Some Pics

Don Ng, a student in the course was kind enough to send along some of his snaps of the shed.

Thanks Don.

Here a few pictures from the Timber Framing Course.

First Post

I recently completed a 4 month course in Timber Framing at the College of the Rockies in Cranbrook, British Columbia. This is an excellent all around "dabble your feet in the water" programme that included as many of the aspects of the current timber frame industry as possible within a relatively short time frame. It was expertly guided by instructor Joe Gex-Collet and his sidekick Neil MacDonald.

Here are just a few of the topics covered and there was ample room to apply theoretical classroom learning to the shop floor.

Diploma in Timber Frame Construction

Theoretical and Classroom Topics

Drafting and Design
Trigonometry
Roof Geometry
Computer Aided Design (3 course in DIETRICHS Timber Frame Software and 3 day course in CADWORKS)
Square Rule and French Scribe Layout procedures
Timber Layout and Selection and evaluation
Cost Estimation (Board Foot Calculation, Joinery considerations and budgeting)
Structural Engineering introduction (1 Day Seminar with a Timber Frame Engineer)
Building Code Considerations (1 Day Seminar with the local building inspector)
Shop Organization, Roles and Responsibilities, group and individual organization and leadership topics
Timber framing history, tradtional styles and design methods and features)
Incorporating the "whole house" into the timber frame, including topics such as foundation, HVAC, electrical and plumbing, floorplan, stairs, windows and doors, envelope enclosure etc.)
Bent design, frame and raising considerations

Shop and Practical Work
Tool use and safety
Making a log square using snapped chalklines and either a chainsaw, broadax, portable bandsaw mill)
Sharpening
Joinery Layout and execution (mortise and tenon, dovetails, scarfs, rafter layout etc.)
Joining and Thickness Planing
Application of theoretical topics including square rule layout, roof geometry layout etc.

Projects

Sawhorse plan drafting, layout, joinery and assembly

A small shed building (approximately 8x8 feet) with traditional joinery, king post, ridge and common rafters

A large facade (over 110' long and 21' high) which included a hammerbeam bent, king post and ridge as well as window and door trim. This was all designed and executed by the students of the course.

All in all, it was a great course and a great few months. This type of trainng is well suited to anyone looking to begin a career as a timberframer, or to anyone who'd like to build their own structures and start their own business.