Be A Carpenter For Uncle Sam Part 1
By By Larry Westfall

Carpenter Grade 7

General: Carpentry workers at this grade level measure, cut, construct, install, repair, and modify wood; composite, and wood substitute items where specific fit and accuracy are within allowable limits to produce a serviceable product. Finished appearance of work products is not the primary consideration at this grade level. Grade 7 carpentry workers apply standard measurements, specifications, and instructions when constructing, installing, or repairing items such as frame structures, decking, partitions, shelving, doors, forms, siding, and scaffolds. They apply a general knowledge of wood, composite materials, wood substitutes, and techniques, as well as basic shop mathematics to plan, measure, and lay out materials according to dimensional requirements and specifications. Workers at this level typically follow specific instructions and are aided through the use of templates, or preplanned, or precut materials.

Skill and Knowledge: Grade 7 carpentry workers have a working knowledge of techniques and basic shop mathematics and are skilled in using measuring tapes, squares, levels, and other carpentry tools to plan, lay out, measure, cut, construct and install materials according to dimensional requirements and specifications. Workers at this level have a basic knowledge of material strengths and applications. They are skilled in use and operation of a variety of hand and power tools such as hammers, handsaws, drills, planes, routers, screwdrivers, power nailers and fasteners, glue guns, metal shears, screw guns, power saws, and power sanders and planes. They are able to work from sketches, work orders, basic blueprints, and instructions, which are complete in terms of type of job required and materials and methods to be used. They are able to perform millwork, construct framing, and make items such as benches, partitions, frames, and tables. They are able to perform limited repairs to office-type furniture such as re-gluing loose joints and replacing shelving and slide mechanisms. They are knowledgeable of techniques to prevent splitting, chipping, and splintering and of the types and uses of various nails, screws, specialized fasteners, and bonding materials.

Responsibility: Grade 7 carpentry workers work under general supervision or with a higher graded worker and receive assignments orally or through work orders, sketches, or basic blueprints. They select the proper tools to be used and determine methods and techniques based on established practices or specific instructions from the supervisor or a higher grade worker. Deviations from standard practices and material substitutions generally require approval. Work is spot-checked in progress and checked upon completion to insure requirements have been met in terms of fit, dimensions, structural integrity, and other required objectives.

Physical Effort: Carpentry workers at this level work in wood shops and at job sites. When working in a shop, grade 7 carpentry workers stand for extended periods while operating machines such as bench planers, saws, and drill presses. The work requires considerable bending, kneeling, and stooping. When at a job site, strenuous physical exertion is sometimes required when handling heavy and bulky materials such as sheets of plywood, framing members, and other building and construction materials.

Grade 7 carpentry workers use manual or portable power tools for extended periods in uncomfortable positions. On-site work typically requires bending, stooping, crawling, and climbing on ladders, scaffolding, and rooftops. Workers may lift and move materials up to 18 kilograms (40 pounds), unassisted, and occasionally lift or move heavier items with the assistance of lifting devices or other workers.

Working Conditions: Some work is performed in shop areas where the worker is exposed to moderate or high noise levels from operating machinery, sawdust in the air, glue fumes, and hazards associated with and related power equipment. When working at job sites, workers may be exposed to weather conditions and the hazards of working on and around scaffolds and ladders. They are subject to cuts, bruises, and contusions. Carpentry workers may work in confined areas such as crawl spaces and attics, which may be dusty and dirty. They use protective devices such as earplugs, safety glasses, respirators, and gloves.

Larry Westfall is the owner ofhttp://www.AboutCarpentry.com
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