I've long since wanted to do some timber framing work and I've decided to start by framing the roof of a stone barn I'm restoring.
The barn is in a remote location. There is power, but I primarily use hand tools there. It's hard to get tools there, and storage space is an issue right now.
Timber framing doesn't seem particularly tool intensive, but I'm kind of kicking around some ideas for how to do the mortises (1 1/2" size).
A chain mortiser is of course an option, makita being the most obvious. What size chain would you suggest? Anyone bought chain mortisers used? Is it worth the risk or better to just go new?
Drilling and chiseling is an option and I'm wondering if this approach makes the most sense for the scale and location of this project. I don't enjoy mortise work, but the compactness of the tools is tempting.
Anyone use the woodowl self feeding forstner bits (perhaps with extension for deeper mortises)? https://www.timbertools.com/WoodOwl-...d-Wood-Boring/ Or are the auger bits a better option? https://www.fine-tools.com/auger-bits.html
Is something like this ZOBO system worth considering for the mortises? https://www.timbertools.com/ZOBO-Cen...lling-Systems/
What type/size of drill would be the recommendation to pair these bits with? Freehand or build some sort of guide?
A vintage boring machine looks like an intersting neander approach, but as with most antique tools of late - the prices are ridiculous.