Past Hand Raising

Raising a timber frame is without a doubt the most dramatic aspect of the craft. Within hours, a stack of assembled timbers is transformed into a free-standing structure. Our typical raising involves cranes or heavy equipment and many who observe the process remark about the excitement and express a desire to participate (a video of typical raising is available here). Unfortunately the size, scope and safety concerns during a typical raising are too large to allow for voluntary participants. It is unfortunate because community raisings are fine American tradition that we would love to foster and participate in more of. Well low and behold we have a project in the works that is a perfect fit for a hand raising and we hope you will take the opportunity to join us. Whether you a true timber frame lover or just interested in learning more about the craft we cordially invite you to join us in this fun project. At this point we are still in planning phase but wanted to put this event on your radar as soon as possible (more details below)

The Project

Render of Addition Frame

• Eastern White Pine Timbers
• Tension Tie Beams with Wedged Joinery
• Dovetailed Purlins
• Spline Girts

The What, How, and When?

Well okay so the exact date and details of the raising are still to be determined but anyone interested in participating should sign up for event notifications below. As of now we hoping to schedule the event some time in May and will hold the raising on a Saturday Morning to provide as many people as possible the opportunity to participate. Planning for the event will be involved so we will likely require RSVP in the near future so if you are interested please sign up for the event notifications to be the first on the list. We hope to have the full details ready within the next few weeks so check back for updates. You can also visit the Event Page for future updates and details

Note: Signing up for event notifications will not put you on our mailing list. To sign up for our newsletter please do so here

Please Note: The hand raising will quite literally be a hands on event and participants should expect to do some lifting and get some sawdust on them. If you would rather observe than participate please indicate that when contacting us so we can effectively plan the raising.

We hope this will be a rewarding experience for all involved and look forward to seeing you there.

If you have a specific project in mind, especially for this coming building season today is the time to get in touch with us.

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. This phase takes on an element of artistry that comes from a working knowledge of the whole life-cycle of the tree and hence the timber that sits on the cribs. Some of the this life-cycle is known; what mill or maybe even what woodlot the timber came from, the wood species, and the eventual placement in the building. Other aspects are deduced from looking at the timber; what type of environment the tree grew in, the growth rate of the tree, how the timber was sawn, and the spacing of minor or major branches. Future behavior of the timber can also be predicted; the amount of and effect of shrinkage, the severity and location of checking, even changes such as increase/decrease in wind, sweep, bow, crown and twist. This may seem like a lot of information to process at once and in many ways it is but the decisions are actually made in an instant. All of this information is taken in and processed consciously and subconsciously based on experience. For example, a novice when initially identifing a wood species may be perplexed and may require some sort of reference book. On the other hand, the experienced timber framer will know the species in a fraction of second; either from a glance, the scent, the slightest of touch, or all of these sensory inputs in combination. Similarly within seconds the lead timber framer will identify dominate characteristics of each timber and match it to its eventual location in a building using a grid identification system. But we get little ahead of ourselves here as we are still in the introductory lessons and the above is more on the intermediate and advanced levels of training.

Lessons on intermediate and advance timber framing will be published as well so if you have not joined our other subscribers we suggest you subscribe to our e-newsletter to stay up to date.

Cutting the Joinery

Mortise: Our Mascot

We handcraft all of our frames. Most people when hearing this instantly believe that this is both time consuming and hard work. While this can be true in some circumstances, the reality is that cutting joinery is an absolute pleasure and with skill and experience the work not only becomes easier but faster. Typically, the joinery is roughed out using power tools but then each joint is fine-tuned by hand and tested for accuracy and fit. Mort, our mascot and novice timber framer for those new to the series, got his first exposure to the characteristics of wood by chewing sticks into stringy fronds while he was teething. While seemingly the desire was simply to destroy the stick and relieve his aching gums, it reveals the essential characteristic of wood; i.e. it is essentially a bundle of straws. The comparison to a bundle of straws is useful in visualizing how timbers are composed. Referred to as the “grain of the wood” the wood fibers can be long and stringy or short and dense depending on the species. The grain grows around aberations such as knots, branches and/or deformities often in bewildering and amazing ways. The wildest changes in wood grain direction are often referred to as highly figured wood and is prized for its natural beauty. The essential point to realize is that though the timber may be straight the wood grain may not be. Indeed the grain differs greatly depending on which side of the heart(the center of the tree) you are working.

