TIMBER FRAME: The Complete Video

Professional timber framer Scott Murray provides the commentary for an overview of modern timber frame construction. The viewer will become conversant with the methods and attributes of this ancient building method which now enjoys renewed vitality. Cameras document the raising of two homes. Also includes a brief history, lexicon of timber frame terms, joinery, a variety of finished interiors and historic replications.
A six-minute demonstration segment explains the steps for mortise and tenon joinery on a post and a beam with knee brace. (The finished do-it-yourself project is suitable for a mailbox or sign upright. A detailed printed plan is included with each video.)

A popular video in library and home collections. Used by timber framers to explain their craft. Shows how modern lifting equipment and CAD have enhanced the old building methods while retaining the hand skills and design integrity of a proven building system.

55 minutes VHS. Cat. AMTF.01. ISBN 0-9695907-0-9

COVERED BRIDGE: 400 Timber Framers Build a Bridge

A 120 ft. pedestrian bridge is erected during a five-day International Conference of the Timber Framers Guild of North America. Timber framers attending the conference bring their tools and volunteer their time and skills. A video chronicle of the building stages of the traditional "Town Lattice Covered Bridge".

Dramatic scenes as four hundred people raise the bridge trusses. Later they join forces to winch and push the bridge into position over the river. Details of building roof trusses and portals. Scenic views of finished bridge. There are more than 40 thousand board feet of timber in the 75 tonne bridge. Timber framers provide commentary.

The bridge -- a gift of volunteer time and skills -- is part of a recreation trail in Guelph, Canada. The drama of seeing time-honoured design and bridge-building methods as well as timber frame joinery. An homage to a major volunteer achievement. Of interest to builders, designers, engineers, timber framers, timber frame home owners, and those with an interest in historic replications.

55 minutes VHS. Cat. AMTF.02. ISBN 0-9695907-2-5

TIMBER FRAME: Barn Raising 1929

Archival footage of a traditional barn raising is followed by comments from three people who worked at the raising in July 1929.
A 12 minute silent film has been transferred to video. In recent on-camera appearances, elders recall the significance of the social event and the organization for the raising. 300 volunteers took part in the raising and fitting of the timber frame for the large barn. With pike-poles they push the massive timber sections up into place.

A timber framer discusses how timbers are re-used in new structures. A woman talks about her role in organizing and cooking for the celebrative meal. Men describe the physical work of raising the barn by hand.

The heritage of rural North America is captured in the archival scenes and in the personal recollections. The video is recognized as "a compelling, highly-presentable, and authentic depiction of an important and fascinating aspect of the rural...experience".

Of interest to timber framers, rural historians, and those with an interest in contemporary timber frame homes and structures.

24 minutes VHS. Cat. AMTF.03. ISBN 0-9695907-1-7