Jim,

Thanks so much for the information and suggestions. I have been searching the forum. I found a thread
that you posted to from years ago on joint placement over a post concerning the force/stress points.
Looks like the joint should be located at some point next to the post. I had thoughts about losing some
strength by cutting half the beam away like you stated. When I had looked at scarf joints in some old
barns in my area most of those seemed to be over the post so I guess I thought that was ok.

I think I will need two joints as my span will be 35’. I don’t think I can find a beams long enough
to make it with one joint. Do you know if two joints would be an issues? Maybe I will need to
move the joints just past the post towards the center of the 14’ section?

Thanks again for your help!