The tools for building.

[Little Eagle]

I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions on the tools we need for our build, so far i have:

Chain saw
Alaska saw mill
Hammer
Sledge hammer
100' of chain (3/8" in 10' lengths)
600' polypropylene rope 1/2" diameter
Carpenters level
Rebar cutter (do you think you could use a bolt cutter for this?)
Pick and shovel
Post hole digger
50' tape measure
Peavey tool
Swede hook
Carpenters square
Bark spud
Log dogs
Plumb bob
Chalk line
30' extension ladder
Putty knife
Mortar board

I'm sure there are things i am missing, i was thinking drawknives but would the spud be better for debarking? And as far as electricity goes well im still in the ait on that one. Suggestions welcome!

[ivanshayka]

electicity, try to get the grid type, if unable, 2500+ watt generator a must. Depends what tools will be used, get a little more than u need. Not a bad idea getting 6-7k w genny to use it in emergencies when power goes out.

The tools mentioned are plenty for building. I had cordless drill (bits), chainsaw, spade/shovel, tape measure, hammers, ax, and few other minor things to build a shed. Logs were small and able to lift by hand, 50-120 lbs. for a house you need more. There is dragging and lifting logs.

Did you take that last class?....

[Little Eagle]

electicity, try to get the grid type, if unable, 2500+ watt generator a must. Depends what tools will be used, get a little more than u need. Not a bad idea getting 6-7k w genny to use it in emergencies when power goes out.

The tools mentioned are plenty for building. I had cordless drill (bits), chainsaw, spade/shovel, tape measure, hammers, ax, and few other minor things to build a shed. Logs were small and able to lift by hand, 50-120 lbs. for a house you need more. There is dragging and lifting logs.

Did you take that last class?....

No my class is in the end of may, but i like to try and plan ahead if i can (guess it is the former military mind set) so i am trying to get a jump start on the backbone for the build which other then logs and land would be tools i would think. Thanks for the tip! Does a cordless drill do ok? i was worried about the battery going dead fast.

[blane]

Yea, you'll need all those things.
No you cannot cut rebar with a bolt cutter.
You may prefer a better mill than the chainsaw mill, so I would wait on that.

Really though, other than some basic tools which you have listed, don't rush out and spend a ton of money on bunch of new toys until after the class. They may be able to give you a better idea of things you will need more specific to your build, which varies for every member.

[Little Eagle]

Yea, you'll need all those things.
No you cannot cut rebar with a bolt cutter.
You may prefer a better mill than the chainsaw mill, so I would wait on that.

Really though, other than some basic tools which you have listed, don't rush out and spend a ton of money on bunch of new toys until after the class. They may be able to give you a better idea of things you will need more specific to your build, which varies for every member.

Thanks for the advise, Blane. Im also thinking about adding earplugs/muffs, and knee pads to my list. as i have done flooring before and it is does not play well with a person's knee's.

[donjuedo]

As Blane said, you can't cut rebar with a bolt cutter. But if discover you can, you should not. You want the ends of the cut to be flat, not a wedge or point.


Peter

[rreidnauer]

As Blane said, you can't cut rebar with a bolt cutter. But if discover you can, you should not. You want the ends of the cut to be flat, not a wedge or point.


PeterI LOVE this tool: http://www.tolmantool.com/hub.htm
Most others here prefer something like: http://www.homedepot.com/p/DEWALT-14-in-Cut-Off-Saw-D28715/100634624

[donjuedo]

Can I buy yours used when you finish? :-D

[StressMan79]

I have a rebar cutter. Only use if you are 220+ and off grid.

Don't get too preoccupied with your list. Id add 4 spuds, take off swede hook, add half a dozen tape measures, augers and a hole hawg. Fall arrestors are good. The pp rope (I used it) may not be what you need. Don't forget the triple block and tackle.

Sent from my Galaxy S4 using Forum Runner

[rocklock]

I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions on the tools we need for our build. Suggestions welcome!
A 4X4 F-250 or something similar with a big bed. You need to haul lots of stuff. I still am using mine.
The 20 volt drill - hammer drill combo will be the best thing... Don't go cheap.
Two chain saws IMHO are a must. I have 3 plus 2 electric saws.
I have several wood cutting things that are probably unnecessary but very cool... A Swedish Carving Ax. Several Large chisels 2 inch is about right. I also have several wooden mauls.

