3 Day Introduction to Traditional Timber Framing
Join us on the far south coast of NSW for our 3 day introductory course covering all of the basics required to begin your journey. Students will work in groups led by one of our Traditional framers to layout and handcut sections of our Heartwood Cabin using only traditional hand tools. This course is designed to accommodate all experience levels and provide a relaxed learning environment for students to learn and work at their own pace.
Joinery & Design Fundamentals
Starting our process with an understanding of the basic frame design and joinery details. This will include several variations of the mortice & tenon used within our Heartwood cabin design. Working our way through the plans to understand the role of each piece, why particular joints are selected and the proportions of critical elements.
Timber selection and processing
Being creative with design requires extensive knowledge of timber. We will cover common species, selection, milling options and how to best utilize the timber you have at hand.
Layout of Joinery
Heartwood follows the traditional French scribe method “Le Piquage”. A visual practice, utilising universal section planes (Level & Plumb) to locate and layout joinery. This technique allows for the use of round and bent timbers without the need for complicated math.
Handcut Joinery
Use a selection of traditonal carpenters hand tools to hand cut your joinery. Students will be shown the most efficient method first, but are free to experiment with any tool they like to experience what it was like to work as a carpenter before machines replaced our hands. Framing chisels, slicks, axes, adze, augers, boring machines, draw knives, shaving horse and more.
Timber Pegs
Split peg stock from a billet of hardwood using a froe. Shape with a drawknife on the shaving horse. Ready to be used in the assembly of our Heartwood cabin once completed.
Test fit & Pre- assembly process
Once you have finished your section of frame as a team, the frame will be pre assembled to check for accuracy and identify any adjustments necessary before the erection.
Held in the recently completed Sweetwater Barn..
located on the far south coast of NSW. Designed, milled onsite and joined using the same traditional joinery methods taught in our workshops. A special opportunity to spend 3 days learning the craft in an authentic environment. This venue will only be available for limited workshops.
Register Below to secure your spot
Each workshop is limited to a maximum of 10 people and filling up quickly
Autumn 3 day Workshop
April 10, 11 & 12th 2026
April 17,18 & 19 2026
Price:
$ 1350 + GST
Per Person Age 16+
FULLY BOOKED
Please fill the form below to join the waitlist
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