Gabel,
Regarding your first paragraph, I anticipated there may be some reluctance to respond, and I certainly understand. I tried to phrase the questions with the thought in mind that folks other than professional timber framers are reading these forums also, and I left out the potentially taboo topic of the financial side of things.
Very, very interesting perspectives from you all. Great ideas, insight, and advice.
DL, I hear you on the issue of overhead. I've made many mistakes along the way (learned from them, never to repeat them), but thankfully, one that I did not make was getting into debt with items that I may have wanted, but recognized that I did not really need. Like Tim, keeping my business small and learning to work with and be proficient with a small array of hand tools was always my first priority, and I've stayed true to that. Practical and frugal.
Hope to hear from more of you.