[sdart]

I have a rebar cutter. Only use if you are 220+ and off grid.

My husband is 5'7" and 150lbs. The rebar cutter works fine if he puts his whole weight on it - I can do it too, but not as easily. People seem to have different experiences with these, so it is worthwhile to get the best quality. Try Rod's suggestion if you are off grid. He is not a heavy guy either.

[Little Eagle]

My husband is 5'7" and 150lbs. The rebar cutter works fine if he puts his whole weight on it - I can do it too, but not as easily. People seem to have different experiences with these, so it is worthwhile to get the best quality. Try Rod's suggestion if you are off grid. He is not a heavy guy either.

Thanks i will look into that for sure, im 6' 1" and 280, get that from my dads side! he is 6' 4" and about 350 lol

[Little Eagle]

I LOVE this tool: http://www.tolmantool.com/hub.htm
Most others here prefer something like: http://www.homedepot.com/p/DEWALT-14-in-Cut-Off-Saw-D28715/100634624

Very nice suggestions Rod! Thank you very much for the input. Im making a list . . . . . and checking twice? LOL

[Little Eagle]

I have a rebar cutter. Only use if you are 220+ and off grid.

Don't get too preoccupied with your list. Id add 4 spuds, take off swede hook, add half a dozen tape measures, augers and a hole hawg. Fall arrestors are good. The pp rope (I used it) may not be what you need. Don't forget the triple block and tackle.

Sent from my Galaxy S4 using Forum Runner

Yeah i did forget the block and tackle, thx stress. If not the pp rope what would you suggest? As far as the hook goes thought i would need that for log turning, wrong? auger and hole hawg ill put on my list as well. PPE is a must! the ground will catch you but you may not like the result . . .

[Little Eagle]

A 4X4 F-250 or something similar with a big bed. You need to haul lots of stuff. I still am using mine.
The 20 volt drill - hammer drill combo will be the best thing... Don't go cheap.
Two chain saws IMHO are a must. I have 3 plus 2 electric saws.
I have several wood cutting things that are probably unnecessary but very cool... A Swedish Carving Ax. Several Large chisels 2 inch is about right. I also have several wooden mauls.

Thanks rock, i have a 4x4 chevy 3/4 ton that has been with me a very long time. It is a king cab with a 8 foot bed. I only have one chainsaw at the moment but will have a 2nd soon for bigger trees, needed the bigger saw before i found this site, and a med size one for small stuff.

[rreidnauer]

Can I buy yours used when you finish? :-D
But I'll never be done with it! There will always be projects where rebar work is needed.

And how can you beat the bender feature on this cutter?
http://i1169.photobucket.com/albums/r519/Liberty_Acres/rebarrings.jpg
http://i1169.photobucket.com/albums/r519/Liberty_Acres/sonotuberebar.jpg
By the way, I'm 5'-8", 175 pounds, and can cut 1/2" rebar one handed, though I prefer two. Hub style cutter is king. Open jaws style stinks. My cutting dies are reversible, should they ever begin to dull and make for harder work, but so far, no signs of that, and I've done a fair bit of cutting with it so far. (Footing & foundation, radio tower guy cable anchor block cages, concrete stairs, porch sonotube cages)

[loghousenut]

That's one of those things that I'd always wished my Dad woulda invented.


Unfortunately, he was a lot like me and Bo.

[Little Eagle]

But I'll never be done with it! There will always be projects where rebar work is needed.

And how can you beat the bender feature on this cutter?
http://i1169.photobucket.com/albums/r519/Liberty_Acres/rebarrings.jpg
http://i1169.photobucket.com/albums/r519/Liberty_Acres/sonotuberebar.jpg
By the way, I'm 5'-8", 175 pounds, and can cut 1/2" rebar one handed, though I prefer two. Hub style cutter is king. Open jaws style stinks. My cutting dies are reversible, should they ever begin to dull and make for harder work, but so far, no signs of that, and I've done a fair bit of cutting with it so far. (Footing & foundation, radio tower guy cable anchor block cages, concrete stairs, porch sonotube cages)

That is a nice looking little piece Rod! Where did you get from the store, online store or amazon? they have a link through your link for amazon but i wold like to make sure i get it from them if i get one, not a over seas knock off.

