NWMT Cabin

[EL TATE]

considering you have the splitter inbound this is sort of a moot point, but when I was a lad living at home we had a firebox similar to Don's but inside. very small burn box with a larger external box and fan system plumbed into the hvac to circulate hot air. very 60's high tech. anyway, it was small like i said so any fire required extra splitting and for doug fir that is well seasoned, you really only need a good sharp axe rather than a maul, takes a lot of the strain out of it. i used a super old version of these newer german splitting axes where it's got a little wedge built into the face kinda like a hybrid, but in 5 or 6 swings i could take the quarters down to manageable size without breaking a sweat or messing up my rotator cuff.

[stlaser]

Ya know Tate, you make a lotta sense……

Frankly, it never dawned on me to try an ax versus the maul. In Indiana you wouldn’t dare try an ax to split hardwoods. The only ax I have is an estwing camp ax that actually lives under back seat in my truck. Maybe I’ll try that and see how it goes. Regardless, an ax is cheap and definitely easier on my not so young bones. 

[Flyin6]

Ya know Tate, you make a lotta sense……

Frankly, it never dawned on me to try an ax versus the maul. In Indiana you wouldn’t dare try an ax to split hardwoods. The only ax I have is an estwing camp ax that actually lives under back seat in my truck. Maybe I’ll try that and see how it goes. Regardless, an ax is cheap and definitely easier on my not so young bones. 

East wing makes the best hatchets/small axes in the world.

[stlaser]

Ya know Tate, you make a lotta sense……

Frankly, it never dawned on me to try an ax versus the maul. In Indiana you wouldn’t dare try an ax to split hardwoods. The only ax I have is an estwing camp ax that actually lives under back seat in my truck. Maybe I’ll try that and see how it goes. Regardless, an ax is cheap and definitely easier on my not so young bones. 

East wing makes the best hatchets/small axes in the world.

Agreed, will give it a try when I get back. Headed out again first of the week for a bit.

[EL TATE]

 

when you're a teenager i think you automatically qualify as the laziest person, so I guess i fit that "give the hardest job to the laziest person and they'll find the most efficient way to do it" trope. My shoulder and I just didn't like swinging the maul, and after i started sharpening the axe myself, life just got easier.

[JR]

Thats beautiful, wish I had a few more trees, but I don't have to worry about splitting wood at least.

[stlaser]

Couple updates, upon Tate’s above comment & after a little research I picked up a Fiskars x27 36” splitting ax. After my return from last Colorado trip 3 days ago I’m down to about half of the trailer still needing split and put up. It works well and makes easy enough work of the job. I’m definitely out of shape for splitting wood, mostly my hips bothering me from all the swinging and bending over I think.

When I returned I had a new lawn ornament



So this last Monday they opened up this holes and today poured the footer after forming it yesterday





This will be a 20’ x 12’ room off the rear of the detached garage. I’m going to build it out for my clean process ie: machining so the mill & lathe will go in here along with a couple work benches. Literally 30’ walk from my front door to this small shop. The concrete guys are also adding a sidewalk (from house to this shop) and a concrete slab in front of the garage while they’re here. The mini split I had purchased for my office in Colorado I brought up this trip. They are putting a small pad down for it and I will run two heads off the pump. One for the space we will finish above garage and this shop then too.

If I can get this shop closed in it will allow me to wire and insulate / drywall this winter. Along with getting those machines moved up here. Then spring / summer to start on larger shop is the plan.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[TexasRedNeck]

Phew…for a minute I thought you were burying H!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[stlaser]

Phew…for a minute I thought you were burying H!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Pretty sure if Ken stopped by these boys could find a place for her…..

[stlaser]

First Thanksgiving at the cabin, oldest had to work and couldn’t make it. People gotta have their $8 legal addictive stimulants infused with sugar……


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[JR]

Looks great, happy Thanksgiving.

Did you ever get that CNC working? Thinking of getting one again.

[stlaser]

Looks great, happy Thanksgiving.

Did you ever get that CNC working? Thinking of getting one again.

You as well.


No sir, still sitting in the box. Almost made its way up here last trip but I ran out of room.

[TexasRedNeck]

Congrats. Nice beginning to the new chapter.

Happy thanksgiving


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Atkinsmatt]

Great time I'm sure. Happy Thanksgiving.

[oklawall]

Looks like you were born to live in that area. Happy Thanksgiving

Sent from my SM-N975U using Tapatalk

[Bob Smith]

You going to set that pickup up with a jointed snow plow? Keep your place plowed out and hire out. Should be plenty of work clearing snow for people. Those smaller jointed plows can really get around in small areas.

[Bigdave_185]

Shawn what ya gonna get your girls for Christmas. 


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[stlaser]

You going to set that pickup up with a jointed snow plow? Keep your place plowed out and hire out. Should be plenty of work clearing snow for people. Those smaller jointed plows can really get around in small areas.

