Timber Framing Scissors Joint

Timber frame scissors joint, a type of scarfed joint used vertically when a post is being formed from two timbers or (more commonly) a rotten part of a post is being replaced. Like a double splayed scarf joint.
Comments, Likes and shares of my videos much appreciated.
Subscribe.
This is not a tutorial. Please do not copy anything I do.
Visit my website http:www.bespokebuilding.com

[@Gibson_Branch]

Of all the woodworkers on KZbin, I relate to you the most. Old skill saw, old hand saw, old tape measure... in a real life setting, not an air conditioned shop (office-like environment) with lights and cameras everywhere. Just a man and his well worn tools making magic happen! Very good stuff!

[@lefuedebout]

.... " Just a man and his well-worn tools "... yeah, especially that cheap and nasty rust covered hand saw he's got! Apart from that, he did well.

[@Fredwitrave]

Mouwveger.

[@jean-phillipegagnon2120]

Well yes and no not because it’s old gear that it makes you more skilled I grew up learning the old school way but definitely love the new stuff specially batterie tools

[@richardwalker1168]

That’s a larger skill saw for timber but still old. Lol. I like the old way of doing this and now it’s a popular thing that people want.

[@adamredden2007]

Just found him and thought the same thing. The old tape is what got me.

[@presidenttrump7470]

40+ years in carpentry , never heard of a scissor joint . But I won't forget it .

[@foxtrap8826]

Nice job. As a carpenter with 50 years under my belt, I appreciate stuff like this. Thanks.

[@davidquirk8097]

Man that is nice! A tight joint and the finest tool used was a saw. So much skill, you made it look easy.

[@gliddy6282]

Not for sure why someone would dislike this. It's very impressive. Good job.

[@katastrophenschutzwa]

Been a carpenter all my life and never seen that joint. Excellent work. Thank you for adding the video.

[@jimanderson9403]

An old school electrician I worked with as an apprentice in Chicago during the winter used to always tell me : "The 'heat' is in the tools kid" ! In other words get movin , get to work and the cold won't bother you. I saw about 3 layers of clothes come off of you before the t-shirt. The old guy was right. Nice work . "Subscribed"

[@WireWeHere]

Your thoughtful attention to volume is a good thing. Thank you. My As Seen on KZbin hearing protectors are certified for winter use only.

[@danawrigleywalkingstickand5677]

Amazing work. I watched this about a year or so ago for the first time and, when it came up in my recommended list today, decided to watch it again. It inspired me to give it a try the first time I watched it. I used the joint to attach the handle of a walking stick to the shank. I added some epoxy and a couple of cut-off nails just in case, but it turned out great.

[@keb1987]

That was one of the best videos I've ever seen... not just on carpentry... but, like, of all the things.

[@JFERGADIS]

You probably have seen very few videos

[@Patrick-pl8wv]

Beautiful job. First time I've ever seen a scissors joint made.

[@klmbuilders5385]

Traditional Japanese joinery! Impressive! I replaced a rotten lower section of 4 antique porch posts years ago by cutting the top of the lower replacement piece in a ^ shape and the bottom of the top section in a ^ shape. The idea was to keep it waterproof. At the time I didn't know about the joint you demonstrated here.

[@extreme.4576]

That's an awesome joint!!! Looked so simple done by a skilled craftsman!!! Beautiful

[@billyt53]

Great job and joint!! In all my working career as a carpenter and joiner, I have never seen that joint. Great work.

[@robertbrunston5406]

Interesting joint! I just recently learned about scarf joint Statement! I have into woodworking more than 40 years, finding out about joints I never knew about! Thank you.

[@brad_nailer]

Regardless of what you think about the joint, that was impressive work. Thanks for sharing.

[@mijodo2008]

Top job mate.😁😁. Very well done. It is good to see real carpentry skills nicely executed. Cheers from Michael. Australia.

[@charlesinscho8372]

That was awesome .ty good for extending timbers when yours are to short i will try this at some point thanks again

[@Mukundanghri]

I love everything about this man's shop!

[@packratpyro3771]

Nice work. I can feel the burn in my arm just watching you saw upside down. That joint would work well for marrying wood to concrete. Thanks for sharing.

[@francisbarnett]

+packratpyro I should of asked farther christmas for a new saw. Thanks for watching

[@mranderson4194]

@@francisbarnett You should have used your circular saw cut to depth with a guide or template. I use that cut technique quite often

[@joefoley1480]

@@francisbarnett yep nice rusty saw

[@chestermicek]

Form, function, & structure - fits all three: A+!

