Carpenters Outfit

[Dusty Walker]

What would have been a typical carpenters outfit in the old west, or was there not that type of job description in those days.

[St. George]

There'd be the typical equipment that makes up a 'basic' set for a carpenter of today - the tools haven't changed all that much.

The catalogs of the era - 'Sears, Roebuck' and 'Montgomery Wards'  - along with the various hardware catalogs - will show available tools of the times, and most Public Libraries will have copies of the pre-1900 reprint catalogs someplace in their Reference Section.

Good Luck.

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

[Dr. Bob]

Some of the basic tool will be available at the local antique mall, many at a reasonable price.  Townsman clothing, and some work clothes, jeans , but probably a vest most of the time.

To start, a hammer, brace & a few bits, saw, a square, and a small plain would be the first tools. 

[River City John]

Jesus is mentioned as having that same job description.
So I figure that job description had been around a goodly spell.

[Major 2]

 Westville, living history museum which depicts an 1850 west Georgia village. www.westville.org/
It is complete town of original buildings moved and set up with trade work shops ,stores and antebellum homes.
Among them is the Original Carpenter shop where I have done volunteer Living History at special events for several years.
One of the items I recall is the full front leather tradesman apron.

Should you want to make one the pattern is quite simple , it is a little fuller & longer than the canvas bib front style you can get at Sears.
But it is not as long as a linen bakers style.
The ties and neck strap are leather thongs.. or this one is close http://woodworker.com/cgi-bin/FULLPRES.exe?PARTNUM=146-666

I also wear a Tradesman's cap ... they have many names I.E. Newsboys Cap, emigrant cap, touring cap ,flat cap and about 2 doz other names..The style was popular in Europe and the United States in the mid 19th and early 20th centuries.

[Professor Marvel]

Regarding toolkits and toolchests, here is an antique toolchest and tools
http://portland.craigslist.org/clk/clt/514739820.html

Here is something more contemporary
"Edward A. Montgomery was a carpenter in Greenwood, Nebraska, during the early part
of the 20th century and very likely for most of his life, which spanned from 1874 to
1956. At some point, probably around 1914, he built a toolchest to carry and store
the tools of his trade."
http://www.oldhousechronicle.org/archives/vol02/issue14/living/toolchest.html

here are a whole carload of toolchest examples
http://www.mjdtools.com/tools/list_1009/index.htm

here is a page from a period catalogue:
http://www.old-woodworking-tools.com/index/pages/101.htm

here are some plans for making your own:
http://www.plansnow.com/classicplans.html

finally here is the "piece of resistance",  the famous Studley Chest:
http://www.phoenixmasonry.org/masonicmuseum/tool_chest_made_by_studley.htm

If one is serious about the subject, I would advise getting Roy Underhills
"The Woodwright Shop" books.

[Major 2]

D'oh !  my bad I though he meant an outfit a 19th century carp. might wear...

[Marshal Will Wingam]

D'oh !  my bad I though he meant an outfit a 19th century carp. might wear...

Well, I was right along with you on that. Ya didn't invent anything new, there.

[Silver Creek Slim]

D'oh !  my bad I though he meant an outfit a 19th century carp. might wear...

Well, I was right along with you on that. Ya didn't invent anything new, there.

I was thinkin' clothes, also. 

Slim

[St. George]

No doubt, you guys were thinking along the lines of 'I See by Your Outfit'...

On the other hand - the military has a Property Book checklist category that describes all equipment a 'Responsible Officer' signs for - 'Sets, Kits and Outfits' .

Once you've dealt with signing for 'everything' associated with a unit, and assuming its pecuniary liaibility/responsibility - that particular appellation sorta sticks in your mind...

The clothing would be that of a townsman - sturdy work clothing, likely a pair of brogans and some variety of hat.

Suspenders would be worn, and a vest would be proper, as well.

Head over to your Library and take a look for the Time-Life series on 'The Old West' - and locate 'The Townsmen'.

That'll give you a good idea of your manner of dress.

A Carpenter would likely have a wooden toolbox that'd accomodate an assortment of his most oft-needed tools - including a handsaw - so you can look for one or make one, and making one would show others your degree of workmanship.

Good Luck.

Vaya,

Scouts Out!