Hi Mark et al,

This thread is in great danger of getting out of hand.

You should cut all of your English tying joints tight using green timber and fit all pegs as if this joint would work perfectly now and evermore.

We know that over time it does not stay together as originally intended but it is doubtfull that you will still be hear when this joint needs a bit of reinforcing. When this time eventually comes a simple metal strap nailed to the side of the tie beam twisted through 90 degrees and bent over the wall plate is the standard solution. Probably up to 50 percent of old joints will eventually require this treatment but not all joints exhibit this tendancy.

Listen carefully to the advice given by Will Truax re the flow of grain at the post head to help avoid shearing down the inside face of the jowl.

You MUST fit the teazle tenon peg. When the cross brace is working in compression it will try to lift the tie beam thereby pulling this joint apart.

This joint design has been around for over 600 years and has a proven track record. It's aplication seems to be fairly peculiar to England and east coast North America with minimal use on mainland Europe where other systems are employed.

The English tying joint is part of a system of building and if you elect to use this joint then you should also be using all the other attendant frame design features that can be seen on typical English frames like cross sills, intermediate studs, etc. A pic n mix approach to timber frame design is unlikley to achieve an optimal result.

Regards

Ken Hume
visit www.kfhume.freeserve.co.uk