Your Tool~

[logsurfer]

Just for the sake of discussion...Say you have absolutely no tools to start with. What then would be YOUR first purchase of any particular brand and why?
Studying chainsaws as of now...the Stihl Farm Boss sounds well suited enough for the jobs that may be at hand. Favorite drills?
*Surf On*

[Timberwolf]

If you have NO (as in none) tools, I'd start with a good set of hand tools. Hammer, toolbelt, tape measure 2x25' and 1x100ft (steel), skillsaw (any), handsaw, speedsquare, level (2ft, 5ft and if you can a GOOD laserlevel), cordless drill (more below), angle grinder, chalkline (100ft) and string (200ft) and plumb line.

You'll need all these before you get to stacking logs.

Chainsaws. Can't go wrong with a Stihl. My favorite is the 361 or equiv (66cc I beleive). 24" bar.

Drills. - Frak that, get an impact driver, you'll never be sorry, unless you want to drill holes. But for driving screws, there is NO comparison. As for brands, I was far more impressed with my buddies Dewalt 18V XRP (non Li) than my Milwaukee 18V (Li). His easily outran mine. Oh, and while on the subject of drills, it's often a waaay better deal to buy a "combo kit" The cordless skill saw is unbeliveably handy up ladders and on the roof. And get extra batteries. 2 is ok, but 4 will keep you going all day and they'll last longer.

[drummer boy]

That's a hard one. Everyone's situation is different and certain factors dictate what you will use/need first. The type of foundation dictates the tools used. What's your budget? Are you on a time crunch or do you have years to finish? Are you building your own foundation or is someone else doing it? Are you buying land that is prepped for you. Are you building on level ground, a slop, on clay, etc? What are you doing first? Cutting trees or doing foundation, or maybe prepping land? Are your logs cut and brought to you or are you cutting them yourself? What are you contracting out and what are you doing yourself? In my situation I need a hammer, a cordless drill and a skill saw. I prefer Ryobi myself and I don't care if they are new or used. Now some prefer nothing but used items however new items are the only choice for others.

[loghousenut]

My favorite tool...

The Spouse. If you have a spouse, your success or failure in this LHBA venture depends on him/her. A spouse who has been to class with you and shares your vision is your most valuable asset. A spouse who wants the instant gratification of a real log kit house and then allows you to go to class to learn how to do it yourself is not the same tool. If you are not 100% on the same page, the stresses involved in this type of commitment can work their way into the fabric of a relationship and begin chewing at the threads that form the most important bond in life.

Most folks who build a LHBA home go through a tremendous lifestyle change in the process. It is more than just a few long days and eating less steak and more beans. There are sacrifices and distractions that will either drive you apart or bring you closer together. My Wife and I have always been close, and we each played with logs before we married. We are fully on the same page with this build, and yet there has been a time or two during this house project that worries over money or time have boiled into doubt and frustration. Add to the mix a little dose of teenager stress, stress at work, or time related hormones and suddenly it would be easy to see the whole thing dissolving into a lawyer infested disease with no cure.

Scrounging up the right saw, or drill, or hammer is the easy part. There'll be days when you won't have just what you need and you spend hours trying to make do with the wrong tools. You'll get through those days just fine. Try doing this with a spouse who resents not having the money to visit your in-laws because you have to get the roof on before the first storm of the season. It is failure waiting to happen.

Take the class... Together.

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t55/loghousenut/4th5thsilllog8-28-09081.jpg

[drummer boy]

Spoken with true wisdom loghousenut. So very true.

[logsurfer]

If you have NO (as in none) tools, I'd start with a good set of hand tools. Hammer, toolbelt, tape measure 2x25' and 1x100ft (steel), skillsaw (any), handsaw, speedsquare, level (2ft, 5ft and if you can a GOOD laserlevel), cordless drill (more below), angle grinder, chalkline (100ft) and string (200ft) and plumb line.

You'll need all these before you get to stacking logs.

Chainsaws. Can't go wrong with a Stihl. My favorite is the 361 or equiv (66cc I beleive). 24" bar.

Drills. - Frak that, get an impact driver, you'll never be sorry, unless you want to drill holes. But for driving screws, there is NO comparison. As for brands, I was far more impressed with my buddies Dewalt 18V XRP (non Li) than my Milwaukee 18V (Li). His easily outran mine. Oh, and while on the subject of drills, it's often a waaay better deal to buy a "combo kit" The cordless skill saw is unbeliveably handy up ladders and on the roof. And get extra batteries. 2 is ok, but 4 will keep you going all day and they'll last longer.

Sweet Twolf...that's the ideal list! I have the 18v Dewalt...Ok clueless here-what's the angle grinder? Thanks for the great list brother!

