CountryPlans Forum

General => Owner-Builder Projects => Topic started by: MountainDon on December 20, 2006, 02:03:09 AM

Title: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on December 20, 2006, 02:03:09 AM
Since this topic was started the image host I used has made a change. The stored images are still on the host but they have disabled allowing the images to be viewed on a forum. So there are lots of missing images. As much as I would like to re-host them to have them show here, that is a huge task and I do not want to take the time to move and relink each one. As of this edit, the images are still hosted on photobucket and photobucket is still in business. They are just not allowing the images to be used on 3rd party sites like this forum.

However, there is a way to view the images. Right click on the replacement 'warning' image and then select view image in new tab. That will open the image in a photobucket page. That works with the Chrome browser. I have noticed it does not work with the edge browser. No idea about other browsers. 


This is the first post in my cabin topic, however this index at the the top was inserted May, 2010 and has been added to since then. The actual first post commences below the ~~~~~~~ line below.  It was suggested by an admirer that I add a sort of an index.

This is listed in chronological order; alphabetical would be ideal, but that's a bigger project than I want at this time.
  ;D  Some of these links may require you to scroll down slightly. 

FYI: Since I first conceived this idea of building a cabin with my wife, I have learned many things. I would have built a better cabin if I had known some of these things before beginning. The main thing that would have been done different and better is the foundation. As you shall see we built using a pier and beam foundation similar to many other projects seen in many places on the internet. A pier and beam, or post and beam if you will, is not the best, not the most solid foundation. Pier and beam foundations are not recognized by any of the building codes used in the USA. They are permitted if the design is approved by a state licensed engineer. That will cost more than doing a prescribed foundation as outlined in the building codes. Anyhow, read on, enjoy! Just keep in mind that just because you see it on the internet that does not make it the best solution.

Last edited 12/30/2016


Gazebo is started (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.msg32610#msg32610)   
The Chimnea in the gazebo; chimney mount, metal heat shields (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.msg35598#msg35598)   
Gazebo Cupola construction (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.msg36320#msg36320)   
Generator enclosure (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.msg37768#msg37768)     
Starting on the shed construction (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.msg58296#msg58296)   
Sun-Mar installed in the shed (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.msg59916#msg59916)         
The solar PV panel pole installed (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.msg59925#msg59925)     
Clearing space for the cabin (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.msg60621#msg60621)   
The cabin site just about ready to build on (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.msg60625#msg60625)   
The cabin posts in place, built up beams (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.msg60954#msg60954)     
The first time I explained how the cabin evolved to being 15.75 ft wide (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.msg61565#msg61565)   ;D
Floor joists in place, floor sheathing, first walls (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.msg61571#msg61571)
Why I don't recommend covering your floor with plastic or tarps to try and keep it dry from the rain (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.msg61575#msg61575)   
Rafters, roof sheathing, tight wall felt (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.msg62408#msg62408)     
Door and a window in place and flashe (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.msg62952#msg62952)d     
First shot of roughed in interior (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.msg62953#msg62953)
Wiring the interior begins (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.msg64140#msg64140)     
Rain and more rain. Pocket door for bathroom discussion (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.msg64786#msg64786)   
Notes and talk on flashing the door and windows (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.msg65171#msg65171)   
The Vermont Castings Aspen wood stove, propane hookup with auto changeover RV regulator (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.msg65462#msg65462)   
24 VDC to 12 VDC Solar Converters solid state voltage converter (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.msg65662#msg65662)
The exterior electrical panel temporary hookup. Some wiring examples (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.msg66123#msg66123)   
The metal roof panels go on, paid casual labor (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.msg66149#msg66149)
Finished chimney, fire in the Aspen (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.msg66151#msg66151)     
Forum friends visit, more lectrical, insulation batts in the walls (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.msg66736#msg66736)   
RCH DC voltage ceiling fan (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.msg66813#msg66813) 
Start on the plumbing (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.msg67309#msg67309)     
Walls insulated, Ceiling insulation started (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.msg67322#msg67322)
Our volcano. Working on installing the ceiling T&G (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.msg67988#msg67988)   
Ceiling complete and clear coated. Cabinets stained green (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.msg68349#msg68349)   
Exterior; starting the Hardie cement fiber board trim (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.msg68354#msg68354)     
Drywall roughed in (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.msg68952#msg68952)   
Solo Sider tool, very handy for hanging the hardie Plank siding by oneself (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.msg69775#msg69775)         
The first installment of the siding completed and painted (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.msg70638#msg70638)     
Hardie backer board on the floor (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.msg72216#msg72216)   
more ceiling work, redwood (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.msg73242#msg73242)     
Winter is closing in, we move in some furniture. The RCH ceiling fan installed. (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.msg73720#msg73720)   
Kitchen counter, sink. More interior shots (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.msg73959#msg73959)     
Coat rack by door (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.msg74622#msg74622)   
Haul parts up the hill in snow. Install cabinet doors (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.msg75274#msg75274)   
Year end 2008. Snowmobile gets stuck (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.msg77488#msg77488).   
I buy the big inverter, Outback VFX3524M (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.msg78746#msg78746)   
The inverter purchase spawns the Off Grid Power Topic (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=6059.msg78791#msg78791)   
Outback Charge Controller  (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.msg79119#msg79119)   
PV panels bought  (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.msg79286#msg79286)   
Basic bed frame/box (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.msg87140#msg87140)   
Snowmobile retrieval (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.msg89334#msg89334)   
Fresh air inlet for the Aspen wood stove (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.msg90015#msg90015)       
Solar panels installed on pole (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.msg90533#msg90533)     
Fire. May 2009 (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.msg90904#msg90904)   
Karen tells the story of the fire (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.msg90936#msg90936)     
West wall T&G completed at last (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.msg90988#msg90988)     
Muffin fan, turbocharger, for the wood stove (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.msg91874#msg91874)   
Redwood window trim, interior (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.msg91877#msg91877)     
Floor tile start (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.msg91878#msg91878)     
Bed base completed, installed (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.msg92322#msg92322)   
Start on the porch (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.msg92453#msg92453)   
Improved trash burn barrel, kitchen range, door trim (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.msg93222#msg93222)   
Soffits, Hardie board perforated for ventilation (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.msg93223#msg93223)
Start the propane and battery storage; Energy Center (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.msg93224#msg93224)   
RV water heater, cutting hole through wall for installation (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.msg93225#msg93225)     
Servel refrigerator installed. Water heater details (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.msg94297#msg94297)   
Bought a game camera (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.msg94300#msg94300)   
Propane, battery Energy Center construction (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.msg94302#msg94302)   
Water Cistern (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.msg94915#msg94915)   
Energy Center (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.msg94917#msg94917)     
More on water cistern (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.msg95628#msg95628)     
Porch Roof (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.msg95629#msg95629)     
Cable and conduit from cabin to solar PV panels (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.msg95631#msg95631)   
Energy Center completed, locking bar details, Charge Controller, Inverter (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.msg96235#msg96235)   
Battery Bank Buss Bars (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=6059.msg95705#msg95705) in Off Grid Power Topic
More on the Battery Bank Connections (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=6059.msg96769#msg96769) in Off Grid Power Topic
Drawing Illustrating the PV System Components and Connections (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=6059.msg119820#msg119820) in Off Grid Power Topic
A Neater Drawing of the PV Power System (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=6059.msg120194#msg120194) in Off Grid Power Topic
Sink drain, exterio (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.msg96242#msg96242)r   
Water heate (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.msg96779#msg96779)r     
Oasis water pump on cistern (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.msg97231#msg97231)   
Battery Bank hookup (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.msg97236#msg97236)s     
Charge Controller, Inverter (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.msg97242#msg97242)     
Water Pump to cabin hose setup (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.msg97675#msg97675)     
Installing the propane direct vent wall heater (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.msg100897#msg100897)     
We find a shortcut for snowshoeing to the cabin when the snow is too deep to drive through (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.msg104627#msg104627)   
Deep snow and Frozen Cistern pump standpipe (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.msg112150#msg112150)     
Totaled up the build expenses (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.msg113214#msg113214)
View of undersink plumbing with "what I might do different" (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.msg117514#msg117514)
Shower almost done at last (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.msg117515#msg117515)
More on the Shower and Bathroom (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.msg117851#msg117851)
Copper sheet under wood stove (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.msg118123#msg118123)
Shower all done, curtain hardware arrived (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.msg120709#msg120709)
Electric power added to gazebo (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.msg120710#msg120710)
Tool for trail work (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.msg123047#msg123047)
An Experiment: Keep Food From Freezing in Winter (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.msg123471#msg123471)
Pine board Gazebo ceiling (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.msg123871#msg123871)
Changes to Cistern Water Pump (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.msg123991#msg123991)

LED Christmas Lights (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.msg126306#msg126306)
LED General Exterior Illumination Lighting (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.msg127381#msg127381)
Keeping Food NOT Frozen (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.msg128034#msg128034)
And Problems with the heater (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.msg129673#msg129673)


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Here's what I've been planning, thinking, etc. It's basically 14 x 26 ft, with a bumpout at the wood stove. It's all one room more or less with a divider that would be something like 5 1/2 to 6 feet tall to set the bed off to the side sorta. There are some unconventional details. The use of an RV type combined shower, toilet, sink is the main one. Yes it is rather small, but we have gotten used to living in an RV over the past dozen years or so and travelling most of each summer. This is much the same, only permanently parked.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/floorplans/floorplan-possible-B.jpg)

"Parked" off in the boonies where I do not expect to have many uninvited visitors. I have one and only one nearby neighbor who is equally "offstream". We're of such an age we have trouble remembering where the county offices are located, among other things.

There will also be a porch at the front end (left) that will be covered by an extension of the metal roof. Electrical power by solar. Wood stove as main heat. Propane RV furnace as backup.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/landscape/lightsnowfallwoodpile.jpg)
Part of the acreage after light recent snowfall; woodpile from selected collected deadfall.
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: Sassy on December 20, 2006, 11:20:20 AM
Beautiful site!  What state was that again?  Altitude?  (you've probably posted that before but as you were saying memory fails sometimes...  :-/  Looks like an economical use of space to me  :).
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on December 20, 2006, 07:58:16 PM
This is in northern New Mexico, about 8600 foot elevation

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/landscape/fenceline.jpg)
looking east along northern property line
(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/landscape/jeeponaccesspoint.jpg)
Jeep parked
(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/landscape/woodpileviewsouth.jpg)
looking south thru the rainy mist, logpile of cleared up dead fall
(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/landscape/oldroad.jpg)
old logging road, runs east - west across property
(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/landscape/deadtiredwoodcutter.jpg)
dead tired woodcutter Don
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: jwv on December 20, 2006, 08:30:13 PM
You had me at "Hello"!

Beautiful site, great plan.

Judy
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: APG on December 20, 2006, 10:45:26 PM
Nice idea!  What is the closest town?  Are you planning to dig a well and install a septic system?  Sorry for so many questions.  Your idea is a GOOD one!  
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on December 20, 2006, 11:42:31 PM
QuoteNice idea!  What is the closest town?  

Closest town? Depends upon what you need or want ;D; cup of coffee = La Cueva corner, restaurant meal = Jemez Springs, groceries or a movie = Los Alamos, building materials and other important stuff = Rio Rancho or Santa Fe

QuoteAre you planning to dig a well and install a septic system?

Eventually my own well; but to begin with hauling water from a friend down the road a little. (300 ft deep well). There'll also be a water harvesting system off the metal roof. But yes I do want a well of my own one day.

Not sure on the septic; may go with a composting toilet, partly to help keep down the water use.

To begin with we're going to be living in the old RV and hauling the waste away in those blue tote containers. (That's easier than driving the RV in & out to empty the holding tank... in fact, we'll probably have to use my neighbor's Cat to drag the RV up the final hill or commute from the bottom to the top with the ATV or Jeep.   :-/ We've also got a couple porta pottis that we haul around in the Cherokee when exploring the boonies, until we make the final decision.
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on December 20, 2006, 11:55:56 PM
It appears that a small video will work...? Here goes... it's the final drive up to the forested land... the worst part of the journey, but worth it....       I've changed this to a better quality  (2.2 MB)


//[URL=https://s139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemez%20video/?action=view&current=Jemezfirstsnowbband320x.flv][IMG]https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemez%20video/th_Jemezfirstsnowbband320x.jpg[/IMG][/URL]
or here's a link to the dialup  160x120 size   video (588 KB) [lousy quality]

https://s133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/landscape/video/?action=view&current=Jemezfirstsnowdialup160x.flv


There's sound; some of the noise is from the trailer we're pulling, some from the Jeep; it's modified and noisy on rough stuff.
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on December 21, 2006, 12:00:23 AM
Oh it does work but that's rather crappy quality... should have tried setting to keep the size down to 160x120.  You cab delete this if you want Glenn. Maybe I could go larger but then might into a bandwidth use problem.... hmmm.
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: glenn kangiser on December 21, 2006, 12:13:31 AM
You can just change it in Photobucket if you want to then change thje link to the new video.  You can edit your own postings at any time -- just hit the modify button above the one you want to change.  

I can do it but I'll just leave that one there until you come up with something - or don't, that you like better.  It doesn't hurt us as it's still hosted on Photobucket and we do get to see a lot of snow. :)
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on December 21, 2006, 12:30:35 AM
Thanks Glenn, I didn't realize I could edit my posts. Way cool! I upgraded the quality on that post. Thanks again!
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: glenn kangiser on December 21, 2006, 01:11:10 AM
Cool, Don - much nicer.  We are one high class forum ---

We needed the ability to edit our own post's so that sometimes I can go back and extract my foot from my mouth when something doesn't go over too well.  I try to keep myself a bit more respectable than Howard Stern. :-/
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: Mark_Chenail on December 21, 2006, 11:34:12 AM
Photobucket does vids and we can post them here.  OHHH OHHHH now Im in trouble....indulging the filmmaker in me. ;)

MountainDon.  Your land is gorgeous, though I had no idea they had forest in New Mexico.  Its that Hollywood western desert influence.  I didnt know it snowed in Australia either until a few months ago.    Your film needs some jingle bells on the soundtrack and with a little special effect we could manage a reindeer or two in front of the truck hood.  Get De Mille on the phone  :D
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on December 21, 2006, 03:26:20 PM
Quote

I had no idea they had forest in New Mexico.   I didnt know it snowed in Australia either until a few months ago.  


Yes, mountains, forests and snow in New Mexico. We DO have a lot of desert as well, not just sand; there's maybe a 25% or so coverage with plants that are arrid resistant. It does green up a lot with enough rain. Hot and dry in the non mountainous areas tho at lower elevations in the mountains it gets rather warm as well in summer.

Snow in Australia??? I also thought it was either bone dry forlorn desert or on the northern coast, a dank sweaty jungle. How about that
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: jonsey/downunder on December 21, 2006, 03:53:01 PM
Yep, we have it all down here. We even have sharks big enough to swallow a bus, croc's that are partial to the odd tourist, and, if you leave your 4WD lying about they will eat that too. And, you know how flat it is in Kansas, around here we call that hill country. However, right now it's 8 am and HOT, knocking on the door of 40 and the summer is just starting.  ;D

Merry Christmas to you all and don't get too wounded over the festive season

            (http://www.clicksmilies.com/s1106/weihnachten/xmas-smiley-039.gif)
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: glenn kangiser on December 21, 2006, 09:14:02 PM
The snow falls upside down there, doesn't it, Jonesy?

104 degrees F - that's pretty hot.

Happy Festivus, Jonesy. :)
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: jwv on January 07, 2007, 11:38:15 AM
Hey Don,

Had to show your video to Rick (DH). What with building going on we don't get out much so the video gave him a vicarious trip.  His question: "Wonder what we're driving?"

Judy
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on January 07, 2007, 12:02:24 PM
QuoteHis question: "Wonder what we're driving?"

Judy


99 Jeep Cherokee Classic, 32" tires, ARB's F&R, 4.56 gears, 4.5" lift,  link below to more info, with photo when it was newer and shinier and almost finished. It's now got lots of rock scapes on those bumpers, rocker skids, etc. FYI, I did all work myself

http://nm4w.org/members/miller-d/miller-d%2ehtm

Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: jwv on January 08, 2007, 08:41:35 AM
Ohhh Don, I can't show him that page-at least not until the house is finished!   :-X He'll be lost to me. We've had various 4- and 2-wheelers over the years, "our" first car was '78 Jeep Cherokee.  But now just a work truck and my little zip around town car.  I want an RV and a jeep or motorcycle to escape the heat for about 3 mos in summer.

Thanks for the info, I'll save the link for later. ;)

Judy
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: Freeholdfarm on January 08, 2007, 06:06:36 PM
Don, could you give us an idea of land prices in that general area of New Mexico?  And, is 300' usual for a well around there?

Kathleen
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: Sassy on January 08, 2007, 07:00:18 PM
Thanks for the map of your location - very, very pretty area.  I just got a chance to watch the video & see all the pictures...  :)  Somehow I lost track of this thread & just caught up on it today (couldn't see the pics while I was at work last week).
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on January 08, 2007, 09:01:34 PM
QuoteDon, could you give us an idea of land prices in that general area of New Mexico?  And, is 300' usual for a well around there?

Kathleen

Land prices cover quite a range in these mountains. Partly it depends on how many and how close you want your neighbors to be> Makes sense. There are a few subdivided mtn areas where you can buy land with electric already to the property line, as well as telephone.  And in some cases a community water system in place. One such 1.25 acre lot was $58K when we were looking. Another 2.5+ acre lot was about $70K and had septic in place also. A third lot, .6 acre was $45K last summer, down to $38K now, also with septic in place. But these are little communities, and not what we were looking for.

We also found a 1 acre lot for $12K in a small subdivision. There wasn't so much as one square foot that was level. It was a terrible piece of land. I wouldn't buy it for $120 let alone $12K; well maybe then I would, I'm sure I could turn it ove fast and double my money  :)

And then there's a parcel I'd love to have; 28 acres not too far from where we are for $450K. Have to buy it all, that's the rub. It is sundividable tho, maybe keep 10 - 12 acres and sell the rest in 3 - 4 acre size lots.... Hmmmm. It's nice land too, some meadow area, lots of trees too.  :-/

We paid $19K an acre for land that has some good more or less flat areas and some slopes. We have an acre and a half and have decided to exercise our option to buy the 4.5 acres remaining. Nearly no neighbors, no one closer than a third of a mile... well the possibility exists for someone about 600 feet away. Not bad. The downside is we're about $55K away from the power grid. But we're going solar.

Within a 6 to 7 mile radius I know of one well at something like 160 - 240 ft, forget exactly... maybe 240 deep and pump at 160? Another place they went down to 585 feet. The deeper well is at a location about 1200 feet higher. Closer to me is a 300 foot well, at about my elevation.

Hope that helps.
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on January 08, 2007, 09:02:53 PM
QuoteSomehow I lost track of this thread & just caught up on it today (couldn't see the pics while I was at work last week).


I do that all the time   ;D
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on January 08, 2007, 09:13:28 PM
QuoteI want an RV and a jeep or motorcycle to escape the heat for about 3 mos in summer.

Thanks for the info, I'll save the link for later. ;)

You're welcome Judy. We'll be using our old (1983) RV to live in while we build this summer. Wow! Used to I was having to say next summer  :(, now it's this summer!!   ;D  Then we're going to retire it, maybe park it inthe trees and use it for guests.  :-/  My wife doesn't like to take long trips anymore, and when I go I'd just as soon sleep in the back of the Cherokee wherever it loks good rather than back track to the RV. I don't mind three or more days in the wilds w/o having the running water or shower as much as she... but then I'm either alone or with a male friend or two and we travel in separate vehicles. And sleep in separate vehicles.

I like dirt bikes. You can cover more ground in less time, which helps counteract the lesser abilitiy to carry stuff. Less need to overnight someplace. I would like a 4 wheel ATV, but also have a dislike for too many folks who have them and use them irresponsibly. I know there are motorcyclists as well as jeep and suv 4-wheelers who are also irresponsible Public Land users. But it seems to me there are more bad ATV'ers. Just an impression; I could be wrong.

G/L and when you figure he's done enough work, let the poor guy have a look at my Jeep page   ;D
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: Sassy on January 08, 2007, 09:59:11 PM
Don says
QuoteG/L and when you figure he's done enough work, let the poor guy have a look at my Jeep page  ;D

Yes, Judy, sometimes we women have to use strategy...  ;) :D
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: John Raabe on January 12, 2007, 10:14:16 PM
Just want to say hello to Mountain Don and that I look forward to seeing this project evolve.

You're clearly a careful craftsman (judging by the Jeep) and a quick study (judging by the video). You're going to have a great time up there, I expect.

I love that high mountain country. You aren't in Pinon Pine are you? I think that's more North of the Grand Canyon if I remember right. I can still smell those pine trees. Makes the best campfire in the world.  :)
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on January 12, 2007, 11:51:45 PM
Quote
You aren't in Pinon Pine are you?

Thanks for the kind words and the welcome John.

Pinon Pine is here and there... partly depends on elevation and rainfall. The are none in the area where the cabin will be, (too wet, too high) but where our urban home is located, NW of Albuquerque, some 40 miles slightly west of due south of the cabin site (as the crow flies, the road adds 25 miles), we have pinon scattered about. They are also found more or less all over the NW corner of NM and throughout UT. East of Albuquerque, over the Sandia Mtns, there are many Pinons. Unfortunately some areas have been hit hard by a bark beetle. And yes, they make absolutely wonderful firewood.  :)
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: jwv on January 25, 2007, 07:51:47 PM
Quote
QuoteI want an RV and a jeep or motorcycle to escape the heat for about 3 mos in summer.

Thanks for the info, I'll save the link for later. ;)
G/L and when you figure he's done enough work, let the poor guy have a look at my Jeep page   ;D

OK, we got the CO and I showed him your 4W porn page-he's speaking some foreign tongue with lots of numbers and letters and talking about people I don't know-Mickey Thompson?!?   :-/

Judy
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on January 25, 2007, 10:39:43 PM
QuoteMickey Thompson?!?
Judy
Mickey Thompson was the first American to go over 400 mph on 4 wheels. (406 in 1960)  He also founded an organization that oversees off road racing. He's been dead since the late 80's (murdered) but his name lives on in a brand of off-road tires. He was involved in a wide variety of motor sports.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mickey_Thompson

http://www.unsolved.com/UD0204-Thompson.html

I think that's about as far off topic as I've ever been, but that's okay. It helps keep the brain cells doing their thing.
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: speedfunk on January 26, 2007, 03:29:36 PM
Nice lot don.....  The driveway will defininity keep the sales people away ..
;D
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: desdawg on January 27, 2007, 07:47:39 AM
Don, you might like a Quad. Mine is like a modern day packhorse. But you only have to feed it when it is being used! And mine hasn't had any vet bills. It is a 700cc Polaris. It is loaded with the philosophy that I would rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it.  :) I carry an axe, shovel and have a basket on the back where I can carry a chainsaw without dripping bar oil on the bike. It also has a trailer hitch if you can't carry enough on the bike. I see lots of riders who think that the motor isn't running unless the back wheels are spinning and it is sliding sideways. I don't find it necessary or desireable to ride that way.
(http://img267.imageshack.us/img267/3214/quadresizeday5.jpg) (http://imageshack.us)
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on January 27, 2007, 10:45:09 AM
Nice looking ATV Desdawg.  8-)  I have been thinking of one. Yours looks to be carrying enough stuff you're likely glad you got a 700 cc. For use in the back country you must carry all that stuff to be safe. I carry all kinds of survival gear, parts known to break easy, water, etc. etc. in my Jeep. Is that a rifle case? Loooks like the chain saw mounted across the back end?
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: desdawg on January 28, 2007, 09:36:50 AM
Actually the chainsaw sets in a black milk crate that is bolted to the back. This picture is from the wrong angle to see it very well. I cut out a couple of the vertical pieces to allow the bar to protrude. There is enough room in the basket for the saw, a one gallon gas can and a one gallon bar oil bottle. Dripping bar oil falls to the ground behind the machine. When I am not using the chainsaw I carry an extra two gallons of gas in the basket in case I get carried away. You know how that works. "I wonder what's up that road? Never been there. Hmmm...."
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: empirevideo on March 22, 2007, 11:18:58 AM
Hi I saw your plan and this is the type of home that I would like to have someone build for me but on a slightly bigger scale - say 1200 to 1500 sq feet (bathroom and kitchen would probably be built in from the typical home setups).  Open design so you can do how you like inside.  Can you give me an idea of what it cost you to build your design.  I know that everywhere is different (I am in south florida) and I have to contend with building to meet hurricane specifications but the set up you have is exactly what I want to do in the Redlands, Homestead area of Florida.

Any advice or help you can give is much appreciated.  Thanks.
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on March 22, 2007, 03:32:59 PM
Thanks for looking empirevideo. I am a fan of open spaces, especially when they are small to begin with. The first home I owned had slightly over on e half of its 832 sf, open  with a wood burner Vermont Castings stove more or less centered. Two bedrooms and bath were closed off as in most homes.

This cabin is yet to be built.  :( We hope to be able to finish clearing away deadfall and widowmakers in mid April - May. As soon as that's done we'll be breaking ground. The time table is largely dependent upon the speed of the snow melt.  :'(  We had more snow this winter than in most of the last half dozen years or more.

The floor plan has morphed some, but retains the openness and general size; the wood stove will likely be alcoved off to the side or one end. Keepan eye on this thread, it will breath new life this spring.  ;D
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: Woodswalker on March 22, 2007, 08:59:51 PM
Yo Don,

I like your plans a bunch.  I'm building a 16' x 20' in north-central WA, near the Canadian border at 3K elevation.  No septic, well, or electric either.  Also plan to use an RV propane fridge, and wall-mount light.  You may want to consider building an outhouse, rather than hauling blue containers.  I built one at home (Olympia) to fit in the back of my pickup, and then hauled it 6hrs to the cabin.  If you're interested, I can give you info on some good plans - with comments on my modifications.  Also can send pics of it beng built and in place.  Neighbor with an excavator dug the pit just right in 15 minutes, and also hoisted the privy from the truck to the site.

Have posted some descriptions and pics of my cabin under construction.

Woodswalker (aka Steve)
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on March 22, 2007, 09:21:41 PM
Hey Woodswalker; glad you dropped by. Welcome to the forum!  :)

An outhouse is under serious consideration. My nearest neighbors uses one except for night-time / cold-weather needs. He has access to a back-hoe via his brother. I have a couple plans but would be greatly interested into seeing another. I'd love to see pictures. You could start a new thread/topic. Others would be glad to see as well.

OH! I just had a look; you're the 1 man cabin guy. Here's a blow by blow I hope you can follow on the phorobucket thing
[1] In photobucket there are three code tags... use the bottom one. clicking on it should copy the code (or to be doubly sure you can rt click the code and copy)
[2] come back here and in the compose field, place your cursor where you want the image to be. Look at the button selection and hover the cursor over the top row, third from left  "Insert Image" appears.  Click the button.
[3] Press Ctrl+V (simultaneously). That pastes the code you copied into the correct spot.
That's it.

Give it a try. 2 more forum hints... [a] you can always modify one of your own posts if it didn't work as intended. Look at the right side of the top line of one of your posts. You will see the modify link.   And there's also a remove link there as well
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: glenn kangiser on March 22, 2007, 09:54:54 PM
... the above is correct except that if you copy the IMG tag from the bottom of photobucket, then you don't have to use the 3rd button above -- photobucket already puts the IMG tag there.

Use the 3rd button above only when you only have a file name like if I copied a picture location from this site and it said [highlight]glenn.jpg[/highlight] then highlighting that file name and clicking the third button would put img tags on both sides of it , or I could click the button then paste the filename in the middle to make it show here.

Point is it should say "[img ]glenn.jpg[ /img]" or "[ IMG]glenn.jpg[/IMG ]" (spaces added for viewing.)
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: desdawg on March 22, 2007, 09:54:55 PM
I bought a premade Porta Potty like you see at swap meets, concerts and different events. Darn gophers dug a hole under it and chewed the bottom off the tank. I guess it's an outhouse now. Oh well, there wasn't a pumper around for miles anyway.  8-)
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: glenn kangiser on March 22, 2007, 10:43:29 PM
He was probably after some of that corn chowder you had stored in there.
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on March 22, 2007, 11:31:48 PM
Quote... the above is correct except that if you copy the IMG tag
Hmmm. How 'bout that.   :-/  both ways work in getting an image posted but the right way (per Glenn) is quicker.   :-?
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: glenn kangiser on March 22, 2007, 11:37:34 PM
The other thing is that you will get an extra img tag outside the picture if you use both - it will display the extra letters, img on one end of the text by the picture as it will double the tag. Make sense?
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on March 22, 2007, 11:43:08 PM
that's why my image insertions aren't as neat and tidy as yours   .... (we need a " hang dog" look emoticon)
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan: UPDATE
Post by: MountainDon on May 23, 2007, 08:05:24 PM
Well preschool is almost over for this school year, Friday is the last day. We're going to move the RV up to the mountains over the weekend and see if we can agree on the cabin placement.. We have two favorites, mine and Karen's.  ;D

There's still a little ground clearing to do and I'm looking for someone up there with a machine to dig holes for footings, or a man with a shovel who works cheaper than I do.   :)  I may disappear from here for a week or so at a time as at present I have no internet connection up there, although I am going to cruise the village 2 miles distant to see if I can find any unsecured wireless connections. If I'm away longer than a couple weeks it may mean I've been locked up for suspicious activity.

Below is a nearly final floor plan; it has evolved some since last fall. A few details aren't illustrated, like there is a porch at the front door filling in that "outside corner". The wood stove will be a Vermont Castings Aspen.


(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/floorplans/floorplanforreview.jpg)
...and a footings/piers/girders plan

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/floorplans/Footingspiersgirders.jpg)
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: glenn kangiser on May 23, 2007, 11:01:05 PM
Plans look great Don.  We'll miss your bright shining face here so don't be gone too long. :)

Quite a few numbers there I see.  Nice. :)
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on May 23, 2007, 11:05:49 PM
QuotePlans look great Don.
Almost makes me want to show them to the CID (construction industries division)

QuoteQuite a few numbers there I see.  Nice. :)
LOL  ;D ;D
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: Sassy on May 24, 2007, 01:33:24 AM
Have fun & take lots of pictures!  :)
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: John Raabe on May 24, 2007, 09:12:21 AM
That should be a nice sturdy place Don. Best wishes on it!  8-)
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: fourx on May 26, 2007, 02:30:59 AM
Looks great. Fingers crossed everything goes easy for you- Are there going to be pics of the choice of sites pre-groundbreaking, Don? I mention this because I think in the last twenty years the fact we lived in a caravan (aka trailor) for six months on site before I laid out the final floor-plan and dug the foundations has saved me thousands in heating, cooling and general maintance costs....
I notice that, if I read your very neat plans right, the piers are 8 foot spacings- everyone said, when I did this, I would have flex in the flooring, but it has worked fine. Is 8 foot standard? ( It's six foot here.)
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: glenn kangiser on May 26, 2007, 01:40:07 PM
Method of building can strengthen the beams also.  If the joists run overtop of the beams an 8' span will be much stiffer than if they are hung from hangers at the same elevation of the top of the beam, if the joists are securely fastened to the top of the beam and cross unbroken across the beam.  The joist and floor sheathing become a bit of a truss if used in this manner, stiffening the beam similar to what a composite deck/concrete floor does if Nelson studs are welded to the top of the beam.  (Used in large building construction.)  What happens if that since the sheathing can't compress above easily, it makes a strongback like the top chord in a truss and helps to stiffen the beam below.  Make sense?

Joists hung from hangers have a weakening effect as all weight hinges from the beam and causes it to flex. :-?

Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on May 26, 2007, 06:45:12 PM
Pete, we'll do lots of pictures of everything. The plans that this was derived from (John's Little House) called for 4 foot spacing on the piers and smaller girders/beams. I queried John on the change to 6 foot spacing to avoid digging as many holes and he suggested 8 foot spacing, using 6x12 built up girders.

The floor joists are planned to be 2x10's on 16 inch centers. Partly for the insulation space, partly because we're planning on ceramic floor tile. The joists will be full width, installed on top of the girders, nailed and blocked.

The floor sheathing will be 3/4" T&G plywood. When it comes time to tile there will be a 1/4" underlayment installed.

As John said, it should be a nice sturdy place.

Leaving tomorrow AM.  :)

[edit]Pete, thanks for the saying the plans were (drawn) very neat. I had some engineering drawing training a long time ago; one of my life's abortive career starts.

The Brits use the term Caravan as well. When I was over there they also used that term to cover self-propelled campers, what we in the US & Canada refer to as RV's. Is that the same downunder? I had a Bedford Dormobile over there in the early 70's... popup top somewhat like a Westphalia VW.[/edit]
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: glenn kangiser on May 26, 2007, 08:01:15 PM
B-b-b-bye, MountainDon -- w-w-we'll miss you. :'(  

Have a good time --- don't forget to check in or come back. :)
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: fourx on May 26, 2007, 10:11:55 PM
RVs are Campervans downunder, Don, and the folk most often found in them are on a post-retirement around Australia trip. They are known as ""Grey Nomads"" :)
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: desdawg on May 28, 2007, 08:45:16 AM
Happy building Don. The mountains I am in are hard packed clay and rock. I have found this tool to be a very good investment.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=46935
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: glenn kangiser on May 28, 2007, 09:03:59 AM
That is a pretty exact knockoff of the Bosch Brute but $1000 cheaper.  I have an old Brute but I bought it from a rental company and I don't think it is putting out full power as it barely shakes your teeth.

Possibly it is time for one of these.  Have you put quite a bit of time on this machine yet, desdawg?  Is it hard hitting?
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: desdawg on May 28, 2007, 09:15:40 AM
It works well. One handle has to be detatched to fit in the case and it is made of plastic.  I wouldn't want to give it to an employee to use but I take care of it. I try not to do any more hand digging than necessary but when it is necessary a pick, shovel and bar are my least favorite options. That ground up there is hard and hand digging is a very slow process. I was looking at Don's footings and wondering what kind of ground he is in. Most mountains are made of rock. As usual I am a day late as I think he has already headed out.
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: glenn kangiser on May 28, 2007, 09:19:28 AM
He may check in before he is done digging though. :)

The handles on the Brute are plastic also.  One of them was replaced before I bought it.  I think I would have been better off with the new Harbor Freight one than the worn out one I have, but after it warms up a bit it is still pretty effective.
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: PEG688 on May 28, 2007, 10:34:35 AM
Good Luck ya ole Green faced guy ;D

We'll see if we  learnt  ya anythin here ;D

Take lots of photos and IBProfin ;D
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on June 10, 2007, 02:10:28 AM
That Brute replica looks pretty cool!  

My ground has a layer 6 to 12 inches deep, of pretty typical forest soil, on top of a mountain of pumice. We're about 7 or so miles south of what was a very big volcano some 1.something million years ago. It is considered dormant. There are many hot springs in the area and good geothermal potential. There's a pumice mine a few miles north of us (stone washed jeans, and other uses) as well as a site to the south that is mined intermittently.

So hopefully I won't run into any errant rocks or boulders; there are some in the area. A back hoe or auger has sufficed for some neighbors.

FYI, there is an alternate story topic to be found...
http://www.countryplans.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1181361337

Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: glenn kangiser on June 10, 2007, 10:25:56 AM
Pumice -- could be a lightweight aggregate for mortar between cordwood rounds.  Sawdust from cutting all those cordwood rounds mixed with lime makes insulation.  Added to the mortar makes insulating mortar.  

Sorry Don -- just thinking out loud checking out your natural resources. :)
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on June 10, 2007, 10:59:44 AM
I have a neighbor to the east who is thinking of building a pumice-crete cabin. There is at least one contractor in Santa Fe who builds with pumicecrete.

Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: glenn kangiser on June 10, 2007, 11:06:23 AM
My thought is that it would eliminate a lot of the trouble and expense you would go to getting building materials up there.  If dealing with inspections and codes you could use John's idea of just a long header on each wall with maybe one support in the center to cut down beam size - then do as you want with the infill.

If no codes -- then have fun. :)
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on June 23, 2007, 02:48:47 PM
There are days you shouldn't leave the chainsaw at camp.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/mini-IMG_1807.jpg)

Good thing I had the hatchet in the Jeep. Even better it was sharp.  :)  

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/mini-IMG_1810.jpg)

Note the blaze orange paint job. I've painted nearly every tool I might lay on the ground bright orange or yellow. When I find the missing ones I'll paint them too.  ;D
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: glenn kangiser on June 23, 2007, 04:07:04 PM
I did similar a couple weeks ago - gave away my old motorhome to get rid of it and had to get under a 4 to 5 inch oak limb.  They gave me a 100 to deliver it about 8 miles away.  No saw but had the trusty ax.  Took it out in a couple minutes.
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on July 12, 2007, 08:00:44 PM
So what's been happening in our Jemez Mountains?

Well, we took a page from Pete (fourx) and decided to live in the RV in each of the potential building spots, just to see how they felt. I'm not planning on this being a long term, check all the seasons thing, but we figured some more careful thought might make some sense. I'm not certain at this point, this AM as I was packing up the last of the stuff to take back home DW was standing there in "what if?" mode and came up with another thought. (Too many thoughts; not enough action?)

Anyways time is not all wasted. We've narrowed it down to the same general area and did agree on a space for a gazebo that will function no matter which exact space is chosen for the cabin. I got a start on that. More on it and photos when I locate the memory card.   :-/  It's here someplace; or up in the RV.   :'(

We did accomplish one other task though. We're sitting in the middle of what the Forest Service has rated as "Extreme" fire hazard. There was a small amount of rain over the past 2 days, but the forest is toasty. Since access to the property is via a solitary two track dirt road a few miles long that could be a problem if a fire came in our direction.

We have access to a portion of the National Forest on one corner. We've hiked all through the area and I had noticed it would be possible to drive a twisty route through the trees for about 3/4 of a mile and end up on another forest service road with exit/access in two other directions. All we needed was a route through our thick trees and a gate through the four strand barbed wire fence.

So with the help of my neighbor and his skid steer we decided to make our escape route and hope that it is never needed. Pictures and video are on that elusive memory card. Will find and post.

Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: glenn kangiser on July 12, 2007, 10:20:58 PM
Becky bee says not to build in your favorite spot or it won't be there anymore, Don. . :)
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on July 12, 2007, 10:22:14 PM
Found the memory card!

Road under construction. FYI, for those who have never seen a road made thru a forest, you don't just cut tress down and leave the stumps. The stumps will come back to bite something under some vehicle someday; tie rods, shock mounts, who knows what. Trying to remove the stumps later is very difficult. Here's James at the controls of his skid steer pushing a small Ponderosa Pine over.

The road we made also connects to the third neighbor's property, giving us all a back door for emergency use.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/pushover480-3.gif)
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on July 12, 2007, 10:32:19 PM
Pushover, The Video  (467 KB)

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/th_d51685bd.jpg) (https://s133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/?action=view&current=d51685bd.flv)
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: glenn kangiser on July 12, 2007, 10:47:48 PM
Good Plan, Don.  I try to clear off the fire trails I made below me every spring.  Considering working on a bit more of the downhill brush each year.
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on July 12, 2007, 10:51:19 PM
Some trees put up more resistance than others. This one required digging around the root ball. A bigger machine would have worked better too. Took about 5 minutes; still better than hand tools.  

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/th_8ea03779.jpg) (https://s133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/?action=view&current=8ea03779.flv)
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: glenn kangiser on July 12, 2007, 11:13:30 PM
Half the fun is trying to do too much with too little. :)
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on July 13, 2007, 12:12:31 AM
The Gazebo. A square gazebo, not the usual hexagon or octagon. Too many corners. Besides I've already got a similar one in the suburbs and it's quite fine. 10 foot by 10 foot. As per what is becoming norm, the gazebo went thru one metamorphosis's since the holes were dug.   :-/

This is me, Manuel Labor

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/mini-IMG_2136.jpg)

The fruits of my labor

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/mini-IMG_2145.jpg)

The fourth ACQ treated, below ground grade, post is in place, 40 inches deep. Earth/pumice mix to be rammed into hole.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/mini-IMG_2146.jpg)

Dang! The birdsmouth was off 1/4". I shaved the top plate to make it drop over. Ends to be trimmed.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/mini-IMG_2154.jpg)

The four corner rafters in place is something worth smiling about.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/mini-IMG_2159.jpg)

Then the rain came and we watched the temperature drop from 75 down, down... Mountain weather can and does change rapidly.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/mini-IMG_2162.jpg)

Storm clouds recede across the neighbor's meadow. Horses way off in the distance. They love carrots.  :)

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/mini-IMG_2111.jpg)

Elks calling card right in my backyard. Caused by rubbing the velvet off their antlers.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/mini-IMG_2124.jpg)
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on July 27, 2007, 12:36:47 AM
I haven't been able to get much real work done; a big disappointment for me but that's just the way things go sometimes.

Roof sheathed
(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/gazeboroof1.jpg)

#30 roofing felt installed
(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/gazeboroof2.jpg)

Roof viewed from underside, hole in center is for a ventilating cuploa
(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/gazeboroof3.jpg)

Next week we hope to complete the floor/deck and move on to framing the walls to be screened in.
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: glenn kangiser on July 27, 2007, 08:23:35 AM
It's still progress.   :)
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: John Raabe on July 27, 2007, 09:00:19 AM
Nice little Gazebo Don! :D

Looks like a great place to hang out.
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on July 27, 2007, 09:07:04 AM
It will provide a refuge from the mosquitoes, deer flies, horse flies, gnats, etc, that lived here before we moved in.  :'(  Not to mention shelter from the rain... this past week to ten days has been rainy in the afternoons.
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: Sassy on July 27, 2007, 10:51:14 AM
Nice gazebo!  The area looks really lush.  I didn't realize the elks did that much damage to the trees.
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: glenn kangiser on July 27, 2007, 11:26:19 AM
My uncle was an Elk in Oregon. :-/

I've seen him clear cut entire forests.  He was a foreman for a paper company.

Maybe Elks clubs should be outlawed.  I didn't realize they were so destructive... and I'm not even a tree hugger. :-?

Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on July 27, 2007, 01:18:55 PM
Sassy: They do that to rub the velvet off their antlers.

Glenn:    ;D ;D ;D

Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: John Raabe on July 27, 2007, 05:56:47 PM
I think Glenn sometimes gets a little velveta on his antlers.
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: glenn kangiser on July 27, 2007, 07:46:05 PM
Doo-doo-doo dooo ---- Doo doo doo dooo...   this is getting a little too eerie, John.   :-/

It's like I've entered the [highlight]TWILIGHT ZONE.
[/highlight]
First the talk about my uncle.... :-? ...as if that wasn't enough...

and now this. :o

You are sending shivers up and down my spine. :-/

How did you know I LOVE VELVEETA????  :-? :-? :-?:o


Only yesterday as we went to the river, Sassy brought me 3 pieces wrapped in those little impossible sandwich plastic wrapped slices.

I was driving down the road trying to keep the truck on it and get the wrapper off.  The cheese was getting hot and sticky.  Sassy was getting excited and still a bit nervous at the same time.   :-?

I was all over the place.   :-/

Lucky there wasn't a cop. :o

I had Velveeta on the steering wheel , my fingers , the shifter, the plastic, my shirt , my pants, and yes -- you guessed it --- maybe even my antlers. :-?  At least on the horn. :o

Sheesh.  Too weird.    :o :o
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: John Raabe on July 27, 2007, 09:47:29 PM
The Swami sees all! ;)

Maybe I should start picking stocks?
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: PEG688 on July 27, 2007, 11:06:46 PM
Quote




I was driving down the road trying to keep the truck on it and get the wrapper off.  The cheese was getting hot and sticky.  Sassy was getting excited and still a bit nervous at the same time.   :-?

I was all over the place.   :-/

Lucky there wasn't a cop. :o


 Humm sorta  like takin photos from the car above Lake Tahoe  :o   ;D
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: glenn kangiser on July 28, 2007, 01:08:53 AM
Dang, PEG.  Was I driving that bad.  :-? :o  You should have been with me when I used to do it in the airplane. ::)

I did get some nice pictures of the guardrail as we were flying down the road. :-/

At least I wasn't fiddling with my cheese, eh?, John. ;D
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: PEG688 on July 28, 2007, 01:12:13 AM
QuoteDang, PEG.  Was I driving that bad.  :-? :o  You should have been with me when I used to do it in the airplane. ::)

I did get some nice pictures of the guardrail as we were flying down the road. :-/

At least I wasn't fiddling with my cheese, eh?, John. ;D


Nah wasn't that bad , well,  only the once  ::)when you where taken that photo of the guard :o :o rail ;D

I won't even touch that last line  ::) ;D
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: glenn kangiser on July 28, 2007, 01:28:47 AM
I had it timed just right --- nice shot of the lake -- then as luck would have it -- when I looked back to see if I was still on the road a tree and guardrail jumped in front of my camera. :-/

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/P1000295.jpg)
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: jwv on July 28, 2007, 09:20:26 AM
Hey Don, that's a beautiful spot.

It's good that we're finally getting some rain. But of course, I'm not trying to build a house this year.

Judy
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on July 28, 2007, 09:40:39 AM
Thanks Judy. The rain is simply super! Very good for the trees. The rain, increased humidity (80% at times) and cooler weather has lowered the fire danger to moderate (from extreme) as well. There were a couple small lightning caused fires within a 5 miles radius of us a couple weeks ago but the FS and volunteer fire dept jumped on them right away.

This summer also has a few more people visibly thinning their forest acreage, but there's a whole lot of public lands forest that's way too thivk... most of it around here is that way.
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on July 31, 2007, 09:45:00 PM
I guess we're never happy with the weather. First it was too hot and dry. Now that it began to rain, we're getting too wet!  :-/  Between the hour long drizzles, the brief but heavy deluges, the squalls with hail, we did get some more done on the gazebo over the past three days.

I thought I'd post a few detail shots...  
One of the perfect fit concrete block (on 6" poured concrete pier 36 inches deep) mid beam supports... Yes, it's just sitting there; I'm not too worried about uplift forces since the 4 corner posts are set 40 inches deep. As for tornados and hurricanes, I'm more concerned about the volcano waking up than them.  :o

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/mini-IMG_2307.jpg)

... and one that didn't match up so perfectly, hence the PT & plastic shim material...

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/mini-IMG_2288.jpg)

One of the corner posts and bolted beams. I don't know if this is a normal process but it's one I used for years when I was building playground equipment. I've one the same in the backyard that's about 15 years old now. No problems.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/mini-IMG_2290.jpg)

In case anyone is wondering (PEG) those are hot dipped galvanized 1/2 inch hardware. Any of the fasteners that so much as touch the ACQ PT wood are either hot dipped (mostly 12D & 16D spiral or ring shank nails) or those fancy, made for ACQ, deck screws.

Persuading one of the 2x6's to go where I wanted it to be...

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/mini-IMG_2284.jpg)

Trimming the deck plank ends...

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/mini-IMG_2292.jpg)

Close tight fit for now. We'll see how much shrinkage we end up with. The PT wood was very fresh and the rain never gave it much chance to dry out!

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/mini-IMG_2309.jpg)

Three wall sections framed in for the screen and lower T&G walls.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/mini-IMG_2310.jpg)

A happy supervisor...

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/mini-IMG_2316.jpg)

[edit]made a couple edits, one where I forgot the photo tag   :-[[/edit]
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: glenn kangiser on July 31, 2007, 09:49:59 PM
Looks great, Don. :)
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: PEG688 on July 31, 2007, 11:30:48 PM
Looks good Mtn. D , one thing others might want to do , IF they remember is to cut that first or two( enought for the saw shoe  to cut the other boards off clean before it (the shoe ) hits the post)  deck plank to the exact lenght then you don't have to finish the cut witha jig saw / and or hand saw.

The cross bolting looks real good to me as well .

The decking ran tight as well , a guy can sort of judge what the gaps should be just like you did , wet wood , wet conditions gap smaller , knowing that when they dry like your will in that covered gazabo.  Same as dry summer, &  dry summer  wood better be gapped a bit wider to allow for the winter swelling.

 All in all a fine lookin job  8-)    
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on July 31, 2007, 11:46:46 PM
Quote... exact length then you don't have to finish the cut with a jig saw / and or hand saw.
Or the super duper twist any which way PC Tiger Claw  ;D

Yes, it would be easier/simpler to to have thought that far ahead, but then I wouldn't have had a reason to play with the Tiger.

Hope to finish the fourth wall with the door, the T&G lower walls and screening later this week.  :)  Oh, and I still have to do the shingles and build the cupola.
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: glenn kangiser on July 31, 2007, 11:49:34 PM
I was looking for the Tiger in one of the pictures -- I didn't see it. ::)
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: PEG688 on July 31, 2007, 11:55:33 PM
Ya it can be done that way but I'm rarely happy with that "change of saw "part of the cut , but I am a , ah , lot more fussy than most . And I'm pretty good with the saw , I only pointed it out for those who want to do "better" work easier.

Not to say your work isn't good Mtn. D , just a way to do it easier , faster and well better  all with a few easy cuts a fore thought
:-[  
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on August 01, 2007, 12:04:07 AM
Nah, that's a good point, a good hint. I must admit the Tiger cut does not have the same smoothness as where the circular saw was used. However, in this case the T&G lower wall siding will cover it. But you and I will still know it's there.  :-[

Glenn, I'll have to remember to call the photographer next time the Tiger is loose.  8-)
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: glenn kangiser on August 01, 2007, 12:09:09 AM
Don said,

QuoteI'm more concerned about the volcano waking up than them.

Glenn said,

QuoteIs that a pet name for your wife? ::)
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on August 01, 2007, 12:29:23 AM
Nooooo.  ::)

The volcano referred to is north of me, the edge of which is about 5 miles away. About 1.1 million or so years ago it collapsed and left a large bowl, a caldera. According to the forest service guy I spoke with at the Cerro Pelado (bald mountain) lookout, the elevation has been slowly increasing for years. The caldera is classed as a dormant, not an extinct, volcano.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/oddsnends/Jemez_NM1.jpg)

Okay, I'm not really worried about it; but I'm also not concerned about tornadoes in my area of the state. There have been the odd tornado sighted in the eastern and southern plains of NM though, but infrequently.
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: glenn kangiser on August 01, 2007, 12:36:04 AM
Thanks for the clarification, Don.  I thought you were afraid she would awaken and light a fire under you.  :-/

Just funnin ya.  You made great time considering that stuff you keep talking about -- you call it rain.  I'll have to Google it. ;D

We also are next door to a major volcanic area - pretty active - The Long Valley Caldera.  Around Mono Lake area.  It's a bit cranky too.
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: PEG688 on August 01, 2007, 12:51:50 AM
 You pikers , I live in the ring of fire .



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pacific_Ring_of_Fire


Pacific Ring of Fire
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Cascadia subduction zone

Structure of the Cascadia subduction zoneThe Cascadia subduction zone is a 680 mi (1,094 km) long fault, running 50 mi (80 km) off the west-coast of the Pacific Northwest from northern California to Vancouver Island, British Columbia. The plates move at a relative rate of over 0.4 inches (10 mm) per year at a somewhat oblique angle to the subduction zone.


When was the last time you had a eruption?  Ah Valcanic Glenn  ::) ::) Such a dirty mind  ;D


(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/ab/St_Helens_from_Monitor_Ridge_feather.jpg/800px-St_Helens_from_Monitor_Ridge_feather.jpg)


 For this little belch I was on  a USN C-9 coming back to NAS Whidbey from a det. on USS Ranger, the Aircraft comander  came on and said "Well guys we got a lil detore  around this valcano plum!"  :o :o , they had us go east :-/  around it out by Yakama then back into NAS from the north . My camera  was in MY SEABAG   >:(  in the cargo hole  :( It was pretty cool that plum came up right to here we where at about 30K and then hit the jet stream and spread out.  Of course it went east , so we had to out run it more or less to get around it. Maybe due to civilian traffic around SEATAC is why we , a military jet, had to take the LLLLLLLLLLLLLLooooooooooNNNNNG way home  ::)

For the May 18 gig me and my then girl friend , now wife , where sleeping , ah the good ole days sleeping past 0800  ;D of course I was working nights back then so maybe it wasn't really sleeping in  :-/ :-/

   (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/a/ac/St_Helens_July_22%2C_1980_eruption.jpg/407px-St_Helens_July_22%2C_1980_eruption.jpg)
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on August 01, 2007, 12:54:46 AM
I am humbled   :-[  

G'nite
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: PEG688 on August 01, 2007, 12:56:44 AM
QuoteI am humbled   :-[  
G'nite


Ya should be  ;D
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: glenn kangiser on August 01, 2007, 12:57:02 AM
Dang PEG -- you had a big one.    :o

Actually I flew my plane through the center of that one -- when resting about 6 years ago.  Still had smoke coming out of it. :)
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: Sassy on August 01, 2007, 01:58:34 AM
Well, I was living in Bellingham when that volcano blew!  :o :-/
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on August 06, 2007, 10:47:27 PM
After getting the door wall all framed in I thought I'd try out a couple of different siding materials to see which one Karen liked best. The material on the full side is a nylon reinforced vinyl product. The color is dyed into the material. This product was made in China. The product just around the corner on the door wall is a USA manufactured man made forest fiber product. Stamped right on one flap it states "Proudly manufactured in Chicago by Barney & Crew". It's a more green material than the vinyl so undoubtedly would be preferred by many. It even contains some post consumer recycled material; even greener. The downside is that it does require post installation waterproofing or the material will deteriorate badly.









(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/mini-IMG_2399.jpg)

All right I've been funning ya'll!  We had more of the same rainy weather as the previous week. The day that photo was taken we had 2 hours of steady drizzle with a 10 minute deluge in the first half hour, followed by uncertain weather until dinner time. I had cut the T&G siding to installation lengths.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/mini-IMG_2322.jpg)

We had been staining the T&G siding prior to installation (both sides, edges and ends to minimize warpage) when it began thundering and the sky getting darker.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/mini-IMG_2346.jpg)

We moved the stained boards inside the gazebo (floor protected with OSB cutoffs). We hung three tarps, there are 2 other tarps on the 2 unseen sides. Having used all the tarps on hand, I grabbed the next best thing, a knocked down cardboard box we carted something in. Of course I used galvanized nails.

The stained boards ended up without any water spotting so it was a worthwhile endeavor.

I made the step from a pine we cut

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/mini-IMG_2349.jpg)

Here's the step with temporary blocks supporting it

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/mini-IMG_2353.jpg)

The walls now have the lower T&G siding installed and are now all screened in, the door in place, trim installed.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/mini-IMG_2405.jpg)

One of the roof quadrants has the shingles in place (GAF Timberline, slate grey/green)

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/mini-IMG_2406.jpg)


We still have to stain the rafter ends and the underside of the roof sheathing at the eves. Not sure how the underside of the roof inside the gazebo will done. Stain grey??  The idea is to try to blend into the forest. Thinking of doing mortared stone/rock skirting around the bottom. Not sure yet.
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: glenn kangiser on August 06, 2007, 11:21:25 PM
Looks good Don.  You could temporarily dry stack some stone around the base as you collect it and see what you think of it. :-?

We have quite a group of people in Fresno who just live in the cardboard box.  Tarps are a bonus. :)
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: John Raabe on August 06, 2007, 11:41:14 PM
Sweet little spot in the woods.
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on August 11, 2007, 10:18:46 AM
I had someone send me an IM with a question about how I was going to build the alcove in one of the end walls of my 14x26 plan. I thought I'd explain here so all could see and so anyone could comment/question my method.

Here's the floor plan as shown way back on page 3 of this thread.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/floorplans/floorplanforreview.jpg)

Back there is also a drawing showing a proposed foundation/floor girders/joists layout. I've changed it a little (again). I left the good drawings up in the RV on the site  :'(  so here's a quick and dirty rough drawing followed by a word picture.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/floorplans/floorjoists.jpg)

I've done away with the third girder across the end. Instead the two main 6x12 girders are extended full length of the floorplan. The floor joists under the main portion of the cabin will still be 2x10 on 16 inch centers for (1) stiffness suitable for ceramic tile and (2) extra insulation. At the end where there will be a 5 foot wide by 4 foot deep alcove for the wood stove (inside) and a front porch (outside) the joists will change to 2x8's. (FYI the wood stove is a small one, 240 lbs., equivalent of a heavy person.) I may space them on 12 inch centers for absolute best stiffness... dunno yet. ??   :-/  It's only a couple extra pieces considering it's only a 4 foot width.

In the alcove area I will place ripped 2x pieces on top of the 2x8's to build them up to the same height as the 2x10 joists. That will make the interior floor come out at the same height in the alcove. In the porch area the 2x decking material will be screwed directly to the 2x8 joists.

Why this way? When you add up the thicknesses of the interior floor; 3/4 T&G subfloor plus 1/4 inch plywood with ceramic tile, or whatever, the interior floor will be slightly higher than the 2x exterior decking material. The full length 6x12 girders will provide solid support and there will be no need to worry about the strength, alignment, etc of hanging the alcove and porch on the end.

Those are my thoughts. Anyone see any big holes in the plan? Thanks.
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: PEG688 on August 11, 2007, 10:41:14 AM
 

 The only hole I see is those joist , IF they rot are connected to your sub floor.

I've done a few repairs  here in PNW / Whidbey where builders have use the main house joists sort of like your doing , a some what cantilever, the water follows the joist back into the house the resulting repair is much more complicated IF that happens .

You pretty dry , under cover of a roof , etc so maybe you'll be OK . Up here I would not build it that way , YMMV.

I wouldn't worry about the stove weight either as long as it remains "light" as you've stated.

 On a remodel we're doing the old home owner, HOMO for short ,  ;D had a wood stove , pretty normal one , by a stairwell , he's a logger / sudo builder . Nice stove , BUT he added a 8" round 1/4" well sleeve 14' 6" long to the top of the stove for a  stove pipe , he did beef up the floor , added a log / cut off tree under it so that's not "my problem" my problem is getting that friggin pipe out ,

Good old resoursful Roger ( John MTL knows him ) lowered a cable from his boom truck thru the triple wall pipe in the roof , connected to the well pipe and walked the end in the frront door and raised the pipe up into position. Of course now his trucks broken so we gotta rent a big boom truck to reach over the garage and house to lower said pipe , about 800 LBS's or so down and out the front door , what a PITA  ;D The new owner wants a gas stove  ::)
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: glenn kangiser on August 11, 2007, 10:54:01 AM
Sounds like something I'd do, PEG. ;D

Don, nice drawing.  Lots of numbers and call outs - etc.  Good job. ;D

Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on August 11, 2007, 11:37:40 AM
So maybe I'd use PT 2x8's for those few joists where the weather might get at them.  ??

That would help the joist, but not the subfloor......... :-/
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: peg_688 on August 11, 2007, 12:32:18 PM
QuoteSo maybe I'd use PT 2x8's for those few joists where the weather might get at them.  ??

That would help the joidt, but not the subfloor......... :-/


 Ya see my point eh Mtn. D  ;) Jest invitin trouble IMO, YMMV ;D

 
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on August 11, 2007, 02:19:58 PM
I've been rolling this around my brain. PEG, I can get into enough trouble without extending a special invitation.  :(  Water will find it's way where ya don't want it sooner or later unless ya remember to think like water all the time.  

What we have here is another case of unintended consequences....  Good thing it's all just on paper and/or in my head.   :)  

So, back to my original plan/method. Copy of drawing below...  with more word picture below that. BTW, that strange bumpout on the long side isn't there any more. Old drawing.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/floorplans/floorjoistoriginal.jpg)

The main support 6x12 girders will stop at the point where the alcove and porch begin. See below...  The joists for the alcove and porch floor will be hung off that end joist (doubled) using some of Mr. Simpson's finest hangers. The alcove joists will be 2x10 like the main cabin floor. The porch joists will be 2x6's. The outboard end of those joists will be supported on a third girder that runs across the end of the cabin. Probably be a built up 4x8 with three footings/piers/posts just like the other ones under the main girders.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/floorplans/Footingspiersgirders.jpg)
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: peg_688 on August 12, 2007, 12:09:18 AM
Thats looks better , I might suggest running the two beams out the added  was it 4' and tie the beams together / hang the two main off the thrid crossing beam . You could transition the one beam that would be sort of out in the weather to PT  back under the house over a pier of course , or have a metal cap flashing bent up  to fit over the top   so water would be forced to drip clear of the wood.

I'd like that beam / floor system to link up / become one unit working as a whole instead of three beams  some what independant of each other.

I might also go with 2x8 PT to reduce the step out of the door , you'd maybe have to "fir up " the beam top some as well , a little 1 1/2" step out of the door really helps with wind blown rain getting under the door jamb legs / sills . rememeber  some of this was caused by a little wind blown rain  ,

(https://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b299/PEG688/June18th8.jpg)
 
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on August 12, 2007, 12:35:33 AM
I had thought of having a cap flashing installed over the 'weather"beam as you described.

I like the idea of the beams becoming a team, so to speak.

As for a little rain causing problems... when I had the roof on the house replaced with a new metal roof the roofers found a spot on the back patio roof where the original construction crew screwed up. I never thought to take a picture but, basically here in the dry desert, there was still enough rain so that when a little water would run down the roof and find it's way onto the top of this 4x6 beam it would sit there, soak in and so on and caused some rot. It was simple enough when they had the old roofing removed, for me to go up there, cut back the sheathing and replace the beam with a new one. The chain saw and the PC Tiger came in handy there.   :)   Chain saw!! I sound like I learned my carpentry from Glenn.   ;D  

Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: peg_688 on August 12, 2007, 12:57:24 AM
Ole Glenn , he does like that chainsaw doesn't he  ;D

I'm doing a repair right now on  a old farm house , window sills that failed. one window is  a old window , old VG Fir window sash , frames and sills all painted VG Fir. The other  two have vinly windows "stopped into" older wood frames , one window is old VG Fir the other is 1960's VG Fir. So a good range of ages on "similar " woods. I think I'll be doing a thread on it,  the repair, mainly to see if I can write a article that I can sell to a magizine like Fine Home building.

Point is a little water goes a long way once it finds a way in , the solution is to keep it out the first time .  

 
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on August 12, 2007, 01:09:08 AM
A heartfelt G/L on the article!   :)
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: glenn-k on August 12, 2007, 01:11:51 AM
Dudes - thanks --- you just reminded me that I forgot to buy the Ryobi Chainsaw module for my 18 volt set the other day.  Coming soon to a hatchet job near you -- Glenn's 18V chainsaw massacre. ;D
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: peg_688 on August 12, 2007, 01:23:56 AM
Eh yer never far from our minds , you are sorta like God ya know , with all that adminasstrators power  ;D
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: glenn-k on August 12, 2007, 01:36:21 AM
That really warms my heart (and my chainsaw) PEG.  To hear that coming from you --- well it almost ...sniff sniff.... almost makes me cry.  :'(

Damn -- there you go PEG -- are ya happy now? :-?  Ya went and made me get in touch with my feminine side.   >:(  My mamma always told me not to do that. :-/
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on August 19, 2007, 09:08:04 PM
Spent Friday night thru this AM up in the mountains. Three noteworthy things...
1.  Got the roof all completed except for the cupola (yet to be built) and an unconventional addition, I'm saving until it's completed.  :)  Also stained the rqafter ends and under the eves.Stained the log step as well.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/mini-IMG_2453.jpg)

2.  Began collecting some rocks for the "foundation" wall around the gazebo. Some were gathered from my land, others liberated from the surrounding forest. Used the ATV to haul them.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/mini-IMG_2456c.jpg)

Do you lichen my rocks?  (I couldn't help myself...sorry about that.)  ::)

3.  About 6 or so this morning the early morning silence was broken by the distinct sound made by a plastic 5 gallon pail being knocked over, right outside the RV wall next to my slowly waking brain. I thought that was strange. Since I was about to get up and bump the thermostat to On (58 degrees inside temp calls for a little warming up before arising. Hey if I got a furnace, I may as well use it.) I lifted the shade and peered outside. Sitting there a few feet away was a big brown (colored) Black Bear, about 200 pounds I'd say.  :o One paw was stuffed inside the 5 gallon plastic pail that used to hold bird seed. Seed was all over the ground. At my surprised shout it looked up at me, casting a disdainful look my way. The seed must have smelled better than it tasted as the bear didn't seem too interested in it. I was too surprised to think of grabbing my camera. Instead I grabbed my .45. Peering back out the window I saw it was ambling slowly down the slope. I watched it disappear. The rest of the day was completely uneventful compared to the start.

Speaking to my neighbor I learned that he had an bear visit him early one morning last week as well.   :-/
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: glenn-k on August 21, 2007, 01:06:45 AM
Thanks for the story, Don.  It was beary interesting. :)

I couldn't bear to sleep through that.  If he were to bear all his weight on the side of the RV he might barely be able to make it inside-- if he tore an almost large enough opening.  

If he did you might want to be wearing pajamas.  I know I'd hate to be bare if the side was ripped out of my RV.  

It would probably be hard to bear the embearassment. :-/
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on September 03, 2007, 09:15:25 PM
Spent the weekend up in the mtns. Didn't do too much constructive. We gathered more rocks for the gazebo. Did a haphazard trial layout, dry. We may go dry stack for the finished product.  :-/ Thought of installing some 1/4 inch hardware cloth in the opening and using it as back support for the rock as well as preempting mouse infiltration.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/trialfitting.jpg)

Had company up, did some hiking, grilled some elk burgers, saw some wild turkey strolling across one end of the land.Season starts in a week. We found our very own "Hatch" If you're a Lost fan you know what it is.  :)

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/thehatch.jpg)

This one didn't require explosives. (covers an old well... saw water, not sure how deep)

After feasting on the burgers, my own special potato salad recipe, bean salad, chips, beer it began to rain. Slowly the rain picked up, got harder. Thunder in the distance, getting closer. As we were discussing the merits of moving to the RV and the home made fresh peach cobler, now or in a little while, our minds were made up for us.

FLASH-BANG!!! A bolt of lightnig with immediate thunder response. I thought I saw something flying through the air where the flash came from. We made for the RV. It rained like crazy for a half hour and tapered off as darkness fell.

The next morning here's what I found, 150 feet from the gazebo where we were seated.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/lightning-struck.jpg)

The lightning stripped a section of bark from the fir tree. At the base it knocked a large section of bark free and dug a small hole. Powerful stuff. We'll have to see how the fir fares. Maybe more firewood?   :-/
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: glenn-k on September 03, 2007, 09:34:04 PM
That was a close one, Don.  If it had hit you, you likely would have been barbecue, not to mention it probably would have blown your shoes off. Scarey. :o

I like the drystack rocks.  Easy to do something with.  I just went to an old mine today, up about a 30 to 40 degree slope and there were curving drystack walls of rock about 4 feet high and a few hundred feet long -- been getting hit with seasonal stream torrents for a hundred or more years and still standing just fine.
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: Sassy on September 03, 2007, 10:19:07 PM
Yikes, that WAS close...  just attended a 2 day trauma course - there's not always a lot that can be done for a well landed lightning bolt  :'(
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on September 03, 2007, 10:26:27 PM
That's the closest I've ever come to a lightning strike.

Unless you count the time I was hiking on a Colorado ridge. The clouds were rolling in fast and my companion's hair was standing on end.  :o I was getting "pin pricks" on my ankles. Later I figured out it was probably little "lightning bolts" from the static buildup firing thru my socks from the metal eyelets in my boots. Walked away from that though.  ;D

The real bummer that day was a mysterious loss of the brakes on the CJ5. The pedal went right to the floor :o  just as we reached the high point of some 13,000 feet! Fluid all okay. After the hike up and down the ridge I tried the brakes and the pedal was hard!!! Very puzzling. We made the descent of some 5000 feet to base camp, very slowly, with my friends CJ8 tied to my rear bumper. We trailered the CJ home and tore into the hydraulics and never found a problem. There was a little sedimet I flushed from the master cylinder. Totally puzzling!


Back to the weekends lightning for a moment.... I do believe I'm going to attach a rod atop the gazebo once I have the cupola on. As well the cabin roof peak will also receive a couple rods and ground cables/rods.

When up on the forest service lookout tower I noticed it was equipped with 4 lightninbg rods each with it's own braided stainless steel conductor and ground rod.
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: Sassy on September 03, 2007, 10:47:18 PM
That's a good idea  :) .  One time my brother & I were playing out in the yard at our farm in Ohio (I was probably 3 or 4).  A thunder storm was coming in, all of a sudden a lightning bolt flashed in a circle maybe 3-4 feet from us.  Didn't hurt us or anything else, but we sure were surprised!
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: glenn-k on September 03, 2007, 11:03:25 PM
I had the same brake problem on a 76 Chevy PU once.  I don't recall ever finding a problem either.  Top of New Idria Mine.
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: peg_688 on September 03, 2007, 11:16:21 PM
Close one Mtn. D maybe it was meant for Benoveolence , or how ever he miss speels it!  ;D

Those lighting rods may be a good idea , now that you've seen what it can do , do you recall any other trees close by that have had strikes .
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on September 04, 2007, 12:31:13 AM
QuoteClose one Mtn. D maybe it was meant for Benoveolence....  ;D

Those lighting rods may be a good idea , now that you've seen what it can do , do you recall any other trees close by that have had strikes .
;D ;D ;D

As for evidence and other nearby trees... None close by that I have seen. However, over my years spent in the mountains I have seen a fair number of lone trees with charring, some standing, some toppled. I've always thought they were likely lightning victims. It was raining enough when that one was struck there wasn't a chance for any fire.

Lightning:  The rule of thumb for distance to lightning strikes is to count the seconds from the visible bolt to the thunderclap. (Speed of light =186000 mph, speed of sound 760 mph... varies with altitude humidity, etc. but close enough for government work). A count of five equals a one mile distance. I have an automatic reflex to count whenever I see lightning. I've been around many flashes where I never quite got to one. But never one where later investigation found the spot where I thought I saw a strike.

A count of one would be 1056 feet. one-half would be 528 feet. The 150 feet would have meant a time between seeing and hearing of 0.028 seconds. No time to count let alone take a breath. (Yes, Glenn, I used the Windows calculator   :)  )

I've been doing some research re lightning (tonight!) and contrary to my former beliefs, being surrounded by tall trees does not offer protection. Trees are really not very good conductors, they're simply the most common thing in a forest, Being tall helps too. But a bolt may easily jump sideways through the air or along the ground to you or your cabin. Being in a hard shell car (on rubber tires is good) I think I'll put wheels on the cabin; maybe sit it on rubber donuts.   ;D  The metal plane of a building roof will be very good at offering an electrical path, so any metal topped building should also have an excellent grounding system. Two ground cables and grounding rods at opposite ends are a good plan.

Taking shelter under a tree is definitely a bad idea as the photo would indicate.

Today we took a short hike a few miles from the cabin before starting home. We found a dead heifer under some trees. Fairly fresh dead; not yet found by coyotes or other scavengers. Probably lightning from the same storm. We ran into a rancher nearby at our lunch stop. He was checking on his cows... we asked if across the road were his... no, his neighbors though. So we told him of the dead one. He said he'd pass the info along. It's tough when they loose a full grown cow. So why am I boring you with the details.... he was driving one of those Bush Hogs like Glenn got...  Said he loved it!  

http://www.countryplans.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1171346103/180

And second reason; he was a cousin of my neighbor with the skid steer. I've met other cousins, uncles, etc. of his around these mountains over this past year. Seems like northern NM is a southwestern KY.  :-?  No offense meant.
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: glenn-k on September 04, 2007, 12:47:07 AM
Quotemaybe sit it on rubber donuts

I dunno about that, Don.  You'll have every cop in the country dropping by your place. :-?


I took the Bush Hog down to the creek with a neighbor, checking out a place I may get to help dredge next time we get some rain.  Like I want to work hard in the rocks - yeah -- but the learning experience will be worth it. :)
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on September 09, 2007, 09:51:58 PM
A short time ago I casually mentioned that I had an unconventional feature I was adding to my gazebo. Well this weekend we completed the feature.

The Chiminea has been moved inside the gazebo! Saturday night photo.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/mini-IMG_2537.jpg)

The floor has concrete patio stones. Those lower walls are heat protected with 26 gauge steel roofing material. The top edge material is drip edge. This is the flat metal before its run through the machine that forms it into the ribbed panels. It is air spaced out from the wall studs with 1 inch spacers. The drip edge is also air spaced from the horizontal 2x4 framing to allow free upward air movement. This is a standard NFPA wood stove to combustible wall, clearance reduction method.

There is an airspace at the bottom of the panel to allow air to flow freely behind the panel. Convection air flow keeps the temperature behind the panel down.

Here's a detail of the mounting system used... The lower edge of the panels rest on galvanized lag screws about 1 1/8 inches above the patio stone floor level. The wall air spacing is achieved using coupling nuts. There are ceramic spacers made special for this at special prices.  :o

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/metaldetails.jpg)

A shot of the floor and walls before moving the Chiminea into place.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/mini-IMG_2518.jpg)

The chimney mount is framed in with 2x4's. The chimney I used is a Class A insulated type HT made by Selkirk. The metal support is contained within a 12 3/8 x 12 3/8 inch square box as per mfg. specs. The wall ends of the support 2x4's (joists?)rest on the 2x6 top plates. The inside corner is hung from one of the half rafters. Two 3/8 inch bolts each joint; one may have sufficed.  :-/

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/mini-ddIMG_2523.jpg)

Here you can see the completed support structure with the chimney pipe in place. Still have to trim the 2x4 ends.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/mini-ddIMG_2531.jpg)

I made a slight (1 1/2 inch) miscalculation in the positioning of the support box and needed to move the assembly 1 1/2 inches in the west direction (left in the photo) to have the chimney adequately clear the hip rafter. Bummer.  :-[  Rather than cut new longer "joists" (from material I did not have on hand = spending two hours driving) I elected to add a 2x4 block for extra support. Maybe I didn't need to do this, the 2x4's still had 1 1/2 inches sitting on the 2x6 top plate.

Exterior view with the Chiminea and chimney in place. Oh yeah, the screening is aluminum not fiberglass, for obvious reasons.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/mini-IMG_2557.jpg)

Old chrome dome hisself.   ;D  ...actually it's stainless steel.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/mini-cIMG_2529.jpg)

The bear from a couple weeks ago paid another visit. After helping himself to some apples and scaring the bejeebers out of my neighbor's 11 week old pup (didn't come out from under the utility shed for a good half hour) it wandered up the wooded slope to our place. I was on the gazebo roof and my gun was in the RV. Another bummer! Hence the hip holstered .45 in this photo.  :-/

It was fortuitous that the top of the Chiminea smoke outlet was a perfect fit for a length of standard 8 inch stove pipe. Made it a lot easier to fit it all together. From there I adapted the piping down to the 6 inch insulated pipe. It draws very well, much better draft than the normal Chiminea.

I've never seen anybody else do this.

[edit]added a photo I missed first time around[/edit]
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: peg_688 on September 09, 2007, 10:13:09 PM
Quote

 
 (https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/mini-cIMG_2529.jpg)


                 I've never seen anybody else do this.


(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/mini-cIMG_2529.jpg%20%20)
   

Humm,  I wonder why ;D But I'm pretty sure it's been done at a kegger , maybe not with a chimney cap............

Seriously that looks very cleanly done, good use of materials made for something else to save cost, very nice outside the box thinking Mtn. D 8-)

 
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on September 09, 2007, 10:23:53 PM
 :-? I meant the chimney on the Chiminea!!  

;D ;D ;D

Thanks.  :)  The idea came to me one night from out of the blue.  :-/ The chimney. The chrome dome was actually my wife's idea. Have a photo of her too.  ::)

added a construction photo I missed.  :-[
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: glenn-k on September 09, 2007, 10:48:05 PM
Kinda looks like a catalytic converter burning off gas fumes. :-/

Nice job Don and thanks for taking the time to detail it out for us.

Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on September 09, 2007, 11:02:11 PM
QuoteKinda looks like a catalytic converter burning off gas fumes. :-/
My secrets out, dang!  ::) :o
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: hobbiest on September 16, 2007, 08:45:35 AM
My mom had the same kind of brake problem in a landcruiser, ended up finding out as she was going around a bend, and rolled it down a hill.  Broke her C3, hobbled her way out of the rig, and up the hill to the road.  Ended up ok, thank God.  I was 3 years old.  That girl is a cowboy!  Lightning hit the power circuit not too far from our house last month, fried the computer.  Word to the wise, when lightning is coming, unplug the computer, no matter how expensive your surge protector is!
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on September 17, 2007, 12:19:22 AM
We went up to the mountains late Friday afternoon. Found a "calling card" beside the road in. Ya' get three guesses; answer at end of post. 14 inches across.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/IMG_2561.jpg)

I finished the chimney roof flashing and shingled the last section of roof.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/gIMG_2570.jpg)

Due to the proximity of the chimney flashing to the hip ridge (like a 1/4 inch) I used a section of left over metal roof ridge right next to the chimney flashing. Cut a curve to match the flashing and secured it over the ridge and chimney flashing; caulked it good as well. I painted the galvanized metal with flat black; I think it looks better without the shiny metal. I have a little over spray on the stainless steel pipe. Removing that next when I return with some steel wool.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/gIMG_2571.jpg)

The roofing paper covering the peak is where the final touch, a Cuploa, will go. Still waiting on Lowe's to get in the correct final surprise. They're on their third attempt at getting the correct size, colors, etc. They blame it on the mrg/supplier. Might be, but I like I told the manager on duty last week; I don't care whose fault it is, I just want the order to come in and be correct. Should know this week  :-/

I was curious about just how well the air spaced steel behind the chiminea cut down the temperature behind the steel. (Forgot to take a photo). I drilled a 5/32" hole thru the siding from the exterior and inserted a dial thermometer to measure the temp between the metal and the wood. There is a gap of just over an inch between the steel panel and the floor. As well there is a 5/8 inch air space between the wood 2x4 sill and the L-shaped metal trim strip to allow air flow out. We stoked up a good fire and after a bit the metal panel at the point the chiminea is closest to was too hot to keep your hand on it for more than a second. The exterior air temp was 65 F. The temp between the metal and wood siding never went over 90 degrees F. I am quite pleased. I guess those NFPA folks now their stuff.  :)(National Fire Prevention Association)

The dump is bear scat (poop to the uninitiated). One of the larger dumps I have seen. Heard one ahead of us on the trail we were hiking Saturday; off in the bushes making noises like it was annoyed or nervous. Probably got a whiff of us or heard us coming... we talk a lot commenting on this or that. We had come across another dump of bear scat on the trail... FYI, it's better to talk and make "people noise" if you think bears are around. There's less of a chance you'll surprise a bear if you're noisy instead of silent. We beat a slow retreat with one eye behind us and one hand on the revolver. Karen now wants her own.
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: glenn-k on September 17, 2007, 12:54:02 AM
Cool poop, Don.  I got the type ID right but couldn't figure out what the big guy had been eating.  Did you do a taste test or other method of content ID?
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on September 17, 2007, 12:58:31 AM
Vegetarian diet. No smell. No seeds, etc. Must have been eating simple greens.  :-/

My neighbor has dumped a bushel of apples out at the narrow end of the little valley. Bear might have been feasting on them too. ?? He's got bow permits on deer, elk, bear. Lots of elk bugling last night as well.  Right close by, but too dark to see them. I dunno how they navigate in the dark?
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: glenn-k on September 17, 2007, 01:07:48 AM
Re-read that - 14" across -- that's a nice one.  Missing any small children?

Coyotes used to take a dump right near our house just after they had eaten one of our cats.   :-/

Could be apple peels or something.  They climb and break trees to get fruit around here.
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on September 17, 2007, 01:19:14 AM
Comparing notes, we think there's at least 2 bears hanging 'round close by. We've each had a couple sightings and one is browner than the other. Could be more?? No sightings of cubs.

No lost children  :)  ;D   but one of James' cats is acting very strange, hanging close to home, wanting to be touched/held. Unusual for it.

I wish I had a game camera set up
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: peg_688 on September 17, 2007, 04:12:34 AM
You leave nothing to chance there Mtn D with the temp checking 8-)

On that thru hip thats why folks should stay away from the ridge of there  roof , looks like you got a good seal , remember a bit of silcone around that storm collar as well.

Those bears will be pretty hunger fattin up for winter , keep your food stash in check eh. Sounds like lots of critters up there. Elk are amazing so big yet so graceful. Wel generally I'd guess there a "few" putz Elk in the forest as well.

Do they allow hound hunting for bear down there? They outlawed it up here , no hound Couger hunting either , I'd guess you have those slinking around your place as well?

Anyway since they cut off hound hunting theres lots of bears and couger sightings in yards , around schools etc . Folks get all freaked out , do "lock downs" at the schools , friggin Washington liberals  ::) and thier rules / laws.

Sets up a few extra state jobs for game wardens / govt. hunters eh  ;D More drains upon the people of the state of Wa. (govt. employees that is )  

 Place looks real nice Don 8-) Thanks for the photos .
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: glenn-k on September 17, 2007, 09:09:05 AM
The bear hunters here are real men.  They strap a GPS transmitter unit to their hounds - send them after the bear.  Hounds tree the bear -- they follow the GPS to the hound - there's the bear -- no problem.  Get out the beer and celebrate. :) :)
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on September 17, 2007, 09:49:35 AM
QuoteYou leave nothing to chance there Mtn D with the temp checking 8-)

On that thru hip thats why folks should stay away from the ridge of there  roof , looks like you got a good seal , remember a bit of silicone around that storm collar as well.
I was curious about the temp because the metal was so hot   ::)

I placed a good bead around the flashing to chimney pipe joint, then slid the collar down into it and added more on the topside of the joint.  :)  
Originally there wasn't going to be a fire inside the gazebo. But then when the roof was 3/4 done the idea occurred to us. The first plan was to place the chiminea in the center of that wall and bring the chimney out through the flat space between the half rafters. Then we saw we could make better use of the floor space with it off to the side a bit. That's when the chimney installation got more interesting.  ::)

Yeah, Elk are so cool. The way they can move through the trees so fast and jumping barbed wire fences like they weren't even there. Good eyesight too I suppose, to be able to see the wires.

QuoteWell generally I'd guess there a "few" putz Elk in the forest as well.
The putz's end up on the dinner table   ;D  

Dogs may be used for bear and mountain lion/cougar in NM. Except during the Sept. 1-22 bow season, dog use is not allowed. There are other if, ands, and buts, than one can keep track of. Dogs, if leashed, can be used to help locate downed game. Plenty of bear sightings this year.

143 bear taken so far this year (as of 9/16); 391 total is allowed for the year)  :o  That's a lot of bear!

It's interesting to note that in Elk hunting last year the public lands success rate was better for the special "youth only" hunts (40%) than it was for the "normal firearm hunts, all ages, (30%). NM Fish & Game have all kinds of stats available on their web site.  :) "Mobility Impaired" had a success rate of (42%); usually crossbow.

I've only once sighted cougars, or mountain lions as they're commonly called here. At a distance, there were a pair. But I've seen a number of footprints, especially a few weeks back after a rain. My neighbor was stalked by a mountain lion while elk hunting once. He was using a cow call trying to get a bull closer. One of the other hunters with him noticed the mountain lion slinking thru the grass and trees from behind him. Plenty of bear sightings this year.

Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on September 17, 2007, 01:47:53 PM
QuoteThe bear hunters here are real men.  They strap a GPS transmitter unit to their hounds
Good lord! That should be illegal, but I don't want more laws.
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: glenn-k on September 17, 2007, 02:13:30 PM
Even most of the rednecks don't have much use for these guys.  Most come from the valley I heard.

Hound doesn't perform or gets lost too often, it becomes the next target.
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on September 25, 2007, 07:23:10 PM
Back to the topic.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/mini-IMG_2581.jpg)

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/mini-IMG_2580.jpg)

What is it?

Answers and more info will be forthcoming.  :)

Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: glenn-k on September 25, 2007, 10:18:25 PM
Ummm--- hmmmmm -- dog house? :-?
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on September 25, 2007, 10:23:31 PM
Mmmmm...  No

Tho' one day I do want to get another dog.  :)  "hound dog of some kind.
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: glenn-k on September 25, 2007, 11:20:06 PM
With GPS???? :-?


Hmmmm --- Uhhh --- Cupola?
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on September 26, 2007, 02:52:38 PM
No GPS on the dog, Glenn.  Maybe one on me.  :-/

Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on September 26, 2007, 03:04:26 PM
Starting at the bottom... The base upside down...  And Glenn got it right; it's a Cupola.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/mini-IMG_2578.jpg)

...and right side up...

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/mini-IMG_2579.jpg)

Two of the corner reinforcement blocks split when I drove the #8 deck screws into them. I should have drilled pilot holes.   :-[  I should know better; those redwood scraps have been sitting around the bone dry shop for a few years. I glued the splits back together with polyurethane glue, and then decided to use ¼"carriage bolts to help hold it all together. I used some screws too, with pilot holes.

I got carried away with working and forgot to take some of the pictures I meant to.   The four sides that sit upon the base were framed like stud walls; a lower plate, corner verticals, and a top plate.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/IMG_2581cornerdetail.jpg)

This whole unit is designed to be taken down into manageable pieces and re-assembled on the Gazebo roof up in the mountains. The 4 wall sections will be secured to the base frame with #8 deck screws, and probably a few ring shank 12D or 16D's. The corners are fastened in a similar fashion. The upper framework is fitted over the assembled wall sections. I used a 1/16" fender washer as a spacer during the trial fitting and assembly to make it easier to slip the framework onto the wall framing up on the roof top. The upper framework joints are reinforced with blind hardwood dowels. Again I forgot to take pictures, until I had glued it all together.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/mini-IMG_2580washerspacerdetail.jpg)

½ inch plywood plates are used to help support the upper framework. Holes drilled through the framework allow an extended bit holder to drive #8 deck screws through the inner top frame members to the wall framing for addition strength. The upper framework joints are reinforced with blind hardwood dowels. Again I forgot to take pictures, until I had glued it all together.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/mini-IMG_2586.jpg)

All sub sections were labeled to make final assembly easier.  :)  This is one of the top plate wall corners.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/mini-IMG_2589.jpg)

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/mini-IMG_2591.jpg)

One corner plate has a 3/8"locating dowel to assist in correctly positioning the upper frame upon roof top reassembly.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/mini-IMG_2587.jpg)

If you're thinking that's a strange upper framework for a roof, you're right. This is a Cupola with a unique touch! The "roof" portion of the Cupola is a skylight! It's the item  Lowe's took three attempts to get correct; a smoke plastic single dome, bronze anodized aluminum curb mount framed skylight. But they never gave up trying and were always quite courteous even thoough I did allow my frustration to show a wee bit, but also in a polite manner.  :)

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/mini-IMG_2582.jpg)

The open sides of the Cupola will be insect screened. Over the winter I will build four louvered panels to be installed over the screening to keep out the rain and dress up the appearance.

