READY TO BUILD: 5-DAY TIMBER FRAMING CLASS
May 20 @ 8:00 AM - May 24 @ 5:00 PM
STAR HILL TIMBERWORKS in Ellsworth, Wisconsin
You will be redirected to the Star Hill Timberworks website and register directly through their site, be sure to let them know you found out about the class through the “Driftess Folk School” at checkout!
BUILD THE TIMBER FRAME YOU’VE BEEN IMAGINING
a hands-on timber framing class built around a clear workflow and a timber frame kit that makes building approachable
if you’ve ever pictured yourself standing inside a timber frame you built with your own hands — a cabin, a home, a shop — this class exists to help make that real.
not someday.
not in theory.
in practice.
from dream to structure
many people want to build a timber frame.
most don’t know where to start.
common questions we hear:
where do i begin?
what tools do i actually need?
do i need to be good at math?
how do i know i’m doing it right?
this class answers those questions by giving you direct experience.
you don’t just learn how timber frames are built.
you help build one — from layout to test raise.
the star hill timber framing system
this class is taught using the star hill timber framing system — a clear, repeatable methodology for building timber frames without guesswork.
the system is built around a simple idea:
if the process is clear, anyone can build.
instead of relying on math, tricks, or intuition, the system provides:
a defined workflow from first timber to test raise
a repeatable layout method that doesn’t rely on calculations
consistent references that reduce mental overhead
confidence that you know what to do next
this isn’t about doing things one “correct” way.
it’s about understanding the process well enough to build your own way.
a method designed to be approachable
you don’t need:
advanced math
geometry formulas
years of experience
special shop instincts
the star hill system works because:
layout is physical, not theoretical
accuracy comes from reference, not math
mistakes show up early and can be corrected
steps happen in a clear, repeatable order
if you can follow a process, you can build a timber frame.
the timber frame kit (and why it matters)
at the center of the system is the timber frame kit.
the timber frame kit is a physical layout system that allows you to:
lay out joinery quickly and consistently
work without calculations or complex geometry
transfer layout directly to the timber
focus on fit and accuracy instead of numbers
rather than asking you to figure things out, the timber frame kit acts as a physical reference that keeps your layout honest and repeatable.
the kit used in this class is made from 304 stainless steel for durability and long-term shop use, and it’s the same system used in the star hill shop.
multiple ways to build — one clear system
timber framing isn’t one thing, and we don’t teach it as such.
within the star hill timber framing system, students are exposed to:
traditional hand-tool timber framing
mid-level power-tool workflows
high-end power-tool approaches used in production shops
because the class is small, we can:
explore different approaches in real time
focus on the methods you’re most interested in
help you understand the tradeoffs between speed, cost, and complexity
the goal isn’t to tell you what tools to buy.
the goal is to help you understand why you’d choose one approach over another.
prepared to choose tools with confidence
by the end of the class, students aren’t guessing about tools — they’re informed.
you leave knowing:
which tools matter for your goals
which tools can wait
how different tools affect workflow, accuracy, and pace
after the class, students receive access to a curated list of recommended timber framing tools, including tools outside the star hill system that we’ve found valuable in real-world timber framing.
these recommendations are provided as guidance, not requirements.
what you leave with
students don’t leave inspired — they leave oriented.
you walk away with:
experience working on a real timber frame structure
a workflow you trust and can repeat on your own
clarity around tools, methods, and next steps
confidence that comes from having done the work
for many students, this is the moment when building a timber frame stops being a dream and starts being a plan.
small class. real instruction.
enrollment is limited to 10 students so instruction stays personal and hands-on.
that means:
layout lines are checked and discussed
joints are reviewed before and after cutting
questions are answered in the moment
uncertainty is resolved before it turns into doubt
you’re not watching from the sidelines.
you’re building — with guidance — the entire week.
build something real
this is not a bench class.
nearly all of your time is spent working on a full timber frame structure:
full layout
real joinery
fitting and adjustment
test raising as a crew
everything you cut is part of the frame.
standing inside a structure you helped build changes what you believe you’re capable of.
manuals & plans
students receive the digital timber framing practices manual, which documents the star hill system step by step:
layout logic
sequencing
cutting and fitting workflow
the digital manual is provided before class, so you arrive already familiar with the process.
students also receive a digital copy of the timber frame plan built during the class.
a printed poly shop manual will be available at the class for those who prefer a physical reference.
registration & initial payment
to enroll, an initial payment of $700 is required.
this is the first portion of the class tuition and begins your participation in the star hill timber framing system.
with your initial payment, you receive:
the timber frame kit, shipped prior to class
access to the digital timber framing practices manual
the remaining class balance is due on the first day of class.
bringing your timber frame kit to class
students are encouraged to bring their timber frame kit to class and work with their own tools.
if travel logistics make that difficult, loaner layout tools are available, so no one is limited by what they can bring.
chisels & hand tools during class
loaner chisels are provided for all students.
you’re encouraged to bring your own chisels if you have them, but it’s not required.
throughout the week, you’ll work with a range of hand tools and power tools, gaining hands-on experience before deciding what belongs in your own shop.
chisels, saws, and other tools will be available for purchase during the class if you choose to expand your kit.
class details
dates
may 20-24, 2026
location
heated shop in ellsworth, wi
approximately one hour east of minneapolis / st. paul
outdoor covered work areas available, weather permitting.
what to bring
safety glasses
hearing protection
gloves
sturdy footwear
no prior experience required — just curiosity and a willingness to work.
reserve your spot
this class will fill.
if you’re ready to move from imagining a timber frame to knowing how to build one — and knowing how you want to build it — we’d be glad to work with you.
build. remember. repeat.
You will be redirected to the Star Hill Timberworks website and register directly through their site, be sure to let them know you found out about the class through the “Driftess Folk School” at checkout!
Instructor Highlight — Jon Anderson
Jon Anderson started Star Hill Timberworks to share his passion with Jon. Jon has been building log cabins and timber frame structures for more than 25 years. He has expertise in design, layout, frame cutting, rigging, raising, and sharpening.
Star Hill Timber Works offers workshops, partnered timber frame builds (collaborative construction), plan development, and consulting. Most of our activities are designed for beginners. The intent of our operation is to provide clients and students the skills and confidence such that they become comfortable and confident in embarking on their own projects. All that is needed is a desire to learn. We teach safe work practices using both traditional hand tools and modern power tools.