Building an oak timber frame

I went on a week-long course to learn how to build timber frames from oak, at Oakheath Timber Frames in Shropshire. It was an amazing experience, shared with 7 other course participants. We worked individually and together on different parts of the structure through the week, and ended up with a fantastic and very solid oak frame. The frame will go to one of Oakheath’s clients (with some additions and modifications!).

Model of the finished frame
Plans for the frame
Our task on day one – creating a mortice and tenon joint with hand tools

Just about to mark out the corner posts
Nearly finished a rail…
A lovely pile of finished rails and braces
Constructing the Sole Plate
Getting the posts and rails in place
Morning on the last day
Fitting the Tie Beam
The end result!

I had such a great time and learned a lot. Hoping soon to make a pergola in my garden (with some lovely joints!).

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