Timber Frame services we offer all our customers.
 |
Oak timbers from mills in Pennsylvania and Ohio and Douglas Fir from the west coast are stacked in the shop ready to be milled into a frame. That's what we do, mill Timber Frame structures to become homes around the country. We accommodate most any floor plan with one of our many customized designs. |
 |
Timbers are milled on a joiner built in the 1800s for the Bessemer Railroad. This tool is very unique to our company. Saw mill timber most generally hook and bow; this joiner allows us to straighten and square the timber prior to the layout. Unlike a four sided planer which follows the contour of the timber, this joiner brings it back straight and true. |
 |
After the timbers have been straightened and squared on the joiner it's off to the layout line. Using computer drawings, we scribe into position all the mortise cuts, hole placements, tenon cut lines and housings. All the timbers are cut using hand tools, chisels, saws and drills as opposed to the new modern computer cutting machines. |
 |
Using a chisel to add relief to the tenons allows for that super tight fit we are looking for in all our work. This is where the hands on approach makes the difference. Every cut on every piece gets that hands on attention by the timber wrights of Atlantic Timberframes. Much pride is taken to make all the joinery fit like the piece of furniture that it really is, a one of a kind creation. |
 |
This picture shows the tool making all the hardwood pins for the frame. All the joinery is secured into place using these pins. What you're seeing is a square stock going in and round stock coming out with plenty of chips flying. This tool allows us to adjust the size of the pin to fit the hole with the correct tolerance to fit the pins securely into place. |
 |
The wind braces used in the frame are generally made from 3'' x 6" stock. Tenons are cut on the braces allowing for a 1/2" relief to trim the mortise pocket enhancing the beauty of the brace. Embellishments, such as curved braces and chamfered edges, add to the frame's aesthetic appeal while reflecting pride in our quality workmanship. |
 |
After all the mill work is complete the timbers are stacked on stickers to control the movement of the timber. These bundles represent one Timber Frame home. Once the foundation and deck are completed at the site location we begin the finishing process. The router work is now done for the first time, all four sides on the timbers are chamfered and rounded. |
 |
Next the frame is sanded for the first time, then worked with the router again to sharpen the lines. Timbers are now oiled for the first time and allowed to dry. After drying they are sanded and oiled a second time. Bundles of timbers are then loaded on the semi-truck where one happy truck driver sits ready to deliver your home. |
 |
The crane off loads the timber bundles at the site and pre-assembly of the bent profiles begins. The foundation, back fill, and installation of the first floor decking will be completed by the general contractor prior to delivery. The general contractor is building your house with Atlantic being one of the many components involved in completing your home. |
 |
The crane now raises the bent profiles into place. This is where we separate from old school. This crane is taking the place of many men, but a safe way to work. We also work along with the general contractor or home owner in the advisor capacity where we assist you or the general's crew to erect the Timber Frame. As soon as the first bent is set in place it's time for the second. |
 |
With the second bent in place the crew now installs the connectors at the 8' level. These connecting timbers also support the loft joists. All the post connecting joints will be set into housings with radius braces at each post adding to the strength and beauty of the Timber Frame. Mortise and tenon joinery is now secured together with the hardwood pins. |
 |
Several hours later the fourth bent profile is standing with connectors in the first two bays and one of the reverse dormers set into place. With all going well its not uncommon for the crew to off load and pre-assemble the bents the first day and by the end of the second day be well on their way to finishing the super structure for this home. |
 |
Here stands the Timber Frame in all its beauty. It's hard to see the frame get covered at this point but its time for the enclosure with structural insulated panels, conventionally insulated. Most generally SIPs are used for the insulation wrap. We work directly with most panel manufacturers and will assist you with that choice. |
 |
With a pine brow hung from the gable end, Atlantic heads for home and the next Timber Frame project. At this point the panel crew from the panel manufacturer arrives at the site with a semi-truck loaded with panels. The crane is again used to off-load the panels and set them into place. Panels are most generally pre-cut from the manufacturer for greater efficiency. |
 |
Now that you've had a chance to view our services, it's time to pick a design for your home. Using your ideas, pictures or plans, Atlantic will work along with the general contractor, the design architect and yourself to design a Timber Frame home that meets your needs as well as the needs of all that are involved with building it. |
MOST HOUSES CAN BE DESCRIBED---
TIMBER FRAME HOMES
MUST BE EXPERIENCED !!!
PROUD MEMBER OF: |
|
 |
|
| GALLERY | SERVICES | PRICING | CONTACT | HISTORY | LINKS | HOME |
|---|
Atlantic Timberframes 571 N. Stone Base Rd. Mercer, PA 16137 |
||