Purely Post & Beam - Syllabus

Join us for an incredible week of fine woodworking on the beautiful rocky coast of Maine in the Purely Post & Beam Class. We start with raw lumber and in five days cut and raise a 24x24-foot timber frame by hand.

Intro:
Introduction to the classic structure we will build, an overview of timber framing; an in depth discussion of the tools and their strengths, weaknesses and differences. Open house in store for students to select any additional tools they need to purchase. A complete recommended tool list* for the class can be found here.

Drafting Workshop:
Conventions of blueprints and an explanation of drafting tools and details. Each student draws elevations and joinery details. Students learn the fundamentals of drafting, the details of the structure, as well as technical terms for the joints and framing members used.

Plans and Cutting to Length:
Each student will receive a copy of cutsheets that detail each piece of wood in the building with the joint locations and specs clearly marked. We’ll review these plans and how to read them and begin by cutting each piece of wood to length.

Sharpening Tools:
Preparing your chisels for cutting; whether your chisels are 200 years old or straight from the manufacturer they need to be sharpened. When we are through sharpening, you will be able to shave the hair off of your arm!

Layout of Joints:
If you have ever been on a construction site you have heard the age-old piece of advice: “measure twice, cut once.” This is just as true in timber framing as it is in any other building project and perhaps more important because of the cost of each piece of wood. Laying out the joint accurately can be time consuming and difficult. We show you how to do it accurately and efficiently.

Cutting Joints:
Each joist is cut by hand. Each student is assigned one framing member and begins cutting once he/she has completed the layout process and had an instructor sign off on it. You’ll begin by removing material efficiently.

Refining Joints:
The framing members are assembled by hand so accuracy and care must be taken with each joint, down to 1/8 of an inch. We’ll teach you how to use some specialty tools like slicks and sliding t-bevels to ensure that you take just the right amount of wood off of your joint and not a bit more!

Engineering:
The framing members are assembled by hand so accuracy and care must be taken with each joint down to 1/8 of an inch. We’ll teach you how to use some specialty tools like slicks and sliding t-bevels to ensure that you take just the right amount of wood off of your joint and not a bit more!

Assembling bents & Old Fashioned Timber Frame Raising:
Assemble and raise a structure using a variety of techniques from man power, to block and tackle as well as a crane.

Throughout the class, we will discuss techniques for enclosing and insulating timber frame structures, foundation styles, siding, roofing and general weatherizing materials, wood selection, and how best to finish the timbers.

After this class, you’ll be skilled at woodworking and joinery on a grand scale. And you will have the knowledge and confidence to build a timber frame structure of nearly any shape or size.

*When you register and you will receive a special 10% discount on all supplies purchased from Shelter Tools during the class.