[@chrisbradley1629]

I must react to all the comments asking 'why bother?'. To me creativity is an end in itself, there doesn't need to be a reason to write a poem, compose a song, sculpt an ornament, or make a timber joint. To visualise something and then achieve it can give immense satisfaction. I was very sad when they took practical subjects out of schools for safety reasons, there are many skills that are easier learned when you are young.

[@simonmaxwell4771]

How long did it take to make, i know the video was 13mins long but I'm going to assume that there was a fair amount of editing involved.

[@chrisbradley1629]

@@fredgarvin9262.. some words can be very sharp...

[@CitizenAyellowblue]

Yes, you might as well ask “why bother breathing”?

[@NikLyons]

Never saw this joint before. Thanks and keep up the good work!

[@tonbrochs7774]

Thanks Francis for the video. Part of my job is the repair of Mallorcan shutters that rot from below. Up to now I was making a cut at 45 degrees by the healthy part, adding a new piece and, after making the 2 shrouds, I put a piece of wood to hold the 2 pieces. I think, this assembly is much harder than what I did until now. Thanks again.

[@ahorseman4ever1]

Nice job Francis, just the artistic value alone is awesome. In my projects I am always looking for ways to join wood, especially when fasteners are not needed. Thank you for sharing.

[@MrGeoffreySmith]

That finished up great. A really tight fit, by the looks of it. Well done 😀

[@francisbarnett]

+Mr Geoffrey Smith lots of bearing surfaces, thanks for watching

[@ronmitchell8929]

I've built homes 40 years and have never seen that. Nice work!

[@wessunde2801]

@@markcynic808 a cynic would say that, lol... it's been used for centuries in timber framing - and would last forever compared to a new beam that has a big knot in it... besides, 100 years ago people couldn't just going out to buy a longer beam, or maybe there weren't taller trees in the area...

[@markcynic808]

@@wessunde2801 A hundred years ago, used for centuries? Can you imagine the time it would take to make this joint without power tools, hardpoint saws and nylon rachet straps? It's too time consuming to produce and too weak to be used to span anything. This video is for demonstration purposes only. The resulting beam is only 7 or 8 feet long. A longer beam would be much more cumbersome. No constructor is going to waste time and effort making such a joint when long lengths of timber can be sourced easily and cheaply.

[@jasondoust4935]

Nice work, on a big ol' stick, too! (Oregon pine?) Last time I saw this joint in action was watching my uncle John build an upstairs extension with my dad, circa 1979. I miss them both dearly. Thank you.

[@cabinbills6743]

That was awesome ! Lot of work but great joint in the end

[@HBSuccess]

I've been at carpentry my entire adult life and have not seen nor used that joint- very cool, thx for sharing!

[@francisbarnett]

+Tioga Fretworks Thank you!

[@Gantzz321]

seen it used in Japanese carpentry many time, first western I have seen do it.

[@AJ-od7mv]

This type of joint on timber this large will hold no structural integrity. Which is why it's never used in the real world. It's purely decorative and creates a severely weak point in the timbers.

[@earthsgard]

AJ Ramos glued screwed and clamped over nite hold anything just depend on your application and where you you use it....

[@barbaradumez6473]

Tioga Fretworks AA

[@JDST-7341q]

Who disliked this? I have never heard of this type of joint. I thought it was pretty cool. Thanks for sharing!

[@skitzochik]

fitting those joints together must be a mean ass struggle to do alone. well done

[@Pantaneiro...]

Congratulations for your agility with woods, I saw this work and I did an equal, I did not have to buy another bigger wood, it was perfect, almost wonderful to yours I had never seen ... Congratulations thanks for the video ... I live in Brazil

[@boots7859]

No, no, no! Like all the armchair experts here, you and everyone else in the world is doing it wrong. The Right way is to go out and buy another piece of timber. /sarc

[@oldmanfromscenetwentyfour8164]

At this writing there are 399 dorks that gave this a thumbs down. "I would just buy another beam.", "Waste of time" or"I wouldn't trust that to hold up a house". The Chinese and Japanese have been using joints like this for more than 1,000 years. Their buildings last for hundreds of years and are earthquake proof! I would trust this over some toe-nailed, liquid nailed, metal Tstrap configuration. Are there other types of joints? Yes, this one is one just more in an arsenal of dozens. Also, if you had a situation that required longer beams than what was available, this would be a way to join them to make the joint almost invisible. OPEN YOUR MINDS!

[@123bugness]

A very simple scarf joint and he had to fiddle with it way too much to get it to work. Of course, this is only my opinion and we know how opinions are...

