ELLSWORTH – For many, woodworking involves lots of nails and screws, but for Jon Anderson of Star Hill Timberworks, the process involves neither of these.
Star Hill Timberworks builds timberframe structures, using hardwood pegs to hold the structure together. While Anderson said this method is more of an old method, it has also begun to make a comeback since the 1970s.

“It goes up reasonably quickly, it lasts a really long time,” Anderson said. “You can do it all just with hand tools if you want.”

From inviting people in for workshops to working with people for design and materials for DIY projects, Star Hill Timberworks has many ways to help people who would rather complete these projects on their own. Anderson understands that there is value in creating things yourself and is doing everything possible to give these experiences to people.

“We like to build with people, we don’t build for people,” Anderson said. “If you’re looking for someone to build you something this isn’t the right place, but if you’re looking where you can build something with your own hands that you can be proud of, it’s going to last 100 years, well then this is the right spot.”

The business teaches people with no experience, with the website stating they have taught people who have never picked up a handsaw. Anderson said timberframing makes many other parts of the process easier, and the only real drawback is the heavy weight of the timbers.

“Some of the bigger timbers are four-five hundred pounds, when you’re starting to mess around with them,” Anderson said. “Other than that it’s pretty straight forward.”

Through the classes and workshops people learn everything they need to construct things such as mailboxes, sheds, gazebos, tiny homes and more.

Star Hill Timberworks was one of 21 artists featured in the Spring Fresh Art Tour that took place over the first weekend of June. The goal for Anderson joining the tour was to show locals what this place is and what it has to offer. He has been building log cabins and timber structures for more than 25 years.

“I get people flying in from California, Montana, Iowa. I get only a few people like from Pierce County and Goodhue County,” Anderson said. “The main purpose of the art tour was just trying to let local people know, ‘hey we’re here.’”

Anderson wants people to know they are trying to build a community and are trying to help as many people as they can to learn the process of timberwork.

In addition to workshops and classes, Star Hill Timberworks has made custom tools, creates tables and stools and pinstriping work.

One of Anderson’s favorite creations is the invention of the “Mortise Master” along with son Corey Anderson through Star Hill Timberworks. The product is in the process of a patent and is meant to help people put necessary marking on timbers for mortise, tenon and peg holes.

For more information on workshops, what the business offers or a closer look at the invention, visit www.starhilltimberworks.com. The business is located at N3901 690^th St., Ellsworth.