Cabin Update, New Saw, Classes

The cold weather is fast approaching here in the Appalachians. Most of our neighbors can be observed splitting and stocking up on wood to get them through the winter. While daytime temperatures have been mild, we’ve had a few nights below freezing already, which is not unusual here. Most of the contractors around here are beginning to focus on interior remodeling jobs. However, I’m gearing up to spend the cold months – well – cold.

Closing in the Cabin

It’s been quite a treat to watch our new cabin coming together, slow as it may be going. While progress has been slower than we had hoped, at least there’s been progress. All the log walls are up, and the dormers are framed. The interior finished roof is on and covered in moisture barrier, and the foundation is waterproofed and back filled. Hopefully, by mid-December, the porch will be on, the windows and doors will be in, and the roof will be finished.

That means I get to spend the winter months building interior walls, running electric, and building cabinetry…in the cold.  There’s won’t be any heat in the cabin until more of the interior work gets done. So, it’s shaping up to be a chilly winter for me. Still, it should be the last winter we have to spend in the current house. If all goes as planned, we should be able to move into the new cabin by the start of next fall.

A New Sash Saw

Outside of cabin work, I have gotten a few hours here and there in the shop.  Work continues on a full sized tool chest, and I did build myself another new saw.  Since most of my other saw handles are done in cherry, I couldn’t resist the urge to update my sash saw. So I built myself a new one, with a milled brass back and cherry handle.

Like my old one, it is 14″ long, with a slightly canted blade, and 13 PPI, filed crosscut. Unfortunately, the blade got a little rust spotted due to the conditions in the shed that I call my shop at the moment (hence the need for a full sized tool chest). The rust polished off, but left some spotty stains in places along the bottom half of the blade.

Woodworking Classes

In other news, I have recently begun discussions with a local art school about evening and weekend woodworking classes. The school has built a brand new woodworking shop that they opened last November where they offer an open studio once a week, as well as a variety of classes. Their program is currently going through some changes, but I hope to be involved with them in the near future. So far, my discussions with them have been very promising and I’m very excited for the possibility to work with them in the future. Stay tuned for more!