THE TIMBER FRAME SHOP
We believe that the timber frame craft and art of timber frame joinery are best learned through practice.  Our aim is to provide the opportunity and the place to practice.   Though we emphasize the use of hand tools such as chisels and mallets, we also use power tools such as circular saws and chain mortisers.  The workshop is a five bent, four bay Hammerbeam Bent frame with two full length shed extensions. The workshop is where all the frames are cut. Our 60 x 60 foot timber framed shop is heated by wood and kerosene stoves. It displays several student projects such as the nymph and satyr and the shop spirit woodcarvings. Flags of several students' states and nations hang on the wall.

APPRENTICESHIPS
The apprenticeship is a shop-focused program intended for those who are planning to cut their own frames or enter the timber framing trade.  Our apprenticeships are by and large offered as an introduction to timber framing.
Students focus on layout, cutting techniques and understanding of basic timber framing. Students can then progress to understanding frame design and bent assembly. Students may work on special projects and possibly attend a raising. Some apprentices are asked to be involved in the management of timber frame projects and most are able to develop a design project in their out-of-shop hours.  Apprentices are expected to work from 8 am to 5 pm, 5 days a week, with a 1 hour break for lunch. Apprentices lodge on-site. There is a $300 registration fee for the apprenticeship program.

WORKSHOPS
Our week long workshops bring together folks from various backgrounds whose common interest is timber framing.  The project cut during our workshop is a 16'x16' outdoor pavillion or cabin frame, using locally available timbers.  The workshop will aim to cut the entire frame, and then the frame will be auctioned or sold.  All proceeds from the sale or acution of the frame will go towards some charitable cause, whether it is an orphanage, a medical clinic in a third world country, or a boat motor for a missionary.  

Workshops focus primarily on in-shop instruction in laying out and cutting frame pieces from stock timbers, with a trial assembly or raising on the final day to illustrate the principles of frame assembly.  In addition to in-shop instruction there are a few discussions about other aspects of timber framing, covering a variety of subjects ranging from frame design, use of reference sides, characteristics of wood, and the overall project design process. If you have a design for a timber frame structure, bring it with you and we can discuss that, too.

Workshops begin at 8 am on Monday and end at 5pm the following Friday. The class runs from 8 am to 5 pm daily, with 1 hour for lunch.   Meals are not provided, so bring your own grub.  There is a $350 registration fee.

TOOLS TO BRING

• Tape measure (25-feet or longer)
• Carpenter's (framing) square (16-inch x 24-inch recommended)
• Speed square Combination square
• 1 1/2-inch timber framing chisel (We have a limited quantity of handmade Barr chisels [we believe the best brand] for sale at $115 plus tax. Please let us know if you want us to reserve you one.)
• 20 oz. dead blow or wooden mallet
• Safety goggles
• Ear plugs or ear muffs
• Several sharp carpenter's pencils
• if you are lodging on the farm, please bring: twin sheets, pillow, towels, and food

Timberframe: The Art and Craft of the Post-and-Beam Home / Tedd Benson / The Taunton Press / ©1999 / Hardcover

A Timber Framer's Workshop: Joinery, Design & Construction of Traditional Timber Frames / Steve Chappell /Fox Maple Press / ©1998, Third Printing April 2001 / Paperback

The Timber-Frame Home: Design-Construction-Finishing: Revised & Updated / Tedd Benson / The Taunton Press / ©1997 / Hardcover

Building the Timber Frame House: The Revival of a Forgotten Craft / Tedd Benson with James Gruber / Fireside/Simon & Schuster / ©1980, First Fireside edition 1995 / Paperback

Build a Classic Timber-Framed House • Planning & Design • Traditional Materials • Affordable Methods / Jack A. Sobon / Storey Books / ©1994 / Paperback

Timber Frame Construction: All About Post-and-Beam Building / Jack Sobon and Roger Schroeder / Storey Books / ©1984 / Paperback