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.

Particants that complete this course are welcome to assist as a volunteer in the beam raising of this timberframe on Monday, October 5th at Glide Education Forest. You can learn more about this frame at the link below:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1257V0vY_EmWzYUItoI3NZQGmNd9SKe3p5wwn6l4eDPE/edit?usp=sharing

Day 1: Foundations (Friday, Sept 11th, 2026 ; 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. & 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.)

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 (Saturday, Sept 12th, 2026 ; 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. & 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.)

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 (Sunday, Sept 13th, 2026 ; 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. & 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.)

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. If students are taking multiple courses they are welcome to remain in the camping area between classes.
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 additional 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
Your own axes or adzes (optional)
Sharpening stones

Course 1: Hewing with Japanese Tools, Axe and Adze