Book Description
Teaching through hundreds of meticulous drawings, Rob Thallon's guide covers foundations, roofs, building systems and materials, durability, energy efficiency, and more.
Customer Reviews:
A terrific reference book.......2007-10-06
Graphic Guide to Frame Construction (Paperback)
After preparing 8 pages of detailed engineering-size construction drawings for contractors to bid on a two-story addition to our house, I came across this book. Even though I have many years of (mostly remodeling) experience, this book provided lots of great tips on strengthening foundations and walls, flashing, roofing and other areas. Those drawings have now been modified to incorporate what I've learned. Lucky I read this book BEFORE starting the project. Change orders, once construction begins, are costly, since you have little leverage with the contractor at that point.
Materials and techniques used in frame construction have evolved over the years, and the previous (similar) book I had was substantially obsolete. This one cites the latest materials and approaches, as of the year 2000, and is well worth the cost for anyone contemplating a framing job of almost any size. It's doubtful that any contractor knows the best methods to do everything this book explains, not to mention non-contractors. That makes this book a good resource for any experience level. About half of the book's pages have one or more detailed drawings to show you how to do "it" (see customer images for a sample). The spiral binding is particularly helpful in using it on-the-job, or to photo-copy or scan.
The five chapters, foundations, floors, walls, roofs, and stairs, cover virtually every aspect of frame construction, including decks and porches.
The book doesn't cover everything. For example, there is no mention of the APA (Wood Engineering Association), Narrow Wall Bracing Method, an important subject when building sunrooms, or other structure with narrow corner walls or walls between window or door openings. Nevertheless, it's a great reference well worth the price.
Straightforward.......2007-09-23
This is a very easy to follow guide to wood frame construction. I recommend it as a basic reference.
Excellent Resource for Wood Frame Construction.......2007-05-31
This is a wonderful book to have on the reference shelf. It answers so many questions about wood frame construction in a clear manner with great graphic depictions.
Invaluable for Anyone Who Wants to Build.......2007-04-09
I am a beginning amateur builder of outbuildings on my property, and this book is wonderful. Easy to understand, the pictures are very descriptive. It is all I need. I gave a beat-up copy (after ordering another for myself) to a friend who just got his contractor's license and the next day he acted as though I'd given him gold. I recommend getting the spiral bound version - so much easier to use on the job site. This book cannot be rated high enough.
Good graphic presentaion of wood frame construction.......2007-03-17
This book is a good tool for anyone, do-it-yourselfer or not, to grasp how North American homes are put together. An excellent tool to learn the nomenclature of houses and house construction. I missed a discussion of the the reasons for and the pros and cons of the various methods. On the other hand, the lack of text is a strongpoint of this book, at least for those who want to quickly get up to speed on home construction.
Book Description
Since its first publication in 1966, Timber Construction Manual has become the definitive design and construction industry source for building with wood, both sawn lumber and structural glued laminated timber. Timber Construction Manual, Fifth Edition features an improved organization of content to provide architects, engineers, contractors, educators, the laminating and fabricating industry, and all others having a need for reliable, up-to-date technical data and recommendations on engineered timber construction with essential knowledge of wood and its application to specific design considerations.
Based on the most reliable technical data available, this defining guide has been thoroughly revised to encompass:
- The latest design procedures for timber construction, featuring thorough updates of all recommended design criteria for timber members, systems, and fasteners
- A simplified design procedure for pitched and tapered curved beams
- An entirely new chapter on Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) and an updated section on the chemical properties of wood
- The latest design and construction codes, including the 2001 National Design Specification for Wood from the National Forest Products Association, AITC 117-2004, and examples featuring ASCE 7-02 and IBC 2003
- More cross-referencing to other available AITC standards and less superfluous full citations result in a leaner book with more useful, up-to-date information
Customer Reviews:
Great homes.......2007-02-07
After reading the book I concluded I have zero hope of building one and I need to contact the author to build it for me. Brilliant brouchure for his company. I would take off stars for the flagrant selling but you know what it is just that good a book on the subject and the fact is its hard work and he is good at it. Hell just buy the book and have them build it.
