This is it, I'm certain - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

**framerman** · 10-25-2009, 07:43 PM

I'm 42 and I have a pretty good shot at starting one more big frame (as soon as the fricken financing comes through) and I think that may be it. There is no more desire to prove to myself or anyone else what I can do in framing.

In the last year I have been doing finish work, custom carpentry, woodworking, etc. and have this immense desire that I never had before to do this type of work. People around me seem very pleased with my work, though I feel it can get much better.

I answered a CL ad and started working at this place on Friday. I can't give any details about the project, what it is, where it's at, because it's high profile. I showed up to lend a hand because they are behind the 8 ball (like all jobs)

There is some really, really nice millwork going in this place. Custom 2 piece crown everywhere. 10" high custom milled baseboard. Custom casing. Coffered ceilings in just about every room. I walked in and there are 4 big piles of moulding ready for install. Truck load size! And the place is easily half done.

This is work for a good size millwork company.

I may need to retire my screen name. Bring on the Festools!

SLSTech · 10-25-2009, 07:48 PM

Best of luck there, though I doubt you will need it

Congrats

Splinter · 10-25-2009, 07:51 PM

Great! Now don't show up to the new gig with those giant 1/2" wide framers pencils... And start thinking in 1/64th's instead of 1/8th's....

good luck!

**loneframer** · 10-25-2009, 07:55 PM

At 42, it's time to consider self preservation. At 44, I think I still have a few custom framing jobs left in me, but I also know that the years of framing behind me have been very taxing on my body. I'm sure such is the case with you. There is a different kind of satisfaction in framing. You will be sure to appreciate the good ones that preceed you on the finish end. I learned more about framing by following myself with siding and trim than I did working my way up the framing ladder.
It sounds like you are on the trail to greener pastures. Enjoy the ride.

**Gus Dering** · 10-25-2009, 07:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by framerman

I'm 42 and I have a pretty good shot at starting one more big frame (as soon as the fricken financing comes through) and I think that may be it. There is no more desire to prove to myself or anyone else what I can do in framing.

In the last year I have been doing finish work, custom carpentry, woodworking, etc. and have this immense desire that I never had before to do this type of work. People around me seem very pleased with my work, though I feel it can get much better.

I answered a CL ad and started working at this place on Friday. I can't give any details about the project, what it is, where it's at, because it's high profile. I showed up to lend a hand because they are behind the 8 ball (like all jobs)

There is some really, really nice millwork going in this place. Custom 2 piece crown everywhere. 10" high custom milled baseboard. Custom casing. Coffered ceilings in just about every room. I walked in and there are 4 big piles of moulding ready for install. Truck load size! And the place is easily half done.

This is work for a good size millwork company.

I may need to retire my screen name. Bring on the Festools!

Fast forward 9 years and you land squarely into my shoes.

I feel ya brotha

**framerman** · 10-25-2009, 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Splinter

Great! Now don't show up to the new gig with those giant 1/2" wide framers pencils... And start thinking in 1/64th's instead of 1/8th's....

good luck!

I still use my carpenter pencils. I'm only on 32nds for the moment. I was never on 1/8ths for framing, always 16ths. I can get a pretty sharp point, but I will take all suggestions for what I should be using. I still have my architectural pencils, the really, really hard lead ones.

basswood · 10-25-2009, 07:57 PM

I seems to me that you can trim with the best of them. Not many can do frame to finish work and do it all with speed and class.

Now that you are a trim carp... you get all the perks... valet parking, concierge service, etc.

All the best,

Bass

**framerman** · 10-25-2009, 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gus Dering

Fast forward 9 years and you land squarely into my shoes.

I feel ya brotha

I'm modeling my business after you and Bass. What could go wrong?

I also have 35 to 40 acres of Red and White Oak, Soft Maple, Ash, Poplar.....I'm thinking mill and kiln!

