I just left my engineering job of 15 years in Oct 2004 to start up a timber frame company. I definately fall into the enthusiasm category. I built my own timber frame a few years ago after reading Tedd Benson's book and got the bug. Since then, I have read everything I can get my hands on about timber framing. I've been fortunate enough to land a couple of small cabins to build. No looking back.
Dave
