Carpentry for Women 

Course Description: One of our most popular offerings, this course gives women a chance to learn general carpentry terms, tools, techniques in a friendly, non-intimidating environment. Learn how to safely use a wide range of hand and power tools while taking on a variety of building projects. Basic design and problem-solving ideas are also explored.

Objective: To provide a hands-on, supportive learning experience for women covering basic carpentry techniques. We will explore the use of hand and power tools typically used on a jobsite. We will also look at floor, wall, and roof framing and the different tasks involved in building them.

Suggested Readings:

Homebuilding Basics by Larry Haun

Tools and How to Use Them by Albert Jackson & David Day

Graphic Guide to Frame Construction by Rob Thallon

Modern Carpentry by Willis H. Wagner

Basic Carpentry Sunset Guide

Recommended Items to Bring:

(Yestermorrow will provide a basic toolbelt with hammer, speed square, nail set, 25' tape measure for you to use for the week if you don't have one. Using tools in the class will help you determine which tools that you will want to purchase for your home tool box. )

Work clothes-ones that you don't mind getting dirty

Work gloves

Sturdy, closed toed shoes/boots

Rain gear

Personal safety items-ear and eye protection, dust mask. If you have long

hair, something to hold it back.

Notebook and something to write with

Sunscreen, bug dope

Photos or project plans that you will be or want to be building now or in the future

Tools that you already own that you want to better familiarize yourself with

Please note: Each student will receive a call from the instructor prior to the class to discuss their level of experience and goals. The course will be paced according to the needs of the participants. The main goal is to work hard, learn a lot, and HAVE FUN!

Rough Course Outline

The class is held from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM daily. There may be some evening classes/discussions depending on the class's interests. The library can also be used in the evenings.

Sunday Welcome, orientation to Yestermorrow, dinner

Monday Goals, intro to tools in a tool belt, saws- hand and power,

Visit a mill, lumber yard, and hardware store (popcorn) and see the difference.

Tuesday Continue on power tools, fasteners. Anatomy of a house: framing of floors, walls and roofs. Look at/start project for the week.

Wednesday Jobsite tour. See the real thing. More power tools. Continue on project.

Thursday Roof framing details and rafter lay-out. Intro to table saw and chop saw.

Friday Continue on and wrap-up project.

Last minute questions and concerns. Graduation.

Since this class caters to the desired learning of the students, the above schedule may change to better accommodate students needs.