In this course, we will cover the architectural and structural basics for designing timber frame structures that are both functional and beautiful. It is geared towards timber framers who want to know where to place timbers, how to size them, which wooden joints to select, and why. We will cover design and drafting principles required […]
Try blacksmithing for the first time or brush up on your skills in this basic blacksmithing class. Students will be guided through a series of exercises that are designed to teach the language of forging and build your confidence working with hot metal. As you grow more confident, we will progress to making useful items […]
Take your first steps towards the forge! First, learn how to maintain a coal fire and practice points discipline for hammering. Then, achieve good, clean hammer control and progress to tool making. Forge, harden, and temper your own punches, chisels, and tongs while learning about steel. Watch your skills develop as you use tools you’ve […]
OVERVIEW: Here is an opportunity to learn the few, but necessary, knots (a dozen or so) needed by the timber framer to safely lift heavy loads and tying off timbers for shipment. Students will practice these knots until they own them. All the elements of a knot, bend, and hitch will be covered. The rigging […]
This two-day course is a brief introduction to the vast world of carpentry. Students will learn key vocabulary and will become comfortable using basic hand tools. Through the completion of a small project, such as a chicken coop, students will gain confidence and fundamental knowledge to pursue future carpentry projects. Thanks to a grant from […]
It's time! Conquer your fears and discover the joys of using a wide variety of power tools in a safe, friendly and supportive environment. We'll learn the basics of working with wood as we gain hands-on experience with the table saw, chop saw, router, jigsaw and drill press. Each student will build a Shaker-style […]
Build a knife by applying only forging techniques and construction processes used by smiths of old. We will emphasize using hammer skills to move and shape hot metal and shaping and surfacing with files. Also, learn about hardening and tempering by heat, color and eye, using hand tools to construct and rivet wooden handles. Finish […]
An in-depth, hands-on workshop in which you’ll raise a beautiful timber-framed structure as part of a team. You’ll learn how to read plans, prepare layouts, use the tools of the timber framing trade, and cut posts, beams, and bracing with mortise and tenon joinery using a mixture of traditional and modern techniques. During […]
2-Week Course Following the tradition of Francis Whitaker, students will have the opportunity to focus on fine ornamental iron work for a personal, predesigned project. In addition to working on individual projects, students will share and learn from the techniques used in their fellow classmate’s work. Students must be able to perform a dropped-tongs forge weld, make upset square corners, and freehand scrolls. Predesigned projects must be submitted to instructors before class begins. Please […]
A basic carpentry class that breaks down the barriers keeping women from being comfortable with tools. Leave the class feeling confident and ready to tackle household projects on your own! […]
This course gives students a basic overview of general terms, tools, and techniques used in the field of carpentry. Learn how to safely use a wide range of hand and power tools in a supportive environment while building a small structure such as a shed or playhouse. We'll go over house framing and layout while […]
A Guide to Understanding, Documenting, and Repairing Historic Timber Framed Buildings Beginning with a brief history of the craft of timber framing and an understanding of historic joinery and traditional layout systems, participants will learn methods for documenting and dating historic structures with both traditional methods and high-tech gadgetry. The course will address the evolution […]
"Lighting the Fire" with Lucas Damen Class runs: September 17-20 Tuition: $600 Material fee: $50 Skill level: Beginner and up, all welcome In this four-day class, we will cover all the basics for the beginner blacksmith. From tool introductions and ergonomics to hands-on forging techniques and the process of planning and executing several small projects. […]
This fast-paced introduction to smithing moves you through the fundamentals: basic hammer skills, heat treating, forge welding, and identification of “found” steels. By the end of the second day students will be turned loose to make interesting forged pieces with the support and collaboration of a blacksmith with 30 years of experience. Safety, tools, techniques, […]
Scribing is an art as much as a craft, requiring a good eye and a steady hand. It involves laying out and transferring joinery intersections from one timber to another using plumb bobs, levels, and marking devices instead of tape measures and math. This traditional method is useful for incorporating out-of-square, naturally curved, or oddly […]
