Timber Framing Is Back: Front Girts, Sharp Chisels, and a Warm Weather Window

Gentlemen, the snow finally melted and we’ve got a short stretch of unseasonably warm weather—so it’s time to get back on the timber frame. In today’s video we jump back on the frame to work toward weathering-in the front wall. I sharpen up the chisels, get the drill and timber screws ready, and start hand-fitting the front girts and header. The material for these girts is something special: 400-year-old old-growth Doug fir (CVG)—dense, tight growth rings, and absolutely beautiful to work. Because of the moisture and humidity, the wood has swollen a bit since last summer, so what used to fit doesn’t fit the same now. That means careful layout, a little planing, and slow, clean hand work to get everything seating properly. What we’re working on: Touching up edge tools and stropping for a clean cut Pre-drilling and fastening girts with timber screws Cutting to length, test-fitting, planing, and notching Hand-chiseling and letting in girts for a tight fit Prep for the final piece before we move to rafters (tomorrow) If you enjoy traditional hand tool work, timber framing, old-growth lumber, and practical shop videos, you’re in the right place. Thanks for watching. May God bless you and your families.