House ‘section’ layup in workshop

Here we have ‘slice’ of the house I’m working on, one of the five that make up this frame. In framing terminology, these are called ‘cross frames’ (XF for short). You may also come across the term ‘bent’, but that is American terminology.

This cross frame measures 5m wide and 6.5m high. Much of the timber (oak and sweet chestnut) here is partly dried, the main cross rail (central beam) has been air dried for at least 8 years and re-sawn to the desired size. Though costly, this will help reduce the impact of shrinkage once the frame is together.

This picture shows the connection between cross-rail and post, utilising a diminished housed tenon, which helps take the load of the floor above. This is further assisted with small curved braces.