I have been wanted to build a little 10×12 shed. I finally found some 6 x 6 x 19’ FOHC #1 & better doug fir beams. The price was a steal so I just had to do it; I almost fainted when the guy told me he wanted $25 each for 8 of them. So I said “well I want them allâ€.
Now the question is this: I’m not experienced at calculating span, deflection, compression…. I would like to learn. Can anybody recommend a good resource to start? Timber framing for dummies?
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One website that will give you PLENTY of information is http://www.tfguild.org This is the website for the Timberframers Guild and if you post a question in the forums section you will get your answers. I am not an engineer, just a timberframer and unless you are planning something really wierd, 6 X 6 is ig enough for a shed that size.
I meditate, I burn candles, I drink green tea, and still I want to smack someone.
Edited 8/21/2009 2:40 pm ET by Dan612
I want to know if I need 6 posts or if 4 will do it.. stuff like that.
6x6 is way overkill for what I'm doing. but I need the material to go as far as possible because I'm going to be short by 4 10' sections. timbers are really expensive and kind of hard to find once you go beyond 4x4. in my experiance anyways.
I'll check out the Timber Framers Guild, thanks.
Another place to check is http://www.forestryforum.com They may be able to steer you towards a small saw mill in your area that has rough sawn beams.
Also, 25 bucks for the doug fir beams was a smokin' deal. I meditate, I burn candles, I drink green tea, and still I want to smack someone.
Yes it was a smokes deal. I only wish I had been there to get all 11 he had. Some dude got there just before me and stole 3 from me! Had I got them I would have had enough to frame the shed like a bomb shelter!<!----><!----><!---->
I'm probably going to just go get some green treated 12' and 10' footers from a big box for the sill plates and be done with it. I hate green treated stuff but it's tough to beat 35$ for a 6x6 12'. <!----><!---->
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That is a good price.. the going rate for white oak is $45.60 in the same size.. if you could live with ash the price is closer to $11.40
That is Minnesota where the demand for ash is in the toilet and we have a super abundance of it because the green ash borer. The whole North east area is in a similar price range due to the green ash borer. West of here the price for ash more than doubles because it hasn't arrived there yet..
I have two close friends in the Maine forest service and they are working all out to spread the word about the Emerald ash borer. I had no idea that it would crush a market like that. The little bit of timber framing that I have done in ash I was in heaven. The stuff works like a dream.
I'm keeping my eyes out. The last thing the Maine forest industry needs is a pest like that.I meditate, I burn candles, I drink green tea, and still I want to smack someone.
I sure agree that the ash is a great tree to work from..
However if you were around during the great dutch elm disease problem there were millions of elm trees simply burned because that was the only way to slow down the spread. The chestnut blight was worse.
The sad fact is that many of the elm trees cut down were replaced with ash and now those trees just beginning to reach some size will be gone soon..
you were around during the great dutch elm disease problem ?
I did not know you were that old to remember that, what, 1932-1942??
Or are you referring to the little outbreak in 'minisoda' in the early '70s?? <G>
we have spoken on the forums in the knots before.<!----><!----><!---->
However; I would be hard pressed to find a 20' 6x6 in white oak for $45.60.<!----><!---->
I have called Johnson’s logging in cannon falls on several occasions. They have never ever quoted me a good deal. I have always offered cash. <!----><!---->
I can find reclaimed barn beam fir for $2 bf. scherer brothers lumber has 12 x 12 green eastern white pine that I can get for 3.5 bf. They will cut it down to 6 x 6 for a small fee. I have found a guy in OH who will cut eastern white pine for .75 / 1.00 bf green. but I don't really want to drive from MN to OH for 4 timbers.
I also live in Minnetonka, mn and I would love to find that cheap lumber. maybe you could introduce me to your secret suppliers?
"I also live in Minnetonka, mn and I would love to find that cheap lumber. maybe you could introduce me to your secret suppliers?"Rubber meets the road.
If you're so close by stop over, I'll show you my recepts and take you down to introduce you to the Johnsons. If you walk into their on-site trailer Up to the left of the door is their price list and they sell white oak at .80 a bd. ft. which if you do the math is the price of a 6x6 19 feet long.. They sell pallet wood (in whatever size you want it cut) for 17 cents a bd. ft. to the pallet mills so getting it for 20 cents a bd.ft. is not a particular bargin. Plus like I said the real bargins are wood ordered but not picked up. You get what's available but what's available is a great deal often..
My favorite is my fiddleback maple which I paid .10 a bd.ft. for and wow did it produce some fantastic wood.. If you'd like a picture it's at 85891.16
Edited 8/22/2009 10:48 am ET by frenchy
Actually I found 8x8 doug f for $3 LF. pretty good deal.<!----><!----><!---->
http://www.thereusecenter.com/ these guys are supposed to call me today? I will see?<!----><!---->
Since you’re located in the Minneapolis area you could also inquire. Looks like you’re a wood hound!<!----><!---->
I'm very curious about your house. I would love a tour. Can we arrange one?<!----><!---->
One man’s pallet is another man’s millwork?
Anytime you want!
Glad to have you!
E-mail me with a phone number