John Beltman
Suomi, MN
John has been making a living doing traditional wood working since the early 1980's. Working primarily with traditional hand tools and traditional building techniques John integrates history into his work and his classes. Although he has a diverse background including boat building, spring pole lathe turning and the building of Windsor chairs and stools, John is currently focused primarily on teaching, presentations and demonstrations of traditional craft and history. Johns training includes the Rockport Apprenticeshop in Maine, Strong's Canoe Yard in Vermont, and the Windsor Institute in New Hampshire.
Current Courses Offered by John Beltman
1 day
Gluten Free Holiday Baking
Instructors:
John Beltman
This course is for anyone with concerns about gluten who does not want to give up the pleasures of holiday desserts. The class is based on a reliable easy and delicious pie crust recipe, from which students will create three different holiday treats. In addition, gluten free ingredients, techniques, and…
Sat, Dec 8th, 2018
Instructor:
John Beltman
12 Days
Pram Boat Building: Build Your Own Traditional Norse Pram
Instructors:
John Beltman
Take this one-of-a-kind opportunity to build a custom-sized, traditionally built wooden lapstrake boat, originating in design and construction from the fjords and fishing villages of Norway and Sweden. Over 12 days, students will complete the Norse Pram, an inshore craft that makes an excellent tender or rowboat at the lake,…
Fri, Jan 4th, 2019 – Fri, Jan 18th, 2019
Instructor:
John Beltman
5 Days
Techniques of Pram Boat Building: Old World Boatbuilding Traditions
Instructors:
John Beltman
An old Norse saying goes, “A man without his boat is a mere prisoner.” This class is a one-of-a-kind study and hands-on look into the techniques of traditional Norwegian and Swedish boat builders: we'll explore the developments and skills required to build wooden lapstrake boats that have plied the fjords…
Fri, Jan 4th, 2019 – Tue, Jan 8th, 2019
Instructor:
John Beltman
3 Days
Timbered Workbench: Early American Style
Instructors:
John Beltman
Have bench, will travel? Indeed - with this workbench you can do both! A fine workbench is an essential fixture in the home workshop. In this class students will build a sturdy timbered workbench based on early American designs using simple and classic joinery that echoes timber framing techniques. Mortise…
Fri, Feb 8th, 2019 – Sun, Feb 10th, 2019
Instructor:
John Beltman
3 Days
Windsor Kitchen Stool: On the Lathe
Instructors:
John Beltman
This course is an overview of Windsor design and construction. Explore the origins and history of Windsor stools and chairs along with the traditional methods and tools used to construct them. Students learn how to select appropriate materials, split green wood for legs and stretchers, and sculpt a seat using…
Fri, Mar 1st, 2019 – Sun, Mar 3rd, 2019
Instructor:
John Beltman
Past Courses Offered by John Beltman
Building The Classic Wooden Rowboat: Build Your Own Susan Skiff
Fundamentals of Traditional Wooden Boat Building
Oar Construction: Make Your Own Set
Snowshoe Construction: Build Your Own
Snowshoe Construction: Up the Trail
Spindle Turning on the Spring Pole Lathe
Spring-Pole Lathe: Build Your Own
Three-Legged Milking Stool
