The Timber Framers Guild is now accepting applications for Journeyworker status as part of its Apprenticeship training program. Journeyworkers will supervise apprentices and provide the expertise and knowledge to bring up the next generation of timber framers. Forms and procedures for those interested in applying are available via the following five documents:

Oregon Timberworks will host a Northwest Timber Framers Gathering in Bend, Oregon, on Saturday, Aug. 21, as a way to get to know your fellow timber framers and share ideas and fun. This is a free event open to anyone. There will be presentations, games (stump and axe throwing), and a slide show. Dinner and refreshments will be provided on site. There will also be camping at the shop; bring a tent and a sleeping bag.

Presenters are needed as well as someone to head up the axe throwing. Local timber framer Randy Rooker will discuss scribing to irregular surfaces.

Sponsors are also needed to help cover cost of food, refreshments and incidentals. So far, sponsors include Reliance Specialty Building Products, a local brewer donating a keg, and the Southeastern Timber Framers donating funds. T-shirts will be available for a minimal cost; let us know in advance if want one and a size. Please contact Bill Sturm if you would like to present, have an idea for a presentation, want to be a sponsor, or need info about local accommodations: Bill Sturm, Oregon Timberworks at 503-260-6119 cell or 541-330-0351 office www.oregontimberworks.com.

Board member Lisa Sasser has been busily posting updates over the past several weeks, and Joel McCarty has, too, right up to the big social world.
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At the November 2009 conference in Saratoga, Featured Presenter John Abrams presented “Sharing Ownership of the Future, and Building It, Too.” In his talk, John discussed the future of the economy and the building industry and forecasted the changes that may be needed in our companies - large and small - to bring new prosperity and excitement. Read the text here.

In addition, you may view Patricia Chambers slideshow of the conference here.

We recently completed a project to repair and re-assemble the historic 36' x 85' Gindler Barn at a TFG workshop at Willoughby Farm, Collinsville, Illinois. Daily Video Reports.

TFG Apprenticeship Standard & Work Processes: The definitive document, now available for download in PDF.

Fourteen Small Timber Frames: A collection of 14 timber frame plans with designs ranging from simple garden sheds and pergolas to barns.

Standard for Design of Timber Frame Structures: Defines the engineering and design requirements for timber frame construction. Free to download or buy a printed copy.

Timber Frame Joinery and Design, Vol. 2: More than 50 articles on design, engineering, layout and joinery, enclosures and vernacular timber framing. A must-have for everyone's library.

Timber Truss Book: A compilation of six articles that originally appeared in Timber Framing, plus new material. Another invaluable reference.

Historic Steeples Series: Articles discussing the form, function and joinery of historic American timber-framed steeples.

Historic Trusses Series: Articles discussing the form, function and joinery of American timber-framed roof trusses of the past with examples.

The Forest Service's Wood Handbook: Wood As an Engineering Material: Download it free or order a copy from the Forest Products Society.

TFG Apprenticeship Curriculum: Download and print all 16 sections.