Archives

July - September 1999 Guestbook Entries

I am looking for regional timber frame artisans in the Twin Cities/Western Wisconsin area. I would like to erect a timber frame home here next year and I'm interested in local/regional timber and services. Please contact me if you design, build or market timber framed homes in my area. Thank You.
Brian Miller <Bkmanes1@aol.com>
Hudson, WI USA - Tuesday, September 28, 1999 at 23:05:11 (EDT)

Dear Barn Contractor: I'm planning on contracting someone to erect a barn in Northern Westchester County (NY) and am having trouble finding qualified contractors. I would love to hear from you if you build rustic barns and can work in the Westchester County N.Y. area. work: 212.272.6541, Home: 914.232.8316 or 914.328.0620
C.A. Recouso <crecouso@bear.com>
white plains, ny westchester - Tuesday, September 28, 1999 at 20:05:58 (EDT)

The phone number for the chisle mortiser in the message below should have been our home number which is (203) 261-5430.
Cathryn Lee <cl@greenwood.com>
Trumbull, CT USA - Tuesday, September 28, 1999 at 12:48:52 (EDT)

We are interested in building a post and beam home, and would love to find out about builders, and architects in the Ottawa/Hull area. Thank you.
Mark Trecarten <trec@home.com>
Ottawa, Ont Canada - Sunday, September 26, 1999 at 23:00:34 (EDT)

Hoping to find out more about timber framers and projects in my area (Toledo, OH).
Mike Miller <BassCast@msn.com>
Maumee, OH USA - Sunday, September 26, 1999 at 09:00:48 (EDT)

I am looking for a contractor to build a timberframe house in the Catskills, NY. The frame will be delivered at the end of October! Any leads are appreciated.
Cheryl Dubinick <DubinickC@aetna.com>
New York, NY - Friday, September 24, 1999 at 17:58:30 (EDT)

Hi. This is such a great site! I really love being able to see all the projects that are being done. We are 2 very new members who were lucky enough to take a t/f class with Benson Woodworking in NH. Our plans for a t/f house have been delayed but we now have our frame plans, and we are working on getting the trees marked and cut. We will be sawing the timbers ourselves. We bought a great Ryobi mortiser right after we took the class (several years ago) but we now realize we need one with a bigger base. Anyone interested in a 1 1/4" Ryobi chisle mortiser in PERFECT shape? $1400 new, but we are looking for $1000. We have an extra chisle too. We won't be cutting the frame for a couple months but we want to sell this one now so we can buy the bigger mortiser we need it. We will be building in NH, but currently live in CT. Anyone interested in the mortiser can call (203) 226-3571 anyttime days or evenings before 9pm (we have a 2 yr old who wakes w/ the phone).
Cathryn Lee <cl@greenwood.com>
Trumbull, CT - Friday, September 24, 1999 at 16:01:03 (EDT)

Hi everyone.My name is Justin Pope,I work for Carpenter Oak and Woodland in the U.K,and I,m currently working for Charles Judd,on a job exchange.Are there any framers in the Tennessee or surrounding area who I can visit?Also,and I already know the answer,but I,ll try anyway,sources of cheap or unusual tools? Go on,one of you must have a hidden source!Hope to hear from, and visit some of you soon
justin pope <roobedootoo@yahoo.com>
oak ridge, tn u.s.a - Thursday, September 23, 1999 at 19:46:13 (EDT)

We're working with a Canadian timber frame company to design a frame to be raised early next spring. What we're looking for is a qualified, licensed N.Y. engineer to review/approve their frame design and, if possible, to complete the plans so that they will have sufficient detail required for submission to our building department. Any leads would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Mark Bergman <bergman@concentric.net>
New City, NY USA - Monday, September 20, 1999 at 11:18:59 (EDT)

I just happened upon your website while searching for everything I could find about timber frame homes. My husband and I have 11 acres in northeastern NC and are planning to move there within 2 years. We originally considered a manufactured home but a co-worker showed me Ted Bensons book and I fell in love with timber frame homes. My problem is budget. I have champagne taste but a beer purse. I have seen some info about "hybrid" techniques that can save and also using local people to cut down on costs. I'm looking for any suggestions so we may have our lovely new home. Thanx!
Connie Williams <cgillwilli@rocketmail.com>
Houston, TX USA - Saturday, September 18, 1999 at 15:56:24 (EDT)

