Square or rectangle

[woodsteach]

Are most timbers square say 10 x 10 or rectangle 8x10?  Or does it make a difference? 

I don't know what these timbers are being used for they are for a customer and I was under the impression that most are rectangle, so I figured someone here could straighten me out.

thank you
Paul

[Minnesota_boy]

Timbers are rectangles.  A square is only a specific case of rectangle where both dimensions are the same. :D   *

I cut them however the customer specifies, from a 2X2 to 12X12, but more often the dimensions favor uneven dimensions.  4X6 is common as is 6X8, but each is cut for a specific use and that use determines the dimensions.

* Now watch someone say that they cut pentagonal, or octogonal timbers. ;D

[Jim_Rogers]

The Glossary of terms says a Timber is a 'squared' or dressed piece of wood.
I feel that Timbers can be either square or rectangular.
If a timber is more than 2" larger on one dimension then the other then it's a beam.
A beam is a horizontal timber.

Boards = lumber up to 2" thick....
Planks = lumber from 2" thick up to 5" thick.
Timbers = lumber from 5" thick and larger...

Hope that helps....

Jim Rogers

[Don P]

I cut polygons  ;D

Jim the description is great except I think the term lumber is not generic but refers to wood from 2-5" thick...the same as planks to a timberframer ???.

I know, picky  :.  I call a stack of 1x's lumber all the time. Just pointing out what I think is the "bureaucratic legaleese" definition in case it ever comes to splitting hairs  .

[Raphael]

* Now watch someone say that they cut pentagonal, or octogonal timbers. ;D

  I haven't tried an equalateral pentagon, but the ridge purlins I've milled are five sided.
Do you want that octagonal timber straight or tapered?

[Minnesota_boy]

Make my octagon straight for half the length, then tapered for a quarter of the length, then straight for the last quarter. ;D ;D :D

[Raphael]

  Funny you should mention that...  I was just figuring out the milling sequence for a jowled octagonal post, essentially the same operation and what a cool thing that would be visually...

So what shall we build with it  ;)

[TexasTimbers]

So what shall we build with it ;)

My frame kit. Make enough of them for a 16' X 48' addition. I'll email you the particulars. I really appreciate this Raphael. It will turn me loose on all the other projects I need to get to.  :D