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I am doing a habitat for humanity build in two weeks and was wondering from people who had done one before if they are ok if you bring your own tools and if they let you use framing nailers or do they nail it all by hand?
I am defidently bringing my own framing rig and handtools. The guy I talked to on the phone was realy happy when I told him I know all about framing and genral construction. He wanted me saterday monday and tuseday.It's been several years since I've done one but they were definetly glad I brought my own hand tools. If I remember correctly they did not let the typical volunteers use power tools.
At least on the build I worked on most of the serious work was done Monday thru Friday with a proven crew. Most of them were retired and very good craftsmen/builders. The volunteers from schools and churches that were bused in on Saturday painted, cleaned up landscaped etc. Also a lot of the major trades, electrical, HVAC, roofing, etc were contracted.
I was able to work during the week so I got to work with the proven crew. Do the same if you can. I had a blast and learned a lot from them.
Have fun!
Thats good I wasent sure if for "safty reasonds" we were going to have to hand nail everything even the sheathing which would get old real quickFrom 2001 thru 2005 I did several. We had a licensed contractor and everyone else was a volunteer. We only worked 2 days a week. They did provide most of the tools. There was no problem with bringing your own tools. And yes we did use power nailers and hammers.
Tom
Most likely once they figure out you know what you are doing, and I'm sure that won't take long, I'd bet they let you run a crew of novice volunteers on Saturday. On Monday and Tuesday you will get to put the hammer in your hand.I am defidently bringing my own framing rig and handtools. The guy I talked to on the phone was realy happy when I told him I know all about framing and genral construction. He wanted me saterday monday and tuseday.
I am going to be kind of mad if they want me to do painting because thats what I do at work 90 percent of the time and I like carpentry much better
I think I would enjoy running a crew only thing that would piss me off is the guys that only grab 1 2X4 at a time when theres a big pile of them to moveMost likely once they figure out you know what you are doing, and I'm sure that won't take long, I'd bet they let you run a crew of novice volunteers on Saturday. On Monday and Tuesday you will get to put the hammer in your hand.
No trust me i comptly understand that you get what you get with volunteers. Its not like I would ever even think to say anything about it.When you work with volunteers you get the best out of them tat you can, everyone has strengths and weaknesses and twenty volunteers carrying one two bye is the same as five volunteers carrying four, maybe you are not as suitable as you believe for running a crew in HFH