Timber Frame using Portland Bolts

[LaserZX]

I came across Portland Bolts in a timber frame search.    I have been looking for simple ways to joint timber frames
together.   I thought these bolts might work for my solution.   I am wondering if anyone on here has used them to built anything. Thanks in advance.

[Jim_Rogers]

Can you provide a link?

Jim Rogers

[LaserZX]

http://www.portlandbolt.com/products/bolts/timberbolts.html

Other links on their site


http://www.portlandbolt.com/?gclid=CMDxusHWlbMCFQioPAodezoAxg

http://www.marineconstructionbolts.com/timber-bolts

[beenthere]

How is the Portland Bolts company product any different than any other bolt?

They make many different style bolts. Which one are you asking about for a timber frame?

Ahhh!
I guess you are asking about the timber bolts made by Portland Bolts.
Look much like carriage bolts unless the price of the Portland timber bolts are cheaper.

[LaserZX]

cheaper is not always better  sometimes that cost lots more in the long run.   I was looking at the fact they have been in business for 100 years and  the simple design  that is unlike anything I have found    I believe the price is reasonable
they have a 200 min order.     they are mainly a specialty and custom build manufacturer

[2bitaxe]

Bolts are bolts, what really matters are the specs on the plates that hold the timbers together. I wouldn't try to bolt something together unless an engineer who does this kind of stuff gave me plans and specs for the plates and bolt patterns for my specific project in my specific area (live and dead loading, wind, quakes, etc.). The building inspectors in my area would want to see that.

You'd be surprised how much plates cost. When you add up all the hardware costs you may think about just doing the old fashioned way.

Just me two cents.

[Brad_bb]

So you are planning post and beam construction?  Not a timberframe?  To be a timberframe, it has to be joined with mortise and tenon and wood pegs. 

We've discussed the differences between the two styles.  I would say that the consensus was that either style was going to have about the same amount of work with all things considered.  Post and beam is not quicker or cheaper when done right.  You have to factor in the custom fabrication of the plates and the fitting and preparation still need to be as careful and precise. 

If you are choosing one style over another, I'd recommend using what you want as far as asthetics.  If you want a true timberframe, don't be intimidated.  It's not voo doo science.  Just about anyone can learn the layout and cutting techniques.  If you have the skill to do a post and beam correctly, then you can do timberframe too.  You can do it.

[Jim_Rogers]

http://www.portlandbolt.com/products/bolts/timberbolts.html

Other links on their site


http://www.portlandbolt.com/?gclid=CMDxusHWlbMCFQioPAodezoAxg

http://www.marineconstructionbolts.com/timber-bolts

Now that you have provided the link, I can say, I have never used them.

Jim Rogers

PS +1 on what Brad said.