Which joint for a corner?

I want to frame a large tent. I can't figure out what joint to use in the corners. There will be a vertical post and two beams that meet. I have a timber frame book, but they never seem to show a one level frame. There will be two rafters in the interior, but not on the ends. I could rabit tow sides of the post and peg the beams, then put in struts. I just don't know if this is the right choice.

Maybe a tapered post which can accommodate two tenons on the top.

if the material is small in cross section, perhaps 2 posts, offset from the corner.

I've seen one way to do it, but I have never cut this joint, so I don't know how it would work, but here it is:



If you need a larger version I can email you a pdf of the booklet I got this drawing from. Just let me know.

Jim Rogers

See Jack Sobon's "Historic American Timber Joinery" book, which shows numerous plate-at-tie level joints. Available thru the Guild.

also available free of charge on the guild's website as PDF's, just nose around through the publications section and you'll find it. I could link it for you, but what good is a life of luxury anyway?

I've got the same problem, as of today. I've got to make a timber framed support system for a shed roof off of a garage. The roof will be conventional, but one one corner of the building is exposed, so I need to connect the plate with a gable tie at the same height. We're thinking maybe a gunstock corner post right now. I'll know more when I get the measurements.

Gentlemen,
Thanks for the help. I'm going to review the pdf and see what I come up with. If I get permission for the build, I'll let everyone know where and there will be video.