The Course

This course teaches students how to frame timbers together to ensure the correct lengths, bevels and allowances and carry out double-cut scribing, string-line and plumb rule layouts.

During the workshop the primary timbers – posts, plates, beams and cills – will be lined-out, scribed, cut and fitted. The course will focus on historic tools and techniques and aims to develop the students’ knowledge and experience of the specific problems facing the historic carpenter framing with “wet” or “green” oak.

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

£575 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.