Monday-Friday 19-23 November 2012, 9am to 5pm

The course

A hands-on workshop learning how the North Americans were fabricating timber frames in the nineteenth century. Their system had evolved from the “melting pot” of European carpentry cultures combined with the straight timbers available from the virgin forests. However the roots of the new system can clearly be seen in the scribe rule practised in Sussex in the 18th century. Students will line out and cut the timbers for a small frame that will be reared on the last day.

Square rule framing introduces students to a more contemporary framing method and design compared to the oak framing from scratch workshops. The workshop uses a range of local timbers such as sweet chestnut, larch and Douglas fir, and the techniques used enable all the timbers to be calculated for length and bevels before cutting. This system embodies standardization and interchangeable parts as an integral feature. There is no test fitting of the joints and the first time the timbers go together is when we erect the frame!  Most of the carpentry joints we will use are derived from the familiar English ones, but with some interesting variations.

The workshop techniques are related to a number of books published by North American authors such as Sobon, Schroeder and Benson, but also to local practice.

Frequently asked questions

The tutor

Joe Thompson of Sussex Oak & Iron is carpenter in residence at the Weald & Downland Open Air Museum. He teaches a range of historic carpentry courses at the museum. He has developed a keen analytical eye and a scholar’s passion for following and interpreting the evidence along with a natural skill in teaching.  More information can be found on Joe’s website at www.sussexoak.co.uk

Participant information

The workshop will be limited to 8 participants, and is suitable for everybody, from complete beginners to experienced carpenters.

As most of the work will take place in the unheated Gridshell Workshop, warm and practical clothing should be worn and a pair of steel-toe safety boots are required.

Stills photography and note taking is encouraged.  Video photography is not permitted.

Fee

£495 per person for full participation in the workshop.  This includes tuition, tools and materials, teas and coffees.  Lunch is available in the Museum cafe and at local pubs. Local bed & breakfast accommodation and campsite lists are available.  Please contact the Museum office on 01243 811464.

Useful websites
www.tfguild.org
www.carpentersfellowship.co.uk

The Museum

The Weald & Downland Open Air Museum has over 45 historic building exhibits.  It is also home to the award winning and innovative Downland Gridshell, which houses a conservation workshop and artefact store, and is also used for many practical courses.  The Museum runs a full programme of courses in historic building conservation and traditional rural trades and crafts, along with MSc programmes in Building Conservation and Timber Building Conservation. Please telephone for further details.

To book, download a form here. Alternatively, fill in the booking request below.

Make a Booking Request

 
This is an initial booking request form, and does not guarantee a place on the course. The Adult Learning Team will check the availability of the course, and reply to you as soon as possible - usually within one working day.