Star Hill Timberworks

06/23/2026

prime day deals...today
makita 7104L chain mortiser https://amzn.to/4oLWxoM
16 5/16 skilsaw https://amzn.to/3QU3qI9

06/22/2026

working on my personal tool setup today.

step 1 is simple: make sheaths and determine the general space for each tool. once the layout feels right, i'll move on to foam inserts and a dedicated toolbox.

sometimes organization starts with slowing down and deciding what belongs where.

06/22/2026

first peg hole.
https://youtu.be/uESxbzJLCMM

for drilling through timber
wood owl 1" x 18" bit: https://amzn.to/3QSh2DL

for cleaning up the backside and/or drilling tenons using the housing holes as a guide.
wood owl 1" x 7 1/2" bit: https://amzn.to/3SWCTuf See less

06/22/2026

first peg hole.

most students arrive convinced timber framing is something other people do.

then they drill their first peg hole.

one operation at a time, a pile of timbers becomes a timber frame and uncertainty becomes confidence.

this student is using a 1" wood owl bit and peg drilling jig during a recent star hill method class.

you do not need another video.

you need your first timber frame.

september registration is now open:

https://www.starhilltimberworks.com/event/the-star-hill-method-foundations/

06/21/2026

starting to organize my personal tools. step 1 ... made holstex sheaths today.

06/21/2026

diminished edge housing.

3 clean cuts.

This temple saw sequence shows the shoulder cuts that establish the housing before waste removal.

Watch the complete tutorial:
https://youtu.be/mp6l32rTiJQ

Ready to build your first timber frame?

https://www.starhilltimberworks.com/event/the-star-hill-method-foundations/

06/21/2026

why are we hammering on a timber?

because a timber frame doesn't assemble itself.

this wall plate is being brought fully home during assembly before the raising.

watch the full video:
https://youtu.be/kqauVp7G0uM

ready to build your first timber frame?

https://www.starhilltimberworks.com/event/the-star-hill-method-foundations/

06/20/2026

06/20/2026

diminished edge housing in 3 cuts.

simple, repeatable, and easy to lay out.

watch the full tutorial:
https://youtu.be/mp6l32rTiJQ

10-1/4" skilsaw:
https://amzn.to/4b1C8WZ

06/20/2026

small imperfections create big gaps.

that's one of the reasons we test fit before a timber frame raising.

a tiny bump in a mortise or a little waste left in a corner may not seem important while cutting, but once the frame comes together those small errors become visible.

for many students, the test fit is where the light bulb goes on.

it's a lot easier to fix a problem on the ground than in the air.

ready to build your first timber frame?

join us this september for the star hill method: timber framing essentials.

registration is now open:
https://www.starhilltimberworks.com/event/the-star-hill-method-foundations/