Here’s a list of things that you’ll want to have with you at class, whether you are commuting or camping here. Please keep in mind that class will be in our outdoor teaching spaces.
Local hardware stores are wonderful, and we encourage you to support them if you’re lucky enough to have one in your community.
We’ve also included links to the items for sale on Amazon or at Home Depot so that you can get a sense of what we’re talking about, and buy them there if that’s more convenient. The first link is usually Amazon and the second is Home Depot, in case you’re concerned with which corporation your money goes to.
To really nerd out on tools for timber framing, check out Timber Framing Headquarters
You can find the older Stanley of Millers Falls planes at Ironbridge Tools. This is also a place you could find chisels. Antique chisels are also a good option if you don’t want to buy new. Just make sure they are in decent shape.
Required Carpentry Tools
- Tape measure. We love the Stanley Fat Max or the Milwaukee 25′
- Safety glasses. Some good options are: Dewalt Anti-Fog, I-Fit Flex, you can add side shields if you like. For folks with glasses, these are good over-glasses choices: Over-Glasses, ReadyMax
- Ear protection
- Earplug style: 3M Corded, HDX Reusable Corded
- Earmuff style: Pro For Sho, 3M Folding Earmuff
- Bluetooth: 3M Work Tunes, ISOtunes Free
- Carpenters Pencils, please bring at least 3: Irwin Carpenters Pencils, Individual Carpenters Pencils
- Utility Knife: WORKPRO Folding Utility Knife, Stanley Quick-Change Retractable
- Framing Square, Aluminum or steel 16”x24”: Husky, Johnson, Stanley, or another brand with etched or printed increments for easy reading; avoid the silver aluminum squares, they are very hard to read. The standard steel ones are fine, as are the blue empire aluminum squares.
- Timber framing chisel, 1 ½” or 2” or both and a sheath. Please do not come to class with a standard carpentry chisel, you will not be able to do timber framing without the proper chisel. Here are some options:
- Wood or rawhide mallet: #2 split head with raw hide, 30oz wood mallet, split mallet . If you don’t like rawhide for personal reasons then get wood or plastic, no metal. Mallet should weigh right around 2lbs. There will be a few mallets available to share if you are not able to purchase one, but your class experience will flow better if you have your own.
Required Non-Carpentry Items
- Notebook + Writing Implement
- Layered, comfortable clothing (hat, vest, very warm jacket, wool socks, boots, and wool long underwear, if coming during April, May, September, or October… mountain weather is unpredictable and may be both hot and cold during your time here!)
- Closed-toed shoes or boots
- Long pants
- Shorts (if hot)
- Rain Gear
- Water Bottle
- Food
- Sun Hat
- Hair Restraint if needed
Highly Recommended Carpentry Tools and Gear
- Low angle block plane, Stanley low angle block plan 12-960
- #3 or #4 Stanley bench plane/or Rabbited jack plane or Lie Nielson version
- Ryoba Japanese pull saw. 300mm
- Tool Belt/Apron/Pockets. You’ll want some way of carrying tools on you while working, whether that’s work pants with good pockets, a tool belt, or an apron. Choose what works best for you! Here are some options:
- Tool Bucket/Bag. You’ll want some way of keeping your tools together if you’ve got more than will fit in your pockets or belt. This doesn’t have to be fancy, it could just be bucket or canvas bag. Here are some options.
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