[@mikecuntala9675]

Old Man from Scene Twenty Four loved this video. I would also like to know more about these joints: better used with hardwood or softer wood or doesn’t matter. Does old growth hold up better as opposed to younger, commercially produced, hold up better under these joints?

[@chrissmith2921]

I think it's a post not a beam.

[@wessunde2801]

Pioneers used whatever trees were in their area- didn't matter if it was hardwood, softwood, old or new growth... and I didn't think many of them fiddled that much with trying to get it that perfect... and it was used for both posts and beams... On another note, he didn't show that it gets 2 through pins to hold it together...

[@tonyholt90]

That was very impressive, and loved the bit where you slowly spun the post! Excellent fit.. There's some impressive work I saw on a scarf joint on a 17th century mast. Impressive skills!!!

[@Adars-2sm57]

Salt of this universe -- like it - thanks for your video

[@doug8237]

Not what I had in my mind when I typed in “scissoring”

[@jamey1929]

🤣

[@camgreer]

I've gotta admit, it is oddly erotic when he slips them together.

[@bjo048]

good clean quick work never seen this before

[@BeADad2447]

Just incredible! Probably just 10 people on the planet that can do this!

[@wilbertcook5076]

Your a great Carpenter my brother. I have never seen a joint made like that. ✌🏻

[@taffytop]

Ive been a carpenter for 190 years but I've never seen this joint before.

[@777Looper]

Howdy old-timer!

[@alfredgigli4659]

Nice job. Quality Craftsmanship. Thanks

[@francisbarnett]

+Alfred Gigli Thank You!

[@prestonthomas9406]

Rare today to see someone with the dedication and skillset of this craftsman. Kudos

[@martinberry1040]

you are a flippin magician! Thanks for posting.

[@JeremyWWWWW]

This is great. Thanks for sharing. Wondering why you didn't use the circular saw for the final truing up of the diagonals.

[@eln74]

Tnx for this amazing video Mr. Barnett!! Happy 2018.

[@francisbarnett]

+Emmanuel Lopez Thank You!

[@Rubbernecker]

Really nice work! Great craftsmanship. Thanks for sharing!

[@francisbarnett]

+Scott K you're welcome

[@johnpartridge7623]

Very good workmanship & no crap music 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@sappernz]

Nicely done.I would have called it quits after the first fitting...

[@MarkJonesRanger]

Wow. Now that is a cool joint. Millennials would never go for this. It's not instant. It takes work and you have to be a craftsperson to do it. I am impressed. Makes me want to go out in the shop and make one. What a cool contrast with different types of wood. Wow!

[@caesar2164]

Funny, because I think the guy you just complimented might qualify as a millennial...

[@MarkJonesRanger]

I don't know. He is married and works and has skills. It could happen there is always an anomaly that defies numbers. GRIN! Google the Milliennial question on youtube it pretty much spells it out. I have built some pole barns and a hundred houses but never a joint like this one. HA! Great craftsmanship here. Poking at the milliennials for some fun just as they poked at us Baby Boomers.

[@chinaski2020]

You mean because he can do it he's not a true millennial? That's an utter fallacy. There are plenty of old farts wouldn't have the patience or the skill to make a scissor joint either.

[@caesar2164]

@@chinaski2020 you misunderstood, I'm saying that generalizing by generation is stupid. In fact, putting people in boxes in general is stupid.

[@chinaski2020]

@@caesar2164 I thought I was replying to MarkJonesRanger. I agree with you.

[@1982nsu]

This has nothing to do with anything but I just bought a vintage 10 inch circular saw at auction and it's a beast. Love it.😃

[@bongofly]

Liked this video before I even watched it. Best decision I ever made.

[@StreetKingz4Life]

This is a rare joinery technique,very nice

[@francisbarnett]

+Nature King thanks for watching

[@markduncan6690]

Perfect! Nice piece of work!!

[@francisbarnett]

+mark duncan Thank you!

[@richsmith9267]

Cracking bit of scissor action, very exciting to watch! Merry Christmas.

[@francisbarnett]

+Rich Smith the title got you, similar to your fav videos

[@justinmahar5208]

That's amazing joiner, thanks for the video mate. Great job.

[@brandonaustin6217]

Nicely done

[@SSMan-jo6tf]

That’s just BadAss for sure!

[@thompsoncarpentry5827]

We've used this technique on log homes. It's a lot stronger than I would've thought.

[@OutdoorExperience.101]

Nice joint, never seen before... Thanks for sharing! Happy new year!