Subject: Woodworking Skill Level: All Levels Duration: September 22-28 Cost: $792 + $65 materials fee Coopering is the ancient art of making wooden vessels such as barrels, butter churns, buckets, canteens, pitchers, piggins, etc. using only wood for staves and wood white oak bands with no nails or glue. Learn how to use the […]
Over the last two decades, the historic craft of timber framing in residential construction has experienced a revival. Experience the fundamentals of designing and constructing a timber frame using mortise and tenon joinery. Students will learn layout techniques, tool use and sharpening, and joinery cutting methods as we work on a small timber frame project, […]
This class is taught by an experienced builder of timber-framed structures, Chris Newman, and by a structural engineer with decades of experience, Tom Nehil. Both are members of the Timber Framers Guild. Students can expect to begin hands-on learning within a few hours of the first day of class. Tom will discuss design elements and […]
Instructors will take you through the history and theory of stone construction, making of mortar, and shaping of fieldstone into building stone. Presentations will provide insight into geology and the characteristics of different stone types, the mechanics of splitting and dressing stone, and the evolution of mortar systems from ancient to modern. You will then […]
Subject: Woodworking Competency: Beginner Starts: September 28, 2024, 9am Ends: September 29, 2024, 5pm Materials Fee: $90 Tuition: $325-$700 Instructors: Lindley Brainard This weekend workshop introduces the interested but inexperienced woodworker to wood shop equipment and hand tools. The safe, effective, and efficient use of the table saw, jointer, router, planer, drill press, and band […]
This 2-day course is a brief introduction to the concept of square rule timber framing. Perfect for students with a budding interest in timber framing but aren't ready to commit to a full week course. We'll go over basic layout concepts and terminology and every student will get some hands on experience cutting joinery. Competency: […]
Teens and their parent (or other adult) together can learn metal forging skills in the blacksmith shop with experienced instructors in this very popular class. Students make BBQ tools, chisels, and other projects. The fire and tools used in this class demand respect and develop responsibility. Note: Teen and parent/adult need to register together for […]
This course gives students a basic overview of general terms, tools, and techniques used in the field of carpentry. Learn how to safely use a wide range of hand and power tools while building a small structure such as a garden shed or playhouse. We'll go over house framing and layout while looking at the […]
Subject: Woodworking Competency: Beginner Starts: October 7, 2024, 9am Ends: October 11, 2024, 5pm Materials Fee: $75 Tuition: $815-$1750 Instructors: Lindley Brainard, Wynne Hannan This class will give students a chance to become competent with woodworking tools and the building process. Discussions of joinery techniques and woodworking methods will enable students to get lots of […]
This fast-paced introduction to smithing moves you through the fundamentals: basic hammer skills, heat treating, forge welding, and identification of “found” steels. By the end of the second day students will be turned loose to make interesting forged pieces with the support and collaboration of a blacksmith with 30 years of experience. Safety, tools, techniques, […]
Blacksmithing for Women is the same class at our normal blacksmithing class except that it’s for women. We’ve been asked many times for this class and will continue to offer it as long as people are demanding it. This introduction to blacksmithing covers the same projects as Blacksmithing I as well as all the same […]
OVERVIEW: The majority of historic timber framed structures in the United States built before 1800 were scribed using a system brought here from the British Isles. It did not involve the use of plumb bobs, piquage, or full-size drawings lofted on a shop floor. It was a simple, direct method using primarily the square that […]
Subject: Woodworking, Woodturning Duration: November 17-22 Cost: $660 + $80 materials fees Skill Level: All Levels The Windsor stool originated in England in the early 18th century. It is characterized by its turned legs, spindles, and seat style. They were originally made from local hardwoods, such as ash, maple, and oak. Often used as […]
This fast-paced introduction to smithing moves you through the fundamentals: basic hammer skills, heat treating, forge welding, and identification of “found” steels. By the end of the second day students will be turned loose to make interesting forged pieces with the support and collaboration of a blacksmith with 30 years of experience. Safety, tools, techniques, […]
This fast-paced introduction to smithing moves you through the fundamentals: basic hammer skills, heat treating, forge welding, and identification of “found” steels. By the end of the second day students will be turned loose to make interesting forged pieces with the support and collaboration of a blacksmith with 30 years of experience. Safety, tools, techniques, […]