Would appreciate thoughts on the following:
1) Which is better, drawboring or using comealongs? Argument for drawboring: It will keep the joint tight as timbers shrink. Arg. for drilling through when joints are drawn tight with comealongs: they are as tight as with drawboring. What's right, and which will be better in preventing joint failure? Which will loosen less? Which will split tenons less?
2)How does this sound for a built-up wall: drywall, vapor barrier, 2x4s 24" oc nailed horizontally across posts, extruded polystyrene mounted tight between 2xs, 2" of isocyanurate on outside of 2xs, strapped by 1x3s into place, mosture barrier, 1" diagonal boards nailed into 2xs and screwed or spiked through into posts, shingles. Total thickness to outside of boards, 8 5/8". Spikes or screws would have to be 2"-3" longer to penetrate posts. 4 3/8" of the thickness would be supported by a 2x12, leaving 4 1/4" (isocyanurate, strapping, boards, shingles)to be supported by 2" of XPS on outside of foundation. Too much unsupported?
3) Does RF drying actually dry to the centers of the timbers sufficient to eliminate shrinking? Thanks for any assistance.--Al