We are in the process of building a timber framed barn at Co Farm in Cambridge. The barn will be a base for teaching a variety of crafts to complement the horticultural teaching that happens at the farm already. Over a series of courses in 2025 we will build the frames for this building.
Roundwood timber framing is a low impact, ecologically sensitive and highly accesible method of building. Using timber in the round cuts out the energy intensive processes of sawing, drying and treating. We use sweet chestnut poles straight from the woods.
The first step is peeling with a drawknife.
No experience is necessary, all tools will be provided.However, the work is physically demanding and requires quite a bit of clambering about.
The course focuses on cutting mortise and tenon joinery using hand tools and jigs which you can make yourself.
One of the more daunting elements of roundwood framing is cutting braces. We will hopefully demystify the process by showing you how to use the 'magic box'.
Fine adjustments with the slick.
Once we have enough frames jointed, we will raise sections of the barn as part of the course. We will go through the process of lifting heavy timbers safely and controllably using a wooden crane and chain block.
2 day courses are £180
5 day courses are £450
There will be no more than four participants per course, all tools will be provided as well as tea, coffee and snacks throughout. A pizza evening will be included on the final day of the 5 day courses. Camping on site for those on the the 5 day courses can be arranged at no extra cost.
Courses will cover the following:
timber selection, including alternative species to sweet chestnut.
timber frame design,
tool sharpening
how to use the framing bed.
how to cut mortise and tenon joinery on roundwood
how to use the magic brace cutting box
drawbore pegging
how to raise frames safely using the wooden crane
Dates for 2025
Jan 18th and 19th
Feb 22nd and 23rd
Mar 22nd and 23rd
April 10th to 14th
May 15th to 19th
If you would like to book a place on one of these courses, please send me an e mail to olly@ogmoses.com
5 day courses are £450
There will be no more than four participants per course, all tools will be provided as well as tea, coffee and snacks throughout. A pizza evening will be included on the final day of the 5 day courses. Camping on site for those on the the 5 day courses can be arranged at no extra cost.
Courses will cover the following:
timber selection, including alternative species to sweet chestnut.
timber frame design,
tool sharpening
how to use the framing bed.
how to cut mortise and tenon joinery on roundwood
how to use the magic brace cutting box
drawbore pegging
how to raise frames safely using the wooden crane
Dates for 2025
Jan 18th and 19th
Feb 22nd and 23rd
Mar 22nd and 23rd
April 10th to 14th
May 15th to 19th
If you would like to book a place on one of these courses, please send me an e mail to olly@ogmoses.com