A book about very, very big houses.......2003-02-05
This book contains wonderful pictures of homes that are mostly 5,000 sq ft and larger. With one exception it completely ignores fine smaller timberframe homes. I was reminded more of ski lodges than homes by the places featured. But the pictures are nice and if a 5,000 sq ft plus size house is what you're interested in I suppose this book has some interesting ideas.
A Must if you are thinking of building a Timber Frame.......2001-08-06
Whether you are going to act as general contractor, or hire it all out, this book is a great over view of all of the aspects of building a Timber Frame. While not dwelling in great detail, it has lots of drawings, photos, and descriptions, to acquaint the reader with construction techniques, electrical and plumbing considerations, and room layouts in a typical Timber Frame home. Definitley another fine book from Mr. Benson.
An honest and complete.......2000-06-09
This is by far the best of several books I purchased on building timber frame homes. I started with a list of questions about shrinkage, sound proofing, electrical, plumbing, etc. and found clear concise answers to all of them through text, drawings, and photos.
I trust experts (like this author) who talk about the mistakes they've made and show me how to avoid them. He presents options and if you decide to pick the lower rated ones, he describes the likely consequences and how to minimize them.
great resource.......1999-12-24
This book is an excellent guide to the craft of timberframing and complete house design and finishing. I have just finished building my own red oak timber framed house in Tedds back yard here in New Hampshire and found many valuable hints and tips throughout this book, especially liked the sections on plumbing and wiring which can be a challenge in a timber frame house. I also agree with another reviewer that the quality of the book is excellent and deserves a place on your coffe table for guests to peruse. To top it all off Tedd is a very honorable and genuine person who espouses the inherent charms of living in a well crafted timber frame house better than any other books or articles I have read on the subject. Every day in my new home is a real delight and I never get tired of viewing the fine joinery throughout the house. Benson Woodworking also has an excellent web site to examine much of the steps in building a timber frame house. Also for those of you who enjoy the photos in this book , Tedd has a brand new book out showing dozens of homes they have built in the past in beautiful photographic form.
Customer Reviews:
A "must read" for hardwood do-it-yourselfers.......2007-09-28
Author Don Bollinger stares in, writes, or is quoted in just about every video or book about installing, sanding and finishing hardwood flooring. I came across his video 15yrs ago while researching my first hardwood project. Of the four books I checked out from the library on the topic he was pictured and quoted in all of them. He is a master of his trade and in this book he lays out the very basic and clear steps to a beautiful floor. I read this book again before every flooring project and finely I just bought it. It takes all the uncertainty (but none of the hard work) out of laying and finishing a hardwood floor. Like most do-it-yourself books this one covers the basic principles and standard practices for the first timer as well as instructions and ideas for the adventurous. What sets this book apart from the others is the focus on common and not so common mistakes that will always result in a expensive disappointment. Once you nail down a wood floor you will realize it's never coming up again. That's a bad time to discover you should have read this book first.
Great book. Very helpful.......2007-07-10
I bought the book and the DVD and both provided information very useful for my first DIY install of hardwood flooring.
Like many projects it's the prep work that pays off in the end and it's also true with installing hardwood flooring. A sub-floor that is flat and secured to the joists along with that straight first row goes along way in ensuring a successful install.
This is a great book........2007-05-13
This book is very informative. If you are going to lay flooring then this will be very helpful.
Hardwood Floors: Laying, Sanding and Finishing.......2007-01-10
An informative book, but I merely learned how to install hardwood flooring in the author's house after reading it and watching the DVD (extra $). Really important topics, such as initial measuring and layout, were skimmed over.
I wound up hiring a professional to install my flooring instead. ugh!
Check out Hai Nguyen review.......2007-01-01
Click on Read all my reveiws for this guy... He hates everything.
Book Description
Taunton's Complete Illustrated guide to Box Making presents both small and large projects. This book covers how to create boxes in different shapes, Japanese puzzle boxes, and band-sawn boxes. 500 color photos are featured in this clear and comprehensive woodworking guide.
Customer Reviews:
good book.......2007-04-06
This book is very informative , easy to read & understand.If you know nothing about turning, it might be a little much. I've played with my lathe about 3 months now & wanted to get serious about the hobby.This book hit the nail on the head!
