September 5-7, 2025
with Ricardo Sierra & Craig Boynton
Rafters & Scarf Joinery Workshop
Course Description
This workshop is a focused, hands on study of two important timber framing joinery elements: Rafters and Scarfs.
Both of these can be intimidating to new timber framers, because there is a lot going on in the calculations, measurements, layout and the cutting process. This class will help you build confidence and learn new skills that can lower that stress level considerably!
We will design, layout and cut rafter sets using several different roof pitches, and include a few different styles and designs.
We will also cut three different types of scarf joints, and discuss where and how they are used in specific parts of a traditional frame.
This is an excellent opportunity to improve your joinery skills, make more accurate cuts and learn to troubleshoot issues that new timber framers encounter as they are getting started.
​
If you are working on a personal project or in the design phase, please join us, and we can support you learning what you need to know to have the joinery just right.
​
No Previous Timber Framing or Carpentry experience necessary.
We will provide tools for this class.
Class size is limited to 10 students.
The Timber Frame Tradition
Timber framing is a method of building that brings people together. We quickly realize that we can't cut and lift our beams by ourselves.
In our workshops and courses, people of all ages and skill levels, come together as a team to create something beautiful. The rhythm of mallets & chisels, sawing beams and stories shared offers a sense of community, even for a few days, that reminds us of a way of building that was common for hundreds of years.
Course Curriculum
​
-
Timber Framing Tool Use and Care
-
Sawing Techniques
-
Splitting Peg Stock
-
Square Rule Layout & Cutting
-
Project Design
-
Beam Moving Strategies
-
Chisel Sharpening Methods
-
Drilling and Assembling Skills
-
Timber Frame History Overview
Program Logistics
Friday Arrival Time: 1 pm ET
Sunday Departure Time: 12 pm ET
​
Transportation: We can arrange for Albany Airport, Train or Bus pickup and drop off for an additional charge.
-
Mortise Cutting
-
Tenon Cutting
-
Hardwood Peg Carving
-
Post Beam Cutting
-
Tree Identification Hikes
-
Campfires/Woodcarving
-
Group Game Night
-
Work Safety & Gear
-
Carpentry Skills​
All meals and housing is included!
We have newly renovated, cozy timber frame cabins for you to enjoy during your stay here; a comfortable place to relax after a day of working and learning. (double occupancy)
Our hearty, home made meals are served fresh each day.
We accommodate most allergies and food sensitivities with advance notice.
All wood, tools and materials are provided during the program. ​​​
Your Instructors...
Ricardo Sierra
Founder of Hawk Circle Wilderness Summer Camps and Hawk Circle Timber Frames
​
Rick's passion for timber framing began when he was a young builder, working in New England and New York. He noticed a distinct difference in the 'feel' of a timber framed farmhouse, or barn apartment from the modern style of stick building. When he began building cabin and other spaces at his wilderness camp, he knew he needed to learn to cut in the authentic tradition.

He learned through working with Craig Boynton, through the linneage of Jack Sobon, using square rule and the Historical American Joinery aesthetic found throughout the New England and New York area. He has since built cabins, barns, workshops, retreat centers, houses, small animal barns, bridges and even some chicken coops.
Craig Boynton
Craig has been a timber framer and builder for decades, working in both traditional and modern building styles and designs. He specializes in unique and difficult custom woodwork through Bancroft Custom Woodworks and he has brought timber framing to Hawk Circle in the early 2000's to help create cabins and spaces that would last.
Program Registration
Rafters & Scarf Joinery Workshop
September 5-7, 2025
Tuition: $795 Timber Intensive
Includes payment plan, onsite lodging and meals.
$300 non-refundable deposit due at registration.
SAVE when you pay in full!
Tuition: $595 Timber Intensive/Commuter
Includes payment plan and meals only. No lodging.
$700 non-refundable deposit due at registration.
