3 Simple Green Oak Frames

I had the job of making three oak frames this week. They were quite simple, two were simple sides and a top and the other frame had a middle upright in it. The timber I used was large though and the one was 6.250m long and 250mmx250mm, some quite heavy stuff!

 As the timber was so heavy this meant that I couldn't test any of the mortise and tenons so I had to make sure I knew they'd fit before we lifted them into place.

My stack to timber to work with

Cutting the tenons

Mortising the largest timber. The mortises were through mortises so I had to bore down from both sides.

My slightly damp work area

Adding the pins to the bottom of the oak to make sure it located properly on the concrete slab.

The first, smallest frame in.

Second frame

The third and largest frame. We lifted this in with straps and the 360 digger.

Considering I couldn't test the joints I was happy with the results.

Good tight joints are what I like to see.

Once we'd lifted all the frames into place I was quite relieved at how well they'd fitted! There is nothing worse when there is a group of you fitting your work if it doesn't go together well!

These beams will get sanded up and oiled before we're finished

Green Oak Frame - Part 1

The last couple of days I've got to do some green oak framing. It's been quite a while since I've done any but I always enjoy it. Working with big chunky timbers cutting mortice and tenons just puts a smile on my face!

First mortice and tenon - good fit

The frame I'm making is to support two purlins that used to be supported by a dividing wall, with the wall gone the architect has decided that this oak frame would make a nice feature. To start with I made a full size template out of 10mm ply as none of the angles are square and it means I can cut everything ready and make sure it all fits before I have to lug the heavy timbers upstairs.

Chain morticer for me to play with!

The job was made easier by the loan of a chain morticer which made cutting the mortices a fairly quick process - just a bit of a tidy up with a mallet and chisel.

The start of the frame on top of the full size ply template I made

The angles on the frame made me glad I made a template as everything had to be checked quite a few times as with oak you don't want to be making any mistakes.

Tannic acid has made my tools blue my 778 has earnt it's money over the last couple of days

The frame so far - Just one piece left but thats too big to lay out on the template

By the end of today the frame is pretty much finished. I've still got to cut the top piece and mortice it out then sand all the beams down, add stop chamfers where they're wanted and drill out the pegs (draw-bore).



As well as this I need to add a steel to connect up the two purlins in the roof but this will involve the removal of quite a bit of ceiling and altering a few joists, quite a big job on its own.

All good fun though and I love when I go home and my tools are dark blue from working with green oak all day!