Oxfordshire Woodland Group

When joining waney edge to waney edge timbers it is worth employing the double cutting method where joints are offered up for final scribing and fitting in situ.

The 2nd sidewall post is 8" wide and cutting a similar length mortice would result in a significant reduction in relish on the end of the cruck mantle [tie beam] -

- and so a short 2" barefaced shoulder has been cut to still provide support but reduce the possibility of breakout of grain on the end of the cruck mantle.

Once the profiled housing and tenon ends have been recut then the joint slips together and fits perfectly.

Ken Hume OWG

By late afternoon the whole of cruck frame No 1 was pulled together ready for drilling and pegging and fitting 2nd fix window frame.

The cruck frame will then be pulled towards the top of the framing floor to allow for cutting out the open cog mortices on the cruck feet. This will also help to create a bit more space towards the bottom end of the framing floor where the centre cruck will be laid out.

It is somewhat pleasing to being able to report completion of this cruck frame as this confirms that all of the joint designs together with layout & cutting techniques and assembly procedures have now been proven and thus progress rates on Cruck No 2 & 3 should improve.

Opportunities for regular volunteers to get involved still exist. In the first instance please contact :-

Ken Hume OWG