As I am about to begin work on a timber frame addition for my home (and being new to timber framing) I thought of using a router to make most of the joints (dovetails, mortise and tenons) A router is an accurate tool and with a long enough bit some as unskilled as me could mayb e make it work. Looking for thoughts on this idea.

Thank you,

Allen

You can use the router for housings but you can't cut very deep with it. I use a 15 amp variable speed with a 4" bit so the mortise could not be very deep. The more wood your removing the harder it is to do. You should still use a chisel to finish up. Use a straight ecde for your cuts close to the line and you can do the rest freehand. For mortises there are a variety of ways to do it. Some start by plunge cutting the mortise with a circular saw or a chainsaw with a carving chain,takes practise to become skilled) then use a drill and finish with a chisel or use a mortising machine. Tenons can be roughed out with the circular or chainsaw in the same way and finished with a chisel. Might be a good idea to take a course or get some help from a professional. There are also some very good books on the subject as well.

Best of luck on your addition!

Mark

I am also a beginner and just finished a 24' x 36' timber frame barn. I used a router with fixtures to make the large tenons and the sloped shoulders on the posts. This method worked well for me. The other joints (dovetails and mortises) were easier for me to do with a circular saw, 1/2" drill, and good chisels. If you're interested, I can supply more info and a url with some pictures. jekbear

[This message has been edited by jekbear (edited 09-27-2001).]

Allen, I am no expert on cutting joints with a router but, I think with a good sharp chisel and an 1 1/2 or 2" drill you will find that it is very fast. A timberframe workshop would also be helpful. Good luck, john