TIMBER FRAMING FOR WOMEN+ Oct. 10-15, 2027

OVERVIEW

This course is offered as a comfortable space to learn the basics of timber framing for people who may not feel welcomed in the almost-uniformly male culture found in construction. It is specifically and only for women, queer, and gender nonconforming folks and will be taught by women timber framers.

Students should expect to come out of this class with the knowledge and experience they need to take on a small timber framing project of their own. We will cover the square rule layout technique - a traditional American way of fitting timbers together with mortise and tenon joinery - and students will lay out and cut a small frame using the square rule approach. Instructors will guide them through safe hand tool practices, light power tool options, and finally, the raising of the frame. Throughout the course we will discuss relevant topics like ordering timbers and finishing techniques, and, as time allows, we will also cover tool sharpening and making your own pegs.

SCHEDULE

Sunday: 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
Monday through Friday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Lunch will be provided daily throughout the course.

INSTRUCTOR

Sarah Highland (see instructors page to view instructor bios).

RECOMMENDED READING

Learn to Timber Frame by Will Beemer
Timber Frame Construction by Jack Sobon and Roger Schroeder
Build a Classic Timber Frame House by Jack Sobon

ADDITIONAL READING

Hand Hewn by Jack Sobon
Advanced Timber Framing by Steve Chappell
The Timber-Frame Home by Tedd Benson
Discovering Timber-Framed Buildings by Richard Harris
Recording Timber-Framed Buildings: An Illustrated Glossary by N.W. Alcock
The Development of Carpentry, 1200-1700, an Essex Study by Cecil Hewitt
English Cathedral and Monastic Carpentry by Cecil Hewitt