Educational Gains
Instructor Jon Gantenbin will lead students in the cutting and erecting of a traditionally jointed 32′ by 64′ two-story, hip roof structure with a belvedere centered atop, with a single story half hexagonal front bay timber frame.
Participants will learn how to read timber-framing blueprints, and draw their own plans as well. We will also cover the basic math skills needed for frame design and construction. Students will then select, square and layout timbers, and practice cutting mortises and tenons while using specialized timber framing power tools, as well as traditional hand tools. The project will use many of the most common American joints. Students will peg, square, and raise a bent in every one-week workshop.
Safety will be taught and stressed throughout the process of lifting and manipulating heavy timbers and heavy power tools. Each student will leave with expanded diagrams, blueprints, and material source lists for Alaska and the Pacific Northwest. We will also explore a variety of ways to finish a timber frame and discuss uniquely Alaskan construction problems. Timber framing videos, books, and magazines will be available for review and examination.
Two (2) College credits will be available through the University of Alaska Tanana Valley Campus under the special topics category. Three Continuing Education Units (CEU’s) are also approved of through the Alaska Homebuilders Association. A certificate of completion, “Introduction to Timber Framing” will also be awarded each successful student. These courses have been placed on the state of Alaska “Eligible Training Providers List.” (Click here for a PDF file of the entire list.)
Jon Gantenbein has been a professional carpenter for thirty-one years, twenty-one in Alaska. He constructed his first timber frame in 1982 and has worked with industry pioneer Fox Maple Post and Beam of Maine. He has built fifteen timber frames in Hope, Kenai, Sterling, Soldotna, Home, Anchorage, Whittier, and Juneau. Jon has experience teaching timber framing skills at any level. His personal letter to students ensures that individual’s go away with more than just skills. This past year he has supervised the timber frame construction of the new Inn at Whittier. His wife, Diane Olthuis, has been writing for Joiners’ Quarterly since 1985. Jon and Diane’s company Timber, Tales and Yarns has been conducting timber-framing workshops since May 1998. Jon’s past accomplishments and true skill at timber framing attest to the depth of what participants will learn at these workshops.
All timber framing courses will be offered under the non-profit organization,
The Black Rapids Trust, Inc.