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bolensboneyard
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JD running well. Got all the trash trees cleaned up today. Cement is curing.
Model A Ford garage
- Thread starter bolensboneyard
- Start date
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bolensboneyard
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Sorry for the lull in activity. I have four projects going but have to work with the weather. When it gets hot I get little done. When it gets muddy equipment does not move. Then there are the breakdowns to machines, trees that fall in bad places and fences that need mending etc. No one does anything here except Ginny and I so the interesting stuff sometimes just seems routine to us and not worth showing. I will get some pictures soon. Things have been in progress. I just started finishing the back porch with bead board made of cypress in order to enhance the kayak and make it a sun room. It is a slow process as there are many windows that were framed without finish work in mind. Also very pricey so being done on a tight budget.
drivesitfar
Well-known member
BB: some days or months are better than others so hope you get through this sort of tough patch ok.
you've built a nice shed and installed a mill this year almost on your own that some of us wouldn't have the funds, knowledge or the will to take on and restored the old sawmill that seems to be working great.
that and getting the day to day stuff done that seem overwhelming around a house that has some land with it kept in working order is no small thing. we all could use more help and more money, but when we look back at what we achieved on our own (or with our bride) it usually makes us smile so take a little time to smell the roses.
I hope your Valentines day was spent with Ginny and you both had a good day and/or evening together.
cheers
you've built a nice shed and installed a mill this year almost on your own that some of us wouldn't have the funds, knowledge or the will to take on and restored the old sawmill that seems to be working great.
that and getting the day to day stuff done that seem overwhelming around a house that has some land with it kept in working order is no small thing. we all could use more help and more money, but when we look back at what we achieved on our own (or with our bride) it usually makes us smile so take a little time to smell the roses.
I hope your Valentines day was spent with Ginny and you both had a good day and/or evening together.
cheers
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bolensboneyard
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Thanks Vladimir
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bolensboneyard
Well-known member
Thanks drives. Just trying to let you all know progress is in the works but somewhat less interesting at this point. Taking advantage of the weather to get the most done, I started on the back porch while waiting for the concrete to cure.
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bolensboneyard
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Pad is for the sawyer's anvil. Porch is beaded board cut in cypress. It is a little pricey but holds up to the dampness here well; not to mention beautiful to look at. I believe it will bring out the beauty in the kayak wood also. I've got a feeling I will be spending a lot of down time here.
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oldironfarmer
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Cypress looks great!
That will be a nice pleasant space.
That will be a nice pleasant space.
RickP
Well-known member
That cypress looks really good - I like that idea for finishing a porch.
Are you planning to put the new anvil to work right away on a dull blade? Or will it be used for learning/tuning up good blades?
Sorry to hear about your problems with the JD - especially frustrating on a new tractor... I've been chasing hydraulic problems on mine, which is 15 years old at this point, but acts like it's an antique.
Can't wait to see the sawdust flying!
Are you planning to put the new anvil to work right away on a dull blade? Or will it be used for learning/tuning up good blades?
Sorry to hear about your problems with the JD - especially frustrating on a new tractor... I've been chasing hydraulic problems on mine, which is 15 years old at this point, but acts like it's an antique.
Can't wait to see the sawdust flying!
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bolensboneyard
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Thanks Andy. It gives me a place to feel I left the house yet take time to rest. I could never make it in a prison.
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bolensboneyard
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Thanks Rick. It made me crazy after a while to look at bare studs. I am trying to find another blade to practice on and have for a spare. It would have to be one that would work on my mill or I would never know if I got it right! I did saw one log yesterday but only enough to cut one board which I needed for the window I am going around with the cypress. Tried to get pictures of sawdust to post but it just doesn't show up in the pic. The mill is running great though. I had a friend who owns a sawmill business come over and he suggested belt dressing on my old belts. I had some but had just not gotten to feel comfortable enough with the fact that everything was right yet. On his advice I put some belt dressing on. I couldn't tell it was slipping before but that was the problem. With the belt slipping, not enough drive to kick up the governor. I cut perfectly yesterday and I am psyched.