I took the sub-assemblies apart and finished them with the forest green semi transparent stain that was used on the rest of the Gazebo today.

More pictures when it's mounted on the Gazebo roof peak.
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: glenn-k on September 27, 2007, 12:37:07 AM
Looks cool, Don.  

Thanks for the pictures you did remember to take. :)
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on September 30, 2007, 09:32:24 PM
Back up on the Gazebo roof one more time. The Cupola base is secured...

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/mini-IMG_2599M.jpg)

The four sides of the Cupola consist of two slightly different sized sections. They are screened to keep insects at bay. The sides will be later covered with louvered panels (yet to be made). I screened them in pairs, then cut the aluminum screening apart with a utility knife.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/mini-IMG_2602M.jpg)

The once very tightly packed deck boards have dried some and are now far enough apart to dispense with the dust pan when sweeping. Simply sweep the dirt, wood bits, etc. across the cracks and it disappears!  ::)  Once the sides were up it was a snap to install the pre-framed roof/skylight framing and the skylight itself.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/mini-IMG_2622M.jpg)

The view from the front side, from the north...

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/mini-IMG_2604M.jpg)

Saturday was rainy, cool, hailed some. Even with a blazing fire in the Chiminea the temperature behind the sheet steel wall protection didn't go over 75. (ambient air temp 55 to 60).

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/mini-IMG_2623M.jpg)

The road up the hill to our place was improved last weekend.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/mini-IMG_2594M.jpg)

I missed all the fun James had with the TD9.  :'(  He cut down the steepest part and pushed the earth down to fill in at the bottom. Now even the Honda Civic can make it up with ease.  :)

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/mini-IMG_2609M.jpg)

Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on September 30, 2007, 09:45:05 PM
Glenn, you related once someplace here about shooting your brother when you were kids.  :o  IIRC he at least didn't shoot back, unlike the tree I was using for target practice this weekend.

The tree was laying on the ground, already seemingly dead, okay? I don't go around killing trees for no good reason. About 22 inches in diameter, I was using one of it's cut off branch stubs as a target, shooting at the cut off end about 8 inches in diameter. I was using the 2 inch barreled .45 from about 25 feet. The first three shots went like usual, bullets embedded in the wood. I could see the tail of two of them. I fired the fourth, Bam!, and something hit me in the groin. Not hard, just a tap more or less. I thought to myself, Hmmm, a chunk of wood? I looked down at the ground and there between my feet lay a .45 cal slug! :o  

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/oddsnends/IMG_2630M.jpg)

There it is with an unfired cartridge and ruler for scale. The nose is slightly deformed but other than that it's not much worse for the wear.  :-?

I safely finished off the box of shells from a greater distance, out of the tree's range.  ;D
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: glenn-k on September 30, 2007, 10:15:01 PM
QuoteThe nose is slightly deformed but other than that it's not much worse for the wear.

That's one tough groin you got there, Don--- hmmmm able to stand up to a 45 cal. slug.  Good job , Don.  We'll have to start calling you super Don. ;D
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on September 30, 2007, 10:30:12 PM
Aw, it was nuthin'    :-[

Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: Homegrown_Tomatoes on October 01, 2007, 09:21:53 AM
Hey, I like the skylight in the cupola.  Great idea and looks pretty sharp.  Showed my husband this thread and he's decided he wants a gazebo with a chiminea now, too. ;D

Don, you're not supposed to shoot at stuff that shoots back!  Glad it was just a "tap"!!!
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: Jimmy_Cason on October 01, 2007, 10:05:00 AM
Don,
You are awarded with the "Lucky-Man Brass Ball" lifetime achievement award!
(https://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c371/casonjimmy/brassballs_1.jpg)
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: hobbiest on October 01, 2007, 10:54:59 AM
What he didn't tell, is that he was wearing the experimental bullet-proof cup!  If you haven't seen the movie Super Troopers, and you don't mind ridiculous comedy (think Airplane...a bit toned down), now would be the time to check it out.
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: glenn-k on October 01, 2007, 11:32:43 AM
I dunno, Jens.  As impressive as that bulletproof codpiece sounds, I'm afraid it would make me look stupid wearing one. :-/

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/codpiece.jpg)

:)

Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on October 01, 2007, 04:07:15 PM
Quote... like the skylight in the cupola.  Great idea and looks pretty sharp.  Showed my husband this thread and he's decided he wants a gazebo with a chiminea now, too. ;D  
Thank you. I was planning on doing it the traditional way, a mini model of the main roof, shingled and all. In trying to come up with something that could be constructed on the ground rather than doing aerial tricks with sharp tools I had a flash of genius. It actually came out looking better than I hoped it would.

I still plan on louvered side panels to cover the screening as this will help keep the rain out. It rained off and on all day Saturday after I completed it and once or twice as the wind blew a few droplets of rain made it inside. Most of the rain seemed to be stopped by the screen, running down and then out under the slightly raised bottom of the base if it was on the inside of the screen. (The base contacts the ridge/hip shingles at the corners)
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on October 01, 2007, 04:09:03 PM
Quotethe "Lucky-Man Brass Ball" lifetime achievement award!
Thanks Jimmy... an honor.  :)
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on October 08, 2007, 09:43:22 PM
Have to say one thing for city sized building lots. You don't have much choice in where to situate the building.

This weekend, a long one in celebration of Columbus day, (yes, we observe as many holidays as we can ;D ) DW found yet another "desirable" position to place the humble cabin-to-be.  :) :-/ ::)

Dang cold nights, Lo overnight reading dropped to 32 F. Brrr!  There was some ice on the Elk wallow down the slope. We found one of their overnighting spots nearby; a bunch of flattened grass in a small clearing surrounded by fallen tress. Too bad I missed out on the lottery this year.  :'( Maybe we'll stake 'em out and shoot 'em with some digitals instead.  :) A couple of friends have suggested I retire the .338 700 BDL SS and switch to blackpowder or bow hunting with them. They always get drawn for their first choice; less completion for those permits.  :-/  
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: glenn-k on October 09, 2007, 12:26:56 AM
Wow -- sounds kinda nipply out. :-/

I almost ran over a 4 point and a smaller buck tonight.  Gotta get a cow catcher on my truck. :o

If you put a little trailer hitch and skids on the gazebo you could probably have a lot more choices of where to put the cabin.  I'm sure that may be limiting the little wife's range. ;D
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: Sassy on October 17, 2007, 12:39:32 PM
Really like how you did that cupola, MtnDon!  Was wondering how it would work - looks perfect  :)  

Haven't been posting much lately - was pretty sick for awhile - all I could do was look on the internet, do the basics around the homes.  I don't know if the 22 hr shift without lunch breaks I worked in ER had anything to do with my getting sick  ::)  but seems everytime I do something like that, everything breaks down - I'm too old for that!  :-/
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: Homegrown_Tomatoes on October 17, 2007, 01:51:10 PM
22 hours?  No wonder you got sick!  I used to work in a nursing home when I was in college and would pull shifts like that, and even then it was exhausting.  No way could I do it now!  Whew!
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on October 17, 2007, 02:14:48 PM
Wow, Sassy! I think you might be on to something there (about why you didn't feel so good).   ;D ;D

I noticed you weren't too active on the forum. Missed you.

Thanks for the kind words re the Cupola.  :) I'm currently puzzling over how I'm going to make the louvered panels. As far as the appearance goes I'm pleased with what I've got. But a driving rain will allow water through the screening.  :-/

I must be getting lazy as I age. I'm reluctant to build the necessary router jig to mill the grooves in the traditional manner. I'm mulling over alternative construction ideas, including the recycling of some louvered door panels I picked up at ReStore.  :-/
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on October 21, 2007, 11:58:40 PM
Another weekend, another small thing attended to. Up to now my small generator has been housed in a makeshift shelter of stacked firewood and OSB scraps. It now has a "home".

I used recycled 1x4's and 2x4's, some old 6x6 PT landscape timbers, PT 2x4 leftover from the gazebo, metal roofing leftover from the house, and some salvaged pieces of "new" 2x3. There's a cooling exhaust  air vent on the right side. I'll be adding one more panel next time up in the mountains.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/mini-wIMG_2683.jpg)

The top is hinged so I can fill the generators top mounted integral gas tank.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/mini-wIMG_2673.jpg)

The sections of 1x4 for the doors were so sun baked and dried out they split easily. Even pre-drilling holes before inserting the screws didn't prevent more splits. So I used some polyurethane glue to help secure the door boards to the horizontal battens. Some of the glue oozed thru some splits. I'm out of old boards right now so have to be content with the glue marks.  :'(\\

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/mini-wIMG_2687.jpg)

Rear view showing the rear ventilation opening. The rear bottom panel is hinged for access to gasoline storage. The generator exhaust exits through the opening. I have an auxiliary super quiet muffler I have to refit. It will be outside the box. The rear vent opening will have a 6 to 7 inch wide "shed roof" installed next time up.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/mini-wIMG_2688.jpg)

*********************
It was dang cold Sat night. Thermometer read 26 degrees at 7:30 AM. By 11 AM it had warmed up to a whopping 38 degrees. Then it very briefly snowed for 20 seconds or so. Nothing to photograph.

My old abused (do as I recommend, not as I do  :-[) RV batteries (dating from spring 2003) did not like the cold at all. I dragged them home and will see if a desulphation cycle or two can coax a few more months of life out of them. The cold sucked some of the life out of them, and the RV furnace sucked the balance out of them overnight.  :'( Hate to buy new ones now... and then have them sit through Dec - March/April if we can't get back up there because of snow.
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: glenn-k on October 22, 2007, 12:05:07 AM
Generator house  looks good, Don.  20 years from now, nobody will know whether everything was perfect or not. :)

What happened to our global warming, Don?  Unseasonably cool here too.
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on October 22, 2007, 12:17:29 AM
One more picture... my temporary gray water disposal system

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/mini-xIMG_2680.jpg)
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on November 05, 2007, 01:24:26 AM
A work weekend. Great weather, sunny, no winds to speak of. Cut out more trash trees and just about the last of the deadfall. We made the wood pile longer and added a bunch to the burn pit. When and if we get snow that's going to be some fire.  :)

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/mini-IMG_2828.jpg)

That only shows about a third.

Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: glenn-k on November 05, 2007, 01:35:40 AM
I think you need to build at least one cordwood room. :)

...and... did anyone ever tell you that the second photo above looks like a giant horseneck clam (Gooey Duck) :-?

I would really be scared if I was ever attacked by a horseneck clam that big. :o

(http://img503.imageshack.us/img503/2504/geoduck25b52f64tv5.jpg)
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on November 05, 2007, 01:47:23 AM
EEEEW!  :o I'm gonna stay away from wherever those are found! I believe I'm safe up in the Jemez Mountains.  :-/
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: glenn-k on November 05, 2007, 01:53:10 AM
It could be a start of a horror movie for the Jimmy Cason "Countryplans.Com the TV Show"

Giant Horseneck clam burrows through the floor of Mountian Don's Camper and drags him down under the ground.

Will he escape? :-?  

Stay tuned for next weeks cliff-hanger, "Man, that's really hard to swallow"

or "The creature from greywater swamp."
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on November 05, 2007, 10:38:53 AM
QuoteI think you need to build at least one cordwood room.
I was looking at some pictures of cordwood construction last night and had a strange thought when I woke up this morning. Wouldn't a nice cordwood chimney and fire place look cool? Somehow that doesn't seem too good an idea.  :-/
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on November 05, 2007, 10:56:51 PM
I've been playing with some video from the past weekend hauling trash trees and deadfall from our little forest.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/th_trashtreescleanup340kps.jpg) (https://s133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/?action=view&current=trashtreescleanup340kps.flv)

Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: glenn-k on November 06, 2007, 09:38:58 AM
Good driving, Don.  You can still miss the pylons. :)
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on November 06, 2007, 01:28:23 PM
I do it much slower with the Cherokee than the old racer. Mind you the trailer on behind makes it more interesting.
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: glenn-k on November 07, 2007, 12:15:29 AM
It's actually easier with an 18 wheeler and 45' reefer.  To start with you wouldn't go there -- and you can keep the back end in your mirrors.

A little trailer can hide back there especially if you have to back up  with small mirrors. :-/
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on November 07, 2007, 12:34:18 AM
Backing that trailer up the way it was originally built (25+ yrs ago) became more difficult with the lift on the Cherokee and the big spare on the swing out tire carrier. I knew there was a trailer back there but could hardly see it. Sometimes not at all.

However, I extended the tongue a couple feet or so, enough so I can easily swing open the tire carrier. That placed the trailer far enough back to where I can actually see it in the  standard mirrors. I find it easier to back it now although I had to relearn how much and when to cut the front wheels. It also seems to ride better.

BTW, the tongue is also extendable another 18" to allow hauling of longer materials on top of the steel box, and still maintain sufficient weight on the hitch.

The Cherokee lift also necessitated a special dropped hitch that I made. I'll take a picture and toss it in the Hot Rod Corner.
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on November 18, 2007, 11:02:07 PM
Yesterday I put together a quick and dirty solar panel experiment up in the mountains. The intent is to maintain the battery charge while absent. Eventually, when the cabin is built, there will be a proper solar PV setup, 500 watts min., shade free, MPPT controller, good batteries  ;D ...

What I really need to do is replace the batteries.  ::) They self discharge a bit quicker than they used to.  :(  Worn out... abused.  

I bought two 15 watt Amorphous Silicone solar panels and a small charge controller. The location is somewhat shaded with shadows that move as the earth turns. A-Si panels are supposed to be more tolerant of shading. We'll see.

Unfortunately I left my test equipment at home so I couldn't measure the actual output watts or amps. All I had was a digital voltmeter. It did indicate that power was being made; depending on the sunlight I had reading of 13.09 to 13.65 volts at the batteries with the panels connected. With panels disconnected the batteries under no load read 12.5 volts. I also broke my hydrometer  :'( so I have no real idea what the state of charge is/was.  :-/  More info after next weekend... going back up Thursday AM.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/solarforbatteries.jpg)

Other than that it was a great weekend, sunny & warm(ish) daytime, 40 overnight.

We cut some more trash trees, about 36, and picked up more deadfall near the far end of the property. We hauled most of it off to the burn pile. The burn pile is getting rather large. We kept anything bigger than 4 inches.
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: glenn-k on November 18, 2007, 11:06:54 PM
Did you have a regulator or diode to prevent backflow?  Seems you mentioned you were going to put one on.

They say it is not as bad as once thought.  They can cook batteries if no regulator though.
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on November 18, 2007, 11:16:17 PM
Back flow is prevented!  :)

The El-Cheapo charge controller is a very basic old pre-PWM, transistor type. I did verify there was no power flow when it was dark, no back flow either.
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: glenn kangiser on November 19, 2007, 07:39:58 PM
Cool on the regulator.  I needed to see if I was recognized as something besides guest also. :o
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on November 19, 2007, 07:49:21 PM
My computer says you are The Troglodyte.   :)   with new Avatar!

Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: glenn kangiser on November 19, 2007, 08:29:22 PM
So what do you think of it.  am I prettier now? ???
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on November 19, 2007, 08:46:27 PM
I'm not going to use the word pretty.

What's that you're stuffing in your mouth?
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: glenn kangiser on November 19, 2007, 08:48:18 PM

A computer Keyboard.   :)
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on November 20, 2007, 12:51:37 AM
Maybe I have to update my Avatar. Get a Jeep or something in there.  :-\
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: glenn kangiser on November 20, 2007, 01:00:58 AM
I don't know -- I tried it as referenced above but was making certain members of the forum uneasy -- I think they didn't trust my new image, so had to go back to being myself. ;D
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on November 20, 2007, 01:06:23 AM
I bought another chain saw today. A used Poulan 38 cc. w/ 16" bar to keep in the Cherokee. It came with a case and a couple tools. It runs, but needs a new O-ring for the gas filler. I'm going to give it a new chain and spark plug, clean the air filter. This way I'll always have a saw in the Jeep without having to make a conscious effort to remember to pack it when leaving the mountains. Twice out of the past 5 trips I've needed a saw. Once I had it the other I didn't. Luckily that time it was possible to easily drag it out of the way with a chain.

On my way to being a "collector" like desdawg.   ;D
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: glenn kangiser on November 20, 2007, 01:32:45 AM
Good idea.  I have to outfit all of my equipment with tools etc. because I am not at all successful with trying to remember which ones I need to take for different jobs,  nor do I have time to try. :-\
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: Homegrown Tomatoes on November 20, 2007, 05:53:36 PM
Quote from: MountainDon on November 20, 2007, 12:51:37 AM
Maybe I have to update my Avatar. Get a Jeep or something in there.  :-\

Now, Don, just because Glenn jumps off a cliff, does that mean you're going to do it too?

Is it possible to import your avatar from Yahoo?  I don't know how that stuff works, really.  I just created a Yahoo avatar so that when I was chatting online with friends in India, they'd have something to look at while they tried to decipher my English.
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on November 20, 2007, 06:11:18 PM
As long as you can copy the image somehow, you can use it here.
One way that should work to copy it is to right click on the image when it's on your screen. Then select "save image as" (Firefox), "save picture as" (MS Internet Explorer), and save the imagesomeplace like the desktop. Then you upload that Avatar image to a Photobucket account. Next when you're signed in to CountryPlans Forum, go to your profile section. On the left under "Modify Profile', select "Forum Profile Information". On that page you will see the selection list for avatars builtin to the forum, as well as where to set up your own. You either enter the photobucket http: address or upload the image here. I've not yet verified that the upload works. But I know the photobucket route works.
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on November 23, 2007, 08:02:36 PM
Brrrrrrrrrrrrr! Shiver!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/26degreescold.jpg)

You'd love it Glenn.  ;D  26 most of the day with 100% humidity.

It snowed last night. We got up early and headed for the mountains. Roads not bad until 7550 feet, then it bacame snow packed. Easy enough drive up the forest road; there had been a couple vehicles up (or down) already. The last 2 miles we broke trail through 4 to 5 inches of new snow. Easy for the Cherokee.  :)

It started snowing again just after we got there.

The solar panels had kept the old batteries up pretty good. Applying a temperature correction they were at about 80% charge and these oldies haven't been much better than that for some time. That's after a couple days of cloudy weather and the snow. I'm leaving them there over winter to see what happens. New ones in spring.

We cut up and stacked more of the pushed over trees from the road work. Because the forecast was calling for more snow overnight, up to 12 inches, we decided it was wiser to head home rather than take our chances with the snowfall.  A couple winters ago a 12 inch forecast turned into 4 feet!  [eek]

We do want and need a snowmobile, but we don't like the prices on new ones. Used are not common around home. And I'd like two of them. (https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/Emoticons/sad1sm.gif)
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: glenn kangiser on November 23, 2007, 08:14:18 PM
Sorry, Don.  I think I'll pass. [crz]

Cold here tonight too.  Down to 54. [cool]
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on November 23, 2007, 08:46:08 PM
Six traps were set and left in the RV last weekend. 2 traps had frozen victims. The rest were not touched. I can't figure where they get in,  hmm but I thought they might.  hmm

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/IMG_2871.jpg)

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/IMG_2869.jpg)

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/IMG_2884.jpg)

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/IMG_2887.jpg)

Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: glenn kangiser on November 23, 2007, 08:58:02 PM
Those little RV'ers can get through the tiniest cracks.  Maybe fridge vents - steering - shifter boots? I dunno hmm
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: ScottA on November 24, 2007, 11:29:56 AM
Looks like a great spot Don. Makes me miss the mountains.

Scott
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on December 03, 2007, 12:46:26 AM
We went up for the day.

#1 I wanted to see what the weather had done; forecast was for 1 to 2 feet of snow. Well, it was too warm and it rained instead. I think most or all of the old snow melted, but the was a little bit of snow Sat night/early Sun morning.

#2 We wanted to haul more of the slash down to the burn pile. That's gonna be some bonfire if/when we get enough snow to make it safe.

There must have been some good winds though. We came upon 4 downed trees across the road on the way up. This was the biggest. It still smelled nice and pitchy while I was cutting it up. Make someone some good firewood.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/IMG_2918.jpg)

I gave my new used Poulan a little workout. That was a timely purchase!  :) (It's a carry along in the Jeep full time now; the Husky can stay put where it's still got a lot of work to do.)

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/IMG_2920.jpg)

That brown spot up the road is a low spot; there were a few inches of water in it.
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: glenn kangiser on December 03, 2007, 12:56:43 AM
Can't use it for building hmm
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on December 03, 2007, 01:04:29 AM
It fell across the minor forest service road on the way up to the property. Sooooo, legally I could cut it up enough to allow clear passage over the road. On the other hand I could have easily loaded it into the trailer behind the Jeep, but we've got enough trees of our own we don't know what to do with.  :-\

I actually got a little carried away with trying out the new/used saw. I felled three other standing dead trees along the FS road that looked like they were a danger to the public.  ;D

It's kind of cool going down a snow covered road, knowing nobody else has passed by. And then hours later going back and only seeing your own tracks.
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: glenn kangiser on December 03, 2007, 01:32:52 AM
They very well could be-- we had one fall last week at the end of the road -- standing dead - roots rotted off and that was all for it.
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: desdawg on December 06, 2007, 07:27:37 AM
Sounds like a good place for a bandsaw mill Don. You could make your own rustic siding.
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on December 09, 2007, 12:49:05 AM
That is a good thought desdawg.

Not inexpensive though..  :-\
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on December 09, 2007, 12:56:25 AM
I shot some video through the windshield on the road back out from the locked gate to the Forest Service main road. I've cut it into 6 pieces... we'll see how this works for viewing ease. I forget the settings I used on the old one.  ???  Uploading takes a while so I'll try a couple of parts first.

It was snowing lightly all morning, with winds blowing too. Forecast for 6 to 16" inches. We'll see they were wrong last time.

Part one... from just outside the gate.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20video/th_snowfalling10bback_01.jpg) (https://s133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20video/?action=view&current=snowfalling10bback_01.flv)

Part two...

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20video/th_snowfalling10bback_02.jpg) (https://s133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20video/?action=view&current=snowfalling10bback_02.flv)

Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: glenn kangiser on December 09, 2007, 01:06:54 AM
Looks cold, Don, although we had a few snowflakes today.
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on December 09, 2007, 01:11:56 AM
The temperature was just around freezing, a couple degrees below freezing. Cold enough.

I was pulling the trailer with a ton or so of firewood for trading with a friend.
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on December 09, 2007, 02:23:00 AM
Part 3, through the electric cattle gate (position, gate not there in winter)

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20video/th_snowfalling10bback_03.jpg) (https://s133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20video/?action=view&current=snowfalling10bback_03.flv)

Part 4, up and out of the little valley and onto the secondary forest service road. (where we started was a third-rate forest road)

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20video/th_snowfalling10bback_04.jpg) (https://s133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20video/?action=view&current=snowfalling10bback_04.flv)
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on December 09, 2007, 03:12:40 AM
Part 5, thru the mud puddle and big downed tree

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20video/th_snowfalling10bback_05.jpg) (https://s133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20video/?action=view&current=snowfalling10bback_05.flv)

Part 6, ending at the junction to the main forest road

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20video/th_snowfalling10bback_06.jpg) (https://s133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20video/?action=view&current=snowfalling10bback_06.flv)


Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: glenn kangiser on December 09, 2007, 11:19:30 AM
Cool, Don.  Do they still warn you in the manual that your Jeep is really a truck and doesn't handle the same as a car or did they drop that with the old full frame? hmm
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: desdawg on December 09, 2007, 11:40:11 AM
Quote from: MountainDon on December 09, 2007, 12:49:05 AM
That is a good thought desdawg.

Not inexpensive though..  :-\
It might not hurt you as bad as you thought if you don't think cadillac. I didn't go through Northern, went directly to Norwood. Sometimes Northern offers better pricing though. I decided I didn't want to try to find something used and abused, I wanted something new. And my trees are on the smallish side. These mills are just like you, made in Canada.  :)
http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200320459_200320459
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on December 09, 2007, 12:56:03 PM
Glenn, I think there were warnings. I already knew it's not a sports car  8) and so if I read it it went through my head like $hit thru a goose.   :o

Desdawg; I ordered the free info kit from Norwood.  ???  I remembered somebody talking about getting a Norwood some time back.  :) I'll have a look anyhow.  But it doesn't stop there... I'd need something to lift/move the logs.... maybe my neighbors skid steer. He had a "claw" for it.
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: glenn kangiser on December 09, 2007, 11:35:13 PM
QuoteI'd need something to lift/move the logs.... maybe my neighbors skid steer.

That's a good idea, Don...but I have seen Mexican loggers in Mexico, roll them up ramps onto a flatbed or trailer by hand.  A winch looped around them would roll them right up there -- still not as easy as another toy though. :)
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: benevolance on December 10, 2007, 12:09:08 AM
we rolled logs up the ramps of the car hauler for years when we were borrowing them off the crown land ;)
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on December 17, 2007, 12:19:41 AM
Well, it appears that everything will be on hold till spring. Talked with my neighbor up there and he couldn't make it through the snow in the woods (road). He got about 3/4 the way up and there were drifts over axle height.  :o  So unless Santa brings a snowmobile no more escapades for a while. Or we might get together and make a team attempt.  :-\
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on February 02, 2008, 03:42:37 PM
Here's a question for ya'll...

All along we've been planning on using a 20" wide gas range in the cabin-to-be, rather than a wider 30" standard size range. Reasons being: the kitchen corner is small, a 20" would give us up to 10" more counter space, it's a three season cabin for the most part, we're not at all likely to be cooking large roasts, dozens of cookies or loaves of bread. The small oven in the RV has been adequate for our needs; the 20" oven is bigger than the RV oven.

The present dilemma: we've been prepared to spend up to $400 for a gas range, new. For that price we can have our pick of 20, 24 or 30" wide ranges. I have come across a deal on a lightly used 30" range that could be ours for $90 (maybe less?).

Choices:
1. Go for the bargain 30" range and give up the 10" of counter space?  ???
2. Stick with the current plan, the 20" range, keeping the 6 feet of counter space (includes sink)?  :-\
3. Go for the bargain 30" range and make the cabin a foot longer to regain counter space?  ::)  d*
4. Keep looking, hoping to find a used 20" range?   :D
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on February 02, 2008, 03:48:10 PM
To further cloud or complicate the issue the range position and size will be fixed by the installation of the cabinets and cupboards.
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: ScottA on February 02, 2008, 05:23:03 PM
I'd say buy a 20" rather than making the cabin longer. If you could fit the 30" one in without making the cabin bigger I'd go that route. You may not need as much counter space as you think. I bought a new 30" gas range at home depot for $300 this past summer.
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: glenn kangiser on February 02, 2008, 06:12:28 PM
Go for the cheap one and stack stuff on it.  That's what I'd do.  Also -- you may find  a 20" range pretty tight if you get to doing the Galloping Gourmet routine.[crz]
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: wingam00 on February 07, 2008, 08:45:55 AM
I am always looking for deals and I have not seen any deals on a used 20" range. So it maybe hard to find, not impossible but just hard. Good luck in finding one.
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on February 07, 2008, 10:56:40 AM
We're going to go with the 20" wide. I have a Lowe's 10% off coupon that's good thru 02/28. I have to check a couple other places first.
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on February 10, 2008, 01:02:43 AM
We got lucky today.  :)

We found three windows we can use; vinyl sliders by Better Bilt, low-e glass, U-factor 0.34, driftwood (light tan/beige) color. One each, 72x48, 60x48, 36x48. Like new still with all the labels, etc in place, $200.   $560 @ Lowe's.

400+ sq ft of floor tile that K likes. $100 with 4 sacks of grout. Tile made in China.  :-\

A nice SS sink, faucet, some exterior light fixtures at garage sale prices.

So we ordered the 20" range with the discount coupon.
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: glenn kangiser on February 10, 2008, 01:03:53 AM
Good shopping, Don.
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on February 10, 2008, 01:08:42 AM
and a snowmobile... spending money faster than GWB can print it.  ;D
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: glenn kangiser on February 10, 2008, 01:10:37 AM
A SNOWMOBILE?  hmm

Sounds like fun.

You must be smokin' that money --  that's really fast.
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: glenn kangiser on February 14, 2008, 01:32:20 AM
Could you use this, Don?

Snowmobile Forum

http://bb.bbboy.net/alaskagoldforum-viewforum?forum=5
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on February 14, 2008, 01:42:23 AM
I dunno?  ???  I'll see. Thanks.

I ordered a Clymer manual to help me figure out the innards of the beast.

The guy I bought it from had a slightly newer and very much hot rodded one that would be worthy of the Hot Rod Page.... ported polished, triple cylinder with three individual tuned pipes... droool. Way too much power for me at this stage of my learning curve.


You seem to have an "alaska" thing going on....
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: glenn kangiser on February 14, 2008, 01:58:41 AM
I joined the prospector forum, which is similar in quality to ours as far as helpfulness and etiquette goes.  I noticed other stuff we could use there and linked us to them in the building forum.

Here is a link to all of their forums in case you get an air boat or something.  They also have people from around the world on there.  Even Mongolia teaching us geology as it applies to gold mining...much of it is similar to my area and methods that can be used here.
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on February 14, 2008, 10:57:34 AM
Quote from: glenn kangiser on February 14, 2008, 01:58:41 AM

Here is a link to

??? ???
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: glenn kangiser on February 14, 2008, 11:04:01 AM
Brain flatulence.

http://bb.bbboy.net/alaskagoldforum
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on March 02, 2008, 10:01:37 PM
Two weeks ago I finalized the cabin plan, the layout, and started on the final construction drawings.  :)

So tonight we're sitting here and K. puts her book down. She's silent, just a little quiet throat clearing. Quiet. She's going to say something, I know it, but I remain quiet, studiously ignoring the indication that she has an idea about something.

Yep, there's a modification.  ::) The cabin gained 32 sq. ft. of interior space and lost the small porch. There may be a larger porch to come.

The plan will not be done until the place is built.  ;D
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: glenn kangiser on March 02, 2008, 11:15:06 PM
As soon as you said the "F" word... finalized, I knew what you were going to say next.  There is never any question. d*
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on March 02, 2008, 11:19:33 PM
I'll probably end up doing "as built" drawings, just in case I'm ever asked to produce the plans.  ;)
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: Sassy on March 02, 2008, 11:28:04 PM
Quote from: MountainDon on March 02, 2008, 10:01:37 PM
Two weeks ago I finalized the cabin plan, the layout, and started on the final construction drawings.  :)

So tonight we're sitting here and K. puts her book down. She's silent, just a little quiet throat clearing. Quiet. She's going to say something, I know it, but I remain quiet, studiously ignoring the indication that she has an idea about something.

Yep, there's a modification.  ::) The cabin gained 32 sq. ft. of interior space and lost the small porch. There may be a larger porch to come.

The plan will not be done until the place is built.  ;D

So what's wrong with that?   ;D heh
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on March 03, 2008, 12:06:51 AM
Quote from: Sassy on March 02, 2008, 11:28:04 PM
So what's wrong with that?   
???  I don't need any practice drawing.

I have to adjust my materials lists. Again.
It's a good thing I laid them out in an easy to modify spreadsheet.  :D
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: John_C on March 03, 2008, 06:49:50 AM
So over the last two weeks the cabin is growing a bit over 2 sq. ft. per day.  By this time next year it will be a house, sometime after that a McMansion.  It's a vicious cycle  c*
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on March 03, 2008, 10:55:16 AM
Quote from: John C on March 03, 2008, 06:49:50 AM
By this time next year it will be a house, sometime after that a McMansion.  It's a vicious cycle  c*
[shocked]
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: John Raabe on March 03, 2008, 07:38:20 PM
MountainDon:

When I was designing my house I was my own worst enemy. I would have everything laid out to scale and then walk my wife through the floor plan and elevations. Great, she would say, I love it!

Then I would go off, think awhile, and come up with another idea. I'd draw that one up... Great, she would say, I love it!

Finally, about the 4th or 5th redesign, she asked if we were really going to build a house or just keep redesigning.

If I'd married someone more "visionary", or "fussy"  ;) - I might still be designing that house.
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: Pritch on March 03, 2008, 11:29:22 PM
Hi Don,

If I can distract from your adding on a bowling alley,  ;D  I have a couple of questions about your awesome gazeba.  First, did you end up using any kind of material to close it in for winter?  Second, does that chimenea warm up the area significantly? 

Thanks,

-- Pritch
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on March 04, 2008, 02:07:23 AM
Hi Pritch. Thanks for the kind words about our gazebo. We like it a lot too.

The chiminea has worked out quite well. It throws off a good amount of heat. The chimney draws well and never smokes back at us once it gets warmed. We're very pleased with the way it worked out.

No, we didn't do anything to enclose the gazebo over the winter. This is the first winter and we thought we'd just see how things went.  As it sits the aluminum screening  stood up to a couple good wind and rain squalls through the fall. We haven't been up since the snow in December. We got a snowmobile a short time ago to enable winter trips up there, but other things have conspired against us making us making the trip up.

We do have some roll down plastic "bamboo" shades on the south side and part of the east wall. They don't block out 100% of the wind but do cut down the drafts when it's cool out. They're also handy for shielding against the sun. You may not have noticed them but the below link has a view of the one on the east side. Scroll down to the first picture past the bear poo. 
http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.msg35882#msg35882

Thanks for looking. Don

Dang! Looking back at my pictures makes me realize how much I miss being up there.  >:(
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on March 09, 2008, 07:44:41 PM
Things came together today. We made a trip up to the property with the snowmobile. We drove the Jeep part way down the main forest road; about 2 miles south of the FS locked gate. The FS road was cleared by the pumice mine down the road. Ordinarily it's not easily passable in wintertime.

Our neighbor had made a pass down our road with his skid steer last week. We backed up the road a little ways and off loaded the Polaris.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/mini-IMG_3122.jpg)

We got our share of snow up there at 8700 feet  :)

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/mini-IMG_3132.jpg)

The bird feeder sits on a 16 - 18" stump

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/mini-IMG_3133.jpg)

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/mini-IMG_3134.jpg)

Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: Redoverfarm on March 09, 2008, 08:28:33 PM
Looks cold to me Don. You can keep the snow. This is the first year that I remember that we haven't had out fair share of it.  I know we decided to share it with people that don't normally get snow.
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: Willy on March 09, 2008, 09:00:29 PM
Quote from: MountainDon on March 09, 2008, 07:44:41 PM
Things came together today. We made a trip up to the property with the snowmobile. We drove the Jeep part way down the main forest road; about 2 miles south of the FS locked gate. The FS road was cleared by the pumice mine down the road. Ordinarily it's not easily passable in wintertime.

Our neighbor had made a pass down our road with his skid steer last week. We backed up the road a little ways and off loaded the Polaris.


I hope I have a lot less at my place when I go up after the 14th of Mar. I will have the tractor with a snow blade to clear any if needed. Then I can get those posts in the ground to start building. Mark
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: glenn kangiser on March 09, 2008, 10:21:00 PM
How was the snowmobile, Don?
Title: Re: My 15 x 30 plan
Post by: MountainDon on March 09, 2008, 11:11:51 PM
The snowmobile ran good.  :)  Once I remembered how the gas tank, on-off valve worked.  :(  backasswards from the ATV and motorcycles of the past.  Brain fade. Noisy sumbitch tho.

But that was okay, the faster we went the farther back behind the noise was.  ;D

The snow was good, firm enough to hold us up. 4 foot drifts in a couple places. There were also a few spots where the sun had melted through enough to leave bare dirt, but we got over those in a big hurry.

The hardest part of the whole thing is getting it off the trailer. It's a '94, no reverse. I'm thinking of getting a small ATV winch and mounting it to the trailer front end. Then I could pull it on backwards and drive it off. Have to figure out something for the windshield though. I imagine that sitting backwards it would be quite a drag at 70 mph and MTL be ripped off.  ::) 

I could also try that with one of my come-a-longs, but I left them both in the RV and forgot to pick them up before leaving.  d*  A dedicated snowmobile trailer might help as well. I have a plan in my head for one with a rotating bed; drive on, rotate, drive off. (I don't need another project.  d*)

Great news! The two small PV panels are working well enough that both batteries were as close to full charge as their age and previous abuse will allow!!

Also great news! The RV roof bracing works. There's enough snowload on top to compress the rear springs about an inch. Didn't mark/measure the front.

We couldn't see the trash trees, slash, etc. in the burn pile for all the snow on top.

Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: glenn kangiser on March 10, 2008, 12:00:00 AM
Sounds good, Don.  Woodpile still looks like wall material to me.
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on March 10, 2008, 09:48:52 AM
Yeah, I agree it does look like a wall. Dunno if it'll ever be one though. The votes are split.


BTW, the temperature was 38 - 40 F
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on April 04, 2008, 08:33:51 PM
OK! This is it!! I have closed the book on plan changes!

I am going to begin making the materials lists. I told K this was it. No further changes will be allowed to the basic structure, size, window placement, etc.  :o

::) ::) ::)

I'm going to wait a week or so before I actually begin compiling the list though.  8)
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: glenn kangiser on April 04, 2008, 08:46:37 PM
Whatsa matter, Don.  Getting out of touch with your feminine side? hmm

Closed to changes -- who ever heard of such a thing? [crz]
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on April 04, 2008, 08:55:20 PM
Quote from: glenn kangiser on April 04, 2008, 08:46:37 PM

Closed to changes -- who ever heard of such a thing? [crz]

Closed to significant changes.   :)  Better?  :-\
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: glenn kangiser on April 04, 2008, 09:00:01 PM
I think we'll just have to see how this works out. :)
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: John_C on April 04, 2008, 09:15:32 PM
QuoteClosed to significant changes.
Uh-huh   :-X
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: Redoverfarm on April 04, 2008, 10:18:54 PM
I hear ya.  The changes are never done except when you go there not carring any tools.
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: ScottA on April 05, 2008, 09:29:50 AM
Don are you 100% sure you don't need a media room? How bout a master bedroom? You know it's easier to visualize window placment after the walls are up.  ;D
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on April 05, 2008, 02:04:55 PM
Just a little tidbit of good news today.

I checked with the Ace Hardware lumber dealer that is located about 30 miles from the mountain property. Pricing on the pieces I checked, studs, 2x8x16, 2x10x16 are very comparable to HD and Lowe's. They were a couple percent higher, but they were quoted as "retail". On a larger order they'll discount. AND they'll probably deliver it (one large load) for free!! The guy I'd need to talk to was off, but that sounds quite favorable. No hauling it up myself in several loads. I'd even pay a reasonable delivery fee to save all the work myself plus my fuel costs.

More to come...
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: glenn kangiser on April 06, 2008, 01:44:14 AM
I have found the same -- Unless buying sale items the local guy will beat the big boxes many times.
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: pericles on April 06, 2008, 08:54:08 AM
You know, the ACE out by us actually gave us the lowest estimate by almost a hundred dollars, provided a detailed cost breakdown with alternative lumbers, offered to deliver the wood in whatever increments we wanted, ($15 charge though) and was the only local place that could provide solid PT beams.  I was surprised too!

Jack Larkin
jlarkin1@law.villanova.edu
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on May 04, 2008, 08:50:13 PM
We spent Saturday/Sunday working! Oh I am tired! I've definitely lost my high altitude acclimatization over the winter.  :P

It was a heavy winter with a half dozen trees near the cabin site that fell from snow and wind loads. We got those cleared up and added to the wood pile, but have another 8 to clear from the back way in/out road (fire escape). It's presently impassable.

We plotted the part of the east boundary that is not fenced. There's only a 450 ft stretch that's unfenced but it's heavily wooded and on a slope that gets as steep as 30 degrees. We have the north and south survey stakes to work from. Using a 50 meter (165 feet) tape and some simple geometry plus a compass we got it positioned close enough for govmint work. Pounded in some T-posts, have more to do, then the actual fence.

I'm not used to working at 8800 feet. Tired!

We did take time for a hike and discovered the bears are up and around. We found fresh digging/rooting around a nearby big old pine sump. About two feet across at the bottom, old and partly rotten, 'something' had a feast, going by all the digging around the base.

I forgot to take a picture as we were engrossed in trying out a couple of FRS/GMRS radios for range over the hilly terrain.

I shot the bejeebers out of some bear sized OSB panel sections to try out the new shotgun. I have to admit to having never fired 00 buckshot or rifled slugs before. Strong medicine! :o
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: Willy on May 04, 2008, 09:00:33 PM
Hey Don it is time to quit playing and get started on your cabin. You just need to jump in and start pounding nails you will get back in shape fast. Once you start building it will become addictive and seeing it go up is energy forming. Best part is when you get the roof up so even in nasty weather you can still work. Mark
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on May 04, 2008, 09:06:44 PM
You are right Mark. We hope the stars align in late May early June. I have a four wheeling trip in the way next weekend and then James, my skid steer/backhoe owning neighbor is away for a weekend or two....  So Later this month early June looks to be the trick... 

Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: Willy on May 04, 2008, 09:15:15 PM
Quote from: MountainDon on May 04, 2008, 09:06:44 PM
You are right Mark. We hope the stars align in late May early June. I have a four wheeling trip in the way next weekend and then James, my skid steer/backhoe owning neighbor is away for a weekend or two....  So Later this month early June looks to be the trick... 


Playing is fun in a couple weeks it is my turn to play!! I will have finished what I intended to build on my cabin. I only have 3-4 days of work left but I have to wait for the metal roof materials and windows. Fire season is like a big camping trip for me. You can go out for a month at as time on a fire. The 12-16 hour days are a bit tiring but it is a adrenelin rush when things blow up once in a while. Food is great way more than you can eat in a day. Mark
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on June 14, 2008, 09:59:12 PM
I've been too busy around home with errands and all to get to this before now. Last week I built a storage shed up in the mountains, just a small one, 8 ft x 8 ft. but big enough to hold what I need up there. (Remember that spaces always fill to their capacity no matter how big... maybe I can limit the collection of stuff. Maybe I'll have to build another someday. I built it to prove to myself that the shoulder injury is no big deal and that I can manage building on my own quite well right now.

So here's the beginning. A 6x6 PT timber laying on the ground; leveled ground mind you. All the duff, pine needles etc. has been scraped away. No fancy foundation; it's only a shed. The same method was used by my neighbor three years back and it still looks straight, the door opens and closes...

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/mini-IMG_3422.jpg)

So the north side sits on scraped level ground whereas the south side is lower. Therefore I set 4 concrete blocks in the ground; got them all just about perfectly level; bubble totally within the centering lines, just a little closer to one on the south beam than the north.. I used PT 2x6 joists 16" OC. 2x4 blocking because I forgot to buy a 2x6 for it; had a PT 2x4 though. Floor turned out sturdy with no bounce.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/mini-IMG_3432.jpg)

I also used PT for the floor, 3/4 inch plywood. The corner to corner diagonals were within 1/16 of an inch! I outdid myself on that.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/mini-IMG_3436.jpg)

Here's the first wall, facing west. I wanted to square it up on the platform and nail the siding on, but there was no way I could raise something like that with 1 1/2 arms and the siding being HardiPanel cement board.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/mini-IMG_3446.jpg)

Second wall framed...

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/mini-IMG_3448.jpg)

Four walls framed. Mostly new lumber but a few pieces are recycled. The door header is a PT 4x4 about 12 years old. I knew I was saving it for something some day.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/mini-IMG_3451.jpg)

Yep, those side and rear walls look to be a little short. They're 73.5 inches floor to top plate on the rear wall. It's a shed so I did a shed roof. 2x6 rafters, 16" OC.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/mini-IMG_3453.jpg)

The HardiPanel overlaps the floor joists by 3.5 inches and extends up to the upper edge of the rafter with a Z-strip between the horizontal panel joints. Self-made door, nothing fancy, long screws used to hold the frame together. That's a perforated metal strip and a 5 inch turnbuckle to help keep the inevitable sag under control.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/mini-IMG_3457.jpg)

Rear view with the left over piece of HardiPanel temporarily stored. The roof is covered with #30 felt. It'll get shingles or metal in a couple weeks, maybe.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/mini-IMG_3464.jpg)

I began by stating this was a test of the shoulder injury... I shouldn't have done this. Nothing more soon.  >:(  I do need to paint it though and build a step. I've got a half log for the step.
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on June 14, 2008, 10:27:24 PM
Part of what was keeping me busy here at home was replacing the springs on the trailer. One broke hauling those materials up. One of many overloads. Now The trailer sits a few inches higher than before and doesn't seem to bounce as much when empty. Every single nut was rusted on solidly after 28 years and needed to be heated with the oxy-acetylene torch to come loose. All new bolts and shackles too.  :)  Plus I cleaned and greased the wheel bearings since the wheels were off.
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: Redoverfarm on June 14, 2008, 10:48:06 PM
Don if your shoulder was bothering you I know someone that would have lent you a winch to pull the wall sections up with. ;D
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on June 14, 2008, 11:12:27 PM
Ya' know where the winch was though... home.   :(  That's one of the pitfalls of having it portable.

The garage door won't go down when it's installed on the front either.  d*
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: Willy on June 14, 2008, 11:52:40 PM
Well Don it is nice to see your pounding nails in a short sleave shirt! No snow perfic building weather till the bugs start eating you alive or it gets to hot. Nice shed now when are you starting the cabin? I love giving you a hard time. I quit my pain pills yesterday and today I am getting my head back! Tired of laying on the couch thinking of things to do. I still need to paint the house and rake some gravel up at the cabin after they dump the 12 yards on the drive way monday. I can deal with pain better than the pills messing up my system! Mark
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: ScottA on June 15, 2008, 10:28:03 AM
Nice looking shed Don. My biggest problem is my knees and elbows getting stiff. Just take lots of breaks but keep moving forward.
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: apaknad on June 15, 2008, 12:06:25 PM
hi don,
i am looking for property and was wondering about land prices by you. take it easy on the shoulder. are you doing this by yourself(i am single and am concerned about lifting walls and such). :-\
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on June 25, 2008, 12:46:44 PM
Quote from: apaknad on June 15, 2008, 12:06:25 PM
hi don,
i am looking for property and was wondering about land prices by you.

Sorry to take a while on this reply... we were in the mountains.

Not cheap! We paid 19,500 an acre.

Yes I'm doing most everything myself, but I do have a friendly/handy/able neighbor and a friend with property a few miles away. I'm helping him with a few things and I'm sure he'll be able to help with some of my heavier needs.

Here's a link to a local guy who handles a lot of property sales in the area.
http://www.jemezproperties.com/bootzin.htm
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: pericles on June 25, 2008, 07:48:18 PM
$19,500 an acre?!  Remind me again how many acres you bought??  We paid about $1,200 an acre in downstate NY.

-Jack
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on June 25, 2008, 08:27:14 PM
1.5 with an first option on the adjacent 4.5

The Jemez Mountains area is primarily National Forest land with scattered parcels of private land. It's about 55-70 miles from Albuquerque. Summer temps run a good 15 degrees cooler in the higher elevations hence part of it's desirability. Also superb stream fishing and Deer and Elk hunting.
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on July 10, 2008, 12:23:59 AM
Progress, of sorts. After a countless number of times dumping the Porta-Pottis into one of the FS vault toilets we bit the bullet and ordered a Sun-Mar composting toilet. It helped that I had a $100 off coupon from Sun-Mar.

[Word to the wise... a year after our first inquiry and catalog request they sent us a limited time offer for up to $200 off... off the factory list price. I called the folks at thenaturalhome.com and asked if they would honor the offer. After emailing them a scanned copy of the certificates they responded that the offer was off the list price and they already discounted the prices. But they offered $100 off their price.]

So we ordered the AC/DC model with the plan to install it temporarily in the shed. After the cabin is up it'll be moved.

If you've ever looked into one of these you may have noted the pictures are all taken in a looking down view. For good reason. The dimensions are available on the website so I knew it was somewhat large. But seeing the actual unit is a revelation. Here's a shot of the newly installed unit with one of the Thetford standard size porta-Pottis for size comparison. The Thetford looks like a footstool. Note the custom toilet paper holder.  ;D

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/mimi-IMG_3549.jpg)

The C/DC unit has two vents; a 4 inch and a 2 inch. The 4 inch uses convection circulation, the 2 inch has an AC powered fan. I also have a DC fan for the 4 inch tube (in the plastic bag hanging on the stud) but have elected to try it without at first.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/mimi-IMG_3550.jpg)

I ran the vents through the unfinished roof. The rubber roof jacks are supplied with the Sun-Mar unit. They are temporarily secured with furring strips and drip edge material.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/mimi-IMG_3552.jpg)

The somewhat unusual appearing stacks are called "diffusers" by Sun-Mar. Basically the inner smaller tube ends just above the spot where the larger tube begins. The larger tube catches most rainfall and prevents the water from entering the system. They claim it has less air flow restriction than a cap. They do seem to work.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/mimi-IMG_3554.jpg)

Yes, that's a TV antenna. I found that we have great reception of all the Albuquerque over the air stations, whereas everyone else around us has nothing unless they use/pay for saelite service. There are advantages to being located on a ridge line. [Ditto for cell phone service]. I'm not sure yet if the TV antenna is a good or bad thing. We have noticed that thunderstorms do both reception on two of the channels. No big deal for me.
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on July 10, 2008, 12:34:27 AM
One of the small tasks lft undone was the installation of lightning protection for the gazebo. Here is the newly installed 8 gauge copper ground from the chimney, the highest and metal point on the gazebo.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/mini-IMG_3559.jpg)

The TV antenna has a similar ground wire coupled to an 8 foot 5/8 inch copper ground stake. Long time readers may recall last July 4ths near miss (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.msg35245#msg35245). Scroll down a ways.
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on July 10, 2008, 12:40:30 AM
The little Ryobi 18volt chain saw is handy for carrying in the Jeep. We've had to remove a tree from across a forest road on more than one occasion. However the Ryobi (10 inch bar) fell short last week.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/mini-IMG_3574.jpg)

Even my gas saws would have had a problem.
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on July 10, 2008, 12:46:38 AM
A start on the Solar PV system; the pole mount at the bottom of the south slope. Used four inch drill pipe; 1/4 inch wall. Four and a half feet in the ground/concrete; approx 6.5 feet above ground depending if you're standing uphill or downhill. 300 feet to the cabin wall where the batteries and charge controller will be.  :o

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/mini-IMG_3591.jpg)

That's the view straight south. Those two small pines may have to go come fall/winter.
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on July 10, 2008, 12:51:16 AM
The fruits of several months worth of labor in thinning trees and cleaning up forest debris. The Burn Pit! It'll be quite a show come winter.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/mini-IMG_3593.jpg)

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/mini-IMG_3595.jpg)

Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on July 10, 2008, 12:57:40 AM
We've also got a few scattered small burn piles ready to go in a few open areas. The building paper will keep the core dry. When there's some snow on the ground we'll fire them up and let them burn.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/mini-IMG_3619.jpg)

This was taken after a very nice rain.
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on July 10, 2008, 01:10:55 AM
I probably shouldn't say anything for fear of jinxing it, but we're going to get the skid steer either Sunday or Monday and push over some tress and scrap some round to more or less level. Then dig some post holes for the foundation.

:)
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: glenn kangiser on July 10, 2008, 02:20:05 AM
That's one grand throne, Don. ;D

300 feet to the solar is a long way -- Got big wire?  Not possible to put the inverter/batts  there and send 120 AC to the cabin?

Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on July 10, 2008, 09:28:13 AM
For the panels I'm using (3 x195 watt in series for 72 volts DC, 8.2 amps, 2% max design voltage drop) number 3 AWG will do the job. Running the calculations for inverting it at the panels/batteries and transmitting 120 VAC doesn't really make much difference considering I'd like to use a 3600 watt inverter so I could run he microwave, toaster and maybe some power tools (small compressor, saws, etc.), from time to time without worrying about over currenting, or having a brown out. Allowing for 20 amps of 120 VAC with a max 5% voltage drop the cable size is 4 AWG; 30 amps it would be 3 AWG. So it doesn't really matter much either way. I'd rather have the batteries up at the cabin.

Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: glenn kangiser on July 10, 2008, 12:16:52 PM
I figured you did the numbers - Just thinking -- no plans of ever increasing the amount of panels possibly requiring bigger wire?

Seems unplanned events always creep up on me requiring expansion.
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on July 10, 2008, 02:05:14 PM
One never knows.  ???

I plan on telling K she can't use any more power than what this system will provide.  n*

rofl rofl rofl


[slap]

Maybe I can find a coin fed meter to promote conservation?

[slap]   [slap]
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: ScottA on July 10, 2008, 02:57:15 PM
Good plan Don...you do that.  d*  rofl
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: glenn kangiser on July 10, 2008, 03:52:18 PM
...but wouldn't it be nice if we had a insert energy consuming appliance name here ? hmm   d*
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: NM_Shooter on July 11, 2008, 09:48:01 AM
Hi Don, looks good!  You do fast work.  You ever pass through Chama?  ;D

The hardiboard that you put up... is that the fiber / concrete stuff?  If so, how do you fasten it along the edges without the nails blowing out chunks on the edge? 

BTW... I visited a high end, off-grid solar / wind / water place in ABQ a couple of days ago.  I didn't know these guys existed.  They do turn key custom engineering for high dollar applications, and also have a showroom for folks like me:

DIRECT POWER & WATER
4000 VASSAR DR N E
ALBUQUERQUE, NM 87107

Do you know of them?
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on July 11, 2008, 10:29:55 AM
Direct Power... I've heard of them but never been there. My neighbor looked into them a few years ago when planning his cabin system. He got turned off by one sales person who seemed to lose interest when he found out that he was only talking about a 500 watt system. He went to Affordable Solar instead and was pleased. That's just one anecdotal story so probably shouldn't count for much.

Chama... I'd like to pay a visit sometime but want to see if I can get my cabin shell up and dried in first.

Hardi-panel... You hit the nail on the head with your question. My only criticism of Hardi-panel is to do with nailing the vertical edges. If the framing is dead on centered the panels overlap the stud by 3/4 inch. Hardi states not to nail any closer than 3/8's inch to the edge. So I was nailing a bit more than the 3/8 figure back from the edge. Even then a had a couple spots where the edge cracked/broke. I "fixed" them with caulk. Now then, this would be no big deal if you were going to place battens over the joints between panels; one of Hardi's recommended methods to finish the seams. In my case it's "just a shed" and I shrugged the damage off. From a distance you can't tell (easily). I caulked all the joints, primed the caulking and then finish painted. I took a cheap and dirty way out on the corners and used 1" metal drip edge nailed over the corner joints.

Re the nailing... I was hand nailing. They say you can power nail but to be sure you don't break the surface.

Anyhow with that experience behind me I still like the cement board product, but think we're going to use it in the plank form on the cabin; horizontal siding. With that you don't nail so close to the edges. Also the panels are heavier.

Oh also, you need a dust mask or respirator or a stiff wind blowing the silica dust away from you. There are special circular blades for the product type. Also prime all cut edges.
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: Sassy on July 11, 2008, 12:05:47 PM
Quote from: MountainDon on July 10, 2008, 02:05:14 PM
One never knows.  ???

I plan on telling K she can't use any more power than what this system will provide.  n*

rofl rofl rofl


[slap]

Maybe I can find a coin fed meter to promote conservation?

[slap]   [slap]



Hmmm, like Glenn said, there's always just one more appliance or upgrade that we need  heh
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on July 11, 2008, 05:21:08 PM
640 feet of 2 AWG copper cable for just under $700 is now sitting in my garage.  :)

At one time I would have thought that outrageous.  >:(

It's THWN-2 so I need to run it through conduit, but I have 200 feet of 1.25 inch that's been laying around for a while so that's not a big deal.
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: NM_Shooter on July 11, 2008, 05:44:36 PM
Hi Don,

Could you tell me where exactly, your garage is located?   ;D
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on July 11, 2008, 07:10:45 PM
It's right here; attached to the house with the Medco locks, the electronic surveillance system, the cameras, Hans and Eva the Rottweilers,  my 12 ga shotguns and 45 cal handguns...

;D
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: glenn kangiser on July 12, 2008, 12:55:55 AM
Looks like you left room for a bit of expansion. :)
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on July 12, 2008, 12:58:34 AM
The conduit, cable or the arsenal??

rofl [crz]
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: glenn kangiser on July 12, 2008, 01:04:44 AM
Don, Just thinking a bit here, but with an MPPT controller you could run the voltage a lot higher then drop it to your 12 or 24 v system thereby reducing the wire size.  The one we are using now will take up to around 100 volts then drop it to 12,24 or 48 I think.

"MPPT500 The MPPT500 charges batteries at up to 45 Amps with a universal PV input of up to 100 Volts and can charge 12, 24 or 48 volt battery systems using Maximum Power Point Tracking charge controller. Maximum PV input power is 500 watts. MPPT operation converts power wasted by conventional charge controllers into higher charge current. Boost may reach 30%. Additional features include PWM charge control and a battery temperature sensor and an LCD battery gauge which displays Volts and Amps. Accepts up to #2. 5 year manufacturers limited warranty. "

http://www.partsonsale.com/bzproducts.html

That means you can use smaller wire.
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: glenn kangiser on July 12, 2008, 01:05:21 AM
The cable-- and maybe the arsenal.
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on July 12, 2008, 01:31:17 AM
I'm going to use the Outback MX60A because...
... it's MPPT
... it will allow up to 1600 watts input when the output is set to a 24 VDC battery system, that covers future possible expansion.
... it can handle the expected cold weather high voltage peaks. Remember this is mountainous NM... possible winter lows down to MINUS 20-30 F degrees. (Hopefully not while I'm there... but I do have a big wood pile.)
... it can handle up to 60 amps output (70 with special programming), that covers future possible expansion.

I did come across the BZ MPPT controllers a year ago. The one thing that disqualified them was their maximum voltage. They rate it at up to 100 volts input. The panels I want to use have peak open circuit voltages of 31 to 33 volts (diff mfgs.) They are nominal 24 VDC. Three in series gives 72 VDC. However the peak OC voltage is 33x3= 99 VDC. To that you have to add or multiply in a safety factor for those mornings when it's darn cold. When the sun first hits the panels on such a day the voltage can spike 25% higher for just long enough to damage the controller. 99 x 1.3 (my safety factor) = 129 volts. That's too high for the BZ but within the max rated figure of 150 VDC for the Outback MX60. (The MX60 will shut down at 141 VDC but not smoke until 150+ VDC.)

So the system as planned is at about the upper limit for PV output voltages. More power would have to come from paralleling in more panels; another set of three.

The 2 AWG cable with a 315 foot run, 72 VDC, 8.33 max amps, will only have a voltage drop of 1.4%.  If (when?) I double the panel size the drop would be 2.8% which is still okay, although not ideal. My ideal is 2% max voltage drop.
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on July 12, 2008, 01:43:49 AM
Now we just have to dig the trench to bury the line/conduit.  :o
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: glenn kangiser on July 12, 2008, 01:45:17 AM
The Outback is one of the best-- I like the price of the BZ but it's not fancy.  Still did good for us at a good price.  I guess that's why he designed our system at 44 volts for the two sets of series panels in parallel.

Drew knows how to dig those trenches.  Maybe a turn plow behind the Jeep?
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on July 12, 2008, 01:50:34 AM
I'm considering a rented Ditch Witch, but I'm concerned about the slope about mid run. I'd hate to have it tumble down hill. I'm thinking of using the Jeep winch as a safety. But then there's the rental cost plus the fuel for an extra trip there and back... 132 miles round trip. Of course that's offset by the time and labor saved by not hand digging. Maybe Drew and crew needs to get away from all that smoke out there?  I was thinking of buying K a nice new trenching shovel with a longer handle than the one I have. She's taller than me.  ;D

Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on July 12, 2008, 01:53:53 AM
Quote from: glenn kangiser on July 12, 2008, 01:45:17 AM
The Outback is one of the best-- I like the price of the BZ but it's not fancy.  Still did good for us at a good price.  I guess that's why he designed our system at 44 volts for the two sets of series panels in parallel.

Yep. The distance here is what queers a lot of my options.  >:(

Is that a P.C. statement???
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: glenn kangiser on July 12, 2008, 01:57:34 AM
I like the last idea.

The walk behind Ditch Witch should do pretty good --- heavy with drive wheels.  It should grip a pretty steep hill.

I'd go ahead and use that statement, Don.  We have white supremacist and everything here now and I know the feds are watching --- very closely --- you never know where. ::)
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on July 19, 2008, 09:51:52 PM
Whoo-Hoo! We pushed down some more trees to make room for the cabin. There's no more changing minds about where to locate it.  :) :)

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/mini-mIMG_3635.jpg)

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/mini-mIMG_3646.jpg)

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/mini-mIMG_3649.jpg)

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/mini-mIMG_3652.jpg)

:) :)
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on July 19, 2008, 09:57:49 PM
The next evening after we cut up the trees and stacked them James did some cut and fill and made a more or less level spot for the cabin. It began to rain so he called it a night.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/mini-mIMG_3666.jpg)

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/mini-mIMG_3669.jpg)

The cabin site viewed from the low SW corner.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/mini-mIMG_3675.jpg)

I used the Jeep's 11.5 wide tires to pack the dirt.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/mini-mIMG_3678.jpg)

The view from the SE corner

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/mini-mIMG_3691.jpg)

The wood stakes were reference points used for checking the levelness of the grading with a water level. We lacked a transit level.  :(
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: MountainDon on July 19, 2008, 10:12:02 PM
That evening we experienced a downpour. This was actually convenient as it showed up the deficiencies in the grading.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/mini-mIMG_3720.jpg)

James fitted the Claw to the skidsteer and hauled the stumps off to the burn pit. Hopefully the fire will be hot enough to make them burn.   ???

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/mini-mIMG_3708.jpg)

It's a start...   :)

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/mini-mIMG_3731.jpg)
Title: Re: My 15.5 x 30 plan
Post by: MountainDon on July 19, 2008, 10:40:54 PM
PS: the 14 x 26 has grown into a 15.5 x 30.    ::) 

I changed the title of the topic... hope that doesn't confuse anyone unduly.


I have a pile of posts and concrete mix up there already and a load of Hem-Fir 2x10's to make the beams sits on the trailer in the driveway.  :)
Title: Re: My 15.5 x 30 plan
Post by: John_C on July 19, 2008, 10:44:53 PM
March 3  John C said
QuoteSo over the last two weeks the cabin is growing a bit over 2 sq. ft. per day.  By this time next year it will be a house, sometime after that a McMansion.  It's a vicious cycle

April 4 Mtn Don said
QuoteClosed to significant changes.

And now it clearly makes sense to build it 16x32.   heh    [scared]
Title: Re: My 15.5 x 30 plan
Post by: MountainDon on July 19, 2008, 11:37:41 PM
Quote from: John C on July 19, 2008, 10:44:53 PM
And now it clearly makes sense to build it 16x32.   heh    [scared]
:-[

:-\   ???   d*

rofl
Title: Re: My 15.5 x 30 plan
Post by: MountainDon on July 19, 2008, 11:47:47 PM
For the most part the hole digging was easy. There's a layer of 1 to 2 feet of nice black dirt and then under that the brown pumice/dirt mix that usually digs well. It was softened up by the recent rains as well. Exceptions do occur and we had three of them, on the second set of five holes. One and two; a 4 inch layer of very hard pumice and a large piece of basalt right where each post hole was supposed to go.  >:(  So I moved two holes slightly off the planned 7 foot centers. And three, on the second to last hole I hit a tree stump that had not been visible even before grading. I ended up putting an old worn bar and an old many time hand filed chain on the cheaper chainsaw and cutting the stump, dirt, pumice and all up and out of the way.  :o
Title: Re: My 15.5 x 30 plan
Post by: ScottA on July 19, 2008, 11:52:43 PM
Looks good Don. 16 x 32 should do nicely. If you need more room you can add on later.  d*
Title: Re: My 15.5 x 30 plan
Post by: MountainDon on July 20, 2008, 01:58:01 AM
If anyone is wondering "why are the wood piles covered with plastic?" it's NOT because we want to keep the wood dry. No. Covering the green cut wood with plastic will bake and kill any Pine Bark Beetle eggs/larvae. The plastic must cover the pile to the ground and remain in place over the summer. Then the sides may be rolled up and the plastic left to protect from snow/rain or removed altogether and saved for the next cutting.
Title: Re: My 15.5 x 30 plan
Post by: peteh2833 on July 20, 2008, 07:25:01 AM
That looks like a nice pile of wood!!!! Is it all pine????
Title: Re: My 15.5 x 30 plan
Post by: MountainDon on July 20, 2008, 09:07:52 AM
It's about 94% Ponderosa Pine, 3% Douglas Fir, 2.5% Aspen and .5% Oak. Approximately.   ;D
Title: Re: My 15.5 x 30 plan
Post by: phalynx on July 20, 2008, 09:43:26 AM
With all that wood laying around, surely 16x34' isn't out of the question?
Title: Re: My 15.5 x 30 plan
Post by: MountainDon on July 20, 2008, 10:27:23 AM
 rofl rofl rofl
Title: Re: My 15.5 x 30 plan
Post by: Redoverfarm on July 20, 2008, 10:49:00 AM
Looks like a nice stand of pine.  Shame it hadn't grew to saw log demensions.  Probably be another 8-10 years before that.

It is so much easier to fall the trees standing than cutting them off and digging the stump when clearing land.  Cut's the time in half or better. Had once cleared an old apple orchard (300 + trees). Only took about 2 minutes per tree.  The land owner thought he would make a profit by selling the firewood first on another orchard.  Left about 12-18" stump.  Took about 3 times as long to dig the stump out.  So whatever profit he made went toward the extra machine work.  If he would have let us know we could have pushed out the tree and left for the firewood brigade and then came back to pile up the stumps.  He might have made a little that way.  Some people have no idea of how machinery works or how it works better. 

Also looks like lightning had struck one of the trees behind the shed.  I have two on my land that looks similar.  Each are about 30-36" diameter and not a sign of bark.
Title: Re: My 15.5 x 30 plan
Post by: MountainDon on July 20, 2008, 01:18:11 PM
Yep, most of the trees are too small for much lumber. We do have several big ones that would make lumber, but they're too few and too nice to cut.

There are at least two lightning struck trees right in the vicinity of the cabin/shed/RV. One of them we saw happen while sitting in the gazebo about 100 feet distant. That was a very bright/loud flash/bang! As well hiking around the area one sees much evidence of other trees having been struck over the years.

I guess you could say that lightning strikes are our tornadoes, our flood, our hurricane, our earthquake dangers. I've been struck but have had hairs on my head stand up from gathering static charges; a portent of possible doom.  :o
Title: Re: My 15.5 x 30 plan
Post by: Sassy on July 20, 2008, 01:50:50 PM
Moving right along...  yes, I can always think of where we might need more room....  heh  I can understand your expansion completely  ;)
Title: Re: My 15.5 x 30 plan
Post by: Redoverfarm on July 20, 2008, 04:33:54 PM
The last one here had the bark split from the top to the bottom.

Yep if the hair stands up there is no use in ducking. Just lucked out in being at the right place.
Title: Re: My 15.5 x 30 plan
Post by: MountainDon on July 20, 2008, 05:12:07 PM
I was on a ridge in the Colorado Rockies a few years ago. We'd 4 wheeled up over one of the 10-11,000 foot passes and hiked up a ridge to a peak for a better view. Clouds began blowing in fast; dark clouds. As we were descending I was getting little shocks around my ankles, sort of felt like insect bites. Hair was all electrified and standing off everyone. Other got shocks as they reached out to steady themselves on a rock on the way down. Later we figured the 'bites', the shocks around the ankles were strong static discharges at the metal boot eyelets. We all made it down safely without further incident.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 plan
Post by: MountainDon on July 22, 2008, 11:09:36 PM
EDITORIAL NOTE:  Since designing and building this cabin I have learned more about foundations. I would no longer build on piers and beams. If I had this to do over today I would use a different method, perhaps a permanent wood foundation, perhaps a full perimeter concrete footing and block wall crawlspace. I'm not sure which. However since conception of this project I have had contact with professional engineers and have learned about the shortcomings of pier and beam. I have since made modifications to the foundation that should help head off any movement. That was a great deal of work and was much more difficult to do than if I had done the foundation by the code book in the first place.


A few quick photos for all, and then it's back to the mountains after picking up some materials.

All the posts are in place. Yes, this is a switch from the original plan, but many things have changed. I ran across a local rancher who had some .60 PT 6x6 timbers he hadn't used. So I used them. Concrete pas in the bottom. I belled the bottoms out with a pipe that has a piece of rebar welded on the end and a T-handle on top. Rotating, poking, etc in the hole bottom reamed them out; the post hole clamshell was used to clean out the pumice/dirt mix. The posts had tar applied, set in place and the holes then backfilled with fresh pumice we 'mined' from the burn pit wall. Pumice varied from 3/4 inch or so down to coarse sand.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/mini-IMG_3766.jpg)

The main beams are built up 2x10 Hem-Fir in four layers. Four layers is one layer more than planned but that matches the width of the rough sawn 6x6 posts perfectly. We used some of Mr. Simpsons T-brackets.

The post spacing was supposed to be 7 feet on centers. That worked out for the first side we dug. With the rock problem on the other side two posts were off by 5 and 7 inches. Not a problem though as the 7 foot spacing involved some material waste. Five posts, spaced 7 ft on center plus a one foot overhang at each end = a 30 foot beam. We used two basic patterns, with the plank ends meeting over posts.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/mini-IMG_3772.jpg)

The perfectly spaced side went as planned using two 16 foot planks for the first layer and an 8, then a trimmed down 16 to 14 foot and another 8. Repeat twice. The imperfect spaced side worked out well as we had some extra lengths to play with. All joints still sit over a post with at least 2 inches bearing. I used the last of my old stock of non full round head Bostitch, and now non-code nails on the beams.

Here's the two completed beams with a test fit of two 2x10 floor joists.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/mini-IMG_3784.jpg)

The beams ends still have to be trimmed to the final 30 foot length. We've run corner to corner diagonals and have found ourselves at within 1/8 inch. Tomorrow we'll try to find the perfect mark, then cut them off and begin on installing the joists, etc. That is IF the joists and more arrive. We ordered the materials for the shell from the Los Alamos Ace Hardware lumber yard. They didn't have a firm date, either Wed or Thurs. For prices that a sometimes better than HD or Lowe's and sometimes not, plus only a $50 delivery fee for the load it's well worth it compared to lugging it all myself over many trips.

They didn't have any 4 x 9 foot sheathing so I'm picking some up here in the big city in the morning. It's so the wall sheathing can extend down over the joists in one piece.

Till later....
Title: Re: My 15.5 x 30 plan
Post by: glenn kangiser on July 22, 2008, 11:14:18 PM
That's some great progress Don.  Thanks for the pix.  Have a good trip.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 plan
Post by: ScottA on July 23, 2008, 04:43:37 PM
Looking good Don. I now see the 2x19 in the other thread was a typo. How did you end up with 15.75? Are you going to leave the bottom open or skirt it with something?
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 plan
Post by: glenn kangiser on July 23, 2008, 10:54:37 PM
I think he's going to leave it open in case he wants to add a basement. d*
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 plan
Post by: Sassy on July 24, 2008, 12:39:30 AM
 ::) 

Making good progress - and always such a neat worksite! 
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 plan
Post by: NM_Shooter on July 24, 2008, 01:04:34 PM
C'mon Don, more pix.  I know you must have the floor joists in by now.  (probably have the roof on too).

-f-
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 plan
Post by: John Raabe on July 25, 2008, 02:08:41 PM
I'm sure you're in full production mode Don. Looking good!
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 plan
Post by: MountainDon on July 29, 2008, 09:47:40 PM
Quote from: ScottA on July 23, 2008, 04:43:37 PM
Looking good Don. I now see the 2x19 in the other thread was a typo. How did you end up with 15.75? Are you going to leave the bottom open or skirt it with something?
Open for now. (with something like plywood secured under the insulation when I get that far as well as 1/4" hardware cloth at the joist ends along the long sides; for venting.)

15.75 ft = 15 ft 9 inches

That avoids the shortfall when using 4 x 8 T&G sheathing    :)  I could have done an accurate calculation and had it come out perfect, but somethoing else would have probably messed that up.  d*   Plus I got a deal on some end damaged 2x10's that were otherwise very very nice wood.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 plan
Post by: MountainDon on July 29, 2008, 10:27:34 PM
Okay, it's been several days, maybe a week since I've been here; back to town for a few things and some rest. It's been busy. I've had some help for a day; our son. We've also been visited by a local bear who tore up another tree stump looking for ants or whatever to eat. And a fat a$$ badger moved in down the slope; we saw his burrow. He'll be tolerated as long as he eats his fair share of mice. And it has rained; rained a lot. Then rained some more.  >:(  July is our rainy season. What a time to get building! 

So here is a shot of the 2x10 x 15'6" floor joists installed along with a row of center span blocking. (Add rim joists and you have 15.75 feet wide.)

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/mini-IMG_3834.jpg)

On to the subfloor decking! Yes the sun is out, but those gathering clouds get darker and darker as the time passes into early afternoon. That's my son with the nailer.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/mini-IMG_3842.jpg)

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 plan
Post by: MountainDon on July 29, 2008, 10:39:14 PM
The completed floor deck.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/mini-IMG_3843.jpg)

Shortly after this it clouded over rapidly. I was unable to find a supplier of Advantek subfloor locally. My choices came down to OSB or plywood. Some say plywood has better moisture resistance than OSB, but my neighbor had plywood delaminate on him last year.  ??? So with the rain clouds brewing up something I got out the roll of 6 mil 20 foot wide plastic we use to cover the wood piles when we're in pine bark beetle baking mode. Laid a brand new virgin layer over the deck, made nice neat corners and nailed them over under the rim.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/mini-IMG_3846.jpg)

Then we very carefully began the first wall section T the SE corner; no tool dropping allowed!  This section is ready to lift erect. (that's what the blocks od scrap are for... getting one's fingers underneath.)

After some hours of labor here's what we had. Wall framing is 92 5/8" 2x6 studs, on 24" centersThis is looking directly south.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/mini-IMG_3851.jpg)

The timbers in the foreground are the outline of a future rock, grass and wildflower garden.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 plan
Post by: MountainDon on July 29, 2008, 10:47:47 PM
Then K and our son went home and the sky opened up for 15 minutes. I anxiously peered through the rain spattered RV window in an attempt to see how the floor fared. When the rain let up I ran outside and found...

... that even carefully handled virgin plastic has wee small little holes.   >:(

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/mini-IMG_3857.jpg)

This was not welcome news, although not a total surprise to my skeptical mind.   ;D  Before I could get all the standing water squeegeed off it rained some more for a half hour or so.

After the rained stopped the skies cleared some and we had some nice evening colors in the sky. Sorry no pictures of that. At this point approximately 33% of the floor area plastic had water trapped underneath. I pulled out the utility knife and cut the plastic free. It'll do for another wood pile, but I don't recommend it for an attempt to keep a floor dry.  :(

Here's my temporary step.  :)

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/mini-IMG_3860.jpg)



Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 plan
Post by: MountainDon on July 29, 2008, 10:54:06 PM
A couple days and more rain showers later... (looking at the SW corner.)

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/mini-IMG_3875.jpg)

That's 4 x 9 foot sheaths of OSB sheathing. Cutting an inch off the length gives full coverage from top plate down to the lower edge of the rim.

(Below) Today about 5 or 6 hours ago... (looking at NW corner). That's the doorway on the right. I came home, left K there.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/mini-IMG_3891.jpg)

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 plan
Post by: MountainDon on July 30, 2008, 02:47:24 AM
Quote from: Sassy on July 24, 2008, 12:39:30 AM
Making good progress - and always such a neat worksite! 

It's easier to keep it tidy as we go along, or at the very least at the end of each day. OMMV though. I also keep track of the tools and put them away when not likely to be used again. Plus I use a lot or fluorescent orange or red paint to mark tools as I find it easier to find them in the dirt.  ::)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 plan
Post by: Redoverfarm on July 30, 2008, 06:55:43 AM
Good progress Don.  Like the steps.  Mine was a couple scrap 2X8's nailed together with cleats like a ramp.  Alot easier to walk up for me.  It also gave me a ramp on ocassions (flipped over to the smooth side). 
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: NM_Shooter on July 30, 2008, 09:57:49 PM
I am green with envy. 

I am hoping to head up to Chama this weekend to set the first course of the piers in the holes.  I hate the absolute beginning and the finishing (soffits / siding / painting).  I love framing!

Just trying to get that first course level and lined up has me a bit intimidated, since I am on a slight slope.  Just fear of the unknown, as I figure I will get it knocked out ok. 

Don, that is looking like quite a quality build.  Very nice work.

-f-
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: glenn kangiser on July 30, 2008, 11:48:43 PM

The dancing on the deck photo, Don. hmm 

I guess if nothing better the one could be break dancing on the deck.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on July 31, 2008, 12:21:48 AM
Somehow in all the hustle and bustle we neglected the dancing on the deck photo op.   :-[   d*  K and I did have a hug and kiss though.   :)   Before we knew it we were on to the wall framing.   :(
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on July 31, 2008, 12:26:06 AM
Quote from: NM_Shooter on July 30, 2008, 09:57:49 PM
  I hate the absolute beginning and the finishing (soffits / siding / painting).  I love framing!
I don't really like any of the overhead work (soffits, ceiling...); kills my shoulders.

The suspense of cutting the rafters and testing for fit is about tops on my list of "fears of the unknown".



Good luck on your work in Chama.  How long a drive (time) is it? 
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: NM_Shooter on July 31, 2008, 01:54:39 AM
I am a little over three hours to Chama, then a half an hour up  CO17, then an hour on dirt.  (Okay, an hour on mud and rocks).  A little faster when I am not towing a load.

I called the rancher we have leased to and received a verbal agreement that he would dig the pier holes, but because of the weather I don't know if he was able to get in or not this past week.  I have decided to bring up a load of cement anyway and hope for the best.  I think I am going to need about 60 bags of 80lb total and am hoping to get half up this weekend.  If holes are dug, I'll start getting the blocks set.  If not, I'll just start digging and hope that I still get the first blocks down by Sunday.  It takes about 30 minutes per hole to dig... probably a bit more as the day goes on I bet.  I'll bring a kid or two with me though.

If I have to leave the concrete in bags, I'll bring tarps and plastic and hope for the best.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on July 31, 2008, 09:24:11 AM
Good luck on the weather Frank. And on the holes; may there not be large immovable rocks to deal with.

FYI, an 80# bag of Quikrete yields about .6 cu. ft.; the 60# = .45 cu. ft.  (I used to use 80's; switched to 60's a year or so ago... I think it was after I turned 60.  ;D   The dollar per unit weight cost is very much the same last time I checked.)

I think as long as you can keep the bags off the ground and secure the covers well they should keep okay.



I'm heading back to the Jemez in a hour or so.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: NM_Shooter on July 31, 2008, 06:41:05 PM
Hi Don, I might have driven past you today.  I was up at LANL on business with a colleague from Colorado Springs.  We took the back way down hill to ABQ as he wanted to try fishing the Jemez (who am I to argue?)  Anyway, we drove past the FR10 turnoff area and I was wondering if you were building or not. 

BTW... the fishing was good at Black Canyon.  Copper Johns, Adams, and hoppers were met with enthusiasm by the locals!

-f-
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: glenn kangiser on August 01, 2008, 02:33:54 AM
Have a good trip, Don - our end of the fire is easing off now so I may be able to try to keep up.  Your help was really needed.  Great time for you to be in town.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on August 01, 2008, 05:52:47 PM
Quote from: NM_Shooter on July 31, 2008, 06:41:05 PM
we drove past the FR10 turnoff area and I was wondering if you were building or not. 

I was likely assembling the temporary supports for the ridge board. I could have put the two of you to work.  ;D  You were only 4 miles from our site as you passed the turn off.

Back in town today for some appointments and to get a new cell phone (suddenly stopped working); probably back up there Sunday afternoon.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: BiggKidd on August 01, 2008, 07:36:34 PM
Hi Don,

  Loooooooooooooking  GOOD real good!!!

I don't get on here with enough time to post much any more  :-\. Your doing a prime job so far. Keep up the good work. We are going to be out of touch for a week or two, going back to the farm.

  I liked your idea of plastic over the floor, shame it didn't work out so well. Plastic just doesn't hold up like it use to.

When you said you tared the posts did you mean tar paper or actual tar?

Glad to see you are under way. AT LAST. :)

Did you decide on a wind generator yet? Keep us updated as you can and good luck.

Larry   
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on August 01, 2008, 09:20:15 PM
Quote from: BiggKidd on August 01, 2008, 07:36:34 PM
....tar paper or actual tar?

Did you decide on a wind generator yet? Keep us updated as you can and good luck.  

Real goopy smelly black tar!   ;D

The data I collected indicates wind may not be worth the investment in our location. However, once the cabin is done and the solar is in we may consider one low speed 400 watt unit from Wind Blue (http://www.windbluepower.com/Wind_Blue_Power_Lite_Breeze_Complete_Low_Wind_Kit_p/cy-low-kit.htm). We'll probably never see the full 400 watts but it could/would augment the solar.  Maybe.   ???
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: glenn kangiser on August 02, 2008, 12:35:01 AM
200 watts for 5 hours is 1 KWH.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on August 02, 2008, 12:42:36 AM
Quote from: glenn kangiser on August 02, 2008, 12:35:01 AM
200 watts for 5 hours is 1 KWH.
Yep! But the data I've collected looks more like 50 watts for 4 to 5 hours tops in a 24 hour period.  :(

But then we've only been doing this a couple months. Spring is much windier, but I wasn't collecting data then. More often than not there is wind, but at the lower levels (below the 65 - 70 foot tree tops) more often than not, not strong enough to spin a rotor much.

I'd have to clear cut the south slope to do better.  :o 

Thanks for the encouragement.  :)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: glenn kangiser on August 02, 2008, 10:10:44 AM
Is your anemometer set where the wind generator should go?  You need to be 30 feet above the tallest trees minimum to get away from the turbulence but arould 100 feet is ideal.  My generator is set at 85'.

There is much more wind up there.  Probably about 3 times as much.  The trees apply the brakes to the wind so much that many times the wind at one hundred feet is great but we don't feel it on the ground.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on August 02, 2008, 12:20:59 PM
Quote from: glenn kangiser on August 02, 2008, 10:10:44 AM
Is your anemometer set where the wind generator should go?  You need to be 30 feet above the tallest trees
Yes. And I know about the trees thing.

The unfortunate thing, when it comes to selecting an optimal site for a wind generator, is that even after much thinning the are still many tall Ponderosa Pines. Raising a 100 foot tower to get into free air space would be a problem. Then the running of the necessary guy wires in among the tress would be it's own problem. Mother Nature didn't plant these trees in rows.  >:(  Many times I've sat watching the tree tops sway while the anemomter spins slow enough to the the revs myself.

The one open spot that would allow easy tower erection is down at the bottom of the south slope. Drawbacks there include the distance and being at the bottom of the slope. The anemometer down there frequently has no reading while the reading up near the cabin site shows some wind. What's a guy to do?   ???
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: glenn kangiser on August 02, 2008, 02:45:17 PM

Tower install manual.  They don't take all that much room to install.


http://www.bergey.com/Products/XL1.Tilt.IM.4.pdf
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on August 02, 2008, 03:00:28 PM
Thanks. After the cabin is dry, the interior more or less done, solar PV panels in place,... we can have a more serious look at that


There might even be something else in there that needs to be done first...  ???
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on August 03, 2008, 02:40:37 PM
One last post before retreating to the mountains...

We had this year's near by lightning miss. Not nearly as close as last years. This one though, blew bark off a good length of the trunk as well as decapitating the ponderosa. There was bark all around up to a distance of some 30 - 40 feet from the tree.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/IMG_3863.jpg)

The picture's not the best; the sky was too bright when I took the photo.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: glenn kangiser on August 03, 2008, 08:50:35 PM
Still looks cool.  I wonder if someone up there barked up the wrong tree? hmm
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on August 08, 2008, 09:17:59 PM
Well here I am, 5 days and 4 rains later....

We now have a box with a roof on it.  :)

Seeing if the rafter test cut fit. And they do. :o  Wow, a day with some sunshine!   :o

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/mini-IMG_3904.jpg)

Ridge assembled (3 pieces of 2x8 HemFir) and about 1/3 of the rafters cut and installed. Measured along the rafter run that's a 26 inch overhang.  5:12 pitch

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/mini-IMG_3912.jpg)

After a couple more days the roof is all sheathed. Just some trimming of the ends to do.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/mini-IMG_3940.jpg)

The view from the other end.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/mini-IMG_3943.jpg)

The final picture from this morning, taken before having to run back home for some appointments. The skies were threatening to rain yet again. The drip edge is installed; metal roof color is called patina green. Same as on our suburban home so we know it's ours. I had time to put one strip of #30 paper along the eve, then drape a 20 ft wide sheet of 6 mil plastic over the roof to keep the rain out.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/mini-IMG_3944.jpg)

The plastic is held down with cut off strips of OSB tacked in place. Yes, the rain may get in the gable ends but there should be much less on the subfloor when it rains.

Going back Sunday probably, with the goal of papering the roof, framing and sheeting the gable ends, and completing the door end wall. Also on the schedule is installing the door and windows. It's the last entire week free before going back to our regular (Tue - Fri) work week.  :(



Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: NM_Shooter on August 08, 2008, 09:32:20 PM
Hold on a minute, let me check something.

Yup, I'm still jealous. 

Looking very nice Don.

-f-
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: glenn kangiser on August 08, 2008, 09:55:36 PM
Looks great, Don.  Nice tight felt too.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: ScottA on August 08, 2008, 10:11:17 PM
Fast work Don. Looking good!  :)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: glenn kangiser on August 08, 2008, 10:14:00 PM
Did anybody say, not bad for an old guy? hmm [crz]
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on August 08, 2008, 10:20:12 PM
Quote from: glenn kangiser on August 08, 2008, 10:14:00 PM
Did anybody say, not bad for an old guy? hmm [crz]
Been thinking that myself!   rofl

I'm home for a couple days because I need the rest. I did have a doctor's appointment late this afternoon. But I wanted a day or two off too.


