Duker’s Barndominium

[Duker]

Home sweet home. Hope all had a relaxing blessed weekend.

Thank you Shorty, it was a nice weekend even though it rained during most of it. Did a little organizing of the metal shop so I can work on building a forge with my son. He wants to try knife making. I have only done a little blacksmithing so it will be a learning experience for both of us.


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[Duker]

Duke, so sorry to hear of the setback with your son.

I have been on vacation and one of the first tasks of the morning was to check on your family's health. I felt the gut punch myself and ache for ya bud.

Just remember you have friends here pulling for your family with thoughts and prayers.

Thank you Mike, I appreciate the thoughts and prayers. I was a rough week but onward we go...

I hope you had a great and relaxing vacation. I am heading to CA in a few weeks for work but I hope to take a day or two just to relax. Maybe I can con Cam or Don Long to let me buy them a beer!


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[LXCam]

You make it out here and don't let me take you out for a cocktail and they'll be hell to pay bud!

 

[Finallygotit]

You make it out here and don't let me take you out for a cocktail and they'll be hell to pay bud!

 

[Duker]

You make it out here and don't let me take you out for a cocktail and they'll be hell to pay bud!

Cam, I will be in Newport Beach and Manhattan Beach.... if you are anywhere close I will buy you a beer!


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[Duker]

It has been another rainy day weekend but my son wanted to do a little work in the shop since he was feeling better. We were limited in what he could do as he can’t lift anything.but he asked if he could try welding. He has never shown any interest before so I was fired up. I had bought a helmet for him awhile back in case he ever wanted to learn so I unpacked it and set him up.

I started him off on some mig welding show I’m how to lay a bead. Here is his first couple of tries...



Here are the next few tries......



I have to say for never running a mig gun I was impressed. It was a heck of a lot better than my first attempts. He said he wanted to try some Tig so I set him up and let him run...



He is not wearing the best weld friendly clothing as he can’t wear regular pants due to his scar but he made the best of it....

I only finished one little project which was my stand for my compressor but the diversion was totally worth it!



It was a good day for dad....


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[LXCam]

That was a damn good day for a dad. I always dig watching my kid create and learn, he's a natural but doesn't do it all that often.

Cam, I will be in Newport Beach and Manhattan Beach.... if you are anywhere close I will buy you a beer!


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Close enough for me to take a ride. The wife grew up in the South Bay so at least I'd have a car pool dummy to drop off at family. I'll send you my number.

 

[shortykorte]

Great to see your son getting out, learning new skills. I’m also glad to see someone read my Florida Safe Shop wear Survival Guide. Lol.


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[jimreed2160]

Great to see your son getting out, learning new skills. I’m also glad to see someone read my Florida Safe Shop wear Survival Guide. Lol.

Yes. Those lines look good to me. The kid has talent. The flannel welding suit is a nice touch. I can't see in the picture but I hope he is also wearing those Shorty approved Florida safety shoes.

 

[zmotorsports]

Glad to see your son is feeling good enough to get out in the shop with dad.

I agree, it’s a pretty good day for a dad hanging with his son in the shop.


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[Augus7us]

Wow what an amazing thread. As a newer GJ addict, I think this is the first time I've seen this thread, not sure how I missed it though, I love gallery threads.

So a few things I want to mention. First and probably least noteworthy, is that I think your barndominium is amazing. Having a play place like that is truly a little slice of heaven!

Next is your Son. All I can say is that I will certainly keep him in my thoughts. He sounds like a great kid with a great attitude, you have a lot to be proud of. A strong family will get you through anything, for this I have no doubt.

And lastly, once your Son is well (he will be) this is a rare case where I might actually be able to offer something useful to you. I don't work on cars or build houses or anything, despite my efforts... But I do have a burning passion for making knives and blacksmithing. I'm no pro and I've only been at it for about 4 years, but I've been fortunate to have had the privilege of training with some of the best out there and acquiring some fantastic tools.

