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July - September 1997 Guestbook Entries

GOSHEN TIMBER FRAME CLASS OPINION: For another opinion on Goshen Timber Frame classes please EMail me. I and two friends attended a class and we have many postive experiences to share along with an honest, unbias, assesment of the course. Please write if you are interested in learning more. Thank you.
Michael Martin <armor@tiac.net>
New York, NY NY - Wednesday, July 30, 1997 at 13:40:16 (EDT)

I am looking for apprentices (Jimie and Tom) meet at Goshen last winter, please get in touch with me. For my appreciation see my comments at http://www.microtec.net/~smdaoust/maisons/learning.html and if others want to exchange ideas, you are welcome.
Michel <smdaoust@microtec.net>
Montreal, Qc Canada - Monday, July 28, 1997 at 20:04:03 (EDT)

Goshen Timber Frame is looking for someone to learn timber framing to become a teacher for our workshops and part time designer. This person must be willing to do very hard work.The position would be for a working teacher. We are not in a hurry but are keeping our eyes open. Thanks Steve Smith
Goshen Timber Frames <goshen@dnet.net>
Franklin, NC USA - Monday, July 28, 1997 at 10:06:26 (EDT)

Hello, I'm in the mid stages of my first timber frame. I am hand hewing the timbers from local trees. It takes me about 2 hours to drop&square a 12ft. 8 x 8 and they are generaly +/- 1/4in. I suspecthowever, I could do better. I hew on the ground with the face at 45 deg. and find I can control mybroadaxe much better with a slight back bevel on the edge. I won't even tal about the Adze! DOES ANYONE OFFER A COURSE THAT FOCUSES ON HEWING WITH THE BROADAXE AND ADZE.
Matthew P. Marino <outpost8@javanet.com>
Warren , MA USA - Sunday, July 27, 1997 at 23:26:17 (EDT)

Hello Friends: Isnąt it ironic that with all these high-tech electronic movements, the devastating economical situations around the world, the progressive population, the increasing natural disasters with damage costs into billions of dollars, the vanishing natural resources and the dramatic change of our environment, we are still wastefully cutting and hammering 2x4s and plywood on construction sites to build a house. We urgently require solutions to better, stronger, long lasting and more efficient housing construction methods. Since 1981 we have developed from scratch a new commercially produced, prefabricated Construction System as an answer to the expanding requirements of the existing and future house building industry. We were drawn to the time honoured features of post and beam construction, which through a new locking device was transformed into a more economically viable, long lasting and design flexible system which is erectable by the common trades person without requiring the very specialized knowledge of the timber post and beam construction technique. Many benefits emerged, including a substantial increase in the structural strength of the buildings and a significant reduction in overall construction time. The ŚWolfąs Hooką combined with the ŚWolfąs Building Systemą will be a technology which will totally change the way we think about building our homes. This technology is not only feasible in North America, it will also benefit globally everyone who is in need of a shelter. Here are some of the benefits: 1. Uniqueness 8. Earthquake Resistance 2. Patent Protected 9. Expandable 3. Time Savings 10. Flexible Space and Shape 4. Material savings 11. Timeless Durability 5. No Waste 12. Higher R-Value 6. Effortless Installation 13. Natural Law 7. Difficult Locations 14. Material SelectionIf you are seriously interested in a more detailed description of the ŚWolfąs Building Systemą to the points shown above, please call or fax to Wolf Wilbert, (403) 454 - 6126. E-mail: wolfhook@connect.ab.ca
Wolf Wilbert <wolfhook@connect.ab.ca>
Edmonton, AB Canada - Thursday, July 17, 1997 at 19:12:47 (EDT)

I am starting to look at Timber Framed buildings as an option to building my house and otbuildings. Because I am new to timber framing, I am browsing and reading as much as I can. Thank you for your pages.
Dwain McWilliams <dmz1oo7@msn.com>
Fort Worth, Tx USA - Sunday, July 13, 1997 at 01:00:47 (EDT)

Winter Escape WorkshopsWe are planning our Jan and Feb workshops to be held in warm Homestead Fla, which is 18 miles from Key Largo and 30miles from the Miami airport. We will be at a camp ground that has a has a heated pool and evening entertainment. There are restaurants and hotels within a 5 min walk. we will also accept a few apprentices for that time period. The workshops will be Jan 18-31 and Feb- 15-28. The apprentice program as always will start before these dates. We planto make time during the workshop for a snorkeling trip in the keys.Steve Smith
Goshen Timber Frames <goshen@dnet.net>
Franklin , NC USA - Friday, July 11, 1997 at 08:23:11 (EDT)

