Timber Framing with Power Tools
The craft of timber framing has had a long history in architecture. Timber frame structures are well known for their unique beauty and the ability to withstand the test of time. Consisting of mortise and tenon joinery, timber frame structures are a delight to build, provide timeless beauty, and are stronger than basic conventional structures. In this class, we will layout and cut the joinery for a complete timber frame, assemble the bents and follow it up with a good old-fashioned hand raising.
We will use square rule layout in this class. Timber framing using the traditional square rule method allows the builder to use rough sawn timbers to construct the frame and we will add a modern twist to this traditional building method, with the focus of the course on safely integrating power tool use into the cutting of the timbers.
PREVIOUS TIMBER FRAMING EXPERIENCE OR COURSE RECOMMENDED.
Instructors
Instructors for this course are Ariel Burns and Kyle Murphy.
Ariel Burns has been working in the world of building since her introduction to it in 2012 in Western North Carolina. She has explored the different realms of construction: backyard natural building, home renovations, high performance/green building, conventional carpentry, and traditional timber framing. Her career has included numerous natural building adventures alongside her mentor and cohort Liz Johndrow of Earthen Endeavors. In recent years, she has taught timber framing and natural plasters & finishes workshops with Liz all over New England and beyond.
In 2016, Ariel landed herself at a sawmill-based timber frame shop in Central Maine. Nowadays, she splits her time between the sawmill and the boatyard where she resides. When at the boatyard, she's building high-end treehouses and outbuildings. When at the sawmill, she makes sawdust alongside a motley crew of framers there, known as Maine Heritage Timber Frames. She currently lives in midcoast Maine with her pet rabbit Willow. When not at work, Ariel teaches yoga and plays drums in her heavy metal band.
Kyle Murphy lives in Lynchburg, Virginia, where he has been timber framing for 13 years and has owned and operated Falling Acorn Timber Frames for 11 years. He was first introduced to timber framing while working for a millwright, restoring historic gristmills. Through this work, he fell in love with the beauty, craft, and longevity that timber frames offer.
Soon after, he attended Fox Maple School of Traditional Building, and subsequently other workshops up and down the east coast, devoted to continuing to learn the traditional craft. He served as a project manager for the Hidden Trace Farm Community Building Project in 2020 as well as serving as an instructor on several other Guild projects.
Recommended Reading:
- Learn to Timber Frame by Will Beemer
- Timber Frame Construction by Jack Sobon & Roger Schroeder
- Build a Classic Timber Framed House by Jack Sobon
- The Timber-Frame Home by Tedd Benson
Additional Reading:
- Hand Hewn by Jack Sobon
- Advanced Timber Framing by Steve Chappell
*For any questions, please contact the Heartwood School at request@heartwoodschool.com or 1-603-678-1156.