This sight is wonderful. It has been so helpful to me. I am a senior in college working on research for my senior thesis. I am a design student and my thesis focuses on the challenge of converting barns into homes while still respecting the integrity of the structure and the importance of the barn as a lankmark in our history. My inquiry is for any information or resources that could help me with this adventure. I am very excited about my choice of research and would gladly appriciate any information I can obtain. Thanks.
Dena <utzd1@yahoo.com>
Mars, PA USA - Wednesday, September 15, 1999 at 17:41:08 (EDT)

Howdy! Just wondering if anyone knows about volunteering at conferences for a reduced entry fee - namely the Eastern Conference in Vermont. Starving Canadian Heritage Carpentry student, eh?! Thanks a bunch! Andy
Andy Cockburn <andyjc1971@yahoo.com>
Perth, Ont Canada - Wednesday, September 15, 1999 at 11:31:23 (EDT)

Apprenticed timer framer looking for work upstate NY/Vermont. Please call Dave at 518-494-5706. Thank you.
Dave <edren@ltis.net>
Greeley , PA - Sunday, September 12, 1999 at 16:31:43 (EDT)

My dream is to land a job in Timber Framing in the New England area. I just completed 8 years in the US Navy and I'm currently employed as a carpenter in NJ. If anyone out there wants a wildly ethusiastic employee, I'm the one. Please check out my website for more info on me. Thank you.
Joe Higgins <VtMtn@webtv.net>
Cherry Hill, NJ USA - Saturday, September 11, 1999 at 12:33:08 (EDT)

Members of the Kinmount Committee For Planning and Economic Development are hoping to fulfill a dream that is challenging and highly ambitious---the restoration of the water-powered Austin Sawmill in our village of Kinmount. It's a very exciting venture and we are hoping that the Timber Framer's Guild of North America will provide much needed guidance and support. A visit by several members of the Guild to observe the mill on August 21st, 1999 was exciting and we await the outcome of those observations with great anticipation. Preliminary cleanup activities around the site are underway and architectural drawings have been contracted. It's a beginning! Members of the Kinmount Committee For Planning are proud to have become part of the membership of the Timber Framer's Guild of North America and we look forward to a rewarding association with your members. Sincerely D. Austin, Chairperson
Diane Austin Chairperson---Kinmount Committee For Planning & Economic Development <daustin@interhop.net>
Kinmount, Ontario Canada - Thursday, September 09, 1999 at 10:03:09 (EDT)

I'd like to get in touch with somebody who is timberframer in québec province. As myself already working timberframe in BC, I consider moving out east and keep working. Please contact me trought this e-mail address for furthur informations about who are framers in Québec and what is the market of timberframing like?
hans winter <dap.p@sympatico.ca>
petite-rivière st-françois, qc canada - Tuesday, September 07, 1999 at 10:40:44 (EDT)

I'm a member of the TFG and am visiting eastern Quebec, northern VT and NH Sept. 18-24 and would like to meet other members in the area. Mark Surnoskie marktwt@nrtco.net
Mark Surnoskie <marktwt@nrtco.net>
Pembroke, ON Canada - Sunday, September 05, 1999 at 18:33:20 (EDT)

Having been a member of the Guild some seven years ago, I look forward to becoming a new (old) member this fall. I enjoy the information provided in this site for timberframers and interested individuals and the promotion of the craft and art of timberframing. Anyone looking for custom timberframe design services involving complete architectural and frame, bent drawings and joiner details can visit my web page at http:/members.aol.com/crnrstndes/crnrstn.htm Thank you guild and keep up the good work. Stephen J. Buckle Cornerstone Designs
Stephen J. Buckle <crnrstndes@aol.com>
Hamilton, NJ USA - Saturday, September 04, 1999 at 00:32:37 (EDT)

We am looking to find timber framers in our geographic area, as we are looking to build a timber frame in the next year or so. We live in Giles County Tennessee, 60 miles south of Nashville and 40 miles north of Huntsville Alabama, so framers in Middle tennessee and Northern Alabama would be most convenient I tried to find a list on your web site, but a list of members does not seem to be available. Regards, Christopher La Rosa 882 fry branch rd lynnville tn 38472
christopher clement la rosa <livefree@usit.net>
lynnville, tn usa - Thursday, September 02, 1999 at 11:37:41 (EDT)

I'm not a timber framer but... does anyone have suggestions on where / how to effectively advertise a timber barn frame for sale? I would take out an ad with the TFG but didn't find any info on this site. Thanks.
Steve Braker <braker@worthwhilefilms.com>
Poynette, WI USA - Thursday, September 02, 1999 at 10:36:48 (EDT)

