Overview

An aspiring timber framer must learn about the strength and characteristics of wood if they hope to master the craft. The characteristics of wood play a role in the decision process at each step, from general strength characteristics in the designing and engineering of the frame to final weight calculations during the raising and installation of the frame. We will leave a discussion of the design values, to the tomes of books and plethora of characteristic and engineering tables dedicated to this topic. Rather the information here is concerned with the characteristics of wood that go into the decision process of the timber framer where it concerns the timber placement and more specifically layout and cutting of joinery.

The Initial Shake Out

Timbers on Cribbing

In our shop, the lead timber framer will place a group of timbers to be worked on cribbing and then shake out the timbers by designating their placement in the frame. The focus at this phase is matching each timber to eventual requirements for strength, function and appearance. Continue reading “Timber Frame Lesson 3 | More about Wood” »

Timber Frame Layout

Live Timber Framing Demonstration

On June 25th, we will hold another live timber framing demonstration at our shop. This is a second opportunity for those who missed our first demonstration on how we layout and cut the joinery that is the heart and soul of a timber frame. The demonstration will focus on the process of timber selection, layout and how we use a combination of power and hand tools to quickly, accurately and efficiently cut joinery. Part academic but mostly hands on, we will be also explaining; how and why we use Square Rule Joinery, what housings and reference faces are, how we grade and select timbers for both strength and appearance, as well as the characteristics of wood that determine joint placement and type.

Topics of the Demonstration Include:

• Selection of Timbers
• Visual Grading timber
• Square Rule Joinery
• Housings and Reductions
• Hand tools
• Specialized Power Tools

For more details including location, time and an useful event email notification sign-up please visit the event page.

Timber Frame Pergola

The mainstay of our business is undoubtedly timber frame homes but outdoor frames are also high on the list of frames we love to build. Outdoor frames, such as pergolas or pavilions, offer a freedom of form and function that is unrestrained by housing conventions and associated utilities/systems. In the outdoor setting the frame typically stands alone or is used to accentuate natural features.

Why Timber Frame

When it comes to pergolas there are many options in both designs and materials and while some of these products offer some advantages over each other, none offers what a fully timber framed pergolas can. One of the main advantages of timber framed pergolas, and for that matter all timber frame structures, is their unsurpassed strength and durability. Heavy timbers connected with wooden joinery become interlocked and the whole is much stronger than the sum of its parts. At New Heritage Woodworking we use naturally rot resistant larch timbers, which won’t leach harmful chemicals and are benign to the environment. Heavy timber pergolas don’t have that rickety/spindly look that some other designs/materials have. Perhaps above all the level of craftsmanship that goes into every one of our timber frames will enhance your garden/outdoor living space. You will find that patios, decks, walkways and outdoor kitchens are all accentuated and enhanced by these beautiful wood structures. Continue reading “Timber Frame Pergolas Enhance any Setting” »

Working a Timber Frame Post

Come watch the wood chips fly, on April 30th, when we put on a live timber framing demonstration at our woodworking shop. This is a great chance to see how we layout and cut the joinery that is the heart and soul of a timber frame. Using an assortment of power and hand tools we will demonstrate how we can not only produce strong and durable joints but also how they are produced efficiently and accurately. Part academic but mostly hands on, we will be also explaining; how and why we use Square Rule Joinery, what housings and reference faces are, how we grade and select timbers for both strength and appearance, as well as the characteristics of wood that determine joint placement and type. We will give an overview of hand tool usage/sharpening and of course how we use our monster 16 inch Circular Saw and Chain Mortiser. In all likelihood additional gems of information regarding the art and craft of timber framing will be discussed/revealed so we hope you can join us for this new and informative event.

Topics of the Demonstration Include:

• Selection of Timbers
• Visual Grading timber
• Square Rule Joinery
• Housings and Reductions
• Hand tools
• Specialized Power Tools

Chain Mortiser

Event Details

The event will begin at 9 with the demonstration starting at 9:30. Parking space will be limited so please carpool if possible. Find more details on the Event’s page.

The demonstration will be outdoors and as such weather dependent. Rain date will May 14th. We suggest that if you are planning to attend that you fill out the form below so that we may confirm by email on the day of the event.

Your Name (required)

Your Email (required)

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Hand Planing a Pine Timber

You can also get updates regarding this event on our Facebook Fan Page. Or follow us on Twitter and receive instant updates for the demonstration and lots of other unique content.

