Hi folks, I am seeking some guidance on a timber-framing project. I've done my research on the design aspects of it, but now I am looking for the best and least-expensive way to shape the timbers and put them together.
I will be making a four-post pavilion style shelter that measures 20 feet along the tie beam and 10 feet along the purlins. The posts and purlins will be 8"x8", the tie-beam and king post will be 8"x12", rafters 8"x10", and braces 6"x6". The posts will be spaced 16 feet apart underneath the twenty-foot side. I will be using half-lap joints, birdsmouth for the rafters, mortise and tenons for the king posts and struts, and let-ins for the braces and purlins. I'll be using timber framing screws for some joints and wood dowels for others. This will be my first (and possibly last) attempt at a timber frame structure, so I don't expect it to be perfect, nor do I want to spend a lot of cash on tools that I might not use again.
I have 7-1/4" circular saw, a makita sawsall, a 1-1/2" flat chisel, a 1" auger bit, and an angle grinder. I am looking for some type of rasp attachment for the angle grinder to cut away excess wood in the lap joints and tenons. I found a "carbide-crusted" disc at a woodworking store, and I also found "roto-clip shaping discs" online at loghelp.com/tools/special_attachments. Does anyone have any experience with either of these attachments?
I am open for any kind of advice, but I am looking for direction on what tools are really necessary, and any input on an attachment for my angle grinder.
Thanks, Tim