...and thanks for the kind words guys.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: glenn kangiser on August 08, 2008, 10:23:11 PM
It's actually good for an any aged guy, Don. :)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Redoverfarm on August 09, 2008, 05:49:43 AM
Good progress Don.  Glenn I think the PC would be "seniorly challanged".  Don you need to shimmy up the tree and get us a pic of the roof. ;D
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: glenn kangiser on August 09, 2008, 09:39:10 AM
hmm A friend once told me that I never have been very P/C.  I guess I just don't get it.     d*   [crz]
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: PEG688 on August 09, 2008, 10:22:13 AM

    Nice job Mtn D  8)

   That IS some tight felt  :o   :o
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on August 09, 2008, 02:25:35 PM
Thanks PEG. I've passed the word on to my assistant; DW Karen.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Mad Dog on August 09, 2008, 02:54:05 PM
Great work Don!  I just went through the whole thread, and the progress you've made is definitely inspiring me to get going.  Good luck with the rest of the project. [cool]
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on August 15, 2008, 12:14:56 AM
Got a door!  (two more windows to be installed; one in the center of the end wall (not in the upper area, but down at normal height), the other down at the other end of the side wall (bathroom). The upper gable end area will have an attic access door/hatch. One at the other end as well.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/mini-IMG_4004.jpg)

... and windows! (temporary plastic sheeting still on most of the roof. Roofing paper will be completed next trip up.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/mini-IMG_4001.jpg)

From inside, looking north towards Redondo Peak (obscured by haze and contrasty lighting). This is the 6 ft x 4 ft window. All windows are sliders, double paned, low-e glass.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/mini-IMG_4009.jpg)

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on August 15, 2008, 12:18:10 AM
Inside view, from the door...

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/mini-IMG_4017.jpg)

Looking back towards the entrance door... (you can see where the end window will go. Stained glass insert.)

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/mini-IMG_4012.jpg)

This is the 5 ft x 4 ft window opposite the 6 footer.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/mini-IMG_4011.jpg)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on August 15, 2008, 12:19:14 AM
In closing, a shot of the south side taken at 1 PM today, illustrating the shadowing of the 26 inch eve overhang. There will be another window at the near end of this wall (bathroom).

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/mini-IMG_3999.jpg)

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: glenn kangiser on August 15, 2008, 12:40:00 AM
Looks just right.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: TheWire on August 15, 2008, 01:01:31 AM
Great work!  Its nice to get the door on and lockable.  A lot less hauling tools around. :D
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on August 15, 2008, 01:06:57 AM
I agree, but the remoteness of the location makes it most likely that the lock will keep out the honest but curious more than the criminally inclined.   >:(

On the other hand the remoteness makes it much less likely that the anyone will easily come across it. It's not visible from the locked gate at the end of the NF road.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on August 15, 2008, 01:28:40 AM
I should point out that once occupied I'll also have a glass/screen outer door installed. That way we can leave the solid panel door in the open position and enjoy the extra daylight and air, when suitable, from the full view storm door.

(http://205.196.138.20/3/99/996c6252-6b06-4d61-9092-604ad996265a_3.jpg)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: John Raabe on August 15, 2008, 09:16:32 AM
Mighty tidy place Don. ;D

Looking very good!
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Sassy on August 15, 2008, 11:03:00 AM
Wow, you are really moving fast!  Looks very nice & also very tidy - great job! 

BTW, Glenn is getting some of his stuff cleaned up, although it's hard to believe that his shop could have gotten so messed up since my son cleaned it a few weeks ago!   :o  I don't know how he does it  [noidea'
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: ScottA on August 15, 2008, 10:57:54 PM
That's a great looking space Don. Be perfect for a big poker game.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on August 25, 2008, 08:45:03 PM
Well, now that we have to go back to working for a living  :(  progress will be measured in smaller steps. Even with a three day weekend (Sat - Mon) every week it's definitly going to sloe down.

This past weekend brought afternoon and evening rains so that enters into the workday as well.

I got the big piece of 6 mil plastic replaced with #30 roofing felt, rolled out and nailed down over the entire roof.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/mini-IMG_4043.jpg)

After that I got a start on the electrical. I installed a Square D outdoor box on the east end wall. (The felt's not looking all that tight... after 3 hours of rain, at times driven by winds.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/mini-IMG_4045.jpg)

I took a tip from n74tg and mounted the box on standoffs. I made them from grey Carlon conduit with large plated steel washers cemented to one end with caulk. The idea of that is to spread the load over the surface of the paper rather than have the pvc conduit act like a paper punch on the felt. Made sense to me anyways.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/mini-IMG_4042.jpg)

When the siding goes on I may slip it under and up to the standoffs, or perhaps slide the Hardi Planks through and re-secure the box with shortened standoffs, or maybe eliminate them. Time will tell how that plays out.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on August 25, 2008, 08:50:12 PM
K snuck up on me and took a picture of me hard at work.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/mini-IMG_4046.jpg)

Looking east down the south interior wall... outlets and switch boxes all in a row. Hopefully that back window will be in this week.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/mini-IMG_4056.jpg)

An shot of the open service panel with three of the circuits wired. There will be a fourth.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/mini-IMG_4057.jpg)

The final spot will mount a 2 pole 30 amp breaker backfed into the circuit. This will serve as the AC mains shutoff/disconnect. Its feed will come from the inverter. There will be a small separate DC box for the limited DC power use circuits. More on that later as I get to it.

I'll do a blow-by-blow on the PV panels/battery bank/controller/inverter/etc as I get to it as well.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: ScottA on August 25, 2008, 08:56:28 PM
Wow! You're really making great progress Don.  :)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on August 25, 2008, 09:13:47 PM
I still have to close off the rafter spaces. Somewhat like considerations we were in a bit of a hurry to get enclosed against the persistent rains.


It rained a lot Sunday night after I finished the roofing felt!

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on August 25, 2008, 09:20:40 PM
I knew I didn't like working on roofs when I got into this project.  :(

So far (after building the rafters, sheathing, etc all myself, I can safely say I've confirmed that opinion.  ;D

... looking for someone to hire to do the metal.  :)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Sassy on August 25, 2008, 11:17:33 PM
You've definitely made good progress - looks really nice!  At least you can camp out in there now if you need to :)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on August 25, 2008, 11:21:21 PM
Next weekend I need to get the eves completed so I can then get the ceiling in, then the wood burning stove.

And so on................
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: glenn kangiser on August 26, 2008, 12:19:12 AM
Looks like it's going fast to me, Don.

PS --- don't make me look bad on the inverters, batteries, solar, etc.   OK? [crz] d*
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on August 26, 2008, 12:46:53 AM
I promise I will simply do things my way, as you do yours.  :D    ::)

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: glenn kangiser on August 26, 2008, 12:58:37 AM
I was experimenting without enough guidance, Don.  Somebody has to do the rough stuff here.  d*
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on August 26, 2008, 01:11:38 AM
We learn from others.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: glenn kangiser on August 26, 2008, 01:38:29 AM
Thank, Don -- I thought maybe you would say --- excuses excuses.... [crz]

It really did grow that way.  ::)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on August 26, 2008, 09:22:27 AM
Quote from: glenn kangiser on August 26, 2008, 01:38:29 AM

It really did grow that way.  ::)

I have no doubt of that. It's a very common phenomenon. We have a 4x4 club member with a Scout whose electrical system it a rabbit warren of wires and aluminum foil wrapped fuses.  ::)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: glenn kangiser on August 26, 2008, 09:35:15 AM
It starts with a problem - then a temporary solution or experiment that works then is left because it works. d*

Someday a possible future revision can incorporate the experiments into the new upgraded system along with added improvements and maybe even the addition of added safety devices. (Fire axe can be mounted on a nearby wall).
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Woodswalker on August 27, 2008, 09:26:56 AM
A few months back, Fine Homebuilding had a good article about cement-board siding, including proper installation techniques and tools.  You can go to their website and do a search for it.  Habitat for Humanity here has been using Hardi Plank on its homes the past couple years, and I've been impressed with the product.  That type of siding would be a very good choice for your fire-hazard setting.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on August 28, 2008, 12:47:07 PM
Woodswalker, thanks for the tip on Fine Homebuilding and the cement plank installation.



On another front, I've located a local mountain resident who will do my metal roofing installation for food and fuel.   :o

Actually that's a slight stretch... he'll do it for $250 splitting it with a friend. Hmmm, I guess that pretty much is food and fuel.

They've both done roofs I've seen.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: glenn kangiser on August 28, 2008, 02:22:38 PM
That's a real deal.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on August 28, 2008, 04:07:49 PM
There are some hungry folks  in "them thar hills".    ;)


If they do as good as job as I expect I'll be giving them a bonus. Plus it'll be cash money, no trails to be followed, so it's worth more than regular money.



We first called the guy that did the roof on the suburban home. He started at $800 and came down to $600. Then we called some more names we got from the metal wholesaler and got down to $350. The first guy wouldn't budge; I believe he still has jobs lined up. Then we thought of a son of one of our neighbors up there.....
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: glenn kangiser on August 28, 2008, 04:51:49 PM
That's the way to do it -- beat the bushes for the hungry ones -- that are still credible.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on September 01, 2008, 11:11:31 PM
I didn't get the roofing material... hope to pick that up during the week and have the roofers up next weekend. It was just as well we didn't plan on doing the roof this past weekend. We went up Sat AM. After we arrived it began to cloud up. I worked at blocking off the spaces between the rafters where they intersect the upper side walls. There must be a real name for these, but to me it's rafter blocking; keeps the weather and birds out, the insulation in. I installed some of those durovent foam plastic thingies to allow the insulation to be packed in and still have ventilation from the soffits.

Sunday morning it began to lightly sprinkle rain about 6 AM. It rained off and on all day. There wasn't an hour that it didn't at least lightly drizzle. At times it rained fairly hard, nothing like a monsoon, but the water added up. Unfortunately the rain gauge gave up part thru the day at .77 inch. It rained through till 8 PM or so. A dark and dreary day. I played in the water and mud making a new drainage canal.   ;D   (Then it rained from about 3 AM Monday till about 8 AM.)

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/IMG_4119.jpg)

Fortunately I had inside work to do. I determined the exact position for the wood stove chimney and built the support for it. When the roofers come I'll drill a hole through the marked spot and cut the hole. I did the same for the Sun-Mar vent stack.

Now then, those members/guests with long memories will recall my harsh opinionated comments regarding pocket doors some time back.   http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=3818.msg43974#msg43974 (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=3818.msg43974#msg43974)

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/IMG_4123.jpg)

Yes, that is a pocket door frame.  :-[  This bathroom is rather compact and the pocket door has advantages for someplace like that. We're still waiting for the bathroom window that goes under the pink foam; the first one arrived but it was not the window I ordered.  d* A replacement should arrive this week if all goes well.

After framing the bathroom walls I completed most of the cabin 120 VAC wiring. Today I measured the wiring requirements for the 12 and 24 VDC circuits. As well I measured and made a parts list for the propane gas and the water lines.

To finish off this report here's a 45 second video, taken during one of the moderate rain showers.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20video/th_RainingintheJemezLaborDayWeekend200.jpg) (https://s133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20video/?action=view&current=RainingintheJemezLaborDayWeekend200.flv)


Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: glenn kangiser on September 01, 2008, 11:46:41 PM
That looks really wet, Don.  I thought you lived in the desert.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on September 01, 2008, 11:53:58 PM
Yeah, but that is the mountains north of the desert.

There were mushrooms erupting everywhere it seemed.


The highway department trucks were out on highway 4 heading south with their snow blades. They're handy for pushing the dirt run off off the roadway.


Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: glenn kangiser on September 01, 2008, 11:57:57 PM
I wish I knew enough about mushrooms to get the right ones to eat, but even the ones who know don't always do so well so I guess I'll leave the free ones --- don't need that one way trip yet.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on September 02, 2008, 12:01:47 AM
I've noticed the squirrels eat some but leave others alone.

I'm with you on the one way ticket avoidance.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: PEG688 on September 02, 2008, 12:02:49 AM
Quote from: MountainDon on September 01, 2008, 11:11:31 PM


   #1: I worked at blocking off the spaces between the rafters where they intersect the upper side walls. There must be a real name for these, but to me it's rafter blocking; keeps the weather and birds out, the insulation in. I installed some of those durovent foam plastic thingies to allow the insulation to be packed in and still have ventilation from the soffits.

  #2: Now then, those members/guests with long memories will recall my harsh opinionated comments regarding pocket doors some time back.   http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=3818.msg43974#msg43974 (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=3818.msg43974#msg43974)

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/IMG_4123.jpg)

Yes, that is a pocket door frame.  :-[ 




#1: Bird blocks , vent blocks , anti-rotation blocks same animal. Generally installed before the sheathing goes on the roof. Way easier d*

#2: Did you review the pocket door thread I did? Seems maybe you didn't , those wood frames tend to be more trouble some. And have lesser / not as good wheels and track.

Use a hollow core door , less weight,  less strain on those attaching / weak parts.   

You probably get more annual rain then we do here. So much for nicer weather, eh!
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on September 02, 2008, 12:17:31 AM
Quote from: PEG688 on September 02, 2008, 12:02:49 AM

#1:  Generally installed before the sheathing goes on the roof. Way easier d*

#2: Did you review the pocket door thread I did? Seems maybe you didn't , those wood frames tend to be more trouble some. And have lesser / not as good wheels and track.

Use a hollow core door , less weight,  less strain on those attaching / weak parts.   

You probably get more annual rain then we do here. So much for nicer weather, eh!

#1... this is what happens when I couldn't get started before the rainy season. Too much rush to get things sheathed to keep the water off the deck. 

#2... I did and then forgot... this frame is the upper model of three the mfg offers though. Wheels good to a 150 lb door. Using a hollow core slab should work out okay. I hope.  I'm planning on 5/8 sheetrock on the outside and 1/2 cement board on the inside.

Rain: average annual is about 24 inches. Our location is up to almost 20 so far (includes snow.)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: PEG688 on September 02, 2008, 12:26:23 AM
Quote from: MountainDon on September 02, 2008, 12:17:31 AM

#1:  I did and then forgot... this frame is the upper model of three the mfg offers though. Wheels good to a 150 lb door. Using a hollow core slab should work out okay. I hope.  I'm planning on 5/8 sheetrock on the outside and 1/2 cement board on the inside.

#2: Rain: average annual is about 24 inches. Our location is up to almost 20 so far (includes snow.)



#1: The 5/8" rock and cement brd will help, how may wheels per roller? But your right as little as it will be used (not a full time house) it should be fine.

#2: Whidbey Island lies partially in the rain shadow of the Olympic Mountain Range to the west, and has a variety of climate zones. This can be observed by rainfall amounts - wettest in the south with average rainfall of 30 inches (760 mm), driest in the central district of Coupeville with average rainfall of 18 to 20 inches (460 to 510 mm), and turning moister again farther north with average rainfall of 26 inches (660 mm). Microclimates abound, determined by proximity to water, elevation and prevailing winds. Additional variation comes from soil type. The sandy clay and gravely soils of the southern end of the island give way to soils composed of mostly rock at the northern end of the island.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: glenn kangiser on September 02, 2008, 12:33:41 AM
Looks like you are in a desert too --- how do you make it last all year?

We get 25 to 50 inches here and I thought this was desert.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on September 02, 2008, 12:37:22 AM
4 wheels per roller set.


The real desert back here in the 'burbs is an average of 8.5 inches a year. Wonder how that comapres to desdawg's desert?
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on September 02, 2008, 12:47:46 AM
Random thought:  this building up in the mountains requires a much better grasp of logistics than building something back in the 'burbs. There's no hardware store or big box within 45 - 90 minutes if I forget something.  So far things have worked out fairly well; but I seem to do an awful lot of thinking and list making.

Actually I have several lists, the need it now, the need it next time or the time after that, the "it would be nice to have"list (currently that has another Lithium battery on it) and the "oh crap. I need that now and I don't have it!!" list.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: glenn kangiser on September 02, 2008, 01:33:20 AM
I keep my lists all in a wirebound notebook so I can't lose them.  (The ones I can find.  If I do them on a loose piece of paper they are soon lost).

It ends up being being rather chronological that way.  Now if I just remember to look at it.  I also carry a blank piece of paper and pen to write stuff from the book on so I don't have to carry the book into the store or for a short list.  If I don't write it down when I think of it then it will soon be gone and be a bit before I think of it to write it down again. d* d* d*
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on September 02, 2008, 09:22:43 AM
I miss the days of infallible memory.   :( :(
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Redoverfarm on September 02, 2008, 09:25:45 AM
Don I guess that's where the saying comes into play.  A short pencil is better than a long memory.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: glenn kangiser on September 02, 2008, 10:25:06 AM
Thinking back I wonder if it has ever been any different -- maybe just not quite as bad.   

As the computer upstairs collects so much more data over the years it takes longer to sort it all out. 

Being a genius is much more time consuming and processor intensive than being normal.  That's the one I'm going with. [crz]
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on September 04, 2008, 10:52:51 PM
Well dang it! I just realized I made an error and nobody said a thing about it.   :o  I'm talking about flashing the windows.  d* I got the door right. I did it first.  :) I did everything right except one thing on the windows.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/mini-IMG_4004.jpg)

Do you see it?



The error is that the strip of membrane flashing across the top of the window is on top of the felt.   d* d*  I believe I did everything else correct...

1. flashing applied on the sill and up the edges 6 inches
2. the felt above the window had angle cuts made at the corners and the flap folded and temporarily taped up.
3. a bead of caulk was applied to the backside of the window top fin, left fin and right fin, but not the bottom fin.
4. the window was inserted and temporarily held with a couple of screws.
5. from the inside the window was shimmed to be plumb.
6. the windows was nailed in place using all the holes in the fins
7. the left and right sides were flashed.
8. here's where I went wrong...  d*  I should have applied the top flashing under the felt flap, and over the top nailing fin.
9. then the felt flap should have been folded down and the angled corner cuts taped.

Isn't that right PEG?  The way it is there is some possibility of water finding its way under the upper edge of the flashing if the adhesive should fail.

It could be worse I suppose. The good thing is I can improve upon the flashing by installing a piece of felt above the window to cover the space from the wall top down to the top of the window. Extending it about a foot left and right of the window sides should suffice.

So if anyone is using this project as a builders guide, be aware. 

d* d* d* d* d* d* d* d*
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: PEG688 on September 05, 2008, 12:03:22 AM


Pretty close Mtn D.

I felt or wrap first , then do the sill with the vycor taking care to flash up the trimmers about 3 or 4 inches, it takes a cut and a fold sort a thing. Then set the window on top of the lower piece  level the sill / bottom then I use the operable sash to plumb or adjust the vertical sides , window , (MOST), do not have adjustable rollers so how ever that window sit on the lower sill is how I adjust the side of the window frame , IF IT"S a slider , different windows have different issues , THEN nail it in I use a nail every 10 inches or so , NEVER NAIL THE HEAD flange , on a wide window I will add two or three nails across the top just above the flange I generally/ aways  use roofing nail 1 3/4" long  the big head just pinches the flange in but the window can flex some so the glass does not crack if some thing settles.


After it's nailed in , then I vycor the sides lapping over the low vycor , an I do tuck the head under the flap like you didn't.

That high up and tucked under that big eave you'll have no issues unless there's a fire and the firemen direct a hose up under the eave AND IF they do that you have bigger issues anyway  :o

Check out the Vycor booklet we have some where here on the site , maybe under that lunch box ??? ???   GLENN!!!!!!!!!Where'd we put that book ?  ??? Oh wait not the JOB site , the web site what a nitwit eh  rofl

Anyway I never caulk in a window or door flange / frame they are a PITA to pull out that way , never have done it that way , and IF you caulk the head you might as well nail-er off as well , but then your never suppose to nail the head are you?

In closing I think your fine Mtn D. Caulk your siding  when it's done and you should not have many / any issues.

Nice felt job! 


       
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on September 05, 2008, 12:11:09 AM
Quote from: PEG688 on September 05, 2008, 12:03:22 AM
... you'll have no issues unless there's a fire and the firemen direct a hose up under the eave AND IF they do that you have bigger issues anyway  :o
       

rofl rofl
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: glenn kangiser on September 05, 2008, 12:12:17 AM
Here is a PDF covering some applications.

http://www.graceathome.com/pages/downloads/TP-083L.pdf
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on September 05, 2008, 12:22:15 AM
I had the printed out pdf's pertaining to window and door flashing. I did the door. Great. Then I did the three windows the next day and didn't re-read the pdf's. Brain Fade took over.  d* 

Like I said it could be worse. Like a friend up there who installed his windows over the bare OSB and then applied hardi Panel cement board over it. That's it, no felt, no wrap, no flashing....  :o   No inspection either.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: PEG688 on September 05, 2008, 12:24:07 AM
Quote from: PEG688 on September 05, 2008, 12:03:22 AM






Check out the Vycor booklet we have some where here on the site , maybe under that lunch box ??? ???   GLENN!!!!!!!!!Where'd we put that book ?  ??? Oh wait not the JOB site , the web site what a nitwit eh  rofl


       

Oh come on this has to be one of the best set-up lines ever on C/Plans  d*  Jeesh I crack me up  rofl maybe it's to tricky/ odd /   a humor for you all  :-\ :-*
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: PEG688 on September 05, 2008, 12:27:39 AM
Quote from: MountainDon on September 05, 2008, 12:22:15 AM




Like I said it could be worse. Like a friend up there who installed his windows over the bare OSB and then applied hardi Panel cement board over it. That's it, no felt, no wrap, no flashing....  :o   No inspection either.



Humm that was money well spent ::) Wait I see a remodeling job for the future  :) I sorta like those kind of HOMO's , HOMe Owners , (http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/dirtbox/pics/muttley.gif)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on September 05, 2008, 12:32:14 AM
Quote from: PEG688 on September 05, 2008, 12:24:07 AM
Oh come on this has to be one of the best set-up lines ever on C/Plans  d*  Jeesh I crack me up  rofl maybe it's to tricky/ odd /   a humor for you all  :-\ :-*

???  Maybe I'm just dense, tired, today?


What made me realize my error was your very recent post under some other topic where you explained the process and posted a caveat about the picture... the error made on the under the window post. I recalled seeing that image once before with a quote about "the crew screwed the pooch on that one".  


How is it I recalled that but forgot about the details when I did my own?

One thing for sure, the bathroom window will go in the right way this weekend. It came in today; was even correctly sized.   :)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: glenn kangiser on September 05, 2008, 12:36:14 AM
Quote from: PEG688 on September 05, 2008, 12:24:07 AM
Quote from: PEG688 on September 05, 2008, 12:03:22 AM






Check out the Vycor booklet we have some where here on the site , maybe under that lunch box ??? ???   GLENN!!!!!!!!!Where'd we put that book ?  ??? Oh wait not the JOB site , the web site what a nitwit eh  rofl


       

Oh come on this has to be one of the best set-up lines ever on C/Plans  d*  Jeesh I crack me up  rofl maybe it's to tricky/ odd /   a humor for you all  :-\ :-*

That has to be Dubya looking for the WMD's he lied about. rofl [rofl2]  I'm slow tonight PEG
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on September 05, 2008, 12:43:23 AM
And after that window is in I'm going to complete the AC wiring, hook up the generator to the panel and see if it turns into the 4th of July.  ;D  I don't think it will. Then it's on to some plumbing. Hmmm.  ???  Maybe I should complete the plumbing first; so I can put out the fires.   rofl rofl rofl       [crz]
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: PEG688 on September 05, 2008, 12:48:28 AM
Quote from: MountainDon on September 05, 2008, 12:32:14 AM

  #1: What made me realize my error was your very recent post under some other topic where you explained the process and posted a caveat about the picture... the error made on the under the window post. I recalled seeing that image once before with a quote about "the crew screwed the pooch on that one".  


#2: How is it I recalled that but forgot about the details when I did my own?



#1: Ya I prolly said that :-[ hehehheeheh!

#2: It happens you get rushing or wanting to rush and before ya know it you've screwed the pooch! I just sheeted a little addition got just about done and realized the boss had ordered 9 foot sheets but the lumber yard stacked them under the 8 foot ones for the roof . I did see the pile was , WHAT I thought , slide like a deck of cards as one end stuck out about a foot  ::) , oh well next time maybe the yard guys will help me out and stack the load right!  But ya I WAS A NITWIT, what ya gonna do  d*     d*  It happens  :) Or it it $hit happens? Where's Forrest Gump ? 
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on September 05, 2008, 12:54:43 AM
Quote from: PEG688 on September 05, 2008, 12:48:28 AM
It happens  :) Or is it $hit happens? Where's Forrest Gump ? 

I do feel better.  ;)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: glenn kangiser on September 05, 2008, 01:27:05 AM
Life is like a box of chocolates...
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: soomb on September 05, 2008, 09:28:28 AM
Quote from: glenn kangiser on September 05, 2008, 01:27:05 AM
Life is like a box of chocolates...
That is a great little saying... It should be in a movie!  ;D
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: glenn kangiser on September 05, 2008, 09:55:30 AM
What a concept...
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: PEG688 on September 05, 2008, 11:14:23 AM
 Lets see coined the "smiley", wrote the main word to "let it be", $hit happens or "it happens", etc etc. Yup only in the movies!

Talk about thread drift  :o  ::)


But then who builds a 15."75" x 30   but Mtn D  d*

Now back to smoke checking that wiring Mtn D.  [cool]
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: ScottA on September 05, 2008, 05:12:31 PM
Speaking of smoke checking. A large transformer exploded today up at one of the dams and knocked our power out. A crew came by the my cabin to switch the power to another feeder from a different dam. The main power line crosses my property. When they closed the high voltage switch on the pole it arced bigtime. Was like a lightning bolt. Scared the crap outa me and the power guys. They all took off running. They managed to close it on the second try and got our power back on.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: TheWire on September 05, 2008, 09:38:22 PM
Dam Power.   rofl
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on September 07, 2008, 08:51:30 PM
I didn't get anywhere near the amount of work done that I wanted to.  :(

I woke up with a developing cold or something. It turned out to be a sinus thing. Anyhow I drove into Santa Fe to pick up our new wood burning stove, a Vermont Castings Aspen, in basic stove black. That used up Saturday AM by the time I got it up into the mountains.

Here is is in its unfinished corner...

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/mini-IMG_4135.jpg)

I bought an extendable, 38 to 70 inch, length of welded seam 22 ga stove pipe. Once the roof is on and the insulated chimney is installed there will be a section of stainless steel insulated chimney connecting to it. It should make for a nice clean sturdy safe installation.

Here's a close up of the stove. That's an ash tray under the firebox. The bottom heat shield is laying on the floor. I forgot the fresh air inlet adapter. It should go on before installing the bottom shield.  d*

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/mini-IMG_4139.jpg)

The stove was packed with the largest bag of silica gel I've ever seen. (stove top is 15 x 23)

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/mini-IMG_4143.jpg)

I began to install the propane feed line into the cabin. For now at least we'll be using 40 or 60# (10 - 15 gallon) portable cylinders. Maybe someday we'll get a 200 gallon or so ground mount tank. At that time we'll remove this one. So for now there will be a platform built to hold 2 tanks up out of some of the snow and mud. That's a two stage automatic change over regulator. It's an heavy duty RV item, so don't try this at home.   :D

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/mini-IMG_4148.jpg)

The pipe goes down the side 5 feet and then up through the bottom plate. THose 2x's are temporary until the siding goes on.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/mini-IMG_4151.jpg)

I ran out of energy shortly after installing a short section of the black iron pipe inside. More on that later.



Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: glenn kangiser on September 08, 2008, 12:14:14 AM
Looks good, Don.  At least you have an excuse.  My get up and go got up and went. d*
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: ScottA on September 08, 2008, 07:50:42 AM
That wood stove could probly heat your cabin even without insulation. Looking good on the gas line too. What's it feeding? Cookstove?
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on September 08, 2008, 10:13:03 AM
Thanks guys.

The Aspen wood stove is physically small but is rated for up to a bigger cabin, 650 sq ft IIRC. It's a heavy sucker, 240 lbs.  :o

The gas line feeds, or will be feeding, a propane fridge, a 2O" range, RV water heater and 18,000 BTU wall heater. The wall heater will not see much use IMO, but could be handy on cool mornings when it's too much bother to build a small fire.

That's basically the same size of equipment that we have in the RV, which has a 1/2 copper line as the feed (a smaller ID than the iron pipe).
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: TheWire on September 08, 2008, 10:27:40 AM
Don,

I have a couple questions about your woodstove.  I'm getting close to buying one for my cabin.

Can I ask you how much your paid for your wood stove?
Is it OK to use standard single wall stove pipe until you have to penetrate the ceiling or roof?
It looks like your chimney will be penetrating your roof close to the eve like mine will.
Do you know how high your chimney will extend past the roof?
Does it need outside bracing?
Is there anything that needs protect the chimney from snow sliding down your metal roof and into the flashing?

Thank you,

Jerry
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on September 08, 2008, 11:54:32 AM
Jerry,

$800 for the Aspen. Not bad IMO for a handsome well made, nicely finished, fire brick lined, cast iron, made in America, wood burner that has a working thermostatic air inlet control. That's complete with the bottom heat shield. NFPA requires the use of a bottom heat shield nless the stove sits on unpainted, bare concrete poured over earth. There is an optional rear heat shield that we're not bothering with as it only reduces rear clearance by a couple inches. We will be using the outside air inlet kit.

Standard single wall stove pipe is fine. I went the extra mile for the welded seam, extendablee, pipe within a pipe, because those are so much easier to use when positioning the stove than any of the other methods/materials. The SS insulated pipe will start with a 12" section hanging from the bottom end of the sections that sit on the ceiling support and penetrate the roof.

I haven't calculated the insulated pipe lengths exactly at this point. I have a 12 " section for the ceiling drop, plus 2 three foot sections to go from the support and through the roof. I believe that will raise the chimney top to about 2 feet above the peak. If not I can add on. Two feet is the minimum for good dependable draw no matter which way the wind blows.

I will be installed two "stays" to brace the chimney against high snowfall levels and/or high winds.

My neighbor down the hill has a similarly located chimney on his cabin and has no problems with snow.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Sassy on September 08, 2008, 12:13:11 PM
Looking good, Don  8)  That is a fine looking wood stove - and not a bad price for all the great features.  Looks like you'll be pretty snug soon! 
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on September 08, 2008, 12:35:10 PM
VC has their own foundry so they control the quality from the beginning through the whole process. They even have their own enameling plant if you opt for one of the glossy colored versions.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: soomb on September 08, 2008, 01:46:39 PM
The stove will burn wood or use propane?
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on September 08, 2008, 03:48:36 PM
 ;D ;D

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/woodpile.jpg)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Redoverfarm on September 08, 2008, 04:47:57 PM
Don did you get a flue brush as well.  From the looks at all that pine you will probably need it more often than you think. I would caution you not to put a flue cap with the wire around it as it will cresote up real fast. 
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on September 08, 2008, 05:03:28 PM
Oh yes John, I bought a new brush last year for use on the gazebo chiminea flue, to use with my 25 year old fiberglass wands.   :)

Thanks

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: soomb on September 08, 2008, 07:11:12 PM
Quote from: MountainDon on September 08, 2008, 03:48:36 PM
;D ;D

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/woodpile.jpg)
d* So I am gonna take a stab and say wood.  d*

The talk about propane lines is what threw me.  I should increase my reading comprehension and slow down the speed a bit.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on September 08, 2008, 11:23:53 PM
Quote from: soomb on September 08, 2008, 07:11:12 PM

The talk about propane lines is what threw me. 

Topics meander at times.  :)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: desdawg on September 09, 2008, 12:28:17 PM
Quote from: MountainDon on September 02, 2008, 12:37:22 AM
4 wheels per roller set.


The real desert back here in the 'burbs is an average of 8.5 inches a year. Wonder how that comapres to desdawg's desert?
I am playing catchup now that I am on a computer that doesn't run out of steam. About 8" is what it shows for Maricopa and I am just a ways (18 miles) south.
Seligman weighs in at over 12" closer to 13"
That cabin is looking good Don.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on September 10, 2008, 12:17:47 AM
As I go along I am collecting little bits and pieces that will later be fitted into the whole. Today another bit arrived. There will be a solar PV array and a bank of batteries wired for 24 VDC (more efficient for the the inverter). As I have mentioned I will be having a few 12 VDC items; inside water pressure pump, a couple lights, an outlet for cell phone charger...

Rather than make a 12 VDC tap off the battery bank I have decided to go with a voltage converter. I selected a model from Solar Converters (http://www.solarconverters.com/index.php/products). I purchased it from solarseller.com (http://solarseller.com/index.htm).

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/mini-IMG_4163.jpg)

It is a bi-directional converter, 24 VDC to 12 VDC, or 12 VDC to 24 VDC. The 24 VDC side is rated at 10 amps, 12 VDC is rated at 20 amps. I couldn't restrain my curiosity so I cracked it open...

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/mini-IMG_4162.jpg)

Assorted little electronic stuff. Nicely made. 12 gauge wire. Internally fused on both the 12 and 24 volt sides. The folded double sawbuck is for size relationship. It did not come with the unit. It cost 8 of those.

It will eliminate any battery voltage imbalances that could be caused by center tapping the batteries.

The plan is to run 24 VDC from the batteries, inside to this under the kitchen counter. Then 24 VDC to the ceiling fan and 12 VDC to the other stuff. Ten gauge wire for the run from the batteries to the converter.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Redoverfarm on September 10, 2008, 05:26:27 AM
Well Don it looks like you got your moneys worth as they had a $20 rebate as well. rofl rofl
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: ScottA on September 10, 2008, 07:10:45 AM
Yeah, I was gonna ask if the 20 was under the lid.  d*
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: glenn kangiser on September 10, 2008, 09:35:57 AM
That is the best way you could go, Don.  No worries now.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: soomb on September 10, 2008, 01:50:08 PM
 :o boy am I learning a lot, and boy-o-boy do I have a lot to learn!
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: considerations on September 11, 2008, 12:39:23 AM
I'm with you on that..If nothing else is happening on this project, I certainly am learning.  ;D
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on September 15, 2008, 09:16:38 PM
We're back!  :)

First, I tested all the AC electrical done so far and the cabin still stands.
No fires; didn't even pop a breaker.  :D

I made a temporary connection from the generator to the service panel.



(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/temppower.jpg)

Don't try this at home unless you are a professional like Glenn or myself.  n*   ::)  :o  ;D  rofl

Sorting out the one uncompleted circuit I realized I was short one run of cable.  d*  So that will be completed next weekend.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/whatamess.jpg)

That's a normal on-off switch for the porch light, a switch for a switched half outlet and a one end of a three way switch setup for another switched half outlet. Let it be noted that those are extra long pigtails with more wire nuts, etc. than will be left in the final state. It's just easier for me to check out whether or not I screwed up this way.  :)  So far, I have not. 

... more news and pictures later...
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on September 15, 2008, 09:55:02 PM
Costs. Everything costs. No one has yet asked me what I've spent so far; other than K, but here ya go.  :D 

For the shell... meaning...

footing concrete and rebar
6x6 PT piers
built up beam materials
floor joists, 16" OC
subfloor T&G OSB
wall framing, 2x6
4x9 OSB, wall sheathing
#15 felt
ceiling joists, 2x8
rafter materials, 2x6
4x8 OSB, roof sheathing
#30 felt
4 sliding windows, low-e glass, vinyl frame
pre-hung exterior steel door and lockset
Great Stuff foam sealant
nails, screws, Mr. Simpson's products,
26 gauge metal roofing
installation of metal roofing ($250 quote, paid them $280)
Dektite formable boot/jack for the chimney and bathroom roof vent (bath vent not yet installed)

$6000

:)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: ScottA on September 15, 2008, 10:08:16 PM
Nice work Don. You're gonna make Glenn jealous with that fancy wiring job.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on September 15, 2008, 10:14:22 PM
Note that I did NOT exceed the proper number of conductors for the different wire nuts.   :)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: glenn kangiser on September 15, 2008, 10:33:28 PM
If he leaves it like that, it looks just like mine.  d*

Dang Don.  Is that why I had different colored nuts? hmm [crz]
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on September 15, 2008, 11:04:34 PM
Quote from: glenn kangiser on September 15, 2008, 10:33:28 PM
If he leaves it like that, it looks just like mine.  d*


I especially like the third switch on the right that is secured outside the box. 
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on September 15, 2008, 11:10:15 PM
Saturday morning the roofers showed up about 10:20, right on schedule if you are used to tradesmen and odd-jobbers here in NM.  ::) Here we have panels all lined up ready to be boosted to the roof top...

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/roofgoingon.jpg)

I installed the bathroom window while awaiting their arrival. The picture was taken after the roof was done.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/bathwindow.jpg)

The roof completed and the chimney installed and at work.!!  :)

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/roofwsmoke.jpg)

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: glenn kangiser on September 15, 2008, 11:11:31 PM
Crimoney -- I think I have at least one box secured by the wire. [crz]

You made that roof job look too easy, Don.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on September 15, 2008, 11:19:07 PM
A closer view of the installed chimney...

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/chimney01.jpg)

Here's the installed chimney from the inside and attached to the stove. The telescoping chimney pipe has got to be one of the best things I've ever spent money on.  :D The hardibacker cement board is just temporarily laid out so I could get a fire going for some heat, and to break in the cast iron.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/stoveinstalled.jpg)

The first fire!!!

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/firstfire.jpg)

Relaxed and enjoying the fire...  :)

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/aaaah.jpg)

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on September 15, 2008, 11:20:39 PM
Quote from: glenn kangiser on September 15, 2008, 11:11:31 PM

You made that roof job look too easy, Don.

It was easy.I didn't even break a sweat.   ;D
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on September 15, 2008, 11:23:36 PM
I installed some of the wall insulation.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/insulationupsidedown.jpg)

I had this much done when I realized it was upside down.  :o   d*
I tore it out and put it back the right way.   [crz]


... just funning ya'll.    ;D ;D

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: glenn kangiser on September 15, 2008, 11:29:20 PM
Looks great, Don.  How did Drew get there? hmm

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/aaaah.jpg)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on September 15, 2008, 11:33:16 PM
... in spirit. I thought of him as I made the photo. That's illuminated by a Coleman lantern and the light from the fire. Using the new camera.  :)  Shutter speed was fairly slow.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on September 15, 2008, 11:39:31 PM
1 sec shutter
f/3.3
ISO 400
standard auto exposure mode
flash forced off
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: glenn kangiser on September 15, 2008, 11:49:23 PM
That's great - I need to get into the deeper stuff but auto is so easy.

...and you can't just leave the members in the forum can you-- got to take them with you. rofl
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on September 16, 2008, 12:40:16 AM
The local elk have been having a time with some of the young firs. The ground was torn up in a few places too; like what you'd expect if two males were trying to prove who was superior. Another opportunity for a game camera lost.

This one got ripped right out of the ground! FYI, they use these saplings to help remove the velvet from their antlers every fall.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/treerippedout.jpg)

More often than not the sapling is left with its bark removed, like this one. Not good if you're a tree. Branches broken/stripped off litter the ground.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/debarkedfir.jpg)

Someone's been sleeping in my backyard...

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/someoneslepthere.jpg)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: considerations on September 16, 2008, 01:16:06 AM
A big elk roast barded with garlic cloves and bacon is so delicious with roasted potatoes carrots and onions....a little pepper, some salt and a long slow time in a dutch oven, a little gravy from the pot.....mmmmmm!

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on September 16, 2008, 01:18:53 AM
... you are making me soooo hungry....  :)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: apaknad on September 16, 2008, 08:17:46 AM
MDon,

  that looks really nice. good job. i would like to know your flashing set up for the chimney through the metal roof if you get a chance.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: PEG688 on September 16, 2008, 09:28:08 AM

Lookin good Mtn D. Do you hunt? Elk is good , Considerations receipt sounds wonderful.

  Nice photo's.  ;)   
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on September 16, 2008, 09:31:35 AM
The brand name I used is Dektite. I got it from my metal roofing materials supplier, Metal Mart. The base of the flashing has a ring of dead soft aluminum in it. The cone is molded over that into a conical shape. They have many sizes to use with pipes from 1/4" to 24" IIRC. They make most from EPDM (gray) and have some in silicone (red) for higher temp needs. The base ring can be shaped over bumps, into valleys, etc. You also place a good bead of silicone caulk under the ring before screwing it down.

website for more info/sizes     http://www.itwbuildex.com/dektite.htm
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on September 16, 2008, 10:00:11 AM
Re the Dektite units: The big one for the chimney (6" flue, 8" OD) was about $50, the smaller one for a 4 inch vent was about $30.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: glenn kangiser on September 16, 2008, 10:59:07 AM
Does the Dektite unit leave one puddle of water in the center to evaporate above the chimney or is it wide enough to eliminate that?  I guess it goes under the hump on the top side?
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on September 16, 2008, 12:27:19 PM
The Dektite unit does violate the principle of "lead the water to the surface" in that it sits completely on top of the roof surface. You simply cut one hole. The base is very pliable and conformable to the metal roof ribs. I have talked to a person here who has had one in service for a number of years with no problems.

There is a small area where water might puddle on the high side. Extra care was taken to form the sealing edge of the boot in that area. I'll keep an eye on that. I did have them roll/fold/hammer the edge around the upper portion of the hole upwards as a sort of a deflector, just in case.


FYI, they also make a version with a square footprint.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: glenn kangiser on September 16, 2008, 01:48:02 PM
Thanks. Don.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: considerations on September 16, 2008, 07:14:02 PM
"have not hunted in recent years."

That's ok, you never know, you may have to defend yourself from a rutting bull once all that velvet comes off. They aren't afraid of much and can be pretty aggressive when they're "in the mood".   Better in the pot than in your lap.  ;D
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on September 16, 2008, 09:53:49 PM
Quote from: considerations on September 16, 2008, 07:14:02 PM
   Better in the pot than in your lap.  ;D

That gets my vote!   :D
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on September 22, 2008, 08:21:10 PM
Another weekend and a little more progress.  :)

We also had a visitor, or visitors. Frank, NM_Shooter, and his family came up Saturday.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/mini-P1000121cropped.jpg)

The adults are, L to R, Karen, Don, Frank, Arlene and their daughters Melissa and Sarah.

We shared some Rudy's BBQ, fresh veggies and fruit, baked beans, bread and buns. It was a nice visit, Frank and I walked around our property, discussed cabins and so on while Karen & Arlene talked in the gazebo and the girls entertained themselves with some of the play toys we had on hand (badminton and shooting each other with foam ball guns...)

Frank really liked my gazebo. :)  It kept the bugs at bay while we ate. This time of year we have lots of bees about. There isn't a moment during the day when the mountain quite isn't broken by the constant buzzing. The link to the gazebo starts here...  http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.msg32610#msg32610 

 Frank also pronounced my cabin floor to be quite stiff, sturdy or some words along those lines.   :)

I got a little work done Sunday & Monday. I completed the AC wiring, which included neatifying  ;D that birds nest of wires at the three switches. The three way controlled half outlet worked on the first test.  :)

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/mini-P1000125.jpg)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on September 22, 2008, 08:25:03 PM
I completed the insulation in the walls...

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/mini-P1000126.jpg)

...(even though some of the pictures don't show it all done.) We temporarily placed the cabinets in the area they will occupy.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/mini-P1000128.jpg)

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/mini-P1000131.jpg)

Next weekend it's on to the ceiling insulation. And maybe the floor insulation as well. We hauled the floor insulation up there this weekend... no sense driving up without taking a trailer load of building materials.  :D
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Redoverfarm on September 22, 2008, 08:48:10 PM
Looks like you are making good progress on the short trips.  Nice to have visitors even if it wasn't finished.  Always good to put a face with the name.  Not too many do here.  I had pictured Frank completely different.

I see you installed the insulation with the tack strips over the studs.  Drywall contractors hate that. >:. (Around here most tack it to the interior of the stud edges.  Anyway what ever floats your boat as I would guess you will be installing the drywall or what ever interior walls you are going to use.

Yeah I know what you are saying about the bees.  I had just made the comment to a couple of people that there are more bee's this year than normal.  At least here anyway since 1996.  Got to be some kind of a sign but I will be darn if I know what it means.  Not so many yellowjackets (still some) as ther are wasp, honey, mud dobbers.  Try to leave the honeys and mud dobbers alone as they are really benifical. 

Glenn will disown you for cleaning up the wiring nice and neat ;D.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on September 22, 2008, 08:59:37 PM
Quote from: Redoverfarm on September 22, 2008, 08:48:10 PM
I had pictured Frank completely different.


Frank is completely different.  ;D ;D ;D   rofl 

He's a nice sincere guy. So's the whole family. Great girls.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on September 22, 2008, 09:26:25 PM
Yep, the drywall will be done by ourselves.  :(  ??? Some walls will be T&G; ceiling too, MTL.

I keep a hammer handy and go over all the staples giving them a rap to seat them flush. Is that what the paid installers don't like... the raised staples that are usual; at least that's what I get a lot of with my venerable T50 Arrow spring stapler.??
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: considerations on September 22, 2008, 10:42:52 PM
You are really making progress!  Wow.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on September 22, 2008, 10:56:34 PM
Thanks. I should maybe point out that my weekends usually comprise of Saturday, Sunday & Monday  (until 2 to 3 PM.) On occasion I set out Friday night.

It is very nice having the wood stove operable to make the place warm while working.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: glenn kangiser on September 23, 2008, 02:26:47 AM
Great looking bunch of people there.  We have near weekly tours here at the underground complex and always enjoy good company.

Good to hear there are a few bees there.  We seem to have just gotten our first honey bees here this month as far as I have seen.

Uh hummmm...... did you have to do that to your wiring? ???
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Redoverfarm on September 23, 2008, 06:09:18 AM
Don I think it is viewing the stud demensions.  With the tacking strip covering the stud you can't see the stud surface.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on September 23, 2008, 09:05:40 AM
Yes John, that hit me this morning as I got up. Must be seeing the studs.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: John_C on September 23, 2008, 11:49:48 AM
Don,
The cabin looks great but with all due respect I think you are out of proper sequence....

1. Finish electrical system
2. Install freezer
3. Fill freezer with elk
4. Back to your previously scheduled programming

It would be a bit of field testing for the 45-70.  ;D
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on September 23, 2008, 12:18:42 PM
 ;D ;D

I'd need the solar PV completed first.   :(
My only source of AC is now the fossil fuel generator
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: John_C on September 23, 2008, 12:26:01 PM
So the important questions are:

How far are you from solar PV completion?

How long is hunting season?
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on September 23, 2008, 12:32:43 PM
Solar is scheduled for spring/summer '09    :(

K wants the interior done so we can move in (and out of the RV we've been living in since spring 2007. I don't blame her.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: John_C on September 23, 2008, 12:44:47 PM
Pity.  I assume the elk there are as much of a nuisance as the deer here.  We are over run with deer.  The bag limit this year in GA is 10 does + 2 bucks.  It's not high enough.

My daughter used to be against hunting.  Well they studied game management a bit in one of her college biology classes and now she thinks hunters should shoot several young does instead of one buck (to get the same amount of meat) as better herd management.

I often see 6 - 12 deer in my front yard.  I don't know why, they've already eaten everything.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: glenn kangiser on September 23, 2008, 12:52:54 PM
As a result of our 35000 acre fire the deer are starving and eating everything from anyplace that is not fenced or guarded by dogs, including things they would not normally touch according to my miner friend who lives in the burn. 

I have decent dogs and fences.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on September 23, 2008, 01:00:39 PM
NM has about 90,000 elk all told. hey are plentiful.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: John_C on September 23, 2008, 01:13:45 PM
1.2 million deer in GA according to DNR
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on September 23, 2008, 01:30:01 PM
 :o :o
yikes!!!
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Homegrown Tomatoes on September 23, 2008, 02:19:46 PM
Wow, Don.  Been a while since I checked this thread.  You're making pretty good progress and it is looking great. 
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on September 23, 2008, 07:26:47 PM
Today's UPS delivery brought an incentive to get the ceiling done.    :D  Oh yes, and to also get the solar in place.   ;D

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/oddsnends2/RCHVari-Cyclonefan.jpg)

That's an RCH ceiling fan, the vari-Cyclone model. http://www.fanworks.com/

It will be running on 24 VDC with power controlled by a solid state speed controller and reversing switch. It uses scientifically designed air foil blades (4) to deliver maximum air movement with minimal power use. The perfect fan for off grid use, IMO.The blades have an air foil profile, have a twist to them, thicker at the leading edge tapering down across the blade. It's all finished in white and the materials are all paintable with spray can acrylics.

There are a few AC fans made that also use these blades; not many though

Trivia: The blades were designed by the guy who designed the propeller blades for the Gossamer Albatross; first man powered flight.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gossamer_Albatross

Oh, the RCH business is for sale. The guy wants to retire. I could be interested if I didn't have my sights set on full retirement as well.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: soomb on September 23, 2008, 09:55:39 PM
Small world:  RCH is located in the town I would like to move to!
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on September 23, 2008, 10:06:51 PM
... do you a couple hundred thou to invest??

;D ;D
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: soomb on September 23, 2008, 10:12:02 PM
The bigger question is do I have any idea about electronics?  Answer: no  The business aspect would be ok, I just could not answer a technical question, and I think that would upset the customers.  :(
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on September 23, 2008, 10:27:14 PM
Well, for what it's worth... from what I can see the manufacturing of these fans doesn't involve much electronics knowledge. The motor is an off the shelf Dayton DC motor. The blades appear to be molded; no idea how. The other parts could be purchased or maybe he has the equipment for molding them himself.  ???  The electronic speed control is an off the shelf part from Solar Converters. I'm getting that item from another supplier actually.

The ability to understand the manufacturing process and operate a business in a profitable manner is probably more important than the electronics know how. That and having the needed purchase price.

The big question to me is whether or not the business really can make enough money to pay off a $200K investment? The fan blades MTL have a royalty fee attached to them. They also make a fan with standard wood paddle blades. It sells for less.

I do like the fan. Perfect for our use. There will be many times it will be the only thing electrical operating. With it drawing directly from the batteries there will be no inverter losses. The 10 gauge wire supplying it there keeps the voltage drop to less than 0.5%.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Sassy on September 25, 2008, 01:21:05 PM
You've made great progress - getting pretty comfy now, eh?  Wood stove, power, insulation, throne...  what more could you ask for?
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on September 25, 2008, 03:53:49 PM
Quote from: Sassy on September 25, 2008, 01:21:05 PM
...  what more could you ask for?

???   finished walls and ceiling?  :D

First we have to insulate the ceiling and floor, though.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on September 29, 2008, 09:17:50 PM
So....

Now the floor is insulated.  :) We hired my roofing handymen to do the job. Fiberglass batts stuffed in from below with wire supports installed to keep them up in place. There's a strip of 1/4 inch hardware cloth along the inside of each beam, running lengthwise. The rest of it is solidly sheathed with 3/8 inch CDX plywood.

I completed the shower water supply plumbing. I used 1/2" PEX with the stainless steel clamp bands. Yes the shower control and shower head are both off center, but so am I at times.  ;D

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/mini-P1000184.jpg)

The hot and cold lines are marked with red and blue tape. They enter from the top left of the photo. Another view here...

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/Copyofmini-P1000147.jpg)

What's the third line, you ask? I will explain.

Our water is presently not coming from a well of our own. We transport from a neighbor friend. We will have a couple hundred gallons in an external storage tank. There will also be an interior "ready use" tank. The ready use tank will supply an RV water pressure pump. For those who are not sure what that is... the pump has an integral pressure switch; when the water in the lines is up to pressure (40#'s) it turns off. Water sits there waiting to be used. When a faucet is opened the pressure drops (25#'s) and the pumps turns on.

Okay for that. I hate to waste water, especially when I'm hauling it. The idea of running the hot water in the shower until warm/hot comes bothers me. Not only here in the mountains, but also back home in the desert. So I have a recirculation system in the hot line. It's manually operated. That pipe that Tee's off just to the left of the shower control leads to a supply shut off valve. The line returns the water to the ready use tank. It's a quarter turn type, give it a turn left, handle in up position, allows the water to flow. It should take about 10 seconds. Touching the braided line will let you know when the warm water is there.

Someone else on the forum has done the same thing; I don't recall who it was.

Here's a close up shot...

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/mini-P1000188.jpg)

Needless to say the valve, braided hose and the connecting nipples will be visible in the shower stall. the pipes etc. hidden in the walls. I have a couple short chrome plated nipples to be used in the final completed stage.

The braided line and the angle conspire to hide a section of the return PEX line in the close up shot. Liberal use of nailing plates.

The next trick will be cutting/drilling the three holes in their correct spots for the pipes.  :o I will make a cardboard template.

The lines that come down in the corner will be enclosed in a 3x3 corner box. There will also be a chase across the exterior wall (behind refrigerator and range) to under the kitchen counter where the tank, pump etc will be installed. No pipes in any exterior walls.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on September 29, 2008, 09:19:26 PM
Temporary AC power!!!!

I used a 400 watt inverter at the RV batteries to direct AC to the service panel, just because I could. CFL lamp.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/mini-P1000135.jpg)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on September 29, 2008, 10:03:30 PM
I almost forgot... I insulated the ceiling. At least I've got 63.6% of the first step done.  :)

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/mini-P1000195.jpg)

First step? Yes, in another unconventional move we're stapling up a layer of 15 inch wide kraft backed fiberglass (long roll) insulation. That gives us the vapor barrier and R-13. Next we'll install the T&G ceiling. After that we'll blow in enough cellulose to bring the R-value up to 40 or more.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on September 29, 2008, 10:08:56 PM
Last but not least for this past weekend, something that I find truly exciting.  :D

Karen met the grand daughter of the man who originally received the block of land our piece has been carved from, in a Land Patent (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Land_patent) from President Taft in 1910.

I now know the (names of the) owners involved in each step along the way, along with exact or approximate dates.  :)  We have a copy of the patent, and have now actually met four of the six of the parties involved.



Unrelated to the above we also found the feathered remains of a wild turkey by the cabin. It would appear a coyote or something had a turkey dinner during our absence.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: glenn kangiser on September 30, 2008, 12:52:33 AM
Interesting to get all the old paperwork and read the firt one from the feds to see how title is passed - it usualy cuts the state and county out of the picture and is un-contestable if you get the patent updated per Team-Law If I recall correctly.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: PA-Builder on September 30, 2008, 08:45:42 PM
Quote from: glenn kangiser on August 09, 2008, 09:39:10 AM
hmm A friend once told me that I never have been very P/C.  I guess I just don't get it.     d*   [crz]


Hey Glenn, Wasn't that me who said that ? 


I've been reading through this thread now that I got rid of dial-up . . . Great pictures & work. Beautiful area Don.

Five years ago, I was where you are now.  I'm glad mine is complete.

Best of Luck !
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: glenn kangiser on October 01, 2008, 10:26:32 AM
You got it, PA. [rofl2]

....but do you think that is really true....little ol' me? rofl

and congrats on the high speed....now you can read more of my opinions.... ::)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: peteh2833 on October 01, 2008, 10:29:46 AM
PA-Builder, you have any pics of your place??? Pete
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on October 01, 2008, 10:45:56 AM
The ceiling just arrived.   :)   1x6 x 16 T&G Spruce   $6.80 each, FYI

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/mini-P1000211.jpg)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: glenn kangiser on October 01, 2008, 10:46:56 AM
Now you get to go back to work, Don.

Pre-finish at home?
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on October 01, 2008, 10:57:00 AM
After much deliberation we've decided to go with no stain, no added color of any kind. We'll simply clear coat it with one of those finishes that dry crystal clear. Satin or matte. It will be sanded, from what I saw while the delivery guy unloaded it's mostly quite clean.

Therefore we're going to install it and then brush, roll or MTL spray the clear finish.

I need to get it in out of the weather/sunshine and cut it into 8 foot lengths.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: PA-Builder on October 01, 2008, 11:22:54 AM
Quote from: glenn kangiser on October 01, 2008, 10:26:32 AM
You got it, PA. [rofl2]

....but do you think that is really true....little ol' me? rofl

and congrats on the high speed....now you can read more of my opinions.... ::)

I'm gonna have to exercise the 5th. Amendment on that one ! ! !      ;D
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: PA-Builder on October 01, 2008, 11:26:22 AM
Quote from: MountainDon on October 01, 2008, 10:57:00 AM
... We'll simply clear coat it with one of those finishes that dry crystal clear. ...

Don,

My experience has also been that the stain isn't neccessary. With just a clear polyurethane finish, it will turn darker pretty quick, and look real good !
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Redoverfarm on October 01, 2008, 06:37:58 PM
Don just Curious as to why you are cutting.  Mine was random length 8,10,12,14 & 16'.  Seams (end to end) met every other board on different ends. Pattern was short to long and next was long to short.  It continued that pattern until a different length was used and then repeated that pattern.

Mimwax Polycrylic is good for this application as there is no wear as with the floor. It can be re-coated in 15 minutes. I used a minimum of 2 coats. I was finishing 24 boards at a time. Thats all the horses I had.  In fact I no more than went through the first coat and it was time for the second.

If you are going to install it yourself I can give you a little jig information.  Take a piece of scrap 3/4" 6"X8".  Now with another piece of equal size. Center the 6" wide onto the 8" with a lap of 3". Attach with finish nails or screws.  Now drill a hole centered in the horizontal just about 1" above the verticle which will enable you to put a drywall (or similar) into your ceiling joist or rafter. After installing the first board set your jig to allow 2" between it's end and the previous installed board.   Now you can attach it at mid length location of your board on the rafter or joist.  Now you can slip your ceiling board up under the jig to hold it while you begin working from one end to the other.  Before removing it mark across your jig onto the rafter or joist at the top edge of the horizontal piece.  That is the line that you use setting the bottom of the horizontal piece to when you move it up to the next course.  Sounds a little difficult but really isn't and works great for that extra pair of hands if you work it alone.  Believe me it is new lumber and when you work on the longer pieces you will find that they are not that true and need tweaked. 

If I have to tweak a bowed board I use a cats paw driven into the corner edge of the joist or rafter and pry the bow dow.

I hope your goes quicker than mine as I just finished 2600 ln ft of this stuff. Ceiling is done but have enough for paneling on a couple small walls.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on October 01, 2008, 07:43:44 PM
I wondered if someone would pick up on that comment of mine.   :D

The boards will run lengthwise down the ceiling. Every 8 feet there will be a 'trim' board running across the width. I may actually create boxes, false beams so to speak, across the cabin width. Anyhow that's the idea. The last section will be 6 feet, at the cabin back end over the bed area. 8 + 8 + 8 + 6

Why didn't I buy 8's?     They didn't have any.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on October 01, 2008, 08:29:55 PM
Interesting thing I noticed...

It must be an interesting machine that made these. Most of them were stacked in pairs as resawn from 2x6's. There was still sawdust between the boards and the knot pattern passed through from one to the other. The T&G millwork must have been done at the same time.   ???  Both tongues and both grooves on the pair are on the same side.
<====<
<====<

Strange but interesting.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on October 01, 2008, 08:51:41 PM
... and another 'why didn't you?'...

Why didn't I simply nail up the 16 footers and place the 'trim' pieces wherever I wanted them?

That's partly the transport problem. The only delivery dealer wanted $3 more per board (3x72 =  :o), plus $50 delivery fee. These were delivered to our home for free. For me to haul 16 footers is a task I don't like. I have only an eight foot trailer; true the tongue extends so I can have 4 feet over the front and back ends. However that then becomes a balancing act. The trailer becomes a real teeter totter. (It works better with 12 footers). The last 2 miles have to be done at a crawl with 16's.

A big, longer trailer would be nice. But that would necessitate a larger tow vehicle. The Cherokee was not made for towing a 16 foot flatbed trailer, plus load. Not up the mountain grades at 7000 - 8800 feet altitudes.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Redoverfarm on October 01, 2008, 09:11:05 PM
Don they could have ran the stock through, cutting the T & G in one pass then re-saw to seperate.  Were they on the same side or opposing sides when stacked.  Does it appear they were planed on the back side or bandsawed.

I know the mill asked me which side I was using. Had to do with the machine tooling to cut one side better than the other.  I know the 2X T&G was only faced one good side.  The other was planed but not as true as the face.

By cutting them exactly 8' would be cutting it close for me.  You had better be sure the builder  ;) ;) was right on the money with the rafters.  Mine were longer than the designated length.  Say the 14' were all 6-8" longer.  Most that I had were just log length  meetingthe minimun but always over.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on October 01, 2008, 09:18:54 PM
Quote from: Redoverfarm on October 01, 2008, 09:11:05 PM
...cutting the T & G in one pass then re-saw to separate.  ...........Does it appear they were planed on the back side or bandsawed.
That's probably it. Tongues all on same side. Boards appeared to be bandsawn, no planing on backside.


All set and ready to go up to the mountains, parked in the garage. Yes, the builder was particular about getting the rafter and ceiling joists 'right on'.    ;D   I watched him carefully.   ;D ;D

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/mini-P1000214.jpg)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: NM_Shooter on October 06, 2008, 12:19:53 PM
Quote from: MountainDon on October 01, 2008, 08:51:41 PM
I have only an eight foot trailer;

Keep in mind that you also have a 12 foot trailer... mine.  Just give me a couple days notice when you need it.  It frequently travels around New Mexico without me  :)

-f-
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on October 06, 2008, 03:16:29 PM
2" ball?    :D
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: OldDog on October 06, 2008, 03:37:25 PM
I have a 22' tilt bed that has more miles on it than I've ever driven! :)

Wonder who has it now? ???
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Whitlock on October 06, 2008, 04:10:12 PM
Nice work Don :)  How much longer until your done?
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Redoverfarm on October 06, 2008, 08:32:27 PM
Quite funny but very true.  I went to PU a stock trailer the other day to haul my sons pig.  Backed up to the trailer and my son said wait.  "You don't have a receiver on your truck". Then it hit me that I loaned it to a friend who just bought a new truck but didn't get a receiver. I just went to a neighbors and borrowed his. But I did remmeber to give it back the same day.

There is a good friend who often post ads in the weekly paper that reads " Will the person that had my *&%&*( please return it so I can use it.  The item usually shows up in a day or two.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on October 06, 2008, 10:03:25 PM
Quote from: Whitlock on October 06, 2008, 04:10:12 PM
Nice work Don :)  How much longer until your done?


???
Done? Next year, spring/summer. Summer probably.

When winter closes in actual work will likely cease. By close in I mean when it snows enough to defeat 4WD with lockers. That's usually accomplished by the snow being too deep to push through. There are a couple spots on the access road that drift in and then it's game over.

Of course there's the snowmobile, but it's not possible to carry much as far as materials, etc.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on October 06, 2008, 10:19:56 PM
Inside the cabin on Saturday, I got the insulation batts completed in the ceiling. Man did that make a difference! With the wood stove burning on a low thermostat setting it was still 69 degrees inside on Sunday morning when it was 32 outside.   :)

Karen was sanding the 1x6 T&G outside in the cold. 45 - 60 degrees. Saturday about 5 PM it began to rain. We had stopped work for dinner. Because of the clouds we had tarped the trailer load before that. Not too hard a rain, but steady. 14 hours and 1.12 inches later it stopped. Sunday AM we caught a glimpse of snow on Redondo Peak to the north of us. Just a glimpse... it appeared to be from about 9500 feet and up. Clouds rolled in before a picture could be taken.

Then the clouds lifted and I got my first snowfall picture of the season. Half the snow we caught a glimpse of earlier had already melted.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/mini-P1000224.jpg)

Sunday the weather looked iffy so we untarped the trailer and hauled all the T&G inside. K continued to sand them.

I started installing the T&G 1x6 spruce ceiling; love my Senco finish nailer.  :)

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/mini-P1000228.jpg)

Working Sunday and today I got about half the ceiling done before we had to pack up and leave about noon.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/mini-P1000241.jpg)

Next trip up, this Thursday MTL, the job list begins with completing the T&G ceiling... and goes on and on....

;D
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on October 06, 2008, 10:53:42 PM
(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/mini-P1000243.jpg)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: OldDog on October 07, 2008, 09:35:26 AM

Don't Ya just Love air tools!!!!

c*
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on October 07, 2008, 09:41:52 AM
Long term love affair with mine. I've had that Senco for about 20 years or so and it's my newest one.   :)  It's their junior size model; drives 1 to 2 inch 15 gauge finishing nails and weighs noticeably less than the full size gun.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Whitlock on October 07, 2008, 03:47:18 PM
T&G knotty pine my favorite [cool] It always seems cozy in a cabin that has knotty pine :)



Air tools what are air tools ???My wife dosen't let me play with power tools rofl rofl rofl
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: NM_Shooter on October 07, 2008, 05:50:25 PM
Quote from: MountainDon on October 06, 2008, 03:16:29 PM
2" ball?    :D

Yup!  tandem axle.  No brakes.  I try not to load it with more than 2500# when on rough roads, although rated for 5k.

-f-
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MaineRhino on October 07, 2008, 06:30:43 PM
That looks great MtnDon!
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: soomb on October 07, 2008, 08:02:54 PM
What is the function of the blue (painters) tape on the sections of insulation?
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on October 07, 2008, 08:16:42 PM
Blue tape: good conversation starter.  ;D

Some of the stud bays are not full width, due to window or door placement or the 15.75 external width. So those had the fiberglass trimmed/cut. With those the stapling flange disappeared. Hence tape. In others it repairs inadvertent tears and poked holes. Before the walls are finished there will be a layer of clear poly tape applied over the blue, for better vapor resistance. The Blue tape was all I had on hand at the time of installing the insulation.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on October 13, 2008, 07:00:09 PM
Another weekend. Where to begin?

I got the ceiling almost all done. All the T&G is up except for the bathroom. And it's all been given 2 coats of Minwax Polycrylic Satin (Crystal Clear).  :)

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/mini-P1000297.jpg)

We also did something different with the cabinets. We stained them green.  :o

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/mini-P1000296.jpg)

Next step is to clear coat them with the satin we used on the ceiling. We took the doors home to finish them there/here.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: soomb on October 13, 2008, 07:09:57 PM
Looks good.  Ahhh Minwax (my mom was their packaging director for those finishes)  Your makin' my ole mom proud  ;D
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: ScottA on October 13, 2008, 07:13:15 PM
Looks great Don. I like the green. Different is good.  :)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on October 13, 2008, 07:13:56 PM
I also got a start on the exterior. We've decided to use Hardie Plank lap siding in the cedarmill surface pattern. In another thread someplace here, on Hardie cement fiber trim, there were some negative comments. That raised my concern. However, as I mentioned in yet another thread my new close to home Lowe's has the 5/4 x 4 (1" x 3.5" actual) trim in stock. And it's all in wonderful shape; no chipped or flaked corners, even thickness and width... at least no worse than any lumber. So I bought 18 ten foot lengths and hauled them up to the mountains.

I also bought a new cement fiber cutting 7.25" blade. This one is a Freud Diablo and it is vastly superior to the other one (can't remember the name, can't read it on the blade anymore). The Freud is a bit thinner, cuts very clean, no tearing and makes a lot less dust than the other. It comes with a Hardie endorsement, FWIW.

Here's an overall view of the cabin with the corner and window trim installed.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/mini-P1000290.jpg)

Here's a window closer up...

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/mini-P1000294.jpg)

...and a shot of one corner...

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/mini-P1000285.jpg)

I also ripped starter strips off a 4x8 panel of Hardie siding to use as a starter strip for the plank lap siding. The edge looks wavy/funny because I applied a coat of primer paint to the cut edge after installation.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on October 13, 2008, 07:14:48 PM
Quote from: ScottA on October 13, 2008, 07:13:15 PM
Looks great Don. I like the green. Different is good.  :)

Thanks, Scott

Quote from: soomb on October 13, 2008, 07:09:57 PM
Looks good.  Ahhh Minwax (my mom was their packaging director for those finishes)  Your makin' my ole mom proud  ;D

Thanks soomb. Thank your Mom.  ;D
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Redoverfarm on October 13, 2008, 08:14:36 PM
Got to love that Polycrylic.  Now if they would just drop the price a tad I would be in good shape.  I did notice that Zinsser came out with their variation at a considerable savings than Minwax.  But I was almost finished with what I had to do and was afraid to change brands mid stream.  I will try it out in the future though.

Yeah Don that is not the paint job expertise that you showed us before.  I thought you might have had a little anti-freeze while on the Mountain before doing that.  ;D
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on October 13, 2008, 08:20:13 PM
Quote from: Redoverfarm on October 13, 2008, 08:14:36 PM
Yeah Don that is not the paint job expertise that you showed us before.  I thought you might have had a little anti-freeze while on the Mountain before doing that.  ;D

No sense in being picky when it's going to be hidden.  ::)  Plus there was a cold wind blowing.   Anti freeze is only imbibed after the work day.  ;D   Mostly. No power tool access allowed though.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on October 13, 2008, 08:22:07 PM
Quote from: Redoverfarm on October 13, 2008, 08:14:36 PM
Got to love that Polycrylic. 

Goes on very easy and I like the water clean up.

I know what you mean about mixing brands. You never know if there will be subtle differences in the finish.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: bayview on October 14, 2008, 08:49:42 PM
MountainDon:

   For the fiber cement siding I have used an inexpensive 10" diamond blade in my sliding miter saw, works great . . . Probably want to be upwind though.  A lot of dust.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: ListerD on October 14, 2008, 10:20:58 PM
I love the green cabinets! Had to show that to the wife!

Looking great Don!
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on October 15, 2008, 12:19:01 AM
Thanks Lister.

It's a Minwax water based stain, called Green Tea if memory serves me well. K is the one who selected and bought it. We used the Minwax pre stain conditioner prior to staining to assure better evenness of color. She did most of the work while I did the all important supervising. That'll get me in trouble.  d* 

We actually worked as a team, she applied conditioner, I wiped and sanded. Then I applied stain and she did all the stain wiping in order to keep the same "touch/appearance". Sort of like having the same person do all the measuring and cutting when making rafters.

The cabinets will be finished with the same clear coat as the ceiling.

FYI, those cabinets are the unfinished Red Oak available from Lowe's. I got most of them over a year ago as damaged goods (small problems) and with a 10% off coupon/card to boot. We want to use some sort of knobs or pulls but haven't decided on just what. I could have made my own, in fact originally that was the plan. I don't want to make a full time career out of this though... I am willing to compromise for leisure/4 wheeling time.  ;D
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Homegrown Tomatoes on October 16, 2008, 04:48:06 PM
Don, I am really impressed with how fast your cain is coming together...it looks great!  I like the colored stain.  Minwax is good stuff... I was checking out the colored stains here a while back... guess I'd never noticed them before, but I think they look pretty good.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on October 16, 2008, 05:59:42 PM
Quote from: Homegrown Tomatoes on October 16, 2008, 04:48:06 PM
Don, I am really impressed with how fast your cabin is coming together...
I guess that comes from doing nothing much else other than working on it on the weekends.  I really need to take it easy and take a hike or two or something.


You can also have your stains custom tinted just like paint using the color scanner computers that are everywhere.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on October 20, 2008, 08:14:22 PM
Well, this past weekend I didn't do too much other than screw up the drywall.

The weather was nice, we went for a short drive through the trees on one of the "4WD sure is handy" nearby roads/trails. We also took a little hike.

Oh the drywall screw up? It's like.. I screwed the drywall up to the studs.  ;D ;D 
Did I have ya' wondering for even a moment?

Here's three views...

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/mini-P1000317.jpg) ... looking at east end...

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/mini-P1000319.jpg)

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/mini-P1000322.jpg) ... looking at west wall; the wall that will receive T&G soon...

Yes, that's a lot of sheetrock for a small cabin. Originally our plans called for T&G 1x6 SPF on the north and east walls, maybe the south wall as well. We've been spending money like a sailor on leave liberty (cabin, peripherals and even other non related items) that we cut the wall T&G back to just the west wall for now. Later we'll add a wood T&G waincoat to the north wall and part of the south wall. The east wall, bedroom area, will likely stay drywall.

I used 5/8" sheets because of the 24" OC wall stud spacing; half inch would likely appear wavy. That 5/8" stuff in noticeably heavier!!  :o 

Next weekend I'll get to mud it. 

Can't wait to get to the stage where I get to screw the cabinets to the wall so I'm not moving them all the time.  d*  That's what comes when you get a deal and have no place to store them.  :-\
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on October 20, 2008, 08:20:03 PM
The cleaning lady dropped by...   ;)

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/mini-P1000306.jpg)

d* Ouch! That'll get me in trouble.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Redoverfarm on October 20, 2008, 08:33:05 PM
Looking good Don.  I am about ready to start  mine. What are you doing the next weekend?  Oh I saw putting in the shower. Never mind i'll do it.  :(
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: PEG688 on October 20, 2008, 08:35:01 PM
Quote from: MountainDon on October 20, 2008, 08:14:22 PM


  #1: Well, this past weekend I didn't do too much other than screw up the drywall.


   a) Oh the drywall screw up? It's like.. I screwed the drywall up to the studs.  ;D ;D 

     b) Did I have ya' wondering for even a moment?




(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/mini-P1000319.jpg)

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/mini-P1000322.jpg) ... looking at west wall; the wall that will receive T&G soon...




#2: We've been spending money like a sailor on leave


#1: Screwed up eh , yer clever ;)

     a)  Will those butt joints over the door and window sides tend to crack , maybe those are walls you'll be covering with the T&G.

     b)  Ah ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,No  ;)

  #2: Sailor on liberty,  we tend to not spend as much on leave , leaves is generally a longer period of time so you tend to spend in a more controlled fashion . Liberty as in when the ship is visiting a port generally is a shorter period and liberty is "off normal working hours" so we ( sailors ) tend to compress that short spending period by quickly going thru the money or  "spending like a sailor on liberty". And in Foreign ports your spending "funny money"  in other words,  the currency of the nation your visiting , so your not familiar with the bills and coins so it REALLY easy to blow the dough rofl

    Ah those where the days.  ;)   


 
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Redoverfarm on October 20, 2008, 08:57:11 PM
Peg I was sort of hoping you would make the comment about the door & windows and the pieces of drywall.  I figure you would get away with it.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on October 20, 2008, 08:59:21 PM
Quote from: PEG688 on October 20, 2008, 08:35:01 PM

    a)  Will those butt joints over the door and window sides tend to crack , maybe those are walls you'll be covering with the T&G.

MTL.   :-[    That wall at the end, bathroom doorway, is a pocket door though so no door slamming to deal with. It is one I want to cover with T&G at some point, maybe at a diagonal. Maybe use some of the thinner stuff. I was down to my last cut off pieces (should have bought an extra sheet  d*). And 24 inch OC makes it just a tad more difficult to spread the joints around, away from window corners when you're dealing with large windows.

Spending "funny money"... I know I got taken in some countries (that will remain unnamed) ... but it took too long for me to figure it out.  >:(  


John, never worry about commenting, second guessing, laughing....
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: soomb on October 20, 2008, 09:12:40 PM
always the most tidy job site.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Redoverfarm on October 20, 2008, 09:17:47 PM
soomb I believe you will have to thank Don's DW for that.  We have the proof in print.   

Maybe that will help you out on the earlier comment Don.  ;D

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: soomb on October 20, 2008, 09:20:32 PM
yes, after all it is a woman's world and we just serve.  8)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on October 21, 2008, 12:10:52 AM
Paul, I stand being corrected on liberty vs. leave.  :-[  I meant liberty, but not being a sailor I screwed up the terminology.  :-[  I was thinking of the bar crawling, sight seeing, womanizing, in a foreign port sort of thing, not that you've ever done any of that.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: OldDog on October 21, 2008, 07:25:51 AM
Don

I was in the Army but I did all of the above  :)

Don't feel like it any more!
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: glenn kangiser on October 21, 2008, 09:47:33 AM
hmm ....  My dad was Navy.  Seems I recall he said they were guarding merchant ships going to Alaska.  I remember him saying they would rotate their guns around toward the girls on shore to scare them and give them a thrill. ::)  Hey - look at that sailor with the huge weapon.  :o


I remember that my mom wasn't too happy when one of those girls dropped by the house years later to see if he was still able to aim his gun. [crz]
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: NM_Shooter on October 23, 2008, 12:53:58 PM
Don... throw out that piece of junk woodstove you bought.  This is the one you need:

http://albuquerque.craigslist.org/for/890480450.html

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Redoverfarm on October 23, 2008, 03:26:18 PM
Looks like a varations of the double drum stoves.  They do heat a large space rather quickly but burn up the wood just as fast. ;D
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on October 23, 2008, 03:59:40 PM
That's a home brew one for certain

Here it is (I had to save it for posterity)

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/oddsnends2/13b1g7148ZZZZZZZZZ8anaed2e03038581f.jpg)


... be good for a big big cave. or barn
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Woodswalker on October 23, 2008, 08:42:11 PM


That's not a stove, it's a still!
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: glenn kangiser on October 24, 2008, 11:45:01 AM
My grandpa knew how to run one of those...count me in.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on October 24, 2008, 12:07:53 PM
Making one is not that difficult. Not getting arrested for it may be another thing.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: ScottA on October 24, 2008, 12:12:29 PM
That's the tricky part. Count me in too.  d*
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: glenn kangiser on October 24, 2008, 12:18:26 PM
You need to know the judge.  In grandpa's case, the revenuer got laughed out of court - actually it was for beer - as he was stalled at the front door the beer was being poured down the sink by grandma and others in the back -- it went to a mud hole in the field.  The revenuer took a sample of the beer mud to court and the judge laughed at him and sent him on his grinchy little way.

All for want of an approved tax stamp and the end of prohibition.  Where is a good Boston Tea Party when you need one? hmm
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: ScottA on October 24, 2008, 12:23:40 PM
Tea party? I thought we were making booze.  :-[
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: glenn kangiser on October 24, 2008, 12:27:54 PM
Lets make what we want - tell them it's tea if they ask and give them a tour of the chicken coop via the roofing repair supply room.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on October 24, 2008, 12:33:51 PM
Today federal law allows an individual to make up to 100 gallons of beer a year (200 gallons per family) as long as it is for personal use. States can over ride those figures. Also in some places it might be legal to sell the beer making supplies, but illegal to make beer. Go figure.  d*

Ditto on wine.


Stills are another matter, but if one had a place in the boonies and kept it for their own use... it would still be illegal, but maybe not likely to be caught.  ???
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on October 24, 2008, 12:43:11 PM
 :)

http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=5454.new#new
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on October 27, 2008, 08:36:43 PM
Yet another weekend gone.  :(

I drove up Friday night and got a fire going in the stove. Saturday AM it was warm enough, 70 degrees, to get on with drywall taping/jointing. I had some left over "hot mud" setting compound and used it on a couple spots where there were wider areas to fill. It saved a lot of time; instead of waiting for regular compound to dry, it sets chemically in about 45 minutes.  :)

After a morning of taping and filling I moved outside after lunch. I began the hardi panel siding. I'd bought a pair of Solo Sider (http://solosider.com/) siding installation hangers/tools.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/mini-P1000338.jpg)

The adjustment feature made it very easy to correct for any slight panel width differences. And as I was working alone, they made the job possible. Without them there's no way one person could hang the siding without resorting to homemade Rube Goldberg setups.

So by this afternoon I have the drywall completed. At least I'll know for certain when I return. I think all it needs now is a little light sanding here and there.  :)

I also used up the 25 hardi planks I picked up (12 ft x 12" wide). I have most of the north wall done and some of the west wall.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/mini-P1000347.jpg)

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/mini-P1000348.jpg)

Here's a general view of the "homestead area"...

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/mini-P1000353.jpg)

I also split some firewood and made a small pile of kindling from 2x cutoffs.


Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Whitlock on October 27, 2008, 09:10:23 PM
Looks good Don [cool] I love it when I get to start siding the exterior of a cabin it makes me feel like the building can't be that far from being done and secure [cool]



ED: fixed the "cool" emoticons code to allow them to show - MD
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: ScottA on October 28, 2008, 05:57:00 PM
Don that place could pass as a national park. They charge money to get into most of them now. Good progress on the cabin.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on October 28, 2008, 08:40:40 PM
Well, we're surrounded by National Forest, with a National Preserve to the north and a National Monument to the east a ways plus a National Lab (Los Alamos) near there as well.  :D

We don't charge admission. In fact we have signs, fences and a gate discouraging admission.  ;D

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: glenn kangiser on October 28, 2008, 08:44:41 PM
Could you be the camp hosts, Don? hmm
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Whitlock on October 28, 2008, 08:50:27 PM
That would be the National camp host Glenn [slap]
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on October 28, 2008, 08:59:23 PM
We're always glad to host authorized visitors/guests.

I can send out the pre-vetting questionnaire along with with list of acceptable gifts to any interested party.   [crz] rofl
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: glenn kangiser on October 28, 2008, 09:04:54 PM
I kind of got that idea when I first looked at that shot and it is great but, --- all seriousness aside, Don,  A whole bunch of Piñata's hanging around would really liven the place up.  d*
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on October 28, 2008, 09:18:13 PM
I was thinking along the lines of these...

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/oddsnends2/Shotgun-Shell-Garland.jpg)

Pinatas are so commonplace in NM. These shotgun shell Xmas lights are a bit more unique, more fitting to the wilderness flavor of the place. (inspired, no doubt, by the chili light covers that are also so passe around here)

available at...   http://www.morethanchristmas.com/Shotgun-Shell-Garland.shtml

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: ScottA on October 28, 2008, 09:23:37 PM
Don those lights would up grade you from national park to trailer park.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: glenn kangiser on October 28, 2008, 10:46:34 PM
I think they are pretty colorful though... :)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on October 30, 2008, 01:33:16 AM
I bought paint tonight; interior primer, interior finish coat, exterior finish coat plus some more clear for the cabinets.  :)    Busy weekend ahead.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: bayview on October 31, 2008, 05:27:13 PM
MountainDon:

   How did you install your siding?  Did you use nails or screws?  Did you have to predrill the holes before hanging the siding?
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: FrankInWI on October 31, 2008, 07:01:38 PM
first time I went through this whole long wonderful string of posts and replies.  I learned so much here, what a great experience you are sharing. Thanks
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on November 03, 2008, 06:39:28 PM
Thanks Frank,  :)

bayviewps... I left here Fri afternoon and just got back.

I used nails. I used 6D ring shank galvanized air driven nails into the studs. I set the air pressure low enough so the nails would not be overdriven. I finished them off by hand. My wall studs are on 24" centers; Hardi states that 24 inch spacing is okay. However I added 1 ½ inch galvanized drywall nails with ring like shanks in between the stud nails.

I did not drill any pilot holes. I had no problems with splitting or edge break off problems. All nails were placed 1 to 1 ¼ inches from the edge of the plank. I used a nominal 1 ½ inch overlap.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: bayview on November 03, 2008, 09:34:20 PM
Thanks for your response MountainDon:

   I'll do as you suggest. . . I previously had problems breaking the ends-edges of the siding during installation.  I was using 8d ring shank.

   Thanks for the tip . . . I'll lower air pressure and finish with a hammer.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on November 03, 2008, 09:34:50 PM
Weekend progress.

I primed and sealed the drywall. Then I caulked the siding that has been installed up to now. I caulked where the planks butt up to the corner and window trim as well as caulking where one plank abutted the next one in the same row.

The next day I painted the interior walls.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/mini-P1000417.jpg)

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/mini-P1000420.jpg)

Then I moved outside and painted the siding. First I brush painted all the edges and ended up with a psuedo log cabin look (use your imagination a little)...

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/mini-P1000391.jpg)

For those with impaired imagination, try this on for size...

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/mini-P1000391-negative.jpg)

;D ;D ;D

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/Animation1.gif)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on November 03, 2008, 09:35:31 PM
I roller painted the planks. Then Monday I gave the exterior a second coat.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/mini-P1000422.jpg)

I used one of the low temperature paints. The color is a computer analyzed custom mix that more or less matches the stain used on the gazebo. The paint is a little darker than the gazebo stain. I've named it Pinewood Forest Green.  ::) The cold weather paint can be applied down to 35 degrees F, whereas most paints are limited to 50 degrees or higher. It was a nice weekend; never got below 41  ;D  and went up to 64 Sunday. If the weather cooperates next weekend I'll do the trim in a custom tan to match the vinyl windows. If not, there's always Spring.

Oh, I almost forgot I also installed 10 3x5 ft sheets of hardi-backer board on the floor in preparation for ceramic tile. Next weekend, more of the same and maybe some tile too.



Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on November 03, 2008, 09:36:45 PM
bayviewps, I had some edge breaking in a couple of spots when I did the shed using the 4 x 8 ft hardi-panels, but that was with the nails much closer to the edge. 
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: bayview on November 03, 2008, 10:35:51 PM
Looking good!

Excellent job on the drywall . . .
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: PEG688 on November 03, 2008, 11:11:43 PM

Looks good Mtn.D.

I use 1 1/2" gun driven roofing nails for all blind nails on Hardi lap siding. The big head seems to hold better and has less chance of over driving and or cracking the siding.

     
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: cordwood on November 03, 2008, 11:22:27 PM
Quote from: MountainDon on October 28, 2008, 08:59:23 PM
We're always glad to host authorized visitors/guests.

I can send out the pre-vetting questionnaire along with with list of acceptable gifts to any interested party.   [crz] rofl
I was raised if folks showed up with empty hands they must be wanting directions back to the highway!! ;D ;D ;D ;)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Redoverfarm on November 04, 2008, 07:56:10 AM
Looks like you are geting your moneys worth in relation to the time you are spending vs. the amount of work completed.  Looking good Don.  I hope you will be able to find it among the trees later. ;D
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on November 04, 2008, 10:23:38 AM
Quote from: Redoverfarm on November 04, 2008, 07:56:10 AM
I hope you will be able to find it among the trees later. ;D

At one time we were considering using vertical siding, board and batten, or hardi-panels. That had me wondering about whether or not to paint the vertical boards in assorted tree trunk colors.    ;D
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on November 04, 2008, 11:16:33 AM
Quote from: Redoverfarm on November 04, 2008, 07:56:10 AM
Looks like you are geting your moneys worth in relation to the time you are spending vs. the amount of work completed. 
Lest anyone forget, there are two other, un photographed sides that are not sided at all yet. So far what I've done was with the hardi planks I got a deal on. I'll have to order more to complete the exterior. But this gives a good idea of what it'll look like.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on November 07, 2008, 08:18:43 PM
Probably no work this weekend; I feel like crap... cold a doozy of a cold from the preschoolers.  :(   I need to go get some honey and lemons (juice) for my throat. And some ice cream.   :D   maybe some brandy...
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: ScottA on November 07, 2008, 09:12:31 PM
I know the feeling Don. I'm comming down with a doosy of a cold myself.  Get well quick.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on November 10, 2008, 12:56:26 AM
So I felt good enough that Saturday night I dragged myself up to the mountains with a load of Hardi backer board for the floor. I took along a paint mix for the trim. I got very close to the vinyl color and am happy with it. This is what the exterior will look like when all the siding is finished. That won't be till spring MTL.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/mini-P1000458.jpg)

Other than that and blowing some holes in osb targets I didn't accomplish much. But I had fun.  :)


Oh, it snowed up there, sometime within the past 4 days or so. My weather station doesn't record snow.  >:(  There wasn't much left on the ground, just patches in shadow areas / north facing slopes. 27 degrees last night.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on November 16, 2008, 11:20:49 PM
Another weekend, a little more progress...

