Author Topic: My Cabin Build/Reno (Read 60855 times)

Sammconn · « **Reply #300 on:** May 14, 2022, 10:08:14 AM »

Welp.
Another year, another project.
Part of my time stranded this spring will be used to do a couple projects that having the hounds around for would be tough.

First up. Get that water tank into the cabin.

To bring everyone up to speed.
It was brought into the sunroom through a rough window opening last year. Has sat in the way ever since.

As the work continum goes, work begat work.
Moving things out of the way in the sunroom followed by cedar removal. Revealing the ever sickening reddish colour of the original.

Then had to gut the old bedroom. Out with the frame all the crap under the bed. All of it.

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Sammconn · « **Reply #301 on:** May 14, 2022, 10:14:13 AM »

So the room was emptied of all but the batteries and inverter. All in the box and their connecting means.

And this is where the work conundrum begins.
You see the flooring in there is 50 cent junk that we used just to clean up the floor years ago.

Welp follow along as work begins.

You can see the two types on the left. Well not much of the oak like but it’s there. Removed the joint and unkeyed the planks that had to come out.

Moving along.

And somehow I was able to rekey it all and voila part one of the work conundrum completed.

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Sammconn · « **Reply #302 on:** May 14, 2022, 10:16:44 AM »

Now time to open the wall.

A bit odd framing technique, but I’ll it will still come out and fit the tank.

Somewhere along the way this came into the cabin.

And like normal for me.
I didn’t take pictures as I was givin’ er.

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Sammconn · « **Reply #303 on:** May 14, 2022, 10:22:32 AM »

At this point the work conundrum got me again.
There wasn’t room to get the tank in and keep the battery box.
So out came all the batteries, tank in, wall closed back up.
So with the cabin power off, solar disconnected work began in the dark. First step was mailing the paneling back on. Then position the tank. Then battery rack and batteries.

Then all my per work and planning came in.

New cables fed, inverter and charge controller relocated and connections being made.

Power back on and time to clean it up now that it is completely visible. But that will come later. For now it’s been a long day. I must have my Friday nite pizza and a beer or two.

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Sammconn · « **Reply #304 on:** May 14, 2022, 10:34:21 AM »

Shoot.

Just realized I didn’t document the 2kW change.

The original 1060 watts of panel.

And original CC.

Old panels removed. Three new 2 x 6” verticals and horizontals added to the new dimensions.

And like that 1980 watts of panel up.

Voltage check is below the threshold of smoke for the new charge controller so it’s go time.

Gold.

New charge controller.

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JR · « **Reply #305 on:** May 14, 2022, 01:40:45 PM »

Nice job, just deep cell batteries for now?

Also see you are just using a regular inverter with a separate solar controller. Just wondering if you chose that, is what you had or otherwise.

Sammconn · « **Reply #306 on:** May 14, 2022, 02:31:57 PM »

Quote from: JR on May 14, 2022, 01:40:45 PM

Nice job, just deep cell batteries for now?

Also see you are just using a regular inverter with a separate solar controller. Just wondering if you chose that, is what you had or otherwise.

When I started this all out I wanted speparate pieces.
So if one part failed the rest still in operation.
I found this inverter and it has some really good operation parameters. Like -20.
As the place wasn’t/isn’t always heated that was an important parameter.

Now since going to the new controller I’ve been down a few rabbit holes.
I’ll be acquiring a Victron multi plus at some point and putting this inverted as a backup.
Will still be seperate CC and inverter, but charger will be integrated.

JR · « **Reply #307 on:** May 14, 2022, 03:34:09 PM »

I have been looking at the GroWatt setups. 48v input. I have four 12v/200ah batteries now (Lipo)

http://growattinverters.com/Off-Grid-Storage-Inverters/44-622.html

Bob Smith · « **Reply #308 on:** May 14, 2022, 08:19:22 PM »

As fast as things change in this arena I am waiting to do anything. I don’t have an area where I can get full sun all day and unlike a lot of areas we have plenty of cloudy days to upset the apple cart.
Heat pump system yes, PUD for power yes, for now I can live with that.

Flyin6 · « **Reply #309 on:** May 15, 2022, 10:39:11 AM »

Big bunch of work
This man never sleeps!
Like that floor

Sammconn · « **Reply #310 on:** May 15, 2022, 12:56:47 PM »

Well shoot. While looking at ice pictures I stumbled across a couple other things I accomplished this past week.

First was the building of the new battery stand.
As I’m using lead acid batteries, having them warm is important for capacity. Since I generally have the place warm or make a trip to warm it, having the batteries in an insulated box was counterproductive.