[Plumb Level]

Telehandler. - get one and resell it.

I never had much trouble cutting my rebar with an angle grinder. I was always on the lookout on CL for a decent used metal chop saw, at a decent price, but never found it. I'm near the end of stacking logs and I've cut almost all of it with the angle grinder.

A water level. I constructed mine when I was placing my first girder. fill it with RV antifreeze. I used it on all three girders, and now for checking heights of the corners of the walls it is working well. Earlier in a build, I suspect it would be great for digging holes for your piers and getting the tops of those leveled out, or leveling a trench for footers.

Reciprocating saw
hard hats and/or climbing helmet
Handle held planer like the Bosch versions
At least 2 heavy gauge electric cords. I bought a 100' 10 gauge and cut it at 60 feet. Bought a male and female end and now I've got 2 with one a little longer. The 40 is almost always long enough.
Demo hammer - make sure the tool weighs at least 25 or 30 pounds.
Ladders - 6 foot step, shorter extension like a 16 or 20 footer, and then a longer one that is 32 or 34 feet. Take the 32 footer apart at first for two nice and light 16 footers.
Scaffolding - on casters and probably outriggers. 2 stackable set would be nice.
100 foot tape reel
lifting slings
I used a couple of chain hoists to raise and lower floor joists and my girder for the main floor. For making micro adjustments while trimming the GSLs to the right height, no other way I could have done that by myself.
ice packs - for the end of the day. Place them on top of the beer at the bottom of the cooler.

I never used log dogs. I pin each log at least once on each end before I remove from the slings.
I also haven't used the chains much. Used some shorter lengths to hold the RPSL in place til I got them thru bolted with all thread a couple of times.


+1 on the electric on-site. Generators are noisy and cut down on your ability to communicate.

[edkemper]

Kind of like trying to buy what you need to go to war before you've even gone to basic training. The class will end up giving you most of what you need and the member's side will fill in any blanks and provide all the cool tips.

[rreidnauer]

That is a nice looking little piece Rod! Where did you get from the store, online store or amazon? they have a link through your link for amazon but i wold like to make sure i get it from them if i get one, not a over seas knock off.
I did buy it from Amazon in 2006 when they had a sale going on it

[rckclmbr428]

Not one person has said a telehandler? I'm disappointed in all of you....

[donjuedo]

Plumb Level recommended a telehandler in post #19.

[BoFuller]

Telehandler 😜

I never used my log dog either.

[Little Eagle]

Lol I'll check on a telehandler.

[Mosseyme]

Ratchet straps big and small work great to keep something from moving while you get it permanent.

[BoFuller]

Ratchet straps big and small work great to keep something from moving while you get it permanent.

Yes, ratchet straps for sure. I used them to hold the Ridgepole on while drilling and pounding rebar. And other times too.

[Mosseyme]

We placed all of our very crooked rafters before pinning any of them. We had to leave them mobile while we leveled them up and had to move a couple so we had smaller ratchet straps top and bottom on each of them. 64- 1000lb ratchet straps.

[Little Eagle]

We placed all of our very crooked rafters before pinning any of them. We had to leave them mobile while we leveled them up and had to move a couple so we had smaller ratchet straps top and bottom on each of them. 64- 1000lb ratchet straps.

Thanks for all the advise. I wouldn't have thought of using ratchet straps to hold the logs but that's a great idea!

[Plumb Level]

Yes - ratchet sraps! I use them to keep the log from rising up while pinning the rebar. I've found good use for the heavier ratchets, but also the smaller ones. The type you might secure an ATV with. I'm not depending on the strap from a safety standpoint, because I still have the log secured with lifting straps to the forks of the tele. I'm just putting them on to keep the log from rising...but sometimes I'll leave an inch or two of slack in the strap because I want one end of the log to rise up a little. Just depends.

The smaller staps typically have the flat hooks (need about 1/2" clearance), and they slide in and out between the logs easier and/or hook to rebar easier. The heavier straps have larger hooks that typically need 1.5" clearance to get thru a space.

