The purpose of this class is to provide a supportive learning environment for those identifying as women, transgender, agender, or non-binary to work with their hands, using traditional and modern tools to learn the craft of timber frame building.
Timber framing is the craft of joining wooden timbers together without the use of nails or metal fasteners to create a free-standing, self-supporting structure. Timber frames range in size from sawhorses to cathedrals and can be made using hand tools and locally-sourced materials. Timber frames are simple, strong, and elegant, and have stood for centuries around the world. In this class, students will learn the fundamentals of timber framing, from the use of hand and power tools to the layout and cutting of mortise and tenon joinery. At the end of the class, students will work together to raise the frame they have built and will go home with the knowledge and skills to continue their timber framing practice.
In this class, we will be supporting Shepherd Moon Farm by cutting timbers to create the frame for a sauna. The timbers will be ash and oak sourced from the farmland. We are hosting this class twice, and each class will build half the sauna.
Class Outline
Day 1: Introduction to timber framing, project design, and square rule layout.
Day 2: Cutting mortises and tenons with hand tools.
Day 3: Designing for strength - learning to cut wind braces, and continue working on individual timbers.
Day 4: Introduction to power tool use in timber framing. Students finalize their individual pieces. Discussion of raising day logistics and preparation.
Sunday, Nov. 1: Both classes come together at Shepherd Moon Farm in Lindstrom, MN to assemble the timbers they have cut and raise the final frame. The raising will be followed by a celebratory potluck.
NOTE: Transportation to Shepherd Moon Farm in Lindstrom, MN is not provided. Carpooling will be encouraged!
The cost of materials for this class is $65 and is included in the cost of admission.
* If you require an accommodation to take this class, please indicate so in the registration form. Read about our accommodations policy here. *
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Taught by Jenna Pollard with assistance from Julie Arnold and Aria Kampfer.
Jenna Pollard (she/her) has been timber framing since 2010, and has taught timber framing courses throughout Minnesota, Arizona, New Hampshire, Vermont and Washington. She built her own timber frame cabin in South Dakota in 2015, and has been passionately sharing timber framing skills with others since then. Her passion for teaching has led her to offer timber framing courses for FLINTA-identifying folks. She is excited to teach this timber framing class and provide mentorship for students to learn and build their skills in a safe and supportive environment.