So on to a rack I went.

I am slowly using up all my salvaged material and this old stand was part of the build.
I cut off the feet and bottom section for legs. Added them to an angle perimeter and made the rack.

Added some new paint to put the lipstick on the pig, added 3/4” plywood base and called it done.

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Sammconn · « **Reply #311 on:** May 15, 2022, 01:01:06 PM »

And much to my dismay and to my procrastinations credit I had to do some work on the pizza oven.

I talked to my concrete guy to discuss what I did wrong. Have a plan for the next try.

So….

This happened.
And I’m glad I did it. Took all of 15-20 minutes only to smash it out.

At least I kept the forms too (didn’t get them to the burn pile). Pays to be doing too much at times I suppose.

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JR · « **Reply #312 on:** May 15, 2022, 01:40:37 PM »

Cold cement?

The batteries are in the house right? What about fumes?

Sammconn · « **Reply #313 on:** May 15, 2022, 02:48:22 PM »

Quote from: JR on May 15, 2022, 01:40:37 PM

Cold cement?

The batteries are in the house right? What about fumes?

No I was a little too dry on the mix, did not have quite enough water to fully hydrate.
Then didn’t mix it long enough.
Then didn’t vibrate it together well enough.

So a few issues.

On the battery fumes, there is a window in the room that opens to the sunroom.
Exhaust fan out there if need be.
To be honest the only time I’ve ever smelled them was a I was experiencing battery failures last summer. As they dropped a cell they really took to boiling.

Sammconn · « **Reply #314 on:** May 15, 2022, 02:59:38 PM »

Oh yeah, another little project on the go.
Buddy a few cabins down inherited some 90-100 foot hydro poles. Cedar ones.
So he sold the sawmill he had a tad faster than planned and had to cut in haste. Well as the saying goes, haste makes waste.

Am me being stupid, err frugal brought a bunch of the junk pile home.

So I got busy with a skillsaw and table saw.
And quickly ran out of ambition, but not before making some useable stuff.

All at rough 2X at the moment.
I’ve brought out my bandsaw to do more this summer. Not getting stupid without ER access.

Used one chunk as a live edge project.

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Sammconn · « **Reply #315 on:** May 20, 2022, 04:34:51 PM »

I had to run the charger for a few hours last week when it rained for two days off and on.

So with the electrical all changed it came to light that the charger output cable was undersized. At least to me it was, as it got hot! Like checking it every 10-15 minutes hot. Now I could still touch it, and Lester has been around forever, but too hot for me.

Staring down a second day of rain or snow tomorrow I’m expecting to need it again possibly.

So out it came, tore apart, and the suspect cable removed.

The original was marked as 12awg but seems too small next to the 10awg I’m replacing it with. If I get bored I might pull out my wire mic and measure it but I doubt it.

It is a very robust charger and added ring terminals and redid the connections.
For those wondering it is a Lester E series, 24 volt smart charger. For floor washer machines and the like.
Will do a test run but suspect it will not be hot now.

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Sammconn · « **Reply #316 on:** May 21, 2022, 09:27:19 PM »

So to not let any grass grow under me today I started to tackle the uneven crib and decks.

There was a time not many years ago these were all level and even. The yard drains to the junction of the side deck and walkway and flushes soil out the bottom onto the lake.

So I had to dig out rock. Yes rocks again today.

And I popped the deck out with the big bar. Still not so good.

Time for some sketchy stuff.

Tie quad to tree…this is smart right…

Press the go button.

Voila.

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Sammconn · « **Reply #317 on:** May 21, 2022, 09:31:34 PM »

So now I’ve got some digging to do by the looks of things.

Grabbed four eight foot two by six and made some legs to cantilever the first section over and off the winch.
I then attached to the left section and winched it out of the way as well.

It was at this point I began looking for shovels.
Couldn’t find any. Phoned HH6 and everywhere she tough no go. We came to the conclusion that I’ve worn out and broke them all.

So off to my buddies cabin to borrow his.
That resulted in an island tour to check on ice and ended my day.
Not a lot done, but hey I’ve got a bit of time on my hands.

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JR · « **Reply #318 on:** May 21, 2022, 09:36:19 PM »

Nice work. Funny, when I saw the dock with the rock work. The uneven panels got my eye too.

Sammconn · « **Reply #319 on:** May 22, 2022, 11:32:37 AM »

Well. I started digging in the mud and quicksand to get the end of the crib down another 3-4 inches.

I found ice.