I'm going to start a thread in the gallery soon, showing my attempt at turning my humble 30x40 into a knifemaking shop-mahal and will report back. Might give your Son something to look at and I'll keep in touch. When the day comes please PM me and we can chat over the phone about all things knifemaking. And if you or your Son are ever in Ohio you're both welcome to a shop tour. If I don't destroy the place in my efforts to upgrade it

-Clint

 

[Kevin54]

Duker......I haven't been on GJ for a long while, but I was lucky enough to see your thread. I feel for you deeply as I know how hard that was for your wife and son, but to mainly you. What is okay this minute, turns to **** the next. I've been down that road, except the potholes are different. Things will work out. And has hokey it may sound to a lot of us.....Look to social media. Someone out there is just waiting to help. I'm not a real religious person, but you gotta believe. Prayers my friend to all of you.

 

[Duker]

Great to see your son getting out, learning new skills. I’m also glad to see someone read my Florida Safe Shop wear Survival Guide. Lol.


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Yes. Those lines look good to me. The kid has talent. The flannel welding suit is a nice touch. I can't see in the picture but I hope he is also wearing those Shorty approved Florida safety shoes.

He did have on some tennis shoes as he couldn’t find his topsiders but other than that he was in perfect Shorty approved work attire! The glow from the tig was just the right light to showcase the plaid shorts....!



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[Duker]

Glad to see your son is feeling good enough to get out in the shop with dad.

I agree, it’s a pretty good day for a dad hanging with his son in the shop.


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Thanks Mike, I haven’t had too many of those days and I think I could get spoiled having a few more!


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[Duker]

Wow what an amazing thread. As a newer GJ addict, I think this is the first time I've seen this thread, not sure how I missed it though, I love gallery threads.



So a few things I want to mention. First and probably least noteworthy, is that I think your barndominium is amazing. Having a play place like that is truly a little slice of heaven!



Next is your Son. All I can say is that I will certainly keep him in my thoughts. He sounds like a great kid with a great attitude, you have a lot to be proud of. A strong family will get you through anything, for this I have no doubt.



And lastly, once your Son is well (he will be) this is a rare case where I might actually be able to offer something useful to you. I don't work on cars or build houses or anything, despite my efforts... But I do have a burning passion for making knives and blacksmithing. I'm no pro and I've only been at it for about 4 years, but I've been fortunate to have had the privilege of training with some of the best out there and acquiring some fantastic tools.



I'm going to start a thread in the gallery soon, showing my attempt at turning my humble 30x40 into a knifemaking shop-mahal and will report back. Might give your Son something to look at and I'll keep in touch. When the day comes please PM me and we can chat over the phone about all things knifemaking. And if you or your Son are ever in Ohio you're both welcome to a shop tour. If I don't destroy the place in my efforts to upgrade it



-Clint

Clint, thank you for the comments and for the offer on some guidance on knife making as I will take you up on that!. I would love to see your gallery when you post it. I am so far over my tips (excuse my ski analogy) when it comes to this area. When my son said he wanted to make a forge I was thinking a coal forge but he showed me this weekend a YouTube video of a gas forge with fire brick and refractory mix encased in steel. We both have a lot to learn so having some experience to point us in the right direction would be great! I appreciate the offer!


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[Duker]

Duker......I haven't been on GJ for a long while, but I was lucky enough to see your thread. I feel for you deeply as I know how hard that was for your wife and son, but to mainly you. What is okay this minute, turns to **** the next. I've been down that road, except the potholes are different. Things will work out. And has hokey it may sound to a lot of us.....Look to social media. Someone out there is just waiting to help. I'm not a real religious person, but you gotta believe. Prayers my friend to all of you.

Kevin, first I am glad to see you back online! Thank you for your prayers and comments. You are right about the journey being full of potholes, as we have come to find out but as you said there have been great folks all around us to help support my family including all of you guys who have been a big help to me to focus on the big picture. Thank you again for stopping by and I hope all is well with you.


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[Duker]

No update on the Barn as I am in California for the week for work but I did get a chance to catch up with some friends and meet an online GJ friend Cam aka LXCam.

