These are timber framing resources, including books and tools, that we recommend to our class students. Interested in learning to timber frame with us? Discover our upcoming class dates.
This post may include affiliate links which means I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.
The basic necessities for timber framing include:
- Tape measure
- Speed square
- Combination square
- Framing square
- Crosscut saw
- Rip saw
- Pencil
- Framing chisel (1.5" is most common)
- Sharpening media
- Hand planer
- Auger bit
- Drill
We haven't linked out little things like squares and tape measures, but this post has links to the tools we use ourselves and with our timber framing students.
If you have any questions, please stop by our FaceBook page and leave a comment or send us a message.
Timber Framing Books
Learn to Timber Frame - Will Beemer
This book is easy to read, includes tons of color photographs, and has step by step plans for building a shed/cabin.
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A Timber Framer’s Workshop - Steve Chappell
This book is a wealth of informatoin. It can be a little more challenging to digest than Beemer, but is a fantastic resource.
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Japanese Joinery - Dorian Bracht
If you want to learn Japanese joinery, this is your best option in the English language. Some of the diagrams aren't completely accurate, so pay close attention and do additional research, as needed. Overall it's a good resource.
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Timber framing Youtube channels to follow
Appalachian Wood (us) - https://www.youtube.com/@appalachianwoodhomestead
Mr Chickadee - https://www.youtube.com/@MrChickadee
Timber framing chisels
Barr 1.5" framing chisel. This is my preferred framing chisel.
Barr Slick (not critical but useful)
Robert Sorby 1.5” Chisel. This is the chisel used in class and it is tang style.
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Timber Framing Mallets
You can easily make one or buy a fancy one.
Here’s the link to a split faced rawhide mallet. Just make sure you get one that’s at least 2lbs.
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Hand Planes for Timber Framing
Jack plane - Stanley #5 is a good one. This is easiest to find affordably on eBay, but you might need to put a little bit of sweat equity into sharpening it. You can sometimes find this plane in a lot with others for less than you can find it solo.
Other planes, like a smoothing plane and rabbet plane, can be helpful, but aren't mandatory.
Hand Saws for Timber Framing
We prefer Japanese style pull saws. Western style says can work, too, if that's what you prefer.
Most Japanese saws available in the US are impulse hardened. This means they're basically not sharpenable at home. (They are, but you need diamond feather files).
These blades stay sharp for a long time and are replaceable, if needed. Our Z saw is used hard and we replace the blade every year and a half or so.
Crosscut - Z saw 333mm. This is a Japanese pull saw with an impulse hardened blade.
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Ryoba. This saw has a crosscut and a rip side. I've found this Ryoba to be reliable.
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Sharpening Stones
Sharpening stones are must have for your chisels.
DMT stone - Double sided coarse and fine. Make sure to avoid knock offs with similar names. I had a cheaper knock off once and the stone wasn't even flat.
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Circular saws for timber framing
In addition to a basic circular saw, you may also want a 10 ¼" one.
Skilsaw - 10 ¼" Circular saw is a solid pick.
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There are also Milwaukee and Makita options. We own the Milwaukee.
Prices fluctuate. Sometimes one brand costs less, sometimes another brand goes on sale or costs less.
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There are also 16” saws available. They are much more expensive, heavy, and difficult to handle. I recommend putting off this as a purchase until you decide you really need it. Borrowing or renting one may cure you of wanting ot buy it.
Auger Bits for Timber Framing
Wood Owl auger bits are the best. Don't waste your time with anything else!
I use the 1 ⅜” for the 1.5” mortises. Usually the 7” version is fine, but you may just want to spoil yourself and get the longer one.
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Chain Mortiser
Hitachi BC21SA. Check ebay, usually around $400-$600. The orange handle one is great because it allows you to move the plunger left and right without having to unclamp the machine. This is really handy to have, and the exact machine that I have.
If you want to mortise timbers larger than 7”, you’ll need to get the rods extended. A local machine shop should be able to do this affordably.
We've never had an issue with the power and don't use a converter.
New chain mortisers are in the $2000 range.
Power Planers for timber framing
Makita 6 ⅛" Planer. You could go with the 12" but this one will do about 80% of the work. Again, look on Ebay for something used if you want to save.
Makita 12 ¼" Planer. This planer makes life much easier for the larger beams but not a deal breaker to use the 6" instead.
Find used planes on Ebay to save $$$
I hope this list of timber framing tools and books is helpful. If you want to learn more about timber framing, be sure to join one of our weekend intensives!
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