TIMBER FRAMING WITH POWER TOOLS May 2–7, 2027

OVERVIEW

The craft of timber framing has had a long history in architecture. Timber frame structures are well known for their unique beauty and the ability to withstand the test of time. Consisting of mortise and tenon joinery, timber frame structures are a delight to build, provide timeless beauty, and are stronger than basic conventional structures. In this class, we will layout and cut the joinery for a complete timber frame, assemble the bents and follow it up with a good old-fashioned hand raising.

We will use square rule layout in this class. Timber framing using the traditional square rule method allows the builder to use rough sawn timbers to construct the frame and we will add a modern twist to this traditional building method, with the focus of the course on safely integrating power tool use into the cutting of the timbers.

This course is meant to focus on applying power tools in the context of timber framing, and will not spend as much time on the basics of layout. We recommend previous experience with Square Rule layout before taking this class. No previous experience with power tools is expected!

SCHEDULE

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

LOCATION

This course takes place at our schoolhouse in Alstead, NH.

INSTRUCTORS

Ariel Burns and Kyle Murphy (visit our 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