Alter Eagle
Alter Eagle
707 481 5699
707 823 5145
7320 Bodega Ave.,
Sebastopol California.
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Cell phone
Lic.#769640
San Francisco's North Bay
Construction, Decks and fine finishing carpentry.
Master carpenter
Building and Construction
Building and Construction
What is a Master Carpenter?
Our "how to
install crown" site
Our "Finishing
Carpentry" site
Our "Deck
Projects" site
How you become a master carpenter. A brief history of carpentry apprenticeship and
carpentry in the Americas. The description of a carpenters tasks and scope of work.
History of carpentry, what is a carpenter and master carpenter?
Alter Eagle is a full service residential and light commercial building and construction company.
We work in the San Francisco North Bay area.
We cover Sonoma County, North and West Marin County and East Napa County.
We are located in Sebastopol just outside Santa Rosa and Petaluma, California.
You become a master carpenter, through the Carpenters Union to get officially certified for your trade, apprentice under a recognized master, by expanding your knowledge with college degrees and courses and with years of experience at applying your craft.
The scope of study for a general carpenter.
What is a master carpenter?
A short list of the basics we learn, and tasks we are required to know.
2 yrs to pre-qualify for apprenticeship after high school
Pre-qualify by working 2 years for someone like the federal job corps which is educational and vocational training.
4 yrs apprenticeship
Usually with the Carpenters Union or accredited firm, with required college courses at each grade and field work.
4 yrs for journeyman
While a journeyman you become a craftsman by honing your skills and expanding your knowledge on all facets of carpentry.
State License Board Exams
You must have this license to able to contract for jobs that value more than $500 in labor and materials in California.
Most apply for general contractor. In those exams we pass a law as well as the trade examination.
Master Carpenter
Typically after applying your journeyman trade for 10 years, trained our own apprentices
and are craftsmen that are highly skilled and respected by our brothers. We will finally be recognized as a "Master".
Pre-qualify by working 2 years for someone like the federal job corps which is educational and vocational training.
4 yrs apprenticeship
Usually with the Carpenters Union or accredited firm, with required college courses at each grade and field work.
4 yrs for journeyman
While a journeyman you become a craftsman by honing your skills and expanding your knowledge on all facets of carpentry.
State License Board Exams
You must have this license to able to contract for jobs that value more than $500 in labor and materials in California.
Most apply for general contractor. In those exams we pass a law as well as the trade examination.
Master Carpenter
Typically after applying your journeyman trade for 10 years, trained our own apprentices
and are craftsmen that are highly skilled and respected by our brothers. We will finally be recognized as a "Master".
See our "about us" page
Carpenters history in America.
A. MASTERING BASIC CARPENTRY SKILLS
Read tape measure.
Compute architectural dimensions.
Use basic hand and power tools.
Determine dimensions from a blueprint.
Interpret building specifications.
Apply knowledge of local building codes.
Apply basic knowledge of other trades.
Create a safe working environment
(includes knowledge of OSHA).
Make minor repairs to maintain equipment.
Select materials for installation.
B. CUTTING, SHAPING, AND FASTENING STOCK
Cut stock to size.
Crosscut dimensioned lumber to size.
Rip-saw dimensioned lumber to size.
Bore holes.
Fasten framing stock with nails.
Fasten stock with screws.
Construct a square frame.
Cut holes and patterns in stock.
C.ESTIMATING/SELECTING MATERIALS
Estimate interior underlayment.
Estimate rough framing materials.
Select windows.
Select doors and jambs.
Determine proper use of materials.
Cull out unsuitable materials.
D. BUILDING AND INSTALLING THE FOUNDATION
Inspect foundation.
Square foundation.
Level foundation.
Select steel beams.
E. FRAMING THE FLOOR
Check condition of foundation.
Install sill plate.
Install wood post.
Install solid and composite wood beam.
Install built-up wood girder.
Install steel beam.
Install Lally column.
Lay out floor framing detail on sill plate.
Cut floor joists.
Frame floor opening, to include fireplace/hearth box, etc.
(include stripping of forms installed by carpenter).
Install floor joists.
Install cantilevered floor joists.
Install bridging and blocking.
Install subfloor sheathing.
Install prefabricated stair unit.
F. FRAMING THE WALLS
Lay out walls on floor deck.
Cut wall plates.
Lay out wall framing detail on wall plates.
Cut studs, headers, jacks, rough sills, and cripples.
Assemble corner and tee posts.
Assemble header.
Frame door opening.
Frame window opening.
Assemble wall section.
Install double top plate (cap plate).
Install wall blocking (backing).
