John Carroll

John Carroll began his career in the late 1960s roofing houses during summer vacations. These days, he begins at the bottom, laying masonry foundations for the additions he builds. John lives in Durham, N.C. and is the author of two Taunton Press books, Measuring, Marking & Layout (1999) and Working Alone (1999).

Features by this author:
Smaller, better mortar hoeOnline Membership Required

Short handle mortar hoe

Hip-Roof Framing Made EasierOnline Membership Required

Measure from the rafter's bottom edge for exact layout

Q & A: Cutting brick for a doorOnline Membership Required
Accu-Chute Wheelbarrow Review
Q & A: Repairing a firebox
Laying Out OctagonsOnline Membership Required

Whether framing an octagonal window or laying out a bay, here are two fast ways to get the angles right

Laying out Octagons

Whether framing an octagonal window or laying out a bay, here are two fast ways to get the angles right

Using Clamps Outside the BoxOnline Membership Required

They're not just for gluing up: Clamps can serve as handles and locks, or as helpers that never file for unemployment

The Knock-Down ShopOnline Membership Required

A precision shop is set up in less than five minutes using collapsible tables and a salvaged panel door

Editors PickAsphalt Shingling From the Top DownOnline Membership Required

On steeply pitched roofs, working from the ridge down is faster, safer and easier on the shingles

Tip: Shingle lifterOnline Membership Required
QuikJack Flooring Jack Review
Tip: Stackable toolboxesOnline Membership Required
Flashing a ChimneyOnline Membership Required

Installing the flashing along with the bricks makes for a more secure and much better-looking job

Working Alone: Replacing a Helper's Hands

Tips and techniques that will speed up the process when you build by yourself

Tip: Supporting sawcuts on uneven groundOnline Membership Required
A Different Approach to Rafter LayoutOnline Membership Required

Measuring along the bottom of the rafters and using a site-built jig simplify the process

Q & A: Brick-faced foundationsOnline Membership Required
Laying up Concrete BlockOnline Membership Required

Get evenly spaced courses and consistent mortar joints by using the proper layout, mortar consistency and troweling techniques

Laying Out Three-Tab Shingles

Spend a little time measuring and striking lines, and the rest is fairly easy

Video: A Jig for Cutting Multiple Dadoes with a RouterOnline Membership Required

Level wood shelves are a cinch with this simple guide for making the slots to fit them in

Video: All-Purpose Construction BracketOnline Membership Required

Simple L-shaped jig serves many purposes, especially when working alone

Video: An Old Door Makes a Great Workbench

A door and a couple of sawhorses provide a quick and easy job-site work space

Video: Rafter and Stair JigsOnline Membership Required

John Carroll demonstrates a couple of cool jigs for laying out rafters and stairs

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