A small (very small) timber frame project

[MattJ]

So I had promised Jim Rogers after our summer class I wouldn't let what he taught me erode away. To try to keep the knowledge alive I finished these horses just before New Years.

They are built with some modifications from Jim's designs. The wood is 4.5x4.5 heart ambrosia maple I sawed. The yardstick is to show scale. I also had a blacksmith in raleigh forge some holdfasts for this and a pair for my bench and they worked well at first. In my lack of wisdom I warmed them and put beeswax on them to prevent rusting, which also prevented holding. I then had to spend a few hours getting the wax off. They do work well though and he tempered them to give a nice spring action.

The bar stock is 3/4 and I had to drill the holes to 13/16 for my bench which is 2.5" thick and I'm thinking of going to 7/8" holes on the horses as they don't always bite the first hit. But once they do the hold down force is excellent.

Take care

Matt

  

 

[Jim_Rogers]

Nice job and thanks for posting and sharing your story.

Jim Rogers

[MattJ]

Thanks for the design and lessons Jim!