What is the Difference between a Woodworker and Carpenter?
I have a woodworking business. When I tell people that I get all sorts of questions about what I can do for them. Can you build me a deck? Can you build a covered patio? Can you make cabinets? Truthfully, I could probably do all of those things, but would I for a client, not so much. There are different types of woodworkers, which are generally lumped into two major categories, woodworking and carpentry. So what’s the difference?
There are two main types of woodworking, carpentry and fine woodworking. Carpentry has it’s own specialties such as framing, finish, and more. I’m not well versed in carpentry to go into the details, but I know the distinction between carpentry and fine working. That is, a carpenter takes their tools to a jobsite to build big things, such as houses, whereas a fine woodworker builds small things, such as furniture, using tools in their shop.
When building a house a carpenter can be less accurate because of the scale. When sheathing a house with plywood, the gaps need to be tight but if they aren’t perfectly seamless it’s not going to matter much. However, a writing desk with 1/32 inch gaps between each board in the table top will not be acceptable. Those gaps need to be perfect for a smooth writing surface.
Within fine woodworking you could make cabinetry, furniture, carvings, bowls, boxes, and much more. There are distinctions within fine woodworking that separate us based on processes and tools. In a future post I'll explore differences between traditionalists, power tool wood workers, hybrid, and the newest discipline, robotic.
For me, I am an aspiring furniture maker, but I got my start in woodworking on the carpentry side. In college I worked some light construction jobs, we replaced windows in older homes. Generally we were taking out old metal framed windows and installing more efficient vinyl windows. Our process was, cut out the old windows, adjust the inside casing and trim, put the new window in, and trim out the window. My job was to haul windows for my boss, clean up, and trim/caulk the windows. So I knew the basics of making a mitered frame. I learned how to use a table saw, miter saw, nail guns, and other basic power tools.
Fast forward a few years and I bought a house and like any strapped for cash do it yourselfer I looked at the rotting roof of my shed and said, “I can fix that.” So I bought some tools and got to work. Small projects requiring little more than home center wood, screws, caulk, paint, and some shingles.
It feels great to accomplish a task around the house. Installing shelves or fixing a wobbly table leg doesn’t make you a woodworker, but it’s a start in the right direction. Like every skill, woodworking takes time to get good at. To progress, develop, and become a woodworker. All it takes is time. You have to want to build and to improve your craft to become a woodworker. You also have to know what you want to do. I started off with construction based projects such as that roof I fixed. I built a trellis for the garden, I replaced a section of fencing, I built planter boxes. All of these are carpentry projects more-so than woodworking projects.
Then I started making some furniture and using hardwoods. I discovered new technics from YouTube and put them into practice in my garage. I say I’m still aspiring to be a furniture maker because of the work I’ve done, but I have more to learn.
I started a business so I could create more, get new ideas, and make some money to fuel my hobby. I am starting to get clients and make client work, but I’m still spending a good portion of my shop time on my own projects. I know someday that will change so for now, I’m enjoying life as it is, something I haven’t done nearly enough of.
My goal is to become a full time furniture maker. I’m building my skills and network, but for now my day job still pays the bills. It’s great because I can still destress while wood working. I can spend time making mistakes and rebuilding because I don’t have the burden to provide off of the income I’m cutting into with a mistake. I’m not yet ready to make the leap and add extra stress to my life. Right now woodworking does help me destress and I want to keep it that way as long as I can.