Hi Ron,
I attended the square rule (basic timber framing) class organized in conjunction with the Guild and Rocky Mountain Workshops in Pingree Park, Colorado, three years ago. I would HIGHLY recommend it to anyone starting out in timber framing. The instructors were excellent, the course length was just right (one week), and the location is simply exceptional (located at about 9000 feet in the Rocky Mountains). The course costs $660 (this year's price) - which is a heck of a bargain. That fee includes lodging in rustic cabins, instruction, and all meals. During the course, we cut and assembled a frame for a small cabin (16 x 16 foot, I think). There were about 10 or 12 students in the class, with three instructors - which was a good ratio (lots of help when you needed it, but enough "breathing space" to work without lots of interruptions. The three instructors (Will Beemer, Peter Haney, and Dave Carlon(?)) were incredibly knowledgeable and very friendly. It was truly inspiring to learn from such skilled teachers! Hope this info. helps you and anyone else looking for a good way to get started in timber framing.