It snowed again up there. Most of it has melted off, except for north facing slopes. The last hill up to the cabin is the steepest and is north facing and also shaded to the west. It's the last thing to melt clear in spring and the first place to hold early snows in the fall. That's just enough snow and enough slope to make going up in 2WD too exciting. Good thing I have 4WD. ...yesterday 2:38 in the afternoon...

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/mini-P1000460.jpg)

I set and screwed the Hardi backerboard down to the floor in preparation for the porcelain tile.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/mini-P1000467.jpg)

Unfortunately at this point in the season it's probably a bit risky to think of installing the tile because we're getting close to having freezing temperatures every night. That will have to wait till spring or early summer.

There's other stuff like interior trim and finishing to do though.

I got my water heater going.   ;D ;D

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/mini-P1000463.jpg)

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Sassy on November 17, 2008, 01:23:28 AM
Great progress!  Gets pretty cold up there... 

I'm familiar with that type of water heater...  had to heat up a bit of water a few times when we 1st started living in our 8'x12' plastic walled cabin...  we had the wood stove but it still got mighty cold! 
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on November 17, 2008, 01:38:50 AM
I want a pot with a spigot.   :)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: apaknad on November 17, 2008, 08:37:01 AM
love your new water heater don. i really like the way you hid the cord and plug in the back. ;D
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: ScottA on November 17, 2008, 08:54:19 AM
Comming together nice Don. I like the W/H.  :)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Whitlock on November 17, 2008, 06:26:27 PM
Nice water heater [cool]

I was up at the cabin today and I noticed on my insulation that you are suppose to take the paper off when you install it around any heating units or wood stoves?
It says it right on the paper.
Might what to take a look at yours next time your up there.


Your place is looking good,W
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on November 17, 2008, 06:44:48 PM
Thanks Whitlock. I've monitored the surface temperature around the stove and it simply doesn't get hot enough to worry about. It will be covered with T&G MTL; the side wall is 5/8 type X gyproc.  I used the stove manufacturers minimum clearance plus 1.5 inches. The insulation is kept away from the stove pipe where it penetrates the ceiling and passes through the attic space by an air spaced double wall galvanized steel assembly. The ceiling insulation paper was removed in a ring around the penetration as well.

I've also monitored the surface temp around the stove. With a really good roaring blaze in the stove, with the stove pipe up to 300 at times and the stove top hitting 600 the walls were relatively cool; 85 - 95. The rear of the stove reached a little over 200, much cooler than the sides or top.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Homegrown Tomatoes on November 18, 2008, 01:28:54 PM
Don, you crack me up with the temperature monitoring, etc.  Sounds just like my husband.  He likes numbers, too, and is constantly looking at the details.  (I'd be willing to bet that although you're detail-oriented, you are a bit better at seeing the big picture, though.)  We were looking at the cabin we're thinking of making an offer on last weekend, and DH is taking pictures of things like a rust spot on the metal roof next to the stove pipe, the wiring to the hot water heater, the plumbing pipes coming from the loft, the satellite dish on the barn ??? and the place where they boxed in the plenum with plywood.  I took pictures of the woodstove and clearance, the cordwood walls, the views from the windows,  the appliances, etc. 
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on November 24, 2008, 09:26:18 PM
I got a little work done this past weekend; number one was to haul up materials (redwood) to finish the ceiling, sand it, cut to fit, install, and apply two clear coats. Number two was give the cabinets a second clear coat and to screw the upper cabinets into place on the south wall. The cabinat bases are just pushed up against the wall for now. Number three was to apply grout to the joints between the backer board panels. I used grout left over from other tile jobs around the home. Normally the thinset is pressed into the joints when the tile is installed. I wanted to fill the cracks because the tile won't be installed until spring or early summer.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/mini-P1000471.jpg)


(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/mini-P1000469.jpg)

There's an incoming snow storm predicted for Thanksgiving Day. If it's a relatively light snowfall I'll be  :) . If it's heavier I'll be  >:( .  I'm going to mount the winch and we're planning on going up Wed night and see what happens.   :D



Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on November 25, 2008, 12:14:11 AM
Quote from: Homegrown Tomatoes on November 18, 2008, 01:28:54 PM
Don, you crack me up with the temperature monitoring, etc...

;D I like numbers!  :)

Here's some more, FWIW. I have a weather station up there with several temperature sensors, one in the RV, one in the cabin, another in the shed  :o and one outside about 15 feet about ground level. I'd like a sensor at ground level too, but I don't want to get ridiculous!

Over the past week the recorded highs and lows are interesting:

location        high       low
RV                67         23
cabin            60         32
shed             60         18
outside         60         18

The RV, an early 80's model, is typically poorly insulated, the cabin is insulated quite well, except for the attic/ceiling. It's only R13 right now; spring will see blown in cellulose to bring that up to R40 at least. The shed is totally uninsulated and has great full width eve ventilation on both the low and high sides of the shed type roof. The outdoors is, well outdoors.

???
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: glenn kangiser on November 25, 2008, 12:41:56 AM
Interesting.   Looks like it would be a 3 Dog Night for me. d*
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on November 25, 2008, 01:23:14 AM
With the wood burner going on the lowest air inlet thermostat setting, the indoor cabin temp only dipped to 64, while outside, and in the shed, it dropped to 26 last night.   :)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: glenn kangiser on November 25, 2008, 01:44:10 AM
That's looking good and I know you have plenty of wood. :)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: apaknad on November 25, 2008, 05:17:25 AM
coming together very nicely MD.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: considerations on November 25, 2008, 10:52:08 AM
I've forgotten, Mtn Don....are you two planning to live in the cabin full time?
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on November 25, 2008, 11:16:45 AM
Quote from: considerations on November 25, 2008, 10:52:08 AM
I've forgotten, Mtn Don....are you two planning to live in the cabin full time?

Not unless I/we become hermits.  ;D  In a normal winter the place gets snowed in by mid December or thereabouts. We do have a snowmobile though. That's one reason why we've decided we'd like an underground water cistern.

It's really a weekend and summer place. We work Tuesday through Friday throughout the school year. We have June, July and half of August off, so for that period it would become full time. We first bought the land as a place to get away from the desert summer heat. We've parked the RV there, taking the odd trip here and there and moving it around a few times till we decided on the actual best spot t0 build. The RV will become the guest accommodations.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on November 28, 2008, 05:42:11 PM
Our original Thanksgiving plans were to rent a Uhaul truck on Thursday and move some furniture, the propane cookstove and assorted belongings up to the cabin. However, the weather had plans for snow on Thursday, with no promises as to the amount. As I did not want to be known as the guy who got a Uhaul truck stuck in the snow on my sort of rough road, we changed our plans. Wednesday after work we set off at 4 PM with the trailer loaded with stuff and the winch on the front of the Jeep. We rented blankets from Uhaul for the packing. We got there about 6:15 or so after stopping at the Subway about half way up to the cabin. We started a fire. In the stove.  :D After unloading and some arranging and re-installing table legs we set off for home.

Back home we loaded the trailer again. Our son came by as planned after he finished work. We all then drove back up to the cabin with the sofa bed, end tables and a few boxes of stuff. By 1 AM Thursday we turned in for the night. That was a busy night, but we beat the snow.

That's enough for now... more later. with pictures. Right now we have to make a run to Home Depot.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: ScottA on November 28, 2008, 05:48:26 PM
Who wants to bet Don gets snowed in at his cabin before this is all over?
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: PEG688 on November 28, 2008, 05:53:30 PM
Quote from: ScottA on November 28, 2008, 05:48:26 PM


Who wants to bet Don gets snowed in at his cabin before this is all over?



Very possible I say, remember was it last year or the one before    ???  , the guy who got a rental car stranded over on the Olympic Pennsular , over by considerations place. Mud slide IIRC.  The bill got huge but some how it got negotiated down some what.  Made the national news I think.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on November 28, 2008, 09:19:19 PM
What, me worry?

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/mini-P1000518a.jpg)

Beautiful, isn't it?

We had 3 inches of snow at the cabin, about 4 inches in places along the road near us. No tracks other than deer, rabbits, mice, bird of some kind.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on November 28, 2008, 11:37:59 PM
Okay, where was I?   ???

Oh yeah, with winter getting closer and closer it's not realistic to expect to be able to do much more real work on the cabin up there. So we decided to move some furniture and stuff up there, so when we do go up we can stay in the cabin instead of the RV. The RV furnace sucks propane, which is epecially galling when you look at the woodpile.

So here we are... (Son and K pictured.) Things are a little messy...

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/mini-P1000490a.jpg)

Here I am assembling the RCH DC voltage ceiling fan.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/mini-P1000506a.jpg)

And the fan mounted to the ceiling...

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/mini-P1000525a.jpg)

Those are air foils, not less efficient flat paddle blades.  :D

The view out the door, approx 5 PM Thursday

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/mini-P1000499a.jpg)

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on November 28, 2008, 11:40:39 PM
5:45 PM Thursday, looking north to Redondo Peak (hidden)

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/mini-P1000502a.jpg)

Same view, 10:45 AM today...

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/mini-P1000503a.jpg)

And finally I am about to be pelted... it was ideal snowball/snowman snow.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/mini-P1000509a.jpg)

It turned out to be a shoulder wound...  ;D ;D   ... I didn't even drop the camera.  ;D


Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on November 28, 2008, 11:46:54 PM
It was snowy and somewhat cold, but not bad enough to prevent trying out the Romanian army surplus 22LR bolt action rifle our son recently picked up.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/mini-P1000496.jpg)

It does shoot straight, round after round, but K needs practice. She did better with the snowball. Maybe grenades are more her style of weapon.   ;D
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Redoverfarm on November 29, 2008, 12:08:04 AM
Looks like home Don.  What is the building in the distance on the picture of Thursday Morn?
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on November 29, 2008, 12:26:31 AM
That's on my neighbors property. It's an old mobile home. It belongs to his son. They've both been great assets as neighbors. Our access road comes up beside them (just a little to the right of the building as pictured).

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Whitlock on November 29, 2008, 12:37:28 AM
Looks like you were having a good time  [cool]
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on November 29, 2008, 12:51:31 AM
Yes, Whitlock we did!  :)  So much that we're heading back up tomorrow sometime. If all goes as planned we shall return Monday.

I picked up a countertop and some 1x6 T&G tonight for the interior west wall; that will give me a little something to do. There are a number of little things to look after as well. Plus we're taking up some more food, water (jugs partly filled to allow for freezing), gasoline (for the generator), lamp oil, clothing, batteries for the radio, flashlight, etc.  "just in case".

Well, "just in case", but also so when we snowmobile in we won't have to carry as much with us. It's only 2 1/4 miles by snowshoe to the nearest all weather road and year round neighbors.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Whitlock on November 29, 2008, 01:02:56 AM
Right now I'm stuck on ammo. The gun stores were selling stuff like crazy They told Glenn and I that gun and ammo sells were though the roof.When I feel like I have enough ammo I will be back to stocking up on food.

Hasn't snowed here yet and I hope it dosen't. I allways forget were I put stuff after the snow covers it heh
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on November 29, 2008, 01:19:46 AM
Yep. I've noticed the same thing here with ammo. I already have what seems like a lot... but I check Wal-Mart every time I'm there. I got another brick of Remington 22LR, twenty 12 ga. slugs and thirty 12 ga. 00 buckshot last week. 

And speaking of buckshot, we saw another nice 4 point deer on the road up to the cabin.  :)  Lots of rabbit tracks around the property as well.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: diyfrank on November 29, 2008, 11:29:53 AM
Don,
Nice looking place you got there.

Thanks for sharing your progress
and ideas.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on November 29, 2008, 12:04:31 PM
We hope you enjoy the story as much as we are enjoying the experience and the exchange of ideas and information here.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on December 02, 2008, 12:50:52 AM
I installed the counter top (I laid it on top of the base cabinets...  ;D The bases and counter top are not yet screwed in place... that will come when spring comes and we install all the other water related things; pump, heater, etc.). I cut the hole for the sink and installed it. There is no incoming water connection yet, as the supply system will not be operable until spring/summer when the cistern tank is installed. I did hook up a temporary waste water system though.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/mini-P1000536.jpg)

The water goes into the bucket. At appropriate intervals the bucket gets carried to the door and is emptied outside. Not quite to code.  ::)

Yes, that is a bar sink. We couldn't see a standard size sink when we are in an uber water conservation mode.

The table with the Coleman one burner is where the propane range will be situated.

I had some T&G 1x6 and got a start on the west wall.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/mini-P1000540.jpg)

The dressers from K's Mom (deceased) act as a divider/buffer between the living area and the bedroom area. Most of the lamps, round table and chair set, end tables, sofa bed are all from her Mom's place. The tables and chairs are about 50 years old, the dressers about the same. One lamp, the stainless steel one is one of our wedding gifts. (31 years ago)

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/mini-P1000538.jpg)

There's no actual bed yet. That will come after we get the floor tiled in spring/summer. For now it's the old mattress on the floor trick.

The ducks on the wall are hand carved from OR or WA cedar; about 50 years old IIRC.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: glenn kangiser on December 02, 2008, 01:58:45 AM
It's looking like a home, Don.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: wildbil on December 02, 2008, 04:15:58 AM
Don,

Are you planning to live there permanently or is it just a get away? And another question, are you going to put the bathroom inside? Its looking really nice.

congrats on your beautiful home,

Wildbil
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: apaknad on December 02, 2008, 09:59:50 AM
it looks great don. it's funny how when i look at what others have done here i find ideas and strategies that i want to use when i build. when i get done and people look at the pix i think everyone will say"hey, that's a part of my house in there".
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on December 02, 2008, 10:39:46 AM
Quote from: wildbil on December 02, 2008, 04:15:58 AM
....is it just a get away? ....are you going to put the bathroom inside?
Wildbil, it's a permanent getaway.  ;)   Spring through Fall, when we can drive up many/most weekends will be spent there plus all of June through mid-August except for journeys back to the city for whatever. Winter starts when it becomes necessary to snowmobile in. I'm not certain how frequent our visits will be then.


Quote from: wildbil on December 02, 2008, 04:15:58 AM
....are you going to put the bathroom inside?
The Sun-Mar will be moved inside come Spring/Summer; when the tile floor and bathroom walls are completed.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: ScottA on December 06, 2008, 02:13:22 PM
Don what's that round thing in the wall by the wood stove?
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: alcowboy on December 06, 2008, 02:46:54 PM
Don please let me make a guess. If I am wrong please correct me.

Based on some of the other decor in the home I would guess it is a dream catcher.

Probably not even close on this guess.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on December 06, 2008, 03:49:19 PM
Good guess alcowboy. But wrong.  rofl  We do have a Dreamcatcher made by a Hopi Indian, not an Ojibway who started the tradition. But it is native american made, not something imported. It's in the suburban home along with our Hopi Kachina doll.

That is a piece of leaded glass artwork in an oak frame. It was one of Karen's Mom's prized belongings. I have a double paned insulated glass square that will be inserted into that space in spring. I have to build the frame first. Then, during the day at least, the design will be easier to see.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: considerations on December 07, 2008, 11:04:00 AM
Don, is there a kitchen stove planned for the place?
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: glenn kangiser on December 07, 2008, 11:07:09 AM
Hmm, considerations, I thought he was going to have all of his food catered... hmm
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: alcowboy on December 07, 2008, 12:11:09 PM
Quote from: MountainDon on December 06, 2008, 03:49:19 PM
Good guess alcowboy. But wrong.  rofl  We do have a Dreamcatcher made by a Hopi Indian, not an Ojibway who started the tradition. But it is native american made, not something imported. It's in the suburban home along with our Hopi Kachina doll.

That is a piece of leaded glass artwork in an oak frame. It was one of Karen's Mom's prized belongings. I have a double paned insulated glass square that will be inserted into that space in spring. I have to build the frame first. Then, during the day at least, the design will be easier to see.

Oh well, can't win em all  ;)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Sassy on December 07, 2008, 12:34:48 PM
MtnDon,  lookin' pretty homey!  You guys have gotten a lot of work done  8)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: NM_Shooter on December 07, 2008, 09:41:06 PM
Hey Don.... tell me about the cabinet finish.  Are those bare wood oak cabinets that you finished yourself?  I like the color.

-f-
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on December 08, 2008, 06:47:04 PM
Quote from: considerations on December 07, 2008, 11:04:00 AM
Don, is there a kitchen stove planned for the place?
Glenn's got it; there's a few places in Los Alamos that deliver.   [rofl2] 

Actually, yes there will be a range. A 20" propane range will be placed to the left of the counter, where the table that holds the one burner Coleman is.

(http://products.geappliances.com/ProdContent/images/t06/0000021/r21335v-1.jpg?table=Images&methoddecider=18&recid=21335)

The next space (left of the range) will be the refrigerator. We have the range, it's been sitting in our garage for about a year now. I don't want to take it up until the floor is tiled, saves moving it around. I do wish it was there already though, we juggle things between the one burner and the microwave.

Microwave... speaking of... The pure sine wave inverter in the RV crapped out.  >:(  [The RV inverter supplied power to the cabin via an extension cord and Rube Goldberg service entrance adaptation. The generator supplies recharge power to the batteries in the RV. Everything was great until this happened.]

This happened this weekend and I discovered that our little Sanyo microwave will not operate off the square wave inverter that has been a spare.  :(  The lights, TV, converter box, radio, computer and toaster all work fine, though one of the CFL's buzzes lightly. So I have to play with switching the power to the cabin from the RV to the generator and back again. Back and forth gets to be a drag; wish I'd finished up the solar installation already. But it beats running the generator for all power to the cabin. Ah well, come spring... So the moral here is, if you're thinking off grid don't try to go cheap with a square wave (called modified sine wave, but that's a marketing lie, it is square.

Why, you ask, do I not buy & install the Outback inverter I will be getting? Because it's a 24 VDC model and the RV is 12 VDC. So it has to wait.

...probably more info than anyone needed...

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: glenn kangiser on December 08, 2008, 06:51:27 PM
Set up the 24v inverter and a 12v charger off of the 120vac?  Probably too much trouble, but an idea.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on December 08, 2008, 06:52:36 PM
Quote from: NM_Shooter on December 07, 2008, 09:41:06 PM
.... tell me about the cabinet finish.  Are those bare wood oak cabinets that you finished yourself?  I like the color.

Those are unfinished red oak cabinets from Lowe's. We got a base and an upper from craigslist and the other base and two uppers from Lowe's with a 10% off coupon.  They are stained with a water based Minwax stain. The color is called Green Tea; it's a store mixed product. We used a pre stain conditioner as well. The doors are in the garage here. We stained them Saturday and I'll clear coat them tomorrow. Hopefully we'll be able to drive up and install them next weekend, weather permitting.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on December 08, 2008, 06:53:39 PM
Quote from: glenn kangiser on December 08, 2008, 06:51:27 PM
Set up the 24v inverter and a 12v charger off of the 120vac?  Probably too much trouble, but an idea.

Rube's been working overtime as it is.  ;D ;D  I think I'll pass. 
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on December 08, 2008, 07:15:33 PM
We only went up to the cabin Sunday AM and spent the one night. Mostly we did little things that aren't worth photographing or writing about. We did haul up a bunch of assorted dry food stuffs. We've also got a load of water in 1, 2 and 5 gallon jugs, all partially filled with enough slack space to allow for freezing, in preparation for when it snows enough and we have to rely on the snow machine.

I split more firewood, we cleaned up a few places on the grounds and got another little burn pile ready, waiting for enough snow to suppress the fire danger.

I installed the coat racks by the door at last. It's just 2 three foot redwood 1x6's with clear coat finish and brushed chrome hooks.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/P1000542.jpg)

There it is in all it's simple glory. Pictured with three some cold weather clothing as well as three of the other mountain backcountry essentials.

Rather than do a series of short T&G horizontal pieces I opted for a single 1x6 placed vertically. Easy way out.  :D

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on December 09, 2008, 02:13:27 AM
Quote from: Sassy on December 07, 2008, 12:34:48 PM
MtnDon,  lookin' pretty homey!  You guys have gotten a lot of work done  8)

Thanks Kathy. We have and I love it. Karen is overjoyed and that makes me very happy.  :)

I'm at the point where I just love to go up there and simply enjoy enjoy being there; don't shave every any day, pee in the trees  :o, spit if I feel like it, fart when I feel like it, scratch  ::), and so on. But I also want to get things done; next on the list is the interior window and door framing.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: glenn kangiser on December 09, 2008, 02:37:15 AM
Careful, Don.  She'll think I'm there. [crz]
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on December 09, 2008, 02:54:33 AM
If I didn't have to still work for money I'd be there all the time.  ;D  ;D  Life seems so simple when I'm up there. All I need to do is get connected to the internet (Alltel wireless), stock up on some more food and I'd be all set for a peaceful winter.  :) :) It does have its attractions.

I'd love to have a REAL  snow machine...

(http://www.timwafer.com/Tucker/images/CREVSS.jpg)

or, a little more modern...

(http://underagedrvers.blogspot.com/040905%20van.jpg)



Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: John_C on December 09, 2008, 07:50:54 AM
Don,
They might cut you a deal on that Expedition vehicle.  Where is, as is .... kinda deal ;D
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on December 10, 2008, 02:24:19 AM
It would seem those guys were very lucky.   :o
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on December 14, 2008, 08:01:33 PM
I drove up today with hopes that I could drive all the way to the cabin, through the past few days snow. My expectations were that I could not. I was prepared to see impenetrable quantities of snow. The last 13 miles of highway was snowpacked, but there wasn't much actual depth off to the sides, so my hopes grew more positive as I approached the turn off.   :D

The first couple miles of gravel road were snowpacked as well, but there had not been enough snow to get the grader out to clear the road. Another good sign.  :)

Past the still open forest service gate the windy road deserved slower than usual speed, but no problems. There had been previous traffic. Turning off onto the secondary forest road I found there had been some traffic as well. It looked like maybe 5 to 6 inches of snow. About 3/4 of a mile later the tracks of previous vehicles stopped and turned around. A short on foot exploration revealed the snow to be passable in my estimation. I forged onwards.

At the downhill turn to the more primitive final mile I had another quick reconnoiter and took the plunge. Here and there the snow had drifted slightly but it was okay. I made it to the gate, unlocked and opened it and passed through. Now the final hill.  ???

When I hit the first mild grade section what I feared, happened. My tires are too wide for good snow tires.  :( They're great on dirt, sand and rock, even mud for the most part. But in soft fluffy snow they ride on top and break through. I made a couple attempts, backing up and cautiously trying again. I could all I'd do is maybe get to the steeper section and then be faced with backing down the hill. Not my favorite thing.

I strapped on my gaiters and my new MSR snowshoes.  :)  I pulled my small Rubbermaid utility box, loaded with a few more food stuffs to leave in the cabin, behind me on the first trek up. I got a fire going in the 31 degree cabin. It was 16 outside. I made four more trips up the hill, each seemingly longer then the previous. Three of those were to carry up the cabinet doors we stained and clear coated back at home. The fifth and final trip was for the can of hinges and screws I left behind in the Jeep.

Here's the trail up. You can see the Jeep tracks as far I went. I then turned it around and backed up a ways in  preparation for snowshoeing the supplies up.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/P1000569.jpg)

Here's a look down from the top of the road up the hill. The speck at the bottom is the rear of the Jeep.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/P1000557.jpg)

As the cabin warmed I installed made a cup of tea and  had a sandwich for lunch. I installed the cabinet doors.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/P1000567.jpg)

I had a short debate with myself on the advisability of staying overnight.  I won  ::)  deciding the forecast risk of 1 to 3 inches more snow overnight with blowing winds wasn't worth the risk of making ScottA's prediction of November 28 come true.  ;D  Sorry Scott, if you had any money riding on that.  ;)

http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.msg73681#msg73681 (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.msg73681#msg73681)

So I retreated down the hill to the Jeep and drove out. I clicked the front locker on twice on a couple uphill stretches with some drifted snow.

The next trip will likely demand the use of the snow machine, unless we get a wave of warm weather.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: ScottA on December 14, 2008, 08:22:23 PM
QuoteI had a short debate with myself on the advisability of staying overnight.  I won    deciding the forecast risk of 1 to 3 inches more snow overnight with blowing winds wasn't worth the risk of making ScottA's prediction of November 28 come true.    Sorry Scott, if you had any money riding on that. 

There's always next week Don.  ;) I woulda stuck it out but I have a bad habit of tempting fate. Cabinets look good.  :)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on December 14, 2008, 08:29:23 PM
Quote from: ScottA on December 14, 2008, 08:22:23 PM
... but I have a bad habit of tempting fate.

If it wasn't for one uphill section with a drop off on the right and a sharp left at the top I would've felt more comfortable...   ???

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on December 14, 2008, 11:09:30 PM
Quote from: ScottA on December 14, 2008, 08:22:23 PM
Cabinets look good.  :)

Now we need to decide on what pulls to use.   ???
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: phalynx on December 14, 2008, 11:30:08 PM
I don't know if you like the snow or not but I am truly envious.  I would LOVE to live in a place that snowed like that. I miss the snow.  I do think the green cabinets look really nice.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on December 14, 2008, 11:35:55 PM
I like the snow where it is, up by the cabin. I say that because as it is NM is home to some of the worst drivers around. Maybe they'd wise up around town here if it snowed more down here, but I don't think so. Too many never slow down for anything, heavy rain, dust storms, whatever.

We like having the snow close by, but also like not having to deal with it every day around town. I'd be just a tad happier if I could drive up to the cabin through more of the winter, but the snow machine is fun too. We really could use two of them and maybe a sled to tow behind.

I really hated to leave there today, so serene and beautiful; but like I said... concerns about the weather and getting back out...

Thanks for the kind words about the cabinets. I wondered how they would turn out when K suggested it.  :)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: brian_nj on December 14, 2008, 11:43:36 PM
I like how the cabin is progressing it is looking really good. I feel your pain with the roads and the weather I have had to leave our property more than once due to storms coming in and not wanting to chance the roads in the weather. And if it snowed where you lived the drivers would not get any better I am from NJ and snow was common about the only thing that slows most of the idiots on the road down is the tree they smack when they loose control.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Native_NM on December 15, 2008, 10:21:51 PM
I bet somebody is very glad they did not stay in Jemez Sunday;  we have 4 inches at our place in the foothills of Albuquerque.  The forecast is 12" in the Jemez area.   ;D
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on December 15, 2008, 10:39:39 PM
That would be me!!  :D  Yessir!!

We've got a floor to tile, and walls and ceiling to paint first, here at home this coming weekend and a few days after, but after it's done we're dragging the snowmobile up; spend a few nights.   :)  It checked out fine today, except I couldn't find the keys  d* , so I bypassed the locking switch.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on December 31, 2008, 10:13:11 PM
Don and Karen's Year End Adventure!

Sunday we drove up to the cabin; or rather to the Fire Station along FR10. We parked the Jeep and trailer there and took off up FR10 from there. FR10 had a lot of snow cover and it was all chewed up by AWD ATV's. That made it a rough ride on the Polaris. Once onto FR10B it was mostly virgin snow and the going was better.

However, after the turn down off 10B (100 ft drop in approx 1/10 mile) onto our access road we suddenly ran into extra deep, extra powdery snow and we bogged down in the right hand turn. We dug it out (much work) and continued on down the road. We bogged down again and dug out again (much work). Forging onward we made it to within 200 feet of our gate. There was a large tree across the road. It seemed there was a viable detour. The snowmobile and I started across a fallen tree under the snow before sinking about 15" into 24"+ deep powder. Discouraged we broke out the MSR snowshoes, left the snowmobile and headed for the cabin. The walk up the hill and to the cabin is about a quarter mile. We were soon in the (not so) cozy 27 degree cabin. It was 36 degrees outside so I suggested we open the door and windows to warm up while I got a fire going.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/P1000616.jpg)

That was at 1:30; by 6:30 it was 70 degrees inside.  :) 

I measured in several places and came up with a figure of about 22 to 24" worth of snowfall around our site.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/P1000648.jpg)

Monday we played out our pyromaniac fantasies.  :o  Well, yes, back in the summer and fall we had made several piles of trash fallen branches and trees, pine cones, and needles. We had covered some with strips of building paper and some with plastic. That kept the rain and snow off. They were piled high with the recent snows, so after shoveling and pushing off a great deal of the snow we were ready to burn. With the aid of a little gasoline at one side of the pile, a little kerosene at the other side (the side where the match was applied) we soon had a roaring blaze.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/P1000628.jpg)

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/P1000642.jpg)

Then two blazes, then three... The piles safely burned through the night into Tuesday. By Tuesday late afternoon they were almost all burned out. We felt that the trip up was well worth it; not only did we enjoy the serenity of the forest in snow, but we got rid of a lot of trash.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/P1000655.jpg)

Tuesday afternoon we tried digging out the snowmobile. What a formidable job! I should also mention that after getting out of the second bog down the centrifugal clutch was giving me some concerns. It seemed to be slipping a lot more than before and was smoking as I'd never seen before,  >:(  . With that and a hill covered in deep powder to be ascended on the way out we weighed our options. A. Snowshoe out, leaving the snowmobile covered where it was, a little off the main trail and close to the end of the public road, or B. dig some more, manhandle it around to go back, and take a chance on [1] the clutch being okay and/or [2] getting or not getting bogged down in the uphill powder right in the middle of a road/trail.   ???



Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on December 31, 2008, 10:13:48 PM
So, back to the snowmobile...  We decided to tarp the snowmobile where it lay and snowshoe out to the Jeep. The thinking that went into that was that if we couldn't get up the powder hill the snowmobile would be (buried) in the middle of a public road.  ??? ??? Might be the right thing, might be the wrong thing.

It's only 3 1/4 miles from the cabin to where we parked the Jeep, and the trail had already been broken by the snowmobile, 1 4/10 miles of it by many snowmobiles.  :D  So Wednesday morning we closed up things and set off down the hill. The trek out only took 1 3/4 hours, not too bad for snow shoes.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/P1000731.jpg)



Other notes of interest: Monday evening I was outside near the east end of the cabin. All was quiet. Suddenly there was a rumbling sound. I looked up at the end wall to see virtually the entire load of snow on the roof slide; both north and south sides at the same time, followed by a loud caaarruummpp! We had a laugh over it and also were thankful neither of us was in the fall zone. We noted to make the walk path well inside the eve drip line.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/P1000694.jpg)

The remnants slid off in smaller pieces over the course of the next day.

So now I want a real Sno Cat. (These are snow Kittens... really.)

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/oddsnends2/1959_Sno-Cat0001_b.jpg)

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/oddsnends2/Tucker-Kitten-Variants.jpg)

or modern variant

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/oddsnends2/LMC1500.jpg)

;D ;D ;D

Anyhow, we're formulating plans to go bck on a rescue mission if possible; if not a rescue until spring, then possibly a couple snowshoe trips up over the next month or two. We've enough water, etc stored up there.  :D

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: phalynx on December 31, 2008, 11:26:09 PM
Why not have the best of both worlds.....
(http://www.greatnorthoffroad.com/images/Drag1.jpg)

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: NM_Shooter on December 31, 2008, 11:29:49 PM
Don, any chance of getting your jeep in there with chains to extract the snowmobile?

-f-
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on December 31, 2008, 11:35:27 PM
Quote from: phalynx on December 31, 2008, 11:26:09 PM
Why not have the best of both worlds.....


I've seen those  :)  but they have the same shortcomings as owning one of the purpose built snow cat type machines. You can't drive the 60 miles of pavement up to the dirt roads in them.

BTW, the first two pictures, of the 2 Sno Cat Kitten variations are late 50, early 60 models that now probably would cost more than a new Jimmy pickup with treads.


Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on December 31, 2008, 11:36:42 PM
Quote from: NM_Shooter on December 31, 2008, 11:29:49 PM
Don, any chance of getting your jeep in there with chains to extract the snowmobile?

-f-

Yep, there's a chance.... I think the chances of getting the Jeep in there are about 20%
Getting it out about 1%   

:(

If you recall the sharp left downhill off 10B, followed by the sharp right, downhill all the way to the cattle water tanks... that's the worrisome section. I was amazed at the amount of powder there and the sun doesn't hit it much to get a melt, freeze cycle going. The snow was up to the top of my kneecaps on the slope.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: phalynx on January 01, 2009, 12:08:20 AM
Can you get a plow for the front of your jeep?
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on January 01, 2009, 12:18:52 AM
Quote from: phalynx on January 01, 2009, 12:08:20 AM
Can you get a plow for the front of your jeep?

As far as I know there are no plows made for the Cherokee. Even then, if there are it would cost more than I have invested in the snowmobile. Plus as I recall from my younger days pushing snow can be hard on a vehicle; I don't think it's something a unit body Jeep should be subjected to. Thanks for the thought.

I'd have to plow slightly over 3 miles of snow covered semi rough dirt road with a net gain in altitude of about 600 feet, a gross gain of about 900 feet with the ups and downs along the way.  Most of the change occurs in a couple of short sections. ???  A dozer might be better suited to the task.  ;)

I'll be talking with my neighbor up there to see if he has any ideas. He does have a skid steer, but I don't know if he would want to use it or not.  :-\

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on January 01, 2009, 12:52:56 AM
I had some fun making a panorama shot...

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/panoramadecember292008_x2024.jpg)

Happy New Year!!
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: ScottA on January 01, 2009, 01:49:18 PM
Looks like alot of fun Don.  :)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on January 01, 2009, 04:53:06 PM
This would be fun, and useful, too!!   :D

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/transportation/blow8.jpg)

A Bombardier tracked snow blower. 8.3 tons per minute.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Dog on January 01, 2009, 06:03:38 PM
The place looks great! I finally made it through your entire thread!
HAPPY NEW YEAR! 8)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on January 01, 2009, 07:35:33 PM
Quote from: Dog on January 01, 2009, 06:03:38 PM
....I finally made it through your entire thread!....

You are persistent     :)    sorry for all the drift  :D
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on January 01, 2009, 08:59:36 PM
I'm spinning off the snow machines to over here...

http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=5975.new#new (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=5975.new#new)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Redoverfarm on January 01, 2009, 10:29:42 PM
Don it has probabaly been 25-30 years since I rode snowmobils.  I always remembered that in light deep snow the secret was to stay light in the load and keep moving at a good pace.  If you slowed or had too much weight you would have to dig out constantly. I guess they haven't changed them that much in that amount of time.  A packed trail was very easy to load up on and kept you  moving . That is until a plug fouled out. Always carried a couple extra in the tool pocket.  You learn real quick that decending in a forrest never stop straddling a tree between the runners. Virtually impossible to pull a heavy machine backwards and uphill by hand. ;D  Hope you get the machine close to civilization.   
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: NM_Shooter on January 02, 2009, 09:41:28 PM
Did you get your sled out?  I am tied up tomorrow but could be available Sunday if you need help.  I'm hoping that the snow is a bit better crusted over.

-f-
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on January 02, 2009, 10:03:29 PM
Nope...   :(

James' skid steer is not operative right now so we can't even try to plow out a route like he did last spring.

We have things in the way here Sunday. Not sure when or what we're going to do.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on January 02, 2009, 11:00:40 PM
I have been thinking of snowshoeing back up with some of my heavy duty tie down web straps  (2" wide) and using them and the come-a-long that's up in the shed to help turn the machine back around. I didn't take careful enough note, but I don't think there's a near enough anchor behind it to pull it backwards. But a sideways on the nose might work.   ???    Wheels are turning slowly in my mind.  Lots of anchors (trees) in front of it but I don't want to go that way.   d*
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: NM_Shooter on January 03, 2009, 06:29:53 PM
How deep is the snow that it is in?
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on January 03, 2009, 06:40:38 PM
 22 -23 inches. It's not in a position that gets much direct sunshine either; northerly side of trees. But with warm air temps during a few hours of the day that may help.

The front end of the skis are against a fallen tree. There's nothing behind it all at within reasonable distance to use as an anchor. That may be just as well as the left ski is angled up against the fallen tree enough that I suspect the rear of the ski will try to dig in and break/bend if a direct rear pull was attempted.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on January 12, 2009, 04:44:49 PM
I just spent $1699!! :o   :D 

I got a deal on an Outback VFX3524M Inverter. 24 VDC input with 3500 watts of continuous pure sine wave AC power output!

The M is a mobile (RV, boat) designated model. The only real difference between it and the normal off grid model is the M is limited to a 30 amp pass through, whereas the regular off grid has up to 60 amps pass through. 30 amps is 3600 watts and my generator isn't quite that big anyhow. So it's perfect for a cabin with a 30 amp service.  :D  Saved $335 off their price and $200 off the best price I found elsewhere. Plus no shipping, just a gallon of gas. No tax like I'd likely be paying if purchased from another state.

Affordable Solar (http://www.affordable-solar.com/) across the river in Albuquerque had one they reduced the price on. It's now mine! I get to pick it up tomorrow. Installation to come later in spring. No sales tax either, and it counts towards the total for my federal alternative energy tax credit for tax year 2009.

Next will be the panels and panel mount.  :) :)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: glenn kangiser on January 13, 2009, 12:09:06 AM
That is a great inverter, Don.  My neighbor next mountain over is a tester for Outback.  You can do a lot with that much power.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on January 13, 2009, 01:31:19 AM
Outback products are almost bullet proof.  ;D  They are the only inverter I know of that is operation rated for down past 40 degrees below zero. Some of the Xantrex are only rated down a little below freezing. Magnum are rated down to 4 degrees I think. I want this to be workable down to any likely winter time temp we might encounter up in the Jemez, so it seemed like a natural choice. It is going to be mounted in an unheated area.

I believe Outback is the only inverter manufacturer that only makes pure sine wave inverters; no 'modified' square wave.

The 3524 can also be stacked for greater power needs, like any top line inverter. However, I don't think I'm going to need more at the cabin. This should be plenty of power.

I found out something interesting about inverters today; I'll post in a new topic.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: glenn kangiser on January 13, 2009, 01:50:03 AM
Sounds great - see you there.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on January 13, 2009, 02:19:00 AM
Link to new (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=6059.new#new)

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on January 14, 2009, 02:37:10 AM
I have the VFX3524M inverter now in my possession .  :) :)  It's my guess that the M for mobile version is not all that hot a mover. The production date codes would seem to indicate that they've had it in stock for a year. No big deal to me as it suits our small cabin perfectly.

I came away with a list of the PV panels they have in the ABQ warehouse. I've been tossing things around as to what's best... what's in stock here and would not have freight charges added vs. other available panels that would have freight added. I have pretty much decided. More later for whomever is interested.

I want winter to end right now so I can get on with this.  >:(
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: phalynx on January 14, 2009, 11:49:41 AM
The "M" (Marine) versions are not popular because a) there aren't that many installed in sub-par boats that required heavy duty inverter protection from the elements. and b) they derate the inverters to allow for the heat dissapation from the enclosed unit. 

For typically the same price as the marine units, the non-marine units output about 10-15% more capability.  Personally, I'd buy it on sale like you did.  If you are bumping up against your limits, you under-purchased the inverter anyway. 

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on January 14, 2009, 11:59:36 AM
For every day use this inverter is overkill, but it provides the ability to run circular saws, etc without the need to fire up the generator.

In the case of Outback the normal off grid and the M for mobile versions sell for the same prices, same power output. For Marine uses they recommend their non vented line, FX prefix instead of VFX. As well they recommend the use of the T for Turbo models which have a small external cooling fan. The non vented ones are ideal for areas with proximity to water, salt air or extreme dust. The Outback FX series are used in Iraq and survive quite well.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: soomb on January 14, 2009, 12:05:44 PM
I love all of this solar talk, as I will be headed that way in about 2 years.  Don: can some of this be sent to the new energy post you started?
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on January 14, 2009, 12:20:36 PM
Quote from: soomb on January 14, 2009, 12:05:44 PM
I love all of this solar talk, as I will be headed that way in about 2 years.  Don: can some of this be sent to the new energy post you started?

Talking solar gets some folks hot.   ;D

I will try to keep the info regarding PV power over there in the Off Grid topic. That way it may be easier to reference.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Bishopknight on January 14, 2009, 03:25:23 PM
Very nice MountainDon,

I've heard nothing but good things about Outback chargers/inverters. With the new Federal incentives, I'll also be making some purchases this spring myself.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on January 15, 2009, 02:38:16 AM
I ordered the Outback FlexMAX60 charge controller, the remote temperature sensor (RTS) for the battery bank and the Mate. The Mate is the remote control module so the charge controller can be programmed, statistics checked and operation monitored from inside the cabin. The Mate also has an RS-232 port if I decide to save all the data and crunch numbers on the computer.  ::)

This lot is coming from another NM solar dealer, TheSolar.Biz (http://thesolar.biz/Our_Complete_Product_Inventory.htm).
FlexMAX60 Charge Controller is $485.97
Outback RTS is $25.97
Mate Remote Monitor and Control $212.97
shipping approx 40.00 , no sales tax again as they are a NM firm and the end use is in NM. They beat the local Affordable Solar by $77 even with the shipping.

It costs money to build a reliable power company.   :D

I'll have to wait a whole year before I can take the tax credits.  :(

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Jens on January 15, 2009, 10:14:33 PM
Looked at popular science magazine the other night.  They have a V8 powered snowblower in there.  Thought you might like it.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on January 15, 2009, 10:48:09 PM
 :D :D    I do.

http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2360.0 (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2360.0)

;D ;D
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on January 16, 2009, 11:39:02 AM
I ordered my PV panels this morning. Three Sharp 208 watt panels @ $829 each. That's $3.99 a watt.  :)  I pick them up Monday and avoid the shipping costs. Affordable Solar again. They have 23 of those still in stock, FYI.

I can't install them until spring, but I've never seen a price under $4.50 a watt before and thought it best to grab them while they were still available as it is a discontinued model.


Plus I ordered a top of pole mount for them from a local mount manufacturer.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: glenn kangiser on January 16, 2009, 02:04:31 PM
That's a good deal, Don. :)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Sassy on January 16, 2009, 02:04:54 PM
Great prices on the solar panels!  
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: soomb on January 16, 2009, 02:07:01 PM
Don, what do you think it would take in order to power the cabin full time?
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on January 16, 2009, 02:17:23 PM
With the limited space, lots of windows, wood burner for heat, propane for cooking, water heating and refrigeration, using CFL's as the main lighting along with a couple small 15 watt over the counter fluorescent lights, a small RV DC water pressure pump and the sunny NM weather, we should have excess power from the 624 watts of panels. In summer we have a good 6 hours of very usable sun power on a typical day. Even during the rainy season the skies don't normally cloud up till 1 or 2 PM.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on January 16, 2009, 03:38:33 PM
Ooops, forgot to mention the microwave and a little LCD TV use. Computer battery charging. That's more less everything. 24 VDC ceiling fan.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Pritch on January 16, 2009, 04:17:24 PM
Don, that sounds like a great price on the panels.  I had heard that you wanted to keep an even number of panels.  Is that incorrect?  Also, did't you already have a few smaller panels? 

-- Pritch
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on January 16, 2009, 06:16:46 PM
Good question Pritch. And I'm going to put my reply in the Off Grid topic. (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=6059.msg79361#msg79361)

About the small panels I've had for a while... Yes. I have 2 15 watt 12 volt panels. One has a cracked face and only puts out about half it's rated power. I am not sure where they will end up. Possibly I'll keep them as a power source for a small battery to run a light in the shed.   ???  It's not worth trying to tie them into the new system of panels, IMO.  They've done a good job at 'floating' the RV batteries over the winter.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: prohomesteader on January 16, 2009, 08:31:48 PM
@mountaindon

here you can get solar panels for 2.50 to 3.50 per watt usually, I've never seen them cheaper

I haven't ordered yet, so I can't vouch for them but thought you or anyone else reading might appreciate the link

http://www.sunelec.com/

I have talked to them on the phone and the only "catch" is they are a wholesale place so their minimum order is 4 panels when i talked to them a couple months ago
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on January 16, 2009, 10:09:43 PM
That's good pricing. Check what the freight costs would be. Good be a good choice especially if you are close.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on January 19, 2009, 09:59:12 PM
I picked up the panels from the warehouse today. Oh boy, o boy!!! Several pallets of PV panels sitting there. I quickly counted over three hundred 200 watt or bigger panels waiting to find homes.  :D  Racks full of other stuff too. What a candy store!


They need a new warehouse man.  $18 an hour plus profit sharing. At least that's what the guy who got fired this morning was making. Was the bosses son.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: tesa on January 19, 2009, 11:23:17 PM
wow, i just spent my monday evening watching you build your cabin.

how inspiring

(bowing lowly, "i am not worthy")

the panoramic view of your homestead is just beautiful

i've been to your area of NM, as a tourist several years ago, and fell in love

thank you so much for sharing your journey, again, truly inspiring

tesa
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on January 20, 2009, 02:15:27 AM
tesa, We consider ourselves extremely fortunate to have found our little piece of the Jemez. I'm glad you enjoyed the visit. Not too much will be going on for the next couple months. I'm collecting parts. I'm unable to get the Jeep in the garage as I have it cluttered with assorted things. I have to build a bed base and a few other small things before spring.

I spent a lot of time running over the sequence of construction before picking up a tool. That paid off as I usually managed to have what I needed on hand, or at least could skip to something else until I could obtain the missing item.

I made drawings of each wall, the floor joists and sheathing, the ceiling joists, rafters and roof sheathing. From those I made material lists, size, length species and grade. I ordered virtually all the all the materials for the basic shell from one source and got a good price with delivery to the mountain site. I did pay a little more for the materials compared to the pick it up yourself prices at HD or Lowe's. But I didn't need to haul it. It was well worth the difference as I was able to build rather than transport.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Dog on February 10, 2009, 08:07:09 PM
I am so excited for you about your solar panels!  [cool] I mean  HOT!  d*
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on February 10, 2009, 08:11:09 PM
Thanks. I noticed yesterday that their stocks on that deal are exhausted. Glad I bought them when I did.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Terry on February 23, 2009, 10:21:09 PM
Quote from: MountainDon on January 20, 2009, 02:15:27 AM
I have to build a bed base and a few other small things before spring.

Would you mind taking pictures of the bed base you build? Will it have drawers underneath? My husband will be building one in the next few months and I would like to show him a picture.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on February 24, 2009, 12:03:55 AM
Quote from: Terry on February 23, 2009, 10:21:09 PM
Would you mind taking pictures of the bed base you build? Will it have drawers underneath? My husband will be building one in the next few months and I would like to show him a picture.

Certainly! I have them started in the garage. I'll take a picture or two soon (after I do the garage door opener repair) and post them along with my thought process. I am not building drawers. We will be buying plastic storage boxes with lids and sliding them under the bed. I could build drawers, I have before. However, our elected approach is faster and I have loads of work to do anyhow, so it's a compromise.  :D  The bed comforter will hang down the sides to near floor level and hide anything there anyhow.


We drove up to the mtns to check on the road/snow. There's not much snow on the road. We made a start but encountered mushy snow wherever the suns rays were hitting, along with the dreaded fall through. I didn't have to shovel or winch, but needed both axles locked to get it out. Had to back down an 1/8 mile of curvy road; not my favorite thing to do. We snowshoed a mile up past where we gave up the idea of driving and found similar to softer conditions all along. Unless it snows again in significant amounts I think we stand a good chance of driving all or at least most of the way up to our cabin.   :D :D
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: DirtyLittleSecret on March 05, 2009, 11:44:21 PM
Okay, so it took me my spare time over the last three days to go through this thread, and I gotta admit...its gotten me anxious for the snow on my property to clear up!  Seriously, thanks for sharing with us.  I'm already considering a PV system now.  Oh, and nice Jeep.  Too bad it isnt a Cruiser!
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on March 06, 2009, 12:03:19 AM
I'm happy to share.  :D  I can't bear the waiting to get back up there myself. We're planning on a week over spring break in a few weeks. EDIT: Make that 2 weeks; just checked the calendar. March 21

I had a Cruiser many years ago; a BJ60. The BJ is an FJ with a 3.4L 4 cyl diesel! The diesel was never available in the USA. I was still in Canada at the time. At times I wish I had never sold it, but then I have those thoughts about a lot of my former wheels.   d*

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: DirtyLittleSecret on March 06, 2009, 10:38:26 PM
My "Mountain Rig": 1988 FJ62 w/ LT1, 4L60e, 1 ton (Longfield 30's, Poly Rears), 3" OME, 1" BL, ARB/Aussie, Warn M8000, 33" BFG MT's, and fresh interior, etc...

(https://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c327/gstupid/PC012540.jpg)

...and this is a "modest" build...

Didnt mean to hijack, but thanks again for the great thread!  I look forward to Season 2!

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on March 06, 2009, 10:47:11 PM
Those work well with the small block; there are a few around here that I know of. If you have other images and want to show off you could go here...

http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2532.0 (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2532.0)

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on March 16, 2009, 10:46:35 AM
Hi! I Love You!
KLM
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on March 16, 2009, 12:24:47 PM
That was not me loving myself.  [crz]

That was Karen, my wife, who logged in on her computer as myself  d*

I love her too.  :D

Maybe she needs her own login. 

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Sassy on March 16, 2009, 12:57:36 PM
 ;D
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on March 16, 2009, 01:49:52 PM
Kinda funny. She was at her computer, and I was in the other room on mine. She made that post and thenkept coming by to see what I was doing. She was wondering why I never responded. Finally she asked if I'd received any messages. I said, "No". Which brought a "What!"

Anyhow I explained the system.


Could have been in trouble there.  ;D ;D
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on March 21, 2009, 05:08:05 PM
Quote from: MountainDon on March 06, 2009, 12:03:19 AM
I can't bear the waiting to get back up there myself. We're planning on a week over spring break in a few weeks. EDIT: Make that 2 weeks; just checked the calendar. March 21

Stymied by the snow! There's not a lot, but enough in all the wrong places. Past the locked gate the forest road has about a dozen bends that are north facing, shielded from direct sunshine for the most part. Each one of these curved road sections are graded with the slight banking to the low side which is a drop off. We used our key and got through two of those bends, the first one easily enough, the second required more work, several runs at the snow.  The Cherokee kept wanting to slide downhill, to the drop.  >:(

A short hike showed that the 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th bends were just as bad, maybe worse/deeper.

We ate lunch, turned around, and called it a day. Perhaps if the weather stays as warm as it has been we may try in 3 - 4 weeks.  ???

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on March 26, 2009, 07:31:57 PM
With only slight difficulty (driving fast through deep spots of snow; not my usual more cautious approach) we made it 3 3/4 miles from the highway to the foot of "our hill". Only a quarter mile to go.  :D  Basically all the snow had melted in the forest, save for north facing slopes and shady areas. Our "hillside driveway" on the north facing slope was 12" deep. The Cherokee did not like it at all. So we hiked up and got a fire going in the Aspen. Happily the batteries were at full charge thanks to the small PV panel set.

This morning we woke up to 2+" of fresh snow. We went out and set fires to three small burn piles we'd set up yesterday. It continued to snow with flakes bigger than in the earlier morning. About noon, after watching the continuing snow and the weather guy on TV we decided to retreat. The forecast was for snow today, tonight and tomorrow.

More than likely it will turn out to be a non event.  ???
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: ScottA on March 26, 2009, 08:29:02 PM
Maybe time for a plow on the jeep?  :)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: DirtyLittleSecret on March 29, 2009, 08:35:33 PM
Pics are required!
BTW: Cherokees no likey das plow.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on March 29, 2009, 09:12:44 PM
Right on DLS. If you did manage to mount a plow there would soon be damage to the unibody/suspension link mounts in short order.


Pictures? Sure why not.  :D

First a couple I took looking up from the bottom of the hill with the cell phone camera. I attacked the snow a couple times, sunk and dug in, then turned around and backed up a ways.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/03-25-09_1258.jpg)

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/03-25-09_1301.jpg)

Then here's one with the snow on the north side of the cabin as it was when we arrived.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/P1000770.jpg)

And then a couple pictures taken the following morning; first looking to the north (Redondo Peak is in the clouds)...

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/P1000776.jpg)

... and then one looking down the south slope. Taken during a brief respite in the morning snowfall.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/P1000773.jpg)

BTW, yesterday I spoke with the realtor we used and he said he only got about 4 inches of snow (800 foot lower elevation). Oh well, better safe than sorry.


Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: John_C on March 29, 2009, 09:29:18 PM
Did you wave at your snowmobile?
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on March 29, 2009, 09:34:26 PM
Yes, I did. It was there covered just as we left it. Next trip up we'll drag the trailer along and retrieve it.

One more photo... a rather good sized tree on FR10 a little ways past the locked FS gate.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/P1000744.jpg)

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: John_C on March 29, 2009, 09:37:10 PM
Just in time to... umm summerize it.

Something is just wrong about that.
???
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on March 29, 2009, 09:50:22 PM
A while back someone asked about what we were going to use for the bed. Here's what I've done. First of all though I want to declare that this is not a fine piece of furniture. Well, that's obvious. All we want is something to hold the queen size mattress up off the floor. We like firm beds so we're not even bothering with a box spring.

This is basic: 2x4's and 3/4 plywood, glue and screws. The legs will be section of redwood 4x4's at each corner with possibly a center leg (2x4) centered in each side. There are two of these boxes, each 30" x 80". The leg height is to be determined, but will be long enough to provide room for storage boxes. We're going to use some plastic under the bed style boxes with lids for out of season outerwear and so on.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/P1000753.jpg)

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/P1000755.jpg)

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/P1000757.jpg)

They may not be elegant pieces, but they're going to be covered by bedding anyhow. Oh, the wood was all clear coated (2 coats) with Minwax water based poly.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: ListerD on March 29, 2009, 10:14:31 PM
(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/P1000744.jpg)

This photo just cracks me up!!!  :)

Are those barn door thermals?
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on March 30, 2009, 12:08:38 AM
"barn door thermals" ?    ???   Do you mean thermal underwear with a "trapdoor" seat?   No, they're just some winter pants of some kind. Jacket, boots, snow shoes and gaiters make up the balance of the ensemble.  :D  I do believe she was wearing "long johns" under the pants.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: ListerD on March 30, 2009, 06:08:46 AM
Yup, trapdoor is what I meant... I was laughing too hard to type I guess.

My dad wore them in the winter and I used to think it was funny as hell. Childhood flashback.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Terry on March 30, 2009, 06:48:24 PM
Mt. Don,
Thanks for remembering the photos of the bed construction. That's exactly what I need.  :)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on March 30, 2009, 08:04:45 PM
My pleasure, Terry.  :D
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on April 06, 2009, 08:22:57 PM
We drove the Jeep up to the cabin door!! No I didn't get crazy and charge the hill using brute force. I used my head and decided to explore the back way.

We took a minor forest service road that connects to the road that passes by the side of our neighbors land. We were able to negotiate that with little difficulty and cross over to our place in the woods.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/04-05-09_1126.jpg)

It's a few more miles and a much rougher, eroded route, but it worked. I think it could still be a month before our hill has melted down enough to be drivable. Saturday AM when we got there the hill snow was frozen solid (20 degrees) and icy. Too dicey to try.

We saw 6+ deer on the way up Saturday. Saturday was windy, but Sunday dawned with a dead calm. We did more outside cleanup and burned a lot of it. Sunday we saw 12+ turkeys.

On site we burned more piles of slash and a bunch of the fall/winters drop of pine needles.

Some idiot had smashed down the FS gate on FR 10. When we came back down this afternoon the FS had a crew repairing it. They were almost done and we chatted while they stowed their welder and tools. The one guy is a cousin of our neighbor with the skidsteer. We've met/run into other cousins of his up there as well. I believe all the Hispanics up there are related.

Next weekend I may haul the interior window trim and sills up and install them.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Homegrown Tomatoes on April 17, 2009, 11:40:28 PM
Don, here's hoping you have a productive weekend. I'm hoping just to finally get the door on the chicken house this weekend so we can quit taking a sheet of plywood off and on every day. 
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on April 18, 2009, 12:37:37 AM
It's been snowing up there off and on for much of the day; maybe another 6 inches. We seem to be getting the winter we didn't have earlier, now that it's spring.

We're staying home Saturday, do some chores around here. Plus we're making a couple target frames for the shooting range.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on April 27, 2009, 05:26:04 PM
K is recovering from a bad cold that arrived Friday. I'm working my way out of a sinus infection.

Today we felt good enough to drive up to the mountains and recover the sled (snowmobile). It was unscathed, untampered with.  :)

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/P1000786.jpg)

It is surprising what 2 weeks of sunny and warmer weather will do, even if there was 10 inches of snoe half way between. The snow had melted off the last hill sufficiently to allow us to drive up to the cabin the front way. We dropped off the lumber for the finish trim around the inside of the foors and windows. Next time we'll get that job done.

It was sunny and 57 and the air smelled so good it was a shame to have to go back home and to work tomorrow.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: ScottA on April 27, 2009, 06:26:31 PM
Looks like a nice day in some beautiful country Don.  :) Glad you got your snow machine back intact.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Redoverfarm on April 27, 2009, 07:23:36 PM
Well if there is an upside Don you have all summer to repair/replace the clutch. 
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on May 01, 2009, 12:52:28 AM
I'll be doing that John, and then putting it up for sale.

We discovered that it's easy enough to snowshoe in and out and less bother. It's actually nicer to snowshoe the three miles in the winter the winter than it is to hike it in the summer. It was a good experiment.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: glenn kangiser on May 01, 2009, 08:12:22 AM
Kinda like four wheel drive.  Not there to keep you from getting stuck - just there to make you get stuck harder.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on May 04, 2009, 07:27:24 PM
We spent 2 days, 1 night up in the mountains. We burned some more slash.

I also finally got the fresh air inlet for the wood burner stove installed. Hooray!! It makes quite a difference in the burn. I highly recommend a fresh air feed for any wood stove. I guess I did manage to build the cabin as tight as I wanted. I had had some trouble getting the fire going; usually had to open a door/window. Plus the fire didn't always hold when set with a low draft.

The air adapter uses a 3" pipe. I adapted it up to a 4" pipe in order to use a dryer vent unit. I bought a new 4 1/4" rotary saw to make a nice neat hole.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property3/P1000809.jpg)

I placed a generous amount of sealant on the flange back before pressing it in place. Here's the finished outside. It will receive a coat of dark green paint when I complete the end wall and porch/stairs.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property3/P1000814.jpg)

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property3/P1000817.jpg)

I'll add a layer of insect screening to the 1/4" hardware cloth so I'll have bug and mouse infiltration covered.  The dryer flap will be secured in the up position with a pop rivet instead of the screw at some point. I tried to remove the flap without damaging the hood, but gave up. I'm going to slide a small section of flashing under the Hardie plank above the vent hood as a drip shield.

Here's the interior ducting. (Matte black paint to come later) I originally was going to bring the pipe through the wall more in line with the stove fitting. I changed my mind for three reasons; 1. On the exterior it would have been right at the siding lap, 2. Higher up are a couple of 12-2 wires crossing horizontally, 3. I wasn't sure if there would be any condensation problems in or on the pipe and didn't want moisture running into the stove.

The sheet metal box is from Vermont Castings, the stove manufacturer. It fits perfectly around the thermostatically controlled air inlet flap valve.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property3/P1000813.jpg)

The 4" diameter of the adapter stops right at the T&G. I used flex pipe, but may make an offset airbox over the summer.  ???

I also got around to mounting the knobs on the cabinets. They're cheap chinese (Lowe's) ceramic and brass. Sorry about the mess on the counter.  d*

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property3/P1000829.jpg)

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Redoverfarm on May 04, 2009, 07:41:54 PM
Looks good Don.  It will make a difference.  Actually you can get a house too airtight when it comes to wood stoves.   On mine I had set a 4" Sch 40 PVC through the block while I had it laid.  I had to adapt to 3" on the stove side to metal.  On the exterior mine terminated at the rock edge.  I just cut a shield from screen to cover it.

I was meaning to ask you how you attached your hardee board siding.  I am sure you might have mentioned it a while ago when you were doing yours.  Did you hand nail or use a air nailer? Neighbor is going to use it and I thought I would ask.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on May 04, 2009, 07:52:04 PM
Thanks John.

I used an air nailer with galvanized ring shank nails and set the pressure low enough to prevent drive through. I had to whack each nail with a hammer to finish. I had no problems with splits or anything. I followed Hardie's edge set back instructions.

Better would have been a coil roofing nailer; no problem with drive through with those. That's what PEG recommended, but I didn't/don't have access to one.

I also used the SoloSider adjustable overlap hanger tool as I did it all myself. The adjustment made it easy to allow for slight variations on the width dimension. Yes, there was a slight uneveness; just like PEG said there could be. Or did he say would be.  ???

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/mini-P1000338.jpg)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: waggin on May 05, 2009, 01:24:46 PM
Redroverfarm,

Unless I was doing something wrong in nail selection or technique, trying to hand nail Hardiplank almost always results in bounce/rebound (not sure what the real technical term is) and delamination.  I air nailed mine at installation time, and any other work I had to add or fix later, I pre-drilled pilot holes before hand nailing. (no more access to the nail gun) 

Don,

That hole saw probably became disposable after the first hole, I'm guessing.  Anything I've used on my siding killed every cutting implement I used.  I have a few more holes to drill for some deck rail anchors at 1-3/4" dia, and I think I can get by with either a hole saw or forstner bit.  I only got 4 good holes from a cheap forstner bit, then two more under protest.  I looked into a carbide tipped hole saw...$45+  :o , so it looks like I'm going "disposable single project use."  If anyone has any tips or thoughts as alternatives, I'd love to hear them.  I'm leaning toward a couple of cheap disposable hole saws for the last 6 holes.

That Solosider looks slick; I used homemade wood blocks w/no adjustment potential.

As a resident of the rainy Pacific NW, I see the porch ledger board and wonder if there's some flashing in its future?
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Redoverfarm on May 05, 2009, 03:35:43 PM
Quote from: waggin on May 05, 2009, 01:24:46 PM


That hole saw probably became disposable after the first hole, I'm guessing.  Anything I've used on my siding killed every cutting implement I used.  I have a few more holes to drill for some deck rail anchors at 1-3/4" dia, and I think I can get by with either a hole saw or forstner bit.  I only got 4 good holes from a cheap forstner bit, then two more under protest.  I looked into a carbide tipped hole saw...$45+  :o , so it looks like I'm going "disposable single project use."  If anyone has any tips or thoughts as alternatives, I'd love to hear them.  I'm leaning toward a couple of cheap disposable hole saws for the last 6 holes.

That Solosider looks slick; I used homemade wood blocks w/no adjustment potential.

As a resident of the rainy Pacific NW, I see the porch ledger board and wonder if there's some flashing in its future?

You can pick up the diameter hole saw at Lowes which is "bi-metal".  I think you would have better luck with it than a Forstner bit.  Probably last a little longer.  Hopefully for the limited holes you have to drill. It doesn't take much to dull a Forstner.

I have been looking for a diamond hole saw.  I have 6 holes to drillin 1/2 marble tile.  I bet that is going to hurt. 1" to 2-1/4"  [shocked] probably at the $$$
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on May 05, 2009, 04:59:49 PM
Re: hand nailing Hardie plank/board. I hand nailed the 4x8 Hardie Panels when I built the shed up at the cabin. I used galvanized roofing nails for that. The only problems I encountered was an edge break when I was too close to the panel edge becasue of a warped wall stud.

Redoverfarm nailed hole saw. I bought a bi-metal hole/rotary saw at HD. It went through the Hardie cement fiber with ease. I used the Ryobi 18 V drill which worked better with the Li-Ion battery than the NiCad, even though the NiCad was freshly recharged and tested full. The holes through the OSB under it and the hole through the 1X interior T&G went like a knife through butter. That saw has plenty of life left in it. A Forstner bit would dull quite quickly though on the Hardie plank.

The ledger board for the porch is spaced out 3/16". I used hot dipped galvanized washers with the lag screws being staggered, near the top and bottom edges of the ledger. Behind that is a sheet of galvanized steel flashing that goes up the wall under the Hardie plank. The air space behind the ledger is to allow that area to dry out when it gets wet. 

I have a diamond hole saw suitable for drilling through tile for faucet fittings. It worked well for that job.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: waggin on May 05, 2009, 05:39:29 PM
Thanks guys for steering me toward the bi-metal hole say...as soon as I close this it's off to home improvement store land. 

On my deck, I tried to err on the side of caution...ok, paranoia.  I put the L-flashing under the siding & over the ledger, then I put some more L-flashing behind the siding & over the deck board.  My ledger board is at the 2nd story, so there's also siding below it.  Looks like any water that got behind yours would drain to daylight.  The lap of my siding on top was in the right place (fortuitous accident, not by planning!) so I figured, why not add the flashing?
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Redoverfarm on May 05, 2009, 06:21:41 PM
waggin I am not sure what type of material you used for your ledger but there is one thing to remmeber.  That is if you used PT lumber and it comes in contact with aluminum flashing it will corrode.  You can put a layer of "ice guard" or 30# felt between the two and you would be OK
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: davidj on May 05, 2009, 06:26:11 PM
Quote from: Redoverfarm on May 05, 2009, 03:35:43 PM

I have been looking for a diamond hole saw.  I have 6 holes to drillin 1/2 marble tile.  I bet that is going to hurt. 1" to 2-1/4"  [shocked] probably at the $$$

I had to drill through concrete block and found a cheap(ish) carbide hole saw kit, I think at OSH.  I can't find it on http://sears.com (which usually has all the OSH stuff) but I think it was something like this one: [usl]http://www.cvfsupplycompany.com/mahosawkicag.html[/url].

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: waggin on May 09, 2009, 12:39:10 PM
Redroverfarm,

I think/hope it was the galvanized steel, but I'll check...thanks.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on May 11, 2009, 07:50:35 PM
Another weekend and some progress here and there...

I finally installed the 26x26 fixed window in the end wall adjacent to the door.  :-[  Oroginally I was going to make the window myself, after all it's just a simple non opening window, I told my wife. Well, then I thought it over a few times, priced a sealed glass unit and came to the conclusion it was not worth the trouble. So this is made by the same company that did the other windows.

I also installed some more T&G on the interior of the wall. I was out of material so dropped by the Lowe's and picked out the few I liked the looks of. Once up there, I discovered the T&G pattern of my original purchase was different. The new ones had a narrower T&G. So I ripped the back of one groove off and face naled it. Then continued above as far as material on hand would take me. I'll haver to round up some more to complete. This time I'm taking a sample to match the T&G.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property3/P1000849.jpg)

Another, 'finally I...". I hung my wife's 'castle in the woods' picture on the bedroom wall of our 'castle in the woods'. Too bad about the couple of window reflections in the picture's glass...

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property3/P1000852.jpg)

Anyone know the name of that castle in the picture? Or the name of our cabin/property?

More news to follow....
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on May 11, 2009, 07:59:57 PM
I got the east wall ready to build the battery box. Since most of the lower section of this wall is going to be hidden, I opted to place two sheets on Hardie panel cement fiber board horizonatally in lieu of lap siding planks. I installed a 12 foot ledger PT 2x6 for the platform. It is spaced out from the cement panel with hot dipped galvanized spacers.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property3/P1000846.jpg)

The battery box roof will begin about where the cement board panel is. Above that point will be hardie plank lap siding as on the other walls.

I also installed the three PV panels on the pole using a Unirac mount. Here's the pole top cap mount. That's a 4" steel drill pipe.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property3/P1000848.jpg)

Here's the first panel in place...

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property3/P1000830.jpg)

and here's all three...

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property3/P1000833.jpg)

For any curious viweers, here's a close up of the clips that secure the panels to the longitudinal mount arms.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property3/P1000847.jpg)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on May 11, 2009, 08:00:42 PM
First person to correctly name the castle (either one) is invited to a BBQ in the Jemez.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Don_P on May 11, 2009, 09:51:05 PM
Neuschwanstein?
Exactly what type of critter do y'all BBQ?
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: smcdaniel345 on May 11, 2009, 10:05:00 PM
I'm interested in the battery box you are building.  I want to operate from solar only, husband is scared that it won't be enough.  So we are starting with a little of both.  Would like to hear/see more about the solar set up.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on May 11, 2009, 10:14:41 PM
Don_P's fast and correct!   :)

That's a 5000+ piece jigsaw puzzle, BTW.

BBQ? Chicken is my specialty but I do beef, too.




As for my PV system, I have it all planned and have most components on hand. As the installation progresses I will be updating here, as well as placing some info in the Off Grid topic. It may take a while to get it up and running as my two work lists (mine and Karen's) have slightly different priorities, that are subject to altering priorities.  ;D

As noted in many places here before, the place to begin is to do an accurate, honest energy use audit. Keep in mind that any sort of electrical device that uses low tech resistive load technology (incandescent lamps, electric heaters and cook stoves...) require large amounts of storage.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on May 11, 2009, 10:16:04 PM
BTW, that array is rated at 624 watts total.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Don_P on May 11, 2009, 10:24:38 PM
Well that gives me an excuse for a road trip  :)
Actually I'm easy, we'll eat anything slow enough to get caught off guard  :D
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: NM_Shooter on May 13, 2009, 11:23:01 AM
Quote from: MountainDon on May 11, 2009, 10:16:04 PM
BTW, that array is rated at 624 watts total.

Isn't that amazing?  624W is a boatload of power.  35A at 18V!!!!! 

Consider how inefficient the solar panels are too.  We (humans) have got to figure out a better way at harnessing solar power.

BTW.. I had to take a second look at your castle picture.  I thought it was a sister of a picture that I have.  I inherited this from my Grandfather.  He was given this by a restaurant manager as a wedding present.  The restaurant was a Chicago restaurant owned by Al Capone.  My grandfather used to eat there when he was dating my grandmother, and he had commented to the proprietor how much he liked this painting:

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q46/nm_longshot/IMG_0172.jpg)

It is an odd style... it is painted on the reverse side of the glass, so the stuff in the foreground gets painted first.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on May 13, 2009, 12:07:20 PM
I love castles; visited a number of them when I was in Europe.   :D   

Neuschwanstein Castle is near Munich, Germany and was the inspiration for Walt Disney's Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on May 18, 2009, 03:56:02 PM
 [shocked]

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property3/mini-P1000856.jpg)

[shocked]

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property3/mini-P1000859.jpg)

[shocked]

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property3/mini-P1000859.jpg)

[shocked]

More news to be added later.



Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Abbynrml on May 18, 2009, 05:30:59 PM
Oh no! Please tell us thats not your property.
That would be a real loss!
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Phssthpok on May 18, 2009, 05:45:52 PM
Quote from: Abbynrml on May 18, 2009, 05:30:59 PM
Oh no! Please tell us thats not your property.
That would be a real loss!

Looks more like the results of a fast moving brush fire than a full on forest fire. The charring only goes up the trunks about 10 feet and doesn't seem to be that extensive either. I'd lay odds the trees (most of 'em anyway) will be just fine and may even experience a burst of growth without underbrush to compete with for water/nutrients. ;)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: ScottA on May 18, 2009, 06:39:22 PM
I think this is a hoax by Don. I don't see no green hardiboard in them ashes.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on May 18, 2009, 07:00:52 PM
No hoax. Just a "more news at 10" type of a teaser.   :D

Those previous photos are looking west across our property line to the property next door. Here's a shot looking SW but a few steps further back.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property3/mini-P1000857.jpg)

...and another looking in the same direction but 100 feet more to the left.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property3/mini-P1000858.jpg)

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on May 18, 2009, 07:03:08 PM
Here's a shot from within the burnt area looking back towards our property.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property3/mini-P1000861.jpg)

and some more...

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property3/mini-P1000897.jpg)

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property3/mini-P1000898.jpg)

... and a shot up the property line looking north...

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property3/mini-P1000899.jpg)

This was taken Saturday after the neighbor and 2 of his friends cleaned up the half burned rubble and the ashes.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on May 18, 2009, 07:06:15 PM
The fire was Friday afternoon. Here's the mop up crew on Saturday. They located and soaked three hot spots, stumps with hot coals down the roots.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property3/mini-P1000884.jpg)

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property3/mini-P1000888.jpg)

Sunday they came back and found one still hot.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on May 18, 2009, 07:07:54 PM
... and here is the source of the human caused fire...

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property3/mini-P1000889.jpg)

The fire spread to the pine needle duff and deadfall on the ground. A mild wind sent it one way and then another, but mostly west towards our property.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Redoverfarm on May 18, 2009, 07:11:49 PM
Sort of thought that was an adjoining property as there was no cabin pics in the debris.  Then I thought surely he didn't dump the ashes from the stove near the woodpile.  ;D.  Is it even legal to burn in a barrel anymore.   You can't here unless you are in the coal mining region.  But alot of them still dump their sewer into the streams.  Go figure. 
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: ScottA on May 18, 2009, 07:18:13 PM
I get really grumpy when people start fires around here. It doesn't look too bad but I bet it stinks.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on May 18, 2009, 07:18:33 PM
So the first moral to the story is to be extra careful with any fire this time of year in particular.

The second moral to the story is to clean up your land before you build a cabin. That's what we did. For those who have not read through this entire topic, we spent about 2 years picking up deadfall, cutting trash trees and cleaning up the pine needles. Part B of this is to continue clean up every year as fresh needles fall and dead wood accumulates.


The fire took out about 8 - 9 cords of cut and stacked firewood that had formed a fence of sorts along our western boundary. Fortunately our cleared defensible space gave the fire fighters a place to take a practical stand.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: ScottA on May 18, 2009, 07:20:19 PM
I'd say you owe those guys a pizza Don.  :P
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on May 18, 2009, 07:21:19 PM
Barrel burning is okay here. We have one but it is elevated off the ground, we have a lid to snuff it and planned (before this fire event) is for us to move in several trailer loads of pumice stone to surround the immediate burn area.


Yes, there is a definite charred odor.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on May 18, 2009, 07:23:21 PM
Quote from: ScottA on May 18, 2009, 07:20:19 PM
I'd say you owe those guys a pizza Don. 

I/we think they still owe us a little more clean up... there's still a berm of ashes that should be hauled away, not to mention the value of the wood. Of course we still have at least 8 more cords stacked. Not to mention the barbed wire fence.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Abbynrml on May 18, 2009, 07:25:56 PM
Man that was lucky that it was stopped in time to save your cabin. Sorry to hear that it was your property. I think a visit to a lawyer might be in order. Your choice....
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainKaren on May 18, 2009, 07:45:11 PM
Here's the whole story...

This will make your mouth fall open! On Friday afternoon (1:30 PM) Don received a phone call from our mountain neighbor, saying that our wood pile was blazing and there was lots of smoke. She also said that the fire department was there and the gazebo and cabin were O.K. In her second phone call, she said that the fire dept had called off the spotter plane and that she was going down the road to show the tanker (red fire engine) truck where to come. The tanker stayed at the bottom of our hill and the small trucks from Jemez Ranger Station, Bandelier National Monument, La Cueva Fire Dept., and Cuba Fire Dept. ferried water up the hill to the fire. There were about 20 fire fighters all together. The leader had ordered a helicopter drop, but cancelled it a little later when he felt things were under control. They cost ~ $10,000.00 a drop.

We decided to pack up our things after preschool was over and drive up that evening. We got there at 7:30PM. We passed all of the fire trucks on our way in, as they were leaving. Two of them stopped to talk and told us that we had done a great job cleaning up our property and creating a defensible space just west of the wood pile. Karen had just raked up the fall/winter pine needles and wood chopping debris, the weekend before. Because this was all dirt and a fire truck was able to set up base right there, the fire stopped there.

When we got to the woodpile our mouths fell open. There was lots and lots of ash and lots and lots of burned logs all along an 80 foot stretch. Our neighbor to the west, and two of his friends came from the west side of the fire scene and told us what happened. Our neighbor says that the night before he was firing some pottery in a steel drum. He put the fire out that night, like he has done many times before. The next day at noon, they turned around from the garden they were working on and discovered a large pile of debris was ablaze. They tried to put it out, but there was a strong wind blowing from the west and spreading the fire eastward (toward our property). They realized they had to contact the fire department, but they did not have a cell phone. Casey drove the 15 minute drive down to Sierra Los Pinos volunteer fire station. The boys say it was about 1 ½  hours until the fire fighters were on the scene and by then our woodpile was ablaze. The firefighters created a firebreak all around the fire and spayed tons of water on it. It burned between ¼ and ½ of an acre. In there was lots and lots of wood that Casey had put into piles (some of them teepee style). Don and I were planning to offer to help him clean it up this summer (take it to James' slash site for winter burning). It's definitely cleared of burnables NOW! Casey told us he was sorry and that he would replace our woodpile. We later told him that he doesn't have to replace the 8 cords of wood or repair the barbed wire fence that the firefighters cut down. We still have about 7 cords of wood and we will replace the barbed wire with a rope.

The next morning around 10:00, Casey and his two friends spent a couple of hours filling his pick-up truck with the burnt logs and making many trips to the slash site. We raked the ash back to the property line. There is much yet to clean up. Casey will have to cut down many of the small and bent trees. We are hoping that the large trees will survive. Eight trees that belong to us along the property line were charred at the bottom. The needles are looking dry, so we may end up losing those trees. We hope not!

Late Saturday afternoon a Jemez Ranger Station fire truck came up with three men and they hosed down some hot spots. On Sunday two firefighters came up from the west side (neighbor's side) and again watered a hot spot.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Dog on May 18, 2009, 08:10:02 PM
Whoa! Thankfully you guys had the good sense to clean the surrounding area around your cabin. That pine goes up like matches!

Glad to see you got the snowmobile out, but that seems like ancient history now.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on May 18, 2009, 09:31:57 PM
Quote from: Dog on May 18, 2009, 08:10:02 PM
That pine goes up like matches!


Pine needles are a perfect fire starter fuel; better than newspaper. A good handful of them with a few pine cones on top and your stove or campfire is going!

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on May 18, 2009, 09:41:28 PM
For anyone who wants to see all the photos of the destruction.... GO HERE (http://pinewoodpreschool.com/jemez/09-05-fire/fire1.html)



The fire crew (approx 20 in number) turned over a lot of dirt as they made sure the fire was out.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on May 18, 2009, 09:55:51 PM
There were a few lucky things that helped along with all the work we did in thinning and cleaning.

Number one was that the neighbor was still on site when the flames broke out. He saw them and ran/drove to sound the alarm. Another was that out other neighbor down the hill had the day off work and was going to their place just as the convoy of engines were heading up the trail. They were able to unlock the gate, saving the fire fighters from cutting fence, whatever, to get in. And there were no other fires for miles, so there were enough fire fighters to respond quickly.


FWIW, I found out the standard size forest service fire trucks (patrol pumper) carry about 300 gallons of water. The tanker was much bigger and stayed at the foot of the hill as a supply truck.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: NM_Shooter on May 18, 2009, 10:13:15 PM
This is a tribute to how clean you keep your site.  I suspect that many other folks would have lost their possessions.  Nice work Don. 

I'm guessing that the trees will be okay as well.  Here's keeping fingers crossed!

-f-
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on May 18, 2009, 10:20:32 PM
Thanks Frank. Today before we left we noticed there's a number of trees in the burned area that now have needles turning brown. Some all the way up, and some of the taller ones with still green tops. The thick bark of the Ponderosa can withstand heat.

We'll see how this living laboratory works out over time.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Alasdair on May 18, 2009, 10:33:18 PM
Whew! A close call. Lucky you had the foresight to keep your site so tidy of debris.
I will definately be looking closely at fire defensibility of our land!
Hope your trees are OK.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on May 18, 2009, 10:38:47 PM
Quote from: Alasdair on May 18, 2009, 10:33:18 PM
...Lucky you had the foresight to keep your site so tidy of debris.

Thanks. I've seen fires over the decades and even more aftermaths.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on May 19, 2009, 12:22:42 AM
Quote from: NM_Shooter on May 18, 2009, 10:13:15 PM
I'm guessing that the trees will be okay as well.  Here's keeping fingers crossed!


Well, now, curiosity had me doing some seraching. Some facts...

Ponderosa Pines, our predominant species, is one of the more resilient conifers. They have deeper roots than most conifers so while hot surface fires may kill roots near the surface the deeper roots survive. That also helps them in times of drought. Their needles have very high moisture content. The long needles protect the terminal buds. It is possible that even with the needles scorched the buds will survive and be able to refoliate.

There is a wealth of info on Ponderosa Pines for the equally curious at...
http://www.treesearch.fs.fed.us/pubs/27253
and
http://cpluhna.nau.edu/Research/pinerestoration.htm

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: glenn kangiser on May 19, 2009, 12:45:34 AM
Close one there, Don. Glad you came out as well as you did.   I am familiar with that situation. d*
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Sassy on May 19, 2009, 12:47:19 AM
Welcome, Karen - sorry it had to be a story on such a terrible close call - glad everything is ok...  you just never know when something like that could happen. 
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on May 19, 2009, 12:59:46 AM
 d*    In all the excitement I forgot I got something constructive done!

I finished installing the end wall T&G SPF. Hooray! I had to face nail the transition from one pattern T&G to the other, plus the final strips so I need wood filler next trip. Then I'll clear coat it.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property3/P1000881.jpg)

PLUS, I began the install of the interior window casings/trim. No photos though. I'll have those next time.

That's the window sill stock on the right.

Tile floor within the next month!!!
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: NM_Shooter on May 19, 2009, 10:05:00 AM
Hey... you have good taste in coffee tables.  We had that same table for 15 years.  The legs were chewed on by kids, and the top was scarred and covered in finger paint, fossilized macaroni and cheese, and you don't want to know what was underneath the table.

-f-
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: ScottA on May 19, 2009, 03:57:15 PM
Slow down Don. You're making me look bad.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on May 19, 2009, 05:44:05 PM
 :D    I've still loads to do with the exterior, interior (tile floor), the final insulation in the attic...... 


Plus now we're going to clean some more on the adjacent land
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: ScottA on May 19, 2009, 06:30:58 PM
Might be too late Don but next time you get a fire going in the stove could you check the temp of the flue at near the ceiling level?
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on May 19, 2009, 08:11:39 PM
Under normal operation the black pipe near the thimble and the change to insulated pipe runs less than 200 degrees F; frequently as low as 100 degrees. I have had it way hotter with the door open for several minutes; something I shouldn't be doing according to the instructions.  ::)   I've seen the stainless steel insulated pipe up to 90+ degrees when the stove is 'cooking'. Same with the adjacent wall temperatures; 90's is the highest I've seen.

Under normal, but full draft conditions, the stove top at the chimney pipe connection can get up to 250+ degrees. It slow boils water in the pot and kettle you've seen pictured. Slow boil as in the kettle whistles ever so subtly.

How's that?    :D
(Mr. Numbers)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: ScottA on May 19, 2009, 09:06:38 PM
You're the man Don. I figured it was cooler. Reason I ask is I'm planning to have wood above the rock wall behind my stove. It will be about 8' above the floor and the pipe will be about 16" away.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on May 19, 2009, 09:22:04 PM
I'm not sure if my memory is on the ball or not, but I seem to recall that wood has to be heated to temperatures above 250 degrees for extended periods of time before there is any changes within the wood cellular structure that result in the lowering of the ignition temperature. Normally wood needs to be heated to 450 - 500 degrees F (specie dependent) before auto ignition, IIRC.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: OldDog on May 20, 2009, 05:44:50 PM

all the time spent cleaning up sure did pay off!!!!!!
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Bishopknight on May 21, 2009, 11:45:44 AM
I'm just glad you guys are alright and your house is fine. Wood can be replaced.

I read a story about a man in california recently who setup his house defensible for firestorms. It had sprinkers on his roof and a wide tree-free clearing around his house. The firefighters asked him to leave but he didnt, fighting off the flames. I think he had a metal roof and fireproof walls. pretty amazing story.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on May 21, 2009, 12:11:23 PM
The only reason I/we miss the woodpile is it served as a fence of sorts. There are ample trees to replace the wood.

Re: CA house... Yes, if it was the same one I saw he had some sort of a Spanish influence clay tile style roof. He had the sprinklers covering the entire house, roof down plus the surrounding area. They stayed in the house as the fire approached. The woman said the fire blew over them in a very short time; seconds. They emerged to see houses up the slope bursting into flame. They had to extinguish a few spot fires but they still had green bushes/plants in their safety area.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on May 21, 2009, 12:18:17 PM
News story on the CA home, with video link,....

http://www.myfox11.com/Global/story.asp?S=10343568 (http://www.myfox11.com/Global/story.asp?S=10343568)

Cool pictures.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Bishopknight on May 26, 2009, 09:10:09 PM
Thats the same story, yup! Very cool.

I learned a bit about your vermont castings air intake piece. I'll need one of those for mine. Thanks for sharing those photos!  ;D
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on May 31, 2009, 10:45:15 PM
I have made a modification to the inlet. Note this is NOT a factory approved accessory.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property3/mini-P1000958M.jpg)

I used aluminum foil tape to mount an old surplus muffin fan on the exterior inlet.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property3/mini-P1000957M.jpg)

It's plugged into a half receptacle that is controlled by a wall switch. After I lay the pine needle fire starter with assorted size kindling on top, I ignite the fire, close the door and flick on the switch. The fan provides the boost to get the fire going without waiting to heat the chimney with the door ajar. Less smoke in the room.

It's also handy when the fire has been allowed to burn way down. Toss some kindling on top of the embers, close the door and turn on the fan. Soon the kindling is blazing.

I have not noticed any decrease in air flow when the fan is off.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on May 31, 2009, 10:46:22 PM
We celebrated Memorial Day in the mountains...

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property3/mini-P1000922M.jpg)

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on May 31, 2009, 10:52:24 PM
So this past week that we were away I finished the interior window casing and trimming. I used 1X8 pine for the window sill and 5/8" finished redwood for the remainder. View to the SW...

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property3/mini-P1000928M.jpg)

No fancy mitered corners like I did in the suburbs. If there is a style name for this I am not aware of it. We call it simple country. It goes well with the tan vinyl windows. The bed corner...

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property3/mini-P1000955M.jpg)

... here's the fixed pane window in the end wall. The stained glass hummingbird will be rehung next time up there, provided I remember to get an appropriate hook.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property3/mini-P1000977M.jpg)

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on May 31, 2009, 10:57:02 PM
I also laid somewhere between 1/2 and 2/3 of the tile floor. Mortared down, grouted and sealed. Here's an in progress shot...

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property3/mini-P1000945M.jpg)

It's more involved becasue we've been living in the cabin and have to move and stack furniture. One of the shots above shows the completed NE corner. All done except for the base trim. Base trim will be redwood and will be installed later this week.

