Timber Frame Intensive
May 6th - May 11th, 2024
with Ricardo Sierra & Craig Boynton
Timber Frame Intensives
What to expect...
Built to last, timber frame structures remain solid for hundreds of years. In today's modern world, when so many things are built in mass production to save both time and money, it's deeply satisfying to slow down, and build a legacy - whether a woodshed, small cabin, or house, nothing beats the feeling of building something you know will last for many generations.
Each workshop day is filled with practical framing lessons in design, materials selection, beam layout and more, but our focus is on the hands on, practical side of the craft, which includes actually making pegs, cutting mortises and tenons, moving beams, drilling holes, sharpening chisels, and sawing. We will cut a small frame, and then raise it in this class, to demonstrate the entire process. Students will spend long days doing the practical work of framing, according to their ability, to experience the process of making it happen.
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Participants can bring their own tools or use the tools here in our shop, so they don't have to purchase many tools before getting a chance to try them out. Personal safety equipment and basic building tools are required, and all participants get a list of clothing, gear and tools upon registering for the program.
The Timber Frame Tradition
Timber framing is an old method of building that by its very nature brings people together and cultivates a sense of community. People of all ages with a variety of skill levels, come together as a team to create something beautiful. Here at Hawk Circle, we honor the community aspect of this tradition emphasizing the importance of honoring each other's strengths, varying interests and skill levels.
It's a wonderful feeling to be part of a group working to the rhythm of hammering chisels, sawing beams and the laughter and friendship of people working with a common purpose.
What's included...
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Timber Framing Tool Use and Care
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Beam Sawing Techniques
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Rafter Cutting
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Sill Beam Cutting
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Plate Beam Cutting
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Girt Beam Cutting
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Chisel Sharpening Methods
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Drilling and Assembling Frames
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Tool Repair and Re-Handling
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Timber Framing History
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Frame Design
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Mortise Cutting
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Tenon Cutting
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Knee Brace Cutting
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Post Beam Cutting
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Tie Beam Cutting
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Hard Wood Peg Carving
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Safe Beam Moving
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Beam Layout & Measuring
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Tree Identification
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Work Safety & Gear
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Carpentry Skills
All meals and housing is included!
We have newly renovated, cozy timber frame cabins for you to enjoy during your stay here. The perfect place to unwind and relax after a day of working and learning. (double occupancy)
Our scrumptious, healthy, home made meals will give you all the energy and nourishment you need for spending your days timber framing. We accommodate most allergies and food sensitivities.
All wood, tools and materials are provided during the program.
The project worked on is pre-determined for each program by the instructors.
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Your Instructors...
Ricardo Sierra
Founder of Hawk Circle Wilderness Summer Camps and Hawk Circle Timber Frames
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Rick's passion for timber framing began when he discovered the incredible difference living and using these historical and traditional spaces provided over modern buildings.

He studied and practiced his skills through working with Craig Boynton, from Hinsdale, MA, through the linneage of Jack Sobon, using square rule and the Historical American Joinery aesthetic found throughout the New England and New York area.
Craig Boynton
Craig has been a timber framer and builder for decades, working in both traditional and modern building styles and designs. He specializes in unique and difficult custom woodwork through Bancroft Custom Woodworks and he has brought timber framing to Hawk Circle in the early 2000's to help create cabins and spaces that would last.
