Episode # 9.... Scavenger Hunt part 2 - March 26th, 2004 at 11:18 PM
The Scavenger Hunt, Part 2
 | Much like the ant who was so determined to move that rubber tree, I was determined to somehow use that ancient growth log in the repairs of my arbor... Both ends of the log were buried in dirt and rock, but there was an eighteen foot span that was elevated above the ground and accessible. |
I contemplated using sledges and wedges to split the log into segments which could be moved by hand, but with that method, there is always the chance of creating unusable lumber because of flaws and defects in the log.
I decided instead, to try something I hadn't done before... cut an eighteen foot straight line with my chainsaw. I created a line using 2x4s nailed to the log, and slowly began to make progressively deeper cuts into the log. Once I had the cut completely through the log, I cut it to length at 18 feet.
With a bit of effort, I got the two half logs up to my project site where I made additional slices to turn them into several 8 inch by 8 inch beams.
A few more days of scavenging resulted in the entire area being covered with logs, limbs, trees, burls and assorted other goodies that caught my eye.
But.... I still had no idea of what I would use it all for.
Two of the beams which were cut from the outside of the log had a natural, slight curve along one edge which reminded me of an old arched window, so I figured it was a good place to start.
I cut a third beam in half, and set them and one of my collected Cedar logs in a straight line which followed the alignment of the Clematis and Honeysuckle plants which were growing there.
The posts were set in three foot deep holes, leveled, then I poured concrete in and let it set for 24 hours... I cut the corner post to a height that felt right, then used a laser level from that point to cut all subsequent posts to the appropriate height. I cut notches into the beams so that the structure would "lock" together for additional strength.
Yep... just like good ol' Lincoln Logs!
It takes slightly BIGGER than average nails and screws to make slightly bigger than average things ya know.......
To be continued......
You Bet Weezie, I used to work assembling log homes and it takes alot of Hammer, and a good strong arm, BUT, that was 25 years ago, don't know how long I would last now! 