[@francisbarnett]

+Fredy W. Many thanks, happy new year.

[@NorduvalDelmondes]

Chow parabéns amigo 👍👏👏👏👏👏

[@andrewsavage1872]

That circular saw tho!!!!!! I've got an old metal body too, but that one is damn cool!

[@brianpond945]

What model of saw is that?

[@steven6068]

Excellent craftsmanship!!

[@MrChipBryant]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge!

[@VikingRhys]

Hi Francis, good work, but I have a few questions, what would you say is the best way to apply this joint, as a vertical post under compression, or as a horizontal beam with a spread load over the whole length? Would you use it for both types? Also, if used on a horizontal beam, which way up would you put the joint cut, long diagonal cut top and bottom or sideways left to right, for getting the most load bearing strength from the beam? I see this joint being most useful for repairing and scarfing anything from doors to roof beams, although getting a really tight strong joint on big beams in situ could be more difficult. I assume that you would glue and draw bore the joint once it was a good fit?

[@deardeo8728]

Amazing and inspiration, new frnd like it

[@larryvanderschaaf8964]

oh my gosh! Rachet straps?? WHY HAVEN'T I BEEN USING THOSE?!!??!?! That's brilliant!

[@danimal3162]

That is a bad ass joint! Thank you for sharing!

[@DavidTheCarpenter]

That is a beautiful joint. I would have kerfed it with the power saw, flip and repeat.. I have some timbers around... Double splayed scarf joint, eh?

[@VikingRhys]

Yeah, agreed, have a look at my questions above, let's see what he says.

[@drymoonproperties]

Similar to a scarf but slight differences.

[@rla1000]

(7:00 Ah, that explains the electric tape repair to the circular saw cord). Really impressive technique. I'm sure I'll never have the need to join a couple timbers together like that, but who knows - maybe a couple of 2x4s.

[@1982nsu]

This has nothing to do with anything but I just bought a vintage, 1930s 10 inch circular saw at auction and it's a beast. Love it.😃

[@sethbracken]

Nice joint. Thanks for sharing. Merry Christmas!

[@francisbarnett]

+Seth Bracken your welcome merry Christmas

[@raymondsandberg8893]

Wow!!! Awesome workmanship!

[@kyoopihd]

That circular saw is a beast. I want one.

[@francisbarnett]

+Adam Grise I'm looking at getting the big makita beam saw, its got a16" blade. Thanks for watching.

[@koowaalskiopcje5576]

What is that saw?

[@69yenko65]

We shall call it Chuck Norris

[@Intense951]

I like it, properly diy. Basic tools and the world's biggest tool belt with nothing in it.

[@user-hd1qx2bd1r]

Yes World, Mr. B. is narrating in our silly-sided Canadian style, our earliest fore Fathers, in order to get through long cold winters, developed a sense of bring-it-on, why-the-heck not sense of humour. We do it coast to coast. On the other hand, I gotta say this centre screw pointy-thing joint, is fast, simple, effective, and cheap. With a couple of pieces of wood and three screws you got yourself a useable stud, for a cabin, shelving, ice-fishing hut, what have you. I had too much time on my hands, and took a circular saw and cleaned-up the butt-ends perfectly, and threw some wood glue in for over-kill, didn't really make it stronger, but it helped keep it plumb while framing. Good Video Mr. B. Thank You.

[@Will-tm5bj]

That's a big circular saw!! Holy cow. Cool joint too, I've got some short poles I might try this to make a little pole barn for the mower

[@grahamreeve673]

Inspirational, thank you.

[@IainMcClatchie]

This looks like it would be better than a scarf joint for a ship's mast.

[@francisbarnett]

+Iain McClatchie I guess a mast would be jointed with a comb joint and a modern adhesive commercially, not sure if I would ever try and scarf one myself! We never know how desperate a situation we can find ourselves. Thanks for watching.

[@smokingcheeba420]

That's gonna be a strong joint. Make sure your surfaces are contacting and glue the hell out of it.

[@andrewyork3869]

With a liberal application of epoxy I agree.

[@curtekstrom6600]

@@andrewyork3869 personally I would use a Urethane Adhesive. Depending on the exposure the timber will endure

[@wessunde2801]

It usually gets 2 pegs through it... pioneers didn't have adhesives available.

[@robertallen3631]

You are one hard working son of a gun. I'll bet you won all the shoulder punching contests with your cousins.

[@jameslucas6589]

Nice work. I love seeing traditional techniques done by skilled craftsman. I think you need to invest in a proper vintage rip saw though.