TOPPING OUT? Iam trying to get some background info on the Topping Out ceremony.(Hoisting a tree up to the top beam of a building). Rolling around in the back of my mind is that it is a (pagan?) ritual that has to do with offering thanks to the trees for providing the wood that makes the building. I am also aware that a similar a similar sort of tradition exixts in ship building (and now aircraft construction.) Which came first?Surfing, I've found a lot of Topping Outs documented, mostly in the States and in Germany. Beyond that it is supposed to bring good luck, these sites don't offer much in the way of background or origins. Ditto World Book Encyclopedia.Any hints or insight would be appreciated.Thanks! (Oh, yeah: great site!)
Dana Jones <dana@ydog.com>
Greenville, SC - Thursday, July 10, 1997 at 09:21:10 (EDT)

TIMBERFRAMING IN PATAGONIA: Fellow Guild member and log builder Peter Haney and myself will lead a timber framing workshop for five students in extreme northwest Patagonia from January 24 to February 7, 1998. We'll be building a cabin at Estancia Ranquilco, a fly fishing ranch in the foothills of the Argentinian Andes.A unique experience in an incredibly scenic and remote locale.For details contact Peter at 970-482-1366 or myself at will@heartwoodschool.com.
Will Beemer <will@heartwoodschool.com>
Washington, MA usa - Wednesday, July 09, 1997 at 20:59:35 (EDT)

WANTED: Chain mortiser to rent or buy. If you have a makita or mafell and would not mind passing it on to a worthy timber framer wanna-be, then give me a call. Please keep in mind that if you don't call I will do all by hand - I mean it! I'll do it! Don't push me! Call (212) 865-7571
Michael Martin <armor@tiac.net>
Plattekill, ny ulster - Wednesday, July 09, 1997 at 16:46:17 (EDT)

"IF THEY COME IT WILL GET BUILT" I am looking for volunteers to assist me in a 10 bent timber frame project. This is NOT a work shop, but beginners welcome as I will teach you what other have taught me. To learn more please drop me a line and I will tell you all about this non-for-profit adventure. Thanks.
Michael Martin <armor@tiac.net>
Plattekill, NY Ulster - Tuesday, July 08, 1997 at 15:52:16 (EDT)

Straw Bale Workshop: Aug 29-31In this workshop we will erect a small timber frame cabin with stawbale walls for our apprentices to stay in. ( we also hope to erect another small frame for our apprenticesat the same time that will have home built stresskin panels)We hope that these cabins will improve the comfort of our apprentices for many workshops to come.Steve Smithstay in.
Goshen Timber Frames <goshen@dnet.net>
Franklin, NC USA - Monday, July 07, 1997 at 23:00:58 (EDT)

I am a certified arborist and run an expanding tree servicebusiness. Recently, I attended a conference sponsored by the California Urban Forest Council on recycling urban trees. There were talksby Cindy McCall forester of Lompoc CA, and George Hesenthaler (sp?)of Logan UT. The latter has an established business of recyclingurban tree into very high quality jewelery boxes. We saw someslides of some very nice buildings made from recycled industrialbuildings (10x 24 Port Orford Cedar). My interest is that I turna lot of nice wood into fuel, unfortunately, we had a wind stormhere last January so everybody has firewood to sell. I need informationabout equipment to turn logs into saleable products. I have madea layaway deposit on a used shopsmith machine, but I need aninexpensive, albeit, somewhat inefficient way to convert logs intoboards, etc. I've heard of devices that attach to chainsawswith a special rip chain. (a $10,000 band bill, unfortunately isout of the question.) Please send your helpful info to pechaney@eee.orgThanks. Paul Chaney
Paul Erskine Chaney <pechaney@eee.org>
San Bernardino, CA USA - Friday, July 04, 1997 at 00:23:26 (EDT)

TIMBER FRAMING IN PATAGONIA: Peter Haney from Rocky Mt. Workshops and myself are leading a team of six aspiring timber framers in a two week workshop at a remote ranch in the foothills of the Argentinian Andes. Timber framing will be taught in the construction of a small adobe and timber cabin, with time out for fly fishing in one of the premier rivers in the world, hiking and horseback riding.For registration information, contact Peter directly at 970-482-1366.
Will Beemer <will@heartwoodschool.com>
Washington, MA USA - Sunday, September 28, 1997 at 20:57:05 (EDT)

