The templates are provided within a box
along with the simple step by step instructions for Beamlock
pre-assembly and assembly.
Beamlock templates make the preparation extremely quick
as there is no measuring to be done.
Just choose the appropriate slots and holes for your
application, draw around the chosen mortises and complete
by slow, gradual routing passes until you reach the appropriate
depth.
Also, to help create a vertical saw cut to the beam,
clip and fix the beamcut template and saw following the
guide.
It's as simple as that!
Tools Required
Saw / Circular Saw
¼" Shank Router Bits 6.3mm for Beam Plates
7mm
for Braces
Cone Router for 45º chamfer
Rotary Drill 12mm wood drill bit
Hammer
Tape Measure
Beamlock Templates
34mm Spanner
Beam Template
Post Template
Beamcut Template
Preparation of posts and beam
Stage 1
Cut beam to required length: (you may not need to cut
the beam). Determine, by measuring between point A and
B and adding 28mm for the shoulders of the posts (use
the two part beamcut template if required).
Stage 2
Creating mortises in posts and beams:
Template kit is available to mark out the posts and beams to accept Beamlock
fixings. Fix template kit on beam or post end and secure. Draw around the
appropriate slots relating to the beam plate or brace. Remember to determine
the correct brace positions relative to window and door positions. The
braces can either be fitted to the front, centre or back face of the posts
and beams. Using a 7mm router bit, gradually route out one of the slots
marked A to a depth of 65mm (see template supplied).
With a 6.3mm router bit, gradually route out slots B to
a depth of 41mm. Drill out the appropriate holes C to
fit nail pegs for braces, ensuring that you drill from
the side closest to the groove for the brace. After routing ensure
all timber debris is removed from the grooves, any sawdust left in the
grooves will restrict the positioning of the beamplates.
Mortise A is created
using a 7mm router bit.
Mortise B is created using a 6.3mm router bit.
A Route to a depth of 65mm B Route to a depth of 41mm C Drill to a depth of 70mm
Stage 3
Beam 45º vertical
bevel:
After you have finished the appropriate mortises
for the beamplate and brace positions. Mark, using
template and cut the beam ends at 45º using
the cone router cutter.
Stage 4
Insert the beamlock fixings: A Beamplate: with the nib at top. The locking plates
are hammered in until flush. When fitting the beamplate
ensure it is struck at the centre point and not the
rounded sections. This helps the correct positioning
of the beamplate and will ensure the rounds are not
distorted.
B Cruciform: the cruciform is hammered into position
until the lower edge is 55mm above the shoulder of
the post as shown.
Stage 5
Finally, before building
assembly affix base plate to post: fix the base plate
into the hole provided at the base of the post, tighten
the top nut clockwise with a 34mm spanner for six
full rotations of 360 degrees.