I'm the executive director of a historic house museum (1800, bousillage). I'm looking for background information about the history and process of timber framing to incorporate into new educational programming (for, say, middle school/junior high) that will focus on the architecture and construction of this house and outbuildings (three are brick-between-post, three are, well, log, but not in the log-cabin image). The main house, though moved to this site in the 1960s, has its original cypress (raised) sills with pegs visible, the attic shows, not the original timbers, but the changed roofline from when Greek Revival wings were added to the original Creole core in the 1840s, we believe the original Creole posts will prove to be pegged into the rear gallery sill when we remove a fascia board soon, and on the front gallery (where the old posts were replaced with big square ones in the 1840s) the marks where the gallery rail once attached can still be seen. That sort of thing. More information about timber framing would be very helpful. Thanks.
Carolyn Breedlove <mcbkph@ibm.net>
Alexandria, LA US - Friday, August 20, 1999 at 17:32:08 (EDT)

I just took a five day workshop from Glen Diezel in Haliburton, Ontario. He was an excellent instructor, we did a ot of hard work timber framing (some of it "novice" in terms of fit)and we raised a nice 16'x 20' frame for a picnic shelter. I was most impressed by Glen's generosity of tools, time, energy and sharing well after "classtime" was over. Are all timber framers so committed to the craft that the prevalent contractor's oath of "time is money" is not as important? - I sure hope so! I'm hooked! I would like to hear from timber framers in the west of Canada or the U.S.. I'm so gung-ho that I'm considering organizing a workshop near Calgary to further my learning; I need to source out possible instructors, projects, etc.. Any help anyone can give me would be much appreciated! Dennis
Dennis McKernan <dmck@telusplanet.net>
Olds, AB Canada - Wednesday, August 18, 1999 at 22:58:47 (EDT)

I am planning to build timberframe within the next year or two in Benzie County, Michigan and would appreciate hearing from timberframers from that area who would be interested in helping me achieve this goal. Thank you.
Ron Heverly <heverly@mc.net>
Crystal Lake, IL USA - Saturday, August 14, 1999 at 14:32:40 (EDT)

I'll be in Bavaria in early Dec. checking out the local craftsmenship in advance of building my own "Bavarian Chalet Style" home in Leavenworth, eastern Washington State, USA. Anyone in Bavaria/Tyrol with time to show me around will be rewarded with fine companionship, great meals and plenty of Beer!!!
Fred Dowdy <Fred@DowdyCo.com>
Mercer Island, WA USA - Monday, August 09, 1999 at 23:35:31 (EDT)

I will be in the Reno-Lake Tahoe area from 8/23/99 to 8/29/99 and would like to visit any Timberframe companies or projects that are in the area. I am a member of the Guild and would appreciate any info.
Jeff Hellmich <Helmo50@AOL.com>
Wentzville, Mo USA - Saturday, August 07, 1999 at 22:44:48 (EDT)

I am interested in building a Timber frame home in Maryland and would like to use a straw bale in-fill system. I would like to receive information from timber frame builders that work with straw bale in-fill systems. In addition, I would like to hear from homeowners of straw bale in-fill systems.
leslie fossett <lbfossett@aol.com>
bel air, md usa - Friday, August 06, 1999 at 23:11:08 (EDT)

I think your site is very informative and have gotten alot of useful information from it. I do have a question on refinishing timbers already installed. The timbers have turned gray and need to be brightened I have already tried pressure washing the results did not turn out as well as we expected. I can sand them but was wondering if anyone knows of alternative methods.
jerry stuhrberg <jerrys@ismi.net>
fowlerville, mi usa - Friday, August 06, 1999 at 07:58:27 (EDT)

let me help you gain some control and skill using traditional hewing and adzing tools, I can also explain how to put a proper handle in these tools with over 30 years of experience. The Northern Hewer
The Northern Hewer <richardc@mor-net.on.ca>
morrisburg, on canada - Thursday, August 05, 1999 at 21:22:57 (EDT)

TIMBER FRAMER needed ( will train) full time job opportunity. Great opportunity for someone who enjoys teaching and some travel. Free housing available. the shop and buis are located on 300 acres in the middle of the national forest in the Mtns of NC. There are 6 timber Frames on the property. The property has a large water falls and many apple ochards and fruit trees. I also have a small organic garden. For more information call Steve Smith at 828 369 8186
Steve Smith <coweemtn@hotmail.com>
Franklin , NC USA - Tuesday, July 27, 1999 at 08:45:31 (EDT)

