Workshop Information
Richard Waters
The camping yurt workshop runs for a whole day, from 9am to 4/5pm, with a break for lunch (normally provided). For those staying overnight either before or after a workshop, the evenings are spent around the fire in the yurt socializing – bring your musical instruments!. If you want to camp out in a yurt while at a workshop, please let me know in advance.
No particular woodworking skills are necessary, it is all basic stuff! All materials and tools are provided for you to use, just bring some leather gloves, a chair and a hat! We do not use table saws and machinery at the workshop for obvious safety reasons and all wood will be pre cut. Demonstrations using a router and drill press are given, but making a yurt can be done with just a few simple hand tools and battery operated drill.
The use of a Shave Horse was common in the middle ages for all kinds of wood craft and I use one to great effect when making yurts. It is a very useful tool for holding wood while working it. We cover using a Shave Horse in the workshop and
Using a Shave Horse
I provide plans so individuals can make one at home. I also provide plans for building a yurt to all those attending.
Pricing
Prices really depend on the number of people in a class. For 10 people the price is $100 per person for a maximum of 12 people. For smaller groups the price goes up. Please contact me for more information and availability.
Workshop Program
Here is the the program of a typical workshop.
1. Discussion on Yurts
A Shave Horse
We look at the different types of yurt, their design features, structure, sizes, construction methods and the plans for the yurt we are about to build.
2. Putting up a Yurt
Before we start any woodwork, we put up a yurt and look at the various parts. This helps people get familiar with everything and have a clearer picture of the parts when when making them.
3. Wood Selection
Wood to make camping yurts can come from many sources, new lumber, reclaimed wood, coppice and even pine saplings. We discuss the benefits of each and how each type is used differently.
4. Lattice Wall – Preparation
Although students will not use a table saw or machinery, they will learn how to rip lumber to get the most from the different types of wood available. The pre cut wall laths will require sanding, edging and holes drilling.
Ripping Lattice Wall Laths
5. Assembling Wall Sections
The laths are now assembled for the wall sections and rope is used to secure the intersections.
6. Making a Door Frame
There are several ways to make a door frame. Each is discussed and a pre cut door frame is used to demonstrate hole drilling and dowel placement.
7. Roof Poles
The pre cut roof poles require some finishing in the form of tapering one end, rounding the other, sanding and rounding edges and drilling holes. I demonstrate how modern tools can really speed up this process, but for the workshop, we use a Shave Horse and spoke shave.
8. Roof Wheel
We discuss the various methods of making a roof wheel depending on the tools and equipment available. Explanations on steam bending a single piece of green wood to laminating multiple layers is covered. For the workshop a block and plywood design is used as this is the most cost effective method without the need for a building steam box, special molds or the use of more specialized tools.
Shaping a Roof Pole
9. Canvas Cover
Sewing a canvas requires an industrial sewing machine and so it isn’t practical for most to even attempt this. Explanations are given on how to position the canvas on the yurt to cut and sew in the most economic way. Traditional alternatives are shown on how to utilize tarps and ex military canvas to cover a yurt frame. Tying down the canvas is also an import area that is covered.
10. Final set-up
Having made the all the yurt parts, we now set it up. We cover all the little tips and tricks that make setting up a yurt easy.
11. Accessorizing the Yurt
ideas inventions, gadgets and neat furnishings for the yurt.
Drilling Holes in Wall Lattice
For more information on workshops and availability, or to request a workshop in your area, please contact me.
Host a Workshop
I am always happy to provide workshops in your area, so if groups or organizations would like to host a workshop, please contact me. Here is a Hosting Information page
