Fundamental Carpentry Skills: The Tool Shed

Come learn to build!  In this small but mighty shed are contained many of the same carpentry skills and principles needed to build a house or a bookcase.  We will practice using many carpentry tools and learn basic framing layout, enclosure, roofing, and how to build a simple door.  We’ll also explore questions like, “What keeps structures standing up?  How do we choose materials to build with?”  This workshop is both for people with no tool experience at all and for those who have done some woodworking and want to learn more.

Skills and Techniques:

• Measuring and marking
• Using the chopsaw, jigsaw, and the carpenter’s circular saw
• Basic stick framing layout
• Hammering and screw gun technique
• Layout and cutting of rafters
• Siding and trim
• Metal roofing
• Choosing the right tools
• Thinking like a building

Materials Fee: None

Special Tools or Equipment to bring: If you have them, please bring any of the following:

hammer (a larger sized hammer is best for framing), 25′ tape measure, tool belt, cordless drill and/or driver, speed square, framing square (L-shaped), or any other kind of square. Don’t worry if you don’t have them – you’ll learn in the class what to shop for, for your own projects. But if you are looking for a good hammer the instructor likes this one: :  https://www.sheltertools.com/products/dogyu-finish-hammer?_pos=1&_sid=4e1cbbc83&_ss=r&variant=34422514024598

This workshop is offered in partnership with the New Hampshire Preservation Alliance.

Workshop and Cancellation Policies: Please read our 2026 policies before registering for a workshop. https://www.sanbornmills.org/workshop-policies/