Hello from Mark Davidson, join me here for posts about Traditional Woodworking including: Timber framing, old Ontario barns, structural design, tools of the trade and generally what keeps us busy at Whippletree.
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Traditional Woodworking
Barn Repair October 2023
Barn repairs continue, the photo above shows a fine ladder in a Peterborough area barn, only about one foot wide(one boot at a time). This barn needed some ground level post footings, but the 1880 upper framing is solid and will be for a long time to come. One of the best barns I’ve seen in Ontario, the owner had a copy of the original construction invoice – build and finish the barn for $44. Perhaps I can upload some more photos of the upper framing on our next visit.
Castleton Farm House Raised
The farm house frame is now standing!
Castleton Farmhouse update
Layout and Cutting of timbers is nearly complete on the Castleton farmhouse, fitting the frames will begin soon. This frame has taken the crown as our most complex frame so far. I’m also happy to add that the frame has a number of different wood species: white pine, oak, cherry, walnut and maple. I hope to get back with fitting pics soon.
Hamilton Timber Workshop Raising
Bancroft Garage Raised
Back to the Bancroft Barn
Castleton Timber Framed Home
Bancroft Garage
Current workshop project is a Garage/Storage Building for a site near Bancroft. The build features three wedged scarf joints and has timbered walls with a standard 2x truss roof.
Revisiting the Fibonacci Gazebo
Visit to British Columbia
Currently on my annual pilgimage to Vancouver Island to visit my partner’s parents. I took the picture below at the Coombs Country Market, AKA “Goats on the Roof” A fantastic market with plenty of items including western salmon jerky.
Many of the buildings in Coombs are constructed using round log framing with plank roof decking and earth roofing – rubber membrane, drainage layer, dirt and grass. Definitely one of my favorite building styles and well suited to the moist climate on Vancouver Island.
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