Splinter · 10-25-2009, 08:01 PM

I buy 10 packs of #3 pencils from the office supply store and use the Fastcap 16' tape measure.. It has a built in pencil sharpener on it.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001DSXMEY

WarnerConstInc. · 10-25-2009, 08:02 PM

Good luck, I use a .5 mechanical pencil or a knife mark.

Warren · 10-25-2009, 08:04 PM

You Traitor!!
I just turned 43 and you don't see me going over to the darkside.

Quite frankly though, I love framing. Always have, probably always will. As long as my body permits, and the work is still there, I will keep at it. Occasionally I don't mind being the GC on a few projects, but I always feel more fulfilled with the pouches on.
I think its great that you are getting an opportunity to do something that you like. Its funny how as we get older, different things appeal to us now. I used to hate doing remodeling and always loved new work. Now I like them both as long as the remodel is challenging enough.

**Leo G** · 10-25-2009, 08:05 PM

Should be a great experience for ya. I started out using 1/64" and have graduated to 0.005" using digital in the shop. Hopefully you will enjoy yourself doing this. I look forward to seeing some of the final product.

Splinter · 10-25-2009, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Warner

or a knife mark.

I dont know him well enough... can he be trusted with sharp instruments?

**Gus Dering** · 10-25-2009, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by framerman

I'm modeling my business after you and Bass. What could go wrong?

You know Leo is going to need a hug and kiss now, don't you?

You got mad skilz.
I have posted this before but here it goes again.

As soon as you start answering the question "what do you do for a living?" with "I am a Trim carpenter" or "I am a cabinetmaker" the opportunities to do more of that work will begin to pile up.

You have spent your entire life creating your life to look like it is. You have the ability to change it into anything you like as well. Your consciousness creates your reality. Thoughts create reality.

Lets all meditate about that for a while.

There is something to that stuff though

**framerman** · 10-25-2009, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leo G

Should be a great experience for ya. I started out using 1/64" and have graduated to 0.005" using digital in the shop. Hopefully you will enjoy yourself doing this. I look forward to seeing some of the final product.

.

Damn, I thought I was doing good at 32nds!

Warren · 10-25-2009, 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by framerman

.

Damn, I thought I was doing good at 32nds!

You gotta get a pair of them bifocal safety glasses now just to see them marks.

I bet a good framer turned finish carpenter will really be tough on the framers that he follows.

**framerman** · 10-25-2009, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gus Dering

You know Leo is going to need a hug and kiss now, don't you?

You got mad skilz.
I have posted this before but here it goes again.

As soon as you start answering the question "what do you do for a living?" with "I am a Trim carpenter" or "I am a cabinetmaker" the opportunities to do more of that work will begin to pile up.

You have spent your entire life creating your life to look like it is. You have the ability to change it into anything you like as well. Your consciousness creates your reality. Thoughts create reality.

Lets all meditate about that for a while.

There is something to that stuff though

I believe 100% of quotes like you just said. I don't think anyone would believe me if I told them how I achieved some things. The last year especially has been a bizarre strange trip.

It's funny because I got the request for the stage job from exactly what you just said. The guy approached me. I was hired to come in and blast some walls down and ended up making booth seats, bars, trim, kitchen prep tables....on and on.

Leo is close by. I may just want to take a road trip to see this digital stuff. I have a caliper, does that count?

Splinter · 10-25-2009, 08:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leo G

I started out using 1/64" and have graduated to 0.005" using digital in the shop.

You cabinet guys are cockier than the plumbers!

**Leo G** · 10-25-2009, 08:21 PM

You want nice stuff you need nice tolerances. Putty and paint make a carpenter what he ain't don't work in my shop.

WarnerConstInc. · 10-25-2009, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leo G

You want nice stuff you need nice tolerances. Putty and paint make a carpenter what he ain't don't work in my shop.

Too bad one of the biggest cabinet shops around here, grabill cabinets, lives by an 1/8" for its tolerence.