On April 27, iFarm will be hosting a workshop for homeowners to learn about energy-saving renovations (that’s this Saturday, folks!) A working farm with lovingly restored buildings, iFarm combines 19th-century knowledge with 21st-century innovation to create a model for sustainability in agriculture. With the effects of manmade climate change now apparent, it is more important than ever to change to the wasteful way we build. We try to save more old, and are conscientious about what we replace, avoiding carbon-intensive manufactured materials. This workshop is geared towards saving money, but the practices Carl Solander teaches can also help homeowners reduce their carbon footprint.
The workshop will cover both passive renovations and alternative energy sources, it concludes with a tour of the farm buildings and should be wicked awesome. Sign up here.
Rich Friberg, Timber Framing Instructor, shows off a Mount Lebanon timber frame
For the third summer, the North Bennet Street School is collaborating with the Shaker Museum and Library to offer a range of workshops in preservation and traditional woodworking at Mount Lebanon Shaker Village, in New Lebanon, NY.
A number of PTF employees graduated from the Preservation Carpentry program at North Bennet and can vouch for the quality of their teaching. Mount Lebanon is also an especially beautiful setting in which to learn carpentry. If you are interested in woodworking, the site is worth a visit just for an ogle at their woodworking benches and the Great Stone Barn.
Mount Lebanon Shaker Workbench
The workshops:
A Walking Exploration
Saturday, July 9
10:00 am – 3:30 pm; instructors: Jerry Grant & Peter Smith
Enjoy a walking tour led by the museum’s curator and a preservation carpenter to explore the Shaker buildings at Mt. Lebanon. The tour starts at the Great Stone Barn and includes a bag lunch.
Historic Window Sash Repair
Monday – Friday, July 11-15
8:30 am – 4:30 pm; instructor: Jackie Blombach
Learn wooden window sash restoration in this hands-on class.
Garden Tool Tote
Saturday – Sunday, July 16 – 17
8:30 am – 4:30 pm; instructor: Peter Smith
Begin with a rough-sawn board and create a garden tote using only hand tools. The workshop is designed for ages 15 and up.
Historic Timber Framing
Monday – Thursday, July 18 – 21
8:00 am – 6:00 pm; instructor: Rich Friberg
This course offers students the opportunity to construct a timber-frame structure incorporating traditional mortise and tenon and other joints.
Tuning and use of metal planes
Monday, July 25
8:30 am – 4:30 pm; instructor: Rich Friberg
A one-day workshop covering techniques such as: flattening the sole, adjusting the throat opening and sharpening the iron. Learn to make perfect shavings.
Tuning and use of wooden planes
Tuesday, July 26
8:30 am – 4:30 pm; instructor: Rich Friberg
Techniques specific to wooden planes are learned and practiced. Students bring their tools to use in this one-day workshop.
Historic moldings
Wednesday – Thursday, July 27 – 28
8:30 am – 4:30 pm; instructor: Rich Friberg
This two-day workshop covers the history of moldings and the use of complex molding and sash planes.
