Does it make sense to use an 8 inch jointer to true up the reference faces on the timbers for a frame? With a 72 inch bed, I suspect using a jointer could help made sure the reference faces were square and the timbers were straight.

I would use roller tables on either side of the jointer to help feed the timbers.

Square layout faces are of course better. -- so it can't help to try for them. Many framers are forced to simply pick the squarest corner that the sawmill has managed to produce and then clean things up with a hand held power plane. Even a large stationery planer won't square things up if the sawing isn't square.

How big are your timbers? Even with the roller in/out feeds I wonder whether you'll be able to force them against the fence to get a square corner.

Good luck, your idea is worth a try.

[This message has been edited by Brian W (edited 06-11-2000).]