Hands-on introduction to Timber Framing

A seven day course in Tasmania.

Skills you’ll learn to create your own timber frame project.

• Timber basics - what to look for and avoid, timber species and uses, setting up a workspace, planning your project.

• Joinery - square rule mark up, how to locate and cut housings, what joinery goes where and why.

• Tools - from framing chisels & squares to chain mortisers you’ll learn how to use them and how to keep them sharp.

• Construction - how to safely erect your timber frame.

Over the 7 day course we’ll start with rough-sawn timber posts and beams and end the week with a complete timber frame made by the group.

What do I need to bring?

• A smile and a willingness to learn are the most important things.

• Safety goggles, gloves, boots and ear protection (we’ll be using power tools)

• At a personal level whatever you need for a weeks camping - tent, sleeping bag, toiletries and adequate clothing to deal with the variability of Tasmanian weather and sufficiently sturdy to withstand a weeks carpentry.  

• From cold, windy and wet to savaging extreme UV in the sunshine you to be prepared for pretty much every weather situation, even in summer - so bring everything.

Accommodation

Free camping is available 200m up the road from the sawmill in a nicely shaded glade by a small creek.  There are toilets, a picnic shelter and a couple of fireplaces with BBQ.  

The creek has a small weir and a pool deep enough to splash the dust of the day off.

If camping is not your style there are dorms available another few hundred metres further up the road at the Gowrie Park wilderness lodge for $50/person/night with hot showers, shared kitchen etc.  They also have self contained cabins which book out fast.

What about food?

Its fully catered with three nutritious meals per day for the entire seven day course. BYO wine or beer to accompany your meal.

The lovely Klara from just down the road has agreed to feed us very well for the duration of the course with 3 delicious meals a day all produced with fine local produce.

At the moment the menu is diverse and omnivorous.  If any one has any special dietary needs could you please let us know.  

Klara has also offered to cater for any significant others that might like a weeks holiday from cooking whilst their partners play in sawdust.  

Catering only service will be $70/person/day.