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General Construction Book

terrapin | Posted in General Discussion on May 6, 2009 06:54am

Hello all.  I have a good friend that just bought some land and is having a home built.  The problem is that I’ve become his “dictionary†for the job.  Wasn’t too bad when he had me go over the plans with him, but now that construction has begun it is getting to be a bit much.  I can’t have him calling me a hundred times a day to ask me to explain the technical terms for everything he hears out of the site super’s mouth and to explain the how’s and why’s.  If I’m getting it this bad, I can only imagine the questions the site super is getting from him.<!—-><!—-> <!—->

<!—-> <!—->

Can anyone recommend a good book(s) or back issue of FHB/JLC that would help explain the different parts of the house (e.g. – rim joist vs sill plate, floating slab, grade beam, hip roof, etc.) and the construction process?  It would be especially helpful if it had a ton of illustrations and photos. <!—-><!—->

<!—-> <!—->

<!—->I’ve already have him hooked on FHB and BT, just need to educate him a bit more.<!—->

<!—-><!—-> 

Thanks in advance!<!—-><!—->

Steve

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Replies

  1. FastEddie | May 06, 2009 07:23pm | #1

    Ihave an earlier edition of this book.  It's similar to a lite version of Architectural Graphic Standards.  Great book.  Search amazon for a book by Francis Ching. 

    <edit>  Well crud, nothing pasted.  It's called "Building Construction Illustrated".  Large format (8x10) paperback type book, heavy on illustrations. 

    "Put your creed in your deed."   Emerson

    "When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it."  T. Roosevelt



    Edited 5/6/2009 12:25 pm ET by FastEddie

  2. Hiker | May 06, 2009 07:24pm | #2

    JLC Field Guide will help him and you.

    http://www.jlconline.com/cgi-bin/jlconline.storefront/4a01b97f16cebacf27170a32100a0667/Product/View/FG001

     

    Bruce

  3. User avater
    Mongo | May 06, 2009 07:26pm | #3

    Rob Thallon has a couple of well illustrated books. Lots of drawings showing lots of details. I own both of them.

    "Graphic Guide to Frame Construction" is one for the framing. He has another titled "Graphic Guide to Interior Details" for the rest of the house.

    They are both FHB books.

    1. terrapin | May 06, 2009 08:32pm | #4

      Thanks!  I may just have to pick those up for myself and loan them to him.  The JLC books look pretty good.

      Edited 5/6/2009 1:32 pm ET by terrapin

  4. shtrum | May 06, 2009 08:40pm | #5

    i'll second the Graphic Guide to Frame Construction, although it may not help much with masonry, concrete, mechanicals, etc..  And the images are all details, which may not translate well for a novice.

    The Frank Ching books are very good also, but they may be rudimentary for a job site.  Your bud might want to dig through the local library and get 3-4 different books that meet his level of understanding.

     

     

  5. JohnFinn | May 06, 2009 09:09pm | #6

    As others mentioned I would recommend both the Graphic Guide and Francis Chings. Got plenty of use out of both early on in my career.

  6. User avater
    Dinosaur | May 06, 2009 09:11pm | #7

    Audels Carpenters and Builders Guide. The most complete info on every phase of building you'll be able to carry without a wheelbarrow.

    View Image

    Available from Lee Valley Tools at the following URL:

    http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=1&p=54923&cat=1,46096,46100

    Dinosaur

    How now, Mighty Sauron, that thou art not brought
    low by this? For thine evil pales before that which
    foolish men call Justice....

  7. Huntdoctor | May 06, 2009 09:11pm | #8

    terrapin

    try Carpentry & Building Cinstruction by Feirer & Feirer.

    isbn 0-07-822703-8

    hope this helps

  8. oldbeachbum | May 07, 2009 12:02am | #9

    just have him write to bobbys and brownbagg each evening

     

    I'm not flippin' you off.........just counting cubits

  9. GregGibson | May 07, 2009 12:16am | #10

    I have ####'s / ORLO / Bobcat's cell number here somewhere . .

    Greg

    1. KenHill3 | May 07, 2009 03:00am | #13

      LOL!I wouldn't wish #### on anybody. They would wanna kill me!This is SO weird that the filters won't let me write L A R R Y * M A R T I N !

      Edited 5/6/2009 8:02 pm by kenhill3

      1. Snort | May 07, 2009 03:15am | #14

        Don't say that three times!http://www.tvwsolar.com

        Now I wish I could give Brother Bill his great thrill

        I would set him in chains at the top of the hill

        Then send out for some pillars and Cecil B. DeMille

        He could die happily ever after"

      2. GregGibson | May 07, 2009 03:35am | #15

        Ha, you read my # # # # that I didn't write !
        And you read it correctly !Greg

        1. KenHill3 | May 07, 2009 03:49am | #16

          Thanks for writing the name ORLO, I have been trying for ages to remember Larry's screen name. Ah, remembering, good times..............

  10. User avater
    JeffBuck | May 07, 2009 12:44am | #11

    "Carpentry" by Koel.

     

    http://www.amazon.com/Carpentry-Leonard-Koel/dp/0826907385

    I have an earlier edition, has a blue cover.

    It's the book we used all thru trade school.

    covers everything ... and as it's a text book it explains most things pretty well.

    Jeff

        Buck Construction

     Artistry In Carpentry

         Pittsburgh Pa

  11. oldfred | May 07, 2009 02:37am | #12

    Modern Carpentry by Willis Wagner used to be the standard text for many Vocational programs. It may still be.  It's been updated several times. 

    Excellent book!

     

    Just found it on Amazon.

    1.
    View Image
    Modern Carpentry: Essential Skills for the Building Trade by Willis H. Wagner and Howard Bud Smith (Paperback - Jan 1, 2007)
    Buy new: $21.28 $19.15
    21 Used & new from $16.99
    Get it by Friday, May 8 if you order in the next 22 hours and choose one-day shipping.
    Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping.
    1. gotcha | May 07, 2009 03:45pm | #18

      fred,
      $1 plus $3 shipping...Abebooks.comPete

      1. oldfred | May 07, 2009 04:02pm | #19

        Pete,

        Thanks!      Didn't know about that site.

        oldfred

  12. MSA1 | May 07, 2009 04:29am | #17

    Modern Carpentry.

    It was recommended to me when I was studying for my license.

    This book has everything. I read it cover to cover. It is a good book to have around.

     

    Family.....They're always there when they need you.

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