Install fire stops.
Install corner brace.
Install exterior wall sheathing.
Raise and anchor wall section.
Plumb, align, and brace wall section.
Read tape measure.
Compute architectural dimensions.
Use basic hand and power tools.
Determine dimensions from a blueprint.
Interpret building specifications.
Apply knowledge of local building codes.
Apply basic knowledge of other trades.
Create a safe working environment
(includes knowledge of OSHA).
Make minor repairs to maintain equipment.
Select materials for installation.
B. CUTTING, SHAPING, AND FASTENING STOCK
Cut stock to size.
Crosscut dimensioned lumber to size.
Rip-saw dimensioned lumber to size.
Bore holes.
Fasten framing stock with nails.
Fasten stock with screws.
Construct a square frame.
Cut holes and patterns in stock.
C.ESTIMATING/SELECTING MATERIALS
Estimate interior underlayment.
Estimate rough framing materials.
Select windows.
Select doors and jambs.
Determine proper use of materials.
Cull out unsuitable materials.
D. BUILDING AND INSTALLING THE FOUNDATION
Inspect foundation.
Square foundation.
Level foundation.
Select steel beams.
E. FRAMING THE FLOOR
Check condition of foundation.
Install sill plate.
Install wood post.
Install solid and composite wood beam.
Install built-up wood girder.
Install steel beam.
Install Lally column.
Lay out floor framing detail on sill plate.
Cut floor joists.
Frame floor opening, to include fireplace/hearth box, etc.
(include stripping of forms installed by carpenter).
Install floor joists.
Install cantilevered floor joists.
Install bridging and blocking.
Install subfloor sheathing.
Install prefabricated stair unit.
F. FRAMING THE WALLS
Lay out walls on floor deck.
Cut wall plates.
Lay out wall framing detail on wall plates.
Cut studs, headers, jacks, rough sills, and cripples.
Assemble corner and tee posts.
Assemble header.
Frame door opening.
Frame window opening.
Assemble wall section.
Install double top plate (cap plate).
Install wall blocking (backing).
Install fire stops.
Install corner brace.
Install exterior wall sheathing.
Raise and anchor wall section.
Plumb, align, and brace wall section.
G. FRAMING THE CEILING
Lay out ceiling framing detail on top wall plate.
Cut ceiling joists.
Install ceiling joists.
Frame ceiling opening.
Install ribband (balloon framing).
Install strongback (stiffener or catwalk).
Install ceiling backing (deadwood or nailers).
Fasten ceiling joists to partition walls.
Frame interior bulkhead.
Install disappearing stair unit.
H. FRAMING THE ROOF
Lay out roof framing detail on cap plate.
Lay out common, header, and cripple rafters.
Cut rafters.
Install ridgeboard.
Frame roof opening.
Install rafters.
Install sub-fascia.
Frame gable end overhang.
Frame blind valley (overlay valley).
Frame gable dormer.
Frame shed dormer.
Install collar beams (rafter ties).
Install rafter support purlins.
Install roof sheathing.
Frame chimney saddle (cricket).
I. INSTALLING TRUSSES
Lay out for truss installation.
Set trusses by hand.
Set trusses with light crane (includes helping set
up/break down crane).
Brace trussed roof assembly according to manufacturer's specifications.
Frame opening in roof assembly
Repair trusses according to engineering instructions.
Select trusses per plans.
Identify sound engineering practices.
J. CONSTRUCTING AND INSTALLING STAIRS
Lay out straight run stair stringer.
Cut basement stair components.
Construct basement stair unit.
K.INSTALLING DOORS AND WINDOWS
Install prehung window according to
manufacturer's specifications.
Install prehung exterior door according to manufacturer's specifications.
Install sidelight.
Install transom.
Assemble and install sliding glass or French patio door.
Install inside jamb for garage door.
Plumb and square doors and windows.
Lay out ceiling framing detail on top wall plate.
Cut ceiling joists.
Install ceiling joists.
Frame ceiling opening.
Install ribband (balloon framing).
Install strongback (stiffener or catwalk).
Install ceiling backing (deadwood or nailers).
Fasten ceiling joists to partition walls.
Frame interior bulkhead.
Install disappearing stair unit.
H. FRAMING THE ROOF
Lay out roof framing detail on cap plate.
Lay out common, header, and cripple rafters.
Cut rafters.
Install ridgeboard.
Frame roof opening.
Install rafters.
Install sub-fascia.
Frame gable end overhang.
Frame blind valley (overlay valley).
Frame gable dormer.
Frame shed dormer.
Install collar beams (rafter ties).
Install rafter support purlins.
