Timber Framing

At College of the Rockies, you will receive practical hands-on experience and training in our large, fully equipped timber frame shop, supplemented with computer and classroom instruction. You will learn from a true Timber Frame master! Born in Switzerland, Joe Gex-Collet has been timber framing for most of his life and has a true passion for this trade.

The 13-week Timber Frame  program will cover the skills, knowledge and training you need to choose and cut various timber frame joints, lay out timbers using square rule, mill rule, centre line, and other techniques, conduct design/drafting basics, assemble and raise a frame and use basic geometry and trigonometry in framing. You will build one personal project in the program and will participate in the design, building and raising of a large timber frame structure. You also receive computer automated design (CAD work) training in this program. Safe work habits are important in this trade and are emphasized, reinforced and practiced throughout the program.

In this program, you will learn about:

• Timber Framing history
• Applying safety practices
• Drafting and shop drawings
• Timber conversion
• Timber grading theory
• Estimating and pricing skills
• Math skills
• Techniques for handling timbers
• Handling tools and equipment
• Building theory for enclosure systems
• Timber finishing
• Transportation, rigging and raising

For a complete program description, including prerequisite details and technical training content about each level of training see: Timber Framing

You will also take:

• Occupational First Aid Level 1
• Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems (WHMIS)
• Transportation of Dangerous Goods
• Fall Protection
• Forklift Training

When you successfully finish the program you will receive:

• College of the Rockies Certificate
• Fall Arrest Certificate
• OFA Level 1 Certificate
• Cadwork Basics Certificate
• Forklift Operator Certificate

After you successfully finish the program you will be well-positioned to work with skilled trades people in the shop and on job sites.

Prerequisites:

• A minimum of Math 11 Apprentice and Workplace or equivalent.
• Computers 11 (or equivalent) is highly recommended

Non Academic Prerequisites:

• Candidates should be physically fit (mobility/lifting), with good manual dexterity, hand-eye coordination and balance, able to work at heights and in adverse weather
• Candidates should demonstrate a strong interest in the construction field
• Familiarity with basic hand and power tools used in carpentry/construction

Tuition and Fees:

_{*These prices are for domestic students and may not be 100% accurate. However, these estimates will give you an adequate idea of tuition and fees for our programs. These prices do not include textbook costs. All prices are subject to change.}

Tuition and Fees for International Students:

_{*These prices are for international students and may not be 100% accurate. However, these estimates will give you an adequate idea of tuition and fees for our programs. These prices do not include textbook costs. All prices are subject to change.}

Please note:

There is a $400 non-refundable deposit required to reserve a seat in the program. The deposit is required even if the applicant is seeking funding from an outside organization. This deposit is part of the tuition fee and is refundable only if the applicant is not accepted into the program.

Additional Student Costs for Personal Protective Equipment and Supplies:

• Steel-toed leather work boots
• Outdoor work clothes suitable for all weather conditions
• Safety glasses
• 3 inch 3-ringed binder
• Ear protection
• Carpenters pencils
• Carpenter’s apron or belt
• Lumber crayons
• Gloves
• Good carpenter mechanical pencil with extra leads
• Long sleeve shirt
• Scientific or construction calculator
• Long leg pants
• Loose-leaf lined and graph paper

Textbooks and Required Resources:

Textbook selection varies by instructor and may change from year to year. At the Program Outline Effective Date the following textbooks were in use: (most current edition). Please see the instructor's syllabus or check with the College Bookstore.

• Steve Chappell, A Timber Framer’s Workshop Joinery, Design and Construction of Traditional Timber Frames, A Corn Hill Book; Fox Maple Press Inc. / West Brownfield, Maine.
• Jack Sobon & Roger Schroeder, Timber Frame Construction, All About Post & Beam Building, Storey Publishing, LLC/North Adams, Maine.