... even with knee pads it's an ordeal.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: phalynx on May 31, 2009, 11:34:13 PM
You place looks absolutely fantastic.  The attention to detail is great.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Redoverfarm on June 01, 2009, 05:41:51 AM
Nice job Don.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: diyfrank on June 01, 2009, 08:03:18 AM
looking good Don. I like the way you finished your windows.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on June 07, 2009, 08:54:30 PM
So I got the floor tile completed, all grouted and only 120 sq ft or so left to seal. I took a couple pictures and forgot to bring the camera back.   d* d*  Next time....   :D :D


We also got the bed together. Took pictures of it too.   :)       d* d*


Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on June 08, 2009, 08:06:06 PM
It turns out I did bring the camera back; just couldn't remember where I put it.     d*


As previously promised here are some bed details. The legs are cut from Doug Fir and secured with deck screws. Lower end of leg has edges rounded over with a router. As I said before, this is simply a basic box to hold the mattress up off the floor. Karen has some large plastic storage boxes with lids to store out of season items and other stuff under there.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property3/mini-P1000978m.jpg)

There are two 30x80 boxes...

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property3/mini-P1000979m.jpg)

Here's with the queen mattress and a foam topper...

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property3/mini-P1000980m.jpg)

I'll have some finished, with bedding, pictures next time.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on June 08, 2009, 08:31:49 PM
Here's the 'living room' end of the cabin; floor tile installation under way.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property3/mini-P1000985m.jpg)

basically completed (base trim needed) ...

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property3/mini-P1000992m.jpg)

and a close up shot of the area around the stove. I've left an area that has to be completed. No, not with more of the same ceramic tile. Something different. TBA. Guesses?  

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property3/mini-P1000993m.jpg)

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: ScottA on June 09, 2009, 07:51:43 AM
Looks good Don. I saw a product called hearthstone at Lowes that might look nice under the stove.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on June 12, 2009, 06:45:02 PM
I'm still waiting on our special hearth material. Pictures when it's in place.    :D


I finally got the porch done. At least the major part of it. It's approximately 4 foot by 10 foot, all PT lumber. It was slow going as the day we arrived up there it rained on and off. It rained that night and the next AM we were greeted with a view of snow on Redondo. Here's the underlying parts, beginning with three posts sunk 4 to 5 feet into the ground as measured from the built up re-contoured surface. That's a 4x6 #1 beam.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property3/mini-pP1010007.jpg)

Temporarily, we kept the temporary log stairs in service.   ;D

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property3/mini-pP1010008.jpg)

Stair risers and a temporary sheet of OSB for a temporary deck.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property3/mini-pP1010017.jpg)

EDIT: Note to future readers/viewers. I installed the ledger for the deck floor joists before the lap siding went up. This was good and proper. However, I messed up when it comes to the porch roof. I had planned and drawn all the details of everything to this point, but I never got around to drawing the porch roof details. Bad idea.

The ledger for the porch roof rafters was installed over the lap siding. This is not an ideal situation. In fact it is not seen as good practice at all. The ledger should have been installed before the lap siding. Then the siding installed. I'll get away with this but it could be a problem for some inspectors. Be aware.   -  MD
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on June 12, 2009, 06:53:18 PM
Here's where I left off. I used 5/4 x 6 PT SYP deck boards. The bottom step is temporarily made up from some cut-offs. There seems to be a lot of that temporary stuff going around.  :o  I wanted 10 foot deck boards but the only ones I could get my hands on without driving further were crap. I opted for twelve footers and trimmed them; the 12's were only $1 more apiece and there weren't all that many needed.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property3/mini-pP1010020.jpg)

I did run short on quantity though. I need one more to complete the deck but will be waiting until I do the handrails. I also need one more 8 footer to replace those cutoffs on the lower step.

You probably can not tell from the photos very well, but I did not space the boards at all. The wood was very wet and past experience has shown that tightly positioning the wet boards is not a problem. The gazebo floor has plenty of spacing after they dried out.

How wet were the boards, you ask? Here's a close up; virtually every screw squeezed water from the wood as the screw head was seated.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property3/mini-pP1010018.jpg)

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on June 12, 2009, 08:45:00 PM
I can't restrain myself!! Here's the raw material for the under-the-wood-burning-stove idea I had.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property3/copper-sheet.jpg)

That's 28" x 44" x 0.040" thick copper sheet.   
I love copper!    :D

FYI, I got it from [supplier link deleted 8-2-13 per Mfgr request, jraabe] for $118 delivered.

Another shot with different lighting.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property3/copper-sheet2.jpg)

I'm planning on some sort of a border around the perimeter, but haven't decided what. Maybe 3/4 inch wide steel painted to match the stove black?   ???


Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Redoverfarm on June 12, 2009, 09:40:10 PM
I want some Don.  I have an idea to build a copper range hood trim under the stone range hood at the cabin in Dogtrot.  The design will come to me eventually.  There is a friend of my uncle that makes and repairs copper kettles about 2 hrs away.  He might be able to solder something up when I decide what I can design. Of course like you stated copper is not cheap.  I might luck out and find a roofing contrator with cut offs that will work for me. 
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: glenn kangiser on June 14, 2009, 10:55:55 AM
Are you going to put a protective finish on the copper, Don?  It will oxidize if not.  Everything looks great.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on June 14, 2009, 12:44:16 PM
We're going to leave it natural as any clear coat finish will eventually pick up scratches and oxidation would then set in at those points anyhow. We may simply leave it and see what happens or I may try heating/torching it to see what colors develop.   ??? 
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: HomeschoolMom on June 14, 2009, 12:58:07 PM
On the copper note, we used copper pipe for the railings on our deck about 5 years ago.  They have done nothing but turn black/brown.  The only ones that hinted at some green were a few I tried to polish once.  I am tempted with the price of copper up to pull them all and sell them.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: secordpd on June 14, 2009, 01:25:22 PM
Hi Don, One thing I want to say is I'm really glad everything turned out alright with the fire and everyone safe ;D !  Do you remember what color stain you used on your window trim?  I really like that, not too light and not too dark, just right.  I think that style is called 'craftsman style', non mitered.  I love that, nice and simple and clean lines. H~`~`~`
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Redoverfarm on June 14, 2009, 01:33:14 PM
There is something that you can wipe on the copper to achieve the petina look.  Vinegar?
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on June 14, 2009, 03:25:10 PM
Re: copper prices. they've fallen from a year ago

Re: copper patina, there are things that will speed up and promote the greening, but I haven't looked into it yet. However, even brown copper oxidation is acceptable to us.  The blue-green requires the right mix of moisture in the air. It needs more than we have in the desert; ocean air is good for it.


Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on June 14, 2009, 03:29:14 PM
Quote from: secordpd on June 14, 2009, 01:25:22 PM
 Do you remember what color stain you used on your window trim?  I really like that, not too light and not too dark, just right.  

There are no stains involved. The wood was finished with Minwax Polycrylic clear in the Satin variety. The lighter wood is common SPF from Lowe's. The red colored wood is select grade Redwood, sanded lightly and then clear coated with the Mnwax product.


Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Redoverfarm on June 14, 2009, 05:21:59 PM
Don here is a site to get the desired petina on the copper.

http://www.sciencecompany.com/patinas/patinaformulas.htm

I googled and there are several home remedys which refer to Vinegar(acid) and salt in combination or Vinegar by it's self.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on June 14, 2009, 05:35:18 PM
Thanks John.  [cool]  I have some small pieces of copper sheet I may experiment with first.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: gandalfthegrey on June 14, 2009, 06:03:36 PM
Be careful using the vinegar and salt around iron as it starts to rust almost immediately. 

Of course if that is your desire please disregard.  My wife uses this recipie to rust old parts she uses for decorations.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: HomeschoolMom on June 14, 2009, 06:08:00 PM
I just mentioned the copper selling to my father in law and he mentioned the price being down..oh well.  I  might have to play with some vinegar.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: secordpd on June 14, 2009, 08:42:15 PM
QuoteThe red colored wood is select grade Redwood, sanded lightly and then clear coated with the Mnwax product.

No wonder its so beautiful, it's redwood!  I also want to say thank you for very clear explanations on using this website.  You made it very easy and quick. You are the Master Po  ;)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on June 25, 2009, 11:23:53 PM
We've been away a while; back for a few days picking up materials and supplies....

One of the first things I tidied up back up in the mountains was the grounding on the PV panels/pole. I drove the 8 foot copper clad steel rod to within 2 inches of being at the NEC legal depth (full 8 feet) and hit a rock that would not budge nor break.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property3/mini-P1010048.jpg)

My plan to solve this is to add dirt on top and make it 8 feet.   :D

There's a little more info on this in the Off Grid Power topic
http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=6059.msg93218#msg93218 (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=6059.msg93218#msg93218)



Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on June 25, 2009, 11:29:48 PM
We improved on the burn barrel location. I staked the logs to the ground with rebar and we shoveled pumice from along the hill up and poured it around the barrel to help prevent sparks and dropped ashes from igniting ground cover.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property3/mini-P1010070.jpg)

We also hauled the 20" range up and got it hooked up.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property3/mini-P1010065.jpg)

The fridge goes to the left soon.

I completed the trim framing around the door. More redwood...

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property3/mini-P1010090.jpg)

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property3/mini-P1010092.jpg)

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property3/mini-P1010103.jpg)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on June 25, 2009, 11:35:28 PM
Back outside once again we finally completed the soffits and fascia on the north and south sides.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property3/mini-P1010120.jpg)

The story here is plan better.   ::)  I somehow messed up and made the eves overhang greater than what could be covered by ready made soffit material. The material we chose is the James Hardie cement fiber stuff, to match the siding. We were short a few inches. My solution was to use some Hardie plank material in a 6 1/4 inch width. It's applied at the gap by the wall and is screwed over the 24 inch wide soffit material. That is predrilled for ventilation.

Once that was up we could complete the last upper row of siding on the north side and begin the south side.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on June 25, 2009, 11:41:00 PM
After that I got a start on the battery house. First a sturdy platform. The posts are 5 feet in the ground with a doubled 2x8 beam.  The ledger is lag bolted to the cabin rim joist.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property3/mini-P1010056.jpg)

In the area where the batteries will be the joists are 2x6 with 12 inch spacing. The gap in the middle of the Hardie sement fiber board is creative use of cut offs.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property3/mini-P1010088.jpg)

Twin 40 lb propane bottles are mounted at the south end. Someday we may get a 200 gallon on-ground tank and save the bother of hauling these.

Then we took a break and had some fun. Pine cones, of which we have a surplus, make fine 22LR targets.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property3/mini-P1010107.jpg)

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property3/mini-P1010110.jpg)

Note the gray mark above the base where the lead bullet split the pine cone.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on June 25, 2009, 11:51:51 PM
Before siding the south wall I drilled a big hole.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property3/mini-P1010121.jpg)

Then cut out a bigger hole...

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property3/mini-P1010124.jpg)

Why?  It's for the RV water heater we're using. I flashed it much like a window before running short on material and running into a problem.

RV water heaters fit into the wall. Rv walls are much thinner than the cabin's 2x6 framed walls. This placed the gas line fitting in a bad spot. I cut a groove and will run a short length of copper line from the 3/8" flare fitting back inside the cabin space.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property3/mini-P1010127.jpg)

Then the heater will be installed. Details and photos when completed.

One last thing...

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property3/mini-P1010140.jpg)

I set timbers and laid cast concrete blocks at the foot of the porch stairs.  That gives more space to stomp off mud when it rains, before mounting the stairs.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on June 25, 2009, 11:55:14 PM
Siding. At last, all installed up to the eves and the 7 - 8 foot level on the end walls.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property3/mini-P1010146.jpg)

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property3/mini-P1010148.jpg)

Next is more paint and more insulation in the attic (blow in cellulose) and then the gable siding and end vents and access doors, plus the end fascia trim.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: ScottA on June 27, 2009, 05:27:05 PM
Looks like good progress Don.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Sassy on June 27, 2009, 05:27:21 PM
Wow, you've gotten to the home stretch it looks like - and everything is done just so - great job, I'm sure you guys are really enjoying it.  
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on July 01, 2009, 09:50:17 PM
We still have a ways to go, but yes, we are enjoying ourselves.

Today I came into town to pickup the Servel 400 refrigerator. It will be nice to have more refrigerated space.  :D
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Bishopknight on July 01, 2009, 10:07:57 PM
Great progress MountainDon :)

Let me know how that RV heater works out. I need to put one in the 12x16 eventually ( or use an on demand electric one ).

Was the hardiplank soffit board expensive? I need to order some but I've been lazy. Watch I'll probably get a racoon up my soffits the day before I have it delivered.  d*

Either way, good pics. Is that atleast a 5 megapixel camera?
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on July 01, 2009, 10:43:25 PM
Thanks!   :D

RV water heater. It's now installed. I have no doubt it will work fine as we've been using basically the same unit in the RV for many years. We normally use it in pilot light mode; only using the normal burner mode if we both have a shower the same day. It is amazing how much heat builds up with just the pilot lit. After a day or so in normal summer weather the water in the tank heats to the medium to hot thermostat setting. In late fall and winter it takes longer. Mind you that is with frugal water use. Years of dry camping in the RV have made it second nature to us. I'm also going to use extra insulation around the tank. Pictures next time I return.

HardiPlank soffit material. I bought it last fall and don't have a clue about the price as retained, or not, by my aging brain cells. I wanted the cement fiber material for it's fire resistance and that was that. I ordered it through Lowe's. I do recall that their price was about $2 a piece (24" x 12 feet) than the lumber dealer in the mountains. (FWIW, the Ace guys prices on many things are as good as the big box stores.) It is a handful to handle the 12 ft lengths, but my son and I managed.

My images are from an 8 megapixel Panasonic camera. I do use software to resize and reduce pixel count and increase compression for faster web page loading. The Panasonic does have a pretty good E. Leitz (Leica) lens.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Bishopknight on July 02, 2009, 12:30:18 PM
Ya I can tell, thats a good camera. I need to invest in a new one.

Good info on the RV heater, thanks.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on July 12, 2009, 08:52:02 PM
The past 10-11 days have been busy, but not with much actual building.

We've had a bunch of visitors for one thing. For another we bought the adjacent acre and a half and spent nearly two days picking up fallen branches and trees and burning them. We got real lucky with some very high amounts of rain for a few days; everything on the ground was very well soaked. We figured it was an ideal time to burn some trash. It took some diesel with added gasoline to get it to start burning, but once it was hot we kept on adding everything from stumps to pine needles. This is on the corner of the new property.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property3/P1010240.jpg)

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property3/P1010241.jpg)

For the 4th of July we had a truly big bonfire in the burn pit. The pile had not been burned for over a year so there was quite an accumulation of unwanted trash trees, pine needles and brush. James fired it after dark as we didn't really want the smoke to be seen all over the Jemez. Here it is sometime around it's maximum; probably about 1000 sq feet in size.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property3/P1010176.jpg)

And, the morning after; a very much reduced pile of trash/debris.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property3/P1010190.jpg)

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on July 12, 2009, 09:02:55 PM
I picked up the Servel/Dometic RGE400 refrigerator at the local warehouse. It was a bit heavy but K & I managed to get it off the trailer and inside. After letting it sit upright for a day it fired up nicely and "made cold". (We had transported it on its side because of the bumpy road in.)

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property3/P1010159.jpg)

It's working well with the inside thermometer reading between 36 and 40 degrees throughout the day.

So with the cold under control I added some insulation around the water heater.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property3/P1010164.jpg)

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property3/P1010167.jpg)

When the under sink plumbing is all completed there will be aluminum over all the exposed foam. The white hose between the cold and hot is a bypass system. In freezing weather we can leave the water heater shut down with the tank drained while still using the water system for cold. Then it's not quite so much work to blow the system dry before we leave.

Our shades came in while we were in the mountains last time. So one od the things I did this time was to install them (4). The one in the bedroom area is a bottom up - top down style. Part of the reason for selecting one of them was price. By spending a little more we bumped the total up to where we saved enough to pay for the feature and still save us $45.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property3/P1010171.jpg)



Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: ScottA on July 12, 2009, 09:09:02 PM
Starting to look very livable Don.  :)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on July 12, 2009, 09:16:46 PM
The game/trail camera I ordered also arrived and I spent some time fooling with it. It's an HCO ScoutGuard 550.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property3/P1010157.jpg)

It took a few days to get pictures of something other than squirrels.

Pictures are here.
(http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=7328.msg94299#msg94299)

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Redoverfarm on July 12, 2009, 09:20:25 PM
Don the gas stove is that considered a "manuel" as it only has a pilot light and no electronic ignitor? Been pricing the Dometic 400 this evening.  $1,385 incl shipping.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on July 12, 2009, 09:25:13 PM
I've also got the Energy Center well underway. This used to be known as the 'battery box', but I renamed this portion of the project yesterday.   ;D ;D

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property3/P1010259.jpg)

The propane bottles will be on the left side of the elevated platform. Next will be the ventilated compartment for the charge controller. Batteries will be located in the large center compartment with the inverter located in the right end compartment. The electronics will be vented to dissipate any heat. The batteries will be isolated from the electronics. The power flow is logical, from left to right, PV panels to charge controller to batteries to inverter to breaker box. The breaker box is hidden on the right end.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on July 12, 2009, 09:30:41 PM
Quote from: Redoverfarm on July 12, 2009, 09:20:25 PM
Don the gas stove is that considered a "manuel" as it only has a pilot light and no electronic ignitor? Been pricing the Dometic 400 this evening.  $1,385 incl shipping.

Yes John, the range has a pilot light; no electronic ignition. From what I was told the electronic ignition models usually have a heater bar for the oven ignition. I decided to go with the pilot light so save on electrical power. The oven pilot can be left off with no danger when there are no plans for oven use.

I also installed the shutoff valve for the propane just behind the upper back portion of the range. You can see the valve in the photo. It is simple to shut the gas off when one doesn't want the heat from the pilots, or does not wish to burn the small amount of gas that the 2 pilots use. It's a simple matter to relight with one of those butane 'firesticks'.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: diyfrank on July 12, 2009, 10:56:57 PM
Keeping more room around you is always a plus. How much land did you have before buying the 1&1/2 next to you?
Were you intending to hunt or just photo the wildlife?
It's interesting to see what all comes around at night or when your gone.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on July 13, 2009, 12:54:36 AM
Quote from: diyfrank on July 12, 2009, 10:56:57 PM
How much land did you have before buying the 1&1/2 next to you?

We doubled our holding; had 1.503 acres and now have an additional 1.502.


If I ever get a draw I want to try the muzzleloader hunt.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: diyfrank on July 13, 2009, 08:09:08 AM
Is it draw for bull tags or any elk? I was thinking your over run with elk where your at.

Either way I hope you get a draw. I never tried muzzle for elk but it sounds like a lot fun.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on July 13, 2009, 07:25:11 PM
As many Elk as there are, Elk hunts require a draw here, unless you have a large enough holding of land and apply for landowner permits. Somehow I don't believe our acreage would qualify us, but I've never checked. Maybe I should.  ??? Too late for this year though.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Redoverfarm on July 13, 2009, 09:26:02 PM
You would think that landowners would be exempt.  Although set up differently here the landowner can hunt anything anyone else does w/o a license or extra stamps on his own land.  He is actually exempt from the blaze orange clothing.  But I do take advantage of this as we abupt National Forrest.  One thing here that would prevent hunting on small tracks is that you can not shoot within 500 feet of any dwelling.  So if you have neighbors you might be hard pressed to shoot in that small of a track.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on July 22, 2009, 11:49:12 PM
We had a lot of visitors this past week. Plus we took some time off for a little 4Wd trip.

I hauled the water cistern up but all I got done was to secure and seal the manhole extension.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property3/IMG_4334.jpg)

I hope to have it buried in the next week or two.

I gave the long neglected shower / toilet bathroom some attention.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property3/IMG_4355.jpg)

Even though that photo does not show it I did drill a hole through the subfloor and install the shower drain. The porta-potti is temporary for middle of night or rainy day use. Sooner or later the Sun-Mar composting toilet will be dragged in from the shed and placed on the built up floor.

The bathroom is based on the RV all-in-one idea. The floor and walls will receive Hardie cement board backer board panels with a membrane. The toilet platform will be tiled, the walls will be FRP panels.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on July 22, 2009, 11:52:06 PM
One of our diversions was a trip to the local forest service lookout tower.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property3/IMG_4343.jpg)

Some of my 4WD club members...

... and the view from the tower, looking NW.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property3/IMG_4339.jpg)

The trip is scenic and not very technical. It is rocky in many places though, necessitating at the very least high ground clearance.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on July 23, 2009, 12:04:11 AM
We also got more exterior painting completed.

The Energy Center is down to the final details. Just the roofing and the locks need to be completed.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property3/IMG_4356.jpg)

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property3/IMG_4358.jpg)

The metal roofing will be installed as soon as the ceiling insulation is upgraded with the blown in cellulose. Hopefully that will be done in the first part of next week. Once the insulation is upgraded I can finish the gable end siding. Then I'll do the Energy center roof.

I built the doors from 2x4 framing with 1/2 inch plywood corner gussets glued and screwed in place. The doors are paneled with T1-11  3/8" plywood (also glued and screwed). I selected T1-11 because I did not like the weight of cement board material.

The vents are there to provide cooling air for the charge controller and the inverter. The roof section above the charge controller and the inverter will also have a roof vent installed. The battery section will have a roof hydrogen vent as well.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property3/IMG_4359.jpg)

I am so glad I did not use T1-11 for the cabin siding. That stuff soaks up paint like a sponge.

We are getting down to a short list of things to do.  :o  
Insulate ceiling.
Complete gable end siding
Build Porch roof
Complete bathroom
Complete PV power system: install hardware and wires/conduit from panels to Energy Center.
Complete the water cistern hookup

Of course I've also got a new list of things to do started.   ;D

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: NM_Shooter on July 23, 2009, 10:24:13 AM
I like the energy center.  I have plans to do something similar, and to put my water tank / pump in there too. 

I've always had a tough time getting my RV water heater to drain completely.  Even with turning on the hot water at the sinks to vent, it does not seem to drain.  Is there a trick to that?
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on July 23, 2009, 11:03:53 AM
Quote from: NM_Shooter on July 23, 2009, 10:24:13 AM

I've always had a tough time getting my RV water heater to drain completely.  Even with turning on the hot water at the sinks to vent, it does not seem to drain.  Is there a trick to that?

I remove the anode and drain the tank from there as well as blowing the pipes out with air. That also forces me to inspect the anode rod at least once per year.

I also use a tank bypass for freezing weather use. That removes the tank from the active plumbing loop.

The bypass saves having to drain the tank but of course there's no hot water either.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: poppy on July 23, 2009, 11:20:59 AM
Making good progress there Don.

The lookout tower trip reminded me of going to visit what we called the fire tower as a kid.  It was on a high point of course, but the tower house was elevated on a steel structure that was at least 100' tall.

In those days, one could foot it up to the top and visit with the ranger.  I don't even know what they do today.

Thanks for posting all the detail on all your systems.  Will look forward to the cistern system.  I will have on-grid electric, but not water and no septic; so will keep an eye on what you do. ;)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on July 23, 2009, 09:54:55 PM
Quote from: poppy on July 23, 2009, 11:20:59 AM
.... but the tower house was elevated on a steel structure that was at least 100' tall.

There are some stilted lookouts around NM, but close by here we have mainly 2 story ones like the Cerro Pelado lookout. It would be a whole lot more work manning one of the stilt towers, hauling up everything including water.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on August 06, 2009, 07:15:05 PM
More things done. It seems that everything is going slower lately.   ??? ???

We got the water cistern burried with the help o James and his skidsteer. He has a simple backhoe attachment. It's not as versatile as a full size backhoe, but it did the job.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property3/mini-P1010269.jpg)

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property3/mini-P1010280.jpg)

Here's the "light bulb" in the ground and level.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property3/mini-P1010281.jpg)

I neglected to take a photo of the buried unit. Maybe next time.   :D
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on August 06, 2009, 07:17:05 PM
I worked on the porch roof and completed the gable siding and vent.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property3/mini-P1010288.jpg)

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property3/mini-P1010349.jpg)

I also completed some of the porch railing, but once again, no photos this time. I'll do a set once the roof sheathing is on.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on August 06, 2009, 07:24:56 PM
At long last I spooled out the #2 AWG wire to the PV panels. I made a fancy spool holder.  ;D

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property3/mini-P1010345.jpg)

Here's the first wire run. I didn't get a shot of the second wire run.  d*

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property3/mini-P1010348.jpg)


The second wire included a splice, and yes I forgot to take a photo. I used a splice block and shrink tube that was meant for direct burial cable. It's about 2/3 the way down the hill and in the negative cable, only because that's what I decided. No technical reason.


Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on August 06, 2009, 07:33:06 PM
No, I did not leave the wires simply laying there on the surface. The wires went inside some 1" PVC electrical conduit. We slid the conduit, 20 feet at a time, over the spooled out wires. Rather than pull 300+ feet of wires through the assembled conduit we reversed the process as it seemed easier in this case. I did get my exercise going up and down the hill, that's for sure.  :o

Here's the conduit looking up the hill from 100+ feet down...

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property3/mini-P1010378.jpg)


And looking down from the same spot. From here on down most of the slope is a bit steep.



(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property3/mini-P1010377.jpg)

At this point all I did was rake pine needles and twigs aside.


I rented a trencher from the HD. It's not a Ditch Witch and is not self propelled, but cost less.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property3/mini-P1010380.jpg)

It did the job asked of it. I trenched about 120 feet, up to where the slope gets rather steep for a hand controlled machine. From there down to the PV array the conduit is on the surface. Not code, but no inspectors.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on August 06, 2009, 10:25:33 PM
A note on the conduit in case anyone was wondering why I chose 1" conduit. I could have used smaller for the needed capacity of two #2 AWG wires. One important factor other than the pure number of wires allowed per conduit size, was the presence of a splice.

The splice was necessary as purchasing two continuous 325 foot lengths of wire was much more expensive than purchasing a complete 500 foot spool plus an additional 150 feet. (The supplier priced the 150 cut length at the same per foot rate of the 500 foot spool; IIRC, the spool per foot price was something like 40% off the cut length per foot price. Not buying a spool placed the entire order at the cut length price. Funny rules, but there they were.)

The splice with the shrink wrap would just barely fit inside the 1" conduit. That was another reason, and a main one, that we did not try to drag the spliced wire through the assembled conduit. I wiggled the bell end of the conduit over the splice point as far as I could to obtain a full length glue joint.



There are conduit sizing tools available...
http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=4844.msg60097#msg60097
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: jdhen on August 07, 2009, 06:33:37 AM
MD, How difficult is it to pull/push that trencher?  I'm going to need to do some trenching myself.  It looks like you pulled it down the slope?  If it is level ground is it hard to move it or does the actual trenching mechanism provide some push?
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on August 07, 2009, 10:02:01 AM
Yes, I pulled it down the slope. Once it was in the proper start position it was not much work. There is a ratchet mechanism that allows the wheels to turn only in the trenching direction when the trenching bar is lowered. You can pull it back raising the bar slightly and the machine weight applies downward force to dig. The wheel ratchets keep it from rolling in the wrong direction.

If I had gone much further down though, I would have had to switch direction and pull up and I do not know how easy that would be. I believe I would need an extra set of muscles and hands. The machine is easy enough to manuver on level ground, but more difficult on sloping ground.

The oil level sensor in the (Honda) engine does not allow much downward slope as I was doing. That's why I stated that if I had wanted to trench further down the hill it would have been necessary to turn around and pull it uphill. The engine is not as tilt sensitive in the other direction.

As it turned out the unit I rented must have a lot of hours on it. It was blowing oil badly (constant steam of blue smoke) and stopped running twice until I added oil. It also quit dead on me just as I started a small extra trench I wanted for a TV cable lead. I have no idea what the problem was as I gave up on it. HD gave me a reduced price, after I asked and complained.

Overall it did the job asked of it well enough.   On level ground I believe it would be easy enough to operate.

Manufacturer's link
://www.groundhoginc.com/productview.php?iProductID=7
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: poppy on August 07, 2009, 11:57:10 AM
Nice update Don.  I will be on the grid starting out, but am trying to plan for future solar panels or wind turbines or both.  I was worrying about the cabin location being about 200' from a good spot for energy production, but it looks like your system is strung out farther than that, so I should be OK.

How did that trencher do with roots?  Conventional wisdom says to hire out trenching, but it looks like you did OK.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on August 07, 2009, 02:09:21 PM
Quote from: poppy on August 07, 2009, 11:57:10 AM
How did that trencher do with roots?  

It did quite well with the roots. Most were small size, under an inch, and it waltzed right through those. There was one larger one and it took a few minutes but it did cut through it. In another area close to some trees I pulled the bar up and went shallower. This was within 5 - 6  feet of the point where the conduit comes back above ground, so the line had to come up anyway.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on August 07, 2009, 02:20:40 PM
Quote from: poppy on August 07, 2009, 11:57:10 AM
I was worrying about the cabin location being about 200' from a good spot for energy production, but it looks like your system is strung out farther than that, so I should be OK.


The key is to size the wires from the source properly to keep the voltage drop as low as possible. Aim for no more than 2% loss. Our system calculates out to 1 to 1.25% drop at maximum power values. I can live with that.

That was one of the main reasons I chose to go with a high voltage DC setup.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on August 16, 2009, 10:35:35 PM
Back again after a wonderful week in the mountains. Tuesday it's back to the regular 4 day work week. There's a mixture of emotions on that.

I got the energy center roofing all completed. I used steel, a mixture of materials left over from other projects (the flat steel material and some of the edge pices) and new, bought for the job items. I'm short on the wall to roof flashing, but I'll get that when I get the materials for the porch roof. It slips up under the siding.

Completed unit...

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property4/P1010416.jpg)

For anyone interested in how I lock the chambers that make up the energy center, here's a close up set of the charge controller section. The battery chamber uses the same method, just a longer rod.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property4/P1010409.jpg)

The rod is 1/2 inch black pipe with a 5/8" steel rod inserted and extending out the ends, then welded in place. The angle iron is 2 x 2 x 1/8 and 1.5 x 1.5 x 1/4.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property4/P1010406.jpg)

The brackets on the wall are carriage bolted through the 2x4 and 4x4 framing. The additional screw is covered by the movable bracket on the rod when locked. It is mainly there just to keep the bracket from rotating.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property4/P1010410.jpg)

The fasteners for the bracket on the right end are hidden behind the edge of the closed door.

To lock the door the right end of the rod is inserted to the right. The rod is then slid back to the left and the lock put in place.

The double doors to the batteries are done much the same, just a longer bar. I placed a couple of large 'cup' hooks on the fascia above the battery doors to store the rod when the doors are to be opened.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property4/P1010411.jpg)

The remaining door to the inverter section makes use of an ordinary hinged lock hasp. All locks are keyed the same for convenience.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on August 16, 2009, 10:44:18 PM
Here's the partially connected charge controller. The negative wires have white tape applied to differentiate them from the positive. FYI, the NEC does not allow black for the negative conductor, as in using red for positive and black for negative as in automotive applications.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property4/P1010454.jpg)

The lines from the PV array enter through the 1" conduit through the floor. The positive lead is first connected to a DC rated 125 volt 15 amp circuit breaker on the left.  The breaker on the right side is from the same Airpax series but is 60 amp, the maximum rated output for the charge controller.

The breakers are also used as disconnects for servicing and setup/programming.

The "grommets" through the cement board wall are 1/2" electrical PVC conduit, secured in place with silicone sealant.

The skinny lead entering from top left is the battery temperature sensor lead.

That #2 AWG wire is tough to work with when you are faced with making bends.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on August 16, 2009, 10:50:11 PM
The inverter section; again it's not completely wired.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property4/P1010453.jpg)

Once again the skinny lead is for a battery temperature sensor. There's also the bare copper ground lead connected to the right. On the wall behind the inverter is an Airpax 160 volt DC rated 250 amp circuit breaker that also serves as a power disconnect for the inverter supply power. The small box and circuit breaker to its left is a Square D QO series unit for the 24 VDC supply to the cabin interior, mainly for the ceiling fan and a couple of DC fluorescent lights above the kitchen counter. I placed it here as when we leave the cabin we'll pull both these to shut off all internal cabin power.

I now have the remainder of the required wiring and connectors and plan on getting things all together next weekend. I'll post more pictures then along with the completed battery installation.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on August 16, 2009, 10:56:26 PM
The porch roof, all done except for the metal roofing and some of the roofing paper.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property4/P1010420.jpg)

It's basically a shed roof with a twist. Or a sloped/slanted end.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property4/P1010421.jpg)

The strange end was necessitated by poor or faulty planning.  d*  After some thinking I came up with a workable, though unconventional, solution. I would have used a gable roof to mirror the cabin except we wanted the stairs oriented as built and a gable roof would have poured water over the approach. No gutters as winter snows remove them.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property4/P1010419.jpg)

The box on the deck bump out is for kindling and firewood for the wood stove. Below is a view of the grill shelf at the end.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property4/P1010418.jpg)



Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on August 16, 2009, 11:04:59 PM
The kitchen sink drain and vent, along with the RV water heater cover door.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property4/P1010425.jpg)

I'm still torn between using a sink drain trap or not.  ???  There's no septic tank connection, just a simple gray water disposal. I've installed a P-trap with a cleanout that will make it easy to drain. Or I may decide to remove the trap and go direct. If I do that the vent pipe will be superfluous. It works well, no gurgles at all.

Close up of the pipe and destination...

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property4/P1010426.jpg)

... and even closer.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property4/P1010427.jpg)

The 20 gallon drum has a perforated bottom and is filled with coarse pumice. There's a disposable/cleanable section of window screening to catch the coarser pieces of effluent. We've used the same thing for the RV on site for the past 2+ years.

When the shower and bathroom is completed there will be another pipe entering the drum top.

I may also extend the pipe some distance and relocate the drum, but for now there it is.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on August 16, 2009, 11:07:48 PM
Here's the upper enf of the underground cistern with the hand pump. I still need to do the piping and required fittings for the fill, vent, etc.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property4/P1010428.jpg)

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on August 16, 2009, 11:08:47 PM
So what is Don up to now, with the Jeep in the trees on the south slope?


(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property4/P1010455.jpg)

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on August 16, 2009, 11:13:12 PM
Does the messy cluttered rear of the Jeep contain a clue?  ???

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property4/P1010458.jpg)   


Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: PEG688 on August 17, 2009, 12:55:09 AM
Quote from: MountainDon on August 16, 2009, 11:13:12 PM
Does the messy cluttered rear of the Jeep contain a clue?  ???

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property4/P1010458.jpg)   




The rake looks like you used it in fire , so my guess is a small brush fire.

BTW that wiring doesn't look any thing like Glenn's  ??? are you sure that stuff works like that d* I mean shouldn't there be some rat nests of wires looped hither and yon to insure proper cross polarization and that sort of thing???

   rofl rofl
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on August 17, 2009, 01:28:27 AM
Quote from: PEG688 on August 17, 2009, 12:55:09 AM


The rake looks like you used it in fire , so my guess is a small brush fire.

PEG's on the right track.   :D

We had a nice slow rain Thursday night. From about 11 PM through to 8 AM. It nicely soaked the ground and the ground cover of pine needles, etc. We, or I should say Karen, had several nice piles of ground trash that needed disposal. She had used tarps and plastic sheet to cover ten piles ranging from a small collection of pine needles to larger piles of logs and branches to keep them dry. Shortly after 8 AM we set fire to them, one at a time, after calling the local Forest Service fire dispatch to advise them of out intent. That saves them the trouble of sending a crew by truck to investigate the smoke. Or worse, sending the helicopter out. That puts them in a bad mood and costs money better used elsewhere. So we gave them the coordinates and set fire to all ten piles.

We spent the morning and afternoon monitoring the burns, raking in the borders and trying not to breath too much smoke. It continued to rain on and off the whole day.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property4/P1010431.jpg)

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property4/P1010432.jpg)

Note the areas around each pile had been raked back or into the fire zone.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property4/P1010433.jpg)

We sure did produce a whole lot of smoke. The last time we did this one of the crews came up anyways as they had nothing better to do. They told us our smoke had been reported from as far away as the Cuba Ranger District. Cuba, NM that is, a straight line distance of 25+ miles.

So anyhow, we let the piles burn down through Friday, stirring them up with the rake or the hoe. Saturday morning they were down to smoldering ashes. However, as we had plans to leave Sunday we could not simply leave them and trust in God that the fires would go out and not cause trouble as the forest dried... assuming there were no further rains.

So I loaded the 100 gallon water transport tank into the Jeep and made like a small fire engine. There's a little 12 VDC pump from Harbor Freight in the photo among the tangle of hose. We used that to water the fires and the rake and hoe to mix 'em up good Saturday evening.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property4/P1010457.jpg)

Then Sunday morning we revisited the fire spots, dug into them with the hoe and looked for hot spots with the infrared thermometer. Everything was fine and we packed up to go back to our work schedule.

We have loads more to burn. If we can't get the rains coordinated with our schedule we'll have to wait intil there's snow on the ground. I have a note out to my 4WD and dance club members to come and pickup ree firewood so hopefully they will haul off some of the unwanted wood.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on August 17, 2009, 01:47:13 AM
Quote from: PEG688 on August 17, 2009, 12:55:09 AM

BTW that wiring doesn't look any thing like Glenn's  ??? are you sure that stuff works like that d* I mean shouldn't there be some rat nests of wires looped hither and yon to insure proper cross polarization and that sort of thing???

  rofl rofl

You just slay me.   ;D     [rofl2] [rofl2] [rofl2] [rofl2]  I'm hoping it works; fingers crossed, hopefully not the polarity.     ;D
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: PEG688 on August 17, 2009, 10:29:30 PM


Glenn must have missed this  ??? He wouldn't let that slide would he? Without a comment / fight would he? Maybe he's just  gettin old  [shocked] [scared]
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on August 24, 2009, 08:18:18 PM
I spent the weekend working on the cabin. I went up Friday night and before I got to do constructive things I had some fire tending to do. All the water we poured on the remains of one of our burn piles last weekend and all the poking, raking and hoeing was not enough to put one out.

There was a very stubborn stump/root that had remained hot, hidden underground. Hot enough to be issuing faint trails of smoke. I filled the water tank in the Jeep and backed down the slope to get close enough or the 50 foot hose to reach. Friday night in the dark I dumped maybe 30 gallons into the small sink hole that had devoloped. Saturday morning I dug down a couple feet and found coals. I dumped more water, maybe 40 gallons and stirred it up.

Sunday it seemed to be cold but I dug some more and poured in 30 gallons more. Sunday night and today it rained to help.  :)  

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property4/P1010490.jpg)

It doesn't look like much in the picture, but it was a PITA.

I finally got the PV solar all installed and hooked up. I took up a set of brand new golf cart size batteries. They are 6 volt, 210 amp hour rated and a good great deal at Sam's Club. There's 12 with room for 4 more. There's also enough height for L16's or something larger, taller, in the future.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property4/P1010475.jpg)

I'll have a few more pictures in the Off Grid Power topic shortly.  http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=6059.msg96769#msg96769

The white cable that disappears into the wall at about center, is a CAT5e cable from the Outback inverter to the Mate (remote control and programmer) that is to be mounted on an interior wall.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on August 24, 2009, 08:36:13 PM
It was so cool being able to operate the microwave without the need to go outside and start the generator. I almost missed hearing the sound of the generator spooling up as the microwave started.

The Outback inverters search mode works very well. I have the inverter programmed to stay sleeping, or in search) when there are no loads. When there are no loads the inverter does not supply active power. It sends out a short burst to see if there is any demand. The sensitivity is adjustable as is the time interval between search pulses. At present there is a 0.5 second delay on average ater flicking a light switch to on.

The TV won't pull enough power to trip the inverter on with the present settings. That's cool because that virtually eliminates the phantom load. I be tweaking the settings to see if I can set the sensitivity down to where the TV will cause the inverter to power up. I have a wall switch by the sofa that turns off the receptacle the TV is plugged into. If I can set the sensitivity just right then turning on the wall switch will power up the inverter and the TV will then be all set to operate with the remote. Not a big deal, but it'll be cool.

Now that the cabin is fully solar powered the 24 VDC ceiling fan is now operational as well!   :)

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property4/P1010489.jpg)

The variable spped control works nicely too.



Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on August 24, 2009, 09:09:56 PM
The cabin uses an interior water storage tank of 15 gallons capacity. It needs a filler, a vent tube and a drain (for freezing weather). I finally got those thing completed as well.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property4/P1010486.jpg)

Upper left is the vent pipe, upper right the water filler with temporary cap, and the drain is to the lower left. The drain has a standard hose connection and will receive a cap next trip.

I wanted a vent to the exterio in case of overfilling the tank. I also wanted it screened to keep bugs out. I puzzled over a solution to this non conventional thing and was ready to simply wire tie some window screening around the pipe end. Then I had an idea.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property4/P1010483.jpg)

That's a shrub sprinkler head. Small opening should keep the bugs out. Most anyways.

All those perforations will receive its own small aluminum flashing water defelctore next trip as well.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on August 31, 2009, 08:54:17 PM
I got the porch roofing installed.   :D

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property4/P1010504.jpg)

That was my big project for the weekend. I got it completed about 15 minutes before it rained on Sunday.

Another detail I finished up was the solar PV array tile mechanism. The Unirac pole top mount does not have an arm like this included. The rack relies on u-bolt clamps to secure the array at the proper angle on the 3 inch round crossbar. It seems to work fine and has plenty of wind rating capacity. However adjusting the angle is a chore as a ladder and tools are needed. Hence my modification. I've tightened the u-bolts enough to keep the array from sliding sideways, but left them loose enough to be able to tilt the array. I made up a angle iron crossbar with pivot. The support bar is 11 gauge 1 x 1" (1/8" wall) steel with added angle iron reinforcement. The multiple holes allow the tilt to be adjusted. The hitch pin clip makes the adjustment toolless. The rid through the steel pole is a 7 inch carriage bolt with the head cut off.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property4/P1010509.jpg)

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property4/P1010506.jpg)

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property4/P1010505.jpg)



Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Redoverfarm on August 31, 2009, 09:07:42 PM
Don how did you address the flashing at the house side of the porch roof?  I noticed in the earlier post that you had already put the hardee up and painted it above the porch roof.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on August 31, 2009, 09:19:34 PM
I also got the Oasis hand water pump fitted to the cistern manhole extension.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property4/P1010498.jpg)

The Oasis pump is made from a thermoplastic. The base of the pump is glued to a standard 4x3 toilet spigot flange. The "rhino horn" on the pump oulet is for priming. With the pump sealed you need to pour water in to get it primed. This was idea to make the task a little easier/quicker.

I wanted to make it easy to remove the pump head without having to pull the drop pipe at the same time.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property4/P1010500.jpg)

I used a 2 inch bulkhead fitting mounted in a three inch hole drilled in the center of the cover. The 2" PVC drop pipe mounts under the cover (glued to a threaded fitting). A threaded fitting with a stub of 2" pipe is screwed into the top of the bulkhead fitting. (I meant to taker more photos but got carried away with the installation) The bottom of the pump has a similar fitting and pipe stub.

The rubber flexible connector is secured to the pump stub first. Then the pump can be lowered onto the brackets I made from angle iron. The rubber sleeve is slid over the lower pipe stub at the same time. Once bolting the pump down the lower clamp is tightened to seal the pump to the down pipe.

For the record I used stainless steel bolts. The four bolts that secure the pump to the mounts thread into stainless steel Tee nuts I welded to the under side of the mount. That way I only need one wrench.

The mount brackets bolt through the cover with a toilet flange on both the upper and lower surfaces for reinforcement.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property4/P1010494.jpg)

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property4/P1010495.jpg)

If the pump is removed I can use a clamp on rubber cap to seal the pipe opening. I wanted to be able to remove the pump in freezing weather if pump freezing up was a problem, without having to pull the drop pipe as well. It takes 30 - 50 minutes for the pump to loose its prime; maybe long enough to freeze.  ???

As long as I round up the parts I need, next week I'll be able to show the hose arrangement I'll use to pump water from the cistern to the ready use tank in the cabin.


Oasis Pump Website (http://www.oasispumps.com/pumps.html)

Ours is the shallow well model. $90

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on August 31, 2009, 09:29:37 PM
Quote from: Redoverfarm on August 31, 2009, 09:07:42 PM
Don how did you address the flashing at the house side of the porch roof?  I noticed in the earlier post that you had already put the hardee up and painted it above the porch roof.

The lower edge of the Hardie plank siding is not nailed (in most places). I used a couple of temporary wedges to lift the lower edge away. Then I slipped the flashing under the edge of the siding. To say I slipped it under makes it sound soooo easy. There was a bit of a wrassling match but I did get it eventually.

I had also removed a small amount of material from the back side of the lower edge of the bottom trim piece before it was nailed on. That left space for the flashing to slide under the trim. Caulked (100% silicone) when completed.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Redoverfarm on August 31, 2009, 09:34:08 PM
I sort of thought that you left it not nailed.  Be a real PIA to pull nails out of that stuff without it breaking on you.  I would say if you got an inch coverage you should be OK.  But then again how much snow will accumulate on that roof in the winter?
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on August 31, 2009, 09:38:48 PM
There's almost 2 inches up under the edge of the siding. I had the flashing custom cut (larger). I plan on painting the vertical portion the same color as the wall to make it stand out a little less.

It is virtually impossible to pull nails out of Hardie without messing it up.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: ScottA on August 31, 2009, 09:41:34 PM
How does the water get into the cistern? I guess I missed that part.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on August 31, 2009, 09:42:14 PM
One of the other little details I did was prompted by some self induced "lightning" when I was hooking up the batteries.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property4/P1010512.jpg)

That's water pipe insulation over some of the buss bar. It may not be NEC rated but it should help prevent slipped wrenches from causing unwarranted fireworks.  ;D
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: ScottA on August 31, 2009, 09:44:25 PM
You did it wrong. Glen proved you need a rats nest of wires for it to work Don. This is much too neat.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on August 31, 2009, 09:51:47 PM
Quote from: ScottA on August 31, 2009, 09:41:34 PM
How does the water get into the cistern? I guess I missed that part.

Good question and thanks for asking. I neglected to get into that.

I installed a couple of small bulkhead fittings, a 3/4 and a 1/2 inch, in the manhole extension side.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property4/P1010496.jpg)

The one in the foreground (3/4") has a garden hose fitting inserted. That is for filling from the 100 gallon transport tank. I can carry that tank in the trailer or in the back of the Cherokee. I can park the Jeep beside the energy center and hook up a garden hose to allow the water to flow to the cistern by gravity.

The second fitting (background, upper right) is the vent. I used another sprinkler head just like the vent for the tank in the cabin.

Oh yeah, I also had running water  :) in the cabin this weekend! Hot running water too! That was very cool after a year of jugs and pots on the stove for hot water. A person could get used to that.

The silver tape is my cover alignment mark.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on August 31, 2009, 09:59:15 PM
A couple more interest shots.

The first below in the charge controller chamber. I wanted a 12 VDC outlet so I could plug in my portable pump if needed, or a 12 v trouble light for whatever reason. I mounted a keyed 250 vac receptacle here as it was convenient.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property4/P1010513.jpg)

And here's the Outback 3524M inverter with the monster 4/0 cables from the batteries. Normally there's a cover plate covering all that. The blue rubber pad was placed there to isolate the slight buzz/tick sound the inverter makes when in search mode. It was the perfect solution to that slight annoyance. It's a piece of one of those floor rubber pads used to help prevent foot fatigue when performing a task standing for long periods.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property4/P1010514.jpg)


I intend to put some flex conduit over those 10 AWG wires to and from the inverter. It was one of the things I forgot.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on August 31, 2009, 11:50:40 PM
I forgot to mention how  [cool] it is to be running on solar provided electricity. The generator hasn't run for over a week now.  :) :) :) :)  I have run a line to the shed for a light and a couple outlets for tools and tool battery recharging. Next I want to do a line to the gazebo, but no rush on that.



Without trying to be a miser on the power I've found the battery recharge to be completed by noon most days. There are still enough hours of sunlight left if more recharging is needed. As well as lighting that use included some microwave and toaster use and some TV time.

I actually did a PV powered battery equalization just to see if I could.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Mike 870 on September 01, 2009, 08:06:23 AM
Wow, I'm impressed by all your tech savvy.  I may be asking advice 1 or 2 years down the line.  Those are some great out of the box thinking solutions.   I expecially like the method for adjusting the angle of your solar array.  Sometimes the simple solution is best.  It's not prone to mechanical failure and the gain in solar hours you can get just by adjusting that one angle is pretty significant. 
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Arizona Highlander on September 03, 2009, 01:53:23 AM
Wow Don. I just finished reading the whole thread. Great read full of helpfull info.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: poppy on September 03, 2009, 09:36:43 AM
Don, I enjoy following your thread and I have a question.

If I understood a recent post, you are using the cistern only for hauled in water; it that right?

Do you have any plans for collecting rainwater?  If not, why not?  (I ask for selfish reasons, since I plan a rainwater system).

Thanks, Poppy from somewhere west of nowhere.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on September 03, 2009, 09:48:36 AM
Rainwater collection requires gutters. Gutters get ripped off here in the winter with sliding snow. There are ways to keep the snow from sliding off which would be good for collecting the snow melt. However, I don't know if I want the snow staying up there until it melts?

Eventually I'll get things together and devise an easy to implement swing out of the way setup for the evestrough. Or maybe I won't; it is a 31 foot length.  ???

Much of our water comes in the form of snow. The rest of the year is pretty dry. July and August is the rainy time. This year there were only two good rains. You need a rain with sufficient volume to flush the pollen, dirt, bird droppings and pine needles, etc. off the roof before your diverter starts sending rain to the cistern.

To have enough water to last through the year from one rainy season to the next would require larger cistern(s).

We have nearby access to good water and elected to haul from there for now.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: poppy on September 03, 2009, 10:13:00 AM
Don, thanks for your quick and complete answer which all makes sense for your location.

Folks around me that don't have municipal water, use wells or cisterns, mostly cisterns; some rainwater and some hauled water.

Here's a random thought for you:  How about a slightly raised "french drain" afair under the eves to collect the melting snow or rainwater?

One could put some kind of screen over the gravel to collect the big stuff and run the drain to a "roof washer" before diverting it to the cistern.

Of course, there needs to be enough elevation change to make it practical.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on September 03, 2009, 10:57:24 AM
Another thought I had borrows from the "guzzlers" that are found throughout the arid southwest.

(http://www.oasisguzzler.com/image/obj51geo43pg2p17.jpg)

Guzzlers are placed out in the desert in many places. They consist of a large collection plane (like a roof), a covered holding tank and a float valve operated dispenser. Mostly they are used to supplement water for wildlife. Much of the water they collect comes from the morning dew that condenses on the collector surface and runs into the holding tank.

I've thought of building a low level, slightly sloped "roof" collector. If something like that was placed on the slope above an in ground cistern water collected would flow into the cistern. With a slight slope to the collector there would be no gutter tear off problems. There would still be the need to clarify and purify the water before use but that could probably be done in batches, pumping from one tank to another.

Right now it just a thought knocking about the recesses of my head.

Article of interest...
http://theguzzler.blogspot.com/2009/08/water-dispensaries-keep-mountain.html (http://theguzzler.blogspot.com/2009/08/water-dispensaries-keep-mountain.html)

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on September 03, 2009, 11:06:49 AM
Here's a guzzler in the middle of nowhere, SE Utah.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/utah/p-087-dm.jpg)

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on September 03, 2009, 11:10:26 AM
...another view...

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/utah/p-088-bt.jpg)

The delivery end of the system. If I was a bighorn sheep or a human dieing of thirst I suppose I would welcome this...

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/utah/p-089-bt.jpg)

The water is red from the blown in dirt in the concrete bowl.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: poppy on September 03, 2009, 11:23:44 AM
The "guzzler" looks like a sound idea.

I couldn't find any photos, but on a trip to Bermuda (which has no freshwater source other than rainwater) we saw what appeared to be white-washed catch basins on hill sides.

I can't verify that these basins were for harvesting rainwater, but it's the only thing that made sense at the time or maybe a local told us?  This was about 20 years ago and my memory is fuzzy.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on September 03, 2009, 12:00:38 PM
You are correct. By law all buildings have to collect rainwater from the roofs as well.

I believe they now have systems that condense water out of the humid air as well.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: ScottA on September 03, 2009, 02:48:05 PM
I worked on a hotel in Bermuda back in the late 80's. You are correct about the rain water harvesting. Fresh water is supplied to the faucets in a house but the toilets use salt water from the ocean.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on September 07, 2009, 09:04:59 PM
More on my cistern pump.

Here's the pump connected to the water fill pipe in the cabin wall. The hose is 1 1/2" flexible PVC with reinforced wall. It can actually be used as a suction line. After I took this picture I did shorten the hose.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property4/P1010516.jpg)

The connections are quick connect disconnect with the parts held together by twin cam locks. This end is connected to the pump.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property4/P1010518.jpg)

The other end connects to the cabin inflow connector. The hose fits over the connector so tightly I have forgone any clamps at this point.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property4/P1010519.jpg)

A close up of the male hose end.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property4/P1010520.jpg)

Here you can see one of the cams that locks in the groove of the mating piece. The piece on the left is a cap, on the right is a plug.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property4/P1010523.jpg)

I purchased both plugs and caps. Plugs to insert into the cabin and pump fittings to keep dirt, insects, etc. out. Caps like the one below to close the ends of the hose off to keep those same insects, etc. from getting into the hose when it is stored. I used the same male fittings on each end of the hose so I didn't need to concern myself with getting the right end to make the connection.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property4/P1010524.jpg)

It only takes a couple of minutes to transfer 12 - 15 gallons to the ready use water tank in the cabin.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on September 07, 2009, 09:55:39 PM
We spent more hours burning trash (pine needles, twigs, branches and semi-rotten to rotten logs that were laying on the ground of the new land. Lots more clutter and fire hazerd cleaning to go.


We also had a 4x4 club member and a friend of his come up to avail themselves of our "free firewood" offer. It's free for the taking. That was nice to get rid of. We have many more loads to go and not enough takers so far.


One of the things that comes with more land is more fencing and boundary marking. I pounded in a bunch of new T-posts. No pictures, I just wanted to grumble.  We found some old barbed wire in a short knocked down section. Very rusty and smaller barbs than I'm used to. Is there an antique barbed wire market?


One other task was the semi annual firing up of the old '83 Chevy class C RV. I put in new gas. When I went to reconnect the battery I found that sometime in the past couple months a squirrel had made a home on top of the air cleaner. I had to clean out a mess of twigs, pine needles clusters, cones and a few pieces of paper trash it stole from the shed. I connected the battery and cranked it.  When the fuel hit the Rochester QuadraJet it fired right up. I drove it around the land a wee bit. Then we made a new spot to park it a little further away from the cabin. It's for guests BTW. Next weekend I'll drain the fuel again and wait for a repeat in the spring.

I'm thinking of painting it green like the cabin. Four inch brush.  ???




Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: ListerD on September 08, 2009, 07:15:20 AM
Quote from: MountainDon on September 07, 2009, 09:55:39 PMIs there an antique barbed wire market?

Oh hell yes... There's a guy that shows up at a nearby fair (actually next weekend, so I'll look for him) with *tons* of old barbed wire. I remember him having a huge display board filled with 6" samples of all kinds. He even labeled where they were made and used.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: upa on September 08, 2009, 08:00:38 AM
Quote from: MountainDon on September 07, 2009, 09:55:39 PM
I'm thinking of painting it green like the cabin. Four inch brush.  ???

I personally prefer a low nap roller brush if you really want a nicer automotive "bubba" paint job  :)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on September 08, 2009, 09:34:17 AM
Quote from: ListerD on September 08, 2009, 07:15:20 AM

... There's a guy that shows up at a nearby fair (actually next weekend, so I'll look for him) with *tons* of old barbed wire.

I figured as much. We don't have all that much, maybe 30 - 40 feet. I'll have to do some checking around here.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: ListerD on September 08, 2009, 09:48:39 AM
Typical American spirit, not only will we collect anything but we'll race anything that moves  ;D
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on September 08, 2009, 09:51:54 AM
Barbed wire racers could be dangerous.    ;)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: ListerD on September 08, 2009, 10:19:30 AM
Hah! Can't be any worse than circular saw racing.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Power-Tool-Racer.-Quick-&-On-The-Cheap!/

And to get back on topic, cool connectors for the cistern. I spent a good deal of time over the weekend reading on rainwater collection and filtration. Lot's of neat info to be gleaned from the EarthShip books from Michale Reynolds.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: rick91351 on September 08, 2009, 10:26:59 AM
Hey MD I like your removable hose idea.  Are you planing on a 'pump house' over your cistern?

And yes I will also vouch for a bit of western Americana history they do indeed collect 'bob' wire.  The rare early types go for huge money $$$$.  The type you found sounds a little less.  However you never know.  ;)  Yaaa Yes Sunday afternoon NASCAR on TV and rearranging the barb wire display.  Living the American Dream.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on September 08, 2009, 10:43:32 AM
Quote from: rick91351 on September 08, 2009, 10:26:59 AM
Hey MD I like your removable hose idea.  Are you planing on a 'pump house' over your cistern?.
FYI, I got the fittings through Northern Tool. There may be other sources.

Yes, eventually there will be a cover. I haven't worked out the details yet.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on September 08, 2009, 10:45:56 AM
ListerD... when collecting rainwater ypou should check on state water laws. It can get rather cmplex here in the west.

http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=7609.msg97705;topicseen#msg97705
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: ListerD on September 08, 2009, 10:49:22 AM
Yeah been following that too. It's perfectly fine in our are of Missouri where we will be building, but I've seen where some folks are getting heavy fines for it out west. Some municipalities apparently are claiming to own it as it falls from the sky. Nice!
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on September 13, 2009, 06:13:35 PM
Yesterday and this morning I didn't do all that much. I had a couple minor wiring things; a remote switch for the inverter was one. Then I mounted the MATE remote to it's final spot on the wall.

I cut about 30 trees from a half acre. Yes, it was very much too thickly populated with trees. I actually enjoy the felling, except when they get hung up. With trees as dense as they were it is easy to have hangups. I had two this time.  >:(  Anyhow, it's the part after the felling that is the real work. I cut these trees into 4 foot lengths and piled them here and there for pickup later. We are seeking people who want/need fuelwood. So far we have more far more wood than people wanting wood. We already have enough cut and stacked or our own use. I'm sure some of you could use some, but the distances are a problem.  :( 

The other part I don't like is the cleanup of the tree tops and cast of limbs. Those I've piled in three spots ready for burning next weekend if the weather is suitable.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Sassy on September 14, 2009, 10:52:48 PM
Well, it looks really nice & you'll be real cozy in there this winter when you go up   :)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on September 14, 2009, 11:06:04 PM
Thanks Sassy. I hate to leave and come back to town.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Bobmarlon on September 15, 2009, 11:00:16 PM
Don you had interesting points on rainwater collection, I was planning on rainwater colletion but come to think of it the gutters at our family house are always torn off.   
instead of a swing out gutter what about a gutter than can swing under the soffits on a butt hinge. 

Anyway cabin looks great!
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on September 21, 2009, 07:35:44 PM

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property4/P1010549.jpg)

Snow, yes snow! This years snow! Yikes!

There wasn't much, this is the heaviest spot along the last mile up to our cabin. No snow at the cabin though.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on September 21, 2009, 07:41:05 PM
I was going to place some thoughts and comments, observations I've made on roof and ceiling insulation here and made a note to that effect in another thread. However, I changed my mind and have put my thoughts over here...

http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=7674.msg98473;topicseen#msg98473

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on September 21, 2009, 08:00:02 PM
A work weekend. Well, what else is new!

I cut trees. Standing dead trees. Skinny unwanted trash trees. And some perfectly good, but too crowded together trees. I left them laying all over the place like "pick-up-sticks". Remember them?  

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property4/P1010560.jpg)

Some, I think it was 6 in total, were too crowded and would not fall down even after having their trunks completely severed. So I needed to pull their bottom ends out with the winch.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property4/P1010563.jpg)

I really don't like standing dead Aspen. You never know when they will decide to drop.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property4/P1010564.jpg)

Now the real work begins.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: devildog on September 21, 2009, 08:30:03 PM
don, what is killing your aspen trees? bugs,fire,fungus?
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on September 21, 2009, 09:18:52 PM
One of the foresters said it was SAD.    :(  Sudden Aspen Decline.

The primary cause for decline is water and temperature related, as well as old age. A part of this is the fact that for the past 50+ years there have been too many trees; mainly too many Ponderosa Pine. That's one reason why we have been thinning and thinning. The decrease in water, drought plus competition between trees, weakens them all. The pines get hit by the pine bark beetle. We've eliminated a number of them that had signs of infestation a couple years ago. The key thing there is to go from cut down to burn pile quickly. The alternative is to bake the logs by total enclosure in 6 mil plastic for 90+ warm/hot days. The remaining pines seem to be free from beetle damage. The aspen have been weakened too by lack of water. They have also suffered some by being crowded and shaded by tall pines and firs. Weakened some have had problems with fungii. We have many young aspen and hope that easing the overcrowding will help them. Lots of young firs in one area as well, which we like to see.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on September 21, 2009, 10:56:18 PM
You all should be aware that I like numbers.  :D In case anyone is interested here's a shot of the charge controller panel from about a quarter to noon today. There was a very slight amount of high cloud.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/oddnends3/P1010567.jpg)

75.2 VDC coming in from the panels (approx 1% drop) with 8.1 amps DC
28.2 VDC going into the batteries at 20.0 amps DC, in the MPPT bulk charge stage.
0.56 KW was the instantaneous power in watts
0.6 KwH accumulated up to that time of day


Here's an end of day summary from 8 days ago; Sunday, Sept 13.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/oddnends3/P1010569.jpg)

That day 38 AmpHours or 1.0 KwH was processed or accumulated by the batteries.
Peak input voltage was 104 VDC
Peak input current was 23.8 amps
Peak kilowatt hours was 0.68 KwH
Peak battery voltage was 31.3
Minimum battery voltage was 23.8
The absorb charge time was 1 hour 1 minute
The float charge time was 3 hours 31 minutes

The CC stores 128 days of data and then begins overwriting.


Calculations show that when we are up at the cabin we use 0.8 - 1.0 KwH of power on an average day. That's using the battery input info for the day following the use. That may not be truly indicative of actual use, but that's how much had to be replaced. I don't have an actual use or amount drawn from the batteries. But it's interesting I think. That works out to 5 - 7% of battery capacity.

:)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: redhead101551 on September 26, 2009, 02:44:32 PM
Nice cabin....I do love the cabin layout....neat! I really like New Mexico.  Been there a few times mostly to Sante Fe.    I am impressed that you do all you own work and cut your own trees! Good for you! Take care.
Bev
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on September 28, 2009, 09:40:41 PM
Thanks Bev. I enjoy the work. Almost Always hate to leave.

We're east of Santa Fe and Los Alamos, more in the mountains.


I gave away about 5 - 6 cords of fuelwood, cut in 4 to 6 foot lengths.   :) :) :)  Now there's another 15 - 20. At least. Hope they come back another weekend.   :D 


Did some work on the bathroom. Next weekend I'll do the tile floor if all goes as planned.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: redhead101551 on September 29, 2009, 04:45:39 AM
Good for you! I am proud of you.

I close on my new house today.....I am nervous since the cabins have not sold as of yet.  However, I have shown them 23 times since Sept 1st.  It only takes one buyer but most people looking have credit problems and no money!!  That does not work for bankers these days.

  Lots of work ahead of me on the new/old/repo house like paint and finishing the basement....hopefully my bad neck will cooperate with all the work that needs to be done.  I am not what I use to be physically and it make me sad and crazy with my type A personality.  However, many people are out of work and that helps.  Just finding the right one is the problem.  However, I know enough about the "things" that need to be done that I can be the great watch dog....smile. People do not like me looking over their shoulder :)

Is your place your week-end retreat? It will be wonderful and looks great...the people are lucky whom got the wood.

Have great day!
Bev
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on September 29, 2009, 09:16:51 AM
Quote from: redhead101551 on September 29, 2009, 04:45:39 AM

Is your place your week-end retreat?

Weekend and all summer long. It's necessary to snowshoe in the winter. 3 miles.
Title: Re: My 14 x 26 plan
Post by: emcvay on September 30, 2009, 06:04:59 PM
Quote from: MountainDon on October 21, 2007, 11:58:40 PM
Another weekend, another small thing attended to. Up to now my small generator has been housed in a makeshift shelter of stacked firewood and OSB scraps. It now has a "home".

I used recycled 1x4's and 2x4's, some old 6x6 PT landscape timbers, PT 2x4 leftover from the gazebo, metal roofing leftover from the house, and some salvaged pieces of "new" 2x3. There's a cooling exhaust  air vent on the right side. I'll be adding one more panel next time up in the mountains.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/mini-wIMG_2683.jpg)

The top is hinged so I can fill the generators top mounted integral gas tank.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/mini-wIMG_2673.jpg)

The sections of 1x4 for the doors were so sun baked and dried out they split easily. Even pre-drilling holes before inserting the screws didn't prevent more splits. So I used some polyurethane glue to help secure the door boards to the horizontal battens. Some of the glue oozed thru some splits. I'm out of old boards right now so have to be content with the glue marks.  :'(\\

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/mini-wIMG_2687.jpg)

Rear view showing the rear ventilation opening. The rear bottom panel is hinged for access to gasoline storage. The generator exhaust exits through the opening. I have an auxiliary super quiet muffler I have to refit. It will be outside the box. The rear vent opening will have a 6 to 7 inch wide "shed roof" installed next time up.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mtn%20property/mini-wIMG_2688.jpg)

*********************
It was dang cold Sat night. Thermometer read 26 degrees at 7:30 AM. By 11 AM it had warmed up to a whopping 38 degrees. Then it very briefly snowed for 20 seconds or so. Nothing to photograph.

My old abused (do as I recommend, not as I do  :-[) RV batteries (dating from spring 2003) did not like the cold at all. I dragged them home and will see if a desulphation cycle or two can coax a few more months of life out of them. The cold sucked some of the life out of them, and the RV furnace sucked the balance out of them overnight.  :'( Hate to buy new ones now... and then have them sit through Dec - March/April if we can't get back up there because of snow.


You're a man after my own heart Don!  I'm stealing these pics and making the same for my generator!  WhooHoo!  Thanks!

Now I'll just have to frame the same idea up.  I've got a 4500 watt Champion that I've been powering my saws and trailer with (runs the AC when it's hot even) and keep saying I'm going to make some kind of box to hid it in.  This will be a good start.

I need to make a matching one to cover the well head too i think.

Thanks -- now back to reading for me!  You story is great!
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on September 30, 2009, 06:33:54 PM
Wow, that's a little reach back in time.  :D  We still have that gen box and the Yamaha generator too, only now it has many hundred more hours. Up to 750 I think, give or take.

There's now a little shed style roof over that rear opening to help keep any rain out.



Enjoy!
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 plan
Post by: emcvay on September 30, 2009, 06:34:09 PM
Quote from: MountainDon on July 29, 2008, 10:27:34 PM... along with a row of center span blocking. ...

Just curious but when is this needed?  It's been too long since I was framing and my memory does not recollect when and when not to do this.  I didn't in my 14x24 with beams at 9'8" but kept wondering if I should have....

It's not too late to go in and put them in still!

Thanks
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: ScottA on September 30, 2009, 07:42:51 PM
You should put solid blocking over all beams. Keeps the joists from twisting under the floor. They say you don't need it if the ratio of board width to thickness is 5 to 1 or less. ie. a 2x6 is less than 5 to 1. I'd did it anyway though.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on September 30, 2009, 08:32:22 PM
No matter what code says about these, here's the real reason I used them.

First, I spaced them at the beams very precisely and used Mr. Simpson's H-1 brackets to hold the spacing. H-1's are designed for use as rater to top wall plate ties, they're called hurricane ties. Anyhow, they also work for holding that spacing when one is nailing the joists to the beams. I toe nailed and used the nail holes in the H-1's. Overkill but what the heck.

THere is about 13 feet between the beams. The 2x10 joists were pretty good wood but there were some twists in some and some curves. They simply did not hold the 16" OC spacing very well when you looked near the center of the span. Hence the 2x10 blocking. I pre cut them all to an exact 14.5" length and then proceeded to nail them in place. I dropped a chalk line down the center. Then I alternated the blocks one either side of the center line. That made it easy to nail then in place with the air nailer. I used a few 16D nails driven through the joist inti the end grain of the blocks plus some toe nailed.

The blocking made the T&G OSB much easier to install as I didn't have to worry about getting the edges over a joist as much.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: emcvay on October 01, 2009, 12:23:42 AM
Quote from: ScottA on September 30, 2009, 07:42:51 PM
You should put solid blocking over all beams. Keeps the joists from twisting under the floor. They say you don't need it if the ratio of board width to thickness is 5 to 1 or less. ie. a 2x6 is less than 5 to 1. I'd did it anyway though.

Over the beam not in the center of the span?

I think I'll get an air nailer up there for this -- it will be easier to do this.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on October 01, 2009, 12:41:38 AM
I saw that; wondered if you would.   ;D  Good.   [cool]

I think Scott was thinking that if the span was wide enough and there was a center beam as in the 24' x 32' Lake Cabin in Oklahoma (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=7477.msg99001#msg99001) topic, then there should be a row of blocking over the central beam.  You would not need blocking over your two inset side beams as they are close enough to the ends where they are held by the rim joist.


BTW, you will sometimes see bracing that is made from 2x3 or 4 material and nailed in place in a "X" pattern. You also see the same thing but with Mr. $impson's metal bracing. These are sometimes used in long span joists, but over a central beam the blocking should be solid 2x o the same depth as the joists.


Yes an air nailer is very handy. Mine fit nicely between the joists, except for the one at the end where the 30 foot length made the last joist bay smaller. I did not pound too many of my nails by hand. I used it for just about anything and everything.

Speaking of air nailers, just in case you use one. If there was an inspector coming by one thing they should be looking or is overdriven nails. When the wood fibers are compressed and torn strength is lost. They particularly look for over driven nails on sheathing. I set my air gun pressure kind of low. It would drive most nails and stop flush with the surace, but every so often the nail would need a whack by hand. That's better than overdriving them and having less strength (and a red tag, if there was an inspector). When they are overdriven you need to place another nail nearby.

BTW,
6D for walls & floors, 6" spacing on edges, 12" in the field
8D for roof, 6" spacing on edges, 12" in the field

I use ring shank nails or sheathing as they never work loose on their own, unlike common nails

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: emcvay on October 01, 2009, 10:29:14 AM
Quote from: MountainDon on October 01, 2009, 12:41:38 AM
I saw that; wondered if you would.   ;D  Good.   [cool]

I think Scott was thinking that if the span was wide enough and there was a center beam as in the 24' x 32' Lake Cabin in Oklahoma (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=7477.msg99001#msg99001) topic, then there should be a row of blocking over the central beam.  You would not need blocking over your two inset side beams as they are close enough to the ends where they are held by the rim joist.


BTW, you will sometimes see bracing that is made from 2x3 or 4 material and nailed in place in a "X" pattern. You also see the same thing but with Mr. $impson's metal bracing. These are sometimes used in long span joists, but over a central beam the blocking should be solid 2x o the same depth as the joists.


Yes an air nailer is very handy. Mine fit nicely between the joists, except for the one at the end where the 30 foot length made the last joist bay smaller. I did not pound too many of my nails by hand. I used it for just about anything and everything.

Speaking of air nailers, just in case you use one. If there was an inspector coming by one thing they should be looking or is overdriven nails. When the wood fibers are compressed and torn strength is lost. They particularly look for over driven nails on sheathing. I set my air gun pressure kind of low. It would drive most nails and stop flush with the surace, but every so often the nail would need a whack by hand. That's better than overdriving them and having less strength (and a red tag, if there was an inspector). When they are overdriven you need to place another nail nearby.

BTW,
6D for walls & floors, 6" spacing on edges, 12" in the field
8D for roof, 6" spacing on edges, 12" in the field

I use ring shank nails or sheathing as they never work loose on their own, unlike common nails



I've gotten back most of my hammering skill :)  Guess you don't lose it...but here's a little story for you:

When I started in the business back in '91 I was a marine straight out of DS and trying to find a way to make a living that didn't involve being shot at.  A friend of mine offered to teach me the ropes of framing/carpentry (he's a cabinet maker now) and so I took him up on the offer.

He had a line on a condo show going on in Parksville BC (I was back in Canada) and we headed off to work.  That first day he decided he really didn't want to frame anymore since he could do better elsewhere so left and didn't come back....I was stunned and pretty sore!  However, the contractor liked his 'marine' and assigned me a new carpenter to train under.  That day I shot myself in the hand with a 16d nail -- it stuck out just 1/2" and went in between the thumb and the finger -- needless to say I learned to nail the bottom of the stud when making walls before the top!

I didn't like the idea of not being able to work so worked left handed while my right healed -- the contractor really liked me ;)  Though I did take that day and the next off to have the nail removed and relax a little, but I was right back at it!

I went on to frame for a few years but I never forgot that lesson:  Nailers are dangerous as hell.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on October 01, 2009, 11:09:15 AM
You were lucky it was only a flesh wound, as they say.   ;D

They can be just about as dangerous as a firearm. But they do save the arm.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: emcvay on October 01, 2009, 04:16:24 PM
Quote from: MountainDon on October 01, 2009, 11:09:15 AM
You were lucky it was only a flesh wound, as they say.   ;D

They can be just about as dangerous as a firearm. But they do save the arm.

Pierced a tendon or two and it tends to get sore in the cold weather (changes mostly) but yes I was very lucky!

Also saw a guy nail his knee to a truss with one -- as well as other injuries.  They are dangerous and to be respected.

Speaking of firearms, you mentioned shooting a .45 -- is it a .45Colt or .45ACP?  It looked like a Colt to me but the pic made the catridge look strangely small.

Me?  I've got both a Ruger Vaquero in .45COLT (and I reload for it) and a Kimber in .45ACP I love both!

What's better?  I've also got a Puma Legacy .454 Casull Model 92 which i shoot the .45Colt loads out of too!

life is good eh?
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on October 01, 2009, 04:45:59 PM
Somehow I've always had a soft spot for the 45 LC.  I also love the simplicity of a revolver.

That said, I also love the Springfield 1911-A1 my son sometimes let me use. It's supposed to live here but mostly it doesn't.  :(


I am currently waiting for a Puma lever gun in 454 Casull to arrive.  ;D

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: emcvay on October 02, 2009, 11:47:02 AM
Quote from: MountainDon on September 30, 2009, 06:33:54 PM
Wow, that's a little reach back in time.  :D  We still have that gen box and the Yamaha generator too, only now it has many hundred more hours. Up to 750 I think, give or take.

There's now a little shed style roof over that rear opening to help keep any rain out.



Enjoy!


What kind of maintenance do you do on it?  I bought a 4500watt champion for $300 a couple years ago for our tent trailer and it's done well for us, now I use it for building the cabin and figure I better service it soon!


Erik
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on October 02, 2009, 01:53:20 PM
I printed out the maintenance schedule from Yamaha on a sheet of paper and taped that under the lift up lid on the generator box. I mostly follow that. I change the oil about every 100 hours. I also added a large capacity automobile fuel filter. That I'll probably never have to change.

I use Mobil One synthetic 10W30 oil. I've used Mobil One pretty well in any 4 stroke engine from the lawn mower to cars and trucks since the early 80's. The only ones I didn't use it in was one that burned and leaked too much oil; the RV.

When I could foresee continued use over a period o time, like spring through fall in previous years I never worried about the fuel. I used it fast enough to keep it from going bad. Now that our power needs are being met by the PV system the generator will see much less use. My plan is to run it once a month, at/near the beginning opf any month. With that in mind I'm doing two things with the fuel. Number 1, I'm being sure to add a dose of Sta-Bil to each and every purchase of fuel. Previously I would only be sure to add Sta-Bil to gas that was likely to sit stored for several months. Number 2, I will close the fuel supply valve whenever I run the generator and let the carb run dry. Previously I only did that in the fall and winter as it was used frequently enough in summer to make that unnecessary.

BTW, I also run small engines lie the chainsaw dry when they are not likely to be used in the next couple weeks. I've ound that if I do that I'm never plagued by carb/fuel problems.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: emcvay on October 02, 2009, 02:09:16 PM
Quote from: MountainDon on October 02, 2009, 01:53:20 PM
I printed out the maintenance schedule from Yamaha on a sheet of paper and taped that under the lift up lid on the generator box. I mostly follow that. I change the oil about every 100 hours. I also added a large capacity automobile fuel filter. That I'll probably never have to change.

I use Mobil One synthetic 10W30 oil. I've used Mobil One pretty well in any 4 stroke engine from the lawn mower to cars and trucks since the early 80's. The only ones I didn't use it in was one that burned and leaked too much oil; the RV.

When I could foresee continued use over a period o time, like spring through fall in previous years I never worried about the fuel. I used it fast enough to keep it from going bad. Now that our power needs are being met by the PV system the generator will see much less use. My plan is to run it once a month, at/near the beginning opf any month. With that in mind I'm doing two things with the fuel. Number 1, I'm being sure to add a dose of Sta-Bil to each and every purchase of fuel. Previously I would only be sure to add Sta-Bil to gas that was likely to sit stored for several months. Number 2, I will close the fuel supply valve whenever I run the generator and let the carb run dry. Previously I only did that in the fall and winter as it was used frequently enough in summer to make that unnecessary.

BTW, I also run small engines lie the chainsaw dry when they are not likely to be used in the next couple weeks. I've ound that if I do that I'm never plagued by carb/fuel problems.



Good info thanks!

I'm seriously thinking of getting a small PV panel to recharge my rv battery like you did in the beginning
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Redoverfarm on October 02, 2009, 04:23:02 PM
Quote from: MountainDon on October 02, 2009, 01:53:20 PM

When I could foresee continued use over a period o time, like spring through fall in previous years I never worried about the fuel. I used it fast enough to keep it from going bad. Now that our power needs are being met by the PV system the generator will see much less use. My plan is to run it once a month, at/near the beginning opf any month. With that in mind I'm doing two things with the fuel. Number 1, I'm being sure to add a dose of Sta-Bil to each and every purchase of fuel. Previously I would only be sure to add Sta-Bil to gas that was likely to sit stored for several months. Number 2, I will close the fuel supply valve whenever I run the generator and let the carb run dry. Previously I only did that in the fall and winter as it was used frequently enough in summer to make that unnecessary.

BTW, I also run small engines lie the chainsaw dry when they are not likely to be used in the next couple weeks. I've ound that if I do that I'm never plagued by carb/fuel problems.



Don I ran across this on another forum which was discussing Sta-bil.  Intresting. 

I just got off the phone with an engineer at Gold Eagle, the company that markets STA-bil fuel stabilizer. Seeing their recent introduction of "Marine" STA-bil, I wanted to know the differences... In a nutshell:

* Current fuels (the ethanol actually) is playing havoc with aluminum components. Old (red) STA-bil isn't keeping up.
* New marine STA-bil (green) has better corrosion resistance and fuel stabilizing capabilities than the old.
* STA-bil has a shelf life, once opened, of about 2 years if container is kept tightly sealed.
* Old STA-bil can be used with today's fuels (marine storage) but increase the mix ratio to 1 oz / 1 gal fuel.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on October 02, 2009, 04:45:41 PM
Interesting. I've been using 1 oz per gallon for years.    :)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on October 05, 2009, 09:58:22 PM
Oh boy! We moved out a couple good loads of wood Saturday.  :D  Mark, with the big black dump trailer came back and took a second big load. That Dodge Cummins is chipped and has a 6" pipe; it made the up hill hauling look like child's play.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property4/P1010574.jpg)

Another load went by Ford Powerstroke.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property4/P1010575.jpg)

We were also burning slash; tree tops, branches and rotten fallen dead stuff, hence the smoke.

Loaded and just about ready to go...

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property4/P1010580.jpg)

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on October 06, 2009, 12:15:09 AM
After a month of using the Oasis hand water pump, I have to say it's a good pump. It works well. It does need to be primed for use. The "rhino horn" I added to the pump outlet helps a lot. The prime seems to hold for a hal hour or so.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property4/P1010516.jpg)

To prime I leave the plug in the pump outlet and remove the cap on the "rhino horn". IWith the handle in the raised position, piston down I pour about 20 ounces of water into the pump. Ater a couple strokes the pump is primed and water will flow out the horn. Then I cap the horn, remove the plug and fit the hose. Pumping into the water tank in the cabin it takes 10 strokes to the gallon.

Pumping water to a pail on the ground at the pump results in about 8 strokes to the gallon. There's a little loss in volume in the slightly uphill journey to the cabin tank.

Anyhow I'm happy with that pump. This is the shallow well version. For water levels deeper than 20 feet Oasis offers a deep well version. The price is deeper too. This one was $90, the deep version is $300+.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Yonderosa on October 07, 2009, 10:09:49 PM
Lots of good stuff in this thread!  Got to love a thread that has everything from cabins to forestry even 45 Colt in it.  Thanks for your efforts.

Those Puma's sounding interesting.  Us my Marlin in 45 Colt for silhouette, hunting, HD and fun.  Favorite load is a 315 gr WFN cast bullet pushed to about 1500 fps.  REALLY impressive on everything I've shot with it.  Big Bore lite.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on October 07, 2009, 10:28:33 PM
Thanks for the kind words.


Quote from: Yonderosa on October 07, 2009, 10:09:49 PM

Those Puma's sounding interesting.  


see this thread...   ;D

http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=7740.msg99443#msg99443

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: bayview on October 12, 2009, 02:03:52 PM


   Looks like everything is coming together! 

   I sure like that gooseneck dump trailer . . .   [cool]

   The garden hose, entering your cabin, so close to the water heater?


/
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on October 12, 2009, 07:42:35 PM
Quote from: bayviewps on October 12, 2009, 02:03:52 PM

   The garden hose, entering your cabin, so close to the water heater?

Yes, it's close, I'll admit. I would have preferred more clearance outside, but cramming everything into a 5 foot wide, 28" tall space (the confines of the main kitchen base cabinet) was difficult. The hose doesn't stay there all the time anyhow. The exhaust heat from the burner exits the grill to the right, not the louvers. Don't know the reason for the louvers; the same heater as installed in the RV does not have the louvers, only the grill.  ???

Inside the cabin the water fill pipe takes a right angle turn just inside the wall (kitchen cabinet base) and heads to the left as viewed from outside.

The water heater also seldom runs on full burner. Usually just the pilot light. With the water tanks additional 2 to 4 inches of foam insulation there's no discernible heat loss from the tank inside the cabin. Couple that with frugal hot water use and the pilot burner supplies all the hot water we need most of the time. I fire the burner on the lowest thermostat  setting when we arrive after an absence, then turn it to "pilot only" after the thermostat turns the burner off. Sometimes the water actually gets to where the temperature is too hot to touch without mixing cold. It's amazing what a pilot burner can do to a well insulated 6 gallon tank.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on November 03, 2009, 12:22:30 AM
It was great to get up to our mountains after a 2 week absence.

We arrived Saturday AM to find... 

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property4/P1010631.jpg)

It was not a surprise. I had been following the weather on TV and via the remote weather station. It snowed about mid week and the temperature dropped to 18 or one night. Brrr!

So the first thing we did was to build a fire in the VC Aspen wood stove. The second thing we did was ste ire to a few of our piles o slash.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property4/P1010633.jpg)

As the day progressed the sunshine melted the snow and instead of a winter wonderland we has a muddy mountain mess. 

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on November 03, 2009, 12:52:51 AM
As well as having fun with fire one of the tasks I wanted to get underway was the installation of the wall mount direct vent propane heater.

There were two possible locations, the location I had planned on from the beginning and the other, a late comer of a thought. The first one ended up with a clearance problem due to changes like a longer than planned kitchen counter and a larger than first planned table and chair set. Number two seemed to be 100% better. I made measurements and everything checked out. I marked the hole positions using the template provided with the Housewarmer (Empire) heater. I drilled a 1/4 inch hole through the wall, inside to outside. This was to mark the center of the 6 1/4 inch diameter hole or the concentric intake and exhaust. I marked the circumference and cut out the interior with my cordless saber saw. Voila! The hole...













d* d*


(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property4/P1010636.jpg)

Hmmm. Seems I forgot that for some reason I ran a wire across the wall a few inches under the window sill height. I forget I did that, and don't know why even. There's also a wire that runs further down at the receptacle height. The wire was too tight to bend around the pipe. Dang! I probably could have orced it but that would bother me.

The left side of the hole is about two inches from the wall stud and the wire is tight, no slack to speak of. I was a little disturbed by this development and went outside to throw some stuff on one of the blazes. I cut up some felled trash trees to vent some frustrations.

I could not move the hole down. Reason one was that would place the heater too close to the floor making it difficult to hookup the gas piping which is at the bottom of the heater. Secondly, moving the unit down would make it necessary to get into patching the hole in the wall as the hole is very close to the top of the unit. That can be seen in the wall plate to the right. Dang! Okay, I'm lazy, not wanting to patch and repaint the wall. I'll accept that.

Making a splice and extending the wire was impractical to my mind, and frowned upon by best wiring practices. Dang!

So I convinced K. that the best solution was to mount the heater higher up the wall. That way I could tape the first cut out back in place and not worry about making it pretty as the metal wall mount would cover the error. On the outside, well it was unfortunate that the 1/4 inch locater hole had been drilled, but that could be worked around.

So here's the mounted unit...

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property4/P1010637.jpg)

The cord is for the optional pre installed blower. The heater will function without it, but the blower will aid in circulation if we desire.

Here's the exterior cutout showing the concentric intake and exhaust.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property4/P1010640.jpg)

The completed exterior cap assembly.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property4/P1010642.jpg)

The unused 1/4 inch pilot hole was filled by pumping a good amount of caulk into the hole and between the siding/sheathing gap. The patch will be painted when it is warm enough.

By chance the paint on the vent cap is a close match to the trim. Next time I'll drill through the floor and install the gas pipe.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Redoverfarm on November 03, 2009, 06:41:44 AM
Don sounds like one of my little projects. ;D  You are fortuneate that you decided to cut out the interior larger diameter hole first.  When I started mine I began taking photo's of the stages.  I have often referred back to them for wire placement especially in the log walls.  It really came in useful when I had to cut the chinking for the exhaust fan when it was near the feed for the fan.  Thank goodness for digital cameras.  Alls well that ends well.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: harry51 on November 03, 2009, 10:08:12 AM
Don, I'd say you recovered nicely from the "revoltin' development" of the wire in the wall precisely where you wanted to put the vent. It seems you were also very fortunate not to have damaged the wire with the reciprocating saw as you cut the hole! All's well that ends well!
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on November 03, 2009, 10:23:12 AM
Quote from: Redoverfarm on November 03, 2009, 06:41:44 AM

When I started mine I began taking photo's of the stages.  I have often referred back to them for wire placement especially in the log walls.  It really came in useful.......


