Upcoming 10 spots left
Course 1: Hewing with Japanese Tools, Axe and Adze
$ 900 usd
Fri, Sep 11, 2026, 8:00 AM PDT – Sun, Sep 13, 2026, 3:00 PM PDT
Pacific Rim Timberworks Shop, 13390 Tiller Trail Hwy, Days Creek, OR, United States Map
Course 1: Traditional Timber Hewing with Japanese Axes & Adzes
A 3-Day Intensive Hands-On Workshop
Learn the art of transforming raw logs into beautiful hewn timbers using traditional Japanese hand tools. Over three immersive days, participants will develop the skills needed to evaluate a log, choose the appropriate hewing approach, lay out accurate centerlines, and confidently use Japanese axes and adzes.
Instruction will combine demonstrations, guided practice, and extensive hands-on work, with frequent one-on-one feedback from instructors. Students will gain practical experience working with both hardwoods and softwoods while learning the fundamentals of tool setup, sharpening, maintenance, and efficient hewing techniques.
Whether you are interested in traditional timber framing, historic woodworking methods, or expanding your hand-tool skills, this class will provide a strong foundation in the craft of timber hewing and confidence to continue practicing these traditional skills on your own.
Loaner tools will be available for all participants. Students are encouraged to bring their own axes and/or adzes if they have them, regardless of condition, as tool assessment and setup will be part of the learning experience.
Course Schedule
Day 1: Foundations
- Understanding logs, grain, and material selection
- Introduction to Japanese axes and adzes
- Tool setup, sharpening, and maintenance
- Fundamentals of hewing with axes
Day 2: Developing Technique
- Continued axe-hewing practice
- Introduction to adze work
- Combining axe and adze techniques for a refined finish
- Building efficiency, accuracy, and confidence
Day 3: Layout & Precision
- More hewing practice!
- Centerline layout methods
- The two-string method for accurate timber layout
- Integrating layout and hewing into a complete workflow
Participant Amenities
Camping
- Riverfront camping is available at no cost on the South Umpqua River for registered participants from Thursday night through Sunday night.
- Please note that fires are not permitted anywhere on the property.
- An indoor toilet, shower and composting toilet will be available for participant use.
Other Lodging
- There are a few local Airbnb's available in Days Creek. More options are available for lodging including 7 feathers Casino & Resort, the Creekside Inn in Canyonville, which is 10 miles west of Days Creek
Meals
- A breakfast & lunch will be provided on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
- Dinner will be provided on Friday and Saturday evenings.
- Participants are responsible for their own additonal snacks. A refrigerator will be available for use.
What to Bring
Participants planning to camp on-site should bring:
- Tent
- Sleeping bag and bedding
- Appropriate clothing and personal items for outdoor camping and woodworking activities
Class Materials
- Closed-toe boots for working in and personal PPE
Instructors
Matthew Lovemark
Instructor
Yann Giguére
Instructor
Contact us
- Organizer
- ca••••k@gma••••l.com
Location
Pacific Rim Timberworks Shop, 13390 Tiller Trail Hwy, Days Creek, OR, United States
Classifications
Categories
- General
Age Groups
- Adult - 18 y.o +
Levels
- All