I have been working on barns and timber frames since 1999. With a background in conventional frame and brick construction including timber treatment/repairs back in England, I was fully equiped for entering the world of Timberframing. Starting with a very good Timberframing company where I received excellent instruction in layout and cutting of large beams as well as some extensive time on a sawmill where I learned to appreciate just how important it is to saw a square beam.
A few years and a couple of employers later I decided to take a stand and define just what I would like to offer. This allowed me to focus on helping to preserve the skills and old style of cutting that I prefer, although there are many companies who will use machines to quickly process beams and various timbers I still like to layout and cut all my joinery by hand. So new frame or old it will be cut traditionally and will stand the test of time.
Keeping an eye on the past techniques allows me to enter a barn and understand how it was constructed and therefore how to repair it and maintain some historical integrity which is an important consideration when so much is lost to decay and neglect.
This is what I offer, its very pleasing and interesting work and you are welcome to come and watch me on site or in my workshop when a frame is being cut or worked on.
I now offer barn surveys that include a full written report on the condition of your barn with photos highlighting areas of concern. This report is based on the very successful format first layed down by Chuck Whitney aka "The Barn Consultant". Being a well structured and very thorough assessment of the state of your barn including recommendations for repair. Cost for this report is $175 to be paid on day of my visit, sometimes expenses have to be added to basic cost.
"Raising the frame by hand!" "Paying tribute to the trees" "Double tie beams"
Section being routed out to accept plate Hemlock frame, dovetailed collar tie beam coming Moonshine shed, Malabar Farm, Ohio
Before After
Old siding removed New siding in place
Old joists into new white oak framing Same work but viewed from other end