August 24th - Hefty Hand-Hewn Timbers

Today some great progress as we have completed the timber framing. The material handler extendable forklift has been a livesaver, both down at my lumber yard and up at the house. Two of the really heavy horizontal beams, we have used a nylon strap and the material handler for lifting and setting in place. The beams are easily over 250 pounds each.

I am particularly happy with the way things have gone today. Lots accomplished with some tough framing to do. Remember none of these beams are really true in size as each one is hand-hewn. Trying to keep posts plumb and beams level is quite challenging while tying framed stud walls into the post and beam structures. Joe says he thinks it looks like Stone Henge.

I am really grateful for the good help I have. Everyone works hard and seems to be enjoying the process. This morning Joe and I moved several piles of lumber to retrieve more oak 8” x 8”s that we needed to complete the timber framing. Because of the cost of these hand-hewn oak timbers, I had brought what I had on hand in Iowa and bought just the amount of remaining pieces I needed to complete the project from my friend Jim in Iowa. When we completed tonite, only a few short remaining pieces remained on the floor.

It’s been looking like rain since about lunch time, but luckily we received only a few light sprinkles and were able to keep on working. Joe and Double D were able to get the south wall framed in between timbers and hopefully by tomorrow all of the first floor framing other than the old aspen cabin will be completed.

The Bora-Care liquid and sprayer arrived by UPS this afternoon, so tomorrow we begin spraying the aspen log cabin with the spray that will take care of our friendly little powder post beetles. Luckily it’s odorless and fairly non-toxic; the main ingredient is borax which most insects aren’t fond of.

Stanley Electric showed up this morning and installed the meter box and 200 amp service and 2 temporary outlets for us to use. The state electrical inspector is due here tomorrow. Once inspected and okayed, San Miguel Power will show up probably Monday to run the cable from the pole down on Silver Street to the meter box, install a new meter and then power…and of course the electrical bills to follow.

technorati tags:Rico, Colorado, hand+hewn+beams, salvaged+lumber, reclaimed+material