Timber frame raising in Plattekill NY was great and went up without a hitch. Many thanks to the 50 + people who attended and helped out. I can not say enough good thngs about the day. A special thanks to Jack Sobon who is as much generous as he is sincere. This type of raising makes me want to build another frame. - Mike
Michael Martin <Michael.Martin@nycenet.nycboe.edu>
NY, NY - Wednesday, July 21, 1999 at 17:07:30 (EDT)

Greetings, I have developed a large spokeshave (new old tool) working with Mike Dunbar of windsor chairmaking fame, and have had some inquiry from a timberframer such as yourself. Just wondering if there might be a decent interest level for this type of hand tool in your trade. If there is work to be done the Big Spokeshave will make fast work of shaping curved areas such as knee braces and king post struts. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Regards, Glenn
Glenn C. Livingston <gclivingst@aol.com>
Swansea, MA USA - Thursday, July 15, 1999 at 17:58:01 (EDT)

Timber Frame RAISING. All are welcome to take part in this traditional hand raising on July 17 & 18, 1999. Site is located in Plattekill NY 1 1/2 hours North of NYC. Historic area with lots to do and see. Bring the family, call or Email for details 212 865-7571. Thanks TFGA.
Michael Martin <Michael.Martin@Nycboe>
Plattekill, NY usa - Thursday, July 15, 1999 at 16:48:17 (EDT)

When my timberframe house was built 9 years ago we used Latex stucco on the outside, apparently this trapped in moisture and has rotted out more than one section of OSB of my stress skin. 1) has anyone else encountered this? 2)any ideas on how to fix the problem and redo our siding and OSB? 3)how can we glue either treated plywood or new OSB onto the stress skins? Our entire exterior needs to be redone as most of our sheating has problems in one part of the stress skin panel. your help is greatly appreciated
Pete Royer <pete@lctn.k12.mn.us>
Litchfield, MN USA - Wednesday, July 14, 1999 at 21:06:01 (EDT)

I am seeking an experienced journeymen to lead in the raising of a timber frame and paneled home this fall in north east Pennsylvania.
Matthew Troxell <phazer@ptd.net>
Lehighton, Pa USA - Tuesday, July 13, 1999 at 17:42:05 (EDT)

Where to begin? I am looking to build a home that looks like a group of barns like a New England homestead. I want heavy, distressed exposed timber trusses but not necessarily all members exposed. Is this a job for timberframing, or just balloon framing which includes a few antique beams and boards?
robin jareaux <jareaux@capecod.net>
sagamore beach, ma usa - Sunday, July 11, 1999 at 23:43:00 (EDT)

Sorry for the duplicate entries...I am very new at this.
C. Lee <cl@greenwood.com>
- Wednesday, July 07, 1999 at 09:38:17 (EDT)

Has anyone used (or heard of anyone using) any of the preformed cement products as an alternative to structural panels? An example is a product called Rastra which is mostly recycled styrofoam with the balance being cement. It is designed as a stand-alone product (like "stress-skin, or structural panels) We are interested because it seems to have some advantages over the panels, This stuff is VERY fireproof, has a large percent of post-consumer recycled material in it, has very good Rvalues, and it just needs a skim coat of plaster for the inside and outside surfaces. Like I said, it sounds good, but... will it work for a timber-frame? Any info would be appreciated.
C. Lee <cl@greenwood.com>
Trumbull, CT USA - Tuesday, July 06, 1999 at 16:21:03 (EDT)

Has anyone used (or heard of anyone using) any of the preformed cement products as an alternative to structural panels? An example is a product called Rastra which is mostly recycled styrofoam with the balance being cement. It is designed as a stand-alone product (like "stress-skin, or structural panels) We are interested because it has some advantages over the panels, but havn't gotten any response from the distributors. This stuff is VERY fireproof, has good Rvalues, and just needs a skim coat of plaster for the inside and outside surfaces. Like I said, it sounds good, but... will it work for a timber-frame?
C. Lee <cl@greenwood.com>
- Tuesday, July 06, 1999 at 16:15:00 (EDT)

Has anyone used (or heard of anyone using) any of the preformed cement products as an alternative to structural panels? An example is a product called Rastra which is mostly recycled styrofoam with the balance being cement. We are interested, but havn't gotten any response from the distributors.
C. Lee <cl@greenwood.com>
- Tuesday, July 06, 1999 at 16:11:57 (EDT)

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