[bkinmore]

Is a winch a good idea for lifting logs? Say 3000 lb capability winch? Assuming using block and tackle, and not enough room to pull rope

[loghousenut]

The winch can work fine but the LHBA way is a pretty tried and true method. It all gets a good explanation just before lunch on the second day of class.




PS... There will be enough room to pull the rope.

[rreidnauer]

If I were to attempt using a winch, it would be of the capstan type. A regular winch would probably run out of spool if using triple B&T, which has a 6:1 advantage ratio. (meaning for every foot of lift, you pull six feet of rope) Of course, with a winch, you can eliminate a lot of that advantage factor, since the winch is capable of pulling much harder than a person.

But keep in mind, most of those ATV/truck winches are designed for very limited use. Chances are you'd kill the winch before finishing all your lifting.

Back to B&T, I was developing a manual device to work with B&T to assist in pulling the rope for heavy lifts. I made a (rather embarrassing, early camera shy) video of it years ago. I had since moved on from that and began development of a capstan type built on the same groundwork as the manual version, which uses a Milwaukee Hole Hawg drill as its power source. It's pretty much complete, but has been lying in mothballs for years, when I pretty much decided to use other means of lifting logs.

Found the video (please don't laugh at me too much [emoji39] )
https://youtu.be/q7wvudXfj40

[loghousenut]

If I were to attempt using a winch, it would be of the capstan type. A regular winch would probably run out of spool if using triple B&T, which has a 6:1 advantage ratio. (meaning for every foot of lift, you pull six feet of rope) Of course, with a winch, you can eliminate a lot of that advantage factor, since the winch is capable of pulling much harder than a person.

But keep in mind, most of those ATV/truck winches are designed for very limited use. Chances are you'd kill the winch before finishing all your lifting.

Back to B&T, I was developing a manual device to work with B&T to assist in pulling the rope for heavy lifts. I made a (rather embarrassing, early camera shy) video of it years ago. I had since moved on from that and began development of a capstan type built on the same groundwork as the manual version, which uses a Milwaukee Hole Hawg drill as its power source. It's pretty much complete, but has been lying in mothballs for years, when I pretty much decided to use other means of lifting logs.

Found the video (please don't laugh at me too much [emoji39] )
https://youtu.be/q7wvudXfj40

I agree with the capstan winch idea.

Rod, you are a sharp character who displays a lot of character in your videos. I had seen that roperatchet invention before and saved it in my favorites. Couldn't get your link to work so I took the liberty of including my old link to your old video.

Great narration and the content shows a lot of promise. Thanks. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKffm2uI4dk

[bkinmore]

If I were to attempt using a winch, it would be of the capstan type. A regular winch would probably run out of spool if using triple B&T, which has a 6:1 advantage ratio. (meaning for every foot of lift, you pull six feet of rope) Of course, with a winch, you can eliminate a lot of that advantage factor, since the winch is capable of pulling much harder than a person.

But keep in mind, most of those ATV/truck winches are designed for very limited use. Chances are you'd kill the winch before finishing all your lifting.

Back to B&T, I was developing a manual device to work with B&T to assist in pulling the rope for heavy lifts. I made a (rather embarrassing, early camera shy) video of it years ago. I had since moved on from that and began development of a capstan type built on the same groundwork as the manual version, which uses a Milwaukee Hole Hawg drill as its power source. It's pretty much complete, but has been lying in mothballs for years, when I pretty much decided to use other means of lifting logs.

Found the video (please don't laugh at me too much [emoji39] )
https://youtu.be/q7wvudXfj40
I needed that much salt last night for my girlfriend's cooking[emoji12]

[allen84]

I needed that much salt last night for my girlfriend's cooking[emoji12]

This is why I talk my wife into eating out whenever we get the chance. We've been married over 8 years, you'd think the cooking would get better with that much practice... At least my brutal honesty when it sucks doesn't make her cry anymore. Guess nobody will ever be able to cook as good as mom haha

[LowKey]

This is why I talk my wife into eating out whenever we get the chance. We've been married over 8 years, you'd think the cooking would get better with that much practice... At least my brutal honesty when it sucks doesn't make her cry anymore. Guess nobody will ever be able to cook as good as mom haha

Huh.
Married 7 years here. Wife's cooking puts 5 star restaurants to shame...
When the time comes, she'll cook up a storm for anyone helping on the house.....just sayin'.....:cool:

[panderson03]

if you're not the one who has to do the cooking (and likely the cleaning up and grocery shopping) you should consider yourself lucky and be darn grateful.