Thanks guys, bucket list item was this move.

Bob, doubtful but maybe on the fummins we’ll see but it is “the shop work truck”. I used to do commercial plowing in NE IN. First business I ever “officially” owned / operated. It was ok but not that much fun come year three-ish. I am going to buy a skid loader this coming year. I started watching auctions, good excavator friend of mine is telling me to hold off as the crazy prices currently he believes will come back some on equipment next year. I’m going to put the shop up myself and hire out the concrete slab only. Probably rent an excavator or mini for a week or two then can finish up everything else with skid loader.

[stlaser]

Shawn what ya gonna get your girls for Christmas. 


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Dave, funny you asked. The wife decided Dad is in charge and she wanted us to get them items of true value versus clothes they don’t wear and dumb stuff that doesn’t get used. We gave a lot away to Salvation Army when we sold the big house. I think she finally realized a lot of that isn’t necessary.

So I ordered each a 10oz bar of silver, I had been buying more physical this fall and decided to get them each a small bar. For the record we spend $500-$600 per kid each year. We also help out during the year with various things so I believe this is more than adequate come Christmas. Dad handed out a little cash last night so they could go shopping with Mom today for instance. We’re then giving them some cash at Christmas and each a fuel card. I think the wife is doing each a stocking with candy and various smelly liquids of some sort, ya know girly chit.

[Bigdave_185]

That sounds like a sound gift for kids

My daughter is hard to buy for as she doesn’t do much. Best I came up with was some dog toys for her monster ol English.
I like the silver idea!!!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[stlaser]

That sounds like a sound gift for kids

My daughter is hard to buy for as she doesn’t do much. Best I came up with was some dog toys for her monster ol English.
I like the silver idea!!!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

When the wife asked me what I thought was a good store of value I stated, silver, lead and guns…..

We’re paying for a wedding next year and making a large final contribution to the youngest’ college fund so pretty much meant guns and ammo were off this years list of presents.

[JR]

Buy tracked if you get one. Tires are OK but easy to get stuck, no flotation.

[stlaser]

Buy tracked if you get one. Tires are OK but easy to get stuck, no flotation.

I had one with tires, don’t recall getting it stuck. Sounds like operator error JR….. 

[Bob Smith]

You going to set that pickup up with a jointed snow plow? Keep your place plowed out and hire out. Should be plenty of work clearing snow for people. Those smaller jointed plows can really get around in small areas.

Thanks guys, bucket list item was this move.

Bob, doubtful but maybe on the fummins we’ll see but it is “the shop work truck”. I used to do commercial plowing in NE IN. First business I ever “officially” owned / operated. It was ok but not that much fun come year three-ish. I am going to buy a skid loader this coming year. I started watching auctions, good excavator friend of mine is telling me to hold off as the crazy prices currently he believes will come back some on equipment next year. I’m going to put the shop up myself and hire out the concrete slab only. Probably rent an excavator or mini for a week or two then can finish up everything else with skid loader.

I understand I guess. If you don’t like the work don’t do it. I really liked the snow and ice times of the year, never a dull moment. I bought 3 one ton 4x4 pickups and put sanders and Meyer’s hyd. plows on them. We were able to open roads that never got plowed in years past. Yes even though they were 4x4 rigs we still had to pull them back onto the roads from time to time with the graders or front loaders. Yes we knocked over some rotten mail box posts and a few signs but man we cleaned up lots of roads and the commissioners liked it. 

[stlaser]

Bob, I didn’t like waiting for it to snow and then see how much (enough to actually go to work?) For the most part I currently set my schedule, Mother Nature doesn’t so that’s a plus and I like my sleep / bedtime at this age.

One of my requirements for skid loader is enclosed cab with heat / ac so I’ll toss a blade attachment on it and do our driveway.

[JR]

Well, when I backed onto a spare tire, that is OE. If the ground is soft or slippery, hang on!

[Flyin6]

Aren't they called "skid-Steer" for a good reason

:-0

[stlaser]

Aren't they called "skid-Steer" for a good reason

:-0

^^^^^^^ good point ^^^^^^^

[stlaser]

Started forming walls yesterday, hoping to see some crete poured soon.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[JR]

Good luck on pouring in the cold. Hear that has issues.

[TexasRedNeck]

As long as it stays above freezing there’s not a problem


They poured my slab and parking area the morning it was 29 degrees. As soon as the temp went above 32 they mixed the mud and sent it to the job site.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[stlaser]

Good luck on pouring in the cold. Hear that has issues.

Not really, yeah it takes a couple extra steps but it’s not an issue overall. I did it on federally funded jobs (think lots of specifications) 25 years ago. If it was a huge concern I wouldn’t do it.

