Here's a couple of pictures of task models that Dan Brigham, Carpentry Apprenticeship Coordinator, Professor of Apprentice Carpentry and Building Construction Technician programs sent me showing the different types of traditional layout techniques that he was teaching Algonquin college carpentry apprentice Cody Malloch that is representing Canada at this years WorldSkills in Leipzig Germany. It's amazing that Cody at 21 years old understands the traditional layout geometry techniques to build these task models.

He would make an excellent Timber Framing apprentice.

WorldSkills Leipzig 2013 Carpentry Competition Training Task Models

That's awesome.

Hi Sim,

This appears to be a very complicated subject that is probably beyond the reach of most framers and I do wonder at times whether this pursuit of overcomplication is really necessary. For example the hip rafter is more usually set in the plane of the long wall roof -



- with the hip rafters then being the only rafters needing to be cut with birdsmouths.



I have added a link to your blog on the Harcourt Cruck half hip layout page on the timber framing section of the Oxfordshire Woodland Group Forum.

Ken Hume

Ken,

Great pictures of the Cruck Frame on your website. I Googled one+ them for other's to see.

Yes, the geometry used at the WorldSkills is complicated and beyond the ability of most carpenters. But I'm guessing that most Timber Framer's study traditional layout/scribe geometry and it should translate easily to the geometry used at the WorldSkills.

The US/Canada needs new young carpenters and if we can get the apprentices here interested in geometry so they can compete in the WorldSkills then maybe Timber Framing wouldn't die out in the next 20 years here, when most of the current Timber Framers retire. Or Pre-manufactured Roof trusses used on all the residential houses here.

Sim

Well said Sim -

It is only with this growing understanding in the wider world, that skilled Carpentry should and does require a deep knowledge base, one worthy of respect, that new blood will of sufficient caliber will join the fold.

Events such as the Worldskills Competition do help with that growing understanding.

Good stuff.

Will,

Billy Dillon is picking me up in Boston for the TFG conference in August. Are their any historic bridges on the way to Burlington Vermont that aren't out of the way of the main road we'll take?

Sim

The resource Mike put up is a great one, you will be able to use it to pick a few of varying truss types along the I-91 Corridor there in Vermont. You will also be able to use James' map to find your under realized examples there at home.

To answer your question directly, the two I mention in this entry - https://bridgewright.wordpress.com/2011/07/17/crossing-childs-living-legacy/ (use the search box there and you'll find more on the Contoocook RR Bridge) both are uncommon truss types and within a few minutes of I-89 here in NH, part of your probable route from Boston to Burlington.

After looking at the map, I guess, I should asked if there were any roads in Vermont without covered bridges. I think we only have two covered bridges here in California, but we have a redwood tree that you can drive thru.

Interesting stuff on your website.
“Très de Jupiter” (Bolt ‘O Lightning) Scarfs

Sim

Sim,

It will be good to finally meet you in person. We can have a roof geek sub-conference.

I've been following the Worldskills thing on Facebook a bit through some obscure Zimmerman sites.

You're certainly welcome for a tour of western Mass framing before or after the conference.

Brad