So this may take a couple days to accomplish.
I was able to get clearance under most of the crib beam so with a forecast in the mid 60’s there is hope.

Here is where I believe the undermining is coming from. I see this as the drain for the yard.

And a bit of a profile of what need to be removed.

And the quicksand like clay.

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Flyin6 · « **Reply #320 on:** May 22, 2022, 04:17:54 PM »

I have real-live quicksand in the small pond. There would be no way to get out of that if you weren't attached to something. It's clay-ish but your first step into it you are knee to crotch deep. While you wiggle or make any movement at all you get deeper and deeper. I tried to dig that crap out with the excavator, but no-joy. I went down 6 feet or more and just stayed in it. That's where I dug up that huge snapping turtle. To this day if I manage to get it uncovered while messing with the skid-steer where I covered it in dirt on the slope of the dam, I am stuck.
Maybe some hippies will decide to go swimming in there some day and just like that, we'll have fewer democrat voters.

Sammconn · « **Reply #321 on:** May 23, 2022, 10:07:24 AM »

Did some more slopping at the crib. Can’t call the goo I was removing digging. The sun got into a few more inches, made melty of the surface ice and turned it into a slurry of sorts. You can see it running into the holes at the edges.
I did however get the top clearanced three more inches and the darned thing ain’t dropping.
I will leave it be as I suspect Jack Frost has a part being played.

I am debating embracing this drain. I have pipe here and am debating driving it out to shore. Then add some excavation and ballast and pour cement. Just not sure all the effort will survive the freeze thaw cycles. So I’m pondering that for about another day. This needs to dry out regardless before I can dig any further.

So off to the next project.

Time to reform the pizza oven base.

As I got to this point HH6 needed to talk…
Then didn’t answer…
Anyhoo, grand baby is coming.
She’s a leavin’.

And yes I crushed most of the old concrete to rubble as well. Couple more chunks to bust up but nearly back to gravel…

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Flyin6 · « **Reply #322 on:** May 23, 2022, 10:39:33 AM »

So, all that timber, and concrete, and blocks being carried out there on your boat?

You are on a complete island, right? No land bridge/road at all?

JR · « **Reply #323 on:** May 23, 2022, 11:20:59 AM »

Anything for pizza!

Sammconn · « **Reply #324 on:** May 23, 2022, 11:27:23 AM »

Quote from: Flyin6 on May 23, 2022, 10:39:33 AM

So, all that timber, and concrete, and blocks being carried out there on your boat?

You are on a complete island, right? No land bridge/road at all?

It either comes via boat in summer or via sleigh in winter. (Spring for normal folks)
Winter is much simpler as you can deliver it to where it needs to go.
Summer you have to wrestle it in and out the boat, the go where it’s needed.

The Timbers all came on a sleigh. Just can’t find the pictures of when. Mama likely has.
That was a load, Timbers and at least a lift of 8 foot 2 x 6 amongst all the rest of whatever it was.
I do remember the trailer was covered nearly completely about 3 feet high.

Bigdave_185 · « **Reply #325 on:** May 24, 2022, 09:33:06 PM »

Have you ever used your pickup truck to take stuff out In the winter ?

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Sammconn · « **Reply #326 on:** May 25, 2022, 10:37:29 AM »

I don’t. Some do.
Usually I don’t have the time or need when it can happen.

Snow depth on the ice is an issue, so generally by the time it’s down I’ve already hauled.
I NEED to empty trucks and trailers asap for ADD reasons so when I get home I haul.

I don’t ever ‘plan’ it for good times either.
And until recently, we’ll even still, I can not replace MY truck with the same thing.
I have no use for the gadgets it has, let alone all the new crap.
So it doesn’t go on ice.
That’s a me thing, as it’s totally good to go for a long time generally.
Another factor is I can’t get up to the yard either, so I’d have to haul on sled regardless.
This is probably the biggest reason to be fair.

Bigdave_185 · « **Reply #327 on:** May 25, 2022, 03:55:09 PM »

Quote from: Sammconn on May 25, 2022, 10:37:29 AM

I don’t. Some do.
Usually I don’t have the time or need when it can happen.

Snow depth on the ice is an issue, so generally by the time it’s down I’ve already hauled.
I NEED to empty trucks and trailers asap for ADD reasons so when I get home I haul.

I don’t ever ‘plan’ it for good times either.
And until recently, we’ll even still, I can not replace MY truck with the same thing.
I have no use for the gadgets it has, let alone all the new crap.
So it doesn’t go on ice.
That’s a me thing, as it’s totally good to go for a long time generally.
Another factor is I can’t get up to the yard either, so I’d have to haul on sled regardless.
This is probably the biggest reason to be fair.

