First Post

[Woulde]

Hello,

I recently stumbled across this forum while searching the internet for info on timber frame homes.

I've spent a few hours reading some of the threads and feeling my way around.  The quality of the questions and answers prompted me to join and bookmark the site.  The depth of knowledge and willingness to share experiences is really impressive. 

This seems like a friendly enough place to bare one's soul about their dreams while asking a lot of stupid questions about building a timber frame!  My experience is limited, but my passion runs deep.

After years of looking for that perfect piece of land at a price we could afford, my wife and I purchased a 23 acre parcel in Northern Michigan this summer.  The property is heavily wooded and sits half a mile away and 300 feet above Lake Charlevoix.  I'm hoping to carve out a view all the way to Lake Michigan, 13 miles away.

I've hired a surveyor to do a topographic survey in 2 ft. contours to begin the process of finding the ideal homesite (and access). 

Probably 2 years away from breaking ground, which should give me plenty of time to ask a lot of stupid questions and figure things out. :P

[beenthere]

Welcome to the forum.

You have described the forum very well, in your introduction and thoughts. You are a quick study.

Good luck with the layout and location of your home. I recall doing something similar, and now look back at how many fortunate decisions were "accidentally" made that 'just came out right'. Planning ahead is a good thing tho.  ;D ;D

Look forward to some pics and most here are willing to share ideas. 

[Woulde]

I'll post pic's along the way.

One thing that seems to make sense is to harvest the trees from the land to build to cabin.  What I didn't think of before reading this forum, is the possibility of having the timber cut on my site.  Why hire someone to cut the trees, load them on a truck and take them to a mill, then haul them back?  Mill them on site. 

Plenty of timber on site for frame, floor and paneling.  Mostly white oak, I believe.  Surveyor said he would tag significant trees with type and size. 

Planning on ICF's and SIP's, but that could change.

[Raider Bill]

Welcome! That's how I ended up here learning how to build my house! It's a great place with great people!
Not many questions that can't be answered by someone.

Welcome again!

[Brad_bb]

Welcome, people here help when they can.  Education is big.  Have you seen timberframes that use crooked timber, curved timber, forks of trees etc?  Many pieces that are often culled, can be used in a timberframe using scribe technique.  It's often those irregular pieces that are most attractive in a frame.  They can be used instead of center posts, braces, heck, wavy tie beams, all can be used with timberframe techniques.  These pieces are usually sawn on two sides.  I only mention this because, if using your own timber, it can allow you to use more, thus less scrap, so you don't have to cut down more of your trees than is absolutely necessary.  Irregular timber was often used in frames in the UK as timber became more scarce.  Today it's catching on more and more, and is often more exciting than a strictly straight stick frame.

[Carpenter]

Welcome to the forum.  With a two year time frame to break ground you really have a great opportunity to think the process through and come up with a good plan.  My grade school science teacher always said there is no such thing as a dumb question.  If your passion runs deep and continues through the whole building process than I'm sure you will succeed.   8)  It sounds like a beautifull piece of property.  Is this to be a vacation cabin or a permanent residence? 

[fishpharmer]

Welcome to FF, its a great place with great folks. 8) 8) 8)

[moonhill]

It is good to see new posters..... and Brad puts forth a point worthy of consideration.

Tim

[Jim_Rogers]

And as mentioned there are no "Stupid" questions,,,,, only questions that need answers.....

If we don't know them, we'll help you find them.....

And welcome......

Jim Rogers

[Woulde]

Thanks to all for the warm welcome. 

It's difficult to put in words how much I'll enjoy planning and building this vacation home.  Seems like many here know what I'm talking about without having to try and put in words.  I think we drink from the same bottle :D

Brad...what a great idea about using odd shaped trees.  That seems to be a good way to personalize the house.  I could use a well placed branch to hang my Stetson.

[ARKANSAWYER]

  Silly me!   I opened this up expecting to see the first post some one cut for a frame.  :  Oh well welcome and we like photos.

[Brad_bb]

Yes, I've been thinking about using irregular pieces lately, due mainly to one of my teachers (Collin Beggs) who I believe was inspired by Jack Sobon, one of his teachers.  This past weekend I attended a lecture/slideshow by Jack Sobon, so it's fresh on my mind.  I've got a bunch of circluar sawn reclaim for the frame(s) I'm going to build (straight sticks), but I do intend to hew one or two pieces for my frame, as well as try to incorporate some irregular stuff, depending on what i can find locally.