Introduction to traditional timber-framing techniques
5 Day Course, La Tour Blanche – Cercles, Dordogne
Course Objective
The course is based on a practical, hands on approach. Participants are taught how to cut
a range of joints that enable them to construct their own timber frame structure with a
basic toolkit. Tools for the course are provided for all participants – a maximum of four on
each course.
Course programme:
The first half of the course focuses on the wall sections of a timber framed building. The
second half on the roof structure.
Day 1:
Presentation of tools.
Mark out and cut a basic mortice and tenon.
How to mark out and drill a peg offset.
Day 2:
Mark out and cut a simple brace.
How to mark out and cut a curved brace.
Day 3:
Mark out and cut a scarf joint using ink reference lines and a circular saw.
How to reference every element of a timber frame for future assembly.
Day 4:
Start marking out and cutting a king post truss.
How to grade wood (grain, knots etc) and choosing the right sections for the structure.
How to accommodate shrinkage.
Day 5:
Finish cutting the truss.
End of course discussion – assessment of the week’s activities.
Traditional Timber Framing Courses in France 