Civil

CIVIL
ENGINEERING
ORIENTATION
HISTORY OF CARPENTRY
PRINCIPLES AND CONCEPTS OF CARPENTRY
TOOLS USESD IN CARPENTRY
Submitted by:
Ma. Jeza B. Trellas
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HISTORY OF CARPENTRY
Carpentry is the art and trade of cutting, working, and joining

timber into building structures, and the traditional method of
construction is the one that uses wood. Though history of carpentry is
nearly as old as time itself, there are still remarks proving how carpentry
exists. The first signs of carpentry appeared in the Stone Age when early
humans created stone tools to shape wood, way back 4,000 B.C.
Throughout ancient history until our modern era, every civilization in
the world has used wood to create useful as well as beautiful and
decorative objects. We see examples of woodworking by the ancient
Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, and Chinese. Many other ancient cultures
around the world also practiced woodworking, employing many
different styles and techniques.
Later, the Egyptians developed copper tools, which were used to

build items like furniture. Many ancient Egyptian drawings going back
to 2000 B.C. depict wood furnishings such as beds, chairs, stools, tables,
beds, and chests. There’s also physical evidence of these wooden
objects, as many were found well-preserved in tombs due to the
country’s dry climate. Even some sarcophagi (coffins) found in the
tombs were crafted from wood. Ancient Egyptian woodworkers were
noted for regularly practicing their craft and for developing techniques
that advanced the craft for future generations. For instance, they
invented the art of veneering, which is the practice of gluing thin slices
of wood together.
As far back as 720 B.C., early Chinese civilizations advanced the

craft by using precise measurements that is necessary for making pots,
tables, and other pieces of furniture, which starts the explosion of
woodworking across the region. Lu Ban, a carpenter, architect, and an
engineer, became one of the famous carpenters and have been credited
as one of the originators of woodworking in China. Meanwhile,
according to some scholars, Egyptians discovered "finishing" or the art
of placing some sort of protective sealant on wooden material in order to
enhance the preservation of their artworks. Egyptians were also the first
people to use veneering in their woodwork, in order to make panels.
The woodworking knowledge that the Chinese and Egyptians

possessed most certainly spread to other parts of the civilized world in
ancient times as archeological finds have unearthed plenty of
woodworking gems and beauties created by Greeks, Babylonians,
Persians, and many other civilization. Over time, carpentry has evolved
into an essential skilled trade that has been used to create everything
from art to architecture. In Europe, The Vikings were known to be
excellent wood craftsman who built ships that helped the Norse become
a naval powerhouse. Charlemagne’s revolutionary reforms helped
further develop the art of carpentry through a renewed focus on
architecture and culture. The first castles and churches of northern
Europe were built from wood not stone.
All buildings used wood in some way. Buildings were sometimes

constructed almost entirely out of wood, from the framing for their walls
and roofs to their siding and shingles. Even stone buildings required
considerable wooden construction. For instance, while being built, wood
was needed for scaffolding, ramps and frames to support arches until the
mortar hardened. Later, wood was used for doors, window frames,
floors, roof beams, and some interior walls. Although most of the
wooden buildings of the Middle Ages have long since vanished, we still
have contemporary illustrations of buildings and other wooden
structures either completed or under construction. Woodworkers of the
Middle Ages also were skilled in creating wooden figurines and statues,
some of which still stand today. These Byzantine or Gothic art pieces
showed that woodworkers exhibited extreme patience in their
woodworking and their love of this skill.
Today, carpenters can work indoors and outdoors on many

different types of construction projects, including everything from
kitchen cabinets to bridges. They may use a variety of hand or power
tools to cut and shape wood, plastic, fiberglass, drywall and other
substances. Carpenters then fasten these materials with nails, screws,
staples and adhesives. The result is something entirely new that is more
useful than a piece of wood. The history of carpentry is the story of a
constantly evolving and improving trade. From simple woodcutting to
modern-day construction, carpenters have played a major role in
building the world’s most prominent infrastructure. Even as technology
continues to change, carpentry will continue to be one of the most vital
of the skilled trades.
References:
https://www.wagnermeters.com/moisture-meters/wood-info/history-of-
woodworking/
https://www.slideshare.net/jemganacia/history-of-carpentry
https://contractorsinsurance.org/history-of-carpentry/
PRINCIPLES AND CONCEPTS OF CARPENTRY
Carpenter Tim Pierce will cover the basic concepts in carpentry:
 tool use with hands-on instruction of the most common and easily
accessible tools
 basic structural principles
 measuring and marking
 cutting and drilling
Reference:
https://www.crosshatch.org/events/2016/3/24/concepts-in-carpentry-for-
the-small-farm
TOOLS USED IN CARPENTRY

