top of page
Timber Frame Apprenticeship Banner_edited.jpg


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. 

​

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.

    

IMG_2761.JPG
P1080828.jpg

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.   

93836372_3209564892410073_78736287510560

This Course Includes:

​

  • Timber Framing Tool Use and Care 

  • Beam Sawing Techniques 

  • Rafter Cutting 

  • Sill Beam Cutting 

  • Plate Beam Cutting 

  • Girt Beam Cutting 

  • Chisel Sharpening Methods 

  • Drilling and Assembling Frames 

  • Tool Repair and Re-Handling 

  • Timber Framing History 

  • Frame Design

​

Program Logistics

 

Monday Arrival/Start  Time:    9  am ET

Saturday 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

  • Knee Brace Cutting

  • Post Beam Cutting

  • Tie Beam Cutting

  • Hard Wood Peg Carving

  • Safe Beam Moving 

  • Beam Layout & Measuring

  • Tree Identification

  • Work Safety & Gear

  • Carpentry Skills

IMG_8559.JPG
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. 

​

​

​

Your Instructors...

IMG_8966.JPG

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.  

Anchor 1

Program Registration

Timber Framing Skills Intensive
April 21st - 26th, 2025

Tuition: $1,900 Timber Intensive 
Includes payment plan, onsite lodging and meals.

$700 non-refundable deposit due at registration.

 Tuition: $1,500 Timber Intensive/Commuter

Includes payment plan and meals only.  No lodging.
$700 non-refundable deposit due at registration.

Join our
Hawk Circle Family!

Subscribe to our monthly newsletter and receive exclusive invitations, early bird specials and discounts, stories from the Hawk Circle forest and remedies to keep you and your family healthy!

​

The Earth Mentoring Institute is a 501C3, not-for-profit organization.

bottom of page