Fair enough. I hadn’t given thought to the amount of snow that would sit on the lake, or the snow pile at your property that I’m sure is feet not inches like we get here now

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Sammconn · « **Reply #328 on:** May 25, 2022, 06:02:59 PM »

Well. Today I needed to get some concrete placed. There for the cement heads I said it the way you say it supposed to be.

I’m inside a week to get home likely and need to tend to this better this time than last.

Not a lot of pics as I poured this between two meetings this morning in just over an hour.

I hydrated it slightly more and vibrated it in hopefully enough.
Couple hours of set up and not quite ready to finish.
It’s now floated and brushed where needed, covered with packing blankets and wet. Should be good.
Zero beers involved this time around and I think I’ve got a winner. Will unwrap the package next week.
It’s been raining off and on since I poured it so had to get it covered as soon as I worked it.

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JR · « **Reply #329 on:** March 20, 2023, 11:55:00 PM »

You finish this?

Sammconn · « **Reply #330 on:** March 21, 2023, 02:54:50 PM »

Quote from: JR on March 20, 2023, 11:55:00 PM

You finish this?

Sadly not finished yet.
Life and other events got in the way.
It is on the docket as the only summer project this year so plans are to have it up and running by end of July...
We shall see.

JR · « **Reply #331 on:** March 21, 2023, 02:59:59 PM »

Cool, I know how life gets!

Let me know when your up there, maybe we can meet up?

Sammconn · « **Reply #332 on:** August 17, 2024, 11:38:18 AM »

Well, it’s been a minute since I posted anything here.
Not a lot of change here per se.
Been enjoying life.

However.
With the sunroom rebuild we lost the greenhouse.

A spot was started a couple summers ago, then last year cleared and then we bought the retirement hide.

Fast forward to last weekend and it all started.

Totally dropped the ball on any progress pics to this point.
But it is framing up on the trees.

Floor for a small she shed in the back and the back and two side walls up.
I’ve got glass from old sliding windows that will go on the two wall openings.
All the OSB sheets are salvage from shipping boxes so free. My kind of price. For that matter the 2 x 4 all is as well.

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Sammconn · « **Reply #333 on:** August 17, 2024, 12:56:19 PM »

Today got the mid wall and front wall framed up and connected.

It’s time now to figure out fill and leveling as the walls are six inches off the moss at the front.
Loads of work…that’s what I see.
I do at least have gravel literally to the left front corner so at least it’s close…

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JR · « **Reply #334 on:** August 17, 2024, 01:45:53 PM »

Dry poor concrete?

Flyin6 · « **Reply #335 on:** August 17, 2024, 02:11:51 PM »

Along the wall on the cabin, are those Hosta's growing??

Kind of look like them, but I would never have guessed they would survive so far north.

Bob Smith · « **Reply #336 on:** August 17, 2024, 08:01:41 PM »

Hostas Don’t do to good here, the darn deer think they are really good to eat. Looks like you have lots of room to build there Sam. Gravel makes really good finish fill. Spreads easy and easy to finish off the grade.

Sammconn · « **Reply #337 on:** August 17, 2024, 08:23:14 PM »

Quote from: Flyin6 on August 17, 2024, 02:11:51 PM

Along the wall on the cabin, are those Hosta's growing??

Kind of look like them, but I would never have guessed they would survive so far north.

Not hostas, there are some irises, some pink flowers, and a couple rhubarb plants. I suspect that’s what you’re thinking may be the hosta. I want to say hostas can’t do the cold here.

Sammconn · « **Reply #338 on:** August 17, 2024, 08:27:06 PM »

Quote from: Bob Smith on August 17, 2024, 08:01:41 PM

Hostas Don’t do to good here, the darn deer think they are really good to eat. Looks like you have lots of room to build there Sam. Gravel makes really good finish fill. Spreads easy and easy to finish off the grade.

Yes we’ve got lots of space.
I have a yard or so of 3/4 down left from previous projects.
It’s good to have around for sure.
It’s currently going to only shore up everything.
I’m unsure of “fill” plans for inside.
I want to do raised beds so there will be work to do there too.

JR, could do dry concrete, but I didn’t clear the peat, grass, roots and all that.
So, it’s going to shift and settle some.
I may do that in a couple years however once it stops moving.

Sammconn · « **Reply #339 on:** September 03, 2024, 10:07:11 PM »

Well been a day or two.