RickP
Well-known member
Wow - must be nice to walk across the street and make the one board you needed rather than taking a trip to the store! Did you have a cypress log, or was it something normal like pine/oak for window trim?
I've tried sawing pine logs into beams in the woods behind my house with a small Alaskan mill. It works, and I've used them, but now I've got serious sawmill envy after seeing your setup. Nice job getting these projects completed and crossed off your list!
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bolensboneyard
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It was nice Rick. I have some pine logs and one was all set up for milling; the first log since I had worked to align the blade. A friend who runs a saw mill stopped by a few days before and suggested I use some belt dressing on my drive belts; I did. Best feeling in a long time, to know that the saw is set up and running great. Like anything else mechanical though, let's hope it stays the course, and the operator too, long enough for the mechanic/sawyer to be mentally ready to make adjustments with a patient mind when the time comes?
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bolensboneyard
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Dwight you can't imagine the thrill of everything working as it should. Like my friend Joe's wife said when she heard my excitement; amazing how little it takes to make a man happy!
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bolensboneyard
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Saw anvil is set I just need to center a pivot for the blade to spin on. Blade will overhang on the left in the area of the teeth. The opposite side will rest on the square piece of wood that is screwed to the side of the mill. The entire area hammered will lie in an area that is over the anvil. Was quite a job leveling the whole set up. Note the log on the mill and how the cuts intersect perfectly at 90 degrees. I could eat lunch on the carriage were it not for what the cold steel would do for me the rest of the day. 
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RickP
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Saw anvil is set I just need to center a pivot for the blade to spin on. Blade will overhang on the left in the area of the teeth. The opposite side will rest on the square piece of wood that is screwed to the side of the mill. The entire area hammered will lie in an area that is over the anvil. Was quite a job leveling the whole set up. Note the log on the mill and how the cuts intersect perfectly at 90 degrees. I could eat lunch on the carriage were it not for what the cold steel would do for me the rest of the day.
Very nice mill setup - all ready to get production started before the summer heat wave drives you indoors! The anvil looks great in its new home.
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bolensboneyard
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Thanks Rick. I picked up some cherry yesterday a friend of mine cut that came from North Carolina. I have two pieces six months down that are starting to check (split). Trick is to try and limit natural processes. Nice lumber ten feet long each and ten inches wide by three inches thick. Waiting on some of the rest he has to dry a little as it is two inch and up to 20 wide.
RickP
Well-known member
Okay, now I see the master plan - get the mill dialed in on the pine and then start cutting the good stuff. I like it! Cherry is a really good looking wood and should yield some nice boards.
Do you coat the ends of the cants with latex or something to help slow down the drying?
Next thing you might consider building is a drying shed for lumber. I've heard of some designs with plastic over a rough frame that would be quick to put up. Anything that gets the lumber to the mill faster is a win in my book!
Do you coat the ends of the cants with latex or something to help slow down the drying?
Next thing you might consider building is a drying shed for lumber. I've heard of some designs with plastic over a rough frame that would be quick to put up. Anything that gets the lumber to the mill faster is a win in my book!
jimreed2160
Well-known member
I'll bet cutting into that cherry log will remind you of the day you got your first BB rifle.
oldironfarmer
Well-known member
Great to see you using your mill.
Cant beat the log on the carriage.
You may not need your anvil for a while. Good to have it there ready to go.
Were the ends of your cherry plank coated?
Cant beat the log on the carriage.
You may not need your anvil for a while. Good to have it there ready to go.
Were the ends of your cherry plank coated?
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bolensboneyard
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Rick I do paint the ends of any pricey lumber to slow the drying process. I can dry it in my grain bin but slowing the process down with surface moisture and controlled humidity is another issue. As I use this lumber only for my own purpose, as long as I get enough useable lumber for my money I am happy.
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bolensboneyard
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Thanks Dwight great to have it running. I could sit and just watch the blade spin.
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bolensboneyard
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Thanks Andy. It is comforting to know custom cuts can be made for things like support timber for truck beds etc.
