The Nuclear Shanty

[Andrew Lynch]

Here are some pics of an A-frame type of shelter I made using only a Steel Heart (E), some string/rope, and forest wood:













The more I use the SH, the more I'm impressed with it. It's chopping performance is adequate even for larger logs (up to about 5" of seasoned hardwood), and on smaller lembs it really excells.

I used almost all dead medium to hard wood (no pine) on this little structure, as I try not to cut live trees when I can use dead wood (the relatively newly dead wood is also often stronger, if not as flexible than the live wood). The sizes of the wood went (as you can see) from about 1" to around 5" in diameter, with a large number of pieces being around 4".

This construction took a while to build, but that is due in large part to my inexperience. However, I have noticed that over the chopping sessions, my skill in chopping has increased some.

Yeah, I know it's crude, but it's my first try. Add a few more sticks to the bed area covered with some brush or grass (or I could use a thin mattress), a sleeping bab, a tarp, and a campfire, and I'll be set . I think I will wait for at least spring though .

 

[Eric Isaacson]

Andrew,
Nice work, thanks for sharing your experiences with us

 

[Chip]

Andrew, you forgot the ice chest!!!

Well done!!!

 

[Strabs]

Now you have to cover it and break it in

 

[KC Slim]

What! no mini bar

 

[jyen]

Kudos on the shelter Andrew! I enjoy posts that remind all of us here (lurkers included) that though Busse knives are beautiful in a minimalist way they are also incredibly practical and they beg to be used BTW, those woods look beautiful, even in the winter. Must be a nice playground! Happy survivalist training

Regards,
Jeff

 

[DBH]

I am going to have to see if an SJ can do that

 

[DonL]

Is the hot tub back behind the tree?

Very cool. Let's be careful and hope your skills never have to be put to the test. Emergencies are bummers.

 

[Jimbo]

Super effort Andrew.
I do think though that that design is for warm weather - tougher to heat than a regular lean to!
Unlike just playing at chopping - making something teaches real skills, since the wood is in all positions. I bet you learned a lot about the knife in the process of building!