Here is an opportunity to learn the few but necessary knots (a dozen or so) needed by the timber framer to safely lift heavy loads and tie off timbers for shipment, and practicing these knots until you own them. All the elements of a knot, bend and hitch will be covered, as well as splicing.

The rigging of blocks and use of tackle will be demonstrated. We'll also show how to arrange, rig and raise tripods and shear legs (A-frames) and maneuver a load with a jib-arm. More maneuverable and versatile than shear legs, the gin pole requires more rope and guying points (anchors). You will learn how to adjust the gin pole (luffing) using various rope hitches and tackle.

Finding lifting points and how to secure pieces and bents for raising will also be covered, as well as the safe use of slings, come-alongs and scaffolding. Fall protection equipment will be demonstrated, including rigging for climbing and safety.

Small house raisings can be done by hand, but for large raisings (especially roof timbers and insulating panels) a crane – usually rented – is a valuable safety tool. Rigging, signals and crane operation will be thoroughly demonstrated, and the relative benefits of various rope types and straps will be analyzed. Students will work with a 10-ton mobile crane to lift and place bents and assemblies of various configurations.

Evening sessions will review the new Safety Guidelines developed by the Timber Framers Guild to ensure safe work practices on-site and in the shop.

Instructors Grigg Mullen and Al Anderson hail from Virginia and have led numerous raisings for the Timber Framers Guild around the world. They have devised strategies for raising objects as diverse as trebuchets, obelisks and wooden cranes.