In this six-day timber framing course you will learn the basics of timber frame construction, using the square-rule method and working from a set of shop drawings. With hands-on learning you will gain the knowledge to build your own timber frame project. This course focuses on laying out and cutting traditional joinery. You will also learn shop safety, proper tool use, sharpening skills, square rule layout, and raising techniques.

We will build a 16′ x 20′ 3 bent building complete with ½ loft. This building can be used for a bunkie, house, or shed. You will learn how to layout and cut all components of the frame. This will include tie beams, posts, knee braces, rafter plates and rafters. We will raise the frame together on the sixth day.

Schedule:

Day 1
-An introduction to timber frame terminology
-An introduction to the timber frame plans and shop drawings
-An introduction to hand planes and power planes
-Introduce square rule layout and how to layout tenons. Using rough sawn timbers with two people on each tie beam and six people on each post – plane all four sides and then square one corner. The joinery will be laid out on the timber using the shop drawings and demonstration.
-An introduction to the safe use of circular saws, power drills and chisels.
-The tenon joinery will be cut using the above tools
-Introduce the mortices in the posts and the knee braces on the tie beams.

Day 2
-Further discussion on square rule layout and demonstration of mortice layout
-Finish cutting the tie beams and continue work on the posts
-Introduce the other pieces in the frame and review the timber frame plans.

Day 3
-Work day – continue on layout and cutting of individual piece.
-Draw dowelling
-Test fitting

Day 4
-Introduce knee braces – all students to layout their own knee brace and cut the joinery
-Assemble a bent at the end of the day

Day 5
-Rafter day – all students to layout and cut at least one rafter
-Assemble the sills and last two bents

Day 6
-Raise frame!