Next Meeting:

January 12, 2009, 6:30PM

Bruce Gardner will be talking about timberframing--the state of the craft at the upcoming meeting.

Everyone is invited to bring something to show at Show & Tell.

Door Prizes include:
To be announced at the General Meeting.


Directions to Maryville High School

Bruce Gardner
(Bio.)



Timber Framing, The State of the Craft

Synopsis

Bruce Gardner, Homestead Timber Frames

 

The roots of timber framed structures have been traced by archaeologists to 200 B.C.  Timber framing techniques emerged almost simultaneously in Europe, Japan, and in India.  Over the millennia timber framing has technically advanced, but the reason for timber framing remains constant—as a means to protect mankind from the elements.  And to do so beautifully.

 

Modern timber framers have tools for analysis and construction, such as engineering software and cranes, which are far advanced over our long gone brethren.  Our end product, however, remains little changed.  Timber framers still employ scarf joints from Medieval Europe, spline joints from Japan, and the simple but elegant mortise and tenon.

 

Bruce will demonstrate by word and photograph the history, the present day mechanics, and the future of timber framing.

 

Bruce and Cyndy Gardner own Homestead Timber Frames in Crab Orchard, Tennessee.  The couple has been involved in timber framing since 1985 with the building of their first simple timber frame.  Both have served in volunteer positions with the Timber Famers Guild of North America.

Outline
I.             Personal history in timber framing
II.            History of timber framing
III.           Development of a timber framed project
                                A.  Architectural design
                                B.  Timber frame design
                                C.  Structural analysis
                                D.  Joinery decisions
IV.           Building a timber frame (Shop joinery)
                                A. Specifying and ordering timbers
                                B.  Timber lay-out and checking
                                C.  Safety 
                                D.  Machine work
                                E.  The chisel
                                F.  Trial fitting
                                G. Timber finishing
V.            Raising a timber frame
                                A.  Packing the frame for shipment
                                B.  Unloading and staging timbers                                         for assembly
                                C.  Assembling bents and other                                                sections
                                D.  Safety
                                E.  The raising
VI.           Enclosing a timber frame
                                A.  Infill wall systems
                                B.  Conventionally wrapping the                                           frame
                                C.  Structural Insulated Panels                                                  (SIPs)
VII.         The future of timber framing
 

Timber Frame Raising                        

(See more timber frame photos here).

Guild members Bruce and Cyndy Gardner of Homestead Timber Frames were asked to design this Porte-Cochere to compliment a 1930's Homesteads house in Cumberland County. The hand cut timber frame is built of white oak timbers, maple splines with osage orange caps, and ash pegs. The frame was built over a five week period in their shop located in Crab Orchard. Individual joined timbers were trucked to the site and assembled in three units called bents. A crane was used to raise the bents, which required only three hours. The osage orange for the caps was supplied by Al Hudson. Exterior natural oil finish was supplied by Land Ark. Post foot anchors are by Timberlinx. For more information, please call Bruce or Cyndy at 931-484-7059.



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