Have you started to learn timberframe techniques? Before I got into it almost 2 years ago now, I didn't know how to use a chisel, or a saw(properly), how to sharpen tools, the fundamental philosophies on how to use these tools. You will be amazed at the precision you can get from hand tools like a chisel, which in the timberframing world is used like plane as well. Layout techniques, like knife scoring mentioned is crutial to precision. You can learn it. It's not that hard once you get a good understanding and some practice. You'll find that you'll use the timberframing techniques in other areas of woodworking as well. Recently I had to repair the back door frame of the farmhouse. The lower portion near the outside had some rot in the pine. I used timberframe skills to fashion a jigsaw puzzle looking piece of oak to splice in (get painted over anyway), and I used my chisel to adjust the fit to get a really nice tight fit. I recommend to all newbies to take one of the good timberframe workshops out there and you will learn alot not just for timberframing but woodworking in general. This board is another excellent source of info.
