I can completely relate. I have been studying timber frame building for several years, but have yet to cut my first bent. I do however have the wood for the shed FWW featured thanks to Hurricane Issabel. I had a portable bandsaw mill come and saw my 3000+bf of white/red oak, pine, and maple for about $.30/bf Mine was an ideal situation however since I had used a backhoe to move all 40 logs into easy milling position. My first plan called for chainsaw milling the wood for the frame, but that is a LOT of work. Definitely do-able, but man the aching back! The plans that I'm working from are in Jack Sobon's book "Timber Frame Construction"
Amazon link A little scant, but you get the idea. I would find another book for the actual cutting. I think Chappell's book is supposed to be solid:
Timber Framer\'s Workshop link Books are definitely a good place to start. Check your local library. I have found several around town. From one amateur to another, good luck. While it will be difficult, I'm sure you can do it if you set your mind to it!
Chris
