Just so you'll have it, I have this list that I got from the guild many years ago, about the tools needed for timber framing.
I have organized it into sections:
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 (Borneman Layout template)
Pencils carpenter and regular
Stair gauges
Lay flat timber framers layout Tape measure (30 ft)
Utility knife
Hand tools
Awl
Block plane (sharp)
Boring machine & bits (1 1/2" and 2" bit) and maybe even a peg hole bit.
Brace & bit (3/4" & 1" auger, and/or set)
Clamps (24" bar or Quik-Grip type)
Corner chisel 3/4" to 1"
Crosscut & rip handsaws
Hammer (16-22 oz. smooth face)
Hand planes (rabbet, smoothing)
Levels (torpedo, 28 in. and/or 48 in.)
Outside dimension calipers
Inside dimension calipers
Sharpening files & Sharpening stone
Slick 3" or larger
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
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 or other apron
Safety glasses & Sunglasses
Work gloves
Proper work boots
Some of the items on this list may answer some of your questions.
One timber framing school instructor once told me: "there is nothing wrong with a sharp chisel." That was his answer to the question of "what brand to buy."
It really doesn't matter the brand as long as the chisel is sharp and can "hold" an edge.
1) the length of the handle is a personal preference thing.
5) I have one but mostly I use an antique boring machine. If you can afford one and want to use it then buy one. In a production shop it can be faster. On site without power a boring machine can't be beat.
Good luck with your research.
Jim Rogers
