How-To
Master-Carpenter Video Series: The Essential Timber-Frame Joint
Senior editor Chuck Bickford visits the Heartwood School to get an inside look at one of the oldest forms of home building still in use.
Will and Michele Beemer’s Heartwood School, in Washington, Mass., plays a big part in keeping the timber-framing tradition alive. In this 4-part video series, Will demonstrates the essential techniques for creating a mortise-and-tenon joint, which is one of the fundamental details in timber-frame construction.
Watch the following videos to learn:
- How to lay out a timber and and mark a tenon
- How to cut a tenon
- How to mark and cut a mortise
- How to drill a peg hole and assemble a mortise-and-tenon joint
Fine Homebuilding Recommended Products
Magoog Tall Stair Gauges
These are a must-have when laying out stairs with a framing square. They attach easily and save time, especially on long or multiple stringers.
Graphic Guide to Frame Construction
Now in it’s 5th edition, Rob Thallon’s book for builders has been a go-to resource for decades. This book features clear graphics that will help you understand how nearly all American houses are — or should be — built.
Stabila Classic Level Set
Plumb and level are the hallmarks of good craftsmanship, so having a complete set of professional levels on the job is crucial to success.
Guardian Fall Protection Pee Vee
This tool is a gem! You can use it to align plates with your snapped lines, and it’s especially helpful when working alone.
QuikDrive PRO300s
Whether you're installing floor sheathing or decking, this tool will keep the installer upright, putting less stress on workers while saving time and energy.
