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 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. […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]