The “Timber frame from Scratch” series
~ Frequently asked Questions ~
The Oak Timber framing and Square Rule framing workshops
How often do the workshops run?
Please see the website for current availability.
Where do the workshops take place?
The practical work takes place in the award winning Downland Gridshell, an inspiring and
excellent educational and working area. The hands-on work is supplemented by a number of
“site tours” around the Museum Collection of buildings, looking at features that relate to the
workshop.
What will I learn on these workshops
The aim of all the workshops is to introduce the students to the specific problems facing the
historic carpenter framing with un-square, crooked and mostly “wet” or “green” timbers;
followed by an historic solution to framing the timbers together to ensure the correct lengths,
bevels and allowances. Every workshop uses the same basic tool kit that is supplemented by
other tools as required for that particular workshop.
The difference between the workshops is that they all use a different scribing technique to
achieve the same result – correctly fitted joints with tight shoulders. All the different scribing
techniques have their own “pros and cons”, and a knowledge of each enables you to choose the
best option for any given situation.
The various workshops can be taken as “one-offs” or in combination in any order.
An outline of the four practical workshops is as follows;
Oak timber framing - Jowl Posts and Double Cut scribing, this workshop is concerned with a tried
and tested historic scribing technique. It concentrates mainly on the mortice and tenon joint and
its use at the junction of the bay post to the wall plate, tie beam and cills. A good introduction to
the basic concepts. All hand tools and no tape measures or spirit levels.
Oak timber framing - Braces and Plumb Bob scribing, introduces students to some of the tools
and techniques used in contemporary framing companies today. These methods are applied to
the joints of the studs and braces found in wall frames. Covers a lot of the basic concepts and
with demonstrations of power tools and techniques. All hand tools including tape measures and
spirit levels and chalk lines.
Oak timber framing - Rafters and Line Transfer scribing, acts as an introduction for working on
both new build and repair work. The tools and techniques covered enable you to frame up a new
gable roof and a new hip roof, or to repair rafters in an old roof. A historic roof frame specially
erected in the gridshell is closely studied to inform us of the joints and tips and tricks of the craft.
This workshop applies the basic concepts and tool techniques to the roof, an essential part of all
buildings.
Square Rule framing, produces a very contemporary looking frame, using timbers other than oak
such as sweet chestnut, larch, Douglas fir etc. The concept underpinning this technique enables
all the dimensions and angles to be calculated before cutting any timbers. It is essentially the
development in carpentry that came after the scribing techniques, introduced in the Oak framing
workshops.
Do I need previous experience?
No, we welcome all students regardless of age and gender. Students have ranged from 16 to
70ish. All that is required is a passion for timber frame buildings and desire to learn more about
them.
Are these historic techniques still useful today?
Yes, timbers and the hand tools used to cut it have not changed much the centuries. So
this knowledge is still applicable today particularly when irregular shapes are concerned, for
example when fitting timbers to walls that are not straight or when the timbers are bowed or
out-of-square.
Specifically we cover
1. The advantages and disadvantages of using wet, semi seasoned and air dry timbers.
2. The uses of the tools provided in the toolkit.
3. The processes of preparing, lining, cutting, numbering and checking the timbers. (Oak
framing and Square Rule workshops)
4. Setting out the timbers on the framing ground and orientating them correctly prior to the
scribing process. (Oak framing workshops)
5. The scribing process. (Oak framing workshops)
6. The sequence of the layout of the frames that constitute a basic timber frame building.
(Oak framing workshops)
7. How to rear a single storey timber frame up to tie beam level, (Oak framing workshops).
8. How to rear up a single storey frame including rafters ( Square Rule workshop)
9. On completing the course you will never look at a timber frame building in the same way
again!
Are there other related courses available?
The “Wattle and Daub” workshop covers the use and repair of a tried and tested panel infill
system to timber framed buildings.
“The Roofing Square” is all about softwood rafters and applying the carpenters square to line
out and cut the timbers for both a gable and a hip roof. It is related to the Square Rule framing
workshop, and has enabled students to go on and cut and pitch their own softwood roof today.
Is there a reading list for these workshops?
Discovering Timber-Framed Buildings by Richard Harris
The best overview of the development
and detailing of timber frame buildings Shire Publications
English Historic Carpentry by Cecil A Hewitt
A wonderful illustrated book Philimore
Showing the stylistic dating of buildings based on the development of their joints.
The Village Carpenter by Walter Rose
A superbly written account of the life
and craftsmanship of a Victorian carpenter. AC Black
The Wheelwright’s Shop by George Sturt
Full of insights into the working life
of a hand tool worker and the craft of the wheelwright and blacksmith. Cambridge
Dictionary of Woodworking Tools by R.A Salaman
The authoritative source of information for historic hand tools. Unwin Hyman
Recording Timber Framed Buildings: an illustrated glossary. By Alcock, Barley, Dixon and Meeson.
The best jargon buster. CBA
Available through the Weald and Downland Living Museum shop