[logsurfer]

That's a hard one. Everyone's situation is different and certain factors dictate what you will use/need first. The type of foundation dictates the tools used. What's your budget? Are you on a time crunch or do you have years to finish? Are you building your own foundation or is someone else doing it? Are you buying land that is prepped for you. Are you building on level ground, a slop, on clay, etc? What are you doing first? Cutting trees or doing foundation, or maybe prepping land? Are your logs cut and brought to you or are you cutting them yourself? What are you contracting out and what are you doing yourself? In my situation I need a hammer, a cordless drill and a skill saw. I prefer Ryobi myself and I don't care if they are new or used. Now some prefer nothing but used items however new items are the only choice for others.

Okay, you got me there...I haven't even secured land...not for a year perhaps...that's a great rundown DB...I HAVE to keep those thoughts in mind for sure!

[logsurfer]

My favorite tool...

The Spouse. If you have a spouse, your success or failure in this LHBA venture depends on him/her. A spouse who has been to class with you and shares your vision is your most valuable asset. A spouse who wants the instant gratification of a real log kit house and then allows you to go to class to learn how to do it yourself is not the same tool. If you are not 100% on the same page, the stresses involved in this type of commitment can work their way into the fabric of a relationship and begin chewing at the threads that form the most important bond in life.

Most folks who build a LHBA home go through a tremendous lifestyle change in the process. It is more than just a few long days and eating less steak and more beans. There are sacrifices and distractions that will either drive you apart or bring you closer together. My Wife and I have always been close, and we each played with logs before we married. We are fully on the same page with this build, and yet there has been a time or two during this house project that worries over money or time have boiled into doubt and frustration. Add to the mix a little dose of teenager stress, stress at work, or time related hormones and suddenly it would be easy to see the whole thing dissolving into a lawyer infested disease with no cure.

Scrounging up the right saw, or drill, or hammer is the easy part. There'll be days when you won't have just what you need and you spend hours trying to make do with the wrong tools. You'll get through those days just fine. Try doing this with a spouse who resents not having the money to visit your in-laws because you have to get the roof on before the first storm of the season. It is failure waiting to happen.

Take the class... Together.

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t55/loghousenut/4th5thsilllog8-28-09081.jpg

Pure words of wisdom indeed LHN...Thankfully the Ladysurfer is on board...crazy thing is SHE found/came up with the idea of making it happen. I'm a bit more of a realist in many aspects...just keep trying to make sure she realizes the Loooong process this could be. Sorry hun, won't be a years time..just so you know. What a fine looking lady..she's got serious vision in her eyes.
Yes to all those fears of the project ripping at the seams of our family...it makes me shudder just thinking of what's really in store for the both of us and a 6 year old little lady... Whew *sweaty palms* OH yeah, I AM Frightened/excited/stoked by the whole aspect of such an undertaking

[drummer boy]

One step at a time and don't let it all overwhelm you. Take to heart what loghousenut said about the spouse. You think building a log home is hard? Try dragging your spouse with one hand while pinning down a log with the other. It took a year to convince my spouse and we have land, house plans, tools, and three tractors along with family to help. Nothing moved until she got on board. Now she doesn't question a dime that is spent. The second most valuable tool is the class. Take her with you. It would have been impossible to answer or explain all that we learned together. O...by the way....I have seven children. All special needs. If I can do it, anyone can. Sweaty palms and all.

[logsurfer]

One step at a time and don't let it all overwhelm you. Take to heart what loghousenut said about the spouse. You think building a log home is hard? Try dragging your spouse with one hand while pinning down a log with the other. It took a year to convince my spouse and we have land, house plans, tools, and three tractors along with family to help. Nothing moved until she got on board. Now she doesn't question a dime that is spent. The second most valuable tool is the class. Take her with you. It would have been impossible to answer or explain all that we learned together. O...by the way....I have seven children. All special needs. If I can do it, anyone can. Sweaty palms and all.

Amen to that brother...Whoa, you are moving along nicely...you are so right...I try and keep telling myself 'one thing at a time' though I am sooo guilty of fretting on whole big picture and freaking out. At first I said that maybe to save money that she just goes,cause she is better at shorthand :D But she's right *surprise* we need to both be there to walk and carry each other through the whole process.
Man, you certainly have your hands full out there :) Good on you for taking on such challenges in regards to the children~

[logsurfer]

If you have NO (as in none) tools, I'd start with a good set of hand tools. Hammer, toolbelt, tape measure 2x25' and 1x100ft (steel), skillsaw (any), handsaw, speedsquare, level (2ft, 5ft and if you can a GOOD laserlevel), cordless drill (more below), angle grinder, chalkline (100ft) and string (200ft) and plumb line.

You'll need all these before you get to stacking logs.

Chainsaws. Can't go wrong with a Stihl. My favorite is the 361 or equiv (66cc I beleive). 24" bar.

