Oak Timber Framing: Wall Framing

SOLD OUT – Please email courses@wealddown.co.uk to be added to the waiting list.

The Course

In this workshop the secondary timbers of a timber-framed building, namely braces and studs, will be lined out, scribed, cut and fitted to a simple frame constructed on a previous oak timber framing workshop.
This workshop will reflect modern workshop practice with the demonstration of portable power tools as well as the use of hand tools. It is one of three linked courses of the Oak framed building workshops.

This workshop aims to develop the students’ knowledge and experience to the specific problems facing the historic carpenter framing with “wet” or “green” oak. It will introduce solutions to framing the timbers together to ensure the correct lengths, bevels and allowances, and will aim to provide a detailed knowledge of the use of plumb bob scribing and chalk line and spirit level layout.

By completing all three workshops students will have covered the lining out and cutting of all the joints required for a simple one-bay timber framed building.

Timber Framing from Scratch – Frequently Asked Questions (PDF, 379Kb)

The Tutor

Joe Thompson of Sussex Oak & Iron is carpenter in residence at the Weald & Downland Living 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.

Participant Information

The course will be limited to 8 participants, and is suitable for everybody, from complete beginners to experienced carpenters. As most 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 & Refreshments

£550 per person for the workshop. This includes tuition, tools and materials, teas and coffees. Please let the Museum know if you have any dietary requirements. Lunch is available in the Museum cafe and at local pubs.