The purpose of this class is to provide a supportive learning environment for those identifying as women, transgender, agender, or non-binary to work with their hands, using traditional and modern tools to learn the craft of timber frame building.
Timber framing is the craft of joining wooden timbers together without the use of nails or metal fasteners to create a free-standing, self-supporting structure. Timber frames range in size from sawhorses to cathedrals and can be made using hand tools and locally-sourced materials. Timber frames are simple, strong, and elegant, and have stood for centuries around the world. In this class, students will learn the fundamentals of timber framing, from the use of hand and power tools to the layout and cutting of mortise and tenon joinery. At the end of the class, students will work together to raise the frame they have built and will go home with the knowledge and skills to continue their timber framing practice.
In this class, we will be supporting Shepherd Moon Farm by creating the frame for a sauna. The timbers will be ash and oak sourced from the farmland. We are hosting this class twice, and each class will build a portion of the sauna.
Location
This class takes place at Fireweed Woodshop (the second class will be held on location at Shepherd Moon Farm in Lindstrom, MN).
Class Outline
Day 1: Introduction to timber framing, project design, and square rule layout.
Day 2: Cutting mortises and tenons with hand tools.
Day 3: Designing for strength - learning to cut wind braces, and continue working on individual timbers.
Day 4: Introduction to power tool use in timber framing. Students finalize their individual pieces. Discussion of raising day logistics and preparation.
Sunday, Nov. 1: Both classes come together at Shepherd Moon Farm (16987 260th St, Lindstrom, MN 55045) to assemble the timbers they have cut and raise the final frame. The raising will be followed by a celebratory potluck.
NOTE: If you would like to attend this course, but have any hesitancy around the logistics, please reach out to us at hello@fireweedwoodshop.org. We would be happy to talk through alternative options and accommodations.
The cost of materials for this class is $65 and is included in the cost of admission.
* If you require an accommodation to take this class, please indicate so in the registration form. Read about our accommodations policy here. *
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Taught by Jenna Pollard with assistance from Julie Arnold and Aria Kampfer.
Jenna Pollard (she/her) has been timber framing since 2010, and has taught timber framing courses throughout Minnesota, Arizona, New Hampshire, Vermont and Washington. She built her own timber frame cabin in South Dakota in 2015, and has been passionately sharing timber framing skills with others since then. Her passion for teaching has led her to offer timber framing courses for FLINTA-identifying folks. She is excited to teach this timber framing class and provide mentorship for students to learn and build their skills in a safe and supportive environment.
In this class, we will be supporting Shepherd Moon Farm by creating the frame for a sauna. The timbers will be ash and oak sourced from the farmland. We are hosting this class twice, and each class will build a portion of the sauna frame.
This class will take place at Shepherd Moon Farm: 16987 260th St, Lindstrom, MN 55045.
Students will have three options for attending: camp on site, carpool from Fireweed, drive yourself each day.
1. CAMP There will be ample space to spread out and access to an outdoor stove, bathroom and shower. There is a grocery store less than ten minutes away, and students will have access to a fridge. While the facilities are outside, there will be an indoor space available to warm up as needed. If you plan to camp, we will share more information about arrival, food options, and lodging after registration. Please reach out to hello@fireweedwoodshop.org with any questions prior to registration.
2. CARPOOL Meet at Fireweed at 8am to carpool to the farm. Class wraps up at 5pm and we will return to the woodshop by 6pm.
3. You could drive yourself individually to the farm. Class begins at 9am and ends at 5pm.
Day 1: Introduction to timber framing, project design, and square rule layout, hands-on practice with the tools.
Sunday, Nov. 1: Both classes come together at Shepherd Moon Farm in Lindstrom, MN to assemble the timbers they have cut and raise the final frame. The raising will be followed by a celebratory potluck.
This class was formerly called "Power Tools 101." Make a cutting board while learning how to use woodshop power tools! We will cover using the electric planer, ripping on the table saw, cross cutting on the miter saw, curved cuts on the bandsaw, and finishing. Standing is required to use the power tools, but seating is available in between tool use. There is a scheduled ten minute noise break halfway through class.
This is a great chance to get to know, or brush up on the most powerful tools in the shop. Take home your very own cherry or maple cutting board at the end.
The materials fee for this class is $20 and is included in the admission cost.
Email hello@fireweedwoodshop.org to request ASL interpretation for this course.
Taught by Meena Mangalvedhekar
The materials fee for this class is $25 and is included in the admission cost.
Taught by Jules Bunch
Open shop is a time for you to bring in any projects or crafts you are working on and have access to the tools and the space. While we will have an instructor on staff to help open shop run smoothly and make sure tools are being used safely, this is a self-directed work time NOT class time. Open shop is capped at 7 participants and needs 5 participants to run.
Open Shop Schedule:
9:30 - 10 AM Ask Aria anything! If you need help making a plan, want to talk through process, or have questions about design, come in between 5:30 and 6 PM to talk.
10AM - 12:20 PM Open use of the shop.
12:20 - 12:30 PM Clean up: put away all hand tools and vacuum around power tools and work benches.
Open Shop Rules:
Please email aria@fireweedwoodshop.org if you have any questions about open shop or what tools are available to use.
* If you require an accommodation to take this class, please indicate so in the registration form. Read about our accommodations policy here. * _________________________________
Facilitated by Aria Kampfer
Join staff members Leah and Aria at Fireweed to help clean, refresh, and organize the woodshop! There are specific registration types that correspond to time slots and task pairings. There might be some shifts or adaptations to needs that might be time sensitive or feel like priorities, but generally, the first hour is designated as vacuum time - it will be noisy and we will each be operating vacuums to collect dust and clean the entire space to prep for activities that come after the vacuuming. Recommended to sign up for specific time slots.
