Work-Bench Progress

Apparently the parts fit. I need to cut the support joists, peg all the joints, and then deck the bench.

Cutting Work Bench Posts

I spent the afternoon and cut a couple of posts for my work bench project. Below I've included a set of photos that shows how I approached cutting this post.

I needed to make a through-mortise. The first step was drilling holes. So, I set up the beam machine with a 1 1/2 inch bit.

The first holes are drilled about 1/2 way though the beam. I stared with the ends of the mortise. The mortise is scored with a razor-knife so that the edge stays clean.

I hogged out the two inside holes. Again, I only went about 1/2 way though the beam.

I repeated the process on the other side so the holes went all the way through the post.

A 1 1/2" framing chisel and corner chisel was used to clean up the through-mortise.

Checking the fit of the mortise with an 1 1/2" tongue of a small framing square.

Cutting the tenons on the top of the posts.

Working on a housing. This is where a cross beam will join the posts. The housing accounts for differences if the width of the wood and provides some support for the cross beam.

The posts are complete.

Saving Oliver

McGowan Snowshoeing

Man, what a beautiful day for a snowshoe trip. Yesterday, the temperature was in the 20s, there was no wind, and the sun was warming things nicely. I parked at the state property located on Horseshoe Road, loaded up my pack, and made the trek via snowshoe to our cabin. I think the path is about 3 miles and the trip takes an hour at a hard steady pace. It felt good to move through the woods sharing the solitude with the with the owls and the eagles. A big ass owl, in pursuit of some small mammal (that apparently looked like lunch), just about took my head off. I'm sure my heart-rate hit 200 beats per minute seconds after that encounter.

As I wandered toward our cabin site, I noticed some evidence of snowshoe and snowmobile tracks on the state ground. As I moved further north, these tracks petered out. I guess no one had the persistence to figure out what lies north. Exactly how I like it.

Here are the Tubb snowshoes that I purchased from REI a few years back. I really like the them; the binding design is very convenient. I do need to get a better pair of hiking boots. I wore in my chainsaw boots and one of my heels got a rubbed somewhat raw.

Under the Spruces. This is one of my favorite spots. It's quiet, peaceful, and it feels a little odd and strange. Snow will still stick here well into May. Last year when it was 65 degrees out this area still had snow hanging on.

There are a few ups and downs on the way to our place. There are no real long climbs, but after an hour of pushing yourself, I can feel the fatigue in my legs.

The neighbor built this logging road a few years back before GPS. He thought it was on his property only to find out (post affordable GPS) that the logging path is actually located on WMA property. This worked well for me as I have permission to use the WMA property to access our place.

McGowan Field is located on the south end of our 40 acres. There is an excellent view of the lake from this field.

Hiking north on the ridge that runs center-line on our property.

Time for a break.

Winter Preps

I spent Saturday at the "Stump Ranch" making all my winter preparations. Yup, winter preps at the end of January. Obviously my timing could be improved. However, the tractor is now ready to roll, all the saws are ready for the winter, and I have mouse poison out in the areas it is needed. So, I don't have to go back till it warms up. Or, when I go back up north I can just goof off.

After finishing up my winter preps, I installed most of the sub-floor that we hauled in last fall. This gives me a smooth surface over the rough cut 1.5" planking on the joists. Next year, I will figure out what type of flooring material. I will probably use some type of one-by flooring material without tongue and groove.

It is nice to have the gable ends closed in. That way, I can generate enough heat with the wood stove to keep the inside comfortable in the cold. With the eaves still open and zero insulation, it is still too chilly to hang out overnight. By next year, I expect to have all the insulation installed, so the cabin will be ready for winter weekend snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

This trip was all about getting Oliver ready. I filled the gas tank, topped off the anti-freeze, and added some Stabil to the gas. Then I installed the battery, drained the fuel cup, bled some gas from the carburetor, unstuck the choke cable, and fired up the tractor. No problem. Except the power steering pump, which did not want to wake from it's slumber. I had to get the hydraulics warmed up good before the power steering pump would cooperate.

Outhouse? Looks quite inviting.

Corey and I built this Bunkhouse on grade two years back. It is still level and sound. I just have to manage the field mice that tend to want to make this their home when I am out of the area.

Foundation Work (with James and Kevin)

Changes

How come if spent time drafting up plans, while I am building the bench, I have to change them? Because as I cutting, it becomes quite obvious that the ideas I had in my living room need to be tweaked.

I am heading to McGowan tomorrow. I will snowshoe in and make sure things are as they should be for the winter. Jackie got me an ipod for Christmas that takes video. I will try and get some photos and video.