November 6-9, 2025
with Ricardo Sierra & Craig Boynton
Timber Framing Skills Workshop
Course Description
This four day course is a deep dive into learning the skills of timber framing in a hands-on way. It's designed for those who want to build their own frame and need to understand how to design, measure, mark and cut rough sawn beams to make a structure that will last for a generation or more.
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We will build your confidence and understanding as we work as a team on various parts of the structure. We include tool sharpening, tool selection and sourcing, cutting and carving hardwood pegs and moving heavy timbers alone or with help as part of this experience.
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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
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Timber Framing Tool Use and Care
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Sawing Techniques
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Splitting Peg Stock
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Square Rule Layout & Cutting
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Project Design
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Beam Moving Strategies
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Chisel Sharpening Methods
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Drilling and Assembling Skills
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Timber Frame History Overview
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Program Logistics
Thursday Arrival Time: 1 pm ET
Sunday 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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Hardwood Peg Carving
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Post Beam Cutting
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Rafter Layout
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Frame Raising Skills
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Knee Braces
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Sill Beams
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Girts & Joists​
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
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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.
Program Registration
Timber Framing Skills Workshop
November 6-9, 2025
Tuition: $995 Timber Intensive
Includes payment plan, onsite lodging and meals.
$300 non-refundable deposit due at registration.
SAVE when you pay in full!
Tuition: $695 Timber Intensive/Commuter
Includes payment plan and meals only. No lodging.
$300 non-refundable deposit due at registration.
