For you beginners, and others, the two books you are referring to 1)Jack Sobon's "Timber Frame Construction" and 2)Steve Chappell's "A Timber Framers Workshop" illustrate two totally different types of timber framing.
Jack's book shows you how to cut a timber frame shed using rough sawn lumber. With the joints laid out from a reference face on the timber. Basically traditional timber frame joinery.
Steve's book shows you how to cut a timber frame using planned full dimension timbers. And his joinery designs are of the more modern type of timber framing.
Both are good books and both men are good teachers and writers.
I've attended workshops taught by each of them, in order to learn all types of timber framing.
The point of this message is to inform you that there is more than one style of timber framing.
Good luck with your studies.
Jim Rogers
