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WHAT IS A LATHER?
Lathers are master crafsman. Lathers put the backing and base work down for all of the plasters work. Lathing is a small but vital trade that employs thousands of people in the United
States and Canada. It's an ancient trade that goes back to the days when buildings
were built with stone and plaster. The lather applies the basic framework for the
plasterer. At one time lathers worked with wooden strips called lath; now lathers
work mostly with wire and metal mesh to create the structures and various shapes
that help create the wonders of ornate ceilings, dome ceilings and the walls of many
buildings.
WHAT DO LATHERS DO?
In order to achieve the sometimes spectacular creations, lathers use tie wire,
screws, nails, clips and staples to fasten metal studs, metal lath and drywall. The
framework built by lathers is eventually covered by plaster, drywall materials or
other finished surfaces. Although lathers work indoors much of the time, their
duties also involve working on the outside of buildings and other structures, in
situations often requiring the use of scaffolding. Lathers work with a variety of
hand and portable power tools, and frequently cut, join and fasten metal
construction materials using welding equipment and oxy-acetylene torches.
Union lathers belong to the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America,
the largest building trades union of North America.
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