 Hand Saw
The irreplaceable always reliable tool that offers many variations but all
serve a common purpose. The hand saw is the one preferred by
traditional carpenters as they can control the cut while producing a great
finish. Because this tool has many variations, the hand saw is always a
useful tool to have with you. There is traditional saw, hacksaw, coping
saw, and rip saw among others. Hand saws are not a replacement for
power saws, but being the most simplistic one, it is helpful, not optional,
to have. If you can, having a power saw is a great idea, and a cordless
one is even better.
 Spirit Levels
Now even available in your smartphone, spirit levels are critical

to obtaining the perfect leveled surface or product. Some carpenters
prefer having longer levels but it all depends on the application and the
type of woodworking job. If you are working with studs, we would
encourage you to use longer levels for a neater product. A short level
might mislead you if you are not familiar with the tolerances and
deviations when using short level.
 Tape Measures
Always handy and useful, all carpenters use a tape measure even for the
smallest work. This is crucial for having the right dimensions for your
work. Among the tape measures, make sure to use the most adequate
one with the right precision on it. There are multiple options, including
electronic types, that can help you measure your wood pieces. Be sure to
have one with the option of meters and feet because sometimes both
systems are used in the plans and on the job.
 Claw Hammer
Another vital and important tool for carpenters is the claw hammer. We
recommend a hammer 20 oz with steel handles as it will allow for the
right driving force and great grip while using it. When using steel handle
hammers, make sure they have rubberized grip for better control and
improved grip performance. Wood handles are OK if you are driving a
lot of nails but will make your hand sweaty unless you are wearing
safety gloves.
The sledgehammer is another type of "hammer" that can fit into this
category. Remember to use a sledgehammer powerful enough yet
lightweight to complete your work to avoid being too tired from the
weight of it.
 Chisel
A good chisel made of alloyed steel is needed to complete clean cuts.

Chisels are available in different sizes starting at 1/4 inch to 2 inches
long. Chisels are used by carpenters and woodworkers for chipping out
wood for door hinges and other fine woodworking jobs. There are also
corner chisels that act like a hole punch, removing a section of wood
with one hammer blow. Remember to keep the edges sharp and oiled so
the chisel can last longer. Wood handles are recommended, capped with
metal, so they can withstand the constant hammering and can last longer.
Chisels are great for positioning prying deck boards before attaching
them to the framing structure.
 Work Bench
A saw horse or workbench is a very practical and convenient tool. A saw

horse is a carpenter's best friend, helping you resting the piece of wood
while you can work or cut other areas of it. Light weight and portable
saw horses are used very frequently in carpentry during framing or door
installation, allowing you to make precise cuts even when you are
working all alone. The most sophisticated models are equipped with
clamps and adjustable surfaces so you can move it around and fit almost
any type of wood
 Nail Gun
If you are woodworking, you will definitely need a nail gun. A nail gun
allows you to pop nails faster and very efficiently. Although this list
mostly contains items that are not electric or battery powered, the gun is
one of the best tools that will save time and money during the carpentry
process. There are multiple models with different power, so make sure to
choose the one that fits you best.
 Quick Clamps
Clamps are very useful in the carpentry industry. They are used to secure
and grip pieces of wood and lumber so your hands can be free to saw,
cut, or perform other woodworking tasks more efficiently. They are
available in many sizes, designs, models, and styles so you can attach
them to the different working surfaces. Clamps, especially quick clamps,
are very useful when making 45- and 90-degree cuts.
 Pencil
A carpenter always needs a pencil to mark where the next cut will be.
There are mechanical carpenter's pencil that will never need to be
sharpened again. This type of pencil looks like a utility knife to make a
sharp clear line. It is somewhat expensive but you will love it and it will
be easier to carry and use. Pencils or in some instances chalk lines are
always useful, cheap, and will help you when laying out framing or
making cuts.
 Carpenter's Square
A carpenter's square is still one of those tools that no matter how

advanced our technology is, we will still need the square to make some
cuts. The preferred size one is the 6-inch model, easy to carry and use. It
is great when used with a table saw and can even help with some angles
as well. When buying one, make sure to choose a metal one as plastic
can lose its shape and might affect your measurements.
Reference:
https://www.thebalancesmb.com/best-carpenter-tools-4140672

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CIVIL

Carpentry is the art and trade of cutting, working, and joining

Later, the Egyptians developed copper tools, which were used to

As far back as 720 B.C., early Chinese civilizations advanced the

The woodworking knowledge that the Chinese and Egyptians

All buildings used wood in some way. Buildings were sometimes

Today, carpenters can work indoors and outdoors on many

Carpenter Tim Pierce will cover the basic concepts in carpentry:

TOOLS USED IN CARPENTRY

Now even available in your smartphone, spirit levels are critical

A good chisel made of alloyed steel is needed to complete clean cuts.

A saw horse or workbench is a very practical and convenient tool. A saw

A carpenter's square is still one of those tools that no matter how

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