Spring / April 2019 Workshops
NEIL RIPPINGALE from Scotland RETURNS! In 2017 Neil was our first visiting instructor to the training center. We offered two workshops - Contractor workshop and a freestanding wall workshop. WE SOLD OUT. Neil has worked extensively here in the US working with the Dry Stone Conservancy for over 15 years. During this time both past and present he continues to offer his expertise in directing and supervising larger projects many of which are with the National Park Service. You don't want to miss this rare opportunity to learn and ask key questions from a master of stone. DON'T MISS OUT! (read more about Neil on Preservation Trades Network)  April 6th 2019 1 Day Fundamental Building Skills workshop (Saturday) $300 All Levels, Homeowner - Contractor, 1-Day 8:30 am - 4:30 pm Mark Jurus (Maryland) Advanced (Level 3) DSWA-GB - Journeyman (Level 2) DSC-US/ Instructor DSWA-GB. This is our most in demand workshop every year. We highly recommend this workshop to everyone even if you're a contractor. Learn all about different wall frames, how to use them, build them and why you need them. What is a batter and why. This workshop will be hands on how to build 2 styles of foundations with the best tools for the job. Basic overview of tools of the trade. How and when to best use them and with what types of stone. Last but not least how to read stone and how to put it to the best use. Hands on sorting and palletizing material. BUT WAIT THERE'S MORE!!!.... Assessing Space, Planning, and Wall terminology. Learning the Fundamentals are the starting point for any waller. A skill set which will be needed for any project regardless of size. -----------------------------------------  April 26th 2019 - 1 Day Shaping Workshop (Friday) $375 All Levels, Homeowner - Contractor, 1-Day 8:30 am - 4:30 pm Neil Rippingale (Scotland) Master Craftsman ~ DSWA-UK, DSC-USA Examiner. Mark Jurus (Maryland) Advanced (Level 3) DSWA-GB - Journeyman (Level 2) DSC-US/ Instructor DSWA-GB. This Workshop will help the participant look carefully at the stone before choosing it for a specific use. This helps increase productivity and the economy of effort. • There are many ways in which we can mark stone, this will be described and demonstrated throughout the workshop. • Which Hammer should I use? What is its purpose? When should I use it? Which one should I buy? All part of the workshop. • Which Chisel should I use? What is its purpose? When should I use it? Which one should I buy? Again, all part of the workshop. • Using Diamond Blade Saws and Diamond tipped Grinders, Do’s and Don'ts. • Working on Banker Benches, design and ease of use and practicalities. • Texturing Stone for a finished surface. • Tips on Drilling Stone including Feather and Wedge...and so much more! • Shaping workshop, Hand Tools, Power tools, feather wedging and so much more!(Note: YOU MUST HAVE - PPE (Personal Protection Equipment) for this workshop. Safety and use of this equipment is of paramount importance during the workshop.)-----------------------------------------
 April 27-28 2019 2 day (Saturday/Sunday) Freestanding / Cheekend Workshop $450 All Levels, Homeowner - Contractor, 1-Day 8:30 am - 4:30 pm Neil Rippingale (Scotland) Master Craftsman ~ DSWA-UK, DSC-USA Examiner. Mark Jurus (Maryland) Advanced (Level 3) DSWA-GB - Journeyman (Level 2) DSC-US/ Instructor DSWA-GB. Freestanding Wall workshop is an Introduction into the Basic skills of Dry Stone Masonry. Over two days we will cover the fundamentals of Dry Stone Construction, Theory, History, The Uses of Dry Stone in the present day, How to determine the size of a batter frame for your project, how to make a frame, selecting the right stone for the right place in the wall which develops confidence, efficiency and the importance of rhythm and minimizing unproductive actions, but not at the expense of quality. (Note: this workshop will be a strip out and rebuild of existing wall, tools will not be covered in this workshop)- 7 spots remain - Freestanding workshop All Levels
 - 3 spots remain for Advanced Level - Cheekend (2 people per cheekend) (YOU MUST HAVE EITHER DSWA/DSC LEVEL 1 / TAKEN PRIOR WORKSHOPS OR PROFESSIONAL MASONRY SKILLS - to sign up for this Cheekend workshop)
(Note: you must have your own PPE, along with tools for shaping and dressing stone)
A cheekend / (wall head) is the most common way to end a wall. Cheekends are one of the most important first features to learn. This two day workshop will cover strip out, rebuild and the proper method to finish off the end of a wall. In this workshop you will be partnered up with one other person to take on a traditional freestanding wall cheekend. You will learn how to tie the end back into the wall along with understanding how to pick, choose and make the stones you need to make it right! This workshop will also cover the setting up of a wall frame. This workshop is great for those gearing up for their Level 2 DSWA Certification.
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