Oh I have pictures.  8) Right here in the laptop.  :D However, the laptop was on the coffee table here at home and I was 66 miles and 1.5 hours north at the cabin.  d* d* d*  I thought long and hard and told myself there could not possibly be anything in the wall to be concerned about.  ::) But when I cut the hole I held the saw off the surface so the blade wouldn't go deep. The wire never had so much as a scuff mark.  :D It's a good thing it was a 2x6 wall and that I ran the wires down the center.

A lesson for others to learn from.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on November 10, 2009, 01:38:22 PM
My intention was to get the propane direct vent wall heater hooked up to the gas supply and operational. I got busy with people dropping by or firewood and didn't get to it until Sunday PM. I drilled the hole through the ceramic tile and mounted some of the fittings...  (there's more pieces there than necessary. The heater has a 3/8 pipe fitting into the regulator, but I already had a 1/2" valve I was determined to use. As it turned out I also had the 3/8 to 1/2 adapter in the brass odds and ends box, so it worked out fine.)

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property4/P1010645.jpg)

... then I discovered I didn't have the copper tubing. ??? Looked everywhere.

When we got home it was waiting for me on the garage floor.   d* d*   Better luck next weekend.   >:(

The copper line is 1/2" OD which is what the manufacturer called for.



On an upbeat note we sold the snow machine.  :) :)  It turned out to be a $100 experiment. Not too bad or a learning experience.  
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: brian_nj on November 11, 2009, 03:51:59 PM
Just a question on the piping. Why did you use a union on the system? The flare to the 1/2" copper will provide the same function and will be one less area of potential leak in the future. Not saying anything is wrong with that way just been my experience the fewer joints and fittings the better.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on November 11, 2009, 04:03:38 PM
That's an excellent question and point. The reason stems in part from my plan changing several times. Originally I was going to run black pipe down through the floor space and transition to copper tubing outside. So with the change the union is not really needed.


However, a reason to retain the union as the break point if the heater has to be removed, is to retain the shut off valve usefulness. The copper tubing flare joint is on the wrong side of the valve to allow using it as the break point without having to interrupt the propane supply. The way it sits I can use that shutoff and leave the balance of the propane system in service.

And you are right on fewer joints being fewer places to leak. I use the Teflon laced paste joint compounds as I have had nothing but great experiences with that material as compared to Teflon tape. It is messier though.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on November 16, 2009, 11:12:09 PM
At last! The propane heater is hooked up, leak free and it blows hot air!    Here's the connected end at the heater. After forming the flares on the type L copper tubing I realized I forgot to slip the trim plate on. So for now there's no trim piece. I'll have to get a split type or make up something myself. That's pink fiberglass insulation peeking up around the tubing. The bottle is my non corrosive, no residue bubble leak tester.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property4/P1010666.jpg)

Here's the other end of the copper. The iron pipe comes down from the regulator. The iron heading off to the left leads to the refrigerator, range, and water heater.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property4/P1010664.jpg)

Here's the pilot flame and the red hot thermocouple tip.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property4/P1010661.jpg)

The heater can be used with or without the blower. It becomes a convection heater with the an unplugged. Plugged in the blower operates when the heat exchanger chamber is hot. With the blower running I expect the total output to be slightly higher than otherwise. It will help to heat up the cabin upon arrival in cold weather. It will also be handy for taking the chill off on those mornings that don't quite need a full wood fire.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Sassy on November 16, 2009, 11:27:18 PM
MtnDon, you guys are living the life of luxury!   [cool] 
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on November 16, 2009, 11:28:12 PM
I also hauled up a load of 16x16 concrete patio squares. 44 of them made or quite a load in the Cherokee. The Jeep didn't look like it was lifted at all with those in there. The idea is to have a path from the cabin to the shed that does not turn into mud when wet. It had snowed a little the night before (Friday) and I simply placed them in a rough path, dodging tree stumps. We'll fix it up proper in spring.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property4/P1010648.jpg)

Then it snowed more Saturday afternoon. There was a winter storm warning out so I had one eye cocked to the weather. I split more firewood for the winter, burned some more debris. Falling snow makes for safer burn conditions.

I could not resist taking a falling snow photo Saturday night.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property4/P1010650.jpg)

Sunday 8 AM...

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property4/P1010651.jpg)

Then it snowed or an hour.  :o  No pictures, but it added up to 5 inches. I was a little concerned and took a drive off the ridge. Down lower (500 feet lower) there was considerable less snow to I retired my "worry wart hat" and stayed the rest of the day and night. By mid afternoon it turned sunny.  :D

Came home today.    :(
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: rwanders on November 17, 2009, 02:30:12 AM
 :D Looks great Don-----the only thing more exciting then the first snow of winter is------the last snow of spring! 
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: intelijoc on December 06, 2009, 10:31:51 PM
just read it ALL- nice

Q? did you need a CO? when completed.  Since you're off grid wondering if this is also off Uncle Sam's radar as well?
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on December 07, 2009, 03:39:24 PM
We and our two neighbors are off grid, out of sight, surrounded by national forest, pretty much left to our selves.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Redoverfarm on December 07, 2009, 03:47:11 PM
Don when was the last time you were up?  When we had spoken before you had a cold or something. Just wondering if the roads are still passable or not.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on December 07, 2009, 04:33:18 PM
Well, John we just got back.  :D :D

We went up Sat AM. I had to get a new battery for the Jeep first though. The old Optima gave out at 49 months; developed an open cell, deader than a doornail. So I got a new Optima at Sam's Club at 9AM and we were on the road by 10AM Sat.

It was 33 degrees outside the cabin when we arrived, no new snow since mid November. It was 21 degrees inside  :o the cabin so we threw open the windows.  [crz] I lit a fire in the Aspen wood stove and fired up the propane wall heater. Two hours later it was 71 degrees inside!! 40 degrees rise in 2 hours!! That's a new personal best warm up time. That propane heater made a big welcome difference.

We burned some more ground debris, hung out inside and read some and then would check the debris fires every hour or so. This was very likely the final trip this year where we can drive all the way up. There's a snow storm coming through today and tomorrow. It began snowing at 10 AM today. The area forcast is calling for heavy snow tonight and tomorrow, accompanied by high winds.

The good news is we have found a way to cut down the snowshoe in time from 2 hours or so, down to 45 minutes, maybe an hour.  :D :D  Something clicked in our minds while we were up there, we put 2 and 2 together and came up with a plan. There's an old logging road that goes off our road near enough to the cabin. We've hiked it before. Using it we can cut off a big section of road and come down a slope into the little village just off the highway where we turn onto the forest road system that leads to the cabin. I packed the chain saw up that section and we cut through several trees that had fallen across the path.

The best route comes down to a very large house in the village. Really big. So we walked up to the door, knocked and said Hi!  We received a friendly greeting. We asked the couple if they would mind us snowshoeing up to the back of their 3 acre lot and into the national forest. We told them why. They asked us in. They had a carpenter doing some interior work and it was very nice so we told them so. Barbara gave us a complete tour, 3 levels, 5 bedrooms, huge great room with cathedral ceiling and stone fireplace, 1000 gallon underground propane tank, 3 car garage, billiard table, radiant heat in the floors, spiral staircase at one end of the upstairs, wide curved staircase at the other end......  Very impressive home. They have 3 others in various places. The place in the Jemez has a colored concrete driveway, likely the only concrete drive or miles. They were extremely hospitable people, so we asked another favor of them and got a 'well, of course' reply. We can park on their property when we can not drive all the way up to the cabin as long as we park off to the side. Hey, that's no problem for a Jeep. Then we can snow shoe up and back when we want. Cool!!

We plan on spending the week before Christmas up at the cabin. We've stockpiled a load of freeze dried foods, as well as other foods that won't be harmed by being frozen, so we don't have to pack much up.



I'm also toying again with the idea of getting some taller (33" in place of 32") and narrower (9.5" in place of 11.5") tires so I can get chains in the wheel wells and clear the rear springs and front suspension arms.   :-\  I'd eel more comfortable driving until the snow got deep.   :-\
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Redoverfarm on December 07, 2009, 04:53:24 PM
Not much for the up hill climb but a set of skies would be great on the decents.  Snowshoes work better for climbing rather than sliding down. ;D.  Maybe get yourself some skies to go with your shoes.  Wouldn't have to be high dollar.  Something along the lines of the old cross country type that just fasten to your existing boots.  I used a set of those in Extreme Weather Survival training and I think they were from the 1950's, about 7' long but they worked.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Pine Cone on December 08, 2009, 12:55:16 AM
I'm planning on getting that same heater and installing it next year after the new building budget season  begins (whenever that is...)  once I get insulation up I'll be out of building $$$ for at least a few months.

The roof has been on our cabin for almost a week now, but when I went out on Saturday and Sunday it was about as cold outside as inside.  Even a small kerosene heater didn't do much, but then the gable ends and ceiling are not insulated yet and plenty of air movement at the tops of walls and at the soffit vents.  Could be worse, I haven't cut the underlayment out of the ridge vent.

Hope to hear nothing but good news and trouble-free operations about your heater.  So far it sounds like it is working great.  One problem about our small size (14' square) is that even a small wood stove would take up a fair percent of the floor space which is why I'm leaning toward the propane wall heater. 

I think my dad and uncle might have built a small cabin in you neck of the woods in the late 40's after they got back from the war.  The last time I visited it was 1967 and I'm not exactly sure where I was.  My sister got the cabin after that, but lived too far away to keep an eye on it.  It ended up getting torn down and she sold the property about a decade ago.

I love those ponderosa pine forests, and you've got a great project going!
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on December 08, 2009, 01:12:10 AM
John, we've got our cross country skis up at the cabin waiting for us. Vintage all wood Bonna's that are as beautiful to look at as any vintage wood skis. The trail in/out has a mix of ups and downs and with all the trees I am more comfortable snow shoeing.


Pine Cone, I've enjoyed your posts on your cabin too. That heater does seem to work great. It's no frills but has the fan if one has power. That speeds the heating cycle in the cabin quite a bit I'm sure. The simple thermostat knob will take some experimenting to determine what the lo-high scale actually means. Small cabins do present a problem with space for wood stoves.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Mike 870 on December 09, 2009, 01:37:04 PM
Hey Don,  how are your propane tanks holding out now that you've got heater, hot water and stove on them.  Are they 40 lb ers' ?  I just bought a 40 lb for my backup generator.  I was thinking if it could get me through a long weekend it would be just about perfect.   I hope to have stove, water and a small boat heater like the ones in the tumbleweed houses run off it. 
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on December 09, 2009, 02:49:08 PM
Hi Mike. We have three 40# and two 20# tanks up there. They feed through an automatic changeover regulator. As of mid November all were full. Since then we've cooked a few meals on the range, but not used the refrigerator or water heater. We've only fired the wall heater about 2  1/2 hours; maybe three max. The system is still on the first 20# tank and I can't tell any difference in weight at this time.

I wish I had a scale up there so I could track the use. I've not been lucky enough to find an old balance bean scale like the propane vendors have. I bought a couple of my tanks used at the propane dealer I use. One, a 40 pounder, is pretty old, but they fitted it with a new valve and it's certified for five years. It was well worth the $40.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on December 20, 2009, 12:06:38 AM
The Jeep is loaded. We have our warm clothes and snowshoes, a couple books each plus a few DVD's. Food is stockpiled in the cabin. The water cistern is full. Firewood cut, split and stacked. Pine needles gathered for tinder. What more could one need?


We'll be off in the AM for a few days of winter solitude up in the mountains. Photos to come.  :)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: glenn kangiser on December 20, 2009, 01:22:25 AM
Looking forward to a full report.  [waiting]
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: OlJarhead on December 23, 2009, 12:36:43 AM
Quote from: MountainDon on December 20, 2009, 12:06:38 AM
The Jeep is loaded. We have our warm clothes and snowshoes, a couple books each plus a few DVD's. Food is stockpiled in the cabin. The water cistern is full. Firewood cut, split and stacked. Pine needles gathered for tinder. What more could one need?


We'll be off in the AM for a few days of winter solitude up in the mountains. Photos to come.  :)

Can't wait for pictures!

Speaking of tinder do this:  take out the lint filter in your dryer and pull off the lint, stick in ziplock bag and take with you -- when you need to start a fire grab a small handful, place where you would place tinder and light.

Dryer lint is one of the best survival tinder I've found!!!  Works so good we 'recycle' ALL of ours now and each ruck has a stash in it :)

Cheers
Erik
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: glenn kangiser on December 23, 2009, 12:46:58 AM
Will belly button fuzz work, Erik?  hmm
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: OlJarhead on December 23, 2009, 02:28:01 AM
Quote from: glenn kangiser on December 23, 2009, 12:46:58 AM
Will belly button fuzz work, Erik?  hmm

I don't even want to think about the person that would have enough! :P d*
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Pritch on December 23, 2009, 03:47:50 AM
Quote from: OlJarhead on December 23, 2009, 12:36:43 AM
Quote from: MountainDon on December 20, 2009, 12:06:38 AM
The Jeep is loaded. We have our warm clothes and snowshoes, a couple books each plus a few DVD's. Food is stockpiled in the cabin. The water cistern is full. Firewood cut, split and stacked. Pine needles gathered for tinder. What more could one need?


We'll be off in the AM for a few days of winter solitude up in the mountains. Photos to come.  :)

Can't wait for pictures!

Speaking of tinder do this:  take out the lint filter in your dryer and pull off the lint, stick in ziplock bag and take with you -- when you need to start a fire grab a small handful, place where you would place tinder and light.

Dryer lint is one of the best survival tinder I've found!!!  Works so good we 'recycle' ALL of ours now and each ruck has a stash in it :)

Cheers
Erik


Erik,

If you're going to use dryer lint as tinder, make sure it is from a cotton load.  Synthetics don't catch a spark or burn.  Also, if you have dogs or cats, you might want to go another way entirely.  (Pet hair smells BAD when burned.)  Okay survival geek rant off.     ;D
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: OlJarhead on December 23, 2009, 03:57:40 AM
Quote from: Pritch on December 23, 2009, 03:47:50 AM
Quote from: OlJarhead on December 23, 2009, 12:36:43 AM
Quote from: MountainDon on December 20, 2009, 12:06:38 AM
The Jeep is loaded. We have our warm clothes and snowshoes, a couple books each plus a few DVD's. Food is stockpiled in the cabin. The water cistern is full. Firewood cut, split and stacked. Pine needles gathered for tinder. What more could one need?


We'll be off in the AM for a few days of winter solitude up in the mountains. Photos to come.  :)

Can't wait for pictures!

Speaking of tinder do this:  take out the lint filter in your dryer and pull off the lint, stick in ziplock bag and take with you -- when you need to start a fire grab a small handful, place where you would place tinder and light.

Dryer lint is one of the best survival tinder I've found!!!  Works so good we 'recycle' ALL of ours now and each ruck has a stash in it :)

Cheers
Erik


Erik,

If you're going to use dryer lint as tinder, make sure it is from a cotton load.  Synthetics don't catch a spark or burn.  Also, if you have dogs or cats, you might want to go another way entirely.  (Pet hair smells BAD when burned.)  Okay survival geek rant off.     ;D

:)  Actually we've done this alot with no issues.  In fact when we ran out we had to find alternate sources in the snow!  Of course we've only used it outside and not in a stove so I don't know if that might make a difference but so far one spark and the stuff lights in the worst of conditions.

We tested it first on the driveway and were amazed at how easily it lit with a sparker and how long it burned!

I got the idea from a survivalist buddy and now carry lint with me all the time in the woods :)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Redoverfarm on December 23, 2009, 07:28:36 AM
Talking of good fire starters.  We once had a dry cleaners in town.  Talking about getting a fire started.  The lent from the cleaners was more than enough to light large burn piles. Didn't smoke as bad as tires. ;) 
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Jens on December 23, 2009, 09:49:29 AM
Quote from: Redoverfarm on December 23, 2009, 07:28:36 AM
The lent from the cleaners was more than enough to light large burn piles. Didn't smoke as bad as tires. ;) 

did you have to wait 40 days before it would work John? 

I like to save shavings from hand and power planes.  They really add up, and make great starter.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on December 25, 2009, 12:55:07 AM
Well, we're back home today to have our little family celebration tomorrow.

There was new snow when we arrived in the mountains. I have not seen such dry crystalline snow for a quite a while. Our plan was to park the Jeep at the Van Ruyckevelt's and snow shoe the short cut to the cabin. But we couldn't keep ourselves from at least looking at our road! We were surprised to see the forest service had not locked the FR10 gate yet. There had been traffic so we headed up. Sorry, no pictures of it, I really did not want to stop. That powder had low traction, very slippery feeling. It simply would not pack and the tires had little to grip. We did go 2 miles up though.  ;D

Anyhow we turned around and parked at the van Ruyckevelt's. That was a job in in itself as they were away and the snow had not been plowed. The sun was in the wrong place so I have lots of lens flare.  :(

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property4/P1010864.jpg)

I backed up the side area parking as best as I could, which was not very good. I wanted to be pointed downhill as there was more snow in the forecast.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property4/P1010866.jpg)

That's a rather grand house in the woods. So as planned we snowshoed up the slope behind their place to an old abandoned logging road.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property4/P1010865.jpg)

Along the trail the last time we were up there we hiked and cut through several downed trees to make the snow shoe trip easier.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property4/P1010871.jpg)

There were plenty of deer and elk tracks, as well as rabbit and coyote. The distance is about 1.1 miles with a total vertical climb of some 600 feet. With the climb and the foot deep loose snow it took us about 65 minutes to reach our cabin. Our packs weren't all that heavy, but the library books added to the small amount of fresh foods we carried. All along the way we marveled at the great number of animal tracks we came across.

Here's Karen on the final hill. Here the snow wasn't as deep, but the climb was still a grunt.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property4/P1010873.jpg)


Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on December 25, 2009, 01:06:19 AM
Elk tracks near the PV panels.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property4/P1010880.jpg)

I built a fire in the wood stove, the temperature inside the cabin was a frosty 28 while outside it was a balmy 44. I also fired up the propane heater and in a couple hours it was 68 inside.  :)

We went for a snow shoe trek around the land. I relocated the game camera to a better location. At least I hope it is better than the last one.

So what did we do with our time? Well, of course, we burnt more ground debris.  :D

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property4/P1010899.jpg)

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property4/P1010902.jpg)

I'm down to one usable chain saw and it was in the jeep just incase we needed it along the road. I was not going to pack it up to the cabin either, so we burned some of the longer peces a section at a time.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property4/P1010887.jpg)

There are three fires going at once there. The rope is the guide for the snow sled slope.

This next shot was on Tuesday IIRC. It snowed Monday and Tuesday both, most on Tuesday.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property4/P1010907.jpg)

A b undled up Karen on her snow shoes and with her new adjustable trekking poles. (early Christmas gift)

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property4/P1010908.jpg)

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on December 25, 2009, 01:16:48 AM
I packed three books to read and got through 2.5 of them.

We have a stockpile of a variety of foods, such as pancake mix, flour, salt, rice, assorted dry pasta, olive oil, ketchup, tuna and salmon in foil packs, oatmeal and cream of wheat, mashed potato flakes. Cheerios for breakfast along with a case of those aseptic packaged 8 ounce milk cartons. Tea, coffee and hot chocolate. Bertolli pasta sauces in the foil packs resist the freezing temperatures and are delicious. Mac 'n' cheese dinners can be supplemented with fresh tube steaks. (I packed in 4 Nathan's hot dogs.) Then we have a large assortment of Mountain House freeze dried meals or entrees. We find that the "serves 2" sizes feed us, maybe 2/5 for K and 3/5 for me. The ones we ate this time were pretty good. We had a Chicken Teriyaki and a Pasta Primavera. For lunch one day we had the scrambled eggs and bacon. The eggs were good, although I prefer my bacon to be in strips rather than crumbles.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property4/P1010888.jpg)

Add 8 oz. of boiling water, stir, wait 5 minutes, eat. We augmented them with pumpernickel pretzel sticks, another stockpiled item.  :)

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on December 25, 2009, 01:27:36 AM
It snowed more on Wednesday. Not a time for any pick up games...

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property4/P1010919.jpg)

The only pickups were firewood and more firewood.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property4/P1010927.jpg)

The temperatures were all below freezing from Tuesday on. The low recorded was 19 and that was this morning. The woodpile is about 70 feet away from the cabin. After the fire last spring it seemed like a good idea to keep it spaced away. WEe have a ready to use box on the porch. Depending on the weather it will last for three days or so.

That's the wood box with a little overflow. The water jugs are empties waiting to be refilled. The cistern and water pump worked well. The poppet valve in the pump froze and had to be thawed with hot water, but we were prepared for that eventuality.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property4/P1010934.jpg)

The open air refrigerator. The dutch oven holds some frozen berries and cheese. The plastic container, some left over spaghetti.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property4/P1010928.jpg)



Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on December 25, 2009, 01:44:47 AM
The solar panels after the snow. It only took a short time for them to melt clear once some sun hit them. We actually went three days with mostly overcast to raging snow. Even on the worst days we made some power, not enough to replenish, but at least some.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property4/P1010935.jpg)

I monitored the batteries and never ran the generator at all until Wednesday night, the third cloudy day. We did quite well on power only using up about 20% of capacity with the temperature correction applied. I ran the generator Wednesday night as I can't stand the thought of leaving them down, even though today was forecast to be sunny.

Another epicurean delight...  Pasta Primavera. Two servings; 2 cups boiling water, stir, wait 9 and eat.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property4/P1010948a.jpg)

I should mention that the Mountain House freeze dried green peas, peas and corn are superb! Absolutely wonderful veggies.

Here's one of our potential future Christmas Trees.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property4/P1010941.jpg)

I'd actually like to light it with some LED lights some year and leave it grow. There are a couple others that are crowded tough...

Looking up the slope with all the snow...

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property4/P1010945a.jpg)

The trek out this morning along the old overgrown logging road... those are our partly covered incoming tracks.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property4/P1010950.jpg)

We're planning a return for a three day weekend some time in January.   :)

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: rick91351 on December 25, 2009, 02:44:18 AM
Welcome home Mountain Don!  Was wondering how things were going up there for you two.  Looks like you both had a very present time of it.  Good to know the cistern and pump worked well.  Thanks a bunch for the pictures I did enjoy them!  Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to both you and Karen.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on December 25, 2009, 03:05:41 AM
Thanks Rick.

The water came out of the cistern at about 40 degrees. The thermometer was off scale so there was some extrapolating involved. We filled 8 to 10 one gallon jugs at a time. We did that twice. We left the cabin with about 12 jugs 3/4 full. Experience has shown that one gallon jugs 3/4 full will not slpit when frozen. It takes about a quart of water to prime the pump.

For the future I plan on storing the pump inside the cabin (during freezing weather) and closing off the pump downpipe with a rubber clamp on cap.

It was really great to while away the time up at our cabin. I read a couple of great books. Crazy For The Storm, a story of an eleven year old boy who survived an airplane crash in the San bernardino Mountains in winter. The Deep Dark, the story of the worst hardrock mine disaster in the country's richest silver mine (the Sunshine mine in Idaho.) The third book I started, is The Dragonhead, the story of the rise and fall of a Chinese Mafia "lord".  I also played, and won, a couple games if solitaire. Alas, I lost more than I won.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: poppy on December 25, 2009, 12:15:21 PM
Nice set of pics. Don 

Quotesupplemented with fresh tube steaks
rofl  I thought they lasted forever.

Like your wood box set up.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Jens on December 28, 2009, 12:26:00 AM
that sure is one tough looking Jeep!
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Whitlock on December 29, 2009, 08:39:14 PM
Don what is you next project looks like the cabin is done :-\
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on December 29, 2009, 11:36:41 PM
I have to finish the bathroom inside come spring. Then there's still more land clean up or thinning of some more pines.

:)  Then it's time to kick back and enjoy.  :)   Take a few 4WD trips.   


Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: rwanders on December 30, 2009, 03:21:57 AM
 :D :D

Who are you kidding Don?  We all know our cabins are never "done"-----we just pause for a while every now and then to plan.  However, a few 4x4 trips are allowed too.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: NM_Shooter on December 30, 2009, 11:34:52 AM
Wonderful update and pictures!  My green envy tinge is returning!

-f-
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on December 30, 2009, 10:01:31 PM
Quote from: rwanders on December 30, 2009, 03:21:57 AM
:D :D

Who are you kidding Don?  We all know our cabins are never "done"-----we just pause for a while every now and then to plan.


I suppose I should say the next stage has yet to be planned.   :D

To the above things I mentioned I do have to add:

... the inlet and vent for the Servel refrigerator burner.

... ??? there was something else...  ???

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on January 04, 2010, 04:04:07 PM
Looking at this months calendar we realized that most weekends have something going on and we'd be unable to get a "cabin fix". So we snowshoed up Sun AM, spent the night, then snowshoed down this AM. There had been new snow, maybe 4 inches.

Trees fallen across the snow shoe trail (old logging road)...  I'll need to hike this with the chain saw come spring.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property4/P1020001.jpg)

I even shoveled the walk from the cabin to the shed...

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property4/P1010993.jpg)

Interesting snow curl off the shed roof...

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property4/P1010994.jpg)

Some notes:

As stated before with the wood stove going full blast and the propane wall heater contributing, it takes about two hours to get the cabin interior up to about 68 degrees. That's the air temperature. The furnishings and contents take a while longer. Cold cascades from the kitchen cabinets when one opens a cabinet door for hours after the air is warmed up. The bed also remains a frozen brick for some time. It's a queen mattress on a plywood box with a 3 or 4 inch Temperpedic foam topper. That topper lays there like a cold ice cream slab for hours. We've done things like pulling back the blankets to allow direct air contact, placing hot pots, etc on the bed. It still has taken hours before the bed is okay to have an afternoon nap in/on. I found the solution for $28.

We bought a 100 watt electric blanket. 100 watts, 120 VAC. I back packed it up this trip. After I had the fires going we slipped it under the covers, right on top of the sheet over the temperpedic pad. An hour later the bed was ready for a nap! It wasn't quite toasty through and through, but the frostiness was all gone. Toasy might take 2 hours. When we got there the solar PV system had already gone into float (meaning the batteries were fully charged). The sun was shining brightly and the electric blanket never even pulled the voltage down enough to make the controller go into re-bulk charge mode. So I think the electric blanket is a success.  

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on January 04, 2010, 04:07:48 PM
More notes: The Mountain House freeze dried green beans are quite good. However, they do come out a little more al dente than we prefer. Next time rather than just soak them in boiling water as instructed, I'm going to plop them in a pot and boil them for a few minutes too. Or maybe zap them in the microwave after they have re-hydrated.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Redoverfarm on January 04, 2010, 04:15:31 PM
Yes those short overnight trips in the winter are killers.  You no more than get things warmed up and it's time to head home.  Probably need about 2 days to get everything warmed up to be really comfortable.  I noticed that with all the chinking and no insulation in the floor that overnight I can only raise it up to 55 when there hasn't been heat on for a couple of days and the low temps outside.  Just sort of look at it like you are camping out Don. ;D
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on January 04, 2010, 04:19:56 PM
Note on the Vermont Castings Aspen wood burning stove.

The stove works great, sometimes too great. We had had an overfiring problem, mostly at night. With wood loaded to last through the night most often, the temperature would rise higher than we preferred before falling to a comfortable level. For those who are unaware, the VC stoves have a thermostatically controlled air inlet flap. There's a bi-metal coil at the top rear of the stove. A chain hangs down to an arm on the flap valve. Rising and falling temperatures cause the bi-metal coil to move and that movement, via the chain, opens and closes the flap. We had a VC stove with the same thing back home and it worked perfectly.

What I concluded is that with VC rating the stove good up to 600 sq ft, our well insulated 450 sq ft cabin wasn't big enough for the way the stove is set at the factory. The instructions come with a caveat regarding "messing with" the thermostatic control, but...  It seemed to me that the air inlet flap was unable to close enough to keep the temperature down to where we wanted it. So I lengthened the chain by one ball. I did that a couple of weeks ago. Since then I am more than happy with the stove performance.

So, anyone who has one, or is thinking of placing one in a small cabin might want to give it a chance and see what happens. Then make the modification if necessary. It is totally reversible, just count the chain balls before undoing the chain clips.

I've said before that the add on muffin fan helps immensely when getting a fire going. Not on the factory approved accessory list though.  ;)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Sassy on January 04, 2010, 08:31:35 PM
Your cold bed reminds me of the water bed we used to have down in the valley.  I'd be shivering in that bed for 2-3hrs after getting off from work in the middle of the night - didn't have DH there - he's just like a heater.  Smart getting that electric blanket. 

That's quite a snow curl  :o  You guys are brave to snowshoe it in there - can't believe how many trees have fallen - what'd you have to do to hike across that trail with all the trees down?
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on January 04, 2010, 08:55:50 PM
Quote from: Sassy on January 04, 2010, 08:31:35 PM
can't believe how many trees have fallen - what'd you have to do to hike across that trail with all the trees down?

There must have been some good wind. At that spot there's a tangle of downed trees to the right down the slope. It looks like one tree caused a domino effect on about three others. The ones across the old logging road just came down one by one though, more than likely during the same wind storm. There are several others along that trail we chain sawed through in early December. To cross these three downers we would walk up to them at the right side of the image, then swing our snow shoes across one at a tome, then continue on. It's a slight bother, not to mention the danger from losing one's balance and falling down the slope.  n*

If you look in the background of that picture you can see another that is caught up in other tree tops. We stop, look, gauge the wind, and then hurry through that section with both ears wide open for the sound of cracking branches. I may chain saw it too in spring. There are two down there, but only one shows well in the picture. They're hung up about 20+ feet above the trail.  >:(

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on February 23, 2010, 06:53:16 PM
I finally added up the cost of everything for the Solar PV system.

I believe I have pretty much everything included down to the nuts and bolts.   ???

The obvious stuff, like three Sharp 208 watt panels and pole mount, Outback 3500 watt inverter, Outback FM60 controller, the 12 GC2 batteries, were easy. Then there's the used drill pipe pole, concrete, conduit, fittings and glue, wire, connectors, battery cable ends, shrink tubing, s/s nuts and bolts, copper bar stock, circuit breakers, cat 5 cable for the Outback stuff, ground rods, wire and clamps, the trencher rental....  The small stuff added up quickly.  

That all came to $8366.55, $66.55 over my high end estimate from a couple years back.

For tax purposes (solar PV energy credit) the battery house materials can be included. I've got receipts for $629. 

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: RainDog on February 25, 2010, 04:16:59 PM

Tell me, MountainDon, now that you've had some time up there with your wife and all, what's your verdict on that amount of space?

Could the two of y'all live comfortably in 480 sq. ft. if need be? I know there isn't much privacy, but is there room, for example, for y'all to each be doin' your own things in there without gettin' in each other's way?

Just tryin' to get a feel for what the minimal space for reasonable comfort would be.

Thanks.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on February 25, 2010, 05:35:23 PM
I'll answer that, but have a preamble. We built this cabin as a retreat, not a full time residence. We do use it pretty much continuously June through mid-August when school is out though.

It is perhaps a little larger than what we would deem necessary as a part time place. We could probably have made it 4 feet shorter. (410 sq ft) But the 30 foot length does give us elbow room we would not otherwise have, handy with guests. The 472 sq. ft. of space we have is pretty much livable for 2 people. We've never been in each other's way inside the cabin. The fairly large table gives us room for doing things. The table also has 2 extra leaves we can slip in if needed. They store under the chests of drawers.

However, If this was to become a full time place, or if I had been designing it as a full time place, we would need more space. As it is we have space in the chests of drawers for some clothing and other stuff, but no hanging space other than that by the door. I think an actual closet space would be good to have for hanging clothing and storing other things you don't want to store outside in a shed or garage. We also do not have laundry space in the cabin. We do laundry at home in the 'burbs. So we'd have to add some laundry space. Maybe that could be tied that into an expansion to include closet and storage space.

Also if I was designing a full time small cabin I would likely give some thought to a loft. That would be mostly for off season storage though, not a sleeping space. We're just not big on upper floors unless a more or less regular staircase can be used for access. Stairs take away a lot of space in a small footprint. So most likely I wouldn't change that, but it would be a thought.

If this was for a full time place I would also likely build a garage/barn. Funny thing about that is it would likely be bigger than the cabin if I wanted to be able to actually park a vehicle in it and use it for storage and a workplace.

Perhaps if this became a full time place at some point, I would build a garage/barn and have the extra storage space in there. The laundry would be difficult to configure; would need some thought.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Redoverfarm on February 25, 2010, 05:56:15 PM
Don I am a little like you on the storage issue.  I do have 1/2 basement 20X16 but that is just for things you don't care about smelling like a basement. The main log structure would be hard to incorporate any closets into.  In retrospect I should have made the bump out B&B room 20-22  (rather than 18') feetX 16 for that needed space.  But like you I am not going to be there full time and probably just live out of a drawer or suitcase.  As an option I keep searching for some older style wardrobes at Estate Sales that can be easily moved to accomidate a change in furnishings locations throughout the room.

I guess I am not different than most in that you just do what you have money to do with. Try to strike a comprimize between need, use, looks,function and finances.  ???
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on February 25, 2010, 06:02:04 PM
You bring up a good point, John. You jogged my memory actually. Our original plan for the divider between the bed space and the living space was different. It turned out the way it is because we inherited that furniture from Karen's Mom after she passed away. It's 1950's vintage real solid wood made by real solid American furniture builders. The original plan was for me to make a couple storage cabinets much like the old wardrobes you are thinking of. That would give more storage space than we presently have.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: WoodSprite on February 25, 2010, 09:22:48 PM
Quote from: RainDog on February 25, 2010, 04:16:59 PM

Tell me, MountainDon, now that you've had some time up there with your wife and all, what's your verdict on that amount of space?

Could the two of y'all live comfortably in 480 sq. ft. if need be? I know there isn't much privacy, but is there room, for example, for y'all to each be doin' your own things in there without gettin' in each other's way?

Just tryin' to get a feel for what the minimal space for reasonable comfort would be.

Thanks.

Hey, RainDog - Ron & I have been happily sharing about 360 square feet with about a billion books for a little over three years.   Worse yet, we're musicians, so we rarely leave the house (well, the land, anyway) unless we have a gig or we're out of food. 

You have to really like each other, and it really helps to have a PLACE for all your stuff, so you don't start feeling oppressed with clutter.  And sheds are good.  As our own little compound across the road grows, so has this little shack, since it started out jammed full of spare doors, bathroom sinks, woodstoves, etc that we'd scrounged for our place. 

Of course, we're not like most people...
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Bishopknight on February 26, 2010, 10:25:23 AM
MountainDon,

Very impressive work on the propane hookup. You certainly know what you're doing if you have a drip end. Nice work.  ;D

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property4/P1010664.jpg)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on February 26, 2010, 10:40:09 AM
Thanks, BK.    I try real hard, read/study a lot.   :D    You do too if you know about drip ends.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Ken G on February 27, 2010, 06:17:08 AM
Hello Don. I'm curious about your cistern. I'm thinking of building one to catck runoff water for my garden. It would be located uphill of the garden for easy siphoning. What materials did you use to build it? I was thinking of using cedar.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on February 27, 2010, 12:09:58 PM
Our cistern was store bought. A polyethylene tank from Tank Depot.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on March 01, 2010, 06:39:33 PM
We'd been away from Pine Ridge for way too long.  :(  A couple of times when we wanted to go there were storm warnings that coincided with the exact same time. There was a storm warning this weekend as well, but we said, what the heck. Let's go see what the weather is like.   ;D

So we drove up and parked at our friends "cabin" site. There was notably more snow on the ground than the last time. The snow plow had pushed it into large piles surrounding the driveway.  With the heavy accumulation of snow the going was slower than previous trips. We took about 65 minutes with frequent brief rest stops to reach Pine Ridge by snow shoe.


(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property5/P1020043.jpg)


(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property5/P1020046.jpg)


The first thing we noticed when we got to Pine ridge was snow on the gazebo roof.


(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property5/P1020067.jpg)


Snow on the ground, snow on the RV, snow on the cabin roof.


(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property5/P1020062.jpg)


(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property5/P1020063.jpg)


The north side of the cabin with the path to the shed. This time I didn't shovel. We just tramped down the snow by snowshoeing back and forth a few times. Shoveling wasn't worth the time as we were only staying one night.


(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property5/P1020068.jpg)


The water pump was just about buried.


(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property5/P1020059.jpg)


A shot of the east end.


(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property5/P1020051.jpg)


Waiting for the cabin to warm up, both the wood stove and the propane wall heater going full tilt just like the NASCAR cars.


(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property5/P1020057.jpg)


So, yes it did snow a little Sunday morning during the drive up. It also snowed Sunday afternoon and evening. Monday morning dawned nice and clear and sunny. There was maybe an inch or so of new snow. Not enough to have worried about.   :D
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on March 01, 2010, 08:09:16 PM
I believe this Aspen damage is from elk or deer foraging on the bark.  There were only tracks in 2 places on the trek in. In January when we were up there tracks were all over. Not nearly as much snow then.


(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property5/P1020089.jpg)


This tree shows damage from previous years.  There are a great number of Aspens like this around while the pines and firs are untouched.


Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Redoverfarm on March 01, 2010, 10:16:17 PM
From the looks of the snow it appears that you are going through about the same as us at your cabin Don.  I posted a few recent pictures of our area taken Saturday.



http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=8337.msg110669#msg110669
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on March 01, 2010, 10:27:30 PM
Down at the south end the snow was maybe 3 feet deep. On the trek in the top barbed wire was at snow surface in a place or two.

Our plans are to return in 2 weeks, our spring break and spend a few days.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: RainDog on March 02, 2010, 08:32:13 AM

Remember to always tell the city-folk that those are bear scratches in the trees.

  :D
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on March 02, 2010, 11:46:32 AM
 ;D ;D ;D ;D

Bear claw scratches on tree ...

(http://www.wildernessclassroom.com/www/schoolhouse/boreal_library/animals/photos/black_bear_scratch.jpg)




Bear Claws.....



(http://www.wanderingfork.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/bear-diner-bear-claw.jpg)



Bear Claw Matches...



(http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/4/2009/10/500x_bearclawmatches.jpg)



....all dangerous in their own ways.    ;)



Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Phssthpok on March 02, 2010, 10:07:52 PM
Don't forget the Bear PAWS....dangerous in their own way. :o

(http://www.diverssupplyinc.net/prodimg/20114.jpg)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Redoverfarm on March 02, 2010, 10:08:14 PM
I prefer the 2nd option.  Always have like those.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on March 20, 2010, 10:12:28 PM
Last weekend we went up for a few days again. There had been a lot more snow and it snowed another 4 inches while we were there.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property5/mini-P1020111.jpg)

I don't shovel anymore. Instead we walk back and forth on the cabin to shed, cabin to woodpile paths a few times with snow shoes on and call it good enough.  ;)

Yes, we have snow!!!  

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property5/mini-P1020126.jpg)

We snowshoed around the property and across the meadow.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property5/mini-P1020116.jpg)

This is about 9 AM. The winter sun hasn't yet come around the trees far enough to hit the PV panels properly. By 10:30 or 11 they are in full sun though and stay that way till late afternoon. Summer is no problem at all though. It was no problem keeping the batteries up over the few days we were there though. Overdesign pays off.  ;)  The panels seem to shed the snow easily.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property5/mini-P1020119.jpg)

Anyhow we stayed toasty warm inside.

A problem surfaced with the water pump and cistern though. The last time I used it I did not take time to bleed air into the standpipe/downpipe from the pump head into the cistern. There is now a frozen slug of water in the upper section of the pipe. I didn't try to thaw it this time as it was a bit nippy outside and we had a few jugs in the cabin. As well the recent snow was of very high moisture content and melted down to provide a lot of water without too much trouble. A pot hand packed with snow would melt down to just  a tad under a half pot of water.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property5/P1020130.jpg)

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property5/P1020131.jpg)


So I'm pondering a couple solutions to that problem. More on that later. Ideas/queries accepted gladly.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: EcoHeliGuy on March 28, 2010, 02:08:39 PM
Hey Don

I have had many of times melting snow, and lots of it, just thought I would speed up your process, place a inch of water in the pot before you add snow, It will melt rapid fast, and then keep adding snow you the warm water. If i'm not back packing, and happen to have a wood stove, I just keep feeding a stock pot with snow.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: OlJarhead on March 28, 2010, 06:16:08 PM
We have a frost free spicket that I can look into.  It works in all temperatures.  When you turn it off it bleeds the pipes so there is never any ice in them.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on April 04, 2010, 11:42:43 PM
We finally got around to totaling up the receipts.   :(  I just couldn't find the time till now.   ;)

The cabin from the ground up to the metal roofing and the casual labor costs, including the interior finish work, electrical and plumbing, but not including anything in the solar PV equipment. So electrical includes everything from the service panel to inside, just like a regular home. The wood stove and propane wall heater are included as is the gas range and Servel propane fridge and the SunMar composting toilet. So basically what you see in the photos, minus the furniture.      $21K   or $44 a square foot.


The PV system, including the pole, panels, cable and conduit, Outback charge controller and 3500 watt pure sine wave inverter, batteries cables and copper bars, stainless steel hardware, trencher rental...      $8800   less $2640 tax credit equals $6160 out of pocket.



Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: glenn kangiser on April 04, 2010, 11:59:27 PM
Not bad - cheaper than a new RV and more enjoyable with less breakdowns. :)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on April 05, 2010, 11:35:16 AM
Ooops. Small error. Add $1K to the cabin.  $46 per sq ft

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: ScottA on April 05, 2010, 03:25:14 PM
Pretty close to what I paid. Not bad Don.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on April 05, 2010, 03:33:20 PM
It's more than we planned way back we we decided to buy the property.

But then we built bigger and fancier than we were first thinking too.



Reaching back to the roots of this project we were planning a more rustic 10 x 20.


Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Jens on April 12, 2010, 10:04:29 PM
this is probably answered somewhere in the thread but, why 15.75?
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on April 12, 2010, 10:22:32 PM
Hi Jens,

I cut the first couple of floor joists too short.  :-[ 


No that's not it.  ::)
I was planning on using T&G subfloor material in the nominal 4' x 8' size. As you know, it's actually not that wide because of the T&G being cut. So rather than have to deal with little strips if I made it a real 16 foot wide, I made the cabin a little narrower. It helps my OCD which demands things fit together nicely.  d*  Ditto the exterior sheathing width across the end. My OSB panels overlap nicely at the corners.  ;D  It also prompts questions, promotes discussion.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 plan
Post by: soomb on May 02, 2010, 03:58:46 PM
Quote from: MountainDon on July 29, 2008, 09:47:40 PM

15.75 ft = 15 ft 9 inches

That avoids the shortfall when using 4 x 8 T&G sheathing   
This is a trip back to page 17, but I wanted to ask what the detail was to the explanation about going 15.75'

Thanks
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on May 02, 2010, 05:10:31 PM
Wow. That was a while back.  :D


I suppose if I had really wanted to I could have measured the T&G "dropoff" per sheet and calculated the precise width to an 1/8" and maximized the width of the T&G subflooring. ...I'm not that OCD.   ;D



Latest news.... Snow in May....  photos at 10...   ;D
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Proud_Poppa on May 02, 2010, 05:55:15 PM
    Greetings Don

I've spent a good share of the last 2 DAYS going through your construction thread. Awesome Job, and AWESOME location! I am learning a lot!! I'm currently on page 23, reply# 457....where I noticed at the underside of the roof, where it intersects the wall....what is that metal? Is it just standard metal flashing nailed up from the outside....or is it a "product" of some sort? What is it's purpose? I'm an electrician (industrial) by trade, but I'm fascinated with the idea of building a small home for my wife and I to retire to (I'm 50 at the moment). Thanks for all the effort to "document" all your work! This is a fascinating forum!!


Quote from: MountainDon on September 15, 2008, 11:23:36 PM
I installed some of the wall insulation.

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property2/insulationupsidedown.jpg)

I had this much done when I realized it was upside down.  :o   d*
I tore it out and put it back the right way.   [crz]


... just funning ya'll.    ;D ;D


Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: NM_Shooter on May 02, 2010, 06:02:20 PM
How well are the batteries wintering?
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on May 02, 2010, 06:53:02 PM
Thanks for the kind words and your patience in reading my ramblings.

You have a good eye for detail.   That is a non approved "bird blocking"   [crz]

A few of us owner-builders commit the same "sin"; that of not estimating sufficient time to get everything done at the time "it" should be done, or would be completed most easily. I should have installed 2x bird blocking in the rafter bays as the rafters were being installed and before the sheathing was installed. While the walls and roof were being built it rained frequently, daily for a while. So I left the blocking for later. Later took a while in coming.  d*

I needed to close those off in order to keep birds out of the cabin and then after the ceiling was installed, out of the attic. I knew it was impossible to do everything I needed to do before snow flew and blocked us out for the winter. As it happened somewhere along the way I had picked up a couple rolls of aluminum flashing cheap; somebody's yard sale. I cut aluminum to fit the rafter bay width. They're nailed in placed from the exterior, nailing the bottom edge to the wall top and curving the metal in against the underside of the roof sheathing. It kept the birds and weather out of the attic over the winter. In spring when we were ready to blow in the cellulose attic insulation and install the soffit material I slid corrugated foam sheet insulation ventilators in between the sheathing and the aluminum.

As you continue your way through this let us all know if you see anything in the electrical stuff that is wrong or so-so. Many readers emulate what they see here and corrections to technique for either safety or practicality reasons are always welcome.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on May 02, 2010, 07:07:36 PM
Quote from: NM_Shooter on May 02, 2010, 06:02:20 PM
How well are the batteries wintering?


The batteries have done very well.  :D The fluid levels were well up; I haven't had to add water all winter. For the most part they are just sitting there doing nothing but a little self discharge with a daily top up from the PV system. Every time we've been up over the winter they have been sitting waiting at full charge. The log in the Outback charge controller records the last 128 days stats; max daily battery voltage, power (amp-hours and/or KwH) into the bank, max peak voltage from the PV panels, max amps from the panels, etc.

Of interest (to me anyways  ;) ) is that the maximum peak input voltage from the PV panels was 127 VDC, well within the 150 VDC maximum permitted by Outback. That value was recorded a few times. [FYI, that value is usually hit first thing on a cold morning as the sun first strikes the panels, although I have seen it reached later in the day on occasion.]

This trip I ran the generator for a few hours and gave the batteries a tickle with an equalization charge. I hadn't run the generator since some time in January or early February.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on May 02, 2010, 08:04:03 PM
Okay now! It's May 1st. It's spring! And what does that mean at the cabin in the midst of a pine forest?  

A fresh crop of needles dropped since last fall and blown out of the trees by the winter winds.

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-1/P1020226.jpg)



Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on May 02, 2010, 08:04:24 PM
And what does it mean when the Miller's are confronted with a new years crop of dropped pine needles?

It's time to rake and burn!  Here's where we started...

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-1/P1020230.jpg)

Moving around the back (south) side of the cabin...

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-1/P1020232.jpg)

I seem to spend a lot of time burning stuff.  ???
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on May 02, 2010, 08:06:18 PM
There is a cabin in there somewhere...  (fallen pine needles do make a lot of smoke.)

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-1/P1020233.jpg)

see...

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-1/P1020234.jpg)

We had about 20 little piles and rows going...

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-1/P1020237.jpg)


We did a lot but do still have more to do. We want to clean up a wide swath around the cabin, shed and gazebo area and then work our way down the slope about another 100 feet or so. Last year it paid off handsomely when the small forest blaze occurred. This will be our annual spring ritual for years to come.

Pine needles do burn good, but if in too large a pile the fire slows down after the outside is consumed. It's necessary to turn the piles/rows several times. It's also nice to have a slight breeze to fan the flames. Just a slight breeze mind you.

My plan was to present next day photos of "after".
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on May 02, 2010, 08:13:35 PM
We planned on getting up and doing some more raking into piles and rows, all set to burn next time. At midnight the skies were clear and the stars twinkling. Some time between then and 6 AM something went wrong....

May 2nd dawns....

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-1/P1020238.jpg)

Looks like December!   ???   The shovel's in the shed, put away till next winter.

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-1/P1020241.jpg)

It snowed on and off all morning through to 2 PM when we decided to head home.

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-1/P1020244.jpg)

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on May 03, 2010, 09:07:26 PM
I have added something to this thread. A friend wondered if an index could be added to make it easier to find a certain spot in the topic. So I have added an index of sorts way back at the beginning. I have inserted a chronological index of major steps and some minor steps along the way. Click Here to return to the beginning...  (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.msg22473#msg22473)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Proud_Poppa on May 04, 2010, 06:21:33 PM
Shooooey

Just finished the whole thread...took me about 4 days of readin' !

First....THANK YOU so much for all the work you did in documenting this project for us! Great hideaway!

A couple observations:
  It looks like your task of burning brush will never end! Gosh that area is just a perfect fit for forest fires isn't it!?!

  How long will it be before you tell the boss to "Take this job and shove it" and make your hideaway permanent. It would be a big temptation for me with as nice as you've got the place set up. It could only be better if there was a public library in walking distance!  ;D

PP
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on May 04, 2010, 07:31:16 PM
Thanks and you're most welcome. And you are right, there will always be some brush trash to clean up.

Quote from: Proud_Poppa on May 04, 2010, 06:21:33 PM
Gosh that area is just a perfect fit for forest fires isn't it!?!

Ten years ago today some 40 miles away a prescribed burn left the prescribed boundaries and burned some 48,000 acres including several hundred homes in Los Alamos.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cerro_Grande_Fire#Damage_to_buildings (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cerro_Grande_Fire#Damage_to_buildings)

It's like many of the forests in the western states.


I won't be telling the boss to "TTJASI" as I'm married to her.  ;D ;D  But we have wound down to 4 days a week and take summer off.


The nearest library is a drive; back to the suburbs.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on May 10, 2010, 08:39:17 PM
Nothing much this weekend, not even a single photo.

We raked pine needles, burned some and discovered something voluntarily coming up in last years small garden spot.

We marked 40 to 50 trees for future thinning.

I began laying out a couple of new drainage runoff holding basins, as well as a few new ground water diverters.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: gibby on May 13, 2010, 05:51:08 PM
Greetings Don.  As a recent arrival to this site, I must say how much I enjoyed reading about your build from the beginning.  I'm not too far from starting my mountain cabin project, and I'd like to borrow your gazebo idea.  Our site will be 20 acres shared by four people.  The gazebo as a common area is the perfect 'first improvement' for our site.

One question, which I'm hoping is not redundant (sure didn't see it specified anywhere)... what are the dimensions of your gazebo?

Thanks for sharing your experience.  I've learned a ton!

Kevin
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on May 13, 2010, 05:58:56 PM
Thank you!  

The gazebo is 10 foot square. That seemed to be the minimum that would suit us. The plan had included a louvered set of covers for the cupola sides, however, we've seldom missed that. (It was to assist in keeping rain out, but that has not been a big deal.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: mountainmomma on May 17, 2010, 10:54:02 PM
Would composting the pine needles be an option?
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: glenn kangiser on May 18, 2010, 09:37:34 AM
I think that might be hard.  Seems those things last forever.

I studied a bit of composting when I had about 210,000 lbs of horse manure here.

Composting requires a specific ratio of carbon, nitrogen, air and water.  Horse manure straight is nearly the perfect composting mix for a quick change to soil.  Loosen it - dampen it and turn it every week and it will be smoking, changing to soil in about 4 to 6 weeks.  It can catch fire if not taken care of and in too big a pile.

Pine needles would be heavy on carbon - likely very little nitrogen so they or other carbon heavy materials require a heavy source of nitrogen such as chicken manure or fertilizer to compost quickly.  Chicken manure needs carbon to compost quickly so they work together.  If you add carbon such as mulch to a garden, it will rob nitrogen from the soil if mixed in, so you need to add nitrogen or all purpose fertilizer to keep things growing better to make up for the nitrogen loss.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on May 18, 2010, 09:47:34 AM

like he said. One needs to give it a lot of help. The layers of needles go several years deep and remain idnetifiable for several years. Then it gets more and more broken down, but very slow. A ton chicken$hit or fertilizer would help.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Phssthpok on May 20, 2010, 08:33:26 PM
Beware the Dread Gazebo. (http://www.netfunny.com/rhf/jokes/98/Jul/gazebo.html) ;D
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on June 07, 2010, 10:46:11 PM
Not much happening up at the cabin except for a lot of relaxing.   ;D   I blame my jaw work for my lack of enterprise. 

Actually we have done some clean up on the south, north facing slope; getting rid of the fallen trees and dead branches there.  I wonder if this will ever end? 
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Redoverfarm on June 08, 2010, 05:10:48 AM
"Are we there yet"  I mean it is time to enjoy the fruits of your labor.  And no it will never be over as long as you have trees there will be needles, leaves or limbs to discard but that is something you can do at a more relaxing pace Don,  Glad you are getting along OK.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on June 24, 2010, 04:45:52 PM
I was PM'd by someone about the water system as installed in opur cabin and asked if it was working well and if there was anything I would do differently if I was faced with another similar project.

Well, by coincidence, I have just now actually almost completed the bathroom. Yes, that has been a while coming. Anyhow, the water runs into and out of the bathroom now.   :D  I have some door trim to finish and a few small details. Pictures and story on that will be coming soon.

Some comments and observations of the water system... Cabin water system inside is setup much like an RV)

I also never posted much in the way of pictures, so I'll remedy that today.

I used a Shurflo 2088 pump, the same as the one in the old RV. Even though Shurflo states that the pump is capable of a 6 foot lift I do not recommend using it above the height of the tank bottom. I had installed it on top of the tank to conserve floor footprint. Bad idea. That was well within the allowable distance even allowing for our elevation. (pump ratings should be decreased for higher altitudes.) It was only about an 18 inch lift but I noticed the delivery volume to be less than that in the RV. The RV pump is mounted at the level of the tank bottom.

So yesterday I finally got around to remounting the pump. It is now at tank bottom level. It's performance has been noticeably increased; much better volume delivery and the pump doesn't sound like it is working as hard. I never thought that small lift would affect delivery at the faucet.

Water flow at the shower seems to be adequate, but we have not showered in the newly completed shower yet. We're waiting on the shower curtain track.

More later, including some pictures. (have to run off right now)

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on June 24, 2010, 09:26:23 PM
One other thing I might do differently...

In such a confined space it is difficult to take advantage of the flexibility of PEX tubing. It does bend, but not too sharply without the use of "bend supports".  
(http://www.pexsupply.com/images/products/large/a5250500-1.jpg)

I did not think ahead to include these in my box full of fittings and installation parts. If I had I could have used fewer 90 degree fittings for direction changes. 

An alternate to bend supports for the PEX would be to make greater use of the flexible hoses with braided coverings. As it was I used some of them for faucet connections and pump connections. The pump requires their use for vibration isolation.

Here's a general view of the under sink works...

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-1/waterundersink.jpg)

The wiring to the pump will be lengthened next time to place the wires more out of the way. I'm going to try to position the pump so it's motor is not directly under a water fitting, just in case something leaks some day.

The RV water heater has extra layers of foam insulation. The next shot illustrates the tank connections. The bypass valves and hose are barely visible. That allows the heater tank to be isolated from the system; handy in freezing weather or other times the hot water heater does not need to be in service. Maybe more important in an RV than the cabin, maybe not.

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-1/hotwater.jpg)

Also seen are the shut offs that permit the shower supply lines to be turned off and isolated from the main portion of the system. That's something that has been handy while the bathroom was in a state of limbo. As well, it will be handy to be able to isolate the shower for ocassional cold weather use when the duration of cabin use does not warrant the use of the shower.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on June 24, 2010, 09:30:57 PM
So this week I took time off my leisure time to do some inside work. I have the bathroom / shower in an almost ready for prime time condition. It has sat with cement board on the walls, ungrouted tile and no door until this week. Hopefully I'll keep my nose to the grindstone next week and have it completed and ready to show. For now here's a shot of the end wall with the shower fixture shown. Yes, it is an unusual asymmetric layout; it suits us fine. Those walls are FRP (fiberglass reinforced plastic) panels. Off white or almond. 12 VDC Thinlite fixture.

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-1/asymetricshower.jpg)

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: John Raabe on June 24, 2010, 10:23:32 PM
Shower looks good Don and the chronology at post 1 is a great idea that could work well for others with long project threads.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Sassy on June 24, 2010, 11:29:21 PM
I won't tell you how long ours has sat w/cement board (Glenn painted it white a couple months ago)  :-[  But that's a great idea for the walls!  I'd like some glass blocks above it to let in light - the ceiling is really high & we would get light from the uphill patio (right now we have plastic  d* )

Your idea should simplify the process  :)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on June 25, 2010, 10:01:53 AM
HD, Lowes, others sell the FRP panels. They are glued up to the wall using an adhesive formulated for FRP panels. I have used several brands of the adhesive and find the Liquid Nails brand to have better initial "tack". It though also reeks of chemicals much more than the low-VOC types I have tried (LP and Locktite). Those required the panels to be blocked in place with bracing or "clamped" wit blocks/strips of wood and screws at the edges.

There are special corner moldings made to match the FRP color but I elected to glue and seal foam plastic fake redwood moldings into the corners instead.


In case anyone wonders what that is on the upper left, I'll explain. I'm a water miser. I hate running perfectly good water down the shower drain while waiting for warm water to arrive through the pipe run. I have a quarter turn shutoff valve installed in the hot supply line. When opened, that allows water in the hot line to be returned, via an extra line, to the water storage tank. When the base of the vale gets warm the valve is shut off and then you will have hot water at the shower mixer valve right away. No waste.

This will not work with a conventional water system where the water comes directly from the municipal system or your own well. It needs to have that non pressurized water storage tank as a place to return the water. The same thing (saving water) can be accomplished with the use of a recirculating hot water pump in a standard system. But that requires another pump. My 'Rube Goldberg' system does the job for us. OMMV.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on July 01, 2010, 02:21:20 PM
Woo-Hoo!!  Except for the shower curtain track and related hardware the shower / bathroom is completed!  The track is coming soon, I hope. It's a ceiling mount RV type and will suspend the curtain over the shower pan. The track will allow the shower space to be enclosed so the water should stay in the shower pan. The curtain will be stored, rollered around the U-shaped track, against the blank wall.

Here's the installed and trimmed out pocket door from the main room. It's Honduran mahogany skinned, nothing special. S/S hardware. Finished with clear satin Minwax Polycrylic.

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-1/mini-aadoorshower.jpg)

Here's a shot with the door open looking to the shower end. The rug is removed for shower use, of course. This will strike many as an unusual layout, but it is very much like what many RV's use.

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-1/mini-abdooropenshower.jpg)

Door open and looking the other direction, towards the end outside wall with the window. The floor and lower 36 inches of wall are tiled with the same tile as the balance of the cabin floor.

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-1/mini-addooropenshowerwoodwall.jpg)

Looking at the shower end with the door closed. The wood that came with the pocket door kit was paint grade, but very nice. So we did something unusual and simply clear coated it. The darker spliced in piece fits in well with the use of pine and redwood. To us at least, OMMV. The standard shower head was replaced with a hand wand type. That makes rinsing off easier while conserving water use.

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-1/mini-afdoorclosedshowerinside.jpg)

Here's looking at the window end. The original plan was to install the Sun-Mar composting toilet under the window. However plans changed and at this point the Sun-Mar will remain in the shed. We are using a portable toilet in here strictly for nighttime or emergency use. The towels are from the Eclectic Collection.  ;D  The upper wall behind the towels is the same FRP panel material that was used at the shower end. That was also used above the window. That's a 1x8 pine shelf above the window; abbreviated to allow for a 30" towel bar

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-1/mini-aetowels.jpg)

Last week while at home I decided to clean out a corner of the garage / workshop. Hidden away, on the upper shelving, I rediscovered a stash of exotic boards. Left overs from old projects they have been stacked for 20+ years. Shuffled through from time to time to make some special do-dad , the boards were mostly collecting dust and using space I could use for other stuff. Then I had a brilliant idea. Or so I thought, OMMV. I hauled it into the house and laid them out on the floor. After much rearranging Karen and I (mostly K) decided on a layout for the orphaned section of wall.

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-1/mini-agwoodcoveredwall.jpg)

From the top piece of redwood trim down... 3/4" Honduran Mahogany, 3/8" Padauk, 3/4" of something from the Ebony family (it may be Macassar Ebony, very dense and heavy), 1/4" Padauk, a three inch wide strip of 3/4" Walnut, 1/2" Jatoba, 3/4" Lacewood and 3/4" Padauk. The outlet plate is some unknown fine grained wood (Lowe's). All the wood received 5 coats of clear finish. The edges were are rough sawn, but straight. I left the rough sawn edges as a decorative detail. Sorry no closeup.

The white pipe protruding from the Pine T&G ceiling is the vent for the composting toilet. I'll leave it there "just in case", but have to disguise it somehow.

I have a few other scraps of exotics and am planning a small shelf unit to hold odds and ends under that wood wall.

They were all glued to the cement backer board with construction adhesive.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Redoverfarm on July 01, 2010, 04:03:56 PM
Nice utilization of surplus material.  Maybe you could convert the vent to use when the shower is operational to avoid condensation.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on July 07, 2010, 03:08:21 PM
Finishing details here and there....

At long last I lifted the wood stove so I could slide the copper sheet that we bought a year ago, under it. I was almost getting used to seeing the grey cement board under the stove. Here's the copper...

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-1/stovecopper01.jpg)


We've left it bare, uncoated and will watch to see what sort of a patina may develop.

I received the shower track and mounts but not the curtain drops or carriage rollers. So here's the view up to the ceiling and track. That was a straight length of 8 foot aluminum track. It is hand bendable. I measured carefully and used two quart size paint cans as the form for bending the radius. Worked out well...

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-1/showertrack.jpg)

As well, I finally boxed in the water pipes to the shower and added a shelf above the range for storing the cooler we use going back and forth from home to the cabin. I made the shelf brace from a left over piece of the battery bank copper buss bar stock.

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-1/hidepipescoolershelf.jpg)

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on July 07, 2010, 03:19:50 PM
Also, at long last, I fitted a handrail on the porch stairs. It's just a piece of standard railing from HD. I made 'returns' on the two ends from pieces of 1x pine. Not fancy, but it prevents coats, etc. from getting caught going up or down.

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-1/handrail.jpg)

Lastly, I made a foot board for the bed from some of the old project odds and ends. Red oak uprights, a walnut top piece and padauk corner braces. The braces are dadoed into the oak and walnut and there is a biscuit joining the oak to walnut.

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-1/footboard.jpg)

corner...

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-1/footboarddetail.jpg)

The main purpose is to have something to fold the quilt over so it doesn't slide to the floor.  It's mounted to the bed frame with plywood gussets for now. I have a couple of brackets planned that I'll form from steel. They should look better than the plywood scabs.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: ScottA on July 08, 2010, 06:35:08 PM
Everythings looking great Don. Very hommey for a camp.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on July 08, 2010, 07:36:24 PM
Thanks Scott. Yes, we got a little fancier than originally envisioned back in 2006. 

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: poppy on July 12, 2010, 10:03:17 AM
Don, your cabin is really taking shape. I really like the wood work in the bath and footboard.  [cool]
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on July 15, 2010, 09:27:28 AM
Thanks poppy. 

Greetings from Rothenburg Germany

http://www.romanticroad.com/gerberhaus/

Don
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Redoverfarm on July 15, 2010, 09:52:07 AM
Glad you made it safely Don.  Hope you enjoy.  I can just imagine all of the ideas you come up with over there to bring back to NM for your retreat.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Sassy on July 15, 2010, 02:11:05 PM
Your place is looking great, like how yo used the different types of wood.

I'm envious!  Would love to see Germany - the place you are staying at is beautiful!
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: ScottA on July 15, 2010, 03:14:19 PM
Spass. Trink ein bier auf mein wohl.  :)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on August 13, 2010, 02:52:03 PM
Alas, no beer. No wine.  :( >:( >:(

Because of the problem I had with an infection after the work on my jaw the only way the trip was made possible at the scheduled time was to continue the antibiotics as a preventative/curative treatment during the tour. One of the antibiotics was Falgyl. That drug has nasty interactions when alcohol is consumed. You vomit. The wine tasting at a French winery was fine as long as I spit it out. That was okay, but I didn't think that would have been good form at a German beer garden.

So I passed on the alcohol. But I made up for it by trying different bratwursts.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: PEG688 on August 13, 2010, 02:58:59 PM

Nice job on the foot board Don 8)  And the other stuff as well!
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on August 13, 2010, 03:00:16 PM
Well, back to the cabin and the mountains.

I'm actually at the point where I did a small renovation on some work I did last year!  :)

I decided that the propane bottle storage was too high off the ground. Lifting the 40# cylinders, tare weight 95#, from the ground level to the platform was not something Karen could easily do. She did it once, but her look told me that she never wanted to do that again. I can do it, but looking ahead to who knows when, she might need to deal with moving a fresh tank into place herself. So a renovation was in order.

I have been a diligent follower of Glenn's Underground Cabin topic since waaaay back. I have learned a thing or two when it comes to fine woodworking as taught the Glenn Kangiser way!  I needed to shorten the existing platform a little and build a lower platform.

......




.....






................

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-1/P1030559.jpg)

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-1/P1030560.jpg)

Need I saw anything further?  I did use a newly resharpened chain. Beautiful cut!   I had a piece of 1/2" black pipe cut 18 inches shorter and threaded. That dropped the regulator to where either 20 or 40 pound cylinders can be used on the new platform.

Next I'm going to use some more scrap material to make a small ramp to make it even easier with a hand truck.


Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on August 13, 2010, 03:00:46 PM
Quote from: PEG688 on August 13, 2010, 02:58:59 PM

Nice job on the foot board Don 8)  And the other stuff as well!

Thanks,    I have ideas for using more 'scraps' for a headboard too.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on August 13, 2010, 03:09:50 PM
We also made some changes along the cabin end. This makes it easier, more comfortable, going up and down the small embankment along the power center and to and form the shed. I had the 2x left over material, tree log sections (brushed on some preservative)  and a pile of concrete form stakes....

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-1/P1030563.jpg)


Yes the wood posts are on the "wrong" side of the planks, but that's okay. I used several recycled long bolts and washers and through bolted them. And there is not a lot of dirt being held back. Mostly it's a water diversion wall/fence.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: PEG688 on August 13, 2010, 03:56:35 PM
Quote from: MountainDon on August 13, 2010, 03:00:16 PM

I have been a diligent follower of Glenn's Underground Cabin topic since waaaay back. I have learned a thing or two when it comes to fine woodworking as taught the Glenn Kangiser way!  I needed to shorten the existing platform a little and build a lower platform.




(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-1/P1030559.jpg)



  be careful what you learn in the Internet :o  Especially from Glenn  [shocked] :-X rofl
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: glenn kangiser on August 14, 2010, 12:16:25 AM
Surely thou jests, PEG..... [waiting]

Good job, Grasshopper.  The student surpasses the master.  I like the form and the steady hand..... [crz]


Looks like the other one may be a bit shaky though Don.... :)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Pritch on August 14, 2010, 02:20:55 PM
Naw, Glenn would have used a plasma torch and rested it on the propane bottles!    ;D
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: PEG688 on August 14, 2010, 09:29:06 PM
Quote from: glenn kangiser on August 14, 2010, 12:16:25 AM


Surely thou jests, PEG..... [waiting]



  Correct, a good jest is better than a nasty joust eh?   [toilet]
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Texas Tornado on August 14, 2010, 09:56:57 PM
What do you use for a computer at the cabin?
How far away from cell towers?
Irene
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on August 14, 2010, 10:49:50 PM
Cabin to nearest cell tower distance = 1.75 miles
Cabin is at 8800 feet
Cell tower is at 10000 feet (Alltel)
Nothing higher between cabin and cell tower
= very good cell phone reception most of the time



Reasonably good over the air TV reception as well thanks to the altitude
(transmitters are approx. 36 miles to the south at 10,000+ feet)



Computer: Dell Studio 15 laptop, 2.2GHz
I do not have internet access at the cabin at present
Alltel data service is available, but not at the highest speed that is available further south

At the cabin I use the computer for handling images from the game camera and as a mapping tool with Topo! and my GPS as well as with Google Earth and the GPS. I also have a lot of reference documents on the hard drive, plus hundreds of GB's of MP3's. I also use two 1TB  WD portable hard drives for backups.

FWIW, Google Earth has a large cache on the hard drive (up to 2 GB, user selectable). If you mouse/travel over an area when connected to the internet you can use Google earth offline with the software using the imaging that is in the cache.

Pelican hard shell case for transporting the computer.




Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: glenn kangiser on August 16, 2010, 08:42:30 AM
....a guy jus' can't get no respect... [waiting]
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Pritch on August 16, 2010, 02:15:04 PM
Quote from: glenn kangiser on August 16, 2010, 08:42:30 AM
....a guy jus' can't get no respect... [waiting]

I guess I should have said, "Naw, Glenn would have used a plasma torch and rested it on the propane bottles!  AND PULLED IT OFF!" 
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: glenn kangiser on August 16, 2010, 04:30:27 PM
ahhhh, that's better.  Did I ever mention about my old boss at the welding shop teaching me how to weld up log truck diesel tanks while the diesel was running out of the crack.  He said as long as the diesel was running out there was no danger of it exploding while I welded it.  [ouch]   :)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on August 23, 2010, 08:15:34 PM
Little things....   :D

We finally received the shower curtain drop chains and rollers. That took an inordinately lengthy time. We got the credit card company involved when the getting the missing package problem resolved appeared to be at a dead end.

The reason the drops were needed is because standard off the shelf shower curtains are 72 inches and the ceiling mounted track was at about 94.5 inches.

The drops...  

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-1/P1030582.jpg)

Ready for use...

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-1/P1030579.jpg)

At rest in the corner.

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-1/P1030584.jpg)

We also laid some 12 inch pavers along the eve drip line, with some timbers to slow/halt erosion of the bank. I'm trying to get grass growing there, but our absence in July played havoc with that.

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-1/P1030572.jpg)


Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on August 23, 2010, 08:23:25 PM
More small stuff..... Let there be light!!  An electric light in the gazebo!!

This sure is more convenient than propane or liquid fueled camping lanterns. Quieter too. All weather resistant parts.

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-1/P1030577.jpg)

The power is tapped off the cabin exterior outlet near the porch.

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-1/P1030573.jpg)

PVC conduit and THHN/THWN wiring. Mostly buried. Legal depth, sort of.  ::)

One 23 watt CFL provides oodles of light to read by, all at the flick of a switch.

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-1/P1030585.jpg)

And the fire provides some warmth...

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-1/P1030586.jpg)


Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on September 07, 2010, 12:27:36 AM
 roflWe made it to the cabin this weekend. We missed last weekend  >:(  because of some issues with tenants in one of our rental condos. I'll never understand the way renters view property they don't own.  ??? But that's another topic.

It was nice to be there. I did a few small things. I had some T&G pine left over from many years ago and we decided to use it to finish the lower walls in the gazebo. It's only 5/16" thick, but as long as we don't rent it out there should be no problems with it.   rofl

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-1/gazebofloor1.jpg)

I also gave the floor boards a coat of deck finish.

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-1/gazebofloor2.jpg)

A sharp eye will notice two different patterns in the T&G. So what?   8)


This morning when we got up (7:30) and peered out the north window we discovered we had company.

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-1/deer2.jpg)

That's about 25 yards away....

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-1/deer1.jpg)


The game camera caught some videos of a buck (at the salt block). I may get around to posting one of them tomorrow.

We also spent a little time working on a trail across the SE slope.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on September 07, 2010, 01:04:33 AM
The weather was wonderfully sunny. When we arrived the PV system had already been in absorb mode for an hour or so. After we had lunch the system was in float. Since I had not done an equalization charge since spring I though it might be a good time. I checked the fluid levels and they were all still very good. I've not had to add much water since implementing the PV system. This would be the second time in a year and none of the levels were anywhere near the danger point of exposing the plate tops.

With a clear blue sky and a promise of at least a couple hours of good solar power I decided to equalize off the sun. Well, okay the generator was at home so there was not much choice. I shot a video. Depending on how noisy your environment is you can hear the bubbling. You can not smell the acid fumes, maybe a good thing.   ;D    Click the image to run the photobucket video.

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/solar/th_P1030617.jpg) (https://s139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/solar/?action=view&current=P1030617.mp4)



Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on September 07, 2010, 01:31:30 AM
We hauled a hundred gallons of water up and dumped it into the cistern. I had not dipped the cistern for some time, all I knew is that there was still water in there, but no idea of how much. For some reason I had the nutty idea to shoot a video.  ???

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-1/th_P1030613.jpg) (https://s139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-1/?action=view&current=P1030613.mp4)

As things turned out the addition of the hundred gallons brought the level up to full plus. The tank was full plus the manhole extension was full to the hose inlet port. We conserved better than I thought. We celebrated with a shower.   :D

Last winter I found that we should have buried the cistern tank a little deeper. In January or February the pump standpipe froze. Thinking about how to resolve that issue I came up with what I hope will be the solution. Nothing done yet, but it involves air pressure. I hope to have the idea turned into something to photograph by next weekend.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on September 07, 2010, 01:34:29 AM
And I messed up the dipstick video.... I guess I was a dipstick.   ;D   So nothing on that.... 
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: glenn kangiser on September 07, 2010, 09:42:57 PM
Cool, Don. Thanks for the vids. 

Hard to resist shooting everything around with the HF non-contact thermometer isn't it. :)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: diyfrank on September 07, 2010, 10:13:42 PM
Could you explain an equalization charge and how it's different then charging?
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on September 07, 2010, 10:57:46 PM
Sure, but I'll do it in the Off Grid Topic (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=6059.msg121619#msg121619).

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: John Raabe on September 07, 2010, 11:40:25 PM
Always great to stop in here and see this evolving cabin project. Love the night time shot of the gazebo. [cool]
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Tickhill on September 08, 2010, 06:39:14 AM
Thanks for our updates, especially pics and videos. I think I spent the first week on this website checking yours and Glenn's projects. I have learned a great deal and look forward to more. Thanks
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on September 08, 2010, 09:26:50 AM
You are welcome. Glad somebody reads this.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: astidham on September 08, 2010, 09:33:44 AM
MountainDon, I love the drip line paver idea! very smart
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on September 08, 2010, 09:42:41 AM
Thanks. Ideas grow from experiences. Even with the cabin elevated and the eve line a couple feet away there was a lot of dirt splash on the siding. That was one reason to do it. Another was that we use that route to walk from the cabin to the shed when it's sunny. After a rain it gets muddy. That walk is shaded whereas the other walk way is in the sun, so we like it for that. The eve line walk will not be so good when there is snow on the roof though. I almost got dumped on the first winter.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: wjabsco on September 08, 2010, 07:59:42 PM
MountainDon - you have readers, don't worry...been enjoying your thread for a year!  Keep it up.  Your experiences/photos fuel our ideas.  :-)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on September 12, 2010, 08:45:43 PM
Hmmm... The Tool Shed becomes the Tiled Shed.

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-1/tileinshed.jpg)

Too much time on my hands, or can't pass up a good deal on remnant tile. Next week I'' lay the rest.  Not enough to do the whole floor, but enough to run right up to the shelving and under the front edge of the Sun-Mar composting toilet.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Redoverfarm on September 12, 2010, 09:16:41 PM
It's a good start.  It will leave you with less to do the next time around.  That is a popular color that is usually in the middle isle of HD or Lowes.  I used about the same in the loft bathroom shelf.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on September 12, 2010, 09:44:48 PM
Yep. One of the nearby Lowe's had a little of it left and was clearing it. There are a lot of colors similar. We used another inside the cabin.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: astidham on September 12, 2010, 09:46:53 PM
You can tile right over the plywood floor?
That could save some money.
I thought wood had to be covered with cement board.
Looks real good!
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on September 12, 2010, 10:35:28 PM
It's a shed......  ;)

Long before there was cement board tile was placed directly over lots of plywood. Nothing bad happened to most of it. Back home we had a tile floor that was approx 20 years old when we left. The only thing about it that was bad was the color looked "old". Like an avocado refrigerator.


Cement board may make for a better floor in the long run. I'm sure it also makes for a better bottom line at Hardie, and Durock, and .....
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: countrylivn on September 15, 2010, 07:05:15 PM
Great Job on everything. Wondering how much you've spent for the cabin alone?
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on September 15, 2010, 07:58:10 PM
try this again, dumb fingers!  #%&$@*

I added a link in the index just now to the cost figures that I posted.

Here it is...

http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.msg113214#msg113214 (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.msg113214#msg113214)

Read that post and down one or two where I made an adjustment
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: OlJarhead on September 16, 2010, 11:06:15 AM
Quote from: MountainDon on September 08, 2010, 09:26:50 AM
You are welcome. Glad somebody reads this.

You'd be surprised.

I read it everytime you post something new (and sometimes when you haven't) to see what new great idea you are sharing!

Without your thread I'd have had NO IDEA where to begin on so many things.

Thanks for all the hard work sharing your cabin experience here Don, it's much appreciated!

As well as Glenn, Scott, and several others! 
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: glenn kangiser on September 26, 2010, 09:58:56 AM
Don, I find my fingers type whatever they want - not like the old typewriters where you had a place to judge where your fingers were supposed to be going.  I know the young ones will say what's that? 

Come to think of it I wasn't that good on the typewriter either and corrections were a lot harder....get out the whiteout... [waiting]
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on September 28, 2010, 12:52:29 AM
Over the last year we have sporadically made improvements to trails around the property. There is quite a slope in places, so we've endeavored to not make things worse when it comes to what happens when it does rain.

My main trail making tool is called a McLeod, a wildland firefighting tool with a large hoe-like blade on one side and tined blade on the other.

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-1/mini-P1030654.jpg)

6 inch (5.5") boards for scale reference. Orange paint so I can find it when I put it down.  ;D

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-1/mini-P1030655.jpg)

The straight hoe like edge is sharp enough to cut through small roots easily. It does weigh a few pounds and that helps too. The rake like edge is good for chopping, breaking up hard packed earth.

This section of trail heads directly down a slight slope. We installed cut sections of small diameter pine to break up the water flow when it rains.

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-1/mini-P1030641.jpg)

The ground level drops an inch or two with every cross log. For greater changes in elevation we have used 12x12 inch concrete patio/stepping stones. This occurs at turns most often.

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-1/mini-P1030644.jpg)

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-1/mini-P1030645.jpg)

Most of the trails angle across the slope, back and forth, with changes in direction similar to this. The trail down the slope comes towards the viewer, then 2 steps down, and a curve back across the slope. We've lined most sections with timbers/logs on the downhill side of the slope.

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-1/mini-P1030653.jpg)

A new section we started this past weekend. This is down near the meadow and the solar panels.

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-1/mini-P1030646.jpg)

Another "newish" section along the SE slope very close to where the recent deer and elk videos (fence jumping) were taken,

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-1/mini-P1030658.jpg)

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: astidham on September 29, 2010, 12:11:43 PM
Very Nice!
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: nathan.principe on September 29, 2010, 12:58:35 PM
that looks like alot of work, I can only imagine!  Pretty smart by using the native timber like that, gives me some good ideas for my own place ;D
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on September 29, 2010, 01:17:06 PM
Eventually, they will rot. However, we are not a fast rotting forest. Too dry much of the year.

The McLeod makes cutting level pathways across slopes easier than any other tool I've tried. It has enough weight but not too much to heft.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Bishopknight on October 02, 2010, 08:51:19 AM
Those Buck were beautiful, great photos Don!
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on October 04, 2010, 07:59:19 PM
This weekend we finished the tile floor in the shed...

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-1/shed-tile-completed.jpg)


And the gazebo is undergoing renovations.   :o  Already!  ???

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-1/gazebo-ceiling-01.jpg)


The underside of the roof, cum ceiling, with roofing nails sticking thru, h=clips adornments between roof sheathing panels, et al, finally got to Karen. And Karen got to me, twisted my arm good....

1x6 plain "whitewood" boards; no t&g. The hips will receive a 1x3 batten to cover the joints. I still have to fill in the horizontal area by the chimney and put an itty bitty triangle in that corner. Clear coat for the finish.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: astidham on October 04, 2010, 08:22:54 PM
Wow! looks great MountainDon!
I think I might use that Idea for my ceiling.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on October 04, 2010, 08:37:20 PM
In a couple of other places we had some discussion on how to store food in a cabin in the winter. Mostly we were trying to keep things in cans and jars from freezing and either breaking the jars or breaking the seal on canned goods. It was also suggested that it might be easier to use frozen food and keep it frozen rather than trying to prevent freezing.


I have an experiment underway. I opted for this as a trial as I had no expenses. All parts were in my odds 'n' ends boxes as left overs from projects.

I had an unused power steering fluid cooler. I'm using the hot water from the RV water heater as my heat source. The pilot light alone keeps the well insulated 6 gallon tank (extra pink foam as shown) at 140 degrees in the summer. It was suggested that perhaps the heat could be used to keep the under sink area from freezing. I will be adding some foam to the counter top underside and door backs.

Theory said that thermosiphon action should have the water circulating through the heater loop. There was only one way to be certain.

There's the Hayden cooler, now a heater. It's on top of the heater tank in sort of a temporary mode. The hose on the left is the line from the hot fitting on the tank and the one on the right is the return line to the cold fitting.

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-1/undersink-heater-haydencooler1009.jpg)

Below is a shot illustrating the maze of pipes/tubing.  :o  The red circled parts are the outlet (hot) pipe from the water heater with a newly installed Tee. Up goes to the Hayden radiator. Down goes to the balance of the system. In the Hayden heater loop there is a ball valve to permit easy shut off.      The blue circled parts show the return line part of the loop. There are a couple of valves there. More on them later on down the page.

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-1/undersink-valves.jpg)

Another view, with the hot valve circled...

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-1/undersink-bypass-to-heater-valve.jpg)

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on October 04, 2010, 08:54:23 PM
The cold (cooler) water return lines. The braided hose comes from the Hayden radiator. The small arrow points in the direction of the cold water inlet for the water heater tank.

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-1/undersink-bleedvalve.jpg)

The valves circled with the dashed blue line need explaining. The brass valve is a three way valve. In the position illustrated the water passes through the valve right to left. When turned 90 degrees the flow is from right and out the side. The purpose of this valve was to make it easy to "burp" the loop, get the air out of the loop. The chromed valve is a standard faucet shut-off. It is only there as the brass valve (used) had a small drip out the side diversion. Rather than use a pipe cap or a new valve  :o  I dug in the parts boxes and came up with a shut-off to shut off the leak.   d*

So did it work?  Yes within minutes of opening the valve and purging the loop of air the Hayden radiator was very warm to the touch. I turned the valve to off position and checked back an hout later. The radiator was cool. Turning the valve back to on, water began to flow almost immediately.

Faucet operation with the pump moving the water, both hot and cold, remained as before with the loop activated or not.

Now I have to add insulation and wait for freezing weather.

If this works through the winter for the estimated cost of about 12 gallons of propane we'll be happy.

I still may explore one of the other options, that of using surplus PV electric power. That experiment requires the expenditure of some $$ for a solid state relay and a heater though.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Sassy on October 06, 2010, 01:01:10 PM
Nice ceiling in the gazebo!  Interesting set-up for heating beneath the sink...  let us know if it works!
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on October 06, 2010, 10:22:09 PM
I will Sassy. And a picture or two when the ceiling is completed...  heading up there tomorrow.   :)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: glenn kangiser on October 07, 2010, 10:43:10 AM
Part of ours is plain boards.  It looks fine.  Good job, Don.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on October 10, 2010, 11:38:06 PM
Thanks.    Finished it, literally. I applied a clear finish after completing the boards at the cupola opening and the hip trim.  I don't even want to think about how many times I went up and down the ladders.

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-1/P1030707.jpg)

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-1/P1030708.jpg)

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-1/P1030711.jpg)

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on October 13, 2010, 09:32:49 AM
Back in March we encountered a problem with the pump and water cistern. The downpipe froze. I believe that was due to water standing in the pipe too long after using the hand pump. The water level was at half or less by that time and while the water in the tank only had a skin of ice the draw or lift pipe froze higher up, above the tank water level.

One of the solutions would have been to convert the Oasis shallow well pump to a deep model. They have examples of those that are used regularly in deep freeze winters. That's a $250+ solution. I think I have a less expensive route, although it does involve some human intervention.

I've modified the pump mount and upper end connections. There is now a ball valve added to the 2 inch draw pipe just below the pump head. Just below the ball valve I've drilled and tapped a hole for an 1/8" pipe thread portable air tank valve. Doing this involved cutting apart the mount and extending its height with scraps of angle iron from the metal pile. The valve assembly is white PVC and I painted it black to keep the UV from deteriorating the plastic.

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-2/P1030715.jpg)


(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-2/P1030717.jpg)

With the ball valve open water can be pumped as usual. Once I've finished pumping water into the cabin tank or into jugs or cans, I'll close the ball valve. Then I'll connect my small air pump to the air valve and pump air into the down pipe. The air will force the water back down the pipe. Once I hear bubbles I'll stop the air. I also have a small portable air tank I could use for the air supply.

When finished with pumping I might add an ounce or two of polypropylene (RV antifreeze) into the pump head to prevent the piston from freezing to the cylinder. Or maybe just use hot water for priming the pump.

The plan is to reinstall the pump this weekend and wait for freezing weather.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: soomb on October 17, 2010, 07:59:18 PM
Don,
On page 23 of your post you have the roofers install metal roof.  I could not find a picture with anything on the roof other than #30 roof felt.  Were furring strips installed, or was the roof applied right to the roof felt?
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on October 18, 2010, 06:21:52 PM
The 26 gauge metal went down right over the #30 felt. That was okay according to the roofing material supplier.

A few years before we built the cabin we had our home re-roofed. Same roofing metal, same supplier and even the same color. We hired a contractor who was working on a new development near us to do the installation. I bought the materials and the supplier said to go right over new felt or underlayment. The contractor agreed and did basically the same thing on the house as we did on the cabin, except he used Titantium UDL underlayment instead of roofing felt. There are a lot of metal roofs in this end of the city where we live. None of them used furring strips and almost 100% used synthetic underlayments instead of felt.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Redoverfarm on October 18, 2010, 06:41:22 PM
Same here Don with Titanium.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on October 18, 2010, 06:49:07 PM
UDL has "dimples" that make it easier to walk on a sloped roof.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on October 18, 2010, 11:26:43 PM
There's a nice young DF that was very crowded by the more numerous PP trees. Not any more. It was kind of hard to cut three Ponderosa's of pretty good size, but we do have an abundance of them and not so many DF.