As the timber framer’s chisel slices along the grain, lets say while paring a joint you will feel this change in wood grain. Watch a timber frame crew at work and you will notice the novice flat-footed muscling their way through the changes in wood while the veteran dances around the joint shifting their position and posture to best let the tool do the work. By fighting the wood grain, cutting the joint becomes …. well work. On the other hand, by reading the wood grain and working with the natural characteristics of the wood the wood comes off with ease. The trick is not to fight the wood, to allow the chisel to move in a sweeping not straight motion and to let the wood guide your hand and chisel to the path of least resistance. Success comes with long, often paper thin, shavings. But knowledge of wood grain not applies to the graceful paring of tenons and similar joints, but also to chopping of mortises and housings. Quick powerful but precise strikes of a chisel and mallet will also yield dramatic results. The work become less about strength but more about knowledge of where and how to strike to yield maximum results with minimal effort. Put this altogether and you will see why we love the art and craft of timber framing.

Would you like to see a live demonstration of these principles and techniques? We will be holding a live demonstration on June 25^th. Check out the details here!

Timber Frame Layout

Live Timber Framing Demonstration

On June 25^th, 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.

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.

Standard Designs/Features

We have developed a standard designs that is easily incorporated into any outdoor setting. In designing our pergolas, proportions were a driving force and you will find them throughout our handcrafted frames. From the sweep of our curved braces to the scale of the timbers, we focus on every detail and aspect to make sure everything works harmoniously and stays in balance with each other.

Custom Designs

Pergola with Natural Round Posts

Our standard pergola design is just the start of our design and building capabilities. If you can imagine it then we can not only build it but by utilizing 3D and Photo-real design help you visualize the project in its future setting. We have discussed these design features elsewhere and encourage you to check out more about our 3D design(including a video and 3D model). Or check out some pergola custom designs ideas.

Craftsman Style

Tips for getting the most out of your Pergola

Pergolas are a handsome addition to any outdoor setting but can also serve several functions as well. These functions are inherent to properly designing a custom pergola and we offer a few ideas/suggestions to get you thinking about how to incorporate your dream structure into your outdoor living space.

Shade

From a purely practical point of view, their main function is to provide shade and used in conjunction with climbing plants the amount of shade these structures provide can be substantial. By strategically using climbing vines, you can provide shade during the height of summer when it is most valued and still have passive solar gain during the winter. Similarly orienting the purlins, the cross wise roof members, properly you can also maximize shade, though this approach provides mostly year round shade as opposed to seasonal shade. Both of these elements are important when planning the placement and design of your pergola.

Outdoor Space

Another function of a pergola is defining outdoor space. The posts effectively delineate outdoor rooms without creating barriers or imposing on the scenery. Indeed properly oriented the timbers could be used to frame a particular scenic view or setting so as to enhance the setting with a Zen-like portal onto nature. In your outdoor living area a pergola could be used to delineate your dining area from your cooking area. By incorporating outdoor benches or tables would add accentuate the two area even further.

Transitional Space

Another effective use of pergolas, especially long narrow ones, is to provide a transitional effect between two spaces. Built between garage and home the pergola acts as a hallway between the two buildings. Positioned between the house and garden it provides an transition between sheltered and open space that allows the two to intertwine and become one and the same. Another unique use of transitions is to place the pergola at a the beginning of a path/trail that leads into the woods, fields or other wild space that helps enhance the transition from developed to undeveloped space. Transitional spaces are often underutilized but their effects are enormous.

If you have pergola or outdoor structure you would like a quote on you can request a free quote. IF you would to see our standard pergola up close schedule a visit to our shop. And of of course if you have subscribed to our e-newsletter or web updates do so here

Working a Timber Frame Post

Come watch the wood chips fly, on April 30^th, 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.

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 14^th. 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.
[contact-form-7]
(Your email will only be used for notifications regarding this event. If you wish to receive information for other events or to subscribe to our E-newsletter please do so here)

Hand Planing a Pine Timber

Timber Frame Porch

We look forward to seeing you there!

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.

However we have found that the main benefit of three-dimensional design is that it helps our clients to easily visualize their finished project. For people who typically do not work with blue prints or construction drawings, picturing the finished product from lines on paper to seeing the completed project is not always easy. After we complete your 3D model you will have 360 degree perspective of what your frame will look like. Additionally, we can actually walk around your virtual timber frame.

Click the 3D timber frame pergola below to rotate the view in the x y and z direction
(download times may take a while with slow connections)

Another cool feature of our design process is that we place our model on a photo of your site. With this feature you can see how your completed project will fit in with your building site or in the case of our garden pergolas your back yard.

Before

After

Before

After

Our basic 3D design service is usually schematic in nature and as we produce them quickly in order to make sure the look and feel of the project is correct and that everyone is on the same page. However we can also take these preliminary designs and add greater detail and produce “photo real” representations of your project. The added detail and photo renderings do take a good deal of time and unfortunately cannot provide them free of charge.

Timber Frame Porch with larch timbers

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 26^th 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.

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