Old School Timber Framing of Virginia

They aren’t spaced out yet but it’s nice to have one half of the rafters cut and in place. Still need to make the Plumb Cut on the tails and cut them to length. Starting on the other side tomorrow.

Making good progress. Still need to cut off the tails but the system is working. I wanted 12’ but they gave me 14’ for the same price. I’ll end up using the cutoff’s for something. I don’t waste wood.

Well it turns out that putting up rafters by yourself on an 11/12 pitch is way harder than it seemed. I’m making the seat and birds mouth cuts by holding the rafter on top of the ridge beam and the top plate and then making my cut marks and the steepness of an 11/12 pitch makes that extremely difficult. The rafter wants to slide off. Go figure right? 🤣 I’m using my skid steer and boom to hold them in place. So far I’ve ruined a couple rafters in the learning process. I’m not a carpenter obviously and this phase of my timber frame is just that, regular carpentry. Any help would be welcomed!!!!

Today I put up the first of 20 rafters! These things are so heavy! They’re cut out of red oak and are true 2”x8”. It was a bear getting this one up since it’s a 10/12 pitch but my jib crane did the trick.

It’s April 30th, 2026 an after a ton of work and repairs, which included welding in two new cam lock dogs and backstops (the yellow ones) I’m back milling timber. My focus now is on cutting out the floor joists and rafters. More pics to follow!

The ridge beam is installed!!! That thing was HEAVY! I used my skid steer with the jib crane attachment and my chain hoist and managed to get it up there by myself!! Woohoo!!!! Still need to get the joints pegged.

Edit: I forgot to mention that I had to scarf two 8”x8” beams together in order to make a 20’ 1 1/4” long ridge beam. I’m so happy that all the mortises lined up with the tenons.

Finally had to bite the bullet and pay the $650 for a new chain for my chain mortiser. However, it’s so nice to have it back to blasting its way through these solid red oak 8”x8” beams again!! The original chain cut hundreds and hundreds of mortises over the years but it finally got too dull. I’m going to try and sharpen it so I’ll have a backup.

Hey everyone, just wanted to check back in with you. I’ve been off the air for the past couple of months due to extensive surgery on my left ankle. Thanks to my loving and most caring wife, partner, and boss, I healed up nicely. I was an exemplary patient which led to my complete healing only because of her threats! 😂🤣 Anyway, I’m easing back into timber framing and hope to have some new content coming up soon. Once I get this ridge beam mounted I’ll be moving on to the rafters and then flooring, walls, roofing, electrical, and then doors and windows plus all the trim. Lots to come.

Cheers and Happy New Year.

Hope everyone has an awesome New Years Eve. I’m in my happy place with a nice little fire and a fully completed 20’1 1/4” ridge beam waiting to get lifted up 14’ into the air!

First part of the ridge beam installed.