Timber Framers Guild

New member, needs advice on career choice

Posted By: mark a

New member, needs advice on career choice - 08/01/05 11:34 PM

Hello to all,
I will soon graduate from Western Kentucky University with a bachelor's in construction management and want to pursue a career in timber framing. I don't have much desire to build houses and other structures using conventional methods. I love that timber framed structures have the potential to last several hundred years and that only wood is implemented. I have purchased several books on timber framing and the methods, but none say how to pursue a career in timber framing. My question is how do I start? I am willing to relocate and actually prefer to. I just need any advice that anyone can offer to start me pursueing a career I think I would enjoy. I don't have any experience in timber framing as there is not much going on in south central kentucky, so hopefully any advice would take that in consideration. Thank you for your time, I know it's long, but I do appreciate it.
Mark
Posted By: Jim Rogers

Re: New member, needs advice on career choice - 08/03/05 01:32 PM

If you haven't joined the guild then do that. Get the latest copy of "Scantlings" either online or by mail.
There is seven listing in the back for help wanted, in the current issue.
Try them, for a start.
Go to as many guild events as you can. Go to as many raisings as you can.
Read more books.
Take some hands on courses where you'll actually cut joints.
(This list isn't necessarily in the correct order).
Good luck with your career.
Jim Rogers
Posted By: jim haslip

Re: New member, needs advice on career choice - 08/08/05 09:14 PM

Go to as many guild events as you can... period. They'll train you and if you can keep up with them for a week at a time, getting home and working will be a snap...
Posted By: Joel McCarty

Re: New member, needs advice on career choice - 08/08/05 09:24 PM

Don't listen to Haslip.

Guild events are a lot like vacations.

Little bit of work, great weather, terrific food and excellent company.

Sign up today.
Posted By: John Buday

Re: New member, needs advice on career choice - 08/09/05 03:56 AM

I must have missed those events Joel

Re: work, weather, food
be afraid...be very afraid

But the company is the best
Posted By: jim haslip

Re: New member, needs advice on career choice - 08/10/05 12:21 AM

Joel forgot to mention the guided tours and abundance of local refreshments, as well as the opportunity to meet some fair to middling personalities.
(Some of them with valid Day passes)
Posted By: mark a

Re: New member, needs advice on career choice - 08/10/05 01:31 AM

I appreciate the info from you guys. I am considering attending the Guild conference in October if funds allow. I'm sure this will contribute significantly to my quest.
Thanks again,
Mark
Posted By: Bob Smith

Re: New member, needs advice on career choice - 08/14/05 07:35 PM

Regarding the conference... I would urge you to check out the scholarship opportunities. It's a great way to defray some of the expense.
© 2024 Timber Frame Forums