hey all,
I have an opportunity to build a bandstand...
the initial description is "a half circle bandstand"
I've been thinking how this could be done and wondered about building half an octagon....
are there existing tf bandstands that anyone knows of in this shape?

Why settle for an octogon? Keep adding sides ...
Are you thinking of making half of something similar to this Timber Framed Bandstand ?

thanks for the reply, Joe.
As I understand it the folks in madoc are looking for more of a bandshell, that is to say something that is open towards the audience.
That is why I wondered if it is possible to build half of an octagon...
I am thinking of a clear span 1/2 octagon with a boss pin -5 posts.
But there must be an existing timberframe bandshell out there somewhere?

Mark,

Sounds like a cool project. Do you know the width of the stage yet?

GH

originally I had mentioned the bandstand in penetanguishene(from the cover of the first guild workbook), which is 24x36. So I'm thinking a 32 foot clearspan would be good. perhaps I should draw out my idea and post it, although I am a bit turned off as far as original timberframe designs go these days, would rather work from a successful existing structure.

here is a basic plan drawing of the bandstand idea.
the bents are indicated by solid lines and the purlins are indicated by dashed lines.
posts are indicated by brown circles and my main concern would be the red circle. Is it possible to build this frame with no post at the red circle?

The half octagon I'm thinking would be done with either a post in the middle(the musicians would not like this) or use a boss pin with principal rafters coming in at different elevations. I realize I should be talking to an engineer at this point but wanted to throw it out to the group and see if anyone might be familiar with a frame like this.

Not exactly like that. But I have seen five hips meeting one another atop and braced to a decorative free hanging centerpost. (Sorry, no pics of this).
The connections were achieved with knife plates through bolted to the timbers.

btw, Joe, where in ontario are you located?

Mark, I'm not too far from where you built your skateboard park pavillion.
My involvment in timber framing and log building nowadays is limited to an advisory capacity ... helping figure out the strange and weird joints in complex roofs.

one more drawing....