Frames with splined joints

[ex-Engineer Wannabe]

Howdy to the board!

I was wondering if any of our members in the northeast are planning/designing a frame employing splined joinery.  I saw some beautiful photos of a splined frame that was raised recently, and I've been itching to learn as much as I can about it ever since.

I'd also like to ask about where one might read some published technical references relating to designing a frame with these joints as well.

Any thoughts are much appreciated ... 

[Griffon]

Check out last few posts in thread:

'Opinions on using 1.5" tenon thickness with pine'

Pictorial examples and discussion in Ted Bensons 'The Timber Frame Home'

Many references and some plan details in TFG Red Workbook

[ex-Engineer Wannabe]

Check out last few posts in thread:

'Opinions on using 1.5" tenon thickness with pine'

Pictorial examples and discussion in Ted Bensons 'The Timber Frame Home'

Many references and some plan details in TFG Red Workbook

I'll definitely check out the thread you mentioned, Griffon, but my guess is that you're referring to the thread involving Jim R, et al.  I've got some good pointers he was kind enough to draw up, but I'd still like to read some more about the technical details of this joinery -- especially as it relates to dimensioning.

When you write, "TFG Red Workbook," do you mean their Timber Frame Joinery & Design Workbook?  AKA, Volume 1?  If so, I'm looking into getting it as I write this.

By the way, I've got Benson's book entitled THE TIMBER FRAME HOME...Design - Construction - Finishing (2nd Edition).  It's a wonderful book, and it does get into splining somewhat.  It doesn't, however, get into the technical details of splines and their related pockets and housings.

Thanks for writing ...

[Griffon]

Workbook 1, yes.

I think a lot of dimensioning conclusions can be drawn from the NDS rules for pegging: margins /  inter-spacing. Thereafter, how many and peg size will depend on tension for a specific joint. Spline thickness will follow same rules as for tenons I think, but should be safer if best hardwoods are chosen.

If you find anything more precise, please let me know too!

[ex-Engineer Wannabe]

Do you have the NDS resources, Griffon?  Although I'm pretty sure that some of my friends probably have this information, I've never actually looked through any of it.  Is this a resource worth investing in?

I'm waiting for the TFG's Volumes 1 and 2 at the moment, so we'll see what they have in those ...  And, yes, a pro timber framer down in NC wrote to me and suggested that Black Walnut, Beech and Locust are all good choices for splines.  Specifically, he wrote that all three make very strong splines while also embellishing the frame (if exposed).

I'm working on it, and I will let you know if I find out anything specific in this regard.

[Griffon]

The Red book has discussion of NDS rules for pegging.