For fitting carpets there is a basic kit that allows tradesmen/women to get off the block.But for fitting wood floors with a permanent install then that toolkit grows with technicality and also price becomes an issue.Are there less wood installers out there for that reason or not?.
i wouldnt have thought that the tools would be the problem tbh. More the experience on how to do the job correctly with said tools.. I for one 'have' to have every tool that man has ever made lol even better if its a power tool hehe :lol: The 'basic kit' in my opinion is geared more for apprentices just getting started out or a diy'r, i have yet to see any fitter with just a 'basic kit' Maybe the wrong way of thinking here, but i have to raise eyebrows if a veteran fitter has a 'basic kit' only edit.. ok i kinda waffled on an missed your point hehe the tools arnt that expensive in the grand scheme of things, especially when you consider it pays over 4x as much to fit the stuff :mrgreen:
Wood floor installation is usually more time consuming than carpet installation and because of the various aspects needs more equipment to install. It follows, therefore, that more and various pieces of equipment are needed (please see Matt for a comprehensive list!!!) and being specialised will cost! I know some people on here fit all floor coverings and will no doubt have all the right gear - I tend to do mainly woods and lvts and I started out with a Black & Decker jigsaw, a pencil and a set square!!!!!.......look at me now three weeks later....I've acquired a hammer and a tapping block!! Oh yeah and a table top saw :lol: Though expensive, a lot of the equipment is very necessary eg moisture meters - but how many of the carpet fitters on here have one? Do you check your installations every time for moisture? I think (correct me here Matt) standards say you should. I fit carpet only when I have to but I've never checked (always do for wood). I think it really comes down to what you prefer to fit and how good you feel you want to be at it......where's me 'ammer?
The reason for the posting was because having read the woodflooring posts then how are young apprentices able to afford moisture testing etc when starting out?.
That's a very good point Bladerunner. Professional tools are more expensive - but have to last longer, therefore are of higher quality. Moisture test equipment is not something a DIY shop/shed sells, at least not the precise tools we need. An apprentice (young or older) should be able to use the moisture testing equipment of the business they learn the trade in, should be told it is an essential tool to have and start saving for it ;-) Then again, if they follow a training course as BwfA I'm sure in the very near future professional moisture testing sets will be "for sale" through sponsors at a reasonable price for them there.
This is a issue for alot trades. Take a mechanic for instance, there toolboxes are worth 10k+ then they have there test equipment that range from £1000+ per item. However a 'Snap-on' tool dealer will set up an account for them so they get the tools and day off a bit each week or the company they work for will supply the tools for them. Guess you will have to do the same. I started off using my fathers tools and slowley built up my own tools. Also moister meters dont have to be expensive. For instance a hygrometer is around £90. It is also the moister meter that confirms to British Standards.
So my next question is "is anyone willing to give credit for these young uns"?.Its only a debating question.
Since we're debating, my answer would be: why? Giving a discount by suppliers is IMHO the way to go, not sure if that's what you mean too. I'm very averse to giving credit/subsidies to anyone - be it organisations, businesses or apprentices. It's too easy money, not cared for and giving a wrong example to others who build everything up from scratch without any credit. Support for young 'uns' - yes, definitely but not free money (again, if that is what you mean?). There has to be an incentive and commitment both ways, both from supplier and apprentice.