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bolensboneyard
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Jim t sure will. It took until I was fifteen to get it, as my father thought I needed to be older. When he handed it to me and said be careful, I went out into the woods to a cabin (read shack made of second hand lumber) I had built and retrieved my 22 rifle and 410 shotgun. Customers on my paper route thought I had more responsibility; they were effectively gifts. I had been using them for over three years without incident! When I handed them to dad I said hang on to these for me until I am older. It will be more fun to be able to shoot out in the open anyway. I can still see the look on his face.
drivesitfar
Well-known member
BB: impressive work on the anvil and your mill. 
just curious since i don't recall everything in your thread. are you just remodeling the inside of your old porch or did you build a new porch? that hanging boat frame is looking good hanging there and that's another thing you did that took a bit of your time.
best of luck with the all the log cutting and don't be afraid to take more pictures and post them cause we can all appreciate your efforts.
just curious since i don't recall everything in your thread. are you just remodeling the inside of your old porch or did you build a new porch? that hanging boat frame is looking good hanging there and that's another thing you did that took a bit of your time.
best of luck with the all the log cutting and don't be afraid to take more pictures and post them cause we can all appreciate your efforts.
jimreed2160
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bolensboneyard
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I have since gone around the corner and past two larger windows but have no pictures of that yet. The board between the windows is pine and was cut off of the log you saw in the last pictures. Looks like bugs tried it but took what they wanted and left. Makes a nice look if I leave it but I will probably fill in the grooves and paint is white. Made two more yesterday for the other windows. One board made two as they are smaller. Cut that board at 3/4 inch it was right on the money. Planed it to 1/2 to better match the joint; all without leaving the driveway. 
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bolensboneyard
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Please pray for my daughter Sarah. She's the one with asthma who has had a throat and stomach operations over the last year. She was rushed in to operate yesterday and put on the operating table at 4 pm Friday. After 8 hours on the table she is being watched very closely as the screen they had installed in the previous operation some months ago has been rejected by her body. She has a serious infection not to mention a critical surgery that needs to work this time. She is 48 years old and has never drank or used drugs. She has two daughters and a granddaughter and grandson the oldest of which has only been here for two years. She needs a miracle. Pray God will give her one. Thanks Bobby
oldironfarmer
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We're praying for Sarah.
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Bobby our thoughts and prayers are with Sarah
Bob Heine
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I hope my friend is listening.
drivesitfar
Well-known member
BB: PRAYERS SENT!!
I'm sure she knows she's loved and hope she pulls through and gets to share more of hers.
All the best!!
I'm sure she knows she's loved and hope she pulls through and gets to share more of hers.
All the best!!
Redwolf947
Well-known member
Prayers sent for Sarah.
RickP
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Sending prayers your way for Sarah.
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bolensboneyard
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Thank you Andy, Bob, drives, Red wolf, and Rick. So far things are quiet and I have no further information. I went out and took some pictures of my Camellias this morning in order to focus on something more spiritual and post them in the form of a thank you for all who are praying or otherwise focusing their attention on the needs of someone else at this time. I know that includes many who do so in silence. I can feel the power. Please enjoy the beauty.
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jimreed2160
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Prayers are out for Sarah.
Love the flower pictures.
Love the flower pictures.
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bolensboneyard
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Thank you Jim and Steve. Below are some more pictures I shot with my little camera. I happened to accidently push and hold the zoom button and discovered it does zoom past what moves with a little touch. I never cared enough to experiment with it. Some of the pictures of flowers are a little fuzzy as a result. I guess I go kicking and screaming when it comes to new tech.
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bolensboneyard
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To update everyone, Sarah was taken in for another operation yesterday. Apparently, they check what is in your fluids even when the hospital is the place that served them. Sarah's drain or feed tube (I don't know which) showed that bile from her stomach was in a place it should not have been. Needless to say, after two days of recovery we didn't need to hear there was a new problem thrown into the mix. As of late yesterday, that has been fixed and the operation went well. Keep you posted please keep praying, and thanks so much for your support. Bobby