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-2/cutpines.jpg)

Now the DF has a better chance at growing. Lots of fuel wood from those three PP.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on October 18, 2010, 11:33:18 PM
I re-installed the newly modified pump head. That's my home made handle for the ball valve. It's removable. Sometimes those valves are darn hard to turn so this makes it easier. Bright green so I can locate it easier. Karen's not thrilled on the color though.

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-2/modifiedpumpmount.jpg)

After pumping water into the cabin tank I hooked up the little ryobi air compressor. It took about 8 seconds or so with the valve closed for me to hear bubbling in the tank. I left the compressor run and opened the valve and the shot of air blew the water out of the pump head nicely too. (Hose was removed for that)  I closed the valve and blew the water out of the downpipe again and left it that way. I believe if I follow that drill in freezing weather I should not be bothered with a frozen downpipe again. Time will tell.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on October 18, 2010, 11:36:40 PM
Karen has been redoing the upper sidewalk, from cabin to the shed/bathroom. Now there's a double row of patio paving stones for part of the distance.

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-2/sidewalk2.jpg)

Down where we park the Jeep she made a "loading zone" with some salvaged I-brick pavers. Now she wants to find some more free ones to extend it a bit more.

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-2/sidewalk1.jpg)

Concrete sidewalks in the mountains?   :oIt's nice when it's muddy!   :D

So far nothing more found on craigslist or freecycle.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: nathan.principe on October 18, 2010, 11:43:28 PM
Nice work on the paver path! and I still like the log border, keeps a rustic feel to a "prefab" product
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: OlJarhead on October 28, 2010, 01:19:54 PM
Very inspiring Don!!!!!

THANKS a MILLION!

I am now considering something other then keeping food from freezing (though I like the way you think) but how about warming the composting drum of the Sunmar?

I have a small enclosure which I plan to insulate and am thinking that if I super insulate it and keep it small I could do exactly what you have done only for the purpose of providing additional heat to the Sunmar.

What's more is that I can leave it on pilot when not at the cabin thereby allowing it to stay above freezing (hopefully) but then can open it up some (turn the heater on instead of just a pilot) and get the enclosure warm enough (55 degrees) to compost while we are up there.

Thoughts?

One thing I was also thinking is that maybe with a timer there might be a way to allow the hot water to continue being heated until a specified time after leaving (48 hours maybe)...if so then I could crank it up when at the cabin and let it run for two days after leaving the cabin thereby ensuring some composting of waste takes place while we are gone :)

So far it seems that as long as temps come up above 55 the composter does it's thing even if it was down around 20 at night (ever noticed that?) so I'm thinking that even short periods of warming above 55 will provide for composting action and might prevent overloading (no pun intended) of the tank in the winter.

Erik
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on October 28, 2010, 02:15:16 PM
I'm not accepting congrats on that yet. We plan on going up to the cabin Saturday and will see what has happened with the temperature under the counter. I have nearly all the insulating done. mainly I still need to make the foam plug to insulate the s/s sink. I'll do that while up there. Reports, good or bad will be forthcoming.

As for composting with temperatures cycling up and down, I think it all depends on whether or not the cold just makes the bacteria inactive or if it kills them. Hopefully they just take time off when chilled and come back hungry when warmed up.

I don't know of any timer that would work on a propane water heater though.  ???

Let's hope it works for both of us.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on October 31, 2010, 06:24:04 PM
Just before we left for the cabin our neighbor from up there called to say a large Aspen blew over in the strong recent winds. It fell across the gate we share and flattened it. She said we would not be able to get through. So we went anyways and thought we'd come in the back way, our emergency bug-out in case of fire or whatever route.

Good thing I had the chain saw with us. I had to cut three trees, one of them a 20 incher. For the first time in years I forgot to pack the camera.  d*

I did take one picture of the smashed gate with the cell phone. James had already cut up and hauled off the aspen. The remains of the gate are jammed and need metal cutting tools. James said he'd look after it soon, but was busy replacing metal roofing that blew off his building down at Ponderosa. Don't want to cut it open until it can be replaced at the same time. The pivot/hinge post didn't move, but the latch one was tweaked and jammed the lock and pin.

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-2/gate-crashed.jpg)

Not a very good picture, looking into the sun.

No other damages though.  :)

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: astidham on November 01, 2010, 06:40:18 PM
That tree must have been huge Don
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on November 01, 2010, 08:55:11 PM
18-20 inches at the base and 80 feet tall. It had a clear fall as it fell over. Nothing else in the way to slow it down. Rotten looking at the base. It was on national forest land. There's a couple others I think should somehow fall down before repairs are made.  ;)

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: astidham on November 01, 2010, 10:55:49 PM
Is it legal to cut the bad ones down before they damage anything on the forest land?
Im sure thats not a cheap repair.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on November 01, 2010, 11:21:42 PM
The first answer is NO. It's only allowed to cut trees that have fallen across a road or on your vehicle.

We're in a conundrum. If we ask and explain the problem, the danger, and the rangers say No, then we're stuck in a difficult spot if we do cut it and they send someone out to look at some point. Is that much of a chance? ???  I know the former district ranger and he would have given a yes reply. I've met the new district ranger at a meeting and came away with the feeling that she has her nose stuck in the rule book. Stuffy.

Or we're thinking to cut them, shave the stumps close to the ground and pile up pine needles, fallen limbs, leaves, etc.  ???

???
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Pine Cone on November 01, 2010, 11:36:14 PM
Another tact you might try is to submit a bill for the gate and labor to repair it.  As the landowner they should be liable for the damages caused by their hazard tree falling on your gate.

They will probably ignore you, but it might give you more leverage.  There are lots of legal precidents about damage to property and life from other folks trees...

http://joa.isa-arbor.com/request.asp?JournalID=1&ArticleID=2306&Type=2 (http://joa.isa-arbor.com/request.asp?JournalID=1&ArticleID=2306&Type=2)

http://pws.cablespeed.com/~minta/downloads/files/Mortimer%20Tree%20Liability.pdf (http://pws.cablespeed.com/~minta/downloads/files/Mortimer%20Tree%20Liability.pdf)

You should also get someone from the USFS to come out and inspect the remaining trees.  If at a later date one of them falls and causes more damage they will be liable for that as well.  It is in their interest to pay someone to cut down the remaining hazard trees.  A quick look at the links I posted indicates that if a forester or arborist inspects the trees, does not do anything after seeing a reasonable risk, then they are guilty of negligent behavoir if they don't get the hazard trees removed.  

You could offer to help them clean up the mess, or just offer to do it for a fair price...  They have hazard tree removal programs on most national forests

http://www.denverpost.com/ci_13572899 (http://www.denverpost.com/ci_13572899)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on November 01, 2010, 11:50:19 PM
Thanks Pine Cone. We will look into that.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on November 08, 2010, 08:17:55 PM
James built a new gate

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-2/P1030751crop.jpg)

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: astidham on November 08, 2010, 08:31:55 PM
very nice Don!
it looks like it weighs a ton!
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Pine Cone on November 09, 2010, 01:08:55 AM
Nice gate!

I can't tell from your picture -  does the gate rest on a lip on the locking post when it is closed?  Makes 'em last a lot longer if it does.  Without a lip the weight of a pipe gate will pull the hinge post down pretty quick in our part of the world.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on November 09, 2010, 01:23:15 AM
Yes, it is not visible from this side of the gate. There's a flat plate with a slot cut in it for the lock pin to drop through. The gate swings closed and the plate rides up to rest on a heavy steel bracket that is welded to the post. The pin drops through and the lock fits through a hole to secure the pin. The lock is shrouded to make using a bolt cutter on it a little difficult. The flat plate was recycled from the old gate. A picture would have been easier and maybe more clear than all these words.  d*

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on November 09, 2010, 11:44:08 AM
What an exciting weekend we had.

We decided to hike the snowshoe trail to see if any trees had fallen across it. Good thing I carried the chain saw along. Eight trees had fallen and one was a doozy. I didn't think of the camera until we had it half cleared..

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-2/P1030752.jpg)

There is a trail through there. It would have been rather difficult to get through/over without a chain saw.

The tree had a split running through it for an unknown length of time. We noticed last year that from just the right position we could see right through the tree. So one of the big winds must have caused it to snap off.

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-2/P1030756.jpg)

At the other end we dropped in to visit our friends where we park in winter after the snow is too deep to drive to the cabin. We were talked into staying for dinner. During the conversations Ron asked what I was going to do now that the cabin was done. (He can not sit still; he has several ongoing projects all at the same time).

By the end of dinner we were formulating plans to build a bunkhouse.  :o 

First job is to sell the old Class C RV we presently use as our guest facilities.  We are thinking of 14 x 20.

Funny how things come along.


Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Sassy on November 09, 2010, 12:47:53 PM
Wow, you had your work cut out for you!  Imagine snowshoeing in there & walking up to that mess  :o 

Seems like neighbors out in the country are a lot more friendly, doesn't it?
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: phalynx on November 09, 2010, 08:05:04 PM
Quote from: MountainDon on November 09, 2010, 11:44:08 AM


By the end of dinner we were formulating plans to build a bunkhouse.  :o 

Funny how things come along.


I know exactly how you feel..   ;D
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on November 09, 2010, 09:09:13 PM
Quote from: phalynx on November 09, 2010, 08:05:04 PM

I know exactly how you feel..   

I was thinking of you....
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: OlJarhead on November 28, 2010, 11:17:39 AM
Hmmm....was the tree on your property?  We own the rights to our trees on half of our land, the other half is owned by a long gone (and forgotten) timber company :D
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on November 28, 2010, 02:42:00 PM
The tree that fell on the gate? You owned part of it.  ::)  National Forest tree.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on November 28, 2010, 09:25:51 PM
This was a cold weekend, but there are colder to come.  :D

Cleared some more trees. I hate trees that grow real close together, like 6 to 12 inches. They always have upper limbs that ate intertwined. I left two sawed clear through and still not fallen. I also left a note to myself on the cabin table to be careful. Hopefully todays winds will blow them over.

I made a new mast and raised the TV antenna by seven feet and made a huge improvement in signal strength and gained a channel. The weaker channels went from an iffy 10 - 15% to a very respectable 25+%. We never had an issue before digital over the air. (Took a while to get to this.  ;D  The welder ran fine off the batteries/inverter.  :)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on November 28, 2010, 09:44:15 PM
Christmas Season has arrived!!

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-2/P1030804adj-lo.jpg)

Christmas season has arrived in the form of one 50 lamp string of C6 LED colored lights!

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-2/P1030806adj-lo.jpg)

darker photo, after the sun is gone; with flash

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-2/P1030812adj-lo.jpg)

They give off a good amount of light for their miserly power consumption. Not sure if we can afford the power use, 4.8 watts.   ;) ;)


Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Redoverfarm on November 29, 2010, 07:03:59 AM
Quote from: MountainDon on November 28, 2010, 09:25:51 PM
This was a cold weekend, but there are colder to come.  :D

Cleared some more trees. I hate trees that grow real close together, like 6 to 12 inches. They always have upper limbs that ate intertwined. I left two sawed clear through and still not fallen. I also left a note to myself on the cabin table to be careful. Hopefully todays winds will blow them over.

I made a new mast and raised the TV antenna by seven feet and made a huge improvement in signal strength and gained a channel. The weaker channels went from an iffy 10 - 15% to a very respectable 25+%. We never had an issue before digital over the air. (Took a while to get to this.  ;D  The welder ran fine off the batteries/inverter.  :)

You always have a few.  Nice to have a "snatch block" and 75' of 1/4" cable lying around the camp.  I am sure the Jeep is up to the task. ;)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: BadKarma on December 02, 2010, 02:24:27 PM
Thank you very very much for the photos. They have cleared up a ton of questions I had from the other forum and have also given me a ton of ideas too.

Thanks

Karma
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: OlJarhead on December 02, 2010, 04:16:35 PM
Better not let my wife see the pic with the Christmas lights!  She will insist we need some ;)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on December 06, 2010, 01:38:12 PM
jarhead, maybe better not let her see what we've done next.


I am disappointed though, in that I forgot to take the camera, so all I have is a poor cell phone image. More and better next time.

When it gets dark up there at the cabin it sure gets dark, unless the moon is up and fairly full. Starlight is not bad either some nights, after your eyes get accustomed. However going outside to the shed/toilet at night usually requires a flashlight most of the time. Not too big a deal, we have a couple of the Ryobi swivel head 18V flashlights and a charger that we leave at the cabin. We have a porch light (CFL) as well but it's dark once the corner is turned.

So we bought 5 strings of the 50 LED lights in white/clear. We strung them under the porch roof across the complete end and down the north side (sidewalk side). Then we continued across from the cabin to the shed and a few feet on the shed above the door. (I strung a rope up high between two eye bolts and attached the lights to that.) So for 4.8 x 5 = 24 watts of power (plus inverter loss) that entire distance is very nicely illuminated. They are powered off the porch light fixture; the lamp being replaced with one of those socket adapter plug ins.

We put a sixth string in the shed and plugged it into the light socket there as well. Instant light, almost no power used and for less than $7 per string of 50.  Now we have to see how well/long they last.

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-2/12-05-10_1713mod.jpg)



Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: OlJarhead on December 06, 2010, 03:14:08 PM
For $7 a string and that low power usage I might have to try them after all -- she would love it too.

Where did you get them?
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on December 06, 2010, 03:14:47 PM
Kmart.  The colored ones on black friday preview sale for $5, $6.74 for the white a few days later. Regular was $9 - 10.  We want a couple more for the gazebo.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on December 13, 2010, 10:49:53 PM
Update with a picture taken by a real camera not a phone

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-2/P1030912d.jpg)

I added 2 strings of white lights on the gazebo. Now with them all turned on we can walk from gazebo to cabin to shed and where we park without needing a flashlight.  :)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: John Raabe on December 13, 2010, 11:48:43 PM
Nifty... This is the year of the LED lights.

Someday it will seem strange to burn a wire to make light.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on December 23, 2010, 05:27:17 PM
A while back I posted my idea for keeping food non frozen in the cabin overwinter. I have modified the plan. The power steering cooler turned out to be a tad small for the job. With a pump to circulate the water it showed good performance, but that used power and I didn't really want that. So I upped the unit to a small hayden transmission cooler, the basic starter size.

I also added a couple inches of foam board insulation under the countertop and an inch on the back wall and cabinet ends. On top of that I added some Reflectix aluminum foil and air bubble insulation to the foam in most places. The cabinet doors have a triple layed of Refelctix added. I also made a foam plug for the sink to slow heat loss through the S/S sink.

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-2/cP1030935.jpg)

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-2/cP1030936.jpg)

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-2/cP1030938.jpg)

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-2/cP1030940.jpg)

My temperature monitoring devices reveal the following.
Lowest exterior temperature so far this season: 6 F
Lowest cabin interior temperature: 30F
Lowest undersink temperature: 46 F

So this past week we spent some time up at Pine Ridge. There's was finally a snowfall! Twelve inches of wet sticky stuff all over a couple of days. We poked the Jeeps nose up the forest road far enough to see that yes it had snow as much up there as it had a mile back. Since I really have concerns about one spot in particular we turned around and parked at our friends place. Then we snow shoed up the old logging road to inersect with our road. We save nearly three miles with the shortcut compared to following the roads. It was hard slogging through the wet snow.

Once there we built a fire and got the cabin warming. We set fire to some of the prepared slash piles then had lunch and a nap. Over the next few days we burned many more piles. I think we hit 12 - 15, but I never counted. I never took a single burn picture either! I believe that is a first. Read a book, watched a movie, and relaxed. Did n't even have to split any wood; already done and I have way too much by the looks of it.

We baked some bread and ate mostly from the stockpile of canned and dry foods. I carried up some margarine, grated cheese, a cucumber, some broccoli, zucchini and onion.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on December 23, 2010, 05:34:15 PM
Some may be interested in my tool for removing the hot ash tray from the VC Aspen wood stove. I used to simply wear heavy leather gloves. But mostly I now use some Vise Grip sheet metal jawed pliers.  Works nice.

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-2/cP1030933.jpg)

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: rick91351 on December 23, 2010, 05:35:44 PM
That is so neat that your under sink food pantry works so well.  Dang you are crafty.......
[cool] or warm  [waiting] [noidea'
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: John Raabe on December 23, 2010, 05:44:57 PM
That's a great little stove Don.

I had an uncertified version of a similar box stove for many years. It worked great and burned even less than well seasoned wood.

My new Lopi stove looks better and has a bigger firebox, but is not as efficient and is much fussier about the wood that it will burn. The home owner insurance company likes it better though. It is on the right list!
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on December 23, 2010, 05:51:00 PM
Always better to be on the right list.   :)

I like the Aspen. It, like many (all?) EPA approved stoves are a little more tempermental than older stoves. (We had an older pre EPA, pre 1990, VC stove back home. It "got going" faster than this one. But the Aspen does keep us warm and it does seem to emit less visible smkoe than the oldie, which is what the specs state should be so.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on December 23, 2010, 05:52:31 PM
I also find the pliers handy when carrying the ash pan out the door to dump ashed in the metal bucket.

Keeps the cabin interior less dusty.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on December 23, 2010, 07:53:50 PM
(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/animals/cP1030951.jpg)

We watched these two and four others (1 buck) make their way through the foot deep snow across the clearing north of the cabin. Four of them took their time, one step at a time. Two including the buck bounced across as if on springs. We are pretty sure we've seen this group around here before.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: OlJarhead on January 10, 2011, 05:31:43 PM
Quote from: MountainDon on December 23, 2010, 05:52:31 PM
I also find the pliers handy when carrying the ash pan out the door to dump ashed in the metal bucket.

Keeps the cabin interior less dusty.

I bought a small galvanized can with a lid at Ranch and Home and now use that.  I just bring it in, dump the ashes in (using welders gloves) and cover it up -- it then goes on the porch.

I'm told the ash is the best 'non-skid' stuff you can have and putting it on icy patches of road etc will help a bunch, and I believe it can be used to improve the compost too.

Oh and since I got smart with the Aspen I really like that little stove :)  Even with little insulation and no interior walls (mostly) we stay warm once the cabin is up to temp.

Also nice to see the food warmer is working :)  I'm planning a major overhaul of the compost unit this spring to include some serious insulation!  I also plan to heat trace the sewage pipe and increase the insulation on it since I had some issues this winter already.  In fact, we have to stop using the toilet until I can thaw out the pipe :(  Just a case of not insulating it before the weather got COLD (like -26 cold) and someone didn't notice a blockage....which then froze solid.

No cracks noticed but it's back to the luggable Lew for now -- which can be frozen by simply placing outside.

Anyway, great stuff Don!  Always like to see what you are up to :) and plan to get some stuff from Bailey's soon -- one of which will be the drip tool you mentioned for burning slash -- I have a ton to burn and hate to pass up a winter burning season.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: considerations on January 22, 2011, 12:33:24 AM
Hi Mountain Don. I'm getting ready to pull the trigger on a Housewarmer LP direct vent heater. 

I think the 18K btu unit should do the trick, and I know you have a Housewarmer as well.  Do you happen to know the btu rating on your model? 

I think that, from your reports about it getting your place warmed up, that whatever size it is, the same model would work well in my place, where the winters are generally milder.

Thanks in advance.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on January 22, 2011, 01:49:57 AM
Ours is the 18K. We like it a lot. It can be used with or without the blower. Warm up is likely quicker with the blower; that's my theory anyhow. It's not as pretty as some others but the price is good.



Because of our altitude it is down rated to more or less 13.5K (smaller orifice; which I got for free from the mfg)
Anything propane or nat gas gets downrated for altitude, usually starting around 3500 - 4000 feet. Just like for baking.  ::)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on January 24, 2011, 04:35:08 PM
Even the best made plans are subject to Fate.  

The water heater in the cabin has been in use since summer 2009 and never missed a beat. The same model water heater in the RV never once gave any troubles. Sometime after December 23 the pilot flame in the water heater burner ceased to flame. I have no idea what happened for sure; but when we snow shoed in I found the burner unlit. The control was still in the "on" position but nothing was on.  :(

The food under the sink was not frozen, but food stuffs don't freeze as readily as water. Water was frozen in some of the PEX tubing and in the under the counter supply tank. Also frozen in the water heater. After re-lighting the burner and placing a 1500 watt el; electric heater )generator driven) under the counter the pipes all thawed. No fittings or valves were damaged. Adding water from the cistern to the tank helped thaw the large ice cube that it was. The water heater did not leak. I must be lucky. :D

I believe the pilot went out weeks ago, judging by the weight of the propane supply cylinder.

I thought perhaps some high gusty winds may have blown out the pilot. ??? But that's not expected. After all we've travelled up and down the highways with the RV for years and never once had the water heater or refrigerator flames blow out. Not even when meeting large truck trailer units at 60 mph, on two lane highways, with crosswinds. Strange. So I knocked together a windshield from a scrap of 3/8" plywood that was lying under the cabin looking for something to do. Installed that yesterday with a 3  1/2 inch space between it and the heater face. Got up this morning and the pilot was out, the water in the tank cool.  19 F overnight low  Dang!


So rather than trust Fate to back off and let things work and simultaneously tempt Fate to crack the water heater and other things I drained the system. We moved the canned food that remains into the refrigerator. Water jugs that have been left in there never freeze hard solid like jugs left on the cabin floor in the shower. We also placed a couple 3/4 full jugs of nice warm, almost hot water inthere with the canned goods. Maybe that'll help'

The one thing I did not do to the water heater that maybe I should have, was to install the high altitude orifice. Everything else propane up there has been set up for the 8800 foot altitude. I didn't do the heater as the mfg made the orifice a permanent portion of another part and the whole works was $40. Maybe that would solve it. Or maybe it's just the cold temperature? maybe the control valve doesn't work as well when down to xero and colder (Temp dropped to -5F sometimes in the past month.)

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on January 24, 2011, 04:44:30 PM
We initiated a second plan as well.  I left the Housewarmer propane wall heater on and set to its lowest setting. The control just states "low" and "high" so I don't know what that really means. I left it with 60 lbs of propane hooked up. At most it will be a $30 experiment (cost paid in summer). We've wondered how much propane it would take to keep the temperature at some minimal level. Now we'll find out. We will return in two weeks time, check the tanks and check the minimum temps recorded in the cabin and the fridge and freezer, as well as the exterior temps. .
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Redoverfarm on January 24, 2011, 04:59:59 PM
Don I have heard before that propane will sort of gel in extreme cold.  Had also heard that this is more prevelant with a less than 50% capacity.  Not sure if your problem might be related.  I do know that they use an additive in larger capacity tanks that is suppose to aid.   ???
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on January 24, 2011, 05:09:42 PM
Thanks John. The issue I know of relates to the ability of propane to be able to supply sufficient vapor volume to operate the appliance. I don't think that is the issue, but still might be.  :-\

When we arrived we had the space heater going, was baking bread, making tea and soup and operating the water heater all at the same time. The range, space heater and oven burner had nice blue flames. The water heater did show some yellow that the others did not.  Hence maybe the orifice may be to blame.  :-\

A device like a large capacity propane construction space heater can run into problems at cold temps on a 20# tank; but a 100# tank solves the issue.

At -44 F propane will not flow. Coldest it got up there was -5 F and this weekend it only got down to +19 F
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on January 24, 2011, 05:18:31 PM
So what did we do with our time?

We burned more slash and ground debris. What else?!

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-2/cP1030996.jpg)

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-2/cP1030993.jpg)

We still have some more to do, maybe next time we will finish off most of the piles.

We also tramped around the property a bit. The snow from December is gone in many places! And it's only the end of January. We need more snow!!

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-2/cP1030998.jpg)

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-2/cP1030999.jpg)

The cut wood will be somebody's firewood come spring/summer. The December snowfall blocked the roads and pout a stop to it being hauled away.


Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Redoverfarm on January 24, 2011, 07:45:49 PM
The reason that I mentioned was that I onced lived nearby here and the temps dropped to -25 for 2-3 days.  Had a gas fired furnace and it failed to run. The tank capacity was about 20% but with a heavy snow the propane supplier could not refill. Propane dealer contributed the failure to gel and low capacity.  Woke up to 30F in the garage apartment.  Moved out on Sunday and not back in until 9 frozen pipes were repaired.  Oh Yeah that was the same year that a 36" dia White Pine fell dead center from front to back on my wifes 1 year old Pontiac. :(  
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: pocono_couple on January 24, 2011, 09:12:16 PM
hi Don,  i just left a post on my page asking about pellet stoves, but i have also considered putting a small gas heater such as yours in my basement.   i am currently heating with a jotul gas stove on the first floor which does a great job for both the first and second floors ( small house)  but the floor is cold, and i plan on using the basement in the winter..   the foundation size is 20 by 26 , and it is a walk out basement.  we were there this weekend, and it was really cold ( - 2 ) , but, without any heat the basement did not dip below freezing.  do you think that the 18,000 btu heater would do the job?   i like the idea of a pellet stove because i would like to use a combination of fuels, but, most of the stoves that i have seen are really too big for the space.  I would appreciate your thoughts..   thanks!
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on January 24, 2011, 09:55:41 PM
 ???   Hmmmm....    My reply will appear over there (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=7107.msg129702#msg129702)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on January 29, 2011, 02:04:17 PM
Back to the issue of the propane fueled water heater flaming out.

I believe the problem is not one of the heater itself. The problem was likely the cold weather, it dropped to -5 degrees F at one point and was below zero for a large part of one 24 hour period. The cold weather coupled with a partially full small propane cylinder will result in less available propane for the burner. It may have "blown" itself out. That at least is my latest theory after doing some research.

Check out this link for what I've learned...  Propane Info (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=10186.msg130016#msg130016)

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: OlJarhead on January 31, 2011, 12:45:53 PM
Quote from: MountainDon on January 29, 2011, 02:04:17 PM
Back to the issue of the propane fueled water heater flaming out.

I believe the problem is not one of the heater itself. The problem was likely the cold weather, it dropped to -5 degrees F at one point and was below zero for a large part of one 24 hour period. The cold weather coupled with a partially full small propane cylinder will result in less available propane for the burner. It may have "blown" itself out. That at least is my latest theory after doing some research.

Check out this link for what I've learned...  Propane Info (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=10186.msg130016#msg130016)



Hmmm this is a bit concerting.  With our cabin seeing temps in the -30's in cold parts of the winter it could be an issue.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on January 31, 2011, 08:38:53 PM
Especially with the planned on demand water heater.  Maybe just no hot water when it's cold?  ???
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: OlJarhead on January 31, 2011, 08:58:21 PM
Hey Don, you mentioned before that you bought a small 20" stove I beleive?  How do you like it?  I saw one at Lowes but the reviews weren't very good.

Thoughts?
Thanks
Erik
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on January 31, 2011, 09:30:33 PM
We cook on it all the time, bake bread in the oven. Everything works.

That said, the burner controls for the surface burners are not as linear as a more expensive range. That would be my only real complaint. You can adjust down to a tiny flame, but there is a range of knob movement that does not do much. I believe the 24 inch version of the same model is no different in that. I'm used to a wider range (30") so the top seems crowded at times, but the space saving in a small cabin is also important to us. So all in all I'm happy.

The stove top pilot lights are easy enough to light as the top hinges up. For off grid use I prefer a pilot light to the electronic ignition. The pilots give off a fair amount of heat though and in the middle of summer that's unwanted. So I'm glad I installed a shut off for each gas appliance. I moved the one for the range up to behind and just above the rear of the range. That way it is easy to shut off the gas and have the pilots off, and easy to turn back on and relight with a butane lighter stick. The oven pilot is not lit unless we want to use the oven; that requires laying down on the floor.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: OlJarhead on February 01, 2011, 12:06:06 AM
Quote from: MountainDon on January 31, 2011, 09:30:33 PM
We cook on it all the time, bake bread in the oven. Everything works.

That said, the burner controls for the surface burners are not as linear as a more expensive range. That would be my only real complaint. You can adjust down to a tiny flame, but there is a range of knob movement that does not do much. I believe the 24 inch version of the same model is no different in that. I'm used to a wider range (30") so the top seems crowded at times, but the space saving in a small cabin is also important to us. So all in all I'm happy.

The stove top pilot lights are easy enough to light as the top hinges up. For off grid use I prefer a pilot light to the electronic ignition. The pilots give off a fair amount of heat though and in the middle of summer that's unwanted. So I'm glad I installed a shut off for each gas appliance. I moved the one for the range up to behind and just above the rear of the range. That way it is easy to shut off the gas and have the pilots off, and easy to turn back on and relight with a butane lighter stick. The oven pilot is not lit unless we want to use the oven; that requires laying down on the floor.

Didn't know there was a 24" -- might be better then a 20 or a 30 (since as you say, small cabins).  I can live with controls that aren't perfect ;) Heck, I'm living with a cabin that isn't perfect! hahahaha ok, it's a matter of perspective and no one but the builder knows anyway right?  d*

Interesting on the pilots -- I'll have to get more details when I get closer.  Right now we use a camper stove and it works 'ok' but is definitely crowded - and we have to turn off the propane when it is not in use -- hey I'm wondering if that camper stove has a pilot and that is why I always smell propane when it's left on but the stove isn't in use!  I need to check that!  All this time I thought it was a leak!!!!  Stove came out of a 1978 camper and it never occurred to me that it might have a pilot....
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on February 07, 2011, 10:21:32 PM
We spent Saturday through this morning on Pine ridge. It was disappointing to discover that after our big storm last week it looks like we had more new snow home on the desert mesa than up at the cabin.  :(  I could still see our snow shoe tracks from 2 weeks ago in many places. Mostly it was the wind that covered them.

Outside temp dropped to -15 F, colder than we'd seen ever before up there.  

The propane wall heater experiment was inconclusive. The control is marked low and high, no degrees. I left it on low. Low may be 25 degrees. Or maybe the heater never came on much because of the cold weather performance of propane in the 40# cylinders. ???  We left with the control set a little higher.

The canned food we stored in the freezer never froze. Ice had formed in the water jug in there, but is was only partly slushy. Soup, beans, spaghetti sauce all survived, even the glass jars. We left the jug full of hot water again.

Dang cold and windy Saturday afternoon and very windy Sunday. We did manage to burn 2  1/2 more slash piles on the downhill downwind side of the hill though. The half pile because one was too small and have too green slash on top. That makes 27 piles this winter; 4 x 5 x 3 feet to 6 x 8 x 5 feet.

Read a book, baked bread, ate pancakes with real maple syrup, freeze dried scrambled eggs and freeze dried green peas, canned ham, scalloped potatoes out of a box,   :P   watched Superbowl LVX and our team won!! It doesn't get much better than that!

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: astidham on February 07, 2011, 11:50:15 PM
Sounds like you had a great time Don!
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: considerations on February 15, 2011, 01:27:48 AM
"Oh Yeah that was the same year that a 36" dia White Pine fell dead center from front to back on my wifes 1 year old Pontiac."

With nobody in it, I hope.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: ajbremer on February 15, 2011, 05:04:44 AM
Freeze dried green beans and freeze dried scrambled eggs?

I bicycled across America twice, once by myself on my 10 speed in 1984 (4,200 miles) and then again 2 years later on a two-seater with my wife on the back (4,800 miles). It was during that first trip that I experienced freeze dried scrambled eggs...they didn't turn out that good. BUT, months ago, I was in a super Walmart store and noticed a bag of freeze dried ice cream sandwich - I bought it just to see how it would taste. I was surprised - it was good!

By the way, read all about our bicycle trip here: http://www.usforhim.com
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on February 15, 2011, 10:08:24 AM
Quote from: ajbremer on February 15, 2011, 05:04:44 AM
Freeze dried green beans and freeze dried scrambled eggs?


We didn't eat them together. Very good with pancakes.  The Mountain House are pretty good. The plain ones are best, the bacon is way too crumbled and ends up in the bottom like sand. But plain are good. The veggies, peas, beans and corn are good. Most everything else keeps you alive and is better than having to carry heavy food.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: psdually on February 16, 2011, 07:01:30 PM
Mountain Don, I ran across your post and have enjoyed all the info.  I have not started to build anything yet as we are currently using our camper, but I have some ideas and like your work.  I have 5 acres North of Highway 126 off FR103.  Where about are you located?
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on February 16, 2011, 08:07:06 PM
South of the Valle Caldera off FR10 and and some zig zags on a couple minor roads
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: pmichelsen on February 18, 2011, 08:55:24 AM
Don, I've spent the last few days reading about your build from start to finish. I really like what you have done and you have given me more than a few ideas for when I begin construction on my own place. One thing that I have been wondering and maybe you have written somewhere and I missed it, but how far is your property from your home? I'm very jealous of the amount of time you are able to spend at your property; I wish I could get to mine that often. I'm lucky if I make once every couple of months and it's only a few hundred miles from my home. Keep up the good work.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on February 18, 2011, 10:03:11 AM
Thank you.


On the roads, 66 miles one way, with a 3300 foot elevation gain, 36 miles straight line. Time wise it's 1.75 to 2 hours, much of it limited to legal speeds of 40 - 45 mph and slower through a couple villages on twisty two lane highway. We are kind of lucky.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: EPriesing on February 18, 2011, 11:28:44 AM

Holy Cow! I agree your build thread is really great!
Me too!  Jealous would be the woRD!  [crz]  we're 9 hours away.....from our prospective build spot.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: OlJarhead on March 08, 2011, 12:51:42 AM
Was looking for your thread on keeping food from freezing and got lost so came back here....anyway, have you considered heat trace?  Usually the wattage is very low and while the heat trace doesn't put out much heat I'm wondering if in a well insulated space it might work?

I found a kit at a local builders shop that I used to make the heat trace for our sewage pipe (not strictly what it is supposed to be used for) and with it running on the solar power I don't even see a draw.  I think I calculated 5 watts if I remembered correctly but it keeps fluids from freezing in sub zero weather.

Thoughts?
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on March 08, 2011, 12:53:54 AM
web link?
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: OlJarhead on March 15, 2011, 11:14:36 AM
Quote from: MountainDon on March 08, 2011, 12:53:54 AM
web link?

Trying to find one.  It may take a while since we bought it off the shelf at a 'Do It Best' in Tonasket.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on March 21, 2011, 09:13:29 PM
K and I spent three days on Pine Ridge. The snow is virtually all gone, just some on north slopes. The final hill up to the cabin, north facing, was still a tad too deep for trying without chains and I did not feel up to chaining up. Since the last surgery, coupled with the cold crud I had just before that I didn't feel like it. Nor did I feel like hiking up the snow covered road. So we drove up the neighbors drive and only had a 15 minute hike across more or less flat ground.

Until now we had only used the propane wall heater as auxiliary heat to assist the wood burner in warming a cold cabin. Then we would turn off the propane and use wood. This time I small experiment was in order. We used one arm load of wood to help get the temperature up Saturday morning. The rest of the time through today we only used the propane wall heater. Once the happy spot was found on the built in thermostat control it maintained the temperature very well. It worked just as well with the blower plugged in or the blower off. Just though someone might find that interesting.

We played log bowling.  ???  We had cut several trees on the south slope in the fall/winter. We left them in 16 or 32 inch lengths. We had a choice of hauling them up to the road at the top of the slope, maybe 150 feet, or down to the road at the bottom of the 30 degree slope about 200 feet. Log bowling was easiest and fun. Some of the sections would bounce quite high off stumps, other would be deflected and stop. Anyhow next time we can stack them along the bottom road.

We cut a dozen trees in the May 2009 fire site (neighbors property; neighbors permission.) They never came back or were still in the process of dieing and mostly dead. The bark has been thoroughly investigated by the woodpeckers and comes loose with little trouble. It has been difficult to find people interested enough intaking it for any purpose, even as free firewood. Mostly too small for sawing into anything. We burned a bunch of the smaller stuff Saturday when it was a nice calm day. That may be what happens to the rest, although I may save some 6 -7 inch ponderosa for "something".

Next time, barring a snow storm we'll be able to drive all the way, even the hill.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on March 28, 2011, 03:06:30 PM
Well, there was a deep and shaded spot of snow half way up the hill. About a foot and the ZJeep did not like it. Rather that play at ramming through, considering that a couple feet to the left is a serious drop off, I elected to drive around a couple miles of forest road and go in the back way, the emergency exit. That was good as sooner or later we would have had to check it out. There were 4 trees fallen across the track so we cleared them up.

Wonderful weather! Some clouds and cool but not much wind at all. So we cut down all the dead trees that were fire killed in may '09; there were a bunch! After being rained on several times thay were much nicer to handle. We cut and piled the larger ones in three to four foot sections for future firewood. Top branches and the smaller ones were turned into ashes.

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-2/cutfiredeadtrees.jpg)

That spot was too crowded anyhow. It will have some very good grasses this summer if we get any rain at all.

Hiked a little in between tending the burn, ran the generator for exercise and equalized the batteries after topping up the fluid. They only used two to three ounces per cell. We even had a fire in the gazebo chiminea and read out there a while.

Cool weekend!

It seems that the base of the trees that were exposed to the greatest heat in the fire are hardened. Three to four feet and higher up the trunk they cut much easier. I've never cut down fire killed trees before so never encountered this until now.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: OlJarhead on March 29, 2011, 06:07:22 PM
Man how I'd love to have the Woodmizer there! ;)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on May 16, 2011, 10:47:21 PM
So, what am I up to now?  Redneck hot tub?

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-2/hottub.jpg)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: glenn kangiser on May 17, 2011, 09:26:05 AM
Now that is darn cool, Don.....  :)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: OlJarhead on May 17, 2011, 05:02:22 PM
Hmmm.....big gold fish tank?
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: phalynx on May 17, 2011, 09:07:30 PM
outhouse built for 8?
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on May 18, 2011, 11:06:23 PM
As some may have guessed that is a livestock tank; 300 gallons. I got a good price on it. This will be our trial tank for catching rainwater. We are going to try a small garden; not sure how successful it will be because of the 8800 foot altitude and the cool/cold nights.

Last weekend I fitted eves-trough to the south side of the roof. This weekend I'll do the cover and connect the down pipe to the tank. Then we'll do a raindance.

Before I installed the gutter I had to do something about the snow slide potential. After seeing what works in Switzerland I borrowed a page from their play book. I used EMT and screwed the straps down to the ribs. We'll have to wait a few months to see how it plays here.

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-2/P1040072small.jpg)

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: glenn kangiser on May 18, 2011, 11:38:12 PM
Looks better than the 2x4's I screwed between my solar panels and looks like it should work too. :)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: dstraate on May 19, 2011, 02:14:49 PM
Don,  I can't even tell you how helpful all of this is.  My wife and I are your neighbors in a certain secret city 20mi. to the southeast.  We're planning on building at about 8200' in Southern Colorado.  This really helps to make the project look possible.

P.S.  Since when is that spur off the Dome road "rocky but not technical"  I nearly killed a Silverado there last year. 

Thanks again.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on May 26, 2011, 09:08:33 PM
Here's the completed rainwater catchment...

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-2/P1040079water_tank.jpg)

The "Y" splits into a line down the south slope 300 feet of pipe, a 80-100 foot drop to be used for watering a small box garden.  The other leg will feed a small pump to water a second veggie box garden up top near the cabin. If the gardens grow and survive the deer, elk and chipmunks we will expand. Details on them next time. (No pictures at present.)

...and the feed from the roof gutter.

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-2/P1040080gutter_to_tank.jpg)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on May 26, 2011, 09:13:03 PM
Water piping down the slope alongside the path for a while...

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-2/P1040081water_pipe_1.jpg)

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-2/P1040085water_pipe_2.jpg)

Yes that is a rather shallow burial. In places it won't be buried at all. I used PVC electrical conduit as it is UV resistant. I didn't use the black poly pipe as the deer and elk walk all over wherever they please. I did not want to trench deep 300 feet on the hillside to bury the pipe. I thought the elk might damage the poly if they walked on it. The grey PVC worked well for the DC electrical lines from the PV panels up to the cabin. The two pipe runs meet part way down the slope.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on May 26, 2011, 09:14:34 PM
The completed and installed (finally) headboard. Walnut panel at top, paduak in the middle and barely visible, pine bottom. padauk left and right verticals.

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-2/P1040092_headboard.jpg)

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Sassy on May 26, 2011, 10:42:55 PM
Very pretty!  I like the way the footboard allows the quilt to show.

Anxious to see how the rainwater catchment works - hopefully the animals will leave your garden alone...  we didn't have much luck w/the 1st hugelkulture planting Glenn did earlier this spring - the quail ate everything but a few beans.  There are some nice potato & Jerusalem artichoke plants growing there.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on May 27, 2011, 02:23:31 PM
Quote from: Sassy on May 26, 2011, 10:42:55 PM
Very pretty!  I like the way the footboard allows the quilt to show.

Anxious to see how the rainwater catchment works - hopefully the animals will leave your garden alone...  we didn't have much luck w/the 1st hugelkulture planting Glenn did earlier this spring - the quail ate everything but a few beans.  There are some nice potato & Jerusalem artichoke plants growing there.

When I designed that I had orders to have as little infill in the footboard as possible, prtecisely because Karen wanted the quilt to sow.  :D

Re: the garden. We have the animal challenge as well as the challenge of a short growing season at 8800 feet. They are going to be like little greenhouses. Hopefully that will help both issues. Pictures next time we're back from the cabin.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: glenn kangiser on May 28, 2011, 10:52:51 AM
I have almost 2000 feet of waterline to go to our rental kind of like you are putting in- well is almost dry.  I want to be able to assure water as well as have outlets along our driveway and for my cows on the other property too.

Possibly something like Mike Oehler's underground green house with it's air warming sump could be of use to you.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: PEG688 on May 28, 2011, 12:37:06 PM
Quote from: MountainDon on May 26, 2011, 09:14:34 PM
The completed and installed (finally) headboard. Walnut panel at top, paduak in the middle and barely visible, pine bottom. padauk left and right verticals.

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-2/P1040092_headboard.jpg)



Nice work! Did your wife make the quilt? We have one that looks very similar that my wife made. 

Anyway nice work! 
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: PEG688 on May 28, 2011, 12:39:22 PM
Quote from: MountainDon on May 27, 2011, 02:23:31 PM
When I designed that I had orders to have as little infill in the footboard as possible, prtecisely because Karen wanted the quilt to sow.  :D

Re: the garden. We have the animal challenge as well as the challenge of a short growing season at 8800 feet. They are going to be like little greenhouses. Hopefully that will help both issues. Pictures next time we're back from the cabin.

Written like a true gardener , sow for show  d* :)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Whitlock on May 29, 2011, 02:27:32 PM
I see the place is coming along nicely.
Growing at 8800 ft. you are going to need all the help you can get. I wish you luck.
I have done this at 7800 ft.in a green house.
We picked varietys of vegs. that were cold talarent there was a tamato that was from Sibera that grew very well. I wish I could remember the name.

To heat the soil for planting we brought green horse manure into a green house put it in the bottom of our beds and got it cooking nice and hot. We then laid some of that fiberglass coragated roofing over that (It's what I had).
Just needed to block the green manure from the soil and not insulate it.
We then put in the soil and at the right temp we planted.
By doing this we extened the growing season by about 30 days.

  Have fun,W
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: OlJarhead on May 31, 2011, 12:33:48 PM
Very nice looking bed!
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on July 07, 2011, 09:12:43 PM
Quote from: Whitlock on May 29, 2011, 02:27:32 PM
Growing at 8800 ft. you are going to need all the help you can get. I wish you luck.


Thanks and you are dead on right. I think we will get some squash, zucchini, cukes, kale, spinach and lettuce in August. We've been using parsley and basil.So far the N-sulate cover material has deterred any animals.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on July 07, 2011, 09:12:57 PM
Quote from: OlJarhead on May 31, 2011, 12:33:48 PM
Very nice looking bed!

Thank you
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on July 07, 2011, 09:13:21 PM
Saturday 2nd July, we were working on the south slope when Karen looked down at the meadow and saw a lot of yellow shirted fire fighters down there. We hiked down and found they were a crew making a survey. They were checking on what road led where, what structures were about and which ones were occupied. In case fire came this way they would have a better understanding of the lay of the land. Two were from NM, the rest of the dozen or so were from UT & CA.  One of the CA fire fighters lived in northern CA and off the grid. They started with a similar sized cabin and expanded recently.

Later in the morning they came up our road and had a look around our cabin area. They thought we had done quite well with our clean up and thinning. They did have a couple suggestions; pointing out a few more trees could be thinned. Also they commented that it is necessary to keep pine needles away from structures. Also to watch the ladder fuels. All in all though they thought our property was quite defensible.

We have picked out a few more trees we are going to thin. Karen had started cutting more ladder fuel from the pines using a pole saw as far up as she can reach. That process will continue. We also cut a couple of trees that were close to the porch. I used a rope and come-a-long to put tension on them in the direction I wanted them to fall as an insurance measure. There's some video if/when I get it edited.

We've been lucky as far as smoke. The prevailing winds usually carry the smoke away to the north. We have had a few days when the afternoon skies were clouded by high elevation smoke and several evenings when enough smoke has drifted in low to make it wise to close all the windows.

Sunday the 3rd we had some rain! Wow! It was first rain that amounted to anything this season, this year. It was maybe a quarter inch which is just a start on what is needed. I took some video as it was a very exciting event.

Between the smoke and the rain clouds the PV system has not been able to get the batteries back up to 100% charge for nearly the entire last week. The charge controller never gets out of bulk charge and into absorb. However, it is doing quite well when the batteries are checked with a hydrometer. It pays to oversize the storage capacity. We don't have the generator up at the cabin at present so it is all solar. 

Yesterday there was a flare up in the more or less dormant south end of the Las Conchas fire. Some folks said it was a back burn but the fire info web page stated it was a flare-up. Whatever it was it was close enough to be quite the distraction from relaxing and kicking back.

Highway 4 is now open through to Los Alamos and we took a short drive a few miles east of us. Lots of blackened grass in the Valles Caldera as well as some trees. Longer trip planned for next week.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Sassy on July 07, 2011, 09:57:34 PM
Glad to hear things are ok at your place.  You've put a lot of work into cleaning up your cabin site.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: OlJarhead on July 09, 2011, 06:03:22 PM
Glad to hear the report from the fire fighters though I am not surprised.  You've done a great job!  I'm quite envious and need to work on mine also.  I've been thinking that I need to remove a LOT more trees in the area North of our cabin and then MUST begin delimbing within 6-8 feet of the ground....lots of land to do it on, but you have to start somewhere right?

I also thought of renting a DR mower to tow behind the ATV and mow down the tall grass as I think that might help also.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on July 09, 2011, 06:48:21 PM
The fire fighters crew that came up to see what was what, said cutting off the ladder fuel branches up to 10-12 feet was best. We have a extension handle that lets us reach that distance. One with a curved razor saw blade. It does develop the arm muscles; makes 'em a little sore if they aren't up to the task. Sometimes a rocking motion where you move your body is easier.

Keeping the grass whacked down is good too. As is bare dirt around the cabin. Stone, rock good too.

We have noticed that we get a fair amount of pine needles blowing in under the cabin. I'm looking into different methods of enclosing the bottom; skirting the space around the piers. The underside is about the only place ignition could take hold with all the cement board we used.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: ScottA on July 17, 2011, 07:32:52 AM
I have the same issue with leaves collecting under my cabin but I figured out I can blow them out with a leaf blower pretty easy. Sounds like you're holding your own.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: rick91351 on July 17, 2011, 12:31:13 PM
OlJarhead is 100% correct about mowing.  Just because some wild grasses are green do not assume they will not burn.  This coupled with the fuels near the root at times are very prime.  They are a lot safer when mowed or string trimmed back.  Or better yet grazed!  But then I am a cow guy and sheep are pretty good for that as well.   ;D  Goats tend to eat bushes and browse so if your homestead is studded with those $50 bushes around your cabin, you might not turn the goats loose there.  ;)

Mountain Don is right.  They will flat tell you high as you can when limbing with a chain saw.  Just as high as you can reach---I will put a disclaimer in here.  Never use a chain saw to do that, use a pole saw.  But say you did use a chain saw, make sure you have - one - good footing, and - two - a very good grip on the saw.  Third - What you are cutting is going to fall - be aware of that.  That is where pole saws work so nice.  Then remove the boughs to a safe area to either burn as slash in the late fall early winter when safe to do so.   Or you can bury them into one of those garden areas Glen and Sassy are doing.              
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: glenn kangiser on July 19, 2011, 07:19:38 AM
Some of the weedeaters also have pole saw attachments.  Ours is a medium large sized Stihl and we have the pole saw for it... somewhere..... [waiting]
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: rick91351 on July 19, 2011, 01:54:49 PM
Quote from: glenn kangiser on July 19, 2011, 07:19:38 AM
Some of the weedeaters also have pole saw attachments.  Ours is a medium large sized Stihl and we have the pole saw for it... somewhere..... [waiting]

When you find it, can I borrow it?  If I can find my power unit.   ???
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: pmichelsen on July 20, 2011, 10:50:25 AM
We have one of these up at the cabin:

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200432713_200432713?cm_mmc=Google-pla-_-Logging-_-Pole%20Saws-_-395167&ci_sku=395167&ci_gpa=pla&ci_kw={keyword} (http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200432713_200432713?cm_mmc=Google-pla-_-Logging-_-Pole%20Saws-_-395167&ci_sku=395167&ci_gpa=pla&ci_kw=%7Bkeyword%7D)

Not the cheapest solution but works very nicely.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: OlJarhead on July 20, 2011, 11:06:50 PM
OK, sorry for the continued HiJack Don!  But I just bought a Pole saw too :D

I just decided it was time to get some other things done (as if we don't have enough). :)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on July 21, 2011, 08:58:54 PM
One thing I like about our manual pole saw is that when I put it away I don't need to be concerned with draining the fuel or when I forget have to worry about whether or not it will start and run properly.   ;D


So what am I up to now?  ???  Here's a photo showing part. I'm not fully finished so I thought I'd do a teaser.   ;)   When I have this all done, next week, I'll post the full info.  

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-2/vents.jpg)

EDIT: That is the outside wall.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: HoustonDave on July 21, 2011, 09:05:19 PM
I'd say passive solar room, but I don't think that's it at all...lol.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: OlJarhead on July 21, 2011, 11:58:48 PM
Cold Cupboard?
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on July 22, 2011, 08:17:22 AM
A hint: What I am doing will help keep the cabin interior cool in the summer.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: OlJarhead on July 22, 2011, 08:36:03 AM
Swamp cooler?
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: nathan.principe on July 22, 2011, 11:34:23 AM
are you exhausting some type of wall unit a/c?
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on July 22, 2011, 02:26:51 PM
No swamp cooler, no A/C at present.


There is a plan for an A/C but it has nothing to do with this "what is it".
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: glenn kangiser on July 24, 2011, 10:18:42 AM
Quote from: rick91351 on July 19, 2011, 01:54:49 PM
When you find it, can I borrow it?  If I can find my power unit.   ???

Not a problem, Rick.  Drop by to pick it up and we'll do breakfast.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: glenn kangiser on July 24, 2011, 10:21:34 AM
I'm going to guess passive ventilation with opening vents inside?... and vents on the windward side... but then that is probably a bad guess as you could open a window.... [noidea'
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: rick91351 on July 24, 2011, 11:05:40 AM
Quote from: glenn kangiser on July 24, 2011, 10:21:34 AM
I'm going to guess passive ventilation with opening vents inside?... and vents on the windward side... but then that is probably a bad guess as you could open a window.... [noidea'

I think Don would have thought about opening the window.  But you never know   ;)

Without a better source of water and power I would discount any type of conventional evaporative cooling.  But it must be some sort of exchanger, you know Don is pretty dog gone crafty.  How about a ....  ??? I remember now I have to get out the door to go to work....   

Quote from: glenn kangiser on July 24, 2011, 10:18:42 AM
Not a problem, Rick.  Drop by to pick it up and we'll do breakfast.

Great will be down your way after I retire as it stands now in February.  Mostly likely will drop down that way and over to Death Valley for the spring bloom and some birding.  Before the rest of our lives open up for us.     
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: glenn kangiser on July 24, 2011, 11:14:20 AM
Cool, Rick.  We will dig a hole for you.

Death Valley --- Western edge... Saline Valley Hot Springs -- doing a bit of skinny dipping?   :)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: OlJarhead on July 25, 2011, 02:01:36 PM
Hey Don, when wiring up my Dietz timer and relay for the well it occurred to me that it could be used to utilize extra charging power during the winter months to provide heat in places that you might want it.

For example:  Set the time to come on only when you won't be at the cabin (you can switch it to 'on', 'auto' and 'off' so turning it off when at the cabin is easy enough -- or you can set it to only come on at specific days/times too).  Set it to kick the power on to an inverter (secondary inverter) that is set to 'on' all the time but powered off until the relay kicks and then have a space heater hooked up to the inverter and also set to 'on'.

When the timer kicks the relay the inverter powers up, the heater coils heat up and the excess energy  from the panels provides the power.

Of course you would have to set this for solar noon and perhaps only to run for 15-30 minutes but I'm guessing that it's doable and would help keep the cabin space warmed up.

Thoughts?
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Don_P on July 25, 2011, 05:25:17 PM
If we're still guessing I'm guessing a gas fridge is backed up to that spot.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on July 28, 2011, 12:51:14 PM
So what are the vents for? Don_P hit the squarely nail on the head.  :)  Sorry, there is no prize other than being correct and as smart as I am.  ;D ;)

Think about how much heat a refrigerator pumps into its immediate environment while it cools the refrigerator and freezer boxes. Some of the year that heat is welcome. However, in the summer it is not welcome, IMO. The usual household refrigerator adds enough heat to the environment. A propane fueled refrigerator is double bad news as there is also the heat from the pilot light and burner.

Decades ago when we moved to the SW it struck me early on that the refrigerator was a demon when summer rolled around. Back then I figured out a method to remove most of that heat from the house interior. If anyone is interested, ask me and I'll report on what I did. That method involves electric fans. I could not use the exact same method, or at least did not want to, because I did not want the electrical load, being off grid.

This is the lower vent from the inside...

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-2/smallP1040183.jpg)

So I borrowed a little technique from the RV world. As can be seen in the photos below I installed a 1x8 pine board, floor to ceiling, on the right rear of the refrigerator. This is screwed to the wall; conveniently there is a wall stud right there. It does not appear to be an airtight fit in some photos but there is a hidden rubber gasket. I added a 1.5" wide x 1/8" thick aluminum strip to the right rear corner of the refrigerator. This was needed to clear components of the cooling system on the back of the box. There already was a small lip on the top rear edge.  I boxed in the area above the refrigerator as illustrated. The refrigerator is pushed back against the 1x8 on the right side and the upper enclosure.

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-2/smallP1040184.jpg)

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-2/smallP1040185.jpg)

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-2/smallP1040186.jpg)

For use in the summer foam rubber pipe insulation is pressed into the 2" space between the left side of the refrigerator and the wall. This is curved back at the top to meet with the upper boxed in area. A second section of this rubber insulation is pressed into the space under the front edge of the refrigerator. The lower right edge of the refrigerator has a permanent baffle I installed. This all quite effectively seals off the refrigerator from the rest of the cabin interior. Warm/hot air is exhausted through the upper vent in the exterior wall by convection. Cooler air enters via the lower vent.

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-2/smallP1040189.jpg)

There is an access point to reach the gas valve for the refrigerator.

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-2/smallP1040195.jpg)

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-2/P1040198.jpg)

The other three seasons of the year we have cooler exterior temperatures. When we reach the point that some extra interior heat is desired the system is converted. 1. The rubber pipe insulation sections are both removed. 2. The door at the very top of the boxed in area above the refrigerator is pulled open. 3. The exterior vents will be closed off. The heat will then all be retained inside the cabin. I have a plan for making the closing off and reopening of the two exterior vents easier than the way things are at present. I'll update on that later.

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-2/smallP1040230.jpg)

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-2/smallP1040232.jpg)

Venting the heat to the outside made an amazing difference in the interior temperature over the past week. The weather this week was more or less the same as the previous, with some afternoon cloudiness and some rain. This week the interior never got to the point where it was uncomfortable in late afternoon as it had previously. Fortunately the evenings cool down.

Note: I had purchased the exterior vent kit sold by thenaturalhome.com when we bought the refrigerator. It is made for the Servel 400. It uses an inlet tube and a new sealed cover for the burner to supply fresh air to the burner. There is a second tube that connects the burner exhaust outlet to a second exterior vent. The idea is to eliminate any CO dangers inside the cabin as well as remove the combustion heat. I ran into a problem with it.

We have prevailing south winds. The cabin wall behind the refrigerator faces south. The week I installed the venting system we had some serious winds as well as the usual milder winds with gusts. The burner would flame out frequently. There were enough of these flame outs that it would be impossible to leave the cabin for a day without the danger of loosing refrigeration. Contact with the folks at the natural home revealed this is a sometimes problem. The suggestion was to move the fridge or vents to another wall; impossible. Another suggestion was exterior baffling. I had tried baffling the vents on the exterior wall, but there were still problems with gusting winds. In the end I removed that vent system completely. I have retained a short length of the exhaust tube (flexible aluminum) to bring the exhaust gases to just above the evaporator on the refrigerator back. The idea there is to duct those hot exhaust gases to above the coils rather than have them flow up the back coils. Sorry, no picture of that right now.

We have two CO monitors/alarms in the cabin so there is little worry about that eventuality when the refrigerator is venting inside the cabin. Two and one is two years newer than the other. Most of these should be replaced after five years of use.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Sassy on July 28, 2011, 02:22:39 PM
It's all interesting & good ideas  8)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: HoustonDave on July 28, 2011, 04:37:51 PM
Don,

Not sure this would be code legal.  Is there a way to put a flapper check valve on the vent for the fridge?  The problem is (I assume) high pressure blowing into the vent and blowing out the pilot, not the other way around.  A check valve like you see on dryer vents would prevent that if it could be made to work safely.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Redoverfarm on July 28, 2011, 05:40:23 PM
Interesting concept.  I was wondering with the restriction of the factory tolerences of clearences for air circulation around the frig.  I just installed a Dometic 400 and haven't ran it enough to see what adverse effect it will have on the interior.  Today it was 92FOS and 77FIS but I had the doors open.  Normally it will not get above 70F if left closed up.  Maybe a back draft diverter will work similar to those in exhaust fans.   The problem is there is no actual forced air to open it up.  Maybe a small computer fan or battery fume exhaust fan in the line to force the exhaust out via the diverter.  I guess I will just have to see what happens both on your end and mine.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on July 28, 2011, 06:52:14 PM
Code? No idea. Actually this is something that is not addressed by code as far as I can tell. Gas refrigerators are allowed. My solution comes out of left field, so to speak. I can't see where a reasonable concern would come from though. Of course an inspector might have problems if he can't think outside the book.

This is basically the same thing that works on RV's and my RV fridge stays lit driving down the interstate passing and being passed, head wind crosswinds or tail winds. The RV fridge never blew out once. The Servel/Dometic 400 (same animal) went out probably 6 times in a couple hours with the purchased vent kit. With a week's service under the belt my solution has burned strong and constant.

I don't see how a flapper could be used as there are only convection currents moving the air; not enough force to open thr typical flapper, IMO. . I deliberately placed the lower vent above the floor level to keep direct drafts from "bothering" the burner flame. Note the burner head is enclosed but the standard covers are not air tight and is right down at floor level (left rear of unit).

John, the minimum clearances recommended (1" on sides and rear and 4" top I believe) are to permit sufficient air flow to the rear of the refrigerator and up over the top. Air is needed for (1.) combustion (to lower left rear) and for (2.) cooling the condenser coils at the unit top rear. It doesn't matter where that air comes from, as long as it can move freely. The typical installation requires that side wall and top clearance for the air to circulate to behind the unit and then vent out the top.

A thermostat controlled fan would help circulate the air and permit a flapper, but I fall back to my RV experience and say that is an unnecessary complication, IMO. Also unnecessary and unwanted power use when off grid.

One more thing I was going to leave till later, but now is as good a time as any to mention it. I will be installing a baffle behind the refrigerator at the height of the condenser coils. It will bridge the space between the cabin wall and the condenser. It will come to within a quarter inch of the coils. This baffle forces all the rising air to pass through the condenser. Without a baffle there is approximately 5 inches of clear space between the condenser and the wall. The path of least resistance is for the air to bypass the condenser. A baffle makes the condenser cool better. Again, it's what I did in the RV many years ago on the recommendation of an experienced RV technician. The RV refrigerator noticeably cooled better and used less propane to boot.

Marks RV also recommends this; see HERE (http://bryantrv.com/reefer.html); tip is at the bottom.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on August 07, 2011, 05:40:32 PM
A while back in this thread (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=8258.60) I had a small context for naming our property.


The winning name was Pine Ridge.

Our son made us a sign. He flame cut it from 3/16 inch steel plate, ground the face and cold blued the steel. He presented it to us on the stained pine board as pictured below. I put the PT pine 2x6 board mount together and screwed it up to a tree near our cul de sac entrance.

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-3/small-P1040246.jpg)

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-3/small-P1040248.jpg)

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-3/small-P1040250.jpg)

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on August 07, 2011, 11:20:13 PM



We bought a new tool.  ;D  A wood chipper. We won't have to burn as much (at all ?) to get rid of cut slash. It handles up to 3 inch, actually 3 x 4 inch but none of our trees seem to grow oval branches.

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-3/small-P1040253.jpg)

Fifteen horsepower. It handles everything I've stuck in the feed quite well so far.

Video...

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-3/th_WoodChipper.jpg) (https://s139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-3/?action=view&current=WoodChipper.mp4)

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on August 08, 2011, 12:01:01 AM
Announcement and question.

We have sold the old ('83) RV!!!  The one that traversed the SW with us for a few years. The one we lived in from day one on this mountain property. Hoorah!!  :)  It took a few months and we dropped the price just to be rid of it.

Now we are going to commence construction on a bunkhouse. A place for guests! That could be you!!  Something in the 14 x 14 or 14 x 16 foot range.

What do the readers/viewers/members/friends think? Should I carry on under this topic or should I start a new thread? "My/Our 14 x whatever Bunkhouse" or something???  
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: duncanshannon on August 08, 2011, 07:08:52 AM
1 vote for a new thread!
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: OlJarhead on August 08, 2011, 12:05:39 PM
New thread! :)

Hey I just never thought of the chipper approach to slash!  DOH!  That might be an answer to a problem I have -- lots of slash and no time to burn.

Thanks!
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Sassy on August 08, 2011, 03:38:51 PM
Nice sign your son made  [cool]  The place is looking right comfortable & a fine place to hang out at.  You've really done a great job.

Do you use your screened in room much?  

So you're ready for more, huh?  Looking forward to seeing your progress!

BTW, chipper seems to be working good.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Barry Broome on August 08, 2011, 07:05:31 PM
I say new thread Don. Great sign too.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on August 08, 2011, 07:16:02 PM
Quote from: Sassy on August 08, 2011, 03:38:51 PM

Do you use your screened in room much?  

Couple of times a week on average I'd say.


I think I'll do a new topic on the bunkie. Debating when to start...  ???
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Alasdair on August 09, 2011, 06:07:52 AM
Quote from: MountainDon on August 08, 2011, 12:01:01 AM
Now we are going to commence construction on a bunkhouse. A place for guests! That could be you!!  Something in the 14 x 14 or 14 x 16 foot range.

What do the readers/viewers/members/friends think? Should I carry on under this topic or should I start a new thread? "My/Our 14 x whatever Bunkhouse" or something???  

Looking forward to the new thread. Don't rush on our account though Don, we'd love to come stay but we can't possibly make it till next summer!  ;)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: duncanshannon on August 09, 2011, 06:54:10 AM
Start the new thread when you start the new project!  (start early in the project).  will be fun to read and given the history of your posts, thorough and very helpful for folks learning.  [cool]
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on August 14, 2011, 08:52:32 PM
We have mostly cooler weather up in the mountains. However, there are a few days in the summer when the temperatures get high enough to be uncomfortable for a few hours. The cabin interior temperature also gets a tad warm. We bought a Haier air conditioner, one of those with the hose that fits through an insert in the window. It worked quite well. Not needing to run it for hours on end I found we have sufficient reserve to get by without requiring running the generator. At least so far that's what I think.

The window panel and hose connection was a slight bother I didn't like. So, I put on my thinking hat and came up with an idea. Venting directly out the wall would work. Alas, it was not so simple as boring a hole through the wall at the same height as the air outlet on the back of the a/C. That level was right in line, centered, with the electrical wiring in the wall. I built an offset vent box. The air from the A/C enters near the bottom and exits up a foot or so. That was determined by the exterior siding. The vent exits about the middle of the Hardie plank siding. The vent box was sized about 20% larger in cross sectional area than the area of the A/C outlet to minimize restriction to air flow.

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-3/sml-P1040275.jpg)

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-3/sml-P1040279.jpg)



The box is screwed to the wall. A five inch diameter vent pipe passes through the wall to vent the hot air out the wall. It works well. I thought I might need to tie the A/C in place with a bungee cord or something but so far it has not moved on its own. I still may do something to tie it in place.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on August 23, 2011, 11:28:39 PM
Just a note to say I spun the winter food storage portion off to its own thread.

http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=11079.0 (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=11079.0)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on October 09, 2011, 09:33:03 PM
Karen was off in NY state for the week. I worked only 2 days this week because of fall break. So I spent most of the time off at the cabin. Wednesday afternoon I had a pleasant surprise upon arrival.

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-3/s100_0930.jpg)

That's just a smidgen less than 1.6 inches of rain in a 24 hour period.

The ground was nicely soaked. Going by the condition of the road in most of the rain was spread over several hours; not much erosion on the hill. So what does Don do when the forest floor is nice and wet. Well, burn slash of course. Thursday was extremely windy though; gusts to 50 mph and no matter how wet the ground was I don't like fire and high winds. I was up at 6 AM Friday to a dead calm.

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-3/s100_0932.jpg)

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-3/s100_0935.jpg)

I burned 10 piles we had prepped and covered with tarps over the summer.

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-3/s100_0937.jpg)

The fires were pretty much burned out by noon or so. By 2 PM is was misting rain. By 3 PM as the temperature dropped it turned to sleet and then snow. The next morning I awoke to 27 degrees F and almost 2 inches of snow.

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-3/s100_0947.jpg)

I forgot to turn off the game camera and found I had 27 videos of me tending one fire through the day.  ::)

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-3/s100_0949.jpg)

One of the burn spots on Saturday morning. The fire was pretty much out. I raked the coals and then raked snow over the fire spot. The snow didn't melt; fire was out cold.

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-3/s100_0953.jpg)

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Gary O on October 09, 2011, 09:45:42 PM
Great timing Don.
I hope to have the same.
Headin' to camp in a couple weeks.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on October 09, 2011, 09:48:49 PM
Saturday the sun was out by 10 and the snow melting. I had marked a dozen or so trees for thinning on Thursday and Saturday morning I felled them and cut them into lengths I could handle. The afternoon was spent hauling wood up the slope, one piece at a time. I dragged and piled tree tops and slash branches for a future burn.

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-3/ss100_0956.jpg)

This morning I cleaned up all but the smaller branches. We now have more firewood looking for a place to warm...  Have more wood than takers...

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-3/ss100_0958.jpg)

We are getting close to having thinned to the optimal number of trees, or rather basal area per acre.

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-3/ss100_0964.jpg)

The above is looking up the slope to the north with some of the water breaks I threw together a couple of years ago. Gazebo top center, cabin porch roof just visible right top.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: OlJarhead on October 10, 2011, 11:47:05 AM
Great posts Don.  We're just starting to get some of this kind of work done ourselves.  I've managed to trim most of the trees within 100-150 feet of the cabin up to between 8-12 feet but have much work yet to do....maybe in the spring I'll get that tractor! :)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on November 07, 2011, 11:05:10 PM
We had more snow, something a little over an inch. This was good and bad. On the side of the good, we burned a lot of the trash tress; some from the debris on the ground and others we culled/thinned from the acre+ we're working on now.  I shot a little video of one of my neater piles.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idI2KiU3SH0

The bad side of the snow was after going up and down out hill a few times it got slippery. The Jeep handled it with aplomb until I hitched the trailer, laden with fresh cut logs for firewood. We had a touch of excitement going down. We have a couple small water redirecting berms across the roadway at a slight diagonal. I was crawling in second-low when we went over the first. As the rear axle went over the first berm it got slightly light. The weight of the trailer gave the rear end a little twitch to the right and it started to come around. To the side with the drop off. Whoeee!

Anyhow the rear end slide stopped about a foot from the edge, the trailer jack knifed a little. But back in low-low I inched it ahead and down the hill. That'll teach me to remember and use chains.  ;D

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: OlJarhead on November 09, 2011, 09:50:39 AM
Chains are my best friend now!
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on November 29, 2011, 12:18:56 AM
We had an enjoyable Thanksgiving weekend. Thursday was a turkey dinner at home with our son.  Friday we were on the road to the cabin early.

I meant to mention that we've been working on some of our neighbors land. We're doing it for free, in part a self preservation thing; if we reduce the fire danger at some future point we may be helping to head off a disaster. Plus, we've struck a deal to get access through our neighbors land to ours in exchange for some work. Ok, it's not a legal easement, it's only a verbal agreement, but it helps us a little.  Followers of this thread know we have a steep hill as the final approach from the national forest up to our property. It faces north and holds snow and ice like a magnet holds nails.

This winter has been worse than the previous, with the early October snow, plus a couple of other light snows. Our hill is still snow and ice and requires chains even though the rest of the trip is fine on A/T rubber. Hence the deal. The neighbors road has a more gentle approach and gets some sun. So we have a key to use and let ourselves in.

We finished with the first part of the neighbors land for now. I didn't think far enough ahead to take a "before" picture. Here's an "after" with part of one of the burn pile circles in the foreground. There are still too many trees, but this is a grand start.

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-3/clean1P1040648.jpg)

What did it look like before?  Sort of like this. Lots of fallen trees and limbs on the ground. Lots of standing dead....

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-3/mess1P1040643.jpg)

Then we got back to some of our own land. We've been neglecting the south end. We've been putting it off. It's a fairly steep hillside and in places is as trashy as above. Lots and lots of standing dead, fallen dead and too many "broomstick" trees.

So we cut trees and more trees. We picked up fallen logs and branches and made piles for many a future burn. We tarped some.

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-3/southhill1P1040658.jpg)

That's typical of the slope; steeper in places, less steep in others, but hard to walk on. No wonder we put it off, huh?

So I cut trees, starting with those already fallen. Then on to many standing dead Ponderosas, Doug Firs and Aspens.

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-3/dayswork1P1040669.jpg)

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-3/dayswork2P1040668.jpg)

We made piles of some, but have a lot more to pick up and get ready to burn. And this was only a small piece.



Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on November 29, 2011, 01:15:25 PM
The still images do not do justice to the hillside thinning we've started.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hu6smdGkS1M&feature=feedu

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2LKmcMxEoY&feature=feedu

If I sound like I'm out of breath, at the time I was. I'd just finished more or less non stop cutting for about an hour and should have waited a few minutes before getting the camera out.  d*  But I wanted to throw some logs around for a little while longer.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Sassy on November 30, 2011, 12:04:34 AM
Wow, you guys have been busy!   c*
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: rick91351 on November 30, 2011, 08:31:12 AM
Hey if you need some more practice or experience.  I have a couple virgin areas I have not gotten in to yet up my way.  You could tack on to your job resume and you could use our names as references.   ;)  It helps one to stay in some sort of shape does it not?

 
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on November 30, 2011, 10:32:31 AM
It is hard work and does certainly keep one in shape. More fun than just walking for exercise or going to the gym.  :)

In some ways the hardest part is waiting on getting the perfect weather to burn and having that coincide with having time to be there.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: John Raabe on November 30, 2011, 11:04:14 AM
That is good hard work Don. Makes me think about all the work I need to do at my 5 acres. Thanks for that!
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: duncanshannon on November 30, 2011, 02:03:33 PM
wow. thats a ton of work!  looks really nice!
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: glenn kangiser on November 30, 2011, 04:23:50 PM
Looks like a lot of log cabin material to me.  Looks good, Don.  Lots of hard work.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on November 30, 2011, 07:58:21 PM
Quote from: glenn kangiser on November 30, 2011, 04:23:50 PM
Looks like a lot of log cabin material to me.

My handicap with that is lack of machinery to help move large logs.  That and working on the hillside.  But In the back of my mind I have been thinking of seeing about using some of the yet to be felled trees for the outhouse we want to build. I figure some shorter sections suitable for that might not be too bad.  There's also a lot of trees on forest service land that were recently cut in a thinning operation right close by. At this point it looks like those will be over wintering under the snow as the next good snow will likely close the road to them till spring. Some of those are right close to a road/trail that would make access easy.  :-\

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Gary O on November 30, 2011, 09:58:11 PM
Don, no need to apologize for the heavy breathing. Shoot, I was breathin' heavy just watchin' that video.
Gathering, cutting, and stacking dead falls is work work and more work. We know, and are quite thankful our land is level.
Good show, ol' man...jolly good.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: CjAl on December 03, 2011, 06:43:52 PM
my back hurts just looking at that. since my back surgery all that bending just about kills me.

but that all those straight logs i would definatly be looking for uses for them. they make good porch posts.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: glenn kangiser on December 03, 2011, 10:22:13 PM
Moving logs without heavy machines... In Mexico, I have watched the men rolling the logs up a plank ramp, in about 8' sections right up onto a truck.  If you could get the trailer in there, it might not be too bad.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on December 21, 2011, 10:23:21 PM
We spent 4 nights at the cabin; came back today. As per usual I always dislike leaving and returning home. We did have a good time though with burning up a good deal of the trash/slash we had piled last trip.

It snowed a lot since then. It was at least a foot, probably more but it is hard to tell as there were several sunny days with temps in the 40's and that always melts the snow some, makes it sag and look like less. Anyhow it was a snow shoe trip. It was 38 F outside when we arrived and 25 F inside. So while we waited for the wood stove to get going good we opened the windows in an attempt to warm up quicker.  ;D

The gallon jugs of water we left inside were frozen solid so it was good and cold for a lengthy period. During the snow two weeks ago the temp did drop to a low of -2 F for a few hours. Lots of time spent in the 20's as per the weather log. We thawed several in the big pot on the wood stove.

We had mostly cloudy weather with only partly sunny one day. Not good for battery charging when combined with the shortest days of the year. But we made out okay. So we burned trash wood piles and got rid of a lot. We read some, walked around a little, baked some bread, ate, napped, read some more and generally relaxed. It's really cool being there in the trees and snow, feeling like there's not another soul for miles. Seeing the various animal tracks; there were lots of deer and elk tracks about in the fresh snow, but all we saw were their tracks. Rabbit tracks too. It was so quiet at times all I could hear was my tinnitus.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Whitlock on January 15, 2012, 12:56:37 PM
Wow you have done a lot.
The place looks wonderful and I love some of the things you have done to the place.
It looks like it grew there it just fits right in with the forest.
Like the vents for the frige wonderful idea.


Later,W
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: PEG688 on January 15, 2012, 03:25:09 PM
Nice work Mtn D and Karen!!  Lots of WORK In fact!!  What do you do to relax ;)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on January 16, 2012, 12:05:32 AM
Quote from: PEG688 on January 15, 2012, 03:25:09 PM
What do you do to relax ;)

Go to the cabin, get out of the suburbs. And work some.  ;D  It feels good doing that. Plus we always take a book along.

I'm chomping at the bit right now, but fear that my pulled muscle will not be ready for snow shoeing this weekend. Karen will likely go up and burn a pile or two of trash/slash. I'll get to see the veideo I guess.   >:(   

Title: Some Girls Just Want To Have Fun...
Post by: MountainKaren on January 25, 2012, 10:24:47 AM
...IN THE MOUNTAINS

(Last) Saturday morning I packed my backpack with a good book, fresh fruit and toiletries, kissed and hugged Don goodbye and drove to the mountains. The drive was other-worldly spectacular. The white rock of White Mesa and the red rock of the Jemez Pueblo area were brilliant against the blue sky and in the bright sun. There was no snow until 7500 feet and even the mountain tops and sides facing south were bare of snow. Forest Road 10 was dry until the bridge at the meadow. Then it was wet and muddy. Los Griegos Road was plowed up to the last fork; then it was snow covered and somewhat slippery :( . I pulled into Barbara and Ronald's driveway; Barbara came out and moved their two vehicles to make room for my jeep. Barbara and Ronald are wonderful people and it is always nice to visit with them. Today I set off quickly with backpack, snowshoes, and poles. Dogs and deer had broken a path for the first quarter mile. Our December snowshoe track was mostly gone. The view to the northwest was breathtaking.

My new backpack (Christmas gift from Jason) was very comfortable with its hip belt and locking chest strap. Upon reaching the water tank road, I was extra warm; I paused to open my jacket, remove gloves and drink lots of water. The snow on the road was deep in spots and was more difficult, requiring frequent brief rest stops (taking in the wondrous views, of course). The Trujillo gate was a welcome sight; the sight of our steep hill...not so much :(   Twenty steps, take a rest, twenty steps, take a rest, so on and so forth until I reached the top...YEAH! The remaining flat stretch was mostly crusted, so I didn't sink in and it was easy.

THE CABIN.  I unlocked the power supply door and flipped the two switches for solar power and unlocked the shed (potty). Inside the cabin it was 34 degrees (40 degrees outside). I emptied ashes from the woodstove and built a fire; turned on the propane heater (5th click), lit the stove and heated water for tea, lit the oven and mixed up some cornbread. I pulled a pipe filled with canned goods from the cold cellar and emptied it in the cabin. I selected canned chicken and mixed it with mayonnaise from home and with diced celery and green onion (prepared by my loving husband that morning). I ate it with rice cakes :( and hot green tea.

Not feeling sleepy I walked down our south slope (nearly bare of snow) and uncovered a burn pile. The very old tarp tore to shreds as I removed it and all the snow on top. I poured some gas/oil on the pile and lit it with the propane torch. First try died out, second try took off. I sat by the fire and had warm cornbread and green tea :). I added to the pile from a huge covered pile 30 feet away. At 2:30 I went to the cabin for a 60 minute siesta (nap). I returned to the burning fire at 3:45, added more wood and drank a tiny bottle of Bailey's Irish Cream. As dusk began to settle in, the tree tops swayed in the breeze. I was not swaying :), but I was as happy as a pig in mud.

5PM I mixed up some Kraft Macaroni & Cheese and heated canned beans. With cornbread it was a decent meal. I kept the fire going in the woodstove; it was 75 degrees in the cabin and 35 degrees outside. At 8PM it rained briefly. Over night the propane heater was off and the wood fire died; it snowed about an inch and the winds howled and gusted now and then. I awoke at 7AM to 60 degrees in the cabin and 20 degrees outside. I built a fire, turned up the heater and turned on the oven (350). I made Pamela's Fudgiest Brownies (my favorite) :).  For breakfast I had Maple Raisin Instant Oatmeal. From 7-9AM the clouds were dense, very light snow fell, and high wind gusts blew the snow across the ground. At 9AM the clouds thinned and bright blue sky revealed Redondo Peak once again. At 9:30 I enjoyed a banana, apple, orange, sunflower seed smoothie with a Fudge Brownie :).

At 10AM I donned snow jacket, boots, gaiters and poles and went for a 30 minute walk. "What a difference a day makes"; today all the slopes are glistening white. Yesterday's burn spot is a 2 foot diameter warm spot in the snow. I took a bucket of pine needles (from barrel),the torch and fuel over to Casey's where we had only one pile left covered  and ready to burn. Low and behold, it had been burned (sometime between December 20th and now). This is a good sign, as Casey doesn't believe in burning tree tops/debris to thin the forest. It was probably his brother. I phoned Don to tell him the good news and he had some good news too. A couple was coming to look at the two desks we have listed on Craigslist.

I am enjoying reading "Harold", an autobiography of Hal Holbrook. I'm enjoying the solitude, quiet and beauty. Aside from the living trees, a single squirrel hopped across the snow to say "hello". There are deer/elk tracks in the snow; none moseyed by to "say hello".

At 11AM it is 26 degrees outside. At noon the winter sun is pouring in the south window illuminating the amber, green and blue glass objects and adding its warmth to the cozy feel of the cabin. The north window is a perfect snapshot of mountain, blue sky, small clouds, green trees and snow covered ground, frozen in time. The whole universe conspired for billions of years to give "me" this view of perfect beauty.

After a lunch of leftovers and a one hour nap, I took fuel and torch to yesterday's burn spot. On that spot I built a new burn pile (from debris covered with plastic 30 feet away), lit it, and continued to feed the fire for an hour.

At 3PM I had a snack of canned pears and pistachio nuts; I watched a PBS show about Custer. At 5PM I went to the burn spot and raked the unburned logs into a pile to finish burning. For supper I had canned roast beef in gravy and leftover mac & cheese, with Fudge Brownie for desert :).

I spent the evening reading and watching a little TV. Lights out at 9PM...very tired.

I woke up at 7AM feeling that the cabin was cooler then 60 degrees; it was 56 degrees. I donned my winter jacket and made a fire. The propane heater had shut down when the propane ran out. I went outside to the tanks and opened up the second tank (should've been open already); if it had been open the "automatic change over" system would have kept the flow going. I was then able to heat water for tea. After breakfast of oatmeal and tea, I packed my backpack, locked the solar power, the shed and the cabin.

The snowshoe down to the jeep was a treat. The snow was sparkling "diamonds", the sky bright blue, the birds chirped in the distance, and a woodpecker knocked on a tree close by; I stopped often to take in the beauty. I could see five ridges in succession to the northeast.

At Barbara and Ron's, the jeep started easily. I put it in low 4WD and transmission low 2 to go down snowy Los Griegos Road; FR 10 was snow packed this time. Hwy 4 was clear and just as breathtaking in reverse direction; I stopped at the grocery/subway store between Jemez Springs and Jemez Pueblo to get a sub for lunch. I arrived home just past noon. Don and I were very happy to see one another. We talked about my adventure and our plans to do the next one together. It was a wonderful two and a half days. The only thing that would've made it more wonderful would be to have shared it with the "love of my life" – Don.

Don and I conspired and worked hard the past six years to make this tiny piece of "heaven on earth". I hope we can enjoy it for many more years together. After we are gone, I hope it will be enjoyed by many others. It is a great privilege to enjoy the beauty of the Jemez Mountains and in the not too distant future it will be a privilege to have our dust/atoms mingle with those of the Jemez Mountains.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: rick91351 on January 25, 2012, 10:54:24 AM
Thanks MountainKaren I really enjoyed the read. 
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Redoverfarm on January 25, 2012, 11:33:23 AM
Despite some little set backs it sounds as if you had an enjoyable weekend.  I know that Don was probably biting at the bit to go up. ;D
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: John Raabe on January 25, 2012, 11:34:31 AM
Thanks for sharing your cabin and the winter solitude with us all. Feels like a real visit.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: hpinson on January 25, 2012, 02:10:19 PM
That was a wonderful account. Thank you!
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Gary O on January 25, 2012, 04:27:04 PM
 Excellent

You might consider squeezing in a post or two between your two/three year hiatuses.....

It really is good to get a glimpse of the soft side of Don and to hear from who makes him complete.

Thank you

Gary O'
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: rick91351 on January 25, 2012, 04:49:31 PM
Quote from: Gary O on January 25, 2012, 04:27:04 PM
Excellent

You might consider squeezing in a post or two between your two/three year hiatuses.....

It really is good to get a glimpse of the soft side of Don and to hear from who makes him complete.

Thank you

Gary O'

To that I raise my coffee and say a hearty, 'HERE HERE!'
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: ajbremer on January 25, 2012, 06:04:31 PM
Thank you for sharing. It made me feel as though I was there, I even got kinda cold.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Sassy on January 25, 2012, 07:21:47 PM
Was imagining myself there & seeing what you were seeing while reading your post, MtnKaren - idyllic...  thanks for sharing!  I agree w/the others, you'll have to do it more often  :)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: OlJarhead on January 26, 2012, 07:15:47 PM
MountainKaren I can envision all of that!  Thanks for sharing.  Perhaps also being a cabin owner helps as I can practically smell the pine forest and feel the cold breeze as I walk up to our cabin door and unlock it after the drive 'home' to our cabin.

I can't wait until next weekend when my wife and I head up there!  [cool]
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: altaoaks on January 29, 2012, 08:53:11 PM
Mountainkaren, what a wonderful peak into your lone trip to the cabin, you are a very talanted writer.  I could feel the uphill trek through the snow, the feel of the carved out deer trail, the cold of the cabin, the heat and smell of the fire, and the absolute peace and quiet!  I know, though, that Don was feeling regret at being left behind!  Heres a virtual toast to the two of you together next trip up!
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Carla_M on February 02, 2012, 10:43:32 AM
Karen, I love your place in the mountains and I love your story about your solo trip. That is a well crafted adventure story! I can understand why you would want to make the effort to snow shoe there. It is beautiful up there! And you are a confident, self reliant woman with a real can do attitude. No wonder Don loves you as he does!  [cool]  I followed your story of your weekend with great interest and a certain degree of jealousy!    :)  If I can ever visit I'll bring a bottle of Bailey's, maybe two.  c*

It's breathtakingly beautiful. How did you get so lucky to have such a view? Most cabins and homes in the Jemez do not have any view of the premiere mountain, Redondo and there you are with a view of it's best side with the sacred eagle visible. You are a lucky woman in many ways.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on March 16, 2012, 11:50:59 PM
We spent the last week at Pine Ridge!

It was great to be there. We did have the hardest, most physically demanding snow show trip up though. We ran into several, maybe 7 or 8 spots with lots of deep powder snow. Many were sheltered from direct sun and had no crust at all. The faithful MSR's sunk deep even with the long tails in place. We sunk calf to knee depth, sometimes for only 10 steps or so. However, as luck would have it one of the places was on the steep hill just inside the gate. Two thirds of the hill was a struggle. It was tiring, but funny how quickly the strain of it passed once we reached the cabin.  :)   Our normal time "in" runs about 55 minutes; this time it was 70 minutes.


When we arrived there was snow covering all of the south slope. North side of the cabin had several feet. The south side was almost bare. The sun was shining brightly and the temperature reached 54 F. The snow on the south slopes was getting patchy by the end of Monday.

Note: the snow bar on the south side of the roof worked as planned and hoped for. The north side with no snow bar had ample evidence that snow slides off a 5/12 pitch roof quite easily.


