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Why Learn With Us?
We realize that there are many excellent timber framing schools in America, so why consider us? It really comes down to what you hope to get out of the experience, how far you are willing to travel, and your budget. If you are looking to use hand tools exclusively, there are better options out there. But if you're looking to use a mix of traditional hand tools as well as modern power tools that will allow you to accurately and efficiently cut your own frame, we feel that we offer a tremendous value and experience. If you are looking for an in-depth "how to design" a frame class, there are better options out there, but if you are looking for maximum hands-on training and an emphasis on tricks of the trade and support that will dramatically shorten your learning curve, we feel we offer some of the best training available. Below is a list of reasons why you might choose to learn from us.
1) We are teachers first. We are innovative instructors with a combined 60+ years of distinguished teaching and coaching experience in public education. We believe that this is what truly separates our programs from all others. We are experts at sharing knowledge and recognizing when another approach is needed. We train teen-agers to build complex frames so imagine what we can teach you. Our High School Timber Framing Program has won multiple awards for innovative teaching and has become a model for other schools to follow across the country.
2) Our Camp-Us: We have a unique campus with free on-site primitive camping and are located in the beautiful Finger Lakes Region of New York State.
3) Cost Effective: Our classes are very reasonably priced and a tremendous value. We also limit class size to make sure that all students get direct instruction and support.
4) Professional Affiliation: We are active members of the Timber Framers Guild and have contributed numerous articles published in Scantlings.
5) Community Minded: Over half of our frames have been raised for local service organizations (Museums, Finger Lakes Trail, Local Volunteer Fire Departments). Along with maintaining our own website and Facebook Page, we are administrators for the Facebook Group The Timber Frame Apprentice. We also maintain a YouTube Channel with an emphasis on sharing information.
6) Wide Range of Experience: Along with vast personal research, our owner has trained at Heartwood School, Shelter Institute, and Fox Maple allowing us to teach both traditional methods and modern adaptations to the craft. Our past projects represent a significant diversity of designs and methods that combine all that we have learned.
7) Innovative Mindset: We pride ourselves on always trying to build a better mouse trap. Although we have no desire to come up with new types of joints, we are on a constant mission to develop more efficient and sensible ways to increase production and perfection. This involves the development of various jigs and "tools" for everything from layout to cutting joinery to peg-making. We operate on a forward-thinking mindset that will challenge you to embrace such habits of mind.
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