Oak Framing

Learn how oak framing achieves square, true joints by planing timber, marking faces and edges, and using double cutting or plumb bob marking out.

Keep oak timbers level and plumb by marking datum lines and returning them to the same position with a laser or spirit level, ensuring precise joints.

Reassemble the joint after trimming the tendon and pegging, then level and triangulate the beams, and finish with saw carving to achieve a precise, even-fit joint.

Inspect plumb, level, and triangulation, then use the offset picker to mark the draw on the tendon, assemble the joint to pull tight, drill holes, and insert temporary pegs.

Mark mortices on principal rafters by aligning pencil lines with the plumb bob, using dividers for prick marks, and squaring across to fit slope and depth.

Mark the peg draw and align joints with a 90-degree offset picker to pull them tight, drill peg holes through the tendon, then reassemble using datum lines and temporary pegs.

Mark shoulder lines on the rafters with pencil and a roofing square, cut the tenon, then shape mortises with depth and slope and drill peg holes to reassemble oak frame.

Cut the queen posts to length and form the tenons with haunches, then lay out mortises, drill peg holes, and reassemble the frame for a precise, tight oak joinery fit.

Assemble the frame, level the queen posts and joints against the rafters, mark and pare the joints with a saw and chisel, drill peg holes, and drive in temporary pegs.