Cam was nice enough to drive down to visit with me and we were able to have some lunch and a cocktail.

Cam is every bit as nice in person as he is online and has done some unbelievable builds and I was blown away with the detail and quality of his work.

We discussed family, retirement etc and he has a goal to make the move to Prescott AZ so if you are anywhere in AZ I would get to know him. Even if you don’t live in AZ but you want to associate with a class guy with some serious skills you should check out and follow along with his projects!


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[zmotorsports]

No update on the Barn as I am in California for the week for work but I did get a chance to catch up with some friends and meet an online GJ friend Cam aka LXCam.

Cam was nice enough to drive down to visit with me and we were able to have some lunch and a cocktail.

Cam is every bit as nice in person as he is online and has done some unbelievable builds and I was blown away with the detail and quality of his work.

We discussed family, retirement etc and he has a goal to make the move to Prescott AZ so if you are anywhere in AZ I would get to know him. Even if you don’t live in AZ but you want to associate with a class guy with some serious skills you should check out and follow along with his projects!


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Great update Duke. I haven't met Cam in person but have spoken to him on the phone several times and you are right in the fact that he is as nice as he seems and a class act. Glad to hear you were able to meet up with him and converse. I hope you're able to enjoy yourself while there for work.

 

[LXCam]

Duke it was a real pleasure my friend. I had a great time and thanks for lunch and the cocktail. But it was only when trying to escape that I understood why you insisted on paying for lunch and drinks.


It only cost me $800 to make parole from the visitor P-lot. Imagine my surprise when one of the payment options was my first born.....


I damn near signed on the dotted line.




In all seriousness folks. If you ever get the chance to shake this gentlemans hand don't pass up the opportunity. He's one hell of a man.

 

[Toolfool]

OK, now I want to have dinner and a beer with both of you.

 

[cbacres]

OK, now I want to have dinner and a beer with both of you.

Sounds good!

 

[Finallygotit]

OK, now I want to have dinner and a beer with both of you.

Would this be called a date?

 

[Ole Slewfoot]

Welcome to Cali

 

[LXCam]

Would this be called a date?

Welcome to Cali

Well we did spend the most of the day at the hotel and it wasn't a holiday in. So we didn't have anything intelligent to discuss so.....

 

[Duker]

OK, now I want to have dinner and a beer with both of you.

Anytime.... if anyone gets anywhere close to Houston drinks are on me!

Welcome to Cali

Great place to visit... but glad to be heading back to Texas!

Sounds good!

I will one day make a road trip for wings and a beer at Hooters!

Would this be called a date?

If it’s a date and includes dancing.... I lead!



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[Duker]

Well we did spend the most of the day at the hotel and it wasn't a holiday in. So we didn't have anything intelligent to discuss so.....

Oh sure.... beat me to the hotel line! Damn always a day late and a dollar short!



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[jbmatth]

Anytime.... if anyone gets anywhere close to Houston drinks are on me!

I completely forgot you were in the Houston area, I was there last weekend and board out of my mind Saturday waiting on time to pass. Always a day late and a drink short. Your place is looking great by the way.

JB

 

[shortykorte]

Short, who you calling short.
A bucket list item of mine is to get a motorhome and head west, hitting as many of my GJ friends that I can. That would be a great trip. Wife could go shoe shopping while I show y’all how to properly wear Florida’s finest safety shop shoe wear.


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[LXCam]

Short, who you calling short.
A bucket list item of mine is to get a motorhome and head west, hitting as many of my GJ friends that I can. That would be a great trip. Wife could go shoe shopping while I show y’all how to properly wear Florida’s finest safety shop shoe wear.


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You make that dream come true and they'll always be a parking spot and extension cord ready.

 

[Duker]

I completely forgot you were in the Houston area, I was there last weekend and board out of my mind Saturday waiting on time to pass. Always a day late and a drink short. Your place is looking great by the way.



JB

Thanks JB! Sorry I missed you on your stop in Houston, if you get back by here don’t hesitate to shoot me a note!