Great resource.......2007-03-14
This book provides great information for box making whether you are a veteran woodworker or a novice. Illustrations and pictures are very useful for conveying information described in written format. Highly recommended!
Big on marketing, short on details.......2007-03-02
I have over 30 year of woodworking experience building tables, chests etc. I bought this book as it sounded like everything I ever needed to know about box making. The book was a big disappointment. It has lots of colorful pictures on nice glossy thick paper, but lacks the detailed instructions of how to build a box. Normally the Taunton Press (Fine WoodWorking Magazine) has excellent articles, but this book falls short of giving you the 'know how' to build a box.
Very Good Book.......2006-07-19
If I could give this book 4 and 1/2 stars, I would. But I just can't give it five stars.
This is a really good overview on the technqiues needed to make boxes. Many techniques are covered in detail (but not too much detail). The photography is excellent. And the book is well organized and well written.
There are a few things that I'd change. First, I'd include a section that contained photos of completed boxes in order to jump start the design process. Maybe I would entitled that section "Inspiration" or "Works by Other Woodworkers".
Second, I'd include a section regarding how to rout, cut and otherwise manipulate small pieces. There are several techniques shown where the author puts his fingers really close to carbide that is spinning at 15,000 rpm. Maybe I'm a wus, but I just won't put my fingers within an inch of a spinning router bit.
Third, similar in format to a Snap-On calendar, I'd include a scantily-clad, well-endowed, blonde model, next to each picture of a completed box.
excellent intermediate book.......2006-05-02
this is a great book for the intermediate wood worker who wants to know how to (or be refreshed) on how to do some specific box making techniques. If you are looking for a project-based book, I would recommend something else. However, I enjoyed this book a lot and have learned some cool things from it.
Book Description
Timber Framing has been a part of our building culture and an inspiration to mankind since the Middle Ages. As we enter a new millenium, it is designed to remain as one of building's most enduring forms, not only because of its intrinsic beauty, but because it is a pure and complete structural system.
Customer Reviews:
Great Book!.......2006-05-30
Excellent book, very thorough. Lots of good info on engineering, stresses and design of joints. Also good info on timbers, where they are cut in the log, shrinkage, and more. Would not ignore any of his advice if you would like your frame to be safe and last for generations.
Neophyte realities.......2005-09-15
This particular book is an overview. Nothing wrong with that, it's merely that I do not even approach the level the overview allows. Again, a fine book for an intermediate but not for My particular position in the process of learning timber framing. A book that is far more to My liking is called "The craft of modular post and beam." Written by James Mitchell. Way better for a beginner and a lot more incisive all the way across the learning horizon. Listening to Paul Butterfield's "East west" and am being pulled away from the typewriter! That is all!
Must have book for the beginning and advanced.......2004-12-03
The book is well written and very easy to follow. Steve walks through the history, design considerations, math, and knowledge needed to get started. I've read lots of Timber framing books and this is the first book I grab for reference. If you are trying to decide which book to buy...Look at "A Timber Framer's Workshop" FIRST!
A core title for any carpentry/architectural reference shelf.......2000-09-07
In A Timber Framer's Workshop: Joinery, Design & Construction Of Traditional Timber Frames is a complete instruction course under one cover in the carpentry craft and architectural art of building with timber framing technology. Included are engineering basics, builders math, tips, techniques, tools, and structural design considerations. Chapters are devoted to Bent Framing & Joinery Design, Tension Joinery, Roof Framing & Truss Design, Joinery Details, and more! A Timber Framer's Workshop is a core title for any professional, academic, or community library carpentry, architecture, and woodworking collections.
I actually used the methods in this book to build my barn!.......2000-02-08
I actually used the methods in this book to build my 40 X 30, four-bent barn. I can't say enough about this book. From the dedication to the index this timber frame manual was crafted in the same manner as author Steve Chappell's structures: solid, precise and with artful beauty. This book teaches everything from the basic tools to advanced joinery and details everything you need to build a traditional timber frame structure. The illustrations are great and the exercises are extremely useful.
