On Instagram, too

Because it takes a bit more effort to put the YouTube videos together, I've been posting some quick snapshots or videos to Instagram.  You can find them at http://www.instagram.com/gildedrain

And a reminder of the YouTube playlist: Building a Timberframe House

Quick update:

The timberframe raising should be completed end of day Monday.

I'm 25% done with the kitchen cabinet faces.

I'm 90% done with the bathroom vanities.

The bank financing is locked in.   Phew!

We're almost ready to trench the water, sewer and gas connections.

Electrical connection is done.

The garage is 90% done.

...things are starting to look house-shaped!

Building a Timberframe House (YouTube Playlist)

Things have been hectic and the schedule changes daily.  I'll keep trying to put these short videos together each week.  The plan is to make a more comprehensive video when everything is done, but for now... this is what you get!

Building a Timberframe House YouTube Playlist

Building a Timberframe House - 1

I'm going to attempt to record videos as we progress through the build.  I'll get better at it as I go, but right now my attention is very focused on getting the foundation correct...not on flying smoothly.  Sorry for the poor piloting skills.

We broke ground April 12th, and worked through the weekend to get this far.

Arts & Crafts Bookshelves - Complete!

This project was a wedding gift for my sister-in-law and her husband.  They got married in July, but I've been busy juggling the house project at the same time, so let's just call it better late than never.

This was my first keyed tenon.  I had to make a 7° angle jig for a plunge router, which only served to remind me how much I dislike using routers.  If I felt confident, or healthy enough (I've been sick pretty consistently since Thanksgiving with my seasonal allergies), I may have attempted it by hand, but I just didn't have the energy and needed the project done. 

The joints turned out nice and I was super impressed with how tightly that wedge can pull those shelves against the sides -- enough to dent the wood slightly.  I'll have to find a use for this joint again.  I like it.

She chose Stickley's Onondaga finish.  Hmm... not sure what else to say about this project.

So here are the photos.

Blueprints are done!!

I started drawing floor plans in September 2016.

Bought the land in December 2016.

Interviewed over 2 dozen timberframers.

Collected cost data for the entire project into a ridiculously large spreadsheet.

Collaborated with Downstream Construction in the design of a beautiful timberframe.

Modeled the entire thing in 3D.

Figured out how to turn that 3D model into 2D blueprints.

Had the entire design tested by a structural engineer.

Went through a few rounds of revisions.

And now, 14 months later, I'm the proud owner of stamped and approved building plans!  :)

That was ...really hard.  I had to level up several skills along the way, but it's done.  Thank the gods it's done!  It really wore me down.

I'm about to undertake one helluva woodworking project.

Here she is, folks....

Meanwhile...

Work continues on my brother's house.  I put together a 51" x 61" black walnut butcherblock countertop for his kitchen island.

And I've got a desk top to flatten and smooth still.

Desk Top

And as if I didn't have enough going on, my sister-in-law is getting married.  I'm making her a set of Stickley reproduction bookcases.

Quartersawn White Oak

Driveway is in

After clearing the smaller trees out, we had an excavation crew come in with the big machines to knock over the big ones, clear the area where the house is going to be, grade the driveway, and lay down some stone.  This is just a construction-grade driveway for now as it's going to get dirty and muddy with all the heavy machinery rolling in when we build the house.  Nothing fancy.

It feels so amazing to finally have vehicle access to the land.  We didn't waste any time and started the campfires right away.

Progress!

 Sorry for the blog hiatus.  I've been up to my ears in research and planning for our house project.  And I've been up to my ears trying to finish up the trim carpentry on my brother's house.

Day 1: The clearing begins!

Day 2: The clearing continues!

I found the "E" tree.  Now I just need to find the other letter trees to spell my last name.

Boom!  Driveway construction begins.  

Up to this point we haven't had vehicular access to the site.  I can't wait to stop parking in front of the neighbors' houses.

We bought some trees!

Apologies.  I've been busy.  A fellow woodworker and follower of this site politely suggested I share what's going on with the rest of my readers.  (That I actually have readers still blows my mind).  

TL;DR - My wife and I bought 19 acres and are planning to build a timberframe house next year.  Meanwhile I am doing all of the interior window and door trim on my brother's newly built house.  My Arts & Crafts End Tables project is on hold.

So that's the short version.  If you want the long version, I'll try to document the journey so far in the next few posts.  Let's start with the fun stuff...  pictures!

Workshop Gremlin #2 thinks the new shop location will suffice.

Greenfield Guitars