Hi Jim and all:

Great response Jim but I have just one last comment about the corner joint.

Could you tell me why in the majority of cases that the historic frames that I have examined use a half lap fastening on the corners, rather than just relying on a 2 " tendon to hold things together.

I always used the half lap connection because it was what was used in all the original structures that I reproduced , and it seems to me that the half lap would be stronger equalizing the relish left on both timbers

What do you all think

NH