"A Timber Framer's Workshop" is an essential reference tool for anyone who's serious about timber framing.
Book Description
278,000 copies in print.
Customer Reviews:
READ ME! How to build a house cheaply.......2006-11-15
I thought this was a great book, I picked this up at the library and this was a wonderful read from front to back.
PROS:
1. Learn how to build at a low cost.
2. Provide shelter/housing one weekend at a time.
CONS:
N/A
I also purchased a real estate book on how to get land cheaply:
Investing Without Losing (ISBN: 0978834607 NOT on amazn, on other stores)
Pole construction - a wonderful alternative for great value........1999-12-10
I gave the book five stars because there was a total lack of books on the subject when I read it months ago. Thanks to Amazon, there is now more available. I am a developer of lots. I have seen what the family faces with home buying. The pole house will only be for the stout-hearted, brave and good humored. But for those few souls it will be a wonderful experience. This book takes you from day one - walking onto your lot - to the finished product. And it tells you everything in between like, how to get your friends to gleefully help you plant your poles to having an old "barn raising". It's good stuff. It's dated, but if you're an ol' fashion American pioneer like me, you'll love the challenge.
Book Description
If you have only dreamed about the beauty of building with timbers, this book will open your eyes. It will convince you that this method is not only practical today for homes and other buildings, but often is less expensive than "stick building." Timber frame builder Jack Sobon and writer Roger Schroeder offer a book for builders as well as those wishing to have the work done for them. Here is practical how-to for both beginners and experienced carpenters who want to try this method. It offers: The basics of timber framing. How to design for strength and beauty. How to combine modern tools and time-tested methods. A starter project: How to build a 12 x 16 garden toolshed. Dozens of illustrations and photos that make it all easy to understand. "A sprightly manual on post-and-beam building techniques, well-illustrated with sketches and photos." (Popular Science) Author Biography: Currently a self-employed architect and builder of timber-framed buildings, co-author Jack A. Sobon holds
Customer Reviews:
Slightly Lacking.......2007-02-12
As with most technical type publications, unless you go for the pure tech manual you get some interesting but yet useless amount of history which is not what I needed. If I wanted history I would have purchased a history book.
Linchpin for starting a timber frame project .......2007-01-10
This book is a sound investment for anyone interested in building a timber frame structure. I had no experience building with wood prior to deciding to build a small timber frame cabin in Maine. I spoke to several timber framers and they all suggested I purchase this book as a reference manual for my cabin project. Mr. John Sweet of Sweet Timber Frames had a copy that was so worn from use that I knew it must be a good reference. Every phase of building the cabin has had its challenges; this book has made what would have been an impossible job an attainable dream. I highly recommend this book to anyone thinking about building a timber frame structure. Thanks to Mr. Sweet for recommending it.
The best place to start.......2001-09-19
I have bought probably 10 books on timber framing and ended up building my own 2000 sf timber frame barn. I went back to this book more than any other becasue it covers the basics so well.
If you're looking to attempt a fairly straightforward project without any real complex joints or design, this is probably the only book you'll ever need - a great primer and a great basic reference.
Off to a good Start........1998-11-02
" Timber Frame Construction " provides a good basis of knowledge for the expeirenced builder intrested in learning post and beam joinery , from the history of the craft to tools and joints. I found the book a valuable source for my project.
On the down side I could have used more explanation on what joints to use, the best cutting sequence and a greater description of where not to use them.
Overall though I recommend it.
Book Description
For centuries, logic puzzles have entertained, inspired and educated kids of all ages. Studies show these engaging "brain teasers" provide unsurpassed benefits to the body and mind, increasing manual dexterity, mathematical abilities and overall intellectual agility.
Crafting Wood Logic Puzzles provides plans and instructions for crafting 18 of the most popular manual puzzles. Projects range from traditional "put together/take apart" games like pentominoes and soma cubes to more sophisticated "unlocking" head-scratchers, such as the Burr and Heart Box puzzles. Readers will also learn specialized cutting, drilling, sanding, gluing and finishing techniques that make crafting wooden puzzles possible.
