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2.50 Introduction to Stone Shaping Workshop

Dry Stone Wall Stone Shaping Course at The Stone Trust
Dry Stone Wall Stone Shaping Course at The Stone Trust

2.50 Introduction to Stone Shaping Workshop Overview:

This workshop will spend the day learning about how to shape stones for use in dry stone walls. Participants will be introduced to a variety of stone types, and how to work with them. Both hand and power tools will be demonstrated and used.

The stone shaping will focus on efficient practices, learning how to look at a stone and judge how to shape it, as well as proper use and care of tools. Typical types of stone will likely include, granite, slate, local quarried schist, a mix ‘field stone,’ ‘glacial till,’ and more. Participants are encouraged to bring samples of their local stone to practice shaping, as well as any tools they would like to learn how to better use.

While lots of stone and other materials will be handled as part of this workshop, this workshop will not focus on building a wall. The assumption is that participants taking this workshop already know at least the basics of dry stone walling. This workshop will delve into stone shaping and to a much greater level of detail than workshops that focus on wall building.

 

This workshop is typically offered once every spring.

This course is commonly taught at:

Details:

More details coming soon.

Critical Information:

  • 2-day workshop.
  • Each day the workshop will run 9:00am-5:00pm with 1/2 hour lunch break.
  • Participants should wear boots and work clothes (have plenty of layers for cool weather)
  • What to bring:  gloves, rain gear, safety glasses, water, and lunch.  (There is no where close enough to buy lunch with in the lunch break)
  • All tools needed are provided.
  • Participants are encouraged to bring stone shaping tools they already own, and samples of the stone they work with.

Detailed info will be emailed to you once you register including what to bring and directions.

Licensed Landscape Architects can receive 7.5 LA CES credits for participating in this workshop.

Workshop quick guide:

  • Great ‘next step’ workshop
  • 1-day: 9am-5pm
  • Ideal for anyone working with stone
  • Try a wide range of techniques
  • Try out tools before you buy them
  • Prerequisite courses: Any 1.00 or 2.00 level course
  • Typically once per year in the spring.
  • Typical Cost $325
See when this course is being offered
See when all 2.00 level courses are being offered
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One of the techniques taught in this workshop:

Landscape Architects receive 7.5 LA CES credits for taking this workshop

Photos from 2.50 workshops (photos from several locations)

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Upcoming 2.50 Introduction to Stone Shaping Workshops:

Upcoming Events


  • 2.50 Intro to Stone Shaping (7-18-2020)
    July 18, 2020
    9:00 am - 5:00 pm
    - 1-Day workshop

This workshop will spend the day learning about how to shape stones for use in dry stone walls. Participants will be introduced to a variety of stone types, and how to work with them. Both hand and power tools will be demonstrated and used. The stone shaping portion will focus on efficient practices, learning how to look at a stone and judge how to shape it, as well as proper use and care of tools. PREREQUISITE: Open to those who have taken at least one Level 1 workshop
(or are experienced wallers).

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All Upcoming Fundamentals (2.00) Level Courses

Upcoming Events


  • 2.13 Contractors Intro - July 17, 2020
    July 17, 2020
    9:00 am - 5:00 pm

This workshop is perfect for the landscape contractor interested in starting to build dry stone walls, or expand that line of work. In addition to the hands on building of a wall, there will be discussions of good work practices, pricing walls, proper foundations, etc.


  • 2.50 Intro to Stone Shaping (7-18-2020)
    July 18, 2020
    9:00 am - 5:00 pm
    - 1-Day workshop

This workshop will spend the day learning about how to shape stones for use in dry stone walls. Participants will be introduced to a variety of stone types, and how to work with them. Both hand and power tools will be demonstrated and used. The stone shaping portion will focus on efficient practices, learning how to look at a stone and judge how to shape it, as well as proper use and care of tools. PREREQUISITE: Open to those who have taken at least one Level 1 workshop
(or are experienced wallers).


  • 2.20 Retaining wall workshop (7-18-2020)
    July 18, 2020
    9:00 am - 5:00 pm
    - 1-day workshop attendance

Participants will learn how to maximize strength for a retaining wall while following the basic rules. Foundations, drainage, perforated pipe, filter fabric, geo-textiles and more are all discussed or demonstrated. This workshop is intended to give you the information to make wise decisions on your own projects. It is well suited for both homeowners and contractors. PREREQUISITE:  any 1.00 level course, or 2.10, or 2.13


  • 2.40 Cheek End Workshop (Outdoor) - Ag. 1 & 2, 2020 (Mont Vernon, NH)
    August 1, 2020 - August 2, 2020
    9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Whenever your building a wall, sooner or later it must come to an end. A cheek end is the typical way to end a wall. It is also called a wall end, wall head, or square end. Cheek ends are a particular challenge to build well and structurally are the most vulnerable part of a wall, so it is important to get it right.


  • 2.20 Retaining wall workshop (9-13-2020)
    September 13, 2020
    9:00 am - 5:00 pm
    - 1-day workshop attendance

Participants will learn how to maximize strength for a retaining wall while following the basic rules. Foundations, drainage, perforated pipe, filter fabric, geo-textiles and more are all discussed or demonstrated. This workshop is intended to give you the information to make wise decisions on your own projects. It is well suited for both homeowners and contractors. PREREQUISITE:  any 1.00 level course, or 2.10, or 2.13


  • Fall Certification Test: Friday (9/25/2020) Dummerston
    September 25, 2020
    8:15 am - 6:30 pm
    - 1 Day attendance

Testing Levels Initial, Intermediate and Advanced (Part B). Friday, May 3, 2019. NOTE: You must hold the previous level certification to sign up for any test above level 1. THE REGISTRATION DEADLINE has been exended till, August 14th! NO LATE REGISTRATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED.


  • 2.60 Contractors Intensive (5-day) 12-7-11-2020 Stoneyard
    December 7, 2020 - December 11, 2020
    9:00 am - 5:00 pm
    - 5-day workshop

This workshop includes 4 days of training and the Dry Stone Walling Association of Great Britain (DSWA-GB) Level I (Initial) certification test on the final day. It is perfect for the landscape or masonry contractor interested in starting to build dry stone walls, or expand that line of work, and gain DSWA-GB Certification. Equivalent to a combination of courses 1.20, 2.8, and 2.9 plus much more!

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