Entry Into the Craft of Timber Framing

This class will introduce you to the craft of timber framing. You will learn how to lay out and cut the most common joint in timber framing: the mortise and tenon.

You will join two post timbers to a header beam and stiffen up that assembly with two braces to form a beautiful and functional archway. When it’s done, you’ll have created a timber framed arch that will look about like this:

Minor modifications can be made to suit your situation.

You will learn the square rule method of layout and work from “stick drawings”. Other layout methods and joints will be discussed, as well as how this exercise can be scaled up to a full structure. There will be many books and magazines to explore.
Depending on progress we will have time to “dress up” the timbers with chamfers and chamfer stops.

Registration Includes

Instruction and all materials, which includes $170 worth of lumber (rough-sawn white pine) and other materials, per person.

Skill Level

No prior experience needed, but having a basic familiarity with carpentry tools/terms would be helpful.

Best for Ages…

13 and older.

You should bring…

• 2 foot square
• carpenters pencil
• 1.5″ chisel (sharp)
• mallet
• utility knife
• eye protection (we have extras)
• hearing protection (we have extras)

If you have it, go ahead and bring…

• Skil saw (with a good blade)
• extension cord (25ft)
• router with a 3/4″ straight bit,
• belt sander
• drill motor

This class is meant for beginners as well as those with carpentry skills that want to learn about timber framing. Hence the somewhat lengthy hand tool list. If you are not sure if you want to invest in all these tools right off the bat, contact us at info@duluthfolkschool.com, so we can help supplement what you don’t have.