Install roof sheathing.
Frame chimney saddle (cricket).
I. INSTALLING TRUSSES
Lay out for truss installation.
Set trusses by hand.
Set trusses with light crane (includes helping set
up/break down crane).
Brace trussed roof assembly according to manufacturer's specifications.
Frame opening in roof assembly
Repair trusses according to engineering instructions.
Select trusses per plans.
Identify sound engineering practices.
J. CONSTRUCTING AND INSTALLING STAIRS
Lay out straight run stair stringer.
Cut basement stair components.
Construct basement stair unit.
K.INSTALLING DOORS AND WINDOWS
Install prehung window according to
manufacturer's specifications.
Install prehung exterior door according to manufacturer's specifications.
Install sidelight.
Install transom.
Assemble and install sliding glass or French patio door.
Install inside jamb for garage door.
Plumb and square doors and windows.
L. FRAMING PORCHES AND DECKS
Install ledger board, fasteners, and flashing.
Install wood support posts.
Install solid wood beam.
Install built-up wood girder.
Install deck joists.
Install decking (planking).
Install railing.
Install footings.
Identify superstructure of attachment.
Lay out, cut, construct, and install stairs.
M. INSTALLING EXTERIOR FINISHES
Construct box cornice.
Construct rake cornice.
Case exterior opening.
Install wood jamb window unit.
Install prehung exterior door unit.
Hang exterior door.
Install exterior door jamb.
Install corner board for wood siding.
Install wood fascia.
Install wood soffit.
Install prefabricated column.
Install bevel siding.
Install fixed exterior features.
N. INSTALLING INTERIOR FINISHES
Install wall paneling.
Install closet accessories
(includes selection of closet accessories).
Install shelving.
Install baseboards.
Install ceiling molding.
Case interior opening.
Install interior door jamb.
Hang interior door.
Install prehung interior door unit.
Install folding (accordion) door.
Install sliding door.
Install bi-fold door.
Install pocket door.
Install cylinder lockset.
Install mortise lockset.
Install door holder.
Install flush bolt.
Install door plate.
Install weatherstripping.
Construct open shelving.
Install wall cabinet and hardware
(includes selection of hardware).
Install base cabinet and hardware
(includes selection of hardware).
Install recessed medicine cabinet.
Select prefabricated cabinets.
Install prefabricated counter tops.
Install ledger board, fasteners, and flashing.
Install wood support posts.
Install solid wood beam.
Install built-up wood girder.
Install deck joists.
Install decking (planking).
Install railing.
Install footings.
Identify superstructure of attachment.
Lay out, cut, construct, and install stairs.
M. INSTALLING EXTERIOR FINISHES
Construct box cornice.
Construct rake cornice.
Case exterior opening.
Install wood jamb window unit.
Install prehung exterior door unit.
Hang exterior door.
Install exterior door jamb.
Install corner board for wood siding.
Install wood fascia.
Install wood soffit.
Install prefabricated column.
Install bevel siding.
Install fixed exterior features.
N. INSTALLING INTERIOR FINISHES
Install wall paneling.
Install closet accessories
(includes selection of closet accessories).
Install shelving.
Install baseboards.
Install ceiling molding.
Case interior opening.
Install interior door jamb.
Hang interior door.
Install prehung interior door unit.
Install folding (accordion) door.
Install sliding door.
Install bi-fold door.
Install pocket door.
Install cylinder lockset.
Install mortise lockset.
Install door holder.
Install flush bolt.
Install door plate.
Install weatherstripping.
Construct open shelving.
Install wall cabinet and hardware
(includes selection of hardware).
Install base cabinet and hardware
(includes selection of hardware).
Install recessed medicine cabinet.
Select prefabricated cabinets.
Install prefabricated counter tops.
The Carpenters' Guild, the parent body of today's labour unions, was formed in England in 1333.
In the year 1333, in London England, a group of carpenters founded their own labour organization. They called it the Carpenters' Guild of London and it is now one of the oldest existing social institutions in Great Britain.
The guild required each member to attend mass in midwinter, to pay dues amounting to one penny per man. The ordinances also provided for attendance at funerals and made provisions for the guild to pay for the services for poor members. Sick members were to be assisted , as were those who were out of work.
The Carpenters' Guild received a formal charter from the Crown in 1477 - 144 years later. The carpenters made themselves a coat- of-arms (above). The full title of the brotherhood was now "The Master Wardens and Commonality of the Mistery of Freemen of the Carpentry of the City of London."
The guilds of London, came, in time, to be called "companies." The duties of the Carpenters' company as defined in its charter were to superintend the construction of wooden buildings and to prevent the use of substandard materials.
