Completed the first phase of the next timber framing project this weekend. Adding a bench to the mudroom section. Matching the shelf from earlier. The joinery on this build was significantly easier than the shelf (the diagonal brace on the shelf is one of the more complex joints to figure out in timber framing... No idea why I started with that).

These are the majority of the tools used for building the frame.

I feel I've become much better getting more accurate cuts with the handsaw and laying out my cut lines. This reduces the amount of work required with the chisel. The wood is very far from square or straight, but it's just a bench 🤷

Hogging out the open faced, crossing mortises on top of the legs is by far the hardest part of this build. Encountering cedar knots is a very unpleasant experience and slows the process considerably. Paying attention to grain direction is critical to avoid split outs. I had a few on this project as you can see, but once the bench top is installed most flaws should be well hidden.

The completed post just looks really cool.

Adding the first layer of the crossing tenons starts to bring the joinery to reality.

Had to pound in the cross pieces to join the two sets of legs completes the joint and really tightens up the whole frame.

The final dimensions are 24"x50"x18" for the frame with a 2" top yet to come. I'll likely end up lower the posts to account for the thick top plus leveling for the floor.