Dave,
I understand your frustration when it comes to working the wood and understanding the grain. I started out as a rough frame carpenter who worked for a pole barn company where time was money and we always had to get it done so we could go to the next job. We produced a very nice product, but it was definitely a "production construction enviroment". After I started collecting tools, I did some finer custom furniture and cabinets for my home and a few clients. It was a slower pace and process, but with only making one unit at a time, and then changing over to make something completely different, it was harder to make a profit.
I see timberframing as a process that is smack dab in the middle between making a Windsor chair, and stick framing a 3500 sqft house. Finding the balance between production and craftsmanship is key. And it is ok to slow down a bit...you will be replacing quantity with quality.
Good luck,
Rooster
P.S. What kind of draft horses do you have?