Quoted from the Carpenters Union Steward Manual Craftworkers who knew a trade well and had their own shops were called masters. A craftworker who knew a craft, but not as well as a master, was a journeyman. He worked at a daily wage for a master. A boy or young man who was learning a craft was called an apprentice. He usually received housing and meals from the master who was teaching him. It took an apprentice from 2 to 7 years to become a journeyman. A journeyman who wanted to become a master had to show evidence of great skill. He had to pass an examination or make a product in his craft that would be judged a masterpiece by the other masters of his guild.
By the 1300’s masters had become powerful and often did not allow journeymen to become masters. They handed down guild memberships to their sons and kept journeymen as hired workers. In the large crafts, such as the woolen industry, many masters even became wage earners, paid by merchants. This happened because the merchants became so powerful that they took over the production of the goods they sold.
During the 1300’s and 1400’s, the craft guilds of the large industries became associations of hired workers. Their chief purpose was to obtain fair wages and decent working conditions.
Bitter disputes arose between merchants and craft guilds. Strikes were called, and these often grew into civil wars. At that time craft guilds were not strong enough to win many rights. But they were formed for some of the same reasons that modern labor unions were formed. Some labor unions are still called guilds. But guilds as they existed in the Middle Ages are gone.
Source: Bruce Lyon, The World Book Encyclopedia, 1985
The guild required each member to attend mass in midwinter, to pay dues amounting to one penny per man. The ordinances also provided for attendance at funerals and made provisions for the guild to pay for the services for poor members. Sick members were to be assisted , as were those who were out of work.
The Carpenters' Guild received a formal charter from the Crown in 1477 - 144 years later. The carpenters made themselves a coat- of-arms (above). The full title of the brotherhood was now "The Master Wardens and Commonality of the Mistery of Freemen of the Carpentry of the City of London."
The guilds of London, came, in time, to be called "companies." The duties of the Carpenters' company as defined in its charter were to superintend the construction of wooden buildings and to prevent the use of substandard materials.
Quoted from the Carpenters Union Steward Manual Craftworkers who knew a trade well and had their own shops were called masters. A craftworker who knew a craft, but not as well as a master, was a journeyman. He worked at a daily wage for a master. A boy or young man who was learning a craft was called an apprentice. He usually received housing and meals from the master who was teaching him. It took an apprentice from 2 to 7 years to become a journeyman. A journeyman who wanted to become a master had to show evidence of great skill. He had to pass an examination or make a product in his craft that would be judged a masterpiece by the other masters of his guild.
By the 1300’s masters had become powerful and often did not allow journeymen to become masters. They handed down guild memberships to their sons and kept journeymen as hired workers. In the large crafts, such as the woolen industry, many masters even became wage earners, paid by merchants. This happened because the merchants became so powerful that they took over the production of the goods they sold.
During the 1300’s and 1400’s, the craft guilds of the large industries became associations of hired workers. Their chief purpose was to obtain fair wages and decent working conditions.
Bitter disputes arose between merchants and craft guilds. Strikes were called, and these often grew into civil wars. At that time craft guilds were not strong enough to win many rights. But they were formed for some of the same reasons that modern labor unions were formed. Some labor unions are still called guilds. But guilds as they existed in the Middle Ages are gone.
Source: Bruce Lyon, The World Book Encyclopedia, 1985
A modern coat of arms for the master craftmen guild in Britiain.
Three escutcheons (shields) to represent artists, painters and stainers; a pair of compasses opened in chevron for building, construction and carpenters; a dovetail (separating the top third of the shield from the rest) to represent cabinetmaking, woodworking and joinery; and a gavel and chisel for masons and stoneworkers
The compasses represent the carpenter’s tools, and the chevron may represent a roof support, the French for 'chevron' being 'rafter'. The motto “Honour God” dates back to the fifteenth century.
The Institute of Carpenters Coat-of-arms, founded in 1890.
Carpenters were considered to be highly skilled craftsman and made anything from furniture to entire houses.
"To become a Carpenter it was usually necessary to join a guild as an apprentice and learn the craft. Most items used during daily life in the Medieval Ages were produced and manufactured by carpenters. Homes, wagons, tables, furniture, tools and utensils were all the creations of these gifted workers. Knowledge of math, woodworking and the use of tools was required. Though many of the implements used were basic in comparison to those employed today, it can be argued that some fine examples of work were produced during the Middle Ages. Kings and nobles often sought out the finest carpenters and kept them retained on their staffs as specialists. Furnishing castles and estates was not only done for decorative purposes but also to demonstrate prestige and status to visitors. Thus a master carpenter was always in demand and could stand to earn high wages."