[stlaser]

As long as it stays above freezing there’s not a problem


They poured my slab and parking area the morning it was 29 degrees. As soon as the temp went above 32 they mixed the mud and sent it to the job site.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Technically it doesn’t have to be above freezing as long as ground below isn’t frozen. There’s a machine called a thawzall that can help with that.

[JR]

Just know you don't want it to freeze when curing. Should produce some heat, but.

[Bigdave_185]

We mix the mud with hot water of more calcium for cold weather helps it cure well enough then toss a few concrete insulated blankets over it

Hell we are pouring asphalt Thursday in 30 degrees

They have developed a product are testing for Ogden city. About 400’ of road and they are willing to work with us and the asphalt company to test it out.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[stlaser]

Just know you don't want it to freeze when curing. Should produce some heat, but.

They add calcium at lower temps and cover it with insulated blankets. The wood forms also insulate it. The calcium increases the heat in the concrete, it actually strengthens the concrete quicker.

[wyorunner]

We mix the mud with hot water of more calcium for cold weather helps it cure well enough then toss a few concrete insulated blankets over it

Hell we are pouring asphalt Thursday in 30 degrees

They have developed a product are testing for Ogden city. About 400’ of road and they are willing to work with us and the asphalt company to test it out.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Dave, what does a yard of Concrete cost in your area these days?

[Bigdave_185]

Last I looked it was just under $200 then you start adding hot water or calcium and it climbed in a hurry from there.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[TexasRedNeck]

Wow. Mine was $120/yd


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Bigdave_185]

Wow. Mine was $120/yd


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

How long ago was that, the pool area?

Shawn did you get a breakdown of your costs?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[stlaser]

Wow. Mine was $120/yd


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

How long ago was that, the pool area?

Shawn did you get a breakdown of your costs?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

No, it was expensive and I knew it would be but needed to get things moving. Honestly, I told the wife before I had it quoted the machine shop will cost us X and in my mind excavation and concrete came out exactly to what I thought it would be. Then I added other concrete work I wanted done completely blowing that original number. True story…..

[stlaser]

So on another front……. We have a Kuma wood stove in this cabin. It’s two years old same as the cabin. It reminds me of the antiquated Franklin wood stoves even though it is a catalytic stove with secondary air control. Best I was able to do with it on hot coals and full box was 6 hours. I’m accustomed to the quad fire unit we had at our farmhouse which would run 10-12 hours regularly. 

I had a friend with Jotul in Indiana and they loved it. My thought was those are 20 yr stoves and I can use the Kuma as a back up in my big shop once I get it built.

So before I made the trip down to Colorado last time I had inquired about a jotul F500 model with enamel finish, wife’s only request. This is a stove capable of accepting a 22”-24” log and heating a 2200’ sq ft home which is 25% larger than our cabin.

I was told upon my inquiry that the enamel finish had been discontinued (covid) I believe however Andersons out of Kalispell had a bunch on order and had never canceled the orders hoping they might start producing them again. When I initially called they had none at either location.

So fast forward as I’m driving south to Colorado I get a call that one is coming in and I’m first in line. I make deposit over phone and rest is history. I then setup a chimney expert to swap them out on 12/07/22 and he asks for pictures of current setup.

Day before I return home wife calls and can’t get stove to light. I tell her don’t mess with it just run mini split and electric heat backup.

I get home and glass door to stove is completely sooted up like no air. I then try to load it myself and I can’t get it to go either. So I start to take pictures and notice creosote on outside of the chimney



I thought that’s odd and take closer look. The stove pipe is upside down. Whomever installed this put the chimney in backwards. Closer inspection and I find this at the ceiling.



Apparently after speaking to installer via text on these log homes it’s normal to leave one section unscrewed in order to slip fit as cabin settles but again whomever installed this didn’t know to do that either.

Add to it we paid a home inspector prior to purchasing this cabin and other than some loose handrails and a leaky tub drain we were told it was a very solid home. Insert eye roll…..

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[TexasRedNeck]

Wow. Mine was $120/yd


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

How long ago was that, the pool area?

Shawn did you get a breakdown of your costs?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Nov of 2020

Shawn glad you caught that.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Flyin6]

Good catch on the chimney!

Concrete is around $150/yard around Northern KY without the fiber and no color, 3500# mix

[oklawall]

Good catch that could have gone bad in a hurry

Sent from my SM-N975U using Tapatalk

[Sammconn]

 
That’s a backwards chimney all right.
Good thing that got caught before something ugly.

[stlaser]

Day 2 of our first big snowstorm, they had called 8-14” and I believe we are at 18”+

It keeps coming and was supposed to have quit 2 hours ago already…..


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Sammconn]

I believe you’re officially in snow country now Shawn…
Gonna need a snowblower or two.

[JR]

Beautiful

[Nate]

I believe you’re officially in snow country now Shawn…
Gonna need a snowblower or two.

time to get you a little bigger one of these shawn