in newly installed bathtubs.. Gross!