The “Timber frame from Scratch” series

Frequently asked Questions

The Oak Timber framing and Square Rule framing workshops
 

How often do the workshops run?

There are 9 per year, currently in January, February, April, May, June, August, September, October and November.

Where do the workshops take place?

The practical work takes place in the award winning oak Gridshell, an inspiring and excellent educational and working area. The hands-on work is supplemented by a number of “site tours” around the Museum buildings, looking at features that relate to the workshop.

What will I learn on these workshops

The aim of all the workshops is to introduce the students to the specific problems facing the historic carpenter framing with “wet” or “green” timbers. Followed by an historic solution to framing the timbers together to ensure the correct lengths, bevels and allowances. Every workshop uses the same basic tool kit that is supplemented by other tools as required for that particular workshop.

The difference between the workshops is that they all use a different scribing technique to achieve the same result – correctly fitted joints. All the different scribing techniques have their own “pros and cons”, and a knowledge of each enables you to choose the best option for any given situation.

They can be taken as “one-offs” or in combination in any order.

An outline of the 4 practical workshops is as follows;

bulletOak timber framing - Jowl Posts and Double Cut scribing, this workshop is concerned with a tried and tested historic scribing technique. It concentrates specifically on the mortice and tenon joint and its use at the junction of the bay post to the, wall plate, tie beam and cills. A good introduction to the basic concepts.
4 workshops per year.
bulletOak timber framing - Braces and Plumb Bob scribing, introduces students to some of the tools and techniques used in contemporary framing companies today. These methods are applied to the mortice and tenons of the studs and braces found in wall frames. Covers a lot of the basic concepts and a wide range of tool techniques.
2 workshops per year.
bulletOak timber framing - Rafters and Line Transfer scribing, acts as a primer for working on both new build and repair work. The tools and techniques covered enable you to frame up a new gable roof and a new hip roof, or to repair rafters in an old roof. A historic roof frame specially erected in the gridshell is closely studied to inform us of the joints and tips and tricks of the craft. This workshop applies the basic concepts and tool techniques to the roof, an essential part of all buildings.     
2 workshops per year.
bulletSquare Rule framing, produces a very contemporary looking frame, using timbers other than oak. The concept underpinning this technique enables all the dimensions and angles to be calculated before cutting any timbers. It is essentially the development in carpentry that came after the scribing techniques, introduced in the Oak framing workshops.
1 workshop per year.

Do I need previous experience?

No, we welcome all students regardless of all ages, male and female. Students have ranged from 16 to 70ish. All that is required is a passion for timber frame buildings and desire to learn more about them.

Are these historic techniques still useful today?

Yes, timbers and the hand tools used to cut it have not changed much the centuries. So this knowledge is still applicable today particularly when irregular shapes are concerned, for example when fitting timbers to walls that are not straight or when the timbers are bowed or out-of-square.

Specifically we cover

bulletThe advantages and disadvantages of using wet, semi seasoned and air dry timbers.
bulletThe uses of the tools provided in the toolkit.
bulletThe processes of preparing, lining, cutting, numbering and checking the timbers. (Oak framing and Square Rule workshops)
bulletSetting out the timbers on the framing ground and orientating them correctly prior to the scribing process. (Oak framing workshops)
bulletThe scribing process. (Oak framing workshops)
bulletThe sequence of the layout of the frames that constitute a basic timber frame building. (Oak framing workshops)
bulletHow to rear a single storey timber frame up to tie beam level, (Oak framing workshops).
How to rear up a single storey frame including rafters ( Square Rule workshop)
bulletOn completing the course you will never look at a timber frame building in the same way again!

What happens to the completed timber frame buildings?

They are available for purchase; please contact Diana Rowsell at the Museum.

Are there other related courses available?

Yes,

bulletThe “Wattle and Daub” workshop covers the use and repair of a tried and tested panel infill system to timber framed buildings.
bulletThe “Mortice and Tenon” workshop acts both as refresher and introduction to the use of hand tools and wet timber and cutting this classic joint.
bullet“Everything you wanted to know about oak……” is an overview of the growth, seasoning, grading and use of oak for structural, joinery and furniture use. To assist people in correctly specifying, choosing and using oak timbers.
bullet“The Roofing Square” is all about softwood rafters and applying the carpenters square to line out and cut the timbers for both a gable and a hip roof. It is related to the Square Rule framing workshop, and has enabled students to go on and cut and pitch their own softwood roof today.
bullet“An introduction to timber frame repairs” is a practical course on mainly repairing and inserting timbers into timber frames without dismantling them – in situ repairs.

Is there a reading list for these workshops?  
Discovering Timber-Framed Buildings *   Richard Harris
The best overview of the development
and detailing of timber frame buildings		  Shire Publications
   
English Historic Carpentry * Cecil A Hewitt
A wonderful illustrated book showing the stylistic dating of buildings based on the development of their joints. Philimore
   
The Village Carpenter * Walter Rose
A superbly written account of the life
and craftsmanship of a Victorian carpenter. 		AC Black
   
The Wheelwright’s Shop *  George Sturt
Full of insights into the working life of a hand tool worker and the craft of the wheelwright and blacksmith. Cambridge
   
Dictionary of Woodworking Tools * RA Salaman
The authoritative source of information for historic hand tools. Unwin Hyman
   
Recording Timber Framed Buildings: an illustrated glossary.         Alcock, Barley, Dixon and Meeson.
The best jargon buster. CBA
   
* Available through the Weald and Downland Museum shop  
Useful websites:  www.tfguild.org
                    www.carpentersfellowship.co.uk