[allen84]

Huh.
Married 7 years here. Wife's cooking puts 5 star restaurants to shame...
When the time comes, she'll cook up a storm for anyone helping on the house.....just sayin'.....:cool:

Mother in Law accepts responsibility for never allowing her in the kitchen. Sometimes it's just a failure to follow the directions, like she thinks she's Emeril or something. Maybe I should sign her up for some culinary classes at Harvard on the Highway (local community college) next semester :)

[rreidnauer]

Huh.
Married 7 years here. Wife's cooking puts 5 star restaurants to shame...
When the time comes, she'll cook up a storm for anyone helping on the house.....just sayin'.....:cool:
She was standing right behind you when you typed that, huh?
[emoji6]

[edkemper]

The only time I am allowed in the kitchen is when I carry groceries in. Otherwise, that is the one room that BELONGS to my wife. She used to own and work in restaurants. So, we rarely go out to dinner. My bride can cook just about anything and does it all well.

In the house we build? I will be allowed to be in the kitchen while I build. Then I am banned. We've been married for going on 9 years. We have probably only eaten out 2 dozen times since we met. Excellent food, excellent cook, excellent presentation and the desire to thank her regularly and properly.

[rocklock]

We've been married over 8 years
brutal honesty

Several things - brutal honesty doesn't work.
I've been married over 8 years as well... actually 48 years.

I worked my way through school as a cook and baker. I still take classes. I still am learning. I found this "Rediscovering the Lost art of cooking" in a series called The Everyday Gourmet. I learned a bunch. When I was cooking or reading a cook book it would say something like brown the meat. This course will explain why, which is very important.

Don't buy the course and give it to your wife. Buy it for your self and share...

[edkemper]

Brutally honest? First marriage?

I'm old enough to have learned to be brutally honest. I am brutally honest knowing that I am the luckiest guy in the world and I know that there isn't an argument worth winning. 25 years being single? I'm good with being wrong whenever she needs me to be as long as she keeps allowing me to be her husband.

The only problem I have with my wife is that she now wants to learn to operate the backhoe. I'm smart enough to know when there's a line perhaps we shouldn't cross. For my own health.

Not only did I wake up to her smiling face this morning, but this is what she had to share with me.

3027

[panderson03]

Mr Kemper, you are truly blessed, and very wise. Merry Christmas :)

[2Determined2Quit]

Whether it's learning about how to build a log cabin, what tools to use, eating muffins, or listening to men speak so highly of their women....this forum always gives me warm fuzzies and a few chuckles :p
Merry Christmas to all of you.

P.S. All i want for Christmas is..... for it to be Feb already!!

[panderson03]

merry Christmas, Determined.
it already feels like you're one of the family!

[edkemper]

Mr Kemper, you are truly blessed, and very wise. Merry Christmas :)

"Mr." Kemper was blessed and was married to my mother for almost 60 years.

Me? I'm Ed, Eddie, Hey you, Knucklehead, etc., you get the idea.

But blessed? God is good and he/she has a sense of humor.

When I think of blessed, I think of your avatar. You ain't doing so bad yourself.

May Santa be generous.

[bkinmore]

The winch can work fine but the LHBA way is a pretty tried and true method. It all gets a good explanation just before lunch on the second day of class.




PS... There will be enough room to pull the rope.
Regarding your telehandler....what lift and boom ability is needed?

[loghousenut]

Regarding your telehandler....what lift and boom ability is needed?
Who said anything about telehandlers?

Mine is a 9,000 lb with a 35' boom. Bigger or smaller works too. Handy tool.

[allen84]

Regarding your telehandler....what lift and boom ability is needed?

Depends on the size of your dogs

http://i1267.photobucket.com/albums/jj546/wherethere42/Dog%20handler.png (http://s1267.photobucket.com/user/wherethere42/media/Dog%20handler.png.html)

[John W]

As Jerry MacGuire said, 'we said we'd be honest, YOU added the brutally.'

[Arrowman]

Depends on the size of your dogs



And house.

[ivanshayka]

And your roof