This year we’re building a timber-frame workshop and we’ll have classes almost every weekend, covering this build from start to finish. See our Events page for the complete schedule, which is being finalized at this time. Classes typically run $50 with a cap of $500 for ten or more. See also: Sawhorses (Apr. 15), Tool Refurbishing (Apr. 1).
Workshop Details
We will build mallets for students to use for the timber-frame build. Each student will complete their own mallet. Not only is this practical, to provide work surfaces for the class, it introduces mortise-and-tenon joints. We’ll be making our mallets with white-oak heads and ash handles. You can follow the plan in the attached video or customize it. Students will learn about mortise-and-tenon joints, laying out cuts, and assembly.
Tools will be available, but if you have any of the following of your own, you are encouraged to bring them: handsaw, bit-and-brace drill, 1″ and 1-1/2″ chisels, measuring tape, square, and other layout tools.
Please bring a brown-bag lunch.
Please wear clothing appropriate for the activity: close-toed shoes, perhaps light work gloves, hair tie, clothing without dangling parts, etc. If you have favorite ear and eye protection, please bring them, but we will have some available, too. We’ll have drinking water available, but please bring your own additional beverages. We will be indoors.
The workshop will take place at the Low Technology Institute: 11927 W. State Road, Evansville, WI 53536 (located just south of historic Cooksville: take 14 south out of Madison; left on 59; the institute is the fifth house on the right in town with a sign out front.). It will take place on April 8, at 9 a.m.
Please RSVP by purchasing a ticket through our online store. Price is $50 (or $40 for members), plus a $10 materials fee. Space is limited and we will keep a waiting list. Get on the list by “purchasing” a waitlist ticket at no cost, also in our online store. Also, participants must fill out this liability waiver. Your RSVP is only complete when the waiver is filled out.
Donations are always welcome to help defray the cost of our workshops and programming. We are a member-supported organization.
Instructors
Todd Fleming is a professional remodeling carpenter, experienced in both framing and finish carpentry. He focuses on bringing traditional craft and knowledge back into house carpentry. He got started with hand tools in knifemaking but found a passion for traditional woodworking, he has a wide experience across many areas of working with wood and a love of axes and hatchets.
Scott is the director of the Low Technology Institute and is working on his third timber frame structure. He emphasizes simple, approachable projects to house, clothe, and feed ourselves with less dependence on fossil fuels.