Timber Framing Book

Rating:
Summary: An excellent primer to timberframing, a must read.
Review: Originally copyrighted in 1977, The Timber Framing Book was one of the first books published about the timber framing revival. Stewart Elliott and Eugenie Wallas have carefully crafted a simple book on the basics, including planning, mathematics and simple engineering, layout, joint cutting and raising. There are a large number of very nice drawings by Linda Foss that illustrate all aspects of timber frames. In the center of the book are 22 pages of black and white photographs by Jeremy Foss and Randy Hillner that clearly document the raising of a frame, beginning to end. The last chapter of the book describes the building of a 12' x 16' timber frame shed. There are drawings, a timber schedule and complete raising plan to test you new found skills. This was done in the March 1980 issue of Rodale's New Shelter magazine, including a clapboards and a slate roof. Also included are a seven page Glossary, a two page Bibliography, a five page Appendix of drawings of basic timber framing joints and their uses. The Timber Framing Book is a great way to get a clear understanding of timber frames before graduating to books by other authors like Tedd Benson. This book is a must have for any timber framer's toolbox.

Rating:
Summary: excellent guide for beginners
Review: This book is excellent for all beginners and experienced carpenters alike. It gives all the information needed to complete a timber frame project, and gives the info in easy to understand terminalogy. It has good examples of all the types of joinery needed for a timber frame. I have just finished doing a 16 x 24 foot pottery building that has turned out very nice. I made all my plans and cut the timbers by using the information in this book. It has been a valuable tool in the process.