9:00 vacuuming- each volunteer operates a vacuum. WARNING- noisy the whole time.
10:00 gather as a group, select tasks to tackle in pairs: some options include painting kitchenette, applying leather grips to shave horses, sorting scrap lumber, cutting/sizing scraps for specific uses, get craft and make firestarters from shavings/scraps, get physical and split firewood (outdoor activity), label items on shelving (could include some sorting and organizing).
11:00 check in on progress, tea and coffee break
12:00 regroup, progress updates, take on final tasks/ assignments, snack break
1:00 Finished!
* If you require an accommodation to participate, please indicate so in the registration form. Read about our accommodations policy here. *
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Facilitated by Leah Van Tassel and Aria Kampfer
~Fixing a leaky faucet and replacing a sink aerator. ~Removing and replacing door knobs and locks. ~Patching holes in drywall and properly using anchors. ~Safely replacing electrical outlets and light fixtures. ~Using common tools like drills, stud finders, and more. Why Choose This Course? Hands-on learning: You’ll practice every repair yourself.
Practical skills: Focused on the most common repair issues.
Empowering environment: Supportive and beginner-friendly small group.
What to Bring: Just yourself and a snack and water bottle! We’ll provide all tools and materials.
The materials fee is $15 and is included in the admission cost.
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Taught by Triple Moon Handy Services
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The materials fee is {insert materials fee} and included in the admission cost.
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* We do require masking indoors, whatever your vaccination status *
Taught by {Insert Instructor name here}
Open shop but for turning! This open shop is only for students with previous turning experience or those who've taken a turning class with Fireweed. Bowl blanks will be available for purchase but feel free to bring your own prepped wood if you've got a project you are working on. Instructor Abbey Dickhudt will be at the shop to make sure everyone is staying safe. This IS NOT a class. This is a time for self-directed work to make shavings, make mistakes, and ask questions. *Woodshop lathes accommodate limited size blanks. If you have any questions about the wood you want to bring or the lathes, please reach out in advance.
Registrants of open shop MUST have taken Bowl Turning or be comfortable and experienced using turning tools and the lathe. Every attendee of open shop must register. Please no guests without registration!
Please email hello@fireweedwoodshop.org if you have any questions about open turning or what tools are available to use.
* We do require masking indoors for this class, whatever your vaccination status * _________________________________
Facilitated by Bozena Scheidel
Learn about the ins and outs of installing trim. Cut with a miter and coping saw the base, face, and trim and practice installing it with an airnailer. Learn what's behind the wall so your trim is secured properly. This course is designed for beginners. All skill levels welcome.
Please wear closed toed shoes and avoid dangly clothing. During this 4 hour class, students will be standing for the majority of the time. If you have questions about accommodations during class please reach out to fireweedwoodshop@gmail.com
The materials fee for this class is $10 and is included in the admission cost.
Taught by Melinde Madsen
What to Bring: Just yourself! We’ll provide all tools and materials.
Taught by Aria Kampfer
*Support for this daytime course comes from the Prospect Park Co-op Legacy Fund. Thank you PPCLF!
5:30 - 6 PM Ask Aria anything! If you need help making a plan, want to talk through process, or have questions about design, come in between 5:30 and 6 PM to talk.
6 - 8:20 PM Open use of the shop.
8:20 - 8:30 PM Clean up: put away all hand tools and vacuum around power tools and work benches.
* Masking is required in this class * _________________________________
Join us for a special BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) centered class to practice the basics of Woodshop Power Tools
This class was formerly called "Power Tools 101." Make a cutting board while learning how to use woodshop power tools! We will cover using the electric planer, ripping on the table saw, cross cutting on the miter saw, curved cuts on the bandsaw, and finishing. This is a great chance to get to know, or brush up on the most powerful tools in the shop. Take home your very own cherry or maple cutting board at the end.
This class is intended for BIPOC students.
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Taught by Meena Mangalvedhekar (@meenanew) Bio 1. Bio 2.
Make a cutting board while learning how to use power tools. We will cover using the electric planer, ripping on the table saw, cross cutting on the miter saw, curved cuts on the bandsaw, and finishing. Standing is required to use the power tools, but seating is available in between tool use. There is a scheduled ten minute noise break halfway through class.
Open shop but for turning! This open shop is only for students with previous turning experience or those who've taken a turning class with Fireweed. Bowl blanks will be available for purchase but feel free to bring your own prepped wood if you've got a project you are working on. Instructor Elle Curran will be at the shop to make sure everyone is staying safe. This IS NOT a class. This is a time for self-directed work to make shavings, make mistakes, and ask questions. *Woodshop lathes accommodate limited size blanks. If you have any questions about the wood you want to bring or the lathes, please reach out in advance.
Registrants of open shop MUST have taken Bowl Turning or Spindle Turning and be comfortable and experienced using turning tools and the lathe. Every attendee of open shop must register. Please no guests without registration!
Facilitated by Elle Curran
Measure, mark, cut, and attach! This class introduces basic handheld power tools: drill, impact driver, circular saw, jigsaw, oscillating multitool, and sawzall. Class will also cover tape measures and proper marking tequiniques to set your power tool usage up for success. Students will leave with new tool skills, as well as basics on different types of screws, bits, and blades to make you confident in your next home project (and during all the hardware store trips along the way). We will spend time with each tool, where you will have an opportunity to learn and practice and combine methods throughout class. This is a beginner class- we expect little to no prior expecience with any tools.
The materials fee is $10 and is included in the cost of admission.
Taught by Kate Hill
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