Drills. - Frak that, get an impact driver, you'll never be sorry, unless you want to drill holes. But for driving screws, there is NO comparison. As for brands, I was far more impressed with my buddies Dewalt 18V XRP (non Li) than my Milwaukee 18V (Li). His easily outran mine. Oh, and while on the subject of drills, it's often a waaay better deal to buy a "combo kit" The cordless skill saw is unbeliveably handy up ladders and on the roof. And get extra batteries. 2 is ok, but 4 will keep you going all day and they'll last longer.

Dude! Your Picasa sight is A M A Z I N G!! Ummmm, ok, freaked out again...what if you don't have access to all those 'specialty' Rigs you got running there?! Very impressive my man!

[drummer boy]

Amen to that brother...Whoa, you are moving along nicely...you are so right...I try and keep telling myself 'one thing at a time' though I am sooo guilty of fretting on whole big picture and freaking out. At first I said that maybe to save money that she just goes,cause she is better at shorthand :D But she's right *surprise* we need to both be there to walk and carry each other through the whole process.
Man, you certainly have your hands full out there :) Good on you for taking on such challenges in regards to the children~

Yea, We like having an adventure. That is why we have so many kids and went to the class together and are building together as a family. whooo hooo We are coming up on 20 years of marriage and 1 year old through 15 year old. Talk about an adventure. These are the best "tools" to have. these kids will have the "life tools" necessary to make a good choice about life. Build or borrow for a home. I figure we will build.....I know loghousenut feels the same. He has a gem of a son.

[Dan Spencer]

I've had the dream to build for years , but last summer my wife seen the class for Jan 2011 and said we have to go to this one. So we went and she has been the drive to start building . We bought the plan package from Skip right after class ( a very good deal) and have been plotting ever seen . We are going to put a garage and a 30x30 with a basement on our property in Livingston. Also already looking for another building site . And I must say , i am so glad my wife is on board with this ! And yes , one step at a time . We are going up to the property Apr. 9th to lay out some string and dream a little.

[destructoxvi]

Loghousenut you are so right. Happy wife, Happy life!

I went with a Rigid Brand (Home Depot) combo kit. It was a 24volt lithium kit with Recipricating saw, Hammer Drill, Circular Saw, adjustable light, two batteries and quick charger and a bag to carry it in. Rigid runs coupons and rebates. I got the tool belt rebate coupon. It shipped in about three weeks. Around this same time I purchased a Rigid Radial Saw. It also came with a rebate for either a jigsaw or a battery powered chaulking gun. I went with the jig saw. I am sure the price was imbedded in there somewhere but I was happy with the tools. Rigid also has a lifetime warranty. I have used these tools for over four years on home improvement. Check online with Rigid or Home Depot and look for rebate offers. Sometimes they are pretty valuable. I could definitely use two additional batteries though.

I recently bought a brand new "in the box" Husqvarna 18" saw on ebay. I purchased it almost $250 below MSRP. It took me nearly three months to find one but that was ok because I was selling stuff that I had not used in over 10+ years and was collecting dust and used that money to buy my saw. Any money made from that stuff just keep building up in the Paypal and when I had enough I found the Husky. I have only used it once to cut down some nuisance mesquite. My recip.. saw would have done most of the work but the Husky is fast and sharp and makes fast work.

Good Luck

[logsurfer]

Loghousenut you are so right. Happy wife, Happy life!

I went with a Rigid Brand (Home Depot) combo kit. It was a 24volt lithium kit with Recipricating saw, Hammer Drill, Circular Saw, adjustable light, two batteries and quick charger and a bag to carry it in. Rigid runs coupons and rebates. I got the tool belt rebate coupon. It shipped in about three weeks. Around this same time I purchased a Rigid Radial Saw. It also came with a rebate for either a jigsaw or a battery powered chaulking gun. I went with the jig saw. I am sure the price was imbedded in there somewhere but I was happy with the tools. Rigid also has a lifetime warranty. I have used these tools for over four years on home improvement. Check online with Rigid or Home Depot and look for rebate offers. Sometimes they are pretty valuable. I could definitely use two additional batteries though.

I recently bought a brand new "in the box" Husqvarna 18" saw on ebay. I purchased it almost $250 below MSRP. It took me nearly three months to find one but that was ok because I was selling stuff that I had not used in over 10+ years and was collecting dust and used that money to buy my saw. Any money made from that stuff just keep building up in the Paypal and when I had enough I found the Husky. I have only used it once to cut down some nuisance mesquite. My recip.. saw would have done most of the work but the Husky is fast and sharp and makes fast work.

Good Luck

Thanks bro for the Good rundown! I have been checking out the bundles lately on Amazon---Dewalt -Makita...I'll have to take a look at those Rigid.tools and said rebates! Yeah, been scoping out the E-bay for saws as well! Thumbs high~

[destructoxvi]

oh yeah..........Rigid Tools are an annoyingly bright construction orange. Easy to find in rubble or brush just in case you set it down for a moment. LOL.