rare boring machine in action

Posted on March 23, 2010 by Whit

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Anatomy of a mortise and tenon joint

Posted on October 13, 2009 by Whit Holder

I recently had some reclaimed timbers in the shop that had been resawn on one face. The sawyer had sawn through the center of the pegs, giving a unique perspective into the anatomy of a mortise and tenon joint that was cut approximately 150 years ago.
Blind peg, slightly pointed on the tip, some side draw (probably inadvertent) is noticeable.

Tagged: drawbore, mortise, tenon  |  0 comments

Converting an old barn

Posted on October 07, 2009 by Whit Holder

Converting an old barn frame into a new residence or outbuilding has become more common in recent years. This is a great way for owners to combine the timelessness of a historic structure with the comforts of a modern home. And, if done properly, it is a way for us to preserve a piece of our architectural heritage for several more years.

This type of project is not without its own set of challenges, though. Here's how to get started, along with several things to be aware of before you begin.

1. Study old barn frames

An understanding of the different types of barns and their common layouts is essential in determining how to integrate the new living space into the old framework, and in choosing which barn style fits your project best.

2. Set a project budget

Before you contact any professionals, it is necessary to determine your project budget.

3. Hire a professional timber framer

This is where a lot of projects can go wrong out of the gate. The internet is full of "great barn deals," and there are many companies in the business of chopping down old barns with chainsaws and shipping the parts. But there are also many reputable timber framers who do this type of work every day and have the necessary skills and experience to give you the most barn for your buck.

4. Listen to your timber framer

When it comes to choosing which barns to avoid, which barn to purchase, which repairs should be made, and which pieces need to be replaced, listen to your timber framer. Their knowledge and experience will save you time and money in the end and give your project that extra "wow factor."

5. Try to leave the original framework un-altered

There are patterns in the way old barns were built. No matter how skilled your timber framer is, additions and alterations will stick out from an aesthetic perspective. In the most successful conversion projects, the owners think of the barn as a piece of history that they are giving a second life to, not just a bunch of beams to be cut up to fit a floor plan (re-read number 1).

Tagged: timber framed barn  |  0 comments

Traditional Marriage Marks on timber frames

Posted on July 22, 2009 by Gabel

Marriage marks (sometimes called carpenter's marks) are markings cut into the timbers of a timber frame to indicate where they are located in the building. Think of them as labels to show the carpenters where the piece goes when they get ready to put the frame together.

Marriage marks are mostly associated with frames that were scribed together -- each piece being custom fitted to its exact location, and therefore different than the other similar pieces. In scribe frames, it's common for each timber at a specific intersection to be labeled with it's own unique mark as you can see in many of these photos.

Here's an example from an 1850's building in Graniteville, SC.

You'll also notice that the marks are Roman numerals. That's the most commonly seen labeling system. It's faster and easier tor cut the straight lines of Roman numerals with a chisel or race knife as opposed to the curving Arabic numerals such as 8 and 5. Often times a "flag" or other modifier would indicate a specific side of a building or floor level. The use of modifiers keeps the carpenter from using numbers like LXXVIII -- Each wall might start at I and the north wall may have a flag left while the south wall has a flag right. Or perhaps the north wall is cut with a 2" chisel and the south wall a 1" chisel.

There is an incredible variation among marriage marks from one region or country to the next -- and even within the same area you can see several different systems that were used at the same time. Unfortunately, we don't have a comprehensive understanding of how many different systems were used or their distribution even in any one country. Anyone looking for a topic for their master's thesis?

I've included a few photos from buildings we've worked on, built, or studied.

Tagged: carpenters marks, marriage marks, traditional timber framing, timber framing  |  2 comments

Topping Off

Posted on July 22, 2009 by Gabel

Folks sometimes ask why timber framers place an evergreen bough on the peak of the frame after a raising. The short answer--tradition. But I'll take a stab at the long answer, since there isn't much information out there about this tradition.

"Topping off" a new frame is a practice that has been around for hundreds of years. It's the act of placing a bough on the highest peak of a newly completed frame. The bough is always an evergreen. I have used pine, cedar, magnolia, and even a discarded Christmas tree.

Ask ten timber framers about topping off the frame and you'll get ten slightly different answers. But the common thread is that the whetting bush is placed as a symbol of thanksgiving and respect. Some say it gives thanks to the forest for providing timber for a new home. Some say it gives thanks for a safe raising. A few simply say it's "good luck."

Whatever their beliefs are, topping off the frame is a special time for each person. For the folks starting life in a new home, it can be almost like a dedication ceremony. For the carpenters who built the frame, it's a chance to stand back and see the fruit of their labor. For everyone present, it's a moment of celebration.

For me personally, placing a whetting bush is a chance to stop and smell the roses. Finishing a job well done is satisfying on a basic human level. Then there's the appreciation I feel for my trade and my fellow carpenters, and the thankfulness I feel for a safe raising and for our renewable resource of timber.

Tagged: timber frame, timber framing, whetting bush, topping off, timber frame raising, barn raising, traditional timber framing  |  0 comments

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