2 Days
Tuition: $325
Ages: 16 & Up
Instructor: Nathanael Ulfers
Instructional Delivery Method(s): In person
Prerequisites: None
Program Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
Program Description:
This course will teach students how to split (rive) wood using traditional hand tools to create the materials needed for roofing, siding, and interior lath work of a historic home or cabin.
The key focus of this course is riving—the art of splitting wood along the grain to create durable, weatherproof building materials. Students will start with logs and learn to select clear sections appropriate to use as shingle material. A froe and club will be used to rive out shakes, which will then be refined with a hatchet and drawknife to create historically accurate wooden roofing materials.
Throughout the course, students will gain a deep understanding of wood grain, learning to read and manipulate it for optimal splitting, while practicing the patience and precision required to work with natural materials. Class will also include discussions and demonstrations on how to install shingling and siding.
All tools and wood are supplied, though students are welcome to bring their own hand tools.
Learning Objectives:
Master the fundamentals of riving, learning how to split wood efficiently along the grain.
Learn how to select the best wood for shingles and lath, ensuring longevity and durability.
Develop hands-on experience using the froe, club, drawknife, and hatchet to create building materials.
Split and shape shakes for roofing
Learn to install board siding using historically accurate techniques.
Understand how to work with natural wood grain rather than against it.
Attendance Requirements: Students must attend all days
Location: Sam Beauford Woodshop, 1375 N. Main St, Building 41, Adrian, Michigan 49221
Class Size: Maximum 10 students
Refund, Cancellation, and Complaint Resolution Policies
If you have any questions about this class, please contact the Administrative Office at (517) 759-3070 or email admissions@sbwi.edu.
AIA Advance Learner Preparation: None
AIA Approved Learning Units & Type: 48 LU
AIA CES Program Approval Expiration Date: 02/26/2028
Official AIA CES Provider Statement: Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute is a registered provider of AIA-approved continuing education under Provider Number 10009739. All registered AIA CES Providers must comply with the AIA Standards for Continuing Education Programs. Any questions or concerns about this provider or this learning program may be sent to AIA CES (cessupport@aia.org or (800) AIA 3837, Option 3). This learning program is registered with AIA CES for continuing professional education. As such, it does not include content that may be deemed or construed to be an approval or endorsement by the AIA of any material of construction or any method or manner of handling, using, distributing, or dealing in any material or product. AIA continuing education credit has been reviewed and approved by AIA CES. Learners must complete the entire learning program to receive continuing education credit. AIA continuing education Learning Units earned upon completion of this course will be reported to AIA CES for AIA members. Certificates of Completion for both AIA members and non-AIA members are available upon request.