To make a fire, hot enough to forge steel, one only needs three elements: charcoal, air, and of course heat. Similarly, to build a dream, one also needs three elements: inspiration, passion, and teamwork. What began as a chance encounter with a weathered building in Ise, Japan, smoldered until conversations with Festival goers and fellow woodworkers stoked the idea into a fire. To bring into existence a traditional Japanese Blacksmith shop, as a place of learning, experimentation, and to pay homage to the generations of tool makers that tirelessly support our craft.
Join us for another action packed summer of timber framing. Our goal is to cut and raise a frame for a traditional Japanese blacksmith shop and forge. The chisels and blades we use in woodworking have their own amazing tradition. Be part of creating a place for western and Japanese blacksmiths alike to share their craft. If you enjoyed participating or observing our massive 2024 Timber Frame Workshop, you know what to expect!
About the Blacksmith Shop Building
During this six day workshop, students will learn about Japanese carpentry, joinery, and timber framing while cutting and assembling the frame for the 1 1/2 story blacksmith shop. The first floor will feature an open work area with a well for the future construction of the traditional forge. Eventually, a side entrance and staircase will lead to an enclosed and finished guest loft.
Inspiration at Ise - The beautiful buildings that line the main thoroughfare to Ise shrine, many with the armor style siding have long been the inspiration for a building like this. Ironically the building on the left now seems to be a liquor store.
The building’s design allows for working with a variety of Japanese timber frame elements including natural, hewed beams, sill and stone post foundations, and roof framing to accommodate the upstairs loft. The structure will serve as a future teaching project not only for a variety of finished carpentry components, but of course blacksmithing, tool making and metal work.
Additional details on the building’s joinery, construction and finishing details coming soon…
About the Workshop
The best way to learn these skills is by doing them on a real project. The project provides context and answers many of the “why?” questions that arise when you cut practice joinery in isolation. A typical schedule begins with a group breakfast, a morning instruction session and demonstration. Then follows morning work, lunch, and afternoon work. We’ll end the day with a group dinner and discussion. As students complete their assigned joints they’ll be rotated to other joints, finishing or assembly. At the end of the workshop we will raise the structure and celebrate our group success.
Additional details coming soon about the workshop experience…
Topics Covered
General design philosophy and layout of the Japanese timber frame structure
Review of terms and understanding of layout markings
Selection and preparation of timbers
Use of Japanese tools along with power tools to cut joinery
Team assembly and raising of the structure
Process of adjusting, squaring, and fixing the structural members.
Optional hand plane finishing certain parts of the frame
Optional installation of roofing system
Included with Tuition
Meals Included - Meals are typically brought in or cooked family style. This workshop includes breakfast, lunch and dinner on each day, plus a special raising party at the end!
Plans and Models - Students will receive a copy of the shop drawings and CAD during the workshop for their own use.
Prerequisites
To gain the maximum value from this workshop, it is recommend you have some woodworking experience. Please inquire if you are a beginner so we can plan accordingly, it would be highly encouraged for you to also take the Summer Japanese Woodworking Bootcamp that directly precedes this workshop. You can save by registering for both of them as a bundle to the right.
See our Prerequisites information for qualifying prior training.
Required Tools
This workshop encompasses a broad range of woodworking skills and techniques. The following tools should be considered a minimum to participate fully, however you should feel comfortable bringing your normal set of tools if you have experience with timber framing.
Generally, we expect all your tools to be in good working order and sharp. Time spent preparing tools during the workshop takes away from your experience using them.
Loaner tools may be available but not guaranteed. During checkout you’ll have the option to purchase tools for this workshop, additionally, your confirmation will have a link to purchase them before the workshop, subject to a cutoff date.
Sharpening supplies: 1000 Grit Water Stone, 6000 Grit Water Stone, Diamond Flattening Plate
15mm, 18mm, and/or 24mm Japanese Chisel (Chu Tataki or Tataki prefered)
Ryoba Saw 270mm or 300mm
Japanese Hammer
Sashigane / Square
Pens/Pencils
Optional Tools
Wider Chisel (30+mm)
Side Cutter Planes (Kiwa ganna)
Kanna
Nail Set
Impact Driver
Circular Saw
Chain Mortiser (The more the merrier)
Auger bits (Star-m or Wood owl) 15mm, 18mm, 20mm
Large mallet “commander”
Ladders
Tool belt
String Line
Marking Gauge
Register Below
Begin your registration process below. You’ll have the option to purchase required and optional tools for pickup at the workshop. Your confirmation email will also provide a link to purchase these tools before the workshop.
Reminder that the last day of this workshop is also the first day of the Maine Japanese Woodworking Festival 2025. We have several bundle deals so you may attend multiple events, chose one from the list below.
If you do not see a registration box below, refresh the page.
Please kindly review our class and workshop policies at the link below:
For events lasting more than day we offer limited guest rooms and rustic camping:
For recommended tools for this class and your woodworking career: