Timber Frame Workshop Teaches Age Old Craft

March 17, 2010 - PRLog -- Just as timber frames are to be shared, the craft of timber framing is to be shared.  The craft has been passed down for centuries.  The Bible speaks of joining timbers and in Europe and the Far East, timber frames built many hundreds of years ago are still in use.

At Goshen Timber Frames, apprenticeships and workshops have been incorporated into the program for years.  Many timber framers started their journey here and timber frame companies across the country are run by past Goshen apprentices.

Last week six people gathered here in Franklin to learn basic timber framing. Many of the Goshen staff, Toby, David, Don, Adam, Joel, and Mark, along with a talented and dedicated Goshen homeowner, Mike Skahan, made this happen.

The students worked as a team.  They were taught about the tools (and caring for them), joinery, design, and raising timber frames.

The week went by quickly and at the end of the workshop they received not only certificates, but a personalized plaque designed and crafted by Mike Skahan.

When asked how they would use their new found skills, the students answered with enthusiasm.  Whether they are going to build a shop or outbuilding, use their skills to add some “trimberframing” to their services, or just talk about how they spent their vacation, they all left with a sense of accomplishment.

The small “workshop frame” that they cut and raised provided each of these men and women the chance to learn a craft and to use tools similar to those used for centuries (with a few additions…like the chain mortiser).  They shared this week with others interested in the craft and with craftsmen dedicated to timber framing.  This will be a week worth remembering for most of them.

Jim, Liesel, Luis, Mark, Steven, and Matt are shown here with Joel Scott and Mike Skahan in front of the frame they cut and raised.   As they departed for five different states, you can be sure that their minds were filled with thoughts of heavy timber, chisels, and mallets.

Goshen’s next workshop is scheduled for October 10, 2010.   Visit http://www.timberframemag.com for additional information.

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Designing and building timber frames nationwide. Commercial and residential timber frame design and construction.