Got a bit more pushed along. But not a lot.
My bones and connective stuff are all giving me fits this past week.
I’m blaming this dang phone and a couple games I get lost in at times. Pure time wasters. So. If things improve I can use my time more effectively.

Tennis elbow has gone from right to left arm.
As of Friday past my right wrist went into limp mode for lack of better term. Can grip not cannot push or apply a lot of force.

So I cut wood on the mill…

Two weekends ago made some progress however.

I’m sheathing it in with my free wood. Greenhouse 1 point oh was way too hot all the time. I have glass to film the side openings to some degree, two big windows for the front openings and translucent panels for south facing roof slope.

I did get started on the trusses, but gave up with my NS arms…

Didn’t pic any of the cut wood but it’s just boards…

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JR · « **Reply #340 on:** September 03, 2024, 11:20:00 PM »

Getting there. Dang getting distracted is easy.

stlaser · « **Reply #341 on:** September 03, 2024, 11:34:01 PM »

I feel your pain, my right knee is about 95% currently. Every day seems slightly better. But then last week I decided to pick up a 14 bolt 10.5 off the skid loader forks and just walk it about 15 foot to a set of stands in behind another axle I was working on. No shafts, pinion, carrier or ring gear just the housing w/ hubs and no brakes. 200# ish I think? Pulled my lower back and I didn’t bend over or twist or anything stupid even. Gotta stop lifting chit I guess.

Flyin6 · « **Reply #342 on:** September 04, 2024, 09:54:08 AM »

Sam,
That 2X4 on the back wall is all crooked...get that fixed, soldier!
;-)
Good progress, and I love seeing you build out your space on the northern frontier!
Gotta come to visit that place one day!

Oh, and another thing...I had the same thing going on for years. This joint then my foot, then my knee, back right shoulder and everything else hurting.
But we are soldiers, and we just suck it up and continue the mission, right?
Well, it turns out to be an auto-immune disease, Rheumatoid Arthritis in my case.
Question: Do you have frequent gout? Like several times a year?
Anyway, there are blood tests. The ones that determine if there is a hidden inflammation battle going on are very telling.
Not sure how Canadian medicine treats this, but I know a great...REALLY GREAT doctor down here, and you could stay in a buddy's house in Kentucky while visiting...Just sayin'

JR · « **Reply #343 on:** September 04, 2024, 11:15:31 AM »

Hell, I just flat out hurt all over sometimes. Just enough to keep me awake mostly. Tell you what though loosing 30lbs really opened my eyes. Kinda stuck there but that helped so much.

Flyin6 · « **Reply #344 on:** September 04, 2024, 03:23:17 PM »

Quote from: JR on September 04, 2024, 11:15:31 AM

Hell, I just flat out hurt all over sometimes. Just enough to keep me awake mostly. Tell you what though loosing 30lbs really opened my eyes. Kinda stuck there but that helped so much.

Very good point. With age, we seem to constantly add on weight. When I lost 30-40 pounds last year, I felt so much better. Keeping it off seems to have "re-normalized" my body. America is so overweight and eats so poorly. Getting back to your fighting weight serves to highlight that. You look around at this sea of "Weble-People" all of which seem to be sick or lame or something. You want to scream, "Lose some weight, will ya!"

JR · « **Reply #345 on:** September 04, 2024, 03:59:38 PM »

About another 50 and I'll be good. My habits have really changed. Soda is my downfall. I drink lots of water.

My daughter has something going on they are trying to track down, She's lost over 20 and looks to thin.

I know this is about the cabin but we always DOT something.

Flyin6 · « **Reply #346 on:** September 04, 2024, 04:03:44 PM »

^^^^^^^^^^^^ Sam, forgive him, as he repents and no longer DOTs up your thread.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

JR · « **Reply #347 on:** September 04, 2024, 04:10:17 PM »

BULL

Sammconn · « **Reply #348 on:** September 07, 2024, 03:31:46 PM »

ROFL…gotta see DOT’s somewhere…

Chief, no gout. Not yet anyhow
I do feel it is arthritis for sure.
I hope it’s not RA…you’ve been beaten on hard with it.

Sammconn · « **Reply #349 on:** September 07, 2024, 03:59:39 PM »

So it was cool last weekend again.
50 ish in the cabin Saturday morning.

Went to light a fire and found an intruder…

He has been in here a while…and I’m intrigued with what would possess a squirrel to climb 5’ of chimney…and impressed.

So needless to say, he was cremated…lol.

A nice sunrise the other morning also.
Fog rising off the warmer than air water.

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