Built a small log cabin

300Six said:
Mere side note in this, and not criticism of workmanship at all ('cause ya done a real fine job laddy!) but any diagonal brace across a plank door ought to aim at the bottom hinge; 'compression' fitting (to keep the door square while the wood expands/shrinks) on plank-made doors is more resistant to distortion than a 'tension' diagonal brace with it's origin at the top hinge. These age-old dictums are not taught in trade school anymore. And 'rustic' garden gate purchasers wouldn't appreciate quality if it came up and bit them.
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Thanks 300! And yeah, funny thing is, that's how I had it the first time I made the door. After transporting it to the woods, the door got banged around so I had to rebuild it. Somewhere in there, the diagonal beam must have gotten switched around. But good point, I'll remember that for next time.
 
Square_peg said:
Well done! I bet that was a blast.

Most common problem with home made gates and doors. 300Six is spot on here.
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Thanks Peg! Yeah it was. And yep, as you can notice in the earlier photos, that's actually how I had the beam the first time. But after transporting it, I had to rebuild the door and somewhere in there the diagonal beam got switched around. But i'll remember that tip for next time.
 
willywonka said:
got a question: What would be the absolute minimum of hand tools only, to build a cabin like this. Like say, hiking 30 miles in, finding a suitable spot, forgetting the laws, and building it? Would love to know that. Could it be done with a 21 inch sven saw, a carpenter's axe, some wood files, and a draw knife?
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I did use a 21" sven saw when I first started logging. Then switched to a 24" bow saw and 3-foot crosscut. If you are using small logs like the ones here, then a 21" is do-able. I would say you'd want a good felling axe, at least 30", a carpenter's axe or hatchet, a small saw will work, it'll just be more work than if you used a longer saw (and it's a LOT of sawing), and yes, a woood file or rasp for the notching. As well as a mallet of some sort and a pencil compass (i made one out of wood sticks and a bolt & wingnut)

But to keep it absolute minimum? I'd say a 21" sven saw, mallet, drawknife, felling axe, carpenter's axe or hatchet, wood files/rasps, pencil compass, and a 1" wood gouge would definitely help with the notching. Something along those lines.
 
wjswiger said:
That is simply amazing.....love it!! Being a frustrated wood-worker, I can appreciate the drive and the passion......just wish I had the energy to follow through. You've given me some much-needed motivation my friend....thank you!!
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Thanks wjswiger! Yeah it became daunting towards the end but I just forced myself to finish it. Staying focused is definitely a challenge with a project like this, but when it comes down to it you just gotta do it. :thumbup:
 
Frank-New Zealand said:
Good on yer mate. Excellent.

Not being from your part of the world...what is the life expectancy of the timber used.

regards... Frank
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Thanks Frank! Not sure the life expectancy of this timber used. Ponderosa Pine, not a hard wood so I imagine it doesn't last a hell of a long time. This was a temporary project that I did while visiting out of state, so I wasn't able to keep it. But if I did, i'd have treated the wood with something to make it last longer.
 
Incredibley cool! All it needs inside is a furr rug, a big leather chair and a cold box full of ale! ;)

Thanks for sharing, it is certainly inspiring!
 
That's killer man. It's even cooler that you left it out in the woods for who ever wants to use it.
 
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