Best Wood for Timber Framing: Top Tools and Guides for Builders
Timber framing combines traditional craft with modern precision. Selecting the right hand tools and reference guides can improve accuracy, safety, and finish. Below are four carefully chosen products that support timber framing work—from durable chisels and large corner chisels to a robust handsaw and a comprehensive joinery book. Each item is selected for reliability, build quality, and practical usefulness on real-world framing projects.
| Product | Brand | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Arno 467863 Solid Steel French Timber Framing Slick Chisel 35 mm | Arno | Solid forged steel, 35 mm wide, 14″ length, RC 58-60, PVC dipped handles |
| Robery Sorby 287 1” Heavy Duty Timber Framing Corner Chisel | Robert Sorby | 1″ blade, 9-3/8″ blade length, 9-1/8″ Ash handle, 18-1/2″ overall |
| KAKURI Timber Framing Saw 14″ Anahiki | KAKURI | Large pull saw, rough woodcuts, designed for timber framing, high-quality Japanese steel |
| A Timber Framer’s Workshop: Joinery & Design Essentials | Fox Maple Press | Joinery and design guidance for traditional timber frames |
Arno 467863 Solid Steel French Timber Framing Slick Chisel
The Arno chisel is designed for demanding timber framing tasks. Its 35 mm width provides a broad cutting edge for clean mortises and joints. The tool is forged from a single piece of steel, enhancing durability and resistance to impact. A 58-60 Rockwell hardness at the cutting edge ensures a long-lasting edge, while the ends are left moderately hardened to reduce the risk of shattering on impact. The PVC-dipped handle improves grip and control, reducing fatigue during long framing sessions.
Robery Sorby 287 1” Heavy Duty Timber Framing Corner Chisel
This corner chisel is built for large-frame work, enabling precise cleaning of deep mortises. The 1″ blade offers substantial removal with controlled accuracy. The 9-3/8″ blade length provides leverage for hogging out material, while the 9-1/8″ Ash handle delivers comfort and stability. An overall length of 18-1/2″ helps reach deep joints. Traditional bolster, double steel hoops, and a leather shock washer contribute to durability and user comfort during extended use.
KAKURI Timber Framing Saw 14″ Anahiki
This Japanese pull saw is designed for rough woodwork typical of timber framing. The 14″ blade is large and efficient, enabling fast cuts on timbers, beams, and logs. Made with high-quality Japanese steel, the blade features a rust-resistant coating suitable for outdoor work. The pull-cut design offers precise control and cleaner cuts along the grain, reducing tear-out on large framing components.
A Timber Framer’s Workshop: Joinery & Design Essentials
This resource compiles joinery principles and design approaches specific to traditional timber framing. It covers essential joinery types, layout planning, and practical applications, making it a useful guide for builders who want to refine their craft and ensure accurate, durable connections in timber frames.
Buying Guide
- Tool purpose and material quality: For framing chisels, look for solid forged steel, single-piece construction, and edge hardness around RC 58-60 for durability.
- Blade size and handle comfort: Wider blades offer faster material removal on mortises, while comfortable handles reduce fatigue on long sessions. Consider PVC or other grip-enhancing coatings for wet or sweaty conditions.
- Specialized versus general-use tools: Corner chisels and large handsaws address specific framing needs, whereas reference books provide design flexibility and deeper technique coverage.
- Maintenance considerations: Japanese steel often delivers sharpness and corrosion resistance; keep blades clean and dry to extend life.
- Safety and compatibility: Ensure tools are appropriate for the timber dimensions you typically work with and that handles suit your grip preference to minimize slips during work.
In timber framing, a balanced kit increases efficiency and accuracy. The selected tools cover cutting, cleaning, and design planning, offering a well-rounded starting point for craftsmen building traditional frames or blending modern methods with classic joinery.