Spring is finally officially here! Come help us welcome the sun and thaw at our timber frame home tour next weekend; March 26th. Not only can you tour our workshop but also get an upclose look at one of our completed projects. Details can be found at the event’s page.

Timber Frame Porch

We look forward to seeing you there!

Botanical Name: Larix laricina Common Names: Tamarack, American Larch

Larch Tree

Habitat

Larch is unique in the forest in that it is deciduous conifer. During the fall foliage season the normally bright green needles turn yellow and fall. Typically found in cool swampy areas the larch tree can grow from 40 to 80 feet tall. The species range is typical of the Canadian boreal forest but ranges into New York and is found mostly amongst Black Spruce and Balsam Firs. A shade intolerant tree it grows faster than any other conifer making it productive for commercial use. It is considered a pioneer species in that it gets quickly established especially after fires and in filled in lake bogs.

Larch needles changing colors in the fall

Uses

Larch Braces

Considered a tough and durable lumber species Larch has a reddish quality similar to Cedar. When fresh from the mill it can be dented with a fingernail but becomes denser and harder over time. It is a highly reactive species so when it is dried too quickly then twist and warp are a concern. Consequently we don’t recommend it for interior use where moisture loss can be sudden and prolonged; compared to outdoor use. Its natural rot resistance makes it an ideal outdoor wood and excellent substitute for pressure treated wood. If left untreated the wood turns a deep red before slowly weathering to gray. If oiled after it reaches its deep red, the warmth and deep tones can be preserved for years before it needs to be re-oiled. Its special growing conditions means its availability is limited at times so lead times for timber orders can vary.

One of the services we offer our clients is three-dimensional design. Believe it or not we are actually able to design our timber frames in 3D faster than if we were to produce traditional 2D drawings. By designing in 3D we are able to see spatial relationships and potential design conflicts easily and early on in the design process. Besides the advantage this offers us in streamlining fabrication and production it also translates to construction savings by avoiding project delays and costly change orders. We offer basic schematic 3D designs free as a part of our initial consultations and before entering into a formal preconstruction design agreement. All we need to produce these drawings is a rough floor plan, which we are more than happy to assist you in producing. Continue reading “Timber Frames in 3D” »

We have rescheduled the tour of our shop and recently completed project for March 26th.

Timber Frame Porch with larch timbers

Details: When: March 26th

10am – 2pm

Where: 7022 Bush Road

Jamesville NY 13078

More details on the event’s page.

As many of our customers have said a timber frame cannot truly be appreciated by looking solely at pictures; it must be experienced! So here is an excelent opportunity to view a couple of our finely crafted timber frames first hand. On March 26th we will be offering a tour of our shop as well as one of our completed projects. Each frame has its own character and you will be able to see two different timber framing styles. In addition to the gorgeous timber frame the completed house features many green techniques/technologies and offers a unique opportunity to see so many special systems tied together.

Home Tour Highlights

• Timbers harvested from the owners woodlot used for the frame, flooring and millwork
• Timber framed house, garage, porch and entrance
• Rainwater Catchment
• Solar Panels
• Masonry Heater
• Radiant Heat
• Passive Solar Design
• Structural insulated Panels

Would you like to stay up to date about all our events and project updates? You can receive advanced notice and special content on our Facebook fan page or subscribe by email to receive weekly webupdates or our monthly e-newsletter.

Due to Saturday’s inclement weather, we realize that many people who wanted to attend our timber frame and green building home tour this past weekend were unable to come. We thank everyone who was able to make it and are in the process of rescheduling another tour in the next few weeks. We will add the new date to our events calendar soon and look forward to better weather and seeing everyone at the next event.

Our shop and timber frame home tour is just one week away. For anyone around or near the Syracuse NY area interested in timber framing and green building we encourage you to join us.

Details: When: February 19th

10am – 2pm

Where: 7022 Bush Road

Jamesville NY 13078

Home Tour Highlights

• Timbers harvested from the owners woodlot used for the frame, flooring and millwork
• Timber framed house, garage, porch and entrance
• Rainwater Catchment
• Solar Panels
• Masonry Heater
• Radiant Heat
• Passive Solar Design
• Structural insulated Panels

More details and updates for this event will be located online at: newheritagewoodworking.com/event/timber-frame-home

If you would like to tour one of our other ongoing-projects contact us and we will happily make arrangements. For future events visit us online at: newheritagewoodworking.com/events or subscribe to our site for future events and other updates.