Customer Reviews:
Great New Puzzle Book.......2007-02-01
This is a really great book. It has plans for a couple of sleds for the table saw and 18 puzzles. It has materials lists, easy to use instructions with solutions to all puzzles and lots of helpful tips. Highly Recommended.
I have made 5 of the 18 puzzles.......2007-01-11
I have made 5 of the 18 puzzles out of this book, but have found 3 mistakes in the book. So you need to be smarter then the author of the book to figure out the mistakes. I enjoyed the book and like the puzzles. The book just needs to be updated and mistakes fixed.
Amazon.com
Unlike conventional framing, which is destined to be hidden by other building materials, timberframe homes leave massive beams and smaller supports exposed to be seen and admired as a finished and an architectural element. Tedd Benson divides Timberframe: The Art and Craft of the Post-and-Beam Home into four sections--"In the Country," "On the Water," "In the Mountains," and "In Addition"--to reveal how the proud owners of timberframe dwellings strive to make those architectural elements fit their surroundings. This is not a how-to book--though there are plenty of sketches and even a few simplified plans sprinkled among 400 color photos--as much as an effort to foster appreciation and inspiration of this unique home style. With case-by-case overviews of 29 American homes from coast to coast, Benson explores a craftsmanship that was largely replaced by stud framing in the late 1800s with the development of the wire nail, the circular saw mill, and the need to build houses more quickly. But Benson also calls attention to a renewed interest in timberframe dwellings. Norm Abram, of This Old House fame, not only wrote the foreword to this book but also serves as a case study of someone incorporating this old framing technique into his new house. For Abram, the attraction to timberframing is its sense of durability. "I look at its sturdiness and know it will be standing for many decades, maybe a century or two," he writes. Another sign of timberframing's resurgence is seen in the recent selling off of more than 7 million board feet of old-growth timber from the defunct Long-Bell Lumber mill in Longview, Washington. As Benson tells the story, word about the auction spread quickly among a new breed of timberframers who knew that wood of that size and quantity might never be seen again. The bidding quickly rose above the meager means of the average timberframer, and it was later learned that Bill Gates purchased the timbers for his multimillion-dollar home in Seattle. --John Russell
Customer Reviews:
Beams! BEAMS!!.......2000-12-19
This book is full of stunning photographs of timber frame homes, accompanied by engaging text both technical and philosophical. The book is divided into locations, such as prairie, mountain, and coastal homes. Not a guide to building, this is more like the ultimate coffee-table book.
I don't know one thing about architecture or homebuilding, but I enjoyed this book for its striking photos of awesome homes.
Beams and More Beams.......2000-06-17
If you love beams, and more beams, lots of braces, and complex joints; then this book is for you.
If you prefer a more minimalist approach I'd suggest: "The Timber-Frame Home, Design, Construction, Finishing" by the same author. In that book this author wrote: "...frame design should simplify and reduce whenever possible, The best frames are those with the most economical use of timbers and the least-complicated joinery." I was disappointed that this book ignored that concept.
Most of the houses in this book are above 3500 sq feet with roughly a third at 5000 and up. If you want to see the extremes to which timberframing can be taken, this is the book for you.
Visually powerful architectural & design reference........2000-04-06
This colorful survey of the post and beam home examines a construction method which dates to the Middle Ages, and is the first to explore the design potentials of the form. 400 color photos, drawings and floor plans provide excellent architectural reference and design insights in this contemporary exploration of timberframe potentials. Visually powerful and highly recommended.
Very inspiring book, full of great timberframe examples!.......1999-09-16
This great book starts off with a short history of timberframes and then showcases dozens of great timberframe homes. The homes cover all styles and price ranges and the picture quality is superb. This is a must buy for all timberframe home lovers!
Books:
- Graphic Guide to Frame Construction: Details for Builders and Designers (For Pros by Pros)
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- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
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- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
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General
| Architecture
| Professional & Technical
| Subjects
| Books
Graphic Guide to Interior Details: For Builders and Designers (Graphic Guide)
House Framing: Plan, Design, Build (Ultimate Guide To...)
Measuring, Marking, and Layout: A Builder's Guide
Building Construction Illustrated, 3rd Edition
Wiring a House (For Pros by Pros)
