ROCKY MOUNTAIN WORKSHOPS

Scribing
August 20-26, 2006

This year�s workshop project will focus on scribing techniques, with less emphasis on square rule and mapping techniques. While the latter methods will be outlined in evening sessions with sample joints on display and a run-through of the layout process for a typical square rule mortise and tenon joint, our workshop project will be entirely laid out using scribing techniques, of which we will explore three: plumb line, �mitered�, and bubble. Scribing is a method of joining out-of-square timbers, round logs, and oddly shaped pieces using a variety of techniques both old and new. We will delve into the 700-year-old continuous tradition of the French scribe system (very similar to English scribe). Three elements distinguish this work (and all scribing, for that matter) from square rule layout. The first is the use of a full scale layout floor, above which timbers are aligned and joinery �picked�. The second is the use of reference planes-snapped or imagined planes through the timber-rather than actual reference surfaces of the timber. The third is the direct marking of joinery layout from piece to piece; using this technique, complex geometries and irregular timbers can be easily accommodated while maintaining precision and elegance in the joinery.

French and English scribe techniques involve the use of very simple tools: a plumb line, a carefully sharpened pencil, good eye, steady hand and, perhaps, dividers. To work with round meeting round, one can use these same tools to create mitered joinery or, by breaking out modern bubble scribes, the intersection of any two shapes can be exactly described, no matter how hard to believe the resulting lines may be. With just about every permutation of round and square meeting in this workshop project, we will have a chance to explore each of these techniques in some depth.

The Scribing Workshop will construct and attach this 8�x16� addition (shaded area in drawing to the left) to the 12�x16� frame built by the previous week�s Square Rule class (photo on right). The completed frame has been sold.

This year�s project will be a scribed shed roof addition to the 12�x16� timber frame built during the previous week�s "Mastering the Basics of Square Rule Timber Framing". Line braces will be bookmatched natural curves, laid out using plumb line scribe techniques in the spirit of the French. Braces in the three bents will again be fully round, bubble scribed into the posts and mitered into the �live edge� (naturally round top and bottom) tie beams. Students will leave this workshop with an overview of square rule and mapping systems for working with irregular timber. Three methods of scribing will be explored in depth with demonstrations and then plenty of actual building experience so that each student can digest each method through personal hands-on experience. Cutting techniques using both traditional hand tools and the miraculous chainsaw will be demonstrated, though all student work will be done using hand tools to preserve the sanity of all involved. Evening sessions will include a slideshow, a square rule and mapping primer, and at least one planned night of pool, fusbal and table shuffleboard. And let us not forget the raising party on Saturday. Whoopee! This class will benefit both the professional builder and the recreational framer alike by expanding the available materials and methods for creating unique and artistic structures. Bring you eyeballs, your steady hands and your sense of adventure to revel in the notion that gravity isn�t just a good idea�it�s the LAW!

Raising day, 2003 Scribing class.

Be sure to see our gallery page for more photos from scribing workshops.