I'm looking for a list of the preffered tools(traditional and modern) in the TF trade. I want to get into TF as a career, and need to start collecting the tools of the trade. Unfortunatly I can't afford to go out and buy all of the tools at once so I'll need to plan it out.

I guess what i'm asking is for anyones input as to what tools are necessary and where to look.

Thanks
Cole

Here is my list of tools used for timber framing.
I got this list and should give credit to Will Beemer executive director of the Timber Framers Guild.
I organized his list into categories and/or types of tools.
Many times people have asked me what tools do I need for timber framing?
Well most regular carpenter tools are used in timber framing and a few special tools also.

Here is the list:

Tools for Timber Framing

Layout tools

Calculator (construction type and or scientific)
Chalk line or ink line
Combination square
Framing square
Lumber crayons or chalk
Misc. layout tools: dividers, compass, trammel points, Big Al, Protractor square, parallel line layout ruler, etc
Pencils carpenter and regular
Plumb bob
Stair gauges
Tape measure (16 ft. or 25 ft.)
Utility knife

Hand tools
Awl
Block plane (sharp)
Boring machine & bits
Brace & bit (3/4" & 1" auger, and/or set)
Carving tools
Clamps (24" bar or Quik-Grip type)
Corner chisel
Crosscut & rip handsaws
Hammer (16-22 oz. smooth face)
Hand planes (rabbet, smoothing)
Levels (torpedo, 28 in. and/or 48 in.)
Outside dimension calipers
Sharpening files & Sharpening stone
Slick
Timber framing chisel (sharp, 1.5 in. and/or 2 in.)
Tool bag or box
Various size smaller chisels
Wooden or leather head mallet (2-3 lb.)

Power tools
Chain or chisel mortiser
Circular saws (7 1/4 ", 8 1/2", or 16")
Electric hand plane (4", 6" or 12")
Extension cord (#12, 25' minimum)
1/2" electric drill & bits (1" - 1.5" auger and/or set)

Personal Safety Equipment
Ear plugs
Hard hat
Job-site drinking bottle
Nail apron
Safety glasses & Sunglasses
Work gloves
Chaps (when using chainsaws)

Misc
Sawhorses and/or ponies

I hope this list is helpful to you for figuring out what you need in order to do your project.
Jim Rogers

This topic comes up on a regular basis...
try a search, either at the top of this page or from the tfguild.org home page.
Searching the forums and the guild site is a good thing, you'll always find more than you bargained for
-m.