11x12 timber frame

[smstonypoint]

Nice work!:thumbsup:

Just curious. What mechanism are you going to use to lift the overhead portion of the door? It looks heavy.

Steve

 

[Loren49]

The upper door is about 2.5 x 6 ft and so far is raised by hand. The plan for next summer is a framework along that side of the building to support about 4 ft of metal roofing. (like an awning) I plan a counter weight on a couple pulleys supported by this frame to make it an easier lift. For much of the summer and when cleaning the barn that door will be open.

Loren

 

[joemd11]

Loren,
Wow! Beautiful looking building. I love to lurk around this site and see all the talent (mechanical, woodworking, etc) that you guys have and the projects that you accomplish :thumbsup:. Then I get hit with the harsh realization of what a slouch I am . Keep up the good work!

 

[EddieWalker]

None of your pictures showed up in your original post, but all of the one ones you posted today are visable.

It's an amazing project. One of those things that I've always wanted to try, and consider to be the most beautiful type of building.

Eddie

 

[HiTechTed]

That's awesome...that building is so "overbuilt" that an atomic bomb wouldn't bring it down! Thanks for the pics!

 

[smstonypoint]

The upper door is about 2.5 x 6 ft and so far is raised by hand. The plan for next summer is a framework along that side of the building to support about 4 ft of metal roofing. (like an awning) I plan a counter weight on a couple pulleys supported by this frame to make it an easier lift. For much of the summer and when cleaning the barn that door will be open.

Loren

Another question out of curiosity. Is the door style you are using "traditional" in your area (Upstate NY)? I am just speculating in my own mind on its advantages.

Steve

 

[piller]

Nice Job! :thumbsup:
How did you do the foundation/floor and connections at the base of the posts?
Great looking timber frame!

 

[JB4310]

Looks great, That thing is gonna be around for awhile.

 

[Piston]

Great Job! Thanks for posting the pics! :thumbsup:

Those are gonna be some happy animals in their new home

 

[Loren49]

I designed the door that way so it could be left open for light and ventilation whenever the weather is decent. The only time the bottom doors will be open is when I clean the barn. It seemed like a better way than to have two separate doors with side hinges. I could have had it swing into the barn (easier in some ways) but chose to swing out for shade and to keep the rain out. It's not necessarily traditional to the area as far as I know.

The foundation is treated 6x6 timbers for the perimeter with one tie beam at the middle bent. They are mortised and the six main 6x8 posts are also mortise and tenon into the base. The floor is 2" hemlock planks nailed to the foundation timbers. The foundation 6x6s were set in the ground a few inches and crushed stone was filled to grade. The building is at the edge of our woodlot so is somewhat protected. It actually just sits like many little buildings but I predict it weighs many times that of most. Most buildings of this sort have a single layer of boards for siding - often board and batten. This building has 2 layers - the first is diagonal which really stiffens the building - then a layer of roofing felt to seal - the finish layer is vertical. Kind of overkill but with my own lumber the main cost is my labor (and I'm not worth too much anymore)

I've thought of building a timber frame for years - finally found time a year after I retired (this was my second project - first was a bit less involved) I learned most of what I know about it from a book and on line.

Loren