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[Duker]

Short, who you calling short.
A bucket list item of mine is to get a motorhome and head west, hitting as many of my GJ friends that I can. That would be a great trip. Wife could go shoe shopping while I show y’all how to properly wear Florida’s finest safety shop shoe wear.


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You make that dream come true and they'll always be a parking spot and extension cord ready.

^^^ Ditto, on that!


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[fnieto]

Duker,

GJ is so big I failed to see your thread until now. Better late than never I say but I must also say I'm pleased to have found it. Amazing build and looking forward to following along.

My heart broke as I read about your sons health condition. We are so very blessed and at the same time tested. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

Tell your son to keep on keeping on!
BTW, he'll be out-welding us soon hehehe.
Peace brother.

Paco

 

[Duker]

Paco,

Thank you for checking out the thread and for the thoughts on my son, I appreciate them!

As for welding he is keeping me on my toes... he is picking it up pretty quickly, much better than his old man!

Duker,

GJ is so big I failed to see your thread until now. Better late than never I say but I must also say I'm pleased to have found it. Amazing build and looking forward to following along.

My heart broke as I read about your sons health condition. We are so very blessed and at the same time tested. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

Tell your son to keep on keeping on!
BTW, he'll be out-welding us soon hehehe.
Peace brother.

Paco

 

[dlcwent]

Just stopped by to say hi Duke. I've got a lot of catching up to do.

 

[casmurbax]

Hey Duker,

saw you that you were back to posting in the AWD thread.

Hope all is going as well as can be with your family, wishing you and your family Happy Thanksgiving.

John

 

[Duker]

Just stopped by to say hi Duke. I've got a lot of catching up to do.

Hey Dan, sorry for the delay in replaying.. I used to get a notice when someone posted but I guess that stopped working... Glad you stopped by...sounds like you have been busy with your own new shop!

Hey Duker,

saw you that you were back to posting in the AWD thread.

Hope all is going as well as can be with your family, wishing you and your family Happy Thanksgiving.

John

Thanks John, I have been swamped at work the past couple of months and trying to squeeze in a few projects at the Barn when I can so didn’t have much time to hunt or post deals. Hopefully things are slowing down a bit and I can get back to finding some bargains!

I hope you and your family have a great Thanksgiving as well! My wife’s whole side of the family is coming to the barn this year so she has had me knocking out some projects. If I get a chance this week I will try and post some pics.



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[Duker]

I have been looking forward to spending a few days up at the barn. Work has been crazy so it will be nice to be able to relax. However, it’s a good news bad news type of week as my wife’s side of family has come in for Thanksgiving and I have spent this afternoon setting up some additional albeit unusual sleeping accommodations ....



Yes.... that is a pop up
Camper sitting in my woodworking shop to accommodate the little kids.

I told my wife that I was going to tell scary chainsaw massacre stories then fire off the table saw at midnight... But she nixed that idea....

So before the family hoard comes tomorrow I am sitting enjoying a little fire in the pit and a little
Scotch in the glass.... I could get used to this...




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[Nlped]

Nice!!! I’ve put our camper in my barn for the kids and their friends to ‘camp-out’ in. They loved it!


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[Duker]

Nice!!! I’ve put our camper in my barn for the kids and their friends to ‘camp-out’ in. They loved it!


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Had a couple of kids camp out last night and they had fun... they get joined by a few more kids tonight.



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[Duker]

Finished building and mounting the hand rail for the loft railing.... it was a long overdue project. For some reason my wife thought it would be a good idea to have a railing with a bunch of people staying up in the loft.... go figure.... ! All that is left is to sand flush the walnut plugs I used to fill the bolt holes.







I was also able to get done a little project of mine which is making my life much easier in moving equipment around.... an air/hydraulic jack for my engine lift. It is soooo much faster getting the boom to the right height and yet you still have the ability to use the manual lift as well.



It’s a small thing but since it’s just me now to move things since my son isn’t cleared to nor does he have the strength to lift machines it is making the job much easier.




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