Starting with a basic overview on how to determine the forces one can expect a traditional timber frame structure to see over the course of its lifetime, the course focus will transition into sizing individual timber beams, as well as basic joinery and connection design. For a bit of practical tie-in, we will also (individually or in pairs) design a basic timber frame joint, calculate its allowable design strength, and then actually cut it. We will follow this up by busting the joints by pulling them apart using a hydraulic load frame, with friendly bragging rights awarded for the best prediction of strength and best capacity. Experience in design or fabrication of timber frames is not required, but basic math skills will be handy. There will be something to learn for beginners up through experienced framers.