Thanks for the introduction on the back cover of Fine Homebuilding. It is a great feeling to see the results of those wishing to prolong a skill very few will have the chance to learn. The demise of woodshops in our schools leaves me empty. It was there I learned the basics of hand tools, machinery work and safety. My own kids got on me for not following safety rules they were learning in Middle School. At 56 yrs., I am still learning, but am thankful I had a base from with to grow and enjoy a wonderful hobby. It would be fantastic to see your "crew" in action and to have the opportunity to see a Real Craftsman at work.P.S. It's odd that the trebuchet was featured. I was just thinking through how the thing might have been tensioned for action. Also wonder if there may have been a group, like HCI, opposing this "weapon."
Bob Gilda <gildabob@az.com>
Bellingham, WA USA - Saturday, September 27, 1997 at 02:03:06 (EDT)

Very interested to see the amount of interest in timber framing in the states - it is mainly historical, sadly, over here. I am planning to build a frame in France next year, hopefully of green oak; does anybody have any experience with green oak? Does it make any great difference, apart from ease of working and cost, what wood one uses? Any tips would be appreciatedand I will happily write to anybody interested and describe the project more fully. Meanwhile, great website- I have found a use for this expensive hunk of hardware on my desk!
Dan Wrightson <DWright970@aol.com.>
Sheffield, UK - Monday, September 15, 1997 at 16:45:34 (EDT)

I am currently in the process of writing an application for a Fulbright Fellowship to study timber-framing in France. I am looking for a sponsoring individual or institution (ie museum, business, etc) who would like a free researcher/laborer for one year. If anyone has any ideas or connections, please let me know A.S.A.P. There is a wonderful museum of medieval carpentry and other crafts in Troyes , France which I would love to find an address/ phone number for. Unfortunately I do not know the exact name of the place, only that a rough trnslation is "the museum of work." If you can help with this connundrum either, I'd be indebted. Great web-site Joel!
Kristen Brennan <krbrenna@indiana.edu>
Bloomington, IN USAA - Sunday, September 14, 1997 at 17:41:06 (EDT)

IF THEY COME IT WILL GET BUILT - Amature timber framer looking for volunteers to help construct a 10 bent house. Designed by Mr. Jack Sobon, this frame is a variation on the classic Hall and Parlor with Medieval hammer beam additions. Great opportunity for beginners to "screw up" on my frame as I have done to others. In my opinion, there is NO better way to learn. I will share my knowledge of traditional square rule layout and cutting of joints as it has been taught to me. We will work hard all day and eat well in the evening. Lots to do around this historic town if you wish to take a break from framing. Bring the dog, plenty of space on my 100 acre home site. No problems. I am all alone in this adventure. Can you help for one weekend out of the year? Contact me for details. Thanks.
Michael Martin <armor@tiac.net>
New Paltz, NY Ulster - Tuesday, September 09, 1997 at 15:22:56 (EDT)

Echoing the previous post, I have had a similar responce from the TFBC. As a long standing guild member and Timber Frame Designer, I feel the guild should provide a listing of member Timber Frame Companies and Designers to prospective clients!Also, members please check out the members only bulletin board, it is an appropriate site to discuss this and other topics related to the craft.
Paul Freeman <freeman@vermontel.com>
Springfield, VT USA - Sunday, September 07, 1997 at 11:35:52 (EDT)

Dear folks,Thanks for putting together such a great site for us. I thought it was just about ideal until I reviewed the FAQs page and saw that the Guild's answer to the questions "where do I find a timber frame company" and "where do I find an architect or designer" was to contact the Timber Frame Buisness Council. What's with that? Are we to believe that those of us who can't afford, or simply don't want, membership in the T.F.B.C. don't rate a mention on our own web site? Please, say it ain't so!See you at Timberline.Your friend, Terry F. Johnson
Terry F. Johnson <sarah@peak.org>
Corvallis, OR USA - Thursday, September 04, 1997 at 00:21:06 (EDT)

Timber Frame Homes are needed in this forestry based part of the Boreal region and our communities need to see the potential of your craftsmanship. Please call us to help spread the news....where there are no known TF Homes in the vicinity.
Rick Laliberte <riverflow@sk.sympatico.ca>
Beauval, Sk Canada - Sunday, August 31, 1997 at 16:22:37 (EDT)

