Tiny timber frame wood shelter

Cliff_Johns · Jun 1, 2004

Poppa,
If you look closer at photo 6, you'll see the Makita 1/2 inch drill I used. I drilled the holes out with a 1&1/2 inch forsner bit, then used that 1&1/2 inch timber framing chisel and a 1 inch corner chisel to square the mortises. The tennons I cut with the Japaneese type hand saw you see there.

Cliff

Poppa · Jun 2, 2004

That makes me feel better. I have plowed out a few mortises by hand. Much smaller than those and it felt like it took forever.

So, what made you decide to do it as a timberframe? Are you thinking of building something bigger and wanted to get a feel for it or are you a timberframer and just felt like doing something for yourself?

I am going to build a patio cover this year or next and I had contemplated a Timberframe appearance but the more I thought about it the more I realized how much work it would really be. Hate the idea of having all that work just sitting out there getting beaten by our weather.

Mike

Cliff_Johns · Jun 2, 2004

( That makes me feel better. I have plowed out a few mortises by hand. Much smaller than those and it felt like it took forever. )

I done a lot of mortises by hand, and it gets easier the more you do. Here, the wood isn't very dry so the choping isn't too bad, especially with a lot of the wood taken out with the drill bit.

( So, what made you decide to do it as a timberframe? Are you thinking of building something bigger and wanted to get a feel for it or are you a timberframer and just felt like doing something for yourself?)

My wife and I had taken a timber framing course where the class built one of the bents and some rafters and beams for a house during the week then we raised it in a weekend, and I wanted to put the skills I'd learned (design and build) into action on my own project before they got stale.

( I am going to build a patio cover this year or next and I had contemplated a Timberframe appearance but the more I thought about it the more I realized how much work it would really be. Hate the idea of having all that work just sitting out there getting beaten by our weather.)

Timberframes aren't really made to be out in the weather. An old barn will last forever as long as you keep a roof on it.

Building anything timberframe appears to be much the same as building furniture only bigger, but the design considerations are quite different. Specifically, you don't domension the lumber, only the building. Some interesting measuring techniques which are easy to forget.

Cliff

Golfgar4 · Jun 2, 2004

Cliff,

WOW! /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

I really thought that was a kit that you purchased. It looks GREAT!

I love timber framing. The wife and I have been discussing the idea of building a new house (downsizing - smaller house but a new barn!! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif), and we are seriously thinking of doing something with timber framing. You're not that far away I guess (Northern Illinois vs. Southern Wisconsin). If we decide to do something, I'll have to have you come up and show me how to build a wood shelter like yours. I'll leave the real structures to the pros!

Where was the timber framing course given that you attended?

Egon · Jun 2, 2004

Nice work.

Egon

Cliff_Johns · Jun 2, 2004

( Where was the timber framing course given that you attended? )

We attended a course with RiverBend timber framing in southeastern Michigan, but it was some time ago, that's why I needed to refresh my chops.

I would recommend a one week hands-on class if your planning on doing some framing yourself. There are lots of companies that offer them. They get workers who pay to work and all they have to do is impart some knowledge and techniques. Also a lot of the people who take the class will later buy a frame so it's a good deal all around.

Cliff

wroughtn_harv · Jun 3, 2004

You did good Cliff.

I know most folks want instant product. But there's something special about things that take time and effort.

But you already knew that! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

RandyBX · Jun 3, 2004

Very nice work. You definately have more patience than me. Thanks for the pics.
Randy

Cliff_Johns · Jun 4, 2004

Patience is a big part of timber framing, so you make your objective to get three more joints done, rather than getting the whole frame done. This way it seems like you are progressing right along. Also looking at a few timbers laying there all neat and cut is very gratifying.

Like the title says, this is a tiny frame. It's only 8 feet long by two feet deep. I didn't need any braces. Doing a project like this doesn't take as much time as you might think, but it feels pretty good anyway.

Thanks for the kind words everyone,
Cliff