Carpenter vs Cabinet Maker (It’s All About the Level of Detail)
Carpenters and cabinet makers are two different things. You might think they’re the same thing, but they’re not. I’m going to go over what each one does, and then I’ll explain why cabinet makers are hands down the more skilled profession of the two.
What Carpenters Do
Carpenters are people who build structures, regardless of their size. They build houses, bridges, and even simple things like birdhouses.
Carpenters are responsible for the structure of whatever they’re building. They have to make sure that the thing will be sturdy and last a long time. They’ll be using all sorts of joints to make sure the structure holds together, and they’ll be using the right kind of wood.
There are different kinds of wood that have different levels of rot resistance. A carpenter will choose the right kind of wood for the job, so that the structure they build doesn’t rot away within a year.
What Cabinet Makers Do
Cabinet makers are also known as “joiners.” The reason is because they specialize in making things with the highest possible level of precision.
That’s the defining factor of a cabinet maker: everything they make fits together perfectly, and that’s why they’re known as “joiners.”
Cabinet makers make things like cabinets (obviously), tables, and chairs, but they also make things like wooden sculptures, if that’s what they’re into. It’s all about the level of detail, and how well everything fits together.
That level of detail is the defining factor of a cabinet maker. If everything fits together perfectly, then you can be sure that the person who made it is a cabinet maker.
The Difference Between Carpenter and Cabinet Maker Tools
The tools of the trade for each profession are different. Carpenters use tools that are designed to be versatile. They’re built to handle whatever job they’re thrown at. They’re simple, and they’re used in a simple way.
Cabinet makers, on the other hand, use tools that are designed to be as precise as possible. They’re built to be used in a precise way, where they make the job of a cabinet maker easier.
Here are some examples of the tools that carpenters use:
– The claw hammer
– The hand saw
– The chisel
– The tape measure
And here are some examples of the tools that cabinet makers use:
– The bradawl
– The tenon saw
– The wood chisel
– The sliding bevel
Notice that the tools that cabinet makers use are much more specialized.
The tools that cabinet makers use are more specialized because they have to be, but they’re also more expensive because of it. If you’re just starting out as a cabinet maker, then you’re going to have to set aside a larger budget for tools. There’s no getting around it.
The difference in tool prices can easily be ten times the price for each tool, but the good news is that you don’t have to buy everything at once. You can start with the most essential tools, and then buy the rest as you need them.
Why Cabinet Makers Are More Skilled Than Carpenters
Cabinet makers don’t just make things with the highest possible level of precision. They also have to make sure that everything they make is structurally sound.
That’s right, cabinet makers have to be skilled in both joinery and carpentry. That’s why they’re considered to be more skilled than carpenters. They have to be skilled at both professions, and that’s no easy task.
The reason why cabinet makers have to be skilled at both joinery and carpentry is because they’re creating things that are both structurally sound and fit together perfectly. That’s what makes a cabinet a cabinet, and a chair a chair.
The same principle applies to any piece of furniture. It’s all about the precision craftsmanship that goes into making it.