Star Hill Timberworks

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Star Hill Timberworks star hill timberworks is the on ramp to timber framing. a clear, guided path into the craft—start with the manual and build with confidence.

10/08/2026

the arno 50mm timber framing chisel with a full convex grind.

started with a 22.5° primary bevel, reset the edge at 25°, then blended the whole thing into a convex profile.

an acute cutting edge with some support behind it. chopping, paring, cleaning up joinery. one chisel doing a whole lot of work.

i've been experimenting with this geometry at star hill, and so far, i really like it.

find the arno chisels and other tools we use in the shop on our amazon storefront:
https://zurl.co/NxyGx

as an amazon associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

10/08/2026

ready to cut your first timber frame mortise?

here's a quick look at the process from our free online timber framing course.

drill out the waste. work carefully to your layout. clean up the mortise with your chisel. then get ready to fit your first timber frame joint.

the full lesson walks through the process step by step.

watch the complete free online timber framing course:
https://zurl.co/fukAw

start the path. start building.

back to stereotomy. interesting stuff!
10/07/2026

back to stereotomy. interesting stuff!

10/07/2026

founder immersion class.

3 students.
1 frame.
1 founder.

2027 class info: https://zurl.co/MLfTI

10/07/2026

raising timber without a crane.

a lifting shear gives us a high rigging point so we can use ropes, blocks and mechanical advantage to get the frame standing.

it's a simple idea, but understanding the rigging and controlling the lift matters.

interested in learning timber framing with us?

2027 class information is in the comments.

open knowledge. real skills.

build · remember · repeat.

just get started.

10/07/2026

you've cut the tenon. you've cut the mortise. now it's time to put your first timber frame joint together.

in this final lesson of the b1 series, we'll test fit the mortise and tenon, make any adjustments needed, drill the peg hole, and peg the joint.

this is where all the work comes together.

take your time with the fit. look at where the joint is making contact, make small adjustments when needed, and work toward a clean fit before you peg it together.

when you're finished, you've completed your first timber frame joint.

this is the final lesson in b1 — cut your first joint — from our free online timber framing course.

watch the complete free course:
https://zurl.co/GwutD

start the path. start building.

10/06/2026

gtm v1000
building the rock garden
star hill
gtmtoolsusa.com

10/06/2026

https://zurl.co/WrZDF

the star hill layout system is designed to make timber frame layout simple, accurate and repeatable.

layout the timber. cut the joint. build the frame.

star hill timberworks

10/05/2026

star hill founder immersion class

3 students. 1 frame. 1 founder.

2027 class info: https://zurl.co/nK2K8

drilling a timber frame mortise by hand doesn't have to be complicated.here we're using a 1 1/2" wood owl ultrasmooth bi...
10/05/2026

drilling a timber frame mortise by hand doesn't have to be complicated.

here we're using a 1 1/2" wood owl ultrasmooth bit and a basic wooden jig to help get the holes started straight.

start by laying out the mortise. the ezc can be used to mark the hole locations for starting the drill.

drill both ends of the mortise first.

use the wooden jig to get the bit started. once the bit is committed to the timber, remove the jig and continue drilling to the desired depth.

then drill out the waste between the two end holes and clean up the mortise with a chisel.

simple tools. simple process. and a good way to cut your first mortises without a dedicated mortising machine.

open knowledge. real skills.

just get started.

Address

Ellsworth, WI
54011

Telephone

+16514944166

Website

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