April 21st - 26th, 2025
with Ricardo Sierra & Craig Boynton
Timber Frame Intensive
Course Description
Built to last, timber frame structures remain solid for hundreds of years. In today's modern world, when so many things are built in mass production to save both time and money, it's deeply satisfying to slow down, and build a legacy - whether a woodshed, small cabin, or house, nothing beats the feeling of building something you know will last for many generations.
Each workshop day is filled with practical framing lessons in design, materials selection, beam layout and more, but our focus is on the hands on, practical side of the craft, which includes actually making pegs, cutting mortises and tenons, moving beams, drilling holes, sharpening chisels, and sawing. We will cut a small frame, and then raise it in this class, to demonstrate the entire process. Students will spend long days doing the practical work of framing, according to their ability, to experience the process of making it happen.
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Participants can bring their own tools or use the tools here in our shop, so they don't have to purchase many tools before getting a chance to try them out. Personal safety equipment and basic building tools are required, and all participants get a list of clothing, gear and tools upon registering for the program.
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.
This Course Includes:
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Timber Framing Tool Use and Care
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Beam Sawing Techniques
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Rafter Cutting
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Sill Beam Cutting
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Plate Beam Cutting
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Girt Beam Cutting
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Chisel Sharpening Methods
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Drilling and Assembling Frames
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Tool Repair and Re-Handling
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Timber Framing History
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Frame Design
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Program Logistics
Monday Arrival/Start Time: 9 am ET
Saturday Departure Time: 12 pm ET
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Transportation: We can arrange for Albany Airport, Train or Bus pickup and drop off for an additional charge.
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Mortise Cutting
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Tenon Cutting
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Knee Brace Cutting
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Post Beam Cutting
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Tie Beam Cutting
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Hard Wood Peg Carving
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Safe Beam Moving
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Beam Layout & Measuring
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Tree Identification
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Work Safety & Gear
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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 or food sensitivities with advance notice.
All wood, tools and materials are provided during the program.
The project worked on is pre-determined for each program by the instructors.
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Your Instructors...
Ricardo Sierra
Founder of Hawk Circle Wilderness Summer Camps and Hawk Circle Timber Frames
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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.