I will be cutting a 36x28 unplaned white pine
frame in June/July, and will want to apply some
kind of sealer/finish to it. Once cut, the frame
will sit for about 2 months before I have the
opportunity to raise it.

Questions:

1. I've only seen a few items on the web about
Land Ark, but they all appear to be positive. Any
further testimonials, or cautions?

2. When should the finish be applied? Immediately
after the joinery is completed? A few days before
the frame is raised? If applied immediately after
cutting, will they collect dust/bugs during the
two months they sit (covered) before raising?

3. I assume that even though some of the posts and
beams will only be visible on 2 or 3 of the 4
sides, the finish should be applied over all of
the surfaces?

Thanks for any input.

if you are leaving the frame rough then dirt and bugs will be on the timbers no matter what...is this for a house?
-Mark in Ontario.

I meet a fellow at Heartwood Timber Framing School this week who soke very highly of Land Ark.

In one of Tedd Benson's fine books, I read that if you finish all but the sides that will be hidden, that it will increase checking on the hidden side and decrease checking on the sealed visible sides.

I have no first had knowledge about this, but it sounds logical. Coming from Tedd Bensen, I'd be tempted to bet my life on it!

Enjoy,

Joel

I just finised a 8 by 16 Douglas Fir frame (pumphouse) for which the timbers were freshly milled when I cut the joinery. For end sealer, I used Baileys end sealer, www.baileys-online.com. It does it's job better than any other end sealer that I've seen used. I also used it inside all mortices.
I worked outdoors for this project and if I was in the sun cutting joints I could hear and see the checks developing but if I stayed in the shade then the timbers remained stable. When the frame was done I used hot linseed oil for coating the surfaces -- that worked well to control checking too. Now that the frame has been standing -- roofed but unenclosed, I am happy with the end sealer but need more coats of oil. Good luck.
Anthony