2023-04-22 - Introduction to Timber Framing

Schedule:

Saturday, April 22-Sunday, April 23 (9:00 am-Noon, 1:00-5:00 pm)

Instructor:

Dale Kittleson

Location:

This is an in-person class hosted at Vesterheim Folk Art School in Decorah, Iowa.

Have you ever walked into an old barn and wondered what it’s like to build a timber frame? In this two-day timber frame workshop, students will learn about the timeless techniques and traditional hand tools used to lay out, join, and raise a beautiful timber frame structure.

Traditional timber framing is the method of creating framed structures of heavy timber joined together with pegged mortise and tenon joints. Diagonal bracing is used to prevent "racking," or movement of structural vertical beams or posts.

Day one will be in Vesterheim’s classroom where students learn some of the secrets to timber framing and will do layout of mortice and tenons. On day two, students will visit local timber frames and Dale’s timber frame workshop where they will learn about sharpening, peg making, and how to make braces. There will be plenty of time for questions.

Level of Instruction:

No woodworking experience necessary, but please bring a desire to learn and a willingness to push out of your comfort zone!

Supplies:

Please bring a framing square, notebook and pencil. 

Optional: 2" framing chisels or corner chisels

Enrollment Deadline: 

March 31, 2023

Learn more about instructor Dale Kittleson here.

Please read our COVID-19 Policies here.

The Folk Art School greatly values the health and safety of its learners, teachers, and staff and is continuously monitoring local and national COVID-19 statistics, government recommendations, and peer institution guidelines. As with any activity in a public place, there is an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms related to COVID-19 infection, please stay home. By registering for a class, attending a program, or visiting the Folk Art School, you voluntarily assume all risks related to COVID-19 exposure and assume them willingly and you agree to follow Vesterheim's COVID-19 policies. Thank you for your continued patience, understanding, and respect for the safety of our community as we navigate these difficult times. If you have additional questions, please contact the Folk Art School, at folkartschool@vesterheim.org or call 563-382-9681.

Vesterheim’s woodworking classes are supported in part by a generous gift to the Vesterheim Annual Fund from the Eric and Joan Norgaard Charitable Trust.