Guys, Thanks for all the information. I'm actually considering using the timberlinx connectors for all of joints on the frame except the post-to-foundation. The Simpson post bases and connectors look better for the latter purpose.
What I'm doing is reengineering a 150 year old oak frame. It was a 30x70 barn that I am resurrecting as a 29x40 garage. I'm cutting off many of the old tenons and reattaching the frame members to new places. My attraction to the timberlinx is that they are hidden, appear to be easy to use, and would be a good alternative to trying to work with rock hard, 150 year old oak and chestnut.
I'm an owner-builder with little experience. I'm an engineer. My plan is to design the frame, hire someone pour the foundation, construct and raise the frame myself, then hire someone to enclose the building and finish it off. Basically, I'll do the fun stuff myself and hire people to do the rest.
If the timberlinx don't pass mustard with the biulding inspector, I'll resort to external steel plates and other connectors from Simpson. I'm a little worried that the testing was done to Canadian and not US standards.
-Dave
