Cabin progress - Top of windows

Getting to this point required a bit of a different approach to setting the logs for marking and cutting.
But here we are to the top of the windows and now it will be back to handling full length logs and the last three rounds should go a bit faster.

The ramps got longer as the wall got higher but the process of getting them on the wall was the same. Except - Prior to putting the log up a vee block had to be put on the free end by the window and a ladder holding a support board leveled to the wall height put in place. This had to be done on each side of the window frame. This supported the log so it could be rolled for notch cutting. This little process would have to be done about 40 times!

Once the log was up the end needed to be scribed to match the vertical window frame. I used a parallel piece to get this. The ends were full of square nails and caution was the watch word or bye bye chain saw blade.

The bottom picture needs to be rotated 90 degrees but you get the idea. I made a small screw type jack with about an inch of travel for fine adjustments and also to raise the logs to remove shims. Worked but needs some work to make it more stable.

So here we are at the top of the windows. two thirds of the walls up. Just 3 more rounds of logs to go.  And the loft, and the roof rafters and the porch and the gable end framing. Snap right?

Welded Yard Art Class

Here are the very nice folks that took the Welded Yard Art class at Shake Rag Alley in Mineral Point, WI this past weekend with all of their creations. They brought their "good junk" to the class and I worked with them to gain some welding skills and knowledge so they could make their dreams into... some very interesting critters! Pretty neat to make these things with your own hands and new skills.

I just have to say they were extremely good, hard working, dedicated learners and problem solvers and their projects say it all. We looked over the various welding machines and equipment. Then tried it. Then we reviewed, learned some more about the equipment and different processes. Then tried it some more and this continued for two "serious fun" filled days.

There was something for everyone and they took advantage of it all. Hopefully these new welders are reading this and can not only weld but gained some new knowledge along the way. Here is a list of welding things we covered. For each welding word rate yourself Beginner if you can tell one thing about the word, Advanced if you can tell two things related to the word and Proficient if you can tell three or more things about the word relating to your new welding skills.

Have some serious fun -

Oxygen
Acetylene
CO2
MAP

Flux
Cutting Torch
Cutting Tip
Welding Tip
MIG Welder
MIG Wire
MIG Welding Tip
Stick Out

Complete Circuit
Ground Clamp
Wire Speed Control
Angle of the torch
Travel Speed
Sparker

Tank Regulator
Regulator Adjusting Screw
Working Pressure
Pre-heating
Oxy Acetylene Cutting Torch
Oxygen cutting lever
Torch handle Needle Valves

 Arc Welding
Stick Electrode
Electrode Holder
Chipping Hammer
Welding Mask/Helmet
Wire Cutters
Brazing
Brass Filler
Soldering
Solder
Paste Flux

Oxy Acetylene Torch Welding
Oxy Acetylene Welding Torch Tip
Puddle
Bead
Filler Metal
Bench Grinder
Hand Held Grinder

After the class was over I had a few scraps and in a couple of hours and knocked out this rotating piece in celebration of tomorrows eclipse. It shows a very neat shadow on the garage door when the sun hits it. Had fun and it was great working with you folks. Keep welding that "junk"!