Replies

1. 
   Boss_Hog | Mar 13, 2002 04:30pm | #1

   *
   A company call "Cleveland" used to make split ring connectors and the related tools. Is that what you're after? Don't have any contact info on them at the moment.

   I suppose the usual disclaimer about consulting an engineer ought to apply here.

1. 
   Rich_Watkins | Mar 13, 2002 04:41pm | #2

   *Ross,Probobly not exactly what you want but these might come in handy and the price is right.http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.asp?SID=&page=45780&category=1%2C44047&ccurrency=2Rich

1. 
   Bruce_Pirger | Mar 13, 2002 10:27pm | #3

   *The log dogs are great for holding round timbers while you work on them...either scribing or notching. But they are not intended for permanent holding. Will you be framing with joinery and notches? I am envious...and white pine is a good material to work with. Having your timbers milled square/rectangular? Enjoy the time honored tradition...Bruce

1. 
   Schelling_McKinley | Mar 14, 2002 12:43am | #4

   *There is probably a welder in your area who can make just about any connector you could think of. These would go well with 8x8 and larger timbers. These connectors will not look as good as a hand cut and pinned wood frame.

1. 
   George_Roberts | Mar 14, 2002 01:49am | #5

   *8x8s even in pine are very heavy ...You pile large pieces on top of each other. This limits the number of connectors.Most builders engineer the connectors that they use, and they don't sell the connectors.

2. 
   Scott_D._Jackson | Mar 14, 2002 02:21am | #6

   *Hi RossAre you required to to use hangers in this cottage? Are you even going to get a permit for it? If not mortise your joints and pin your frame together. Of course you're going to have to know what you're doing but it's the only way to enjoy a beautiful timber frame. I've taken several down and relocated them and I feel post and beam is the most beautiful and cohesive building system I know. Using connectors is redundant and ugly. Hope you enjoy your project and like Bruce I'm envious.

3. 
   GACC_DAllas | Mar 14, 2002 03:51am | #7

   *Ross,Before you go with connectors, do a search on the internet for Greene & Greene.Beautiful jointery with no connectors.Now that's something to be proud of.Ed.

4. 
   Bill_Hartmann | Mar 14, 2002 08:23am | #8

   *EdGreene and Greene did use a lot of wrought iron straps with wedges to hold the joints together.I would still call them connectors, but they are damm better looing than welded sadle brackets with bolts.

5. 
   Frenchy_Dampier | Mar 15, 2002 12:05am | #9

   *Ed, I'm in the midst of building a timber frame right now. My first thought was to do exactly as you seem to want to do, use metal connectors. I searched and found out that most connectors are locally fabricated out of plate steel. When I went around with my plans and tried to get bids they were all over the board but cheap didn't ever enter the discussion. I then was going to assemble it using hidden lag bolts. That was much more reasonable. I was evan able to find out where to get the engineering data you need to spec what size you need and exactly what to do. What I finally did was do basic mortise and tenion connections along with some half laps. Simple anyone can do it kinda stuff. I went to timberwolf tools and bought the equipment I needed and I can now cut a mortise pocket in about 4-5 minutes, basically by pulling a lever. The equipment isn't terribly expensive either and there is a big demand for it on the second hand market. Some used equipment selling for 15 to 20% off new prices. Thus your "rent" is very low, if you sell when you're done. There are some real short cuts that are worth taking but I'd get too long winded explaining them,and why. Have you done your engineering or are you buying a kit? Kit prices can be attractive esp. if you are a bit tentative about this. I didn't use a kit , but instead learned what needed doing. Not for the faint of heart and you better be able to document everything if you want a building permit. Good luck, I'm having a ball doing mine!

6. 
   CaseyR_ | Mar 15, 2002 12:52am | #10

   *Hey Frenchie - how about some photos of those finished joints. And maybe a shot showing some of the tools you allude to above.

7. 
   Frenchy_Dampier | Mar 15, 2002 01:06am | #11

   *CaseyR, I'm photochallenged (don't ask) But my sister did tke some pictures a while back once she develops those I'l try to post some here (wish me luck) as for the tools go to timberwolf .com HMMM I think that's it. Let me check, I'll post this and come back with the correct address. Nope, timberwolftools.com

8. 
   David_Mason | Mar 15, 2002 01:46am | #12

   *Ross I have done a few timber frames here in Alaska and metal plates are required on most timber framed buildings. I would check with the building inspector or eng. and see what they say.As far as finding the plates I had mine made by a local metal shop.Good luck, Dave

9. 
   jcallahan | Mar 15, 2002 02:03am | #13

   *Thought this might helphttp://www.tfguild.org/http://www.tfguild.org/Rimrock/Trusses.pdf