What do we mean when we say “Handcrafted Timber?”
Handcrafted means timber frames that are completely cut by hand using hand tools and power tools. It means trained craftspeople using tools to cut mortise and tenon connections. It means one company, one facility, one team of people who all put immense care and pride into their craft.
Why is Hand Cutting better?
According to Doug Friant, an owner of VTW, “One of the reasons why hand cutting is our preferred method, over say, a CNC machine is because the craftsperson working on the frame can see the individual characteristics in the piece they are cutting. They can take note of blemishes or twists, and bring out the very best in every piece of wood. A CNC can’t cut rough sawn timber. It can’t cut odd dimensions. Being able to adjust cuts for particular characteristics of the timber is what makes hand cutting so significant and what makes each timber frame unique.”
Will VTW ever utilize a CNC machine?
I can’t see that happening. We pride ourselves on producing custom timber frames. The nature of custom means that our craftspeople need to have the skills and ability to hand cut so that they can craft timber frames that may not adhere to cookie-cutter plans or sizing.
Is there any kind of frame that you can’t hand cut?
We use heavy timber for our frames, and those dimensions work well with hand cutting.
Have a custom timber frame project in mind? Contact VTW at [email protected]
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