{"id":948,"date":"2017-07-01T21:02:24","date_gmt":"2017-07-02T05:02:24","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/aksawmill.com\/wp\/?page_id=948"},"modified":"2025-04-24T12:46:37","modified_gmt":"2025-04-24T20:46:37","slug":"recommended-basic-timber-framing-tools","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"http:\/\/aksawmill.com\/wp\/ak-sawmill-site-your-home-for-alaska-sawmilling\/denali-school-of-timber-framing\/recommended-basic-timber-framing-tools\/","title":{"rendered":"Recommended Basic Timber Framing Tools"},"content":{"rendered":"

In addition to safety glasses and gloves, there are some simple tools that will make your first timber framing experience better. \u00a0At our TF class we recommend the following:<\/p>\n

12\"\"<\/a>\u00a0inch speed square<\/strong>.<\/h2>\n

Various prices. \u00a0The Stanley ABS square is about $13.00 on Amazon. Empire makes a really nice speed square in laser etched aluminum. \u00a0You will also want an aluminum framing square in your kit.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Combination Square<\/h2>\n

Prices and quality vary greatly. \u00a0If this is your first go at this, purchase an inexpensive combination square. \u00a0You are likely to find that a quality stainless unit is worth the extra money later. \u00a0Starret is a high quality tool manufacturer with a reputation for tools with lifetime value.\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/h2>\n

Mallet<\/h2>\n

A good mallet feels right in your hand when you heft it. \u00a0It should have enough mass to effectively drive your chisel into the wood you want to remove. \u00a0Both urethane and wooden-headed mallets can be found in our shop. \u00a0Both work very well. Rockler and Woodcraft are good sources for mallets.\"\"<\/a> \"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Framing Chisels<\/h2>\n

There are no finer, stronger, and reliable chisels than those forged by Quenton Barr. \u00a0You will want a 1-1\/2 inch and a 2 inch framing chisel. \u00a0In time, it becomes obvious that a Barr Slick is a wonderful \"\"<\/a>\"\"<\/a>tool to have as well. \u00a0Instead of driving the cutting edge into the wood grain, the slick is used by sliding it across the face of the wood. \u00a0When properly sharpened, the slick quickly pares the wood down in thin sshavings. The Barr Fat Boy slick is really nice with its curved cutting edge. \u00a0The straight slick is easier to sharpen and works easier when paring into a flat corner.<\/p>\n

Quenton’s tools are in high demand. \u00a0Order yours right away so you have them when you need them.<\/p>\n

Scoring Knife<\/h2>\n

A scoring knife allows you to actually cut the wood fibers and establish a line that shows the edge of \"\"<\/a> \"\"<\/a>the joint you are making. \u00a0Everyone has a Stanley utility knife. \u00a0As long as you pull the blade along the straight edge without wandering it works great. \u00a0The single side ground of a scoring knife works better as you have a flat face following your straight edge. \u00a0Bring at least a utility knife to class.<\/p>\n

25 ft Tape Measure<\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

A quality tape measure is more likely to give you and your working partner consistent measurements. \u00a0Pull your tapes out along a 16 ft. board and compare where the marks fall. \u00a0Discard any measures that fail to give you satisfactory measurements.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

12 Inch Stainless Steel Ruler<\/h2>\n

Perfect for measuring your heel depth and tenon sizes. \u00a0Probably one of the least expensive tools you will ever need!\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Cross Cut Handsaw<\/h2>\n

A discussion of crosscut saws can almost start religious wars! \u00a0There are advantages to both the English push saws AND the Japanese style pull cut saws. \u00a0Get one YOU like. \u00a0You will be making precision cuts to a fine line. \u00a0\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Optional Rabbet Plane<\/h2>\n

Wonderful for leveling and truing up the shoulders on a tenon. \u00a0Let us show you how to keep the cutter razor sharp and properly adjusted and you’ll enjoy using the special tool. \u00a0Some are priced very reasonably like the older Stanley and Record planes. \u00a0Some like the Veritas Bevel Up Jack Rabbet Plane are a little more expensive. \u00a0It’s a tool you’ll like having in your tool kit.\"\"<\/a> \"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n

\n<\/ins>