Summer & Fall Classes 2021

At Heartmoor, tuitions are all inclusive- general shop materials, use of tools, storage of projects, and beautiful wood. Salvage and reclamation of resources is a central focus of our design and build philosophy. We understand that a missed class due to work or family conflicts is natural. We will do the best we can to find convenient make-up times for each individual student. While we continue to adjust to the new paradigm and restrictions, flexibility is our guiding principle.

At Heartmoor, students are encouraged and supported to reach and exceed their personal expectations and explore new methods of work.

Please review our COVID-19 HEALTH PROTOCOLS –

*NEW*  Timber Frame Workshop

June 14-18, 2021 9am-4pm (give or take)

$575pp. Instructor: MacKinnon

Learn the fundamentals of design and construction of small timber frame structures using traditional mortise and tenon joinery.  Students will learn layout techniques, tool use, and options for joinery cutting methods.  This course will primarily focus on hand-cut joinery and tools but will also demonstrate power tools and techniques used by modern timber framers.  This 5 day intensive experience is physically demanding and requires lifting several hundred pound timbers with friends. We will be working outside.

Basic Carpentry 

September 13 – Oct 18, 2021 Mondays  6:00–8:30 p.m. (6 Classes)   $285.
Instructor:  MacKinnon  (update June  27)  ***This Class is FULL*** 

Learn about basic tool use, safety equipment, types of wood and different cuts of wood, as well as some fundamentals of house framing.  Both hand and power tools will be taught and used to complete a simple group project. Students are encouraged to bring drawings, photographs, and questions about their own maintenance and repair issues or building dreams.

“Before I started my carpentry class at Heartmoor, I knew very little about woodworking tools and processes. Now I basically live in my garage, making shelves, benches, garden boxes – I can’t be stopped! Robert is a patient teacher and I appreciate his emphasis on using salvaged material for woodworking projects.” – Lynne

Woodworking 101

August 26- Sept 23, 2021 (5 Classes)  Thursdays 6-8:30pm   $250

Instructor: MacKinnon (update July 30)) ***This Class is FULL***

Especially for beginners, we will begin with a simple and attractive project emphasizing qualities of different types of wood and styles of joinery. Individual projects are completed over the course of the 5 classes for the student to take home and use. Types of finishes and trim options as well as hardware decisions result from learning to answer the first question: What’s the use?

Woodworking for Women

**WEEKEND CLASS**

Saturday & Sunday September 11/12 12 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. $235.

Instructor: MacKinnon  ***This Class is FULL***

Join the long history of women making a difference in the trade industry and start on the path of building your dream shed, house, studio, or anything you can think of, at any time, for years to come.  Gain a basic overview of terms, tools, and techniques used in the field of carpentry. Learn how to safely use a wide range of hand and power tools.

 We’ll go over house framing and layout while looking at the anatomy of a structure. Whether you’re planning on building a house or just want some basic skills, this course will help you gain the confidence you need.

Sharpening Basics

**WEEKEND CLASS**

September 18, 2021  Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.  $85

Instructor: MacKinnon

Learn the fundamentals of sharpening your own hand tools using stones and electric grinders. Bring your  hand planes or chisels, or simply come to learn the nuances and tricks from the most basic to solving tricky dings. Refine your relationship with your tools and discover a new, safer way to work in the wood zone.

Timber Frame Weekend: Rafters

**WEEKEND CLASS**

September 24, 25, 26, 2021  Friday 5:30- 8:30pm, Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Sunday 9:00am- 4:00pm  $275

Instructor: MacKinnon

Rafters and roof assemblies are the focus of this intense weekend where the ground work is centered on the double-shouldered bird’s mouth tenon and the tongue and fork joint. The high work is as it sounds- up on the top plates positioning the common rafter assembly for the newest building at Heartmoor- the Bird’s Nest pavilion- reactivating the site where the ol’ farmhouse was deconstructed in 2017-18.

Tools, materials, coffee, and camaraderie provided. No experience necessary.

Intermediate Carpentry

October 25- November 22nd, 2021
Mondays 6:00–8:30 p.m. (5 Classes)  $315.
Instructor:  MacKinnon

Continue the work from Basic Carpentry designing and building a small project. Topics continue on hand and power tool use, safety, and measurement skills. Fastening, joinery techniques, and structural integrity of existing buildings as well as a focus on individual’s current projects will be discussed. This is an intermediate class with the goal of completing a group project. Prerequisite: Basic Carpentry

 

“I started taking classes at Heartmoor in the Spring of 2019 and haven’t looked back. Robert has been a patient, encouraging, and knowledgeable mentor who has guided me through many projects from ideation to execution, ranging from a simple mallet to matching mid century modern nightstands (and even a pottery wheel!). In addition to the fundamental skills of woodworking, I have also honed my ability to think spatially and consider proportions through the lens of both function and aesthetics. I couldn’t be more pleased with my experience!” -India

Wood Anatomy and Identification 

**WEEKEND CLASS**  Saturday October 23rd, 2021  9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.  $95.

Instructor: MacKinnon

Whether you are working with wood as a hobby or are an industry professional, knowing more about your material for yourself or your client can be very helpful. Wood identification starts with a general understanding of tree anatomy, how trees become lumber, where certain lumber comes from, and the variety of wood’s uses. Then we dive deeper into the structure of the material, finding clues and sorting out species. With a collection of over 50 verified and forensic identified local native specimens, the collection at Heartmoor will set you in the right direction by not only knowing more of what you need for your specific uses but also giving you the tools to begin your own disciplined study. Each participant will be given a loupe (10x magnifier) to further their personal identification skills.

Woodworking 102

Thursdays; September 30- October 28, 2021  (5 classes)    $265

Instructor: MacKinnon

Picking up where Woodworking 101 left off, students will design, build, and assemble a unique accessory to complement their new hobby. Learning how to make the tools you need to work with wood is just one of the aspects of continued exploration. Students will be introduced to more hand tools, power tools and taught how to take care of their tools.

Advanced Methods in Wood

Monday & Thursdays- Nov 29, Dec 2,6,9,13,16 (5 Classes)
Mondays  6:00 – 8:30 p.m.
$285.
Instructor:  MacKinnon

The Advanced Methods in Wood class deals with the combination of joints and materials in furniture. Emphasis is placed on finer details in individual projects, integrity of design, well executed scaled drawings suitable for engineering use, and processing salvage or green lumber. Topics continue on hand and power tool use, safety, measurement, and refinement of skills. Specialty fastening, more joinery techniques, and in-depth consideration of wood finishes and species are included on the syllabus. Prerequisite: Intermediate Carpentry at Heartmoor or significant experience.

Please contact us if you have any questions about the classes. seeyou@heartmoorfarm.com

We are Members and supporters of the Timber Framer’s Guild