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Anybody use socket systems / lumber link style timber frame?

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mrtone

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 11, 2006
Messages
47
Location
Waynesboro, VA
Flipper:
I too am interested in the system and look forward to other's experience. I was even considering using it for a house. I like the open plans that are pictured in their website.
Hope you get some good responses.
 

ddjjeep

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 2, 2005
Messages
76
Location
NH
I am in the middle of building a shop using these kits. I have a thread in the photo section http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2069 and there is a thread in this section where Im looking for advice on framing my gable end walls.
As far as the kits go, Im very happy with them. the building went together nicely, and I did 90% of the work on my own (just had the help of some friends and a tractor to stand the frames up). I would do another building with the same system if I had the opportunity.
I strongly recomend reading and following the field manual that he provides as it outlines a few things that are easy to overlook and will cost you some time afterwards. I think the most important thing is preplanning and set up. Make sure you get your base plates exactly where you want them and have an order that you will assemble in...and the rest will come together easily.
I have a ton of pictures of what I have completed so far (didnt post many here) and Im still on the process of building...but can try to answer any questions for you.
Dan
 

gwp

Member
Joined
Jan 6, 2006
Messages
16
Location
NC
Im also in the middle of a project using this system (28x40). In the end it wasn't any cheaper than conventional footer foundation/stick framing but that wasnt my goal.

In my application I needed it to be high wind resistant (8x8 rough timbers to the roof peak and 8x8's down the center of the peak)... flood resistant (bulkheading w/ tiebacks and deadmen and 2x10 T&G around entire perimeter). I'm in a east coast hurricane zone.

The other bonus of this setup is having high clear span ceilings (interior ceiling height @ peak is about 24'), a Loft that spans 28' without support post, and a 15' high gable end door that eats into the gable wall above the eave height (something I couldn't have achieved with traditional framing without making the walls that much higher. Still have a ways to go but so far so good...
 

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gwp

Member
Joined
Jan 6, 2006
Messages
16
Location
NC
some pics of the I beams. They are w16/31 beams, ie 16" wide web @ 31 lbs per foot...840lbs a piece. Heavy rascals to get up in the air 12'. The loft will be 16x27 overall but kneewalled to give a finished area of 12x16.
 

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ddjjeep

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 2, 2005
Messages
76
Location
NH
GWP, that place looks great. I want to do the same thing for a loft, but havent found much info on getting the right size I beam for the span I need.
Nice work, I like the house too. Looks like you will be well prepared for any bad weather in the future.

*could you post a more detailed pic of how you atatched the I beam to your posts?
thanks
 

gwp

Member
Joined
Jan 6, 2006
Messages
16
Location
NC
ddjjeep,
I dont have any close-ups of the brakets that hold the beam but here is a pic from their web-site that gives a idea how they are mounted. As far as the beam size goes...I was given a size by the MFG (socketsystems) based on my span and use. I ran it by a PE (engineer) and they said it was more than ample for my purposes...overkill really. Your county may require an engineer stamp on the plans. I'd definitely check on that before proceeding. I'll try and snap a better pic when I get a chance.
 

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ddjjeep

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 2, 2005
Messages
76
Location
NH
thanks, I wasnt sure if you are using the brackets from their site, or something different. I was planning on talking to an eng. about it as well.
 

cpederslie

Member
Joined
Jun 27, 2006
Messages
11
Location
Duvall, WA
I am seriously considering using Socket Systems as well. I have gone so far as to buy the field manual so I can get more info. Still wasn't as detailed as I had hoped. For those that have gone with Socket Systems what did you use for plans? Where did you get them? Any problems with your local building authorities in getting permits or sign off? Any words of wisdom for a first timer?

Thanks in advance for your replies.

Chad
 
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PAToyota

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 20, 2006
Messages
4,366
Location
South Central Pennsylvania, USA
I've never seen that system before. From the pictures, it seems like they've done quite a few of them. But to me the connectors seem pretty light gage... With timber framing you're using 1/4" plate and up for the connections.
 

ejm1961Tbird

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 1, 2010
Messages
356
Location
Knoxville, TN
I am seriously considering using Socket Systems as well. I have gone so far as to buy the field manual so I can get more info. Still wasn't as detailed as I had hoped. For those that have gone with Socket Systems what did you use for plans? Where did you get them? Any problems with your local building authorities in getting permits or sign off? Any words of wisdom for a first timer?

Thanks in advance for your replies.

Chad

I just watched a You tube video about this system, then searched this site and found this old thread. Anybody got any new info or experience? It looks very interesting.
 

Benweins

Member
Joined
Mar 13, 2010
Messages
5
I attempted to contact them last week.. seems they are no longer answering emails or phone calls :(
 

thud

New member
Joined
Apr 7, 2013
Messages
1
I have also found that the numbers and e-mail address on socket system's web site do not elicit a response. Out of business I suspect.....
 

LS1MonteSS

Member
Joined
Dec 12, 2013
Messages
16
I tried calling three times this week and left three messages through the Web site. I finely called the engineer mentioned on the site and he says he is still in operation. I asked if they would tell him to clear his full voice mail box.
Does anyone know of anyone else making these brackets?
 

kbs2244

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 11, 2006
Messages
14,065
I searched "timber socket systems" and got at least 3 co.s

But I always concidered thsese things to be a excuse to not learn timber construction carpentry.
There are millions of 200 year old barns out ther that were built without them.
 

beduin

New member
Joined
Sep 11, 2014
Messages
1
Hey fellas ! kicking ideas around about building a real "mancave\shop" in the existing location of a lame joke of a shed......
As soon as I get started , you'll read it here !
Thanks for having me in the forum , lots of great projects here!:bowdown::thumbup:
 

S.Lotsbaich

New member
Joined
Apr 25, 2016
Messages
3
Location
Southwestern Michigan
I am looking for some help. Curious is anyone happens to have a copy of the Socket System field/Instruction guide manual?

I got an old set that was never assembled and I have been searching for the field manual that they send out to see if anyone still had a copy that they could send me. Currently they are not answering calls or emails and is why I am reaching out to everyone to see if anyone has a copy?
 
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