The Carpenter's Guild was formed in England in 1333 and is now one of the oldest existing social institutions in Great Britain. Craftsmen who knew their trade well and had their own shops were called masters. Lesser workers were known as journeymen and those learning the craft were apprentices. It took an apprentice from 2 to 7 years to become a journeyman. To become a master the journeyman had to pass an examination and make a piece that was judged a masterpiece by the other masters in the guild. Masters were jealous of their position and often made it difficult for journeymen to advance. A journeyman so thwarted might emigrate to America to find greater opportunity.
As towns became organized in the American colonies guilds were established. In 1724 the master carpenters of Philadelphia banded together in the Carpenters Company, the first builder's guild. The guilds played a large role in the coming Revolution. In Boston the carpenters were the "host" group for the Boston Tea Party in 1773. Carpenter's Hall in Philadelphia was built in 1770 to house the carpenter's guild. The Continental Congress met in Carpenters Hall and the Declaration of Independence was signed there.
Other trades also worked in wood. The sawyer sawed the wooden planks for building. A joiner was a highly skilled carpenter who made furniture, similar to a cabinet maker, and other fine-work. A boardwright made tables and chairs. The turner made lathe-turned items, like table legs. A cooper made wooden barrels. A woodcarver made decorative pieces. A wheelwright made wagon wheels. A cartwright built and repaired wooden carts. Here "wright" means craftsman or builder.
"To become a Carpenter it was usually necessary to join a guild as an apprentice and learn the craft. Most items used during daily life in the Medieval Ages were produced and manufactured by carpenters. Homes, wagons, tables, furniture, tools and utensils were all the creations of these gifted workers. Knowledge of math, woodworking and the use of tools was required. Though many of the implements used were basic in comparison to those employed today, it can be argued that some fine examples of work were produced during the Middle Ages. Kings and nobles often sought out the finest carpenters and kept them retained on their staffs as specialists. Furnishing castles and estates was not only done for decorative purposes but also to demonstrate prestige and status to visitors. Thus a master carpenter was always in demand and could stand to earn high wages."
The Carpenter's Guild was formed in England in 1333 and is now one of the oldest existing social institutions in Great Britain. Craftsmen who knew their trade well and had their own shops were called masters. Lesser workers were known as journeymen and those learning the craft were apprentices. It took an apprentice from 2 to 7 years to become a journeyman. To become a master the journeyman had to pass an examination and make a piece that was judged a masterpiece by the other masters in the guild. Masters were jealous of their position and often made it difficult for journeymen to advance. A journeyman so thwarted might emigrate to America to find greater opportunity.
As towns became organized in the American colonies guilds were established. In 1724 the master carpenters of Philadelphia banded together in the Carpenters Company, the first builder's guild. The guilds played a large role in the coming Revolution. In Boston the carpenters were the "host" group for the Boston Tea Party in 1773. Carpenter's Hall in Philadelphia was built in 1770 to house the carpenter's guild. The Continental Congress met in Carpenters Hall and the Declaration of Independence was signed there.
Other trades also worked in wood. The sawyer sawed the wooden planks for building. A joiner was a highly skilled carpenter who made furniture, similar to a cabinet maker, and other fine-work. A boardwright made tables and chairs. The turner made lathe-turned items, like table legs. A cooper made wooden barrels. A woodcarver made decorative pieces. A wheelwright made wagon wheels. A cartwright built and repaired wooden carts. Here "wright" means craftsman or builder.
A carpenters apprentice working on a stall in the fifteenth century at Rouen Cathedral.
Carpenters' Hall is the home of the oldest guild in America.
A carpenters union label from the early 20th century
Carpenters' Hall is, and has been, the official meeting place of The Carpenters' Company of the City and County of Philadelphia for over 225 years. The guild of skilled craftsmen started in 1724 and was based on the Worshipful Company of Carpenters of London. Their first meeting in the Hall, in 1771, was held before the building was completed (construction lasted from 1770-1774).
More than 600 years of tradition, the carpenters' guild.
Historical Carpentry Resources I found interesting
Apprenticeship in the United States A very interesting page on the history of aprrentices from colonial times on up.
History of Apprenticeship From the Washington State dept of Labor, a great read, informative and not too long.
History of Carpenters At the NYC union site, they already wrote what I was going to do so check that page out for sure.
Academics are welcome to use this list.
This page last modified on Sunday, January 10, 2010
Carpenters' Hall is a treasure in historic Philadelphia. It hosted the First Continental Congress in 1774