I need your help! My town is going to have a bridge for theCape Cod Rail Trail built over a 2-lane highway. Mass Highwayand DEM say they will consider a wooden bridge design. IanEllison, one of your timber framers has been trying to helpget this through and suggested I ask if anyone knows of acovered bridge built over a highway. How do you solve theproblem of snow and ice/icicles falling off the roof ontothe road underneath? We're sure the design will be thrownout unless we present a solution. Ian has put in calls toEd Levin and Jan Lewandowski (also members of your group) toget the word out that we need your ideas and tips on makingthis bridge a reality. Does anyone know of an existing woodenbridge going over a busy roadway? How can we protect carsfrom falling ice and snow? We have a wonderful opportunityto have a beautiful wooden bridge for our bikepath "IF" wecan overcome this problem. The preliminary structures reportfrom the design firm puts a Timber Thru-Truss as 3rd choicebehind Steel Stringer and Steel Thru-Girder claiming highermaintenance costs, more massive appearance, fire suppressionand vandalism as drawbacks. They also say that a timberplank deck, with spaces between planks to allow drainage,is not appropriate for a bridge over a highway. We'llappreciate any help. Thanks!
Tim Millar <hmillar@capecod.net>
So. Harwich, MA USA - Thursday, August 28, 1997 at 14:21:43 (EDT)

If we can do it, anyone can. Just completed our 6 bent timberframe home near Raleigh, NC. The timbers were cut from our land and air dried for about a year. I drew the plans for the house and we hired four Guild members to cut our frame for us over a 2 month period. My husband and I finished the house ourselves. We built a 3100sq.ft. home for around $120,000., so it is possible to be thrifty and enjoy the timeless beauty of timberframing. We have learned so much about the timberframe process, and housebuilding in general. Anyone interested in our story is welcome to e-mail. We might be able to answer a few questions about your project. A word of thanks. The Timberframe Guild was a great resource for finding professional timberframe craftsmen, supplies, and engineering. THANKS!
Cynthia Stalcup <cynthia@webcom.com>
Youngsville, NC USA - Monday, August 25, 1997 at 11:22:37 (EDT)

WOOD-MIZER LT40 FOR SALE: Mint working condition with less that 250 hours of use time. Great portable saw mill with 18 HP engine, 21' tralier bed, 4,400 lb capacity, log winch package, 30 blades, and even a spare tire. A complete package ready to roll. Looking to sell now that I have used it for my one timber frame. Serious inquiries may call me directly at 212 865-7571.Asking price $12,000.00. For more info on Wood-Mizer portable saw mills call them at 800 553-0182 and ask them if you are getting a bargin at $12,000.00.Thanks to the TFGA for allowing me the opportunity to help finance my timber frame home with this ad. Michael Martin
Michael Martin <armor@tiac.net>
Ellenville, NY Ulster - Tuesday, August 19, 1997 at 10:12:44 (EDT)

SEEKING EMPLOYMENT: I am a recent graduate of The Univ of Florida with a B.S. in Building Construction. I am veryinterested in starting a career in the timber frame industry.My education includes business management, structural design and engineering. Anyone with information on employment opportunities, please contact me.
Marc <gbrun@worldnet.att.net>
Dunedin, FL USA - Friday, August 15, 1997 at 19:25:35 (EDT)

I'M TRYING TO DESIGN MY FIRST TIMBERFRAME, A GARAGE WITH A LOFT. I HAVE PURCHASED EVERY BOOK ON THE SUBJECT I CAN GET MY HANDS ON INCLUDING THE DESIGN WORKBOOK BUT STILL FIND I HAVE A FEW UNANSWERED QUESTIONS. I WOULD BE VERY APPRECIATIVE OF SOME ADVICE AND GUIDANCE FROM THE EXPERIENCED.IF YOU THINK I'M BITING OFF MORE THAN I CAN CHEW OR AM JUST MISSING SOMETHING LET ME KNOW THAT ALSO.QUESTION #1, HOW DO YOU DETERMINE BEAM SIZE WHEN YOU ARE FACED WITH A BEAM THAT WOULD BE UNIFORMLY LOADED BY JOISTS BUT IS ALSO ONE POINT LOADED BY A NON CENTRED QUEEN POST? QUESTION #2, HOW DO YOU DETERMINE THE BEST LOCATION AND SIZE FOR A QUEEN POST AND COLLAR TIE. THANKING YOU IN ANDANCE.
CHARLES RICE <crice@worldchat.com>
MILTON, ON CANADA - Saturday, August 09, 1997 at 14:42:05 (EDT)

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