Introductory Timber Framing Workshops – Classes 101 & 102
* No Previous Experience Required *
The courses
Course 101 – Week 1
During this week we will construct a traditional timber frame structure measuring 3.6m x 5m up to wall plate level. This will include the manufacture of the soleplates, floor joists, tiebeams, posts and braces. The cost for this course will be £600 including vat.
Course 102 – Week 2
During this week we will complete the roof structure for the structural frame completed during week 1. This will include the manufacture of the wallplates, collars and common rafters. The cost for this course will also be £600 including vat.
The Tutor
The tutor James Thomson is a professional timber framer with many years in both teaching and carpentry. He is one of the founders and a director of the following businesses: The Denali School of Timber Framing — Anchorage, Alaska And Thomson Timber — Star Fife Scotland He is also a fully qualified Teacher of Craft, Design and Technology with 15 years experience teaching in High Schools throughout Fife. He received specialised training in Timber Framing from Joe Thomson(tutor) at the Weald and Downland Museum and from Steve Chappell, the founder of Fox Maple School of Timber Framing in Maine.
Participant information
The course will be limited to 8 participants and is ideally suited for beginners and hobbyist wishing to develop skills in timber framing. Warm and practical clothing should be worn and a pair of steel-toed safety boots are all that is required. Students will have access to all the hand and power tools required. These may be available for purchase at the end of the course at a discounted price.
Monday through Friday 8am – 5pm
We begin each week long course with brief, informal introductions over a morning coffee. After the obligatory safety chat, we have an explanation of the ‘Mill Rule’ method of timber framing and why we use it. The rest of the week will be dedicated to the hands on process of marking out and manufacturing of the various components required for a timber framed structure, using appropriate hand and power tools. We will also introduce the use of gauges for joints, templates for profiles and measuring sticks for overall lengths of components to ensure consistency is maintained throughout the manufacture of the frame.