Total Station Setup Made Easy – A Beginner-Friendly Walkthrough
A clear, beginner-focused demonstration of setting up a total station—from tripod setup and leveling to achieving accurate readings.
Carpenter — Gallery & Media
Photos, videos, tools, and processes that define the craft.
Videos / Carpentry in Action
Short, focused clips of layout, formwork, framing, and finish workflows.
Explore Skilled Trades Training with the Carpenters Union
A look at the wide range of trades taught through Nor Cal Carpenters Training.
Photos / At the Training Center
Swipe through featured shots, or tap any photo for a closer look.
001 - Intro to Apprenticeship 1
002 - Intro to Apprenticeship 2
006 - Wood Framing
Tools of the Trade / Browse by category
Browse the carpenter tool list by category. Open a section, then swipe or scroll across the cards.
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Tool Bags
A sturdy way to carry and organize everyday carpenter tools on the job.
Used for: keeping essential tools close, organized, and ready while working.
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25' or 30' Tape Measure
The everyday measuring tool for rough dimensions, layout, and material checks.
Used for: measuring lumber, openings, spans, and layout points.
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Framing Hammer
A heavier hammer designed for driving nails and general framing work.
Used for: nailing, light demolition, aligning members, and general carpentry tasks.
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Flat Bar
A slim pry bar for pulling nails, separating materials, and light demo work.
Used for: prying trim, pulling nails, and adjusting wood members.
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Catspaw
A compact nail puller that bites into wood to remove stubborn embedded nails.
Used for: extracting nails during formwork, demo, and rework.
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Screwdriver / Multi-Bit Driver
A flexible fastening tool for common screws and hardware adjustments.
Used for: tightening screws, minor assembly, and quick adjustments.
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Utility Knife
A sharp, versatile knife for controlled cutting of many common jobsite materials.
Used for: scoring, trimming, opening materials, and detail cuts.
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Hand Saw
A manual saw for quick cuts when power tools are unnecessary or unavailable.
Used for: trimming lumber, cutting small pieces, and backup cutting tasks.
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Wood Chisels
Sharp edge tools used to pare, notch, and clean up wood joinery or detail work.
Used for: fitting hardware, cleaning joints, and shaping wood accurately.
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Combination Square
A compact measuring and marking tool for checking square and making short layout marks.
Used for: 90° checks, quick depth marks, and transfer measurements.
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Speed Square
A fast layout square for common angle and crosscut marks.
Used for: marking square cuts, layout lines, and rafters.
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Framing Square
A large square for checking large assemblies and laying out framing members.
Used for: checking framing, stairs, and larger square references.
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Chalk Line & Reel
A reel filled with chalked string that snaps long straight layout lines.
Used for: long layout marks on floors, walls, forms, and sheathing.
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50'/100' Reel Tape
A long tape for site layout, larger spans, and exterior measurement work.
Used for: longer distances, layout grids, and larger jobsite measurements.
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Torpedo Level / 2' Level
Compact spirit levels for checking plumb and level on shorter runs.
Used for: setting hardware, framing checks, and small alignment tasks.
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Plumb Bob & Reel
A traditional vertical reference tool that shows true plumb using gravity.
Used for: transferring points vertically and checking plumb alignment.
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Water Level
A simple level reference that uses water in clear tubing to match elevations across distance.
Used for: transferring level points where lasers or direct sight lines are not practical.
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Hard Hat
Essential head protection for active jobsites and training environments.
Used for: protecting from impact hazards and overhead work areas.
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Safety Glasses
Eye protection for cutting, drilling, striking, and dusty work.
Used for: protecting eyes from debris, dust, and flying material.
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Gloves
Jobsite gloves that add grip and help protect hands during handling and setup.
Used for: carrying materials, general handling, and light hand protection.
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Knee Pads
Protective pads for kneeling during layout, flooring, and finish tasks.
Used for: reducing strain and protecting knees during low work.
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Safety Vest
High-visibility gear that helps keep workers seen around equipment and traffic.
Used for: visibility on active jobsites and work zones.
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Locking Tool Box
A secure place to store tools between shifts or while moving around the site.
Used for: protecting tools, organizing equipment, and reducing loss.
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Drill / Driver
A versatile cordless tool for drilling holes and driving screws.
Used for: fasteners, pilot holes, hardware, and general assembly work.
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Impact Driver
A compact fastening tool that delivers extra torque for tougher screws and lags.
Used for: structural screws, lag bolts, and repetitive fastening tasks.
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Rotary Hammer
A heavy-duty drill designed for concrete and masonry drilling.
Used for: anchors, concrete drilling, and demolition chipping in some setups.
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Circular Saw
A primary cutting tool for framing lumber, sheet goods, and general jobsite cuts.
Used for: ripping, crosscutting, and general carpentry cutting work.
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Miter Saw
A saw for accurate angle and cross cuts, especially useful in trim and repetitive cuts.
Used for: precise repeated cuts, trim work, and clean angle cuts.
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Laser Level
A modern layout aid that projects level or plumb reference lines quickly and clearly.
Used for: layout, alignment, elevations, and faster setup work.
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Reciprocating Saw
A rough-cutting saw useful for demolition, trimming, and cutting through mixed materials.
Used for: demo work, cutouts, and difficult cuts in place.
Apprenticeship / Earn while you learn
Union Apprenticeship Path: about 4 years, 8 levels, paid on-the-job training plus tuition-free class weeks. Regular raises come as you complete time, hours, and related training.
Explore the application pathway, pre-apprenticeship support, veteran pathways, and the CAN-DO Network / flyer resources.