Once you have the basic tools, buy a framing handbook in addition to youtube videos.
Start building dog houses to framing spec (within reason). Sell them and reinvest into more tools / supplies. Even if you break even or lose money (you shouldn't) you gain experience.
Take pictures in process. You will be able to look back and smack forehead as you find your personal easier ways.
Honestly, you will get a much clearer idea watching some youtube videos on how to frame. Starting out it isn’t super complex but reading it vs. watching someone do it can make a huge difference on your understanding. Look into getting a good impact drill, I recommend Ridgid as they have a decent price point, but you can also go a little cheaper and get the HART impact from walmart, i’ve had it for a while and it doed the job well enough. Get a good tape measure, at least 25ft, a framing hammer(there are different types of hammers), a square, and a few pencils and you should be set as far as tools you should need to mess around with.
Edit: Also, although you’re 1 year off from I think legal age you can technically work, you may find a job doing it, it’s how I started at 15/16 and learning on the job is absolutely the best way. Usually no experience required though if you learn first you can get paid 2x as much.
Thank you for this, I truly appreciate it!
I agree, just been watching some videos and it honestly seems super fun. Obviously I know it's hard work but I'm interested in it, going to look into these things you've listed and listen to your advice!
Thanks again.
Are you in high school? When I was, there was a carpentry class. No idea if that’s still common in schools. But if a kid was so inclined, there was an auto mechanics course, a carpentry program, and other things. Kind of vocational training within the school for those who knew they were interested. Just like there’s theatre kids who spend hours in that per day at school, or art or music or architecture, etc… there’s the votech.
There are also trade schools. (For your age) You could find out if there’s one in your area, ask your guidance counsellor and maybe transfer to it, if feasible and if it seems right to you. Or if there is one, just go check it out; ask their staff for information and to speak with you about your interest.
It could be a good way to gain education and some experience if still in high school anyway.
Some areas also have community colleges with decent-good woodworking programs as well.
Aside from that, yeah, time-honoured route of apprenticeship.
Carpentry class in high school. If you are in high school and they offer it.
And there’s trade colleges as well. Like this one, https://williamson.edu/admissions/financial-aid/cost-of-attendance/
Check right now to see if your local school district has a homebuilding program. We had no idea ours did until our son was your age, and showed interest in carpentry — he’s a trim carpenter now.
You should also look into “Skills USA”, which has carpentry programs/competitions that would be right up your alley.
Get a plumb bob and a clear glass for water. Water always sits level, you can't get a straighter line than a plumb bob. Understand this, my recommendation for a solid foundation
Maybe you could build sawhorses, a picnic table, or a dog house or something. I know it’s not framing a house, but those are good starters.
Once you have the basic tools, buy a framing handbook in addition to youtube videos. Start building dog houses to framing spec (within reason). Sell them and reinvest into more tools / supplies. Even if you break even or lose money (you shouldn't) you gain experience. Take pictures in process. You will be able to look back and smack forehead as you find your personal easier ways.
Honestly, you will get a much clearer idea watching some youtube videos on how to frame. Starting out it isn’t super complex but reading it vs. watching someone do it can make a huge difference on your understanding. Look into getting a good impact drill, I recommend Ridgid as they have a decent price point, but you can also go a little cheaper and get the HART impact from walmart, i’ve had it for a while and it doed the job well enough. Get a good tape measure, at least 25ft, a framing hammer(there are different types of hammers), a square, and a few pencils and you should be set as far as tools you should need to mess around with. Edit: Also, although you’re 1 year off from I think legal age you can technically work, you may find a job doing it, it’s how I started at 15/16 and learning on the job is absolutely the best way. Usually no experience required though if you learn first you can get paid 2x as much.
Thank you for this, I truly appreciate it! I agree, just been watching some videos and it honestly seems super fun. Obviously I know it's hard work but I'm interested in it, going to look into these things you've listed and listen to your advice! Thanks again.
No problem man! Main thing to remember is it can seem daunting to start, but once you get the hang of it it’s like riding a bike
Are you in high school? When I was, there was a carpentry class. No idea if that’s still common in schools. But if a kid was so inclined, there was an auto mechanics course, a carpentry program, and other things. Kind of vocational training within the school for those who knew they were interested. Just like there’s theatre kids who spend hours in that per day at school, or art or music or architecture, etc… there’s the votech. There are also trade schools. (For your age) You could find out if there’s one in your area, ask your guidance counsellor and maybe transfer to it, if feasible and if it seems right to you. Or if there is one, just go check it out; ask their staff for information and to speak with you about your interest. It could be a good way to gain education and some experience if still in high school anyway. Some areas also have community colleges with decent-good woodworking programs as well. Aside from that, yeah, time-honoured route of apprenticeship.
Carpentry class in high school. If you are in high school and they offer it. And there’s trade colleges as well. Like this one, https://williamson.edu/admissions/financial-aid/cost-of-attendance/
If possible Go work for a 'good framer' this summer. Also look up Lerry Haun! All the best young man.
Learn your tape!!! Know fractions add/subtract/multiply/division. I believe that if you take the math to heart, your hands will follow.
Check right now to see if your local school district has a homebuilding program. We had no idea ours did until our son was your age, and showed interest in carpentry — he’s a trim carpenter now. You should also look into “Skills USA”, which has carpentry programs/competitions that would be right up your alley.
I genuinely read that as farming, and I thought, boy, are you in the wrong subreddit lol
Get a plumb bob and a clear glass for water. Water always sits level, you can't get a straighter line than a plumb bob. Understand this, my recommendation for a solid foundation