Time estimation

[addicted]

When it comes to planning, how does one estimate the time it would take to cut their frame? Let me know what level expeience we're dealing with so I can convert that to inexperienced. i.e 3-4 times longer.
Thanks
Rusty

[witterbound]

One day per major timber, I'd say.  Doesn't actually take that long to do layout and cut the joinery, but there's a lot of other time in a frame.  Storing timbers, sorting timbers, handling timbers, planing, sanding, trial fitting, drilling holes, etc. 

[kfhines]

I timed my self on this plate nearing the end of my first project, with layout and cutting all the joint it took 9 hours. Not a speed demon  by any means. The step lap rafter seats took the longest to do. Oh yah, no power tools.

edit: see pdf attachment

[bigshow]

hard to say.  I like were witterbounds head is at.  Including kneebraces, I had about 400 pieces in my frame (i know I ordered 206 timbers - many of which multiple pieces were taken from one stick).  Took me basically 9 months.  I work a full time job - so this was after work, 4 weeks vacation, and weekends.  This was also 100% outside with no shelter in brutal summer and a worse winter.  If I could've done it in a barn or shelter with light at night - cut that time by a good 1/3 - 1/2.  I'd say I did about 30% of the joinery alone.  I did have my wife, dad, and brother in law at my disposal for alot of it.