Carpentry

Course Content and Outcomes:

Our Carpentry 101 course is designed for beginners to learn the safety, maintenance, and practical applications of essential hand and power tools used for general carpentry and basic woodworking. Upon completion of the course, participants will be able to demonstrate competency in safety and basic use of the tools required to build a folding camp chair that each student will build during the course and retain after the class.

Upon completion of the Red Ants Pants Carpentry course, students will be able to:

Describe basic personal protective equipment, safety measures related to utilization of basic woodworking and carpentry tools;
Describe common types and characteristics of wood as a material;
Understand basic material sourcing;
Describe the intended use of common wood finishes;
Identify, describe and demonstrate the safe operation, maintenance and proper use of common hand tools including:

measuring & squaring tools

hammers

nail pullers

chop saw

sanding tools

table saw

jig saw

skilsaw

drill

impact driver

Safety is a primary focus of the course. Instructors will provide hands-on technical instruction in a manner that allows participants to feel comfortable and empowered. The course curriculum will allow participants ample time to learn and practice at their own pace, while creating a collaborative learning environment conducive to meeting individual and group learning outcomes.

Physical Requirements

The course is physically demanding – applicants must be able to lift 20 lbs, bend at the waist, and be able to be on their feet for up to 8 hours. The course takes place in variable weather conditions, mostly outside and on uneven terrain.

WHEN

The 2023 course will begin the evening of Thursday, September 14 and conclude the afternoon of Sunday, September 17.

WHO

Participants must be over 18 years of age, will be required to sign a release of liability waiver, and be able to meet physical requirements.

WHERE

White Sulphur Springs, Montana.

Lodging

On-site tent or car/truck camping are available free of charge.

RV/camper trailers - space is limited on-site so RV’s and trailers will need to book a site at one of the two campgrounds in White Sulphur. Fee not included in course tuition.

Hotels - There are several local hotels that are within close proximity to the workshop site. Fee not included with course tuition.

Note: only the on-site camping options are complimentary with the cost of the course. We do have bathrooms available on site, but no public showers. Showers are available at the Spa Hotsprings Motel in White Sulphur if you pay for a soak at the hot springs ($10).

Food

Meals and snacks will be provided. The food is ample, fresh, healthy and continually reported to be a highlight of the course. Most dietary restrictions can be accommodated with prior notice.

Equipment & Tools

Participants will need to provide appropriate personal clothing, safety glasses, work gloves, hearing protection, a tape measure and a speed square (details provided upon registration).

The RAP Foundation will provide all other equipment, safety gear, and tools needed to participate.

COST

2023 rate: $630 per person. The course fee covers instruction, materials, and course equipment. This fee includes all meals (and snacks), including dinner Thursday night through lunch on Sunday.

Scholarships and payment plans are available! Contact us for more info.

PAYMENT

Payment is required upon registration.

Check or Credit Cards accepted. Details provided upon registration.

REGISTRATION

The workshop is limited to 12 participants per section. Courses fill quickly. Once the course is full (first come, first served) we will add names to a waitlist.

Registration for fall courses is now open.

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Red Ants Pants Foundation programs, please subscribe to our mailing list here.

CANCELLATION

Course Fees, minus a $50 cancellation fee, will be refunded if cancellation is made prior to 30 days before the start of the workshop. Fees are nonrefundable if cancellation is made within 30 days of the start of the workshop. In the event that the Timber Skills course is canceled due to public health concerns, full refunds will be issued for the course tuition.

Payment

For questions or additional information, please feel free to reach out to info@redantspantsfoundation.org.

Heidi Rogers

Throughout her career, Heidi has worked to blur the line between Architecture and Construction. After graduating with her Masters of Architecture from MSU, she dove headlong into carpentry in Gallatin and Paradise Valley. Working primarily as a framer of custom homes, she also joined crews to learn Timber-framing, roofing, cabinet install and interior finishes. She now works as both a Carpenter and an Architect in Park County. The world of carpentry has brought beauty and self-reliance to Heidi’s life and she looks forward to sharing that world with other women.

Mary Webb

Mary entered the construction and carpentry world in 2010 by joining AmeriCorps and working for Habitat for Humanity for two years. This led to an interest in fixing up old houses rather than building new ones, attracted by the details and craftsmanship in historic buildings. After working as a historic preservation carpenter for the National Park Service for many years, she made her way to Helena to work for the Montana Preservation Alliance as their restoration director, planning and coordinating restoration projects around the state. Mary’s carpentry interests span from restoring old wood windows to handcrafting jewelry and children’s toys, and everything in between.