Timberframing Layout Part 1 - Introduction

In this video I quickly describe some of the major layout systems used for timberframing and start to describe how I go about the process for dealing with imperfectly dimensioned timbers.

Skip ahead to 18:35 to go right to where I describe how I go about it.

#timber framing, #layout, #DIYtimber

[johnm.]

You do not give yourself enough credit but humility is best. I own every timber frame book ever written, watched thousands of videos, assisted master framers and attended several timber framing schools and you sir explain line rule better than even the best of the masters.

[carlroge]

I hope you're aware of how informative this video was, you have a knack for explaining. Very sad that I couldn't find part 2 but thanks for this!

[kevinray]

I've logged and milled all the necessary timbers for a 24 X 24 barn and have them drying for the next year or two. I'm quite confident that I'll be dealing with twisted and curved timbers when the time comes to start processing them. Although I plan to plane them (they are currently slightly oversized), I'm sure that I won't have the ability to correct all of those twists and curves. Your explanation of line rule is coherent and thorough which gives me the necessary confidence to move forward in processing them. I look forward to the rest of your videos -outstanding job and I truly appreciate all the preparation and re-shooting/editing work to make this the high quality that it is.

[Yourgolfplace]

Well done, great video and appreciate you taking the time to make this video. Best explanation I've heard or seen. Thank you

[mountainsea]

Love the way you explain and teach it makes it easy for a guy like me to understand!!

[slartibartfast]

This is really in depth. I really appreciate the effort, organization of material and experience that went into these! My structure starts in the spring!

[yajreizarb]

I'll add my own thanks and second all of the compliments below - add my own encouragement (or plea!) for the second video. Based on your comments it sounds like you've completed the same confusing journey that I've been on. I think I've got just about every book available on timber framing, and I've scoured the internet for information, but it's been next to impossible to find a coherent explanation/demonstration of how to use the snap-line square-rule to layout imperfect timbers.

The process has often felt like trying to complete a jigsaw puzzle that's missing a few critical pieces. Your first video was incredibly helpful, and after watching it I have to confess that I was feeling almost ecstatic. "Here are the final missing pieces, and after that I'll be finally be able to assemble them into something that I can use on real-world timbers (milled from trees that I felled myself, via chainsaw mill, and carried out of the brush on my shoulders)!"

Even if it's not a polished, entirely complete video - anything that you can post that will add onto what you've shared in video 7A will be extremely helpful and greatly appreciated by myself and an awful lot of other people. Thanks again!

[TwoGuysTimberframing]

Very Good explanation on all. We are really Framers that almost always use the Scribe Technique in all my Frames as we do Mill everything on site and Have the area required to do the Big work. Nicky done.

[renuing]

Really enjoying this series and the time you are taking to explain everything, extremely informative and interesting. Not a lot of info like this out there, videos are definitely not too long, the explanation and examples are welcome. Hope your back continues to hold up and that your second build went well. Looking forward to more videos as you get the chance. Thanks again!

[yajreizarb]

Would love to see part 7b of the layout series if it's still in the works!

[abit]

oh my goodness, thank you so much. This is invaluable

[c_jpa]

Looking forward to the next video. You perfectly described my position about the confusion with the different systems. After reading Steve Chappell and Will Beemers books, I understand the square rule concept...except when dealing with twisted timbers. They glossed over a lot. I've been searching for someone to explain it a bit further. You seemed to be about to explain this... then stopped. I was saying "NOOOO! Keep going!!".
Hope you find time to finish this. I enjoyed the lengthy explanations, and just know... your efforts are appreciated.

[pz]

Looking forward to 7B on layout. This was a great explanation of the various methods and I especially liked the snap line demo and explanation at the end ...

[collarandhames]

This is wonderful. We should chat in person some time. Thanks for all these videos, they are amazing!

[JayCWhiteCloud]

Good job over all in my view with outlining the different modalities of layout systems for timber frames...

A brief outline of each, and current trends of them in the industry as well as DIYers. I especially liked the section speaking to the fact that most timber frames in history actually had been (and still are) probably cut with some form of "line rule" layout, since Asia has probably the largest, most concentrated and ongoing timber frame practice on the globe.

I agree the video is long, but that is a subjective perspective at best... Further, basing a video on "view stats" is probably one of the main negative aspects with YouTube in general! If a viewer just wishing to be "entertained" then watching an actual informative video like your's is not something worthwhile to them, nor the population I would think this video is targeted towards...In reality, this video (and the second one too) could be twice as long as they are to actually facilitate the deeper understanding of these systems; with the second focused on line rule as practice today in many shops here in North America, or a version of it that you employ as stated...

The one point of challenge, I would offer, that stood out to me, is about "commercial vs. DIYer." As a commercial Timberwright myself that has (and does) worked with many others over the years, I can say that "line rule" is the most common. Most in Asia practice this in the most traditional format. In reality, to be cost productive, efficient, logistically and fiscally effective there really isn't another way to layout timbers...IF...a commercial (aka large production) timber frame company wishes to either be productive and/or use traditional "hand worked" joinery and not rely merely on large CNC machines to make frames without regard to tradition, the material jointed or even good practice within the craft and art from... Ergo why this system is (and was) used commercially (aka professionally) in Asia for the last 4000 years plus...Over all...Great Job!!!

[meatman]

You’ve taken a lot of head scratching out in your line rule video. Any thoughts on when part B will be posted? Can’t wait.

I would be curious to know about the authors from which you borrowed and created this layout method.

[barney]

Hey where did you get that base from for your 16”1/4 makita the factory base is not good at all.

[georgewhitehouse]

It seems important for me to cut my lines with the saw all the way on the timber