A timber frame cabin memoir

[caver]

Long way (120+ miles) until I can get my fixer upper on the market and rent over there. I knocked off a day early. The Asian Beetles were just crazy yesterday. I vacuumed maybe 40+ last night that got in my camper. I had easily a dozen more stragglers. Cool fall weather followed by a warm few days really brings them out. last year I don't recall them being an issue just the gnats.

 

[ponytug]

@caver what is an Asian beetle in your neck of the woods? Color me curious...

I love the house build.

All the best,

Peter

 

[dstig1]

Asian ladybugs, I assume. We get them here to varying degrees every year.

 

[caver]

Harmonia axyridis - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[EddieWalker]

120 miles each way is a long drive. I bet it becomes challenging to go there when you're tired or had a long week.

My deer blind is full of Asian beetles right now. Hopefully we get a good freeze and they all die. I wouldn't be surprised if there are a thousand of them in there. They literally cover every wall and the ceiling. Once they all die off, I sweep them off of the walls, and then into a bucket once they are all on the floor. It's not hard, but there is a smell that I don't care for.

 

[caver]

I was renting my neighbors cabin who was out of the country but felt this summer I might not use it for several months. I also assumed she was coming back. So, she rented to a young girl. It was real handy to drive over for 4-6 days do some work then come back to my regular house for a break. Rumor has it she's coming back in the spring.

 

[caver]

I'm camping here at the moment. It was taking me forever to frame a wall partially and then make it fit between timber frames top and sides. So recently I talked to my project guy from the manufacturer. He said they actually just build the walls stick by stick in place. The employees have some experience building them and they have at least one contractor who specializes in these kits they can hook you up with. Nail your top plate to the bottom of a beam where applicable. Nail sill plate and toenail the sticks in. I suck at toenailing. Often I can't get the nail gun at the right angle etc. Sometimes I pre-drill a hole and use my palm nailer with a 16D nail. Other situations I've been using GRK #10x3-1/8 RSS screws. They are kinda pricey and was wondering if there is a cheaper alternative? These have a flat head and looked at some online with more of a bugle head. I usually pre-drill the screw holes too. I found some #9 x3" made by either GRK or Grip Rite. No codes here so can use what I want.

This is how I'm making my headers (picture). Using foam board to take up some space so it doesn't need as much foam. I nail the top on after filling. (on restricted internet so pictures keep failing to upload)

 

[dstig1]

That is how I built all my interior walls and was going to suggest it. It is hard to tilt up a wall between a floor and a joist as it jams tight due to the angle of the wall as you get close the tipping it in place. Very hard to do. A laser level and a laser plumb bob/level are a big help here.

But seriously learn to toe nail. It's not that hard with a gun, once you get the position figured out. Might be Youtube videos, or grab a few short pieces to practice. Yeah you will miss on occasion as you don't do it all day every day but so what? Add another nail and be done. Since these are non-load bearing walls, it is not that critical. More important to get he spacing right for drywall and such.

 

[JJT]

When I built my timber frame house I did stick built 2x6 exterior walls outside the timber frame. The entire timber frame is showing on the inside of my house.

My house was built from the inside working out. 1) timber frame goes up, 2) house gets sheeted with knotty pine, 1x6 for walls and 2x6 for floors and ceilings, 3) 2x6 walls go up, one 2x at a time, 3) wire/insulate/plumb, all in the 2x6 walls, 4) exterior sheeting, 5) windows/sky lights, 6) siding/roofing.

Confusing, yes, to a normal 2x framer. Timber framing is worth the time and effort.

 

[caver]

showing on the inside of my house.

That's the way mine is. They have you cheat the walls past the timber 1.5" so timbers are exposed even after drywall or wood finish. Yet the 2x6 will be flush with the outside of foundation. Then the sheathing can overlap flush with the foundation before the wood siding goes on.

I have to install 2x6 nailers between studs every 2' on center. This is alos to provide a good nailing for the siding besides just the sheathing.