One thing I'd like to say about techniques;
It is my opinion that our primary goal should be a good frame. That being said, we should learn, develop and apply techniques to achieve this goal, but in the
most productive manner possible. When we are able to do this, we develop a reputation that sets us apart and allows us to be competitive.
In an economy like we are in, there are plenty of guys who will work for a lot less $$, and many (maybe most) GC's are forced to go with them because they are getting a lot less $$ for the project.
That means that we may have to work for less $$, but keep the quality the same. We can do this to some exent by developing techniques that don't waste time and eliminate unnecessary steps.
Notching a stud is just stupid to me. I get the reasoning, but in practical terms does zero for the finished product. There is no advantage in a market like this do do something along these lines.
I also ascribe to the belief that there
is such a thing as "good enough". That depends on the expectations of the GC or the market we are working in, or the price range we are competing in. It would be unwise at best to frame a perfect frame on a tract style house and then see crappy cabinets and trim installed and cheap electrical fixtures, unless we could do that and make money at it.
When I fill in a gable wall on a cathedral ceiling, I nail the plate up to the rafter, then add scrap for backing. What I like to do is do this as I nail studs and work my way up or down the gable. This minimizes trips up & down the ladder, uses up scrap (I'm talking peices bigger that 2' up to whatever is there) and when I get down off the ladder after the last stud is nailed, I'm done.
The more we can precut on the ground, the better-ALWAYS.
Production is working as smart as we can, and adding hustle to the mix.
My $0.02 (which used to be worth more when the dollar was worth more :blink