[@casycasy5199]

great job what angle did you use

[@francisbarnett]

I cut this at 25 degrees, thanks for watching

[@timmccoy4720]

Thank you for the lesson

[@pedroribeirojr]

It feels like a spiritual experience watching this.

[@francisbarnett]

+Pedro Ribeiro you're welcome

[@69yenko65]

I guess what else does a guy say to a comment like that 😄

[@CrimeVid]

Well in spite of a long (and no doubt misspent) career in and around woodworking, I have never seen that one before. Thanks for showing us.

[@francisbarnett]

+CrimeVid your welcome.

[@adamwilks]

Beautiful. Some great circular saw action. Great work.

[@1982nsu]

This has nothing to do with anything but I just bought a vintage, 1930s 10 inch circular saw at auction and it's a beast. Love it.😃

[@shexdensmore]

Have you ever considered learning Japanese carpentry techniques? Great video all around, this is truly a cherished skill.

[@Mach1Greeble]

They use sharp saws

[@rick91443]

Really enjoyed watching this...Thanks for putting up the video. Question: Now would you drill and hammer in dowels or nail, or leave it like this if used for a roof structure? cheers...rr

[@francisbarnett]

+Richard Rider I guess in practice once under load I would drill and screw this joint to make sure it didn't move. Thanks for watching.

[@scruffy6151]

Nice fit i like the way you fine tuned the joint. Merry Christmas

[@francisbarnett]

+John Huntington thanks for watching merry Christmas

[@jasonkumfer463]

I havent seen this joinery before. I love this!

[@francisbarnett]

+Jason Kumfer your welcome

[@ecalzo]

wow .. amazing

[@francisbarnett]

+ecalzo many thanks

[@hugobose2254]

joint looks good, why didnt you used the circular saw to help marry them up? would have been quicker

[@francisbarnett]

+hugo Bose the beams surfaces are not flat or true to each other so the saw wouldn't of sat against the sole of the saw. (Plus more traditional way of kerfing the joint) Thanks for watching.

[@luizrodrigues4539]

Parabens pelo capricho e por compartilhar uma grande idea 👍👏👏👏👏😀

[@mikebeasley553]

Truly amazed at how much resistance this joint has to being pulled apart.

[@s.harlee362]

Marvelous work fine-tuning the joint to reduce the gaps between the two pieces. If one half of the joint was tied into the structure from above because the bottom rotted out 1) how would you do that fine tuning in place (i.e. with it hanging from ceiling)? 2) would you dig a pit under the post to bring it up from under to assemble?

[@francisbarnett]

+S. Harlee yes normally if the bottom of posts have rotted out we would support the structure on props then dig underneath, fit timber work, pore new footings, build foundation wall, then lower timber structure onto new wall. Thanks for your comment.

[@1982nsu]

​@@francisbarnett I just bought a vintage, 1930s Black & Decker 10 inch circular saw at auction and it's a beast. I love it.😃

[@mikelacey9384]

Imagine how much more we'd learn if he spoke and explained 😂😂

[@yosserc]

I imagine you're American Mike. You'd be surprised how annoyed the rest of the world gets at the endless American yak, yak, yak! Silence is fine ... best even!

[@random4086]

Nobody need an explanation. The american style videos are very annoying because they have away to much details and explanation. Everybody got the idea, including you. All you have to do now it's to make it fit perfect. Have fun ;-)

[@mike4796]

Well done Excellent attention to detail

[@steviefordranger198]

Never seen that before, beautiful job.

[@clownshoesmma6249]

A tight fit is always nice 👍🏽

[@robertrobinson6785]

Every time he pulls the trigger my lights dim. Now that's a saw.

[@VikingRhys]

Yeah, there is a bigger one, type in makita 16 inch circular saw into Google images, it's been described as like holding onto a volksvagan car when using it 😂😂

[@10gallonhat76]

@@VikingRhys I've got one. Every time I bring it to the job, the homeowners want to take a picture with it. It is a beast.

[@VikingRhys]

@@10gallonhat76 very jealous, I want one lol, I have the makita 6 inch wide electric plane so I'd like the 16 inch circular saw to go with it.... Along with my sthil 880... 🤣 😅 Got to love the big tools innit

[@10gallonhat76]

@@VikingRhys One thing to think about is the Prazi beam saw chain attachment for circular saws. It is a cheaper option. I just got one but haven't been able to use it yet. It will make it's first cut next week.

[@wavehaven1]

That is ...cool !! Didnt hear any whining, that's impressive. Hard work nicely done.

[@simonabbott4430]

Excellent job beautiful joint thanks.