Useful Techniques From Other Countries

Journeyman T

What tools or techniques from other nationalities do you think could be useful in the United States?

Much is known in the United States about Japanese hand tools, and even a little bit about Japanese techniques, but what about other countries? Japanese carpenters are known for their joinery. Germany is known for its quality. However, are there tools or techniques that are specific characteristics of German carpenters? Are there tools or techniques that carpenters in Ireland, Australia, Belgium, or wherever are known for?

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cleveman

Carpentry is pretty narrow. I'm not sure that wood is more prevalent in any other country than the US except maybe Canada.

We could learn a lot from the european countries regarding their use of non-wood products-concrete, plaster, tile. Look at the Schlueter system for tile laying. Look at the Spanish and Italian tile and tile tools.

Design and architecture are other fields which could use some outside influence, but the same from the US could travel well, given the proper circumstances.

I have seen some projects in SE Europe where "American" style villas are advertised. They are frame construction with vinyl siding, asphalt roofs, and large yards. It is more of a lifestyle which is being marketed. I don't know that anyone would argue that a framed wall is comparable to an ICF wall, or asphalt roofing versus a tile roof, but maybe the ease of construction and openness to do-it-yourselfers is something desirable. Our cost of construction is certainly desirable.

Another interesting topic would be the whole land-use and zoning issue. We seem to go around in circles with it here. There are many advantages and disadvantages to the government control versus free-wheeling.