No signs of amy game. I suspect they have found places with snow snow for the winter.


The Food Tubes, in ground freeze protected canned food storage continued to protect the food placed there from freezing.


We burned some more slash on the south east corner of the property and thinned out a couple more trees. We're very happy with the thinning results in that area. (In late fall / early winter we cut and burned a lot there as previously reported.) Not only does it look better but with the last tree I felled we can now see the SE corner survey marker (T-post at the marker with lots of  fluorescent orange and green ribbons). We can actually stand near the bottom of the hollow and see the SE marker, then turn 180 degrees and see the NE marker. We found our estimated boundary line was off as much as 6 to 10 feet where the trees used to be super dense. Error not in our favor. So that was productive.

Weather was sunny with the usual NM bright blue skies. Lows fell to 32 to 34 F overnight while the daytime highs were 53 to 55 F.


We bit off another acre and a half to thin out. There's lots of deadfall, standing dead and very small diameter trash trees. All the usual suspects to be dealt with and of course on a slope. We started working at it, putting in 12 or so people-hours. Lots more to come.   :D  This is not on our land, but the neighbor to the west. It's a fire waiting to happen. The elderly lady has given us carte blanche to do as we have done on our acreage. Since that is the direction the prevailing winds come from I'd be happy to do it for free; it's self preservation. We're trading some things and will open up another access route/exit if ever needed. I have a batch of saw chains I need to sharpen.   :D


The snow shoe trip back out was easier. Downhill for one thing; downhill is always easier.  ;D  And early morning so we had lots of frozen crust to walk on.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: ajbremer on March 17, 2012, 05:21:14 AM
Wow MD, you guys are real adventurers and you both must be in great shape.

Snow shoeing is something I would love to try. The closest thing I got to that was sled dogging when I lived in New Hampshire near the Vermont border in the late 80's - even got into sled dog racing a little.

I see your clearing land and burning brush often? That is something I have to do. I have a lot adjacent to my main build lot that is a ditch where I've put all the slash and large cut down trees. I have to burn it all soon.

By the way, how far is your snow shoe trek?
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: rick91351 on March 17, 2012, 09:02:35 AM
I am so glad your food storage is working as 'advertised'.  I had real good feelings about that when you did it.  That is a very practical lesson learned for people that want to enjoy their remote cabins and houses in the winter time.  Plus could be put to good use in the summer time as well.  (If shelf and storage space is a premium.) 

One thing about it your snow shoeing really gives good cause that you do guys not get soft and out of shape in a winter time.  Like some of us! -  :(  ( ME ).  I can only speak for myself!

I am thinking that our shop roof is a 5/12 metal.  It is a shed roof with the back facing east.  It gets a good full length southern sun exposure in the afternoon. It sheds snow very well, in fact some of it shoots shoots off of there so good you would not want to be close at all!  Especially when the old snow has a good crust.  WOW!!
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on March 17, 2012, 07:54:32 PM
Alan, well, as for being in great shape, I try. Karen dances a lot, 2 times a week at least for a few hours at a time. We have a great dance club here which is fortunate. I was issued with two left feet and have been unable to find any trade ins that work any better. I don't bend and fold as well as I used to, though I do still mutilate / injure well.   ;D   I did get set back with the pre-Christmas hip, leg, lower back injury/pain though. I hope I have learned that it is always not wise to try and tough it out and avoid going to see the doctor right away. By the time I did and then by the time I could get into therapy too many weeks had gone by and I thought I'd never be limber or without aches and pain.

One thing that the X-rays indicated was the presence of arthritis in my hip joint. I guess it is elsewhere too as I do have more aches than I did three years ago, even one year ago. I'm sure the next time I see the Doc he'll have some pills to offer. I don't really want to go there though. I have noticed that the best thing is to keep moving. I should always have a project going as that is more fun than the gym. I have the window replacement and insulation project at home that will help with that. I'll spread that out.

Snow shoeing is not all that bad for the most part. Look into MSR snow shoes. They have some designs that are molded plastic that you can add extra length tails to for extra support. We are pleased with ours. It is also best when you have adjustable length hiking poles (with snowbaskets). Helps with the stability.

The distance is 1  1/4 miles with an overall gain of about 750 - 800 feet of altitude. Mostly up mixed with some downs and then up again.

As for tree thinning I believe that is one thing many folks leave to do later, and never get to it. Especially here in the Jemez that is a bad thing to do. There is a developed area we drive through on the way up the forest road to our property. At least half, maybe three quarters of the people there really need to address the trash trees on the land. Too many just don't like the thought of cutting trees. I don't have much patience with them. But then I'm a crusty old fart, according to some.  :-\

We're not perfect on the fire safe zone, but better than many. There is info available online for best firewise practices. Google.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on March 17, 2012, 08:01:23 PM
Rick, yes we are happy that the food doesn't freeze.  :We lug a few fresh veggies up on snowshoes and are glad we don't have to carry in everything or eat all freeze dried.  :(   I'm waiting for later to see if we have a moisture problem though as the tubes collect a lot of condensation.

We've been up there a couple of times when the entire roof load of snow has avalanched off the north side. Quite the karump! And I definitely would not want to be under it. It pretty much all dumps at once although it may start at one end and work it's way to the other in segments.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on May 07, 2012, 08:23:09 PM
Ever since we bought the property we have not been real certain as to where north-south leg of the east side was. Oh we knew where the north and south corner survey stakes were but because of the slope caused by the ravine that runs across the line and the clutter of trees we could not be sure where the line was. The survey, paid for by the seller and recorded with the county did not include marking the fence line. We had the pin locations and the angle off each pin. Using that I had walked a compass line a few times. Each attempt varied slightly. I knew I was close, but close was not enough for me.

Add to that, that I am/was to cheap to spring for paying a surveyor to accurately mark the line.

My solution began with completing the thinning and clean up. That was what we accomplished last fall and through the winter. With all that done we found a spot near the bottom of the ravine where we could see the north and south pins. I had a fairly accurate line of sight idea of where the boundary was. To get it as close as possible took some thinking.

I came up with an idea from shooting experience. I made a crude instrument, a sight from some 1x pine, 1/8" hardboard and some aluminum scrap, plus an old RV fridge level to add some professionality to it.  ;D

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-3/100_0982-600wide.jpg)

There it is mounted on my Manfrotto tripod (aluminum scrap, drilled and tapped and screwed on the bottom of the 1x to mount to the tripod).

The black verticals are two pieces of painted hardboard. I cut a slot in the center of each by raising the table saw blade through the material. 3/32" slot.

The slots permit viewing/sighting up and down slopes while not needing to move the unit.

We had driven a t-post in beside the survey pin. I wired a 30 inch length 1x6 that had been painted fluorescent orange to each t-post top.

I placed the tripod on a spot near the bottom of the ravine I figured was close to being on the line. Then I sighted north until I could see the pin marker. Then without moving the equipment and moving to the other end and viewing 180 degrees I looked for the south pin marker. It was a few degrees to the left.

So I moved the tripod instrument over a little and repeated the procedure. On the third attempt I had each pin lined up in the slot just right. So I had a mid point on the line. then sighting along the north leg Karen positioned two more t-posts so they appeared right on the line. repeat for the south section. Ta-da I have a line I can use to string fence whenever I decide to.

Line looking north to marker (darn hard to align the camera up to get the slots in line)

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-3/100_0974-600wide.jpg)


Enlarged view... the marker appears white due to sun glare. The marker is the white vertical line on the right edge of the tree on the left of the encircled section. Darn near had to cut another tree.

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-3/100_0974-600wide-B.jpg)


Line looking south... can you see the orange marker?

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-3/100_0979-600wideBB.jpg)


and an enlarged and circled view. The orange is visible, just.

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-3/100_0979-600wide.jpg)


Thought maybe somebody else could use the info someday


Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: glenn kangiser on May 23, 2012, 10:45:39 AM
Cool invention.   :)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: AdironDoc on May 23, 2012, 11:00:08 AM
Quote from: MountainDon on May 07, 2012, 08:23:09 PM

I came up with an idea from shooting experience. I made a crude instrument, a sight from some 1x pine, 1/8" hardboard and some aluminum scrap, plus an old RV fridge level to add some professionality to it.  ;D

Ta-da I have a line I can use to string fence whenever I decide to.

Thought maybe somebody else could use the info someday

Great idea, Don! I just acquired some additional acreage which is crudely marked. With borders of 4200ft, I can't imagine the cost of getting the parcel professionally surveyed  ???  If I can find the corner pins in the dense woods, and at least a few intermediary markers, I'll do what you did. Why not sell a cheap DIY kit?

Bravo!
Doc
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: nysono on May 23, 2012, 11:08:13 AM
Quote from: AdironDoc on May 23, 2012, 11:00:08 AM
Great idea, Don! I just acquired some additional acreage which is crudely marked. With borders of 4200ft, I can't imagine the cost of getting the parcel professionally surveyed  ???  If I can find the corner pins in the dense woods, and at least a few intermediary markers, I'll do what you did. Why not sell a cheap DIY kit?

Bravo!
Doc

cost for me 2 years ago was $1500 (13 acres), surveyed, new pins set and all plotted
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: hpinson on May 23, 2012, 11:23:25 AM
It can be expensive.  Our cost for 46 acres, previously surveyed with only metes and bounds, and with some very unclear boundary areas in active use by neighbors, was about 4K (fortunatly paid by the seller). A lot of the cost was in tracking neighbors down and getting agreement on boundary and quitclaim modification.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: AdironDoc on May 23, 2012, 11:38:36 AM
Quote from: nysono on May 23, 2012, 11:08:13 AM
cost for me 2 years ago was $1500 (13 acres), surveyed, new pins set and all plotted

The piece I just got is 113 acres. I wonder if the survey cost goes up incrementally or you get a break for larger jobs. Since I'm not putting in roads or infrastructure, I'm not sure I'd really need to go to that length yet. If I can walk the borders, I'll start by painting trees or hanging new ribbons where the old ones are falling off. $1500/$4000 is a lot of beer...  :P Hope a few cold ones would overcome any border disputes!  [cool]

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: hpinson on May 23, 2012, 11:51:39 AM
Even at 4K I think he lost money on it.  Remote, bad roads at that time of year, dealing with missing section markers, multiple trips to the far away county seat,  researching the chain of ownership, tracking down neigbors to sign various documents, figuring out a quitclaim solution that everyone was happy with... the least of his work was actually doing the survey!
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: AdironDoc on May 23, 2012, 12:10:40 PM
Quote from: hpinson on May 23, 2012, 11:51:39 AM
Even at 4K I think he lost money on it.  Remote, bad roads at that time of year, dealing with missing section markers, multiple trips to the far away county seat,  researching the chain of ownership, tracking down neigbors to sign various documents, figuring out a quitclaim solution that everyone was happy with... the least of his work was actually doing the survey!

The way you put it, sounds like the fee was hard earned! Interesting job, huh? Sitting behind a desk up at county, wearing a shirt and tie. An hour later, slogging through bramble filled wetlands, slapping Jurassic sized bugs off your neck while lugging equipment. Makes me tired just thinking 'bout it..
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on May 25, 2012, 12:24:07 AM
I must thank Adirondoc for this next thing. There was some discussion about using a Rule IL200P bilge pump om his site, in an effort to move water from his springbox up the hill to his cabin. A light went on in my head. It occurred to me that such a pump might work to pump water from our cistern to the under the counter tank inside the cabin. The hand pump works fine, but an electric pump has a certain fascination.

So I got one of the 12 VDC Rule IL200P pumps from Amazon. This past week I did an trial run. When I set upthe PV power system I installed a 12 VDC power outlet in the charge controller enclosure. That's fairly handy to the cistern head. Oh, BTW, do you know what the holes in an electric plug prongs are for?

They are provided to facilitate Rube Goldberg connections such as...

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-3/P1040936small.jpg)

The 12 VDC power outlet is the 250 VAC 20 amp style. With a uniquely keyed prong that makes it impossible to plug the wrong thing in as there is no 220-240 VAC wiring anywhere in the cabin. Rather than spend money for parts I might not need if this pump didn't work we did a temporary set up.

The pump works fine in our application. Flow into the tank in the cabin is about 1 gallon a minute; plenty of flow when used to simply refill the tank every other day or so. That is a total vertical lift (push?) of around 11 feet. That doesn't meet the listed specs for the pump. I wonder if the 8800 foot altitude has something to do with that? I think it probably does as I know it does reduce the height a manual hand pump can lift water.  Or there may be some voltage drop as I was using a 50 foot length of 14 gauge extension cord; the pump draws 12 VDC and 4.5 amps I think. My meter was not at hand so I could not check; next time we'll see.

When the power is cut water flows back downhill to the pump in the bottom of the cistern. That's perfect as if the hoses are all kept pointing downhill the water will drain back in freezing conditions. Or so the theory goes.

I had some plumbing parts on hand and setup a part of the water piping. The permanent electrical hookup will be done later.

Peering down the manhole...

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-3/P1040940small.jpg)

The other end of the fancy electrical hookup... (plus the fancy plumbing... an electrical threaded box adpater screwed into the bulkhead fitting, std pvc pipe and the vinyl tubing forced into the PVC. Worked fine for a test.
;D

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-3/P1040942small.jpg)

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on May 25, 2012, 12:34:38 AM
Update on the guest bunkhouse that I mentioned we were thinking of building. Budgetary constraints demand that we downsize the cabin. Yes, I know it is already on the small side, but there are people who actually have small cabins they use all the time. So I took a day or so and put together a simple little bunkhouse.

Here it is not quite completed...

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-3/smallP1040933.jpg)

Okay, it looks more like a bus stop shelter.  :) 

In reality it is a wood shed, a place to store some firewood out of the weather. We took a simple approach with a "foundation" of three 4x6 PT 8 foot timbers running in the long dimension. It is 40 inches in width, 6 feet height at the front opening and 5 feet at the rear wall. 2x4 framing, 24"OC across the back and roof with some extra studs in the ends to prevent the stacked firewood from pushing directly on the siding. Progress photos below.

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-3/smallP1040927.jpg)

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-3/smallP1040928.jpg)

Testing...

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-3/smallP1040929.jpg)


More later when it's finished including a paint job.


Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: AdironDoc on May 26, 2012, 12:02:04 PM
Quote from: MountainDon on May 25, 2012, 12:34:38 AM
Update on the guest bunkhouse that I mentioned we were thinking of building. Budgetary constraints demand that we downsize the cabin. Yes, I know it is already on the small side, but there are people who actually have small cabins they use all the time. So I took a day or so and put together a simple little bunkhouse.

Here it is not quite completed...

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-3/smallP1040933.jpg)

If your budget is that tight Don, I suggest you either rent the lil guy out or, perhaps, have each guest bring a hammer and leave a board or two on the wall!  :P

Actually, I've seen the local wood sheds built using walls of staggered boards which, having a full board's width between them allows for circulation. It got me to thinking of all the wooden pallets laying up the road which eventually rot. Perhaps I can put them to good use yet. A wall of pallets... Hmm  ???
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Sassy on May 26, 2012, 01:39:51 PM
Nice little shed!  I have a picture of Glenn lying on cardboard under the 1st 8'x8' of the cabin...  I'll have to find it & take a digital pic of it & post  :)  We can add those to the dancing pictures  c*
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on July 12, 2012, 07:20:28 PM
Faithful followers will know that our altitude and accompanying low average range of outdoor temperatures have combined to limit the degree of composting with our SunMar composting toilet. We have been removing unfinished product from the drum and incinerating it while burning slash piles. We're getting to the point where we will not be having enough slash to burn within a reasonable distance of the shed where the SunMar is located. Therefore we needed a solution. Of course, if we moved the SunMar indoors, into the space we built for it, our temperature issue would be moderated. At least during the late spring through early fall period the indoor temperature remains within composting temperature. However that still leaves the rest of the year when, because the cabin is mainly unoccupied and unheated, composting action ceases. We have just built the solution; a hole in the ground.

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-3/sm-P1050139.jpg)

That's a six foot deep 30 inch square hole; the bottom half of an outhouse.

We built "frames" to be used as retaining walls or cribbing.

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-3/sm-P1050138.jpg)

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-3/sm-P1050137.jpg)

We used cedar fence pickets and 4x4 scraps to make the 11 inch tall segments. The 4x4 were offset to permit keying of the segments.

The hole has a 6x6 PT timber perimeter, 48 inches wide x 59 inches measured outside. We used scraps of ¾ PT plywood cut into L shapes to cover and reinforce the corners. A portion of the floor was framed and more ¾ PT plywood offcasts were nailed down as a floor in an outhouse.

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-3/sm-P1050146.jpg)

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-3/sm-P1050150.jpg)

The area where the bench/seat would be in an outhouse has been covered with a section of castoff ¾ CDX plywood. That is hinged at present.

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2010-3/sm-P1050151.jpg)

The current plan is to use the pit as a depository for the unfinished product from the SunMar. At some future date we may complete the outhouse. If/when we do that we may see if we can sell the SunMar unit.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on July 12, 2012, 07:25:41 PM
An Addition to the Bedroom Corner

I made 4 small corner shelves; 2 for each side of the bed. I used scraps of exotic hardwoods that I have hoarded for years.  :)

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2012-01/sml-bed-P1050131.jpg)

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2012-01/sml-bed-P1050127.jpg)

Purpleheart... I left one rough sawn edge

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2012-01/sml-bed-P1050130.jpg)

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on July 12, 2012, 07:28:26 PM
Outdoor Kitchen

We've been using a propane camp stove for outdoors cooking during warm weather. That keeps the cabin interior much cooler. We made a change in the hardware recently. These are Chinese made cast iron stoves; a single burner and a double burner, both rated ar 14,500 BTU per burner. They are much hotter than the old camp stove. The brass valves offer enough control. We use a 20 lb propane bottle to supply the fuel. A half inch lag screw is the bottle hanger.

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2012-01/sml-P1050108.jpg)

A left over piece of plywood serves as a fold up/down windshield and burner cover.

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2012-01/sml-P1050109.jpg)

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on July 12, 2012, 07:29:43 PM
Cistern Water Pump

I got around to installing a switch for the water cistern 12 VDC pump. Most AC switches are not able to handle DC current for very long. I found a switch in my collection of odds 'n ends and castoffs. It has a very audible click when operated. This type of switch usually will handle DC current. I guess time will tell. The switch is mounted on the cistern neck with a weatherproof cover.

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2012-01/sml-P1050117.jpg)

I used 20 amp 250 VAC plugs on the cord that connects to the 12 VDC power outlet. That prevents confusion with the standard 120 VAC appliances and cords. They are known as a NEMA Type 6; 6-20P for the male plug and 6-20R for the female receptacle.

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2012-01/sml-P1050120.jpg)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: hpinson on July 15, 2012, 10:53:10 PM
Dang... I about thought you were starting a full blown outhouse.  I like the idea of the pit-- never thought of that.

We use a compost pile similar to what Joseph Jenkens describes: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXcU-JQFdms

It is working well. No odor at all.  The recent rains have really helped.

The riser for the outhouse should arrive in a few days, and then we can claim two bathrooms?
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Barry Broome on September 06, 2012, 06:15:27 PM
Don,

When you built your beams you used 4 layers of 2X10 - And you glued those together and used C-clamps to hold the wood together while the glue dried? Did you use any nails or screws?
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on September 06, 2012, 07:07:58 PM
No glue. No screws. Just nails from the air nailer. I believe they were 3 1/2" x 0.131". Two placed about an inch apart every 32 inches set in from the edges by about 1 1/2".  All joints located above a pier. Glue does very little as far as strength; screws are a no-no for this work as far as I am concerned.

I used Bessey bar clamps as well as large C-clamps to hold the 2x's tightly together while I nailed them. Started with two layers and then added one at a time nailing again but with the nails offset from the first run by 16 inches. Beams trimmed to final length after being installed/secured on the piers.

The Simpson T-brackets were later supplanted by 3/4" PT plywood plates (approx. 12 x 16"). There were also plywood plates added on the inside face, that don't appear in any photos.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Barry Broome on September 06, 2012, 07:17:41 PM
Ok thanks!
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Barry Broome on September 28, 2012, 03:07:28 AM
Don, I'll be arriving Monday in Espanola for a project with the Jemez electric co-op for a survey of their system. Apparently we'll be accessing various Pueblo Indian Reservations and need permission from the tribal council etc, for access to reservation property. Is there anything/advice you can give me about the area or any cultural practices of which I should be aware?  ???

Here in MS I've worked in Choctaw Reservations without any issues. Just sort of came and went as I pleased. I understand that's not the case there in northern NM.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on September 28, 2012, 09:27:36 AM
I don't know what to suggest other than follow the lead of whatever local guys you might be with. I drive through several different pueblo lands on the way to the cabin, but those are public roads. I am careful to observe speed limits as they enforce strictly.

Don't take pictures. You might get something sacred in them which is frowned upon. Sometimes it's okay, if you ask for permission. The riders of the train from ABQ to Santa Fe have been asked to not take pictures. Ditto a little more south where old Route 66 passes through tribal lands. Rules can vary from tribe to tribe. 

Basically they just want to be respected.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: hpinson on September 28, 2012, 09:47:05 AM
I echo what Don said.  My wife works with various pueblos in the context of archeology surveys (they are up there today), and never has had any troubles. She always has tribal permission to be there, and is careful to follow whatever rules as she understands them.  Have permission to be there, be respectful, and let anyone who asks know what you are doing.  Jemez Electric has a big presense on the pueblos, so I would guess interaction would be routine.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Barry Broome on October 28, 2012, 07:02:20 PM
(https://i1271.photobucket.com/albums/jj622/lethaloption/IMG_0245_zps722afe6d.jpg)

Well the last couple of weeks we've been around Cuba, NM and Jemez Springs. The air is so dry here it's taken me about 3 weeks to get used to it. Back home in Mississippi the air is so saturated with water it's really like being in a sauna.

Anyway we've worked on a few Reservations and looks like the rest won't be a problem. Granted, you'd better make sure you go through the proper authorities. The Jicarilla Apache Reservation has a $700 fine for anyone caught working without the I.D. card. My I.D. card is good for a year, though I won't even need it anymore. It will be a nice souvenir to look back on years from now  ::)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on October 28, 2012, 07:50:38 PM
Gilman tunnel on Hwy 485 / FR 376?  I must admit I have not been up that road for a number of years. Time to do it again, I guess.

Yessir. Now you know what dry air is like. Drink lots of water. Remember if you aren't peeing at least every couple of hours you are dehydrated. Sometimes that is hard to realize as you are seldom wet with perspiration here.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on October 28, 2012, 08:53:23 PM
If you are going to be in the Jemez hwy 4 and FR 10 area next weekend (Nov 3 -5) drop me a PM or email using the links in the sidebar or my profile. Do that before Friday night if you would like to come to the cabin one day
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Barry Broome on October 28, 2012, 08:57:42 PM
I hit that tunnel on Hwy 4 or Hwy 126 just north of Jemez Springs. From there you're in the Santa Fe National Forest. A beautiful area but you have to watch out for the cows!!  :)

(https://i1271.photobucket.com/albums/jj622/lethaloption/cows_zpsd1964388.jpg)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Barry Broome on October 28, 2012, 08:59:40 PM
Thanks Don I'll let you know. Just depends on how much work I'll have next weekend  [cool]
Title: DON & KAREN MILLER’S FALL VACATION 2012
Post by: MountainKaren on October 31, 2012, 07:21:48 PM
DON & KAREN MILLER'S FALL VACATION 2012
CELEBRATING 35 YEARS OF MARRIAGE

Holy Cow! It couldn't have been any better. The weather was always sunny and the air temperatures were high 50s to high 60s. It was breathtakingly beautiful and always wonderful; that may be because I am in love with leaves, moss, ferns, lichens, rocks, creeks, rivers, and hills/mountains. It was non-stop with all of those! The fall colors...reds, oranges, and yellows were wonderful in Tennessee and Virginia. In West Virginia the leaves had fallen to the ground in most areas. It was great to be able to see the forest floor covered in leaves, to be able to see through the forest and to be able to see the ridge tops through the trees. AND this trip was wonderful because this time the love of my life, Don, was with me AND we celebrated 35 years of marriage!

THE DETAILS: We flew American using air miles, into Knoxville, Tennessee via Dallas and Chicago. First class all the way to Chicago was fun. (Left Albuquerque 9:15 AM and got to Knoxville 5:15 PM, NM time). We picked up our rental car and drove to the Olive Garden that Don had bookmarked in our Garmin Navigator. We ordered the buy one dinner get one take-home; for $30 we had Saturday and Sunday dinners. We then went to Walmart (also bookmarked) and bought a cooler, blender, fruit, greens, cereals and canned sardines, chicken etc. so that we could make breakfast green smoothies and lunch anywhere we chose. Our hotel was very close by.

Sunday we drove to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. As we approached, HOLY COW, the clouds were lifting perfectly and looked exactly like smoke clouds rising from the mountains! We stopped in the visitor center and learned that every day in October is as busy as any other. We drove the Cades Cove one way Loop Trail very slowly, stopping to visit the old homesteads along the way (explained in detail in the tour book). The log homes, barns, etc were very interesting; the scenery was gorgeous, the operating mill and operating blacksmith shop were educational.

Then we drove Laurel Creek Road and Little River Road, twisting and turning through the dense deciduous forests. The last mile into Gatlinburg was backed up and took about 20 minutes. Our hotel room was on the back side and the walkway/balcony overlooked the creek 30 feet straight down below. After our Olive Garden micro waved dinner we rode the tram to Ober Gatlinburg...indoor shops and ice skating rink. The views were awesome.

Monday we drove the Newfound Gap Road (spine of the mountains) to Newfound Gap (5,046'). We could see many ridges in the distance on either side of the road. Then we drove to Clingman's Dome (6,643'highest point in Tennessee) and hiked the .5 mile up and up to the observation tower. The views all around were spectacular; we saw Mt Mitchell (6,684') in North Carolina (9 ridges in the distance). There was some white haze (pollution). I worried about my knee for the downhill part; with Don as my cane, it did just fine.

We returned to the hotel to eat lunch and take a nap. Then we drove the one way Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail (Cherokee Orchard Rd). There wasn't any open valley, just a narrow rolling paved road through the forest with several old log homes (Bales and Reagans) and tub mills along the way.
We hiked the 1.3 miles to Grotto Falls over a trail often covered with tree roots and rocks. We passed a man leading a chain of llamas with packs that supply a back-country lodge. The falls were very pretty. We had dinner at a Grill on Main Street where the number of tourist shops would put any other town to shame! We didn't hit a single one. :)

Tuesday we drove the 321 Scenic Byway to Newport, Greeneville, Johnson City, Elizabethtown, Hampton, (Watauga Lake) and into Boone, NC. Then it was 421Scenic Byway to the Blue Ridge Parkway. We drove 50 miles on the parkway and stopped at many pullouts, often viewing ridges from either side of the road. VERY BEAUTIFUL! We left the parkway to go to Sparta, NC and then into Virginia to Elk Creek where Don and Michelle Pridgen own 36 acres. We found Don at work in his sawmill. He showed us around his storage barn and then we drove up his steep hill to his beautiful cedar lap sided home. The design and materials are beautiful. Michelle served up delicious roasted ham, sweet potato, salad and homemade fruit sorbet. We had a wonderful tour of their property which included Don's extensive geological history and vegetation identification. They have a workshop, gypsy trailer chicken coop, greenhouse, large garden and hills covered in hardwood trees and large rock/boulders. The ridge is high above and surrounds them. Their dog, "Wolf", looks and sounds like a wolf.

Wednesday, they drove us around the beautiful countryside and we saw the home they contracted to frame two years ago and that is currently nearing completion. We toured the Jefferson National Forest Area (Cripple Creek) and went to the top of Comers Rock via a short hike. GREAT VIEWS again! We ate a picnic lunch at the picnic area. Don took us on a short hike to a cave where we listened to the water flowing under the rock. I could drive the beautiful country roads of Virginia forever!

For dinner Don and Michelle made delicious barbecued kabobs of chicken, pork, pineapple, and peppers. Three kinds of homegrown corn were very tasty, as was the rice and salad. Don and Don spent a lot of time discussing construction, tools, equipment, etc. Oh, and we both really enjoyed the hi-tec massage chair!

Thursday we followed Michelle into Elk Creek for gas, then followed her on Rte 21 north to Wytheville where we waved goodbye. We took I-77 north to Beckley, West Virginia, I-64 East to White Sulphur Springs, and Hwy 92 north through the Monongahela National Forest to Hwy 39 where John and Sarah Casto live.

John and Sarah live on 53 acres of grass!!! AND forest!!! Their home sits on a knoll overlooking the 700 foot long driveway and bridge perfectly centered on their front door. The dormers and the flower boxes all along the front porch make for an impressive looking home. John drove us up the road (he made) behind his home and up into the forest: great view! We checked out his storage barn that used to be a log home. John led the way to his cabin in the woods (higher elevation) two miles away (our private residence for 2 nights). OMG It is a ten star resort: cherry hardwood floors, marble tile floors (kitchen and bathrooms), stained T&G boards. The walls of the kitchen space are made from the logs of an 1870 log house. The walls of the living room are made from the logs of another 1800's log house. The living room has a cathedral ceiling. The ceilings throughout are stained tongue and groove. The ceiling boards in the kitchen and downstairs bedroom are stained a light transparent white color and their other side (the upstairs bedroom floors) are stained a dark walnut. The stairs are made from one log and stained dark walnut as are the columns and the ceiling beams. The large center fireplace and chimney are beautifully done with cultured rock. There are two bedrooms and a half bath upstairs. The back deck wraps around to the sides and has a cultured stone fireplace. The partial basement houses the water heater, inverter and batteries, and workspace. The generator and propane tank are outside the basement double doors. The large front porch has a swing at each end and rocking chairs on either side of the front door. The aesthetics of design and materials are beautiful. The cabin is accessible in the winter because John can plow the 1 ¼ miles.

Sarah brought dinner supplies up after work. We enjoyed barbecued chicken, baked potato, salad and peanut butter crèam pie outdoors on the deck in the moonlight and lamp light! We enjoyed meeting 12 year old Emily; 18 year old Steven stopped in when he got off work.

We slept comfortably with a fire burning in the fireplace. The individual room propane heaters made the early morning bathroom toasty. John came by at 7:30 and made us yummy pancakes, sausage and fried apples. We felt like royalty. Then John drove us through Marlinton to the Red Lick Recreation Area, the Highland Scenic Highway (150), the Cranberry Glades Botanical Area where we walked the boardwalk through the cranberry bog, ate a picnic lunch at the CG Visitor Center, hiked the Hills Creek Falls trail with three waterfalls and well over 300 steps (we all made it back up), Beartown State Park hike on a boardwalk through large rock formations with wild erosion patterns, thick moss, thick ferns and thick lichens...truly other worldly looking. We then drove past Pearl Buck's childhood home and through beautiful Watoga State Park. This was a very small portion of the Monongahela National Forest. It deserves a return trip to see more.

We went to Sarah's moms house in Marlinton and picked up Sarah and Emily for a trip to Hillsboro and dinner at the Pretty Penny Café (formerly a country store)...four Fletchers (fish and chips). Then we all went back to the cabin to sit by the fire and visit. Don and I slept well again. We slept in the next morning and then had our tea/coffee with John for a short visit. We ate lunch, had a short nap and then headed on our way.

Saturday, we drove East on Hwy 39 into Virginia...Goshen, north on 42 and 254 to Staunton, then I-64 East toward Richmond, bypassing Richmond on 295 to the airport. We unloaded our things at the Best Western, ate dinner at Mexico Restaurant, filled the car with gas, returned the car, and took a shuttle back to the hotel. We set the alarm for 4:30 AM and went to sleep early. Sunday morning we took the 5 AM shuttle to the airport and boarded our flight at 6:25. This time we flew to Dallas and then Albuquerque. We were back in our home by noon (2 PM Eastern). It was ESPECIALLY NICE to be home considering that the East coast was canceling 1,000 flights later that day due to Hurricane Sandy. Monday we ran errands in 70 degree sunny weather while Virginia experienced wind, cold and snow. WOW.

THANK YOU Don & Michelle, John & Sarah!!! You made it a dream vacation!!!



Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on November 01, 2012, 02:40:55 PM
It's been a while since I posted some of the latest projects / improvements. Too much fun over the summer and fall.  

One of the larger projects as far as energy expended will never be seen by anyone. After several conversations with Pete the professional engineer about the pitfalls of pier foundations I decided to see about implementing his suggestions. The plan was to construct a shear wall between piers across the two cabin ends, to improve the resistance to lateral forces on the long sides of the cabin. The original plan was to excavate a couple of feet between the end piers and build a shear wall that would in effect be much like what is found in a Permanent Wood foundation.

The plywood used in the shear wall is the material that supplies the bracing, the lateral shear resistance. Ideally it would be nailed to the piers and a floor joist. The 2x framing is there to keep the plywood from buckling. There are only two pictures as I forgot to take the camera the weekend I did this.

I spent some time under there and decided that the low clearance, the hard dirt and a left arm that didn't like being worked at an acute angle combined to make the task extremely difficult. Believing that a short shear wall would be beter than no shear wall I decided to forgo the excavation.

About this time I encountered a second engineer, this one local with knowledge of the Jemez geology. He concurred with Pete that a shear wall would increase the stability. He also noted that he would never sign off on such a thing if the plan was to be submitted for a building permit. His experience with the geology gave him confidence on the stability of the soil though; well drained and well compacted pumice.

The underside of the floor joists were covered with 3/8 plywood. I commenced with the removal of a section across the west end. This was to facilitate tying the shear wall to the floor diaphragm. This tie in would have been easier if there had been a floor joist directly above the location the shear wall was to be constructed, but that was not the case. With the 4/8 removed a panel of ¾ plywood was lifted and temporarily screwed in place. A chalk line was snapped between the piers in alignment with the face the plywood would be nailed to. The plywood was dropped and hauled out from under. A 2x4 was nailed to the plywood with the nailing done from the plywood side into the 2x4 using 7D ring shank nails. The other way around would not offer the same strength. That done, the plywood was raised into place again and once alignment was confirmed nailed every 3 inches or so into the floor joists with 8D galvanized ring shank nails.

Next I measured and built a wall frame assembly beside the cabin. Just like a regular wall there is a top and boyyom plate and vertical studs. Where the two sheets of plywood would butt doubled studs were used. This was slid under the cabin and rotated into place. Blocks and shims were used to seat it tightly up against the 2x4 nailer that was fastened to the underside of the plywood. Then it was nailed into place with 12D ring shank nails; the end vertical 2x4 studs into the piers and the top plate into the upper 2x4 nailer strip.

PT ¾ inch plywood was ripped into panels 22 inches wide. A full 8 foot length was first trimmed at one end to fit around the beam on the pier top. That was then nailed to the pier and the 2x4 framing with hot dipped galvanized ring shank nails every 3 inches or so. With that completed the same thing was done at the east end.

These two images were taken with a cell phone. The first shows the framing, at least some of it. The plywood has been applied on the other side. The 2x6 in the hangers are the supports for the battery box on the east end.  The second shows the plywood face nailed to the framing

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2012-01/shearframe.jpg)

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2012-01/shearpanel.jpg)


This was a lot of work. It would have been easier if done in the beginning as a proper permanent wood foundation. This "fix" gains some stability assurance but is no where the same as a full wood or CMU foundation. In retrospect, after the additional learning since the inception of this project, a PWF would likely be the method I would choose if building a cabin again. (Concrete transit mixers will not venture up to us; a dozer to pull them up the steep hill might induce them, but all that is not cheap. )
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on November 01, 2012, 05:07:36 PM
Since the above I have also framed in between the piers down the long sides for a couple of shear wall segments in the long direction. I've not done the entire length of each side, and I've been looking for the pictures I was sure I took. However, they are no where to be found. ???  I have installed ribbed metal roofing material as a skirting around the full perimeter, as well with screened venting spaced up and down the north and south sides. (predominant winds are in the south to north direction, or the reverse. We selected charcoal grey as the color and it looks good.

The idea of the skirting is, in part, to keep the underside free of blown in combustibles such as leaves, pine needles and small branches. I made one section of skirting panel easily removable in case I require access.

Now to search out the photos some more....  ???
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on November 01, 2012, 05:21:58 PM
Still being worked on is a small pole barn.

It's 9 x 16 feet as this suited some of the materials we used. We re-purposed some metal roofing we had purchased a while back and used some panels we had used on a lean to shade shelter in the city.

The PT posts are 4x4, each one about 4 feet in the ground sitting on a poured concrete footer. The roof has rafters on 12" centers to provide a hopelfully never needed formidable snow load ability. Decked with 7/16 OSB and covered over with metal ribbed roofing. Four poles across the front and three in back. Double 2x10 across the rear for beams and double 2x8 across the front. Simpson brackers for supports as well as nailed above the 2x's into the posts. The west end wall is sheathed in plywood to add to the rigidity. As well a panel was added to the rear wall inside to brace that wall. With roof sheathed plus the wall sections the structure is quite rigid. The walls weill be all covered with either ribbed metal or flat metal. The flat metal is what the ribbed metal is before it's run through the machine. It was left overs.

A metal security type door allows access. The front section to the left will receive a double door. The ATV will go there. More pictures at some time.

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2012-01/P1050343sml.jpg)

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Redoverfarm on November 01, 2012, 05:58:32 PM
Think you should have made it twice that size.   ;)  Would make a good woodshed.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: northernspirit on November 03, 2012, 01:11:55 AM
HI Don,
When you say that you would of built your cabin with a PWF, how would you have designed that?  would you of made the whole foundation go below the frost level if you did?  would you of added a basement to your cabin as well if you did? 
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on November 03, 2012, 08:31:37 AM
As far as the design, I would have followed the handbook I have. I'd reference it right now but I'm rushed and heading off. There is a link here someplace; perhaps someone else will reference it before I return. It is a time proven system when the prescription is followed.

Well yes, the PWF would go below the frost line; it would be asking for future trouble if any of the foundation did not go that deep. The frost heave worry is why I did not place the lower edge of the newly constructed shear wall or deep beam, on the soil surface or slightly below.

A basement? Most likely not. That would have been vastly more digging, more work and as attractive as the space might be for storage, I'm thinking, No. But I have not spent much time searching my soul for the answer to that one.


IF I could get a concrete truck up there the other choice would be a raised concrete slab. I like slabs a lot, have a monolith that out home is built on. But using a portable mixer for large amounts of concrete is too daunting a task.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: northernspirit on November 03, 2012, 01:53:16 PM
thanks Don for clarifying for me.  does the extra support you made really make that much difference in the strength across the width of your cabin?  I had always understood that the original way you built your cabin would of lasted for a very long time without the addition you did.  the cabin i will be building would be 12 feet wide by 20 feet long.  Would doing the addition you did be worth it, or do you think that because i'm only 12 feet across it would be unnecessary?  would you recommend me building the way you did originally or do you feel that PWF is now the way to go for all cabins.  Sorry for these rookie questions I'm just looking to do the best build i can the first time :)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: John Raabe on November 03, 2012, 03:58:36 PM
Here's an old post with some helpful information and links:

http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=1336.0 (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=1336.0)

Having looked at this post and followed most of the links I see that a lot of the free information has dried up!

However, with a bit more sleuthing I was able to find a copy of this manual from 2001 and uploaded it to the CP site. This may not be current with the all changing details of code interpretation but will provide a good "foundation".  Image below is an overview of basement construction.

(https://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af219/countryplans/PWF-basement.jpg)
http://www.countryplans.com/Downloads/400_PWF_ManualL.pdf (http://www.countryplans.com/Downloads/400_PWF_ManualL.pdf)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Rob_O on November 04, 2012, 08:52:21 PM
This may be the handbook Don was referring to http://mshi.org/Reports/Wood%20Foundation%20Design%20Specs..pdf (http://mshi.org/Reports/Wood%20Foundation%20Design%20Specs..pdf)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on November 05, 2012, 07:34:23 PM
northernspirit,   been out of town. and it seems my faithful laptop is dieing/dead so I'm on an ooold desktop that sucks.


Maybe I did not make the reason for the shear wall clear. Or maybe I interpret the statement "in the strength across the width of your cabin? " incorrectly.....

The shear wall is not meant to provide vertical support for any loads. It is designed to provide lateral resistance between piers. Lateral, or sideways, force would include things like strong winds blowing on a long side of the cabin. It is not uncommon for wind gusts of 85 -90 mph to occur anywhere in the country. I have recorded a 61 mph gust a year or so back. Lateral forces could also come from the earth shaking, as in an earthquake. Some areas have poor soil and piers may move due to soil conditions such as can happen when the soil becomes saturated after heavy rain or snow melt.

Piers can act individually rather than as a unit as with a PWF or concrete or concrete block perimeter walls. If one pier moves a little that can overload other piers.

So, what I did was to head off any potential for lateral movement. Our long sides face north and south, which happens to be the directions the winds mainly come from. Those long walls can create high forces if hit by high winds. Som I did some remedial work. It was not easy and it is still not the same as a proper foundation that acts as a unit.

PWF is not the only way to go; the aforementioned perimeter walls of concrete block or poured concrete are very good as well. Then there is also the concrete slab, my personal favorite for where basements are not wanted or needed. (Our home is on a slab)

I hope that helps you.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: northernspirit on November 07, 2012, 08:34:51 PM
thanks Don, for explaining the shear wall for me. It makes a lot more sense now to me. :)  I was under the impression before that it carried vertical loads.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on November 08, 2012, 11:05:19 PM
Quote from: Redoverfarm on November 01, 2012, 05:58:32 PM
Think you should have made it twice that size.   ;)  Would make a good woodshed.

In a colder climate, or here with full time use, I'd agree it would be a fine woodshed. And if it was fulltime, yes it would have to be larger to be a useful barn. But for what it is intended, I think it'll do. Plus, remember "stuff" expands to fill the space available.  :)

Last weekend I got the doors installed and the metal siding and trim pretty much done. What I didn't get completed doesn't show in the pictures. I'm not sure I'll be able to get the T1-11 painted this year. I did give it a coat of linseed oil that had been sitting around un-used for over a year.

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2012-01/barnfront.jpg)


There's a PT 4x6 timber in the ground under the door threshholds.


(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemezmountainproperty2012-01/barnfront-closed.jpg)

The doors are a pair of flat slab steel exterior doors, a right and a left outswing variety. Outswing are not all that common but just what I needed. The hinges have non removable pins and protrude and have a bend so they can fold flat and clear trim. They came as complete prehung units. I removed the jamb on the latch side of the door. The lockset holes receive blank cover plates. There is a space between the doors and there will be a "cover strip" 1x4 on the inside to act as a stop. I have a couple of bent steel straps that will be inside mounted to hold an oak "bar". The steel security door will have a Schlage deadbolt lock.

The floor is presently just loose pumice. In spring I may turn it into a pumicecrete floor.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Redoverfarm on November 08, 2012, 11:14:05 PM
Would have been nice if you would have had enough metal to cover the front as well.  Yes for a temporary dwelling it is probably the apprioate size.  But anything with a roof usually gets filled up faster than you anticipate.  At least it does at my house. ;)  Nice looking shed.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: rugger8 on February 04, 2013, 05:16:14 PM
Mountain Don and Karen,

Just finished reading through your entire blog :)  3- 4 weeks well spent.  Thanks for taking the time to document everything for posterity as a lot of us newbies can learn a ton, by following such posts from beginning to the end of a project.  So, thanks again.

Jeff
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Carla_M on April 26, 2013, 07:12:52 PM
I've gone through most of this story a second time. Once again I have to say it is one of my favorites. In part the surroundings and to a great degree the cabin. I do have a preference for single floor with flat normal height ceilings. Seems to me it's much easier to be warm in cool weather and still have a moderate temperature in the sleeping area. And from what I gather in reading other topics here it is easier to end up with a nice strong roof and walls compared to a cathedral ceiling.

You haven't posted much recently but I suppose as you get things completed there is less to talk about and more time to enjoy the fruits of your labor.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: CjAl on April 28, 2013, 08:19:04 AM
Quote from: Carla_M on April 26, 2013, 07:12:52 PMI do have a preference for single floor with flat normal height ceilings. Seems to me it's much easier to be warm in cool weather
Actually you are compleately wrong if the structure is properly built. If you take a look at thebold construction of the deep south there is a reason they all had ten to fourteen foot cielings. Heat rises, the use of transom windows at the top of the walls allows convection to let the heat exit up high thus pulling cooler air into the windows below.
  Now if your sleeping in the loft yes it can be hard to regulate the temps however by placing your return air vents in the loft and your heat/ac vents downstaris it can accomplish the same thing.
My sons bedroom will be in the loft however i am using a split ac system which is ductless. It is essentially seperate wall units like a window ac except the compressor is outside. The wall unit is just a fan so there is no compressor noise. Also i plan to build his bed into the wall with heavy curtains he can pull to help keep his heat or ac in.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Carla_M on April 29, 2013, 12:00:07 AM
My referenced quote: "I do have a preference for single floor with flat normal height ceilings. Seems to me it's much easier to be warm in cool weather"

Your quote CjAl: "construction of the deep south there is a reason they all had ten to fourteen foot cielings. Heat rises, the use of transom windows at the top of the walls allows convection to let the heat exit up high thus pulling cooler air into the windows below."

No argument with the logic of the tall ceiling construction of the old south; a good natural way to help with being cool. However, I was talking about keeping warm in cool or cold weather, and meaning keeping or being warm on the main floor, not the loft. Southern tall ceiling homes were designed, as you say, to help keep the people cool in the hot 'n' humid weather. A different kettle of fish from what my focus was.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Barry Broome on May 11, 2013, 08:58:31 PM
Don,

I'm planning to build a 16x16 structure (light weight camping cabin). Gonna use 4x6 for my piers. Do you think I can get by with using 4x10x16 for my girder (nailing a couple of 2x10" together)? I see that your girder was 3 layers thick. Also, how close should the girders be located to the edge of the structure?

Thanks, Barry
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Barry Broome on May 12, 2013, 03:19:21 PM
Perhaps I should have asked that question a different way. If you had built 3 girders, instead of 2, could you have gotten by with using a 4x10x16?
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on May 12, 2013, 07:58:53 PM
Quote from: Barry Broome on May 12, 2013, 03:19:21 PM
Perhaps I should have asked that question a different way.....

Makes no difference Barry. I just haven't looked in here for a few days.

Note; my two girders are four layers of 2x10 #2 something ( hmm S-P-F or maybe Hem-Fir. I forget) Good to over 70 psf snow load at 7-11 spacing according to tables in IRC (http://publicecodes.cyberregs.com/icod/irc/2012/icod_irc_2012_5_par019.htm).  (mine are at 7 ft)

Cantilever should have been limited to no more than the depth of the floor joists, but I didn't know that back then.


What the girder size and spacing boils down to is needing to know what the girder may be asked to hold up before answering the question. Snow load can make quite a difference; as can high winds, width of cabin, how many stories high, planned dance parties or large metal working machinery, etc.

ground snow loads in IRC (http://publicecodes.cyberregs.com/icod/ibc/2012/icod_ibc_2012_16_par089.htm)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Barry Broome on May 12, 2013, 10:56:54 PM
Thanks for that link. Looks like I'll be fine with 3 girders 2-2x10 for the sixteen by sixteen.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on August 18, 2013, 08:08:22 PM
I did something concrete over my summer vacation.   :D

Placed some concrete that is...

Back in 2010 we made a walk from the cabin entrance to the shed. We used 16x16 patio pavers. They worked well enough but we were in a hurry to lay them on the ground as winter was coming.  LINK (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.msg124277#msg124277) Even that was a rework of the original single wide path. The problems have been the uneveness made it difficult to shovel snow and the sideways tiltiness made walking a tad odd.

So.....

We re-purposed the 16x16 pavers here at home in the back yard and I formed up and made use of my old concrete mixer. All solar powered over a course of a few days.

At the bottom of the stairs we retained the rectangle of patio pavers that had been laid nice and level in 2009. However the PT timber along the side the camera is looking at had warped badly. I replaced that with a cast in place monolith curb. Two 'landing pads will be added soon at the level of the lower curb surface. One new brick walk to the left driveway and one that will head to the gazebo.

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemez2013/_DON0154s.jpg) (https://s139.photobucket.com/user/djmbucket/media/jemez2013/_DON0154s.jpg.html)

The old logs alongside the old walk had also rotted some and we did away with them...

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemez2013/_DON0153s.jpg) (https://s139.photobucket.com/user/djmbucket/media/jemez2013/_DON0153s.jpg.html)

The new walk is side to side level with a slight incline up to the shed end.

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemez2013/_DON0151s.jpg) (https://s139.photobucket.com/user/djmbucket/media/jemez2013/_DON0151s.jpg.html)

Some of the old 16x16 pavers now connect to the utility yard and the barn/shed.

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemez2013/_DON0150s.jpg) (https://s139.photobucket.com/user/djmbucket/media/jemez2013/_DON0150s.jpg.html)

I also made a concrete floor in the barn. Much nicer than just earth

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemez2013/_DON0149s.jpg) (https://s139.photobucket.com/user/djmbucket/media/jemez2013/_DON0149s.jpg.html)

:)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Redoverfarm on August 18, 2013, 08:39:02 PM
You have been busy Don.  Puts my summer projects to shame.  Looking good.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on August 19, 2013, 02:16:24 PM
Well, we did do some other things too; took a 10 day camping, hiking and 4 wheeling trip to Colorado for example. But some fun things we wanted to do got curtailed when the local forest was locked down because of extreme fire danger. That's when we got a lot of the work done around the cabin.

We also cleaned up more of our forest. Stage one was cleaning the ground deadfall clutter on an acre of slope. Stage two was burning some of that. We had loads of rain in Late July and early August. That lifted the burn restrictions. There is still more to do. We have more like the following to clean up...   

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemez2013/_DON0096s.jpg) (https://s139.photobucket.com/user/djmbucket/media/jemez2013/_DON0096s.jpg.html)

We want to turn it into something more like this...

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemez2013/_DON0093s.jpg) (https://s139.photobucket.com/user/djmbucket/media/jemez2013/_DON0093s.jpg.html)

Stage three will be cutting down standing dead tress that we left during ground cleanup. Then we'll decide on the final living trees to cull for general forest health and wildfire reduction purposes.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on August 26, 2013, 04:41:14 PM
We decided we needed to add to our here and there loosely organized system of waterbreaks. This we decided after some heavy rains in the past month. We haven't had any for so long we'd forgotten that we thought of doing more three years ago.  :)

I found a deal on used highway guard rail timbers. 8x8 x 6 feet long and PT.  I got 33; mostly good, a couple with a defect here or there. $8 each for the 30 I selected, plus three I rejected thrown in for free. I may get a few feet from them.  Hwy Dept is changing some to new steel posts.

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemez2013/guardrail8x8x6-2.jpg) (https://s139.photobucket.com/user/djmbucket/media/jemez2013/guardrail8x8x6-2.jpg.html)

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/jemez2013/guardrail8x8x6-1.jpg) (https://s139.photobucket.com/user/djmbucket/media/jemez2013/guardrail8x8x6-1.jpg.html)

Now we just have to get them placed....


Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: First-time-farmer on December 28, 2013, 10:25:17 PM
Awesome!
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on December 28, 2013, 11:21:09 PM
Glad you like it. We do too!
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on January 03, 2014, 05:23:07 PM
We spent the last week at our cabin.

Good news / bad news....   Good news was were were able to drive right up to the cabin, didn't even need chains. Probably could have stayed in 2WD drive too, but I have 4WD and there was some snow/ice here and there so I used it.  Bad news is that we really need more snow and lots of it so we can have the spring snow melt help with the drought conditions.  Watching a small patch of ice on the concrete walk slowly disappear over the time there I realized that most likely the same thing was happening with the ground snow. The ice/snow was transforming directly from a solid to a gaseous form; evaporating into the low humidity air. No ground water replenishment at all.

We did our usual winter thing; burn slash and deadfall debris. I lost track at 12 burn spots, several of which we kept going for two+ days with slash/logs from the "replenishment" piles we made nearby in summer and fall. We used the ATV to get around on; not a lot of snow cover to deal with, though it was fun to steer with the throttle in some of the snowy areas. Also read some books, watched NYEve on TV. We came back a day or so earlier than planned as we were somewhat bushed from our labors.

Lows of 21-22 and highs of 40-42. Blue clear skies and starry nights.

Hope it snows a lot here this month and February/March.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: hpinson on January 03, 2014, 06:03:54 PM
Same here (not a whole week though).  Burned a lot of slash and we have a pretty good perimeter, or so we tell ourselves.  The slash burned like it was --- dry. 

Some parasite is killing the big Junipers, which is a shame because they are gorgeous trees. They die off very quickly.  The smaller Junipers don't seem affected.

Drought seems to really affect the trees, and my wife says the PJ woodland landscape will be quite changed in 30 years.  She is starting to do a study of the change on our property. The woodland is changing to something more like it was in New Mexico around 1900.  Have you ever seen that book that compares locations in New Mexico from around 1910 to now? Can't quite remember the name, something like "New Mexico: Then and Now".

Here's the before and after:

(http://ruratec.com/media/climate/juniper-alive.jpg)
(http://ruratec.com/media/climate/juniper-dead-1.jpg)
(http://ruratec.com/media/climate/juniper-dead-2.jpg)

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on January 03, 2014, 06:21:55 PM
http://www.amazon.com/New-Mexico-Then-Now-Rephotography/dp/1565794435

Haven't seen that, till now.  Thanks



Old bookmark, that still works. NM & climate from NM Tech (https://geoinfo.nmt.edu/publications/periodicals/earthmatters/4/EMV4N2.pdf)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: hpinson on January 03, 2014, 06:38:18 PM
Fantastic book!  Maybe the library has it.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on January 03, 2014, 06:49:40 PM
Not in RR. Didn't check ABQ


I may have to buy it
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on January 03, 2014, 06:52:22 PM
Not in ABQ system either
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: hpinson on January 03, 2014, 06:57:54 PM
Probably in the "Special Southwestern" collection at UNM. You know, the one you can't look at.  d* d* 

Reading that NM Tech article now.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: hpinson on January 03, 2014, 07:58:18 PM
I showed my wife the graph on page two and she says that average temps continue to trend up sharply in the NM mountain areas since 2000, but not so much in the lower areas, which are stable or trending downwards a bit.  It's all very complicated, we struggle to understand, and there are no easy conclusions drawn. Look at what temperature did in 1910 on that chart -- dropped way down -- one of the really striking aspects of those 1910 pictures is how much less tree cover and vegetation there was overall in the state. Some or maybe a lot was due to de-vegetation (heavy sheep grazing and logging was going on).  Not sure how temp or precipitation were related.  ???  William deBuys has some good books on drought and human impact on the area that I am making my way though. He's a good writer and I think quite perceptive to change over time.

http://www.amazon.com/Great-Aridness-Climate-American-Southwest/dp/0199778922/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_z

http://www.amazon.com/Enchantment-Exploitation-Times-Mexico-Mountain/dp/0826308201/ref=sr_1_5?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1388797055&sr=1-5

http://www.amazon.com/River-Traps-Mexico-Mountain-Life/dp/1595340351

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Adam Roby on January 04, 2014, 10:17:40 AM
Hi Don,

Great thread, thanks for sharing your build.  I went through a first pass mostly looking at the pictures but plan to go back through it to read it all... when I some spare time (loads of content in there).  I have a few questions about what you would do differently on a future build, sorry if this was already covered.  This is not meant to critique any of your decisions, more to get your opinion for my future build.  :)

Quote from: MountainDon on July 22, 2008, 11:09:36 PM
EDITORIAL NOTE:  Since designing and building this cabin I have learned more about foundations. I would no longer build on piers and beams. If I had this to do over today I would use a different method, perhaps a permanent wood foundation, perhaps a full perimeter concrete footing and block wall crawlspace. I'm not sure which. However since conception of this project I have had contact with professional engineers and have learned about the shortcomings of pier and beam. I have since made modifications to the foundation that should help head off any movement. That was a great deal of work and was much more difficult to do than if I had done the foundation by the code book in the first place.

I understand looking back and thinking it could have been better, especially after learning about the different possible pitfalls of piers.  The part I am not sure I get is how digging a few holes could me much more difficult than doing a complete foundation?  If you had to make a footing and lay blocks for example, you would have needed to dig a trench (3-4' wide for room to work in) on the complete perimeter of the building.  Doing that kind of work by hand sounds like a lot more work to me. Perhaps you mean by hiring someone to do it with a backhoe?  If so then it is more of a cost than an effort difference, since you would outsource the work.  A foundation like that would have cost how much more do you think?  ($4000-5000).  Have you seen any lifting or sinking, or your peers going off level at all yet?  I realize it is still a fairly new build, just curious if it is "so far so good". 

House wrap, I noticed you used a tar paper around the entire face of the cabin as well as the roof.  Is that to code in your area?  In these parts, we need to use a house wrap, and it has other rules like wrapping under the bottom sill plate, and taping all edges for a more water tight seal.  For the roof they also recommend that the first 4' from the edge be a rubberized membrane.

Interior insulation, would you have considered an additional vapor barrier over the paper-backed insulation?  I have read on a few sites where they say it is not a complete vapor barrier.  Taping all the edges makes it more of a barrier, but plastic makes a better barrier, and a spray foam insulation the best because it provides both insulation and vapor barrier with the least chance of settling or missing spots.  (Also the most expensive option, but like the foundation you want to get it right the first time)

Again, thanks for sharing, it is a great build and I hope to have something half as nice as this one day.  Your lot is also beautiful, albeit a bit scary with that fire!  I wish my wife was as accommodating, I probably would have already started my build.  :(
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on January 04, 2014, 12:00:26 PM
Glad you enjoyed the read and happy you may benefit from my experience. Critiques, questions, applause are all accepted.  ;D

Three areas of discussion; foundation, water resistive barrier and wall insulation.
~~~~
Tar paper (building felt) is code here. Most of the USA uses the IRC (http://publicecodes.cyberregs.com/icod/index.htm) in one form or another.  Section R703.2 Water-resistive barrier, states "One layer of No. 15 asphalt felt, free from holes and breaks, complying with ASTM D 226 for Type 1 felt or other approved water-resistive barrier shall be applied over studs or sheathing..."

I'm puzzled how your code folks expect the wrap to be wrapped under the sill plate though. We install the barrier overlapping the wall structure to lead water to the exterior at all times.

The water-ice shield membrane on roofs is a good idea in many climates. The IRC words it kind of loosley... if the area has a haistory of ice damming it is recommended. The problem is caused when heat from the building interior escapes melting snow along the eves. That freezes and a build up occurs causing melting snow to back up and leak into the roof someplace. In our area I have seen some structures with ice damming. Those with cathedral ceilings seem to be the worst offenders.

I must have done the ceiling insulation well as I've never seen any differential melting of even light snow across the roofing.

If there is an online listing for the code used in Quebec it would be interesting to compare notes. Is QB code different from the rest of Canada?

~~~~
Wall insulation / vapor barrier. I am happy with our cabins insulation level. Once warmed in winter there are no annoying cold spots and certainly no drafts. However knowing what I now know if I was building another cabin I might do it differently. But first let me say at the time of the projects conception I wanted to have damp blown cellulose insulation in the walls, but could not find a contractor who would consider doing the job up in the boonies at a price I wanted to pay. It was a small job and a distance over bad roads.

Vapor barrier requirements or recommendations vary with climate. Ours is fine with the paper backed fiberglass batts.

However, once again if I was to build a cabin today I would use a different approach. I would think hard on using rigid foam sheet over the exterior sheathing. That would likely be two layers of 2" thick foam, maybe more. Then 1x4 vertical furring strips screwed through to the studs and the Hardi cement fiber lap siding nailed over that. The final foam layer would be polyisocyanurate foam with foil facing. I would use 2x4 studs on 16" centers. No insulation in the stud bays. We have retro-fitted our suburban home with exterior foam like that.

~~~~

Foundation. The retro-fitting of the shear walls was truly a PITA. Low clearance to work, hard ground. The more I think about it I believe I should have done a permanent wood foundation. No concrete as the trucks won't venture deep enough into the woods without a Cat on hand. No concrete blocks as I don't have that skill. Yes, it would have cost more than some 6x6 in holes. No doubts on that. However, in my case my neighbor would have done the digging with his skid steer for the cost of the diesel fuel used. He would still do that today, so if I was building a cabin there today I would have him scoop out an area to permit building a crawl space framed in the PWF method. I would think about installing our water cistern in the crawl space area. I would put the batteries in there too. Probably the water heater. Room for storing other things too.

~~~~
So there you go. I would guess there are likely not too many folks here who don't have a short list of what they would do different the next time. Some might have a longer list.   ;)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: North Sask on January 04, 2014, 10:56:30 PM
Quote from: MountainDon on January 04, 2014, 12:00:26 PM
Is QB code different from the rest of Canada?

Yeah, it's written in French!  8)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Adam Roby on January 05, 2014, 10:01:06 AM
 ???

OK, I don't know if y'all have ever heard of Mike Holmes, he has a few different TV shows (Holmes on Homes, Holmes Inspection, Holmes Makes it Right), they are all based on construction, and how builders don't even follow minimum code, and even more so how he feels that minimum code is not good enough.  I like the shows for the most part, he does go a bit extreme but shows all the "best practices".  He mentioned the "under the sill" thing on at least two episodes but I spend a good part of the day yesterday looking for any reference on the web or in the code (which he claims is minimum code) but I can't find diddly.  When I first heard him say it I thought I misunderstood, then I heard it a second time and have been trying to figure out just what he means.  The only thing that sounds even remotely similar is on some forum mentioning to do it as a kind of sill plate gasket.  He mentions in his show that it is to tie in the vapor barrier to it, using caulking at the base of the inside of the room for an airtight seal (keeps out any drafts). 

Quote from: North Sask on January 04, 2014, 10:56:30 PM
Yeah, it's written in French!  8)

Yeah, that's why I don't bother with Quebec code and stick with Ontario code for my reference!  :)   Quebec code is insane...  I have tried at least a dozen different communities over the past 20 years to see if I could build a cabin and each time I am told no.  You need a minimum of 40,000 square feet of land, the foot print has to be a minimum of X by Y  (30x30 for example), and you have to have it completely built within 1 year of purchasing the land.  Permits up the wahoo... and the yearly taxes start at $1k per year regardless of the size of the land.  They are insane...


I call BS on my own comment until I can find something in writing from some government agency.

Sorry for the thread-jack! 
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: OlJarhead on January 15, 2014, 03:14:49 PM
On a side note, the room I did with exterior foam benefited greatly with intrior R19 insualtion in the walls.  Seems the R10 foam wasn't near enough but when combined with the R19 walls it made a big difference.

I can say, however, that a neighbor only uses two layers of R10 in the roof and tells me it's all he's ever needed up in our area (temps can easily drop below zero in the winter with cold snaps dropping below -10).
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on April 20, 2014, 10:27:45 PM
Spring Break just ended for us. We spent a week at the cabin.  For Spring Break in the Jemez of NM it snowed a little, the snow melted, the sun shone, we had a couple of shirtsleeve afternoons followed by 32 degree nights, we thinned more trees, and I now have all the firewood needed for next year, cut, split, and stacked.   :)   Some is from tress cut some 6 months back and is almost ready for use, the rest is still as green as it was at the beginning of the week when it was standing tall.

We also finished off the concrete paver brick sidewalk, but I forgot to take photos. Karen raked a whole lot of pine needles from the ground around the cabin, shed and barn. I have a few more pines earmarked for thinning in the cabin vicinity, then we;ll call it good for this year.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: small cabin dreamer on May 14, 2014, 07:12:31 AM
Mt. Don,
your 15.75 wide, this is the joist and the end caps total correct? I am going to start building a 16x24 and have come to find that the T&G is obviously not 4 feet wide due to the tongue/ groove. I just dont want the joists and end caps to be too wide for when I put the subfloor on.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on May 14, 2014, 08:44:56 AM
The floor platform width is 15' 9" as measured from the outside face of the rim joists on one side across to the other. This was done because of the actual coverage width of T&G sub flooring. That makes a much better floor structure than using a filler strip along the edge where the panels would fall short if full 16 foot joists had been used.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on May 20, 2014, 09:18:02 PM
Over the last weekend we carried on with some more tree thinning. This time it was some larger trees near the cabin that in the interest of wildfire safety. Seems a shame on the one hand but it is better. If there was someone I knew with a sawmill nearby they could have produced some beams, 2x or 1x. Lots of firewood for friends though.
Title: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Barry Broome on May 31, 2014, 11:27:53 PM
Were your floor joists on 16 inch centers? I noticed your studs were on 24 so I was wondering.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on May 31, 2014, 11:47:12 PM
floor joists, 16" OC
wall studs,  24" OC, 2x6 w/ double top plates
rafters, 16" OC
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: small cabin dreamer on June 04, 2014, 06:48:57 AM
Don,
Did you use joist hangers on your floor joists? I cannot tell in the pictures. And if not, should I be using them?
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: small cabin dreamer on June 04, 2014, 07:34:34 AM
Don,
I have another question if you don't mind.
I have read, and re-read the 15.75 thing over and over and just don't get it. My cabin will also be 16 wide, and if I run the tongue and groove the 8ft length in the 24 foot direction, then I will have 4 sheets wide in the 16 foot direction. With a shortage of 1/4 in. per sheet wouldn't I just be 1 inch short (1/4 inch per sheetx4= 1 inch). OR am I 1/2 in short on each 4x8 piece (1/4 inch for tongue, and 1/4 inch for groove), so then I will be 2 inches short of the 16 foot width?
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on June 04, 2014, 08:32:33 AM
The width I used was inexact. I did have to trim a slight amount off. I did not try to hit the width exact.

I used H1 to make positioning the joists easy and precise. Toe nailed as well.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: small cabin dreamer on June 06, 2014, 06:29:56 PM
You just used the hurricane ties? that is so much cheaper and easier than joist hangers.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on June 07, 2014, 06:01:04 PM
Just to be 100% clear. The H1's were used solely for setting and maintaining the spacing of the joists, and the joists were placed on top of the beams so joist hangers were unsuited for the task. There are some advantages to both methods; joists on beams and joists hung between beams using joists hangers. How the layers in a built up beam are secured to one another can influence the method of joist placement / and overall strength of the total floor structure.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on July 15, 2014, 10:52:19 PM
We did a little experiment over the past weeks. We tried using an electric kettle for heating tea water instead of using propane 2 to 4 times a day.  Plus I took my one cup coffee maker up and used that twice a day. We did use more power as expected but most days we got fully charged and the system made it into float charge mode. A couple of cloudy rainy days we did not hit float but did make it part way through the Absorb charge time.

Electrical use included the usual lighting, some TV, computer charging, the toaster and a few light power tools like a saw chain sharpener.

I am thinking of cutting one tree and moving the panels 50 feet to a location that has better morning sun. As it is we miss the first couple good hours of sun due to shading.


A project to insulate the water cistern is next on the job list. Pictures, etc. to come.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on November 30, 2014, 09:06:11 PM
One of our summer projects...

I have written in the past about the issue of the fresh water cistern freezing in winter, because it was not deep enough. We completed a project aimed at preventing freezing without the manual intervention used for the past several years. This winter will be the test. I began by excavating all around the cistern with a hand shovel and scoop. I made a trench all around the circumference to a depth of around three feet. Then I cut 2 inch XPS foam as well as some Polyiso I had left over from the house project. These were cut in small panels and fitted in the trench, then secured in place with spray foam in a can.

(https://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag395/donmiller3/cistern-01_zps3b820b45.jpg) (https://s1373.photobucket.com/user/donmiller3/media/cistern-01_zps3b820b45.jpg.html)


Small pieces were used to infill inside the ring formed are the circumference. Several layers were installed to bring the foam up to the top level of the ring. Foam in a can (many cans) was used to fill voids

(https://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag395/donmiller3/cistern-03_zps48f77922.jpg) (https://s1373.photobucket.com/user/donmiller3/media/cistern-03_zps48f77922.jpg.html)



That was topped off with two layers of 2" XPS

(https://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag395/donmiller3/cistern-04_zps49c7a349.jpg) (https://s1373.photobucket.com/user/donmiller3/media/cistern-04_zps49c7a349.jpg.html)


Then a box was built to enclose the black riser. That was also insulated with several inches of foam.

...alas I can not find those images right now.  ???  I will either find them or rephotograph.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on November 30, 2014, 09:16:10 PM
Yet another project was replacing the gas control valve on the water heater. In case anyone missed the original install, we used an RV water heater in the cabin. Last winter it began to be very difficult to depress the pilot knob as the first step in lighting the pilot light. I though warm weather would bring relief but that was only met with limited success. A new valve was needed.

The control valve unit threads into a pipe fitting welded into the tank. It is very cramped space. I determined that there is a special tool required to safely chnage the control. I found two different versions; one around $30 and the other costing more than the valve itself. The valve was $135.  I also read that many purchasers of the cheaper valve found it to be a piece of junk, often breaking in use.

So I made my own with assorted steel from the scraps box.  View from the backside

(https://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag395/donmiller3/control-wrench01_zpsa0a89ac4.jpg) (https://s1373.photobucket.com/user/donmiller3/media/control-wrench01_zpsa0a89ac4.jpg.html)


View from the front showing the welded nut and illustrating how the angle pieces fit around the square shape of the control valve.

(https://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag395/donmiller3/control-wrench02_zps4f5d7140.jpg) (https://s1373.photobucket.com/user/donmiller3/media/control-wrench02_zps4f5d7140.jpg.html)




Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: OlJarhead on January 21, 2015, 02:40:47 PM
How's the cistern doing in the cold?  If it still freezes up you could get a stock tank heater.  I find it works well, albeit slowly and at a price (1500 watts).  I run mine in my grey water tank and only when the generator is running.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on January 21, 2015, 08:40:17 PM
Thanks for the reminder!  The cistern has been doing great. We were up there for a week after Christmas and again last weekend. We had some cold weather; below freezing most of the time with lows dropping to 10 or 12 F IIRC. It had been quite cold before we got there too. The gallon jugs of fresh filtered water we stockpile in the shower pan were all frozen solid. Night time temperatures were in the single digits, as low as 3 F and several days never saw highs over 24 F.  So not as cold as it gets in many places, but rather typical for that part of NM.

The water in the cistern system never froze at all. When we first got there I threw the switch and a few seconds later was rewarded with a flow of water.

Here'sa shot of the almost finished upper end. Roofing metal panels on the sides, but w/o the corner trim pieces installed. The insulated lid (6" XPS foam) lifts off. Roofing metal covers the top. I plan on modifying the lid to be hinged sometime in spring or summer. I was in a rush to get the assembly ready for winter so skipped that for now.

(https://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag395/donmiller3/Cabin%20Projects/cistern_cover_insulated_zpsf1de620a.jpg) (https://s1373.photobucket.com/user/donmiller3/media/Cabin%20Projects/cistern_cover_insulated_zpsf1de620a.jpg.html)

The hose has a slight downward slope and as the submersible pump does not have any backflow prevention the water runs back to the level in the cistern. The water temperature measured at 52 F. That compares favorably with the 7 foot deep food storage locker. The canned goods come out of there at 50 to 53 degrees. So we are very happy with the cistern now.

The interior cabin system is easy enough to drain and blow out that having the cistern frost proofed makes it easy to use the water heater and sink for washing up even for just a weekend. :)


Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: new land owner on January 21, 2015, 09:23:58 PM
Nice set up. I was at camp and had left some water jugs half full thinking I could thaw them and use the water to flush.  It took two days of leaving the jugs by the fire to melt the ice. It's good that the spring, just done the road, never freezes.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: rick91351 on January 21, 2015, 10:29:04 PM
Great news on the cistern!!!  Your food storage is working out great as well.  With me it would be struggle to remember was the tomato soup in one, two or three.   ???   

Are you parking at your friends house and walking up? Great exercise.......

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on January 22, 2015, 12:08:50 AM
Drove up right after Christmas. The neighbor had driven a week or so earlier and his ruts made it a little easier. Although it had snowed a little more since he drove it and we were dragging the rear diff in a few spots. After a few days there the forecast was calling for 2 to 4 inches more snow. After a little thought we drove back down and parked at our friends. We hiked with the snow shoes in our packs as in most places it was not really deep enough for snow shoes. It did snow and on the way out we did use the snow shoes and poles. I was glad we had moved the truck.

Last weekend we snow shoed in and out. Stayed Sat thru Monday.

The ATV can still make it around the more level areas of our property and we used it to transport the chain saw and extra fuel and oil to close to where we are felling some dead aspens and pines. That thing drags the rear diff and the rear disk brake guard through the snow but amazes me at how well it does. I'm not about to try it on any appreciable slopes though.


As for the food the system has been simplified. We packed the Christmas break weeks worth in three tubes and tied a red ribbon to each. The others, one tube per weekend, are all the same assortment. We only planned for once a month so there's enough time between that repeating the menu should not be boring.  :)  We pack in some fresh veggies but nothing too heavy. And this year things have improved because I now borrow e-books from the library and only have to carry a 7" tablet instead of several pounds of books to read.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: rick91351 on January 22, 2015, 07:46:01 AM
Your food storage is the most unique I have ever read about.  I am left wondering if it could not be utilized by more year around cabin dwellers - multi season utilizers and preppers.  One thing that makes it so doable where you're at is the dry climate and little fear if it being turned into a sump.       

I have a HUGE assortment of E - Books.  To me they only make sense, especially up here.  They are catching on at a great rate up here even with the not so geeky.  Ellen who is the librarian up here at our tiny library, has noted a lot more interest in e-media. 

If I were looking at going in to a solitary winter life up here as it was in the way back days.  A stack of books in the corner now replaced by an IPad or a Kindle I would love.  Yet I do have a lot of books that will fill our bookshelves when I get back to working on our built-in bookshelves.  I also need to replace my Kindle.  Screen is shot..... 

Sidebar how is your winter moisture?  Ours is doing very well even with the noted lack of good snow.  We had received so much rain I would dare say the snow level should been at about three feet instead of about a foot.  I know the guys on the highway district very well, they were getting concerned about the ground getting too saturated.  Around here it was just not taking in any more moisture plus the regular run off.  It should by now had a good chance to being absorbed into the deeper soils and down into the aquifer.  So the ground hopefully will take in more with the spring melt and when rains come. 
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: OlJarhead on January 22, 2015, 08:13:08 AM
Glad to hear it Don!  That gives me hope on my plans for both my cistern (deeper than yours but perhaps a colder location) and grey water tank (shallower).  Also impressed with the food storage, but I find when I dig holes here (like the one for my main water valve) they can fill with water!  Gotta plan something like that a bit better if I were to use it.

Agreed on the e-books, just got my first Kindle (reader from sister) and am impressed with the little thing.  Just got tired of $9-$10 a paperback!
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on January 22, 2015, 10:19:29 AM
Re: winter food storage. Yes, with regards to the food storage project we are fortunate with low rainfall and a very low water table as well. That did help with this. The humidity in the hole is rather high though as there is often condensation on the cans when we pull a tube. The odd can shows slight surface rusting where one sits on another. And the labels are often damp. However, that has never been an issue.


Re: cistern.  I only wish I had been smart enough to realize I was building a problem in the beginning. It would have been much easier to insulate in the ground right when we dug the big hole with a back hoe, instead of having to do it by hand later.


Re: books / ebooks. I have always been more of a book borrower than a book purchaser. I noticed this year that our public library has a much larger assortment of ebooks available. That pushed me over the edge, so to speak. They use three different services and the selection varies from one to another. Some duplicates but differences too. Fourteen to 21 day loans and no trips to the library. Plus if I actually was at the cabin and ran out of something to read I could still borrow another and only pay the data charge on the phone for the D/L. 


Re: snow, ground moisture status.  I have not seen the official stats recently but my guess is that we may be better than at this time last year. But we also notice that from Christmas/New Years to this past weekend the south facing slopes have lost snow rather than gain any. It snowed last night and we even have what looks like 2 inches here at home. The mtn forecast was for 2 to 4 inches last night. The town where our son lives, about 20 miles from the cabin, got 2 inches, but the cabin is higher so maybe got more.  We would love to have a webcam or 2 or 3 up at the cabin so we could call up and see what is going on vs just having the forecast which often does not work out. But that would mean another cell phone and data plan and I can't bring myself to spend the money. 
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: upa on March 22, 2015, 11:12:52 AM
Don

I have been running  a Lorex IP camera for this past winter and its been the bomb for letting me know what is going before I get there. Its nice because it also has motion and PIR sensors and can act like a security system and uses push email notification when it picks up something. I keep a 32 gig micro sd card in it and acts like a DVR and roughly runs 6-7 days before it starts to rewrite itself with new video image data. I use an android app on my phone to see real time video. When I use the lowest image setting for transmission its very thrifty on bandwidth.  The Sierra Wifi hotspot hub I use also connects my Wifi thermostat. I have a pay as you go arrangement for data, its a stepped usage plan, $5/month base buys you  a measly 10 meg and $10/month gets you 100 meg , and up from there. During the winter I have never exceeded $10/month with my frequent calls up for real time video. In the summer I rarely get charged more than $5/month. From a power perspective the camera and hotspot use only a few watts concurrently. The only problem I came across was that the hub has a lithium ion battery that refuses to work once the temperature drop below freezing in the unheated house. I ended up making a insulted enclosure out of a cardboard box/foam to house the hub and included a 10 watt aquarium heater in a sealed water filled quart mason jar. The heater turns itself off once water temperature reaches 25 degrees Celsius. This adequately  kept the interior of enclosure warm to keep the hub alive the last 2 winters and maybe uses 50 watts in a 24 hour period on very cold days.
(http://www.staples-3p.com/s7/is/image/Staples/m001685995_sc7?$splssku$)
(http://gloimg.gearbest.com/gb/2014/201410/goods-img/1414429766957-P-2115437.jpg)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: hpinson on March 22, 2015, 12:44:46 PM
The last post is invaluable. Thank you UPA, for that.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on March 22, 2015, 06:11:25 PM
Way cool upa!    Thanks very much!   
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on April 26, 2015, 04:50:43 PM
I made a change inside the cabin. When we built it I used two 12 VDC Thinlite FL lights for under cabinet lights. Then I added a 20 watt 120 VAC FL tube fixture. They worked but after I installed some under the cabinet LED lighting at home I fell in love with them.

Instead of buying the ready made units I used at home I went DIY. I found some LED strips on ebay. These are also 12 VDC. Twenty inches long with 36 number 5050 LED's.  Here's one....

(https://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag395/donmiller3/Cabin%20Projects/led-strip_zpsewiuaa1a.jpg) (https://s1373.photobucket.com/user/donmiller3/media/Cabin%20Projects/led-strip_zpsewiuaa1a.jpg.html)

The strip mounts (slides into) an aluminum extrusion and has a clear plastic slide on cover. I mounted three above the counter / under the cabinet and one over the range. They give off a very nice amount of light. We are happy with them.

(https://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag395/donmiller3/Cabin%20Projects/counter-led_zps1ftzkxbr.jpg) (https://s1373.photobucket.com/user/donmiller3/media/Cabin%20Projects/counter-led_zps1ftzkxbr.jpg.html)

The LED strip over the range has its own switch. The one to the right end of the counter has its own switch and the two at the sink end (left) and center are on one switch. The "tab" that hangs down from the cabinet lip mounts two of the switches as well as the inverter remote control switch.  Okay the counter is a little messy, but this is not BH&G.

The cost for 5 LED strips and 5 aluminum mount strips with covers was about $16. Switches were left overs from the trailer. Small round rockers, <$3 each.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on April 26, 2015, 04:59:51 PM
FYI,

LED strips (http://www.ebay.com/itm/391010659021?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&var=660381816614&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT)

holder/cover (http://www.ebay.com/itm/261711339598?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&var=560580115504&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT)



DfC   Direct from China
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on May 20, 2015, 04:51:50 PM
Re: the water cistern.  As soon as all the parts arrive I will show the water level gauging system I'll be installing. Three diodes for three levels. No more dipping the cistern with a stick!   :)  It is being based on a small printed circuit board that came from an ebay seller in Thailand. The Chinese do not have a monopoly on cheap electronic parts.  ;)   

(https://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag395/donmiller3/Cabin%20Projects/water_level_PCB_zpsxzh3juhp.jpg) (https://s1373.photobucket.com/user/donmiller3/media/Cabin%20Projects/water_level_PCB_zpsxzh3juhp.jpg.html)

1.8 x 1.3 inches.  It came yesterday; tested it today and it works.  Probably set the green to be about 3/4 full, yellow as 1/2 and red at about 20-25% of the 325 gallons total.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: OlJarhead on May 26, 2015, 03:19:52 PM
Hmmm intersting.  I'd like to know how it works and what the power requirements are.

For us, we just assume all is well and the cistern is filled daily by the well but perhaps some day a visible indicator would be nice.  We do, of course, have a float valve that turns the well pump on and off though and with most of the orchard dead I can't see running out of water too soon now.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on May 30, 2015, 01:28:13 PM
How well it works is still to be determined. I now have all the parts. Next week will see the installation. A report will follow.


Power requirements are minimal. The board operates on 9 volts. This gauge  will not be left "on" all the time. The plan is to press a momentary contact push button switch when we want to determine the cistern level. One reason for this method is to permit use of a 9 volt dry battery; one should last a couple years.  The other reason needs more explanation. These work by measuring very small current flow between the common contact in the bottom of the cistern and another contact further up the level. The circuit uses DC power. DC applied through a water medium will cause electrolysis which will cause contact erosion. It's the same problem boats encounter with their metal hulls when there are electronics aboard. IF the board used AC power at the contacts the electrolysis issue would be greatly reduced, pretty much an non-issue. However, those circuits are more complicated and boards are not readily available cheaply. So, I'm using DC.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on May 30, 2015, 03:49:27 PM
Here's the diptube. That's 1/2" CPVC pipe, cross drilled to accept 10-24 brass machine screws. Contact sensor points in 4 positions. The bottom one for the common and three others with the highest being at the approx. 3/4 mark.

(https://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag395/donmiller3/Cabin%20Projects/01diptube_zpsoqizfevu.jpg) (https://s1373.photobucket.com/user/donmiller3/media/Cabin%20Projects/01diptube_zpsoqizfevu.jpg.html)

18 gauge solid , 4 conductor irrigation wire.

(https://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag395/donmiller3/Cabin%20Projects/02diptube_zpser14thok.jpg) (https://s1373.photobucket.com/user/donmiller3/media/Cabin%20Projects/02diptube_zpser14thok.jpg.html)

My cobbled together support for the diptube. A bulkhead fitting in the cistern neck to permit the wire to exit the cistern. Just a drop in fit through the tee to hold the diptube more or less plumb. Easy to pull if the need ever arises.

(https://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag395/donmiller3/Cabin%20Projects/03diptube_zpssglq6tsy.jpg) (https://s1373.photobucket.com/user/donmiller3/media/Cabin%20Projects/03diptube_zpssglq6tsy.jpg.html)


The assembled plastic case. It has a gasket to provide weather resistance. Push button, momentary contact switch is waterproof. Sorry for the glare. A piece of foam rubber under the battery keeps it in place pressed against the cover.

(https://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag395/donmiller3/Cabin%20Projects/04case_zpswds7ttsc.jpg) (https://s1373.photobucket.com/user/donmiller3/media/Cabin%20Projects/04case_zpswds7ttsc.jpg.html)

Test in a glass of water. It indicates full!  Other pictures show 1/2 and 1/4 but it would be boring to show them all.

(https://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag395/donmiller3/Cabin%20Projects/05caseled_zps0thxxqbc.jpg) (https://s1373.photobucket.com/user/donmiller3/media/Cabin%20Projects/05caseled_zps0thxxqbc.jpg.html)

If all LED's are lit we know the cistern is 3/4 full or better. If only the yellow and green illuminate we know we are somewhere below 3/4 but better than half. With the red only illuminated, somewhere between just under half and 1/4. No LED's the battery is dead or the water is below 1/4.  I was thinking of adding a battery test button but did not.  Perhaps I'll add that later, perhaps not. Next time I'll show it installed on the cistern.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on May 30, 2015, 07:09:32 PM
Quote from: OlJarhead on May 26, 2015, 03:19:52 PM
..... with most of the orchard dead I can't see running out of water too soon now.

Oh dear!  I must have missed that note if you mentioned it anywhere. Sorry to hear about that. Was it winter kill?

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: OlJarhead on May 31, 2015, 09:11:21 AM
Quote from: MountainDon on May 30, 2015, 07:09:32 PM
Oh dear!  I must have missed that note if you mentioned it anywhere. Sorry to hear about that. Was it winter kill?

Gopher kill :(  So far only 3 of 8 trees survived.  I posted some pics of the damage.  Pretty disappointed.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on June 25, 2015, 03:04:24 PM
Water system changes all made and it works!

The cistern level is mounted inside above the kitchen sink. Alongside is a new transfer pump control as well.

Up till now water has been transferred from the exterior in-ground cistern by the old original manual pump and then by a submersible 12 VDC pump. Both required you to be outside and to monitor the level in the interior tank.

Now the inside tank gets filled automatically. The same submersible cistern pump is used but it is turned off automatically when the full level is reached. The pump also starts up again when the low level is reached.

(the cistern level indicator was previously pictured as it was being tested. It has been mounted in the cabin after I decided to run wires underground through some small conduit. Si no new photo of that part.....)

I ran wires for the transfer pump through the same underground conduit.  The control unit mounts to the wall and looks like this....

(https://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag395/donmiller3/Cabin%20Projects/pump-control-web_zpsaj4tscnh.jpg) (https://s1373.photobucket.com/user/donmiller3/media/Cabin%20Projects/pump-control-web_zpsaj4tscnh.jpg.html)

The rocker switch turns the control on and off. (lettering is superimposed on the photo, not printed on the box)

When starting from an empty inside tank both the red LED's illuminate. The one marked "P" indicates the transfer pump is running. The red LED marked "L" indicates the water level in the inside tank is Low.

As the level rises the red LED "L" goes off and the amber LED marked "M" illuminates. The "P" LED remains on with the still operating pump. The "M" LED has a broad range, from about 2 gallons to 13 gallons.

When the full level is reached the green LED "F" illuminates and the other LED's are all extinguished. That occurs at 14 about gallons.

As we draw off water and the level falls the green LED "F" extinguishes and the amber "M" LED illuminates. The "M" LED remains on until the level reaches Low.

At that point both the red LED's "L" and "P" illuminate again. The pump starts and the tank refills and the whole routine repeats.

The power draw of the control unit is minimal, at the milli-amp level, so I do not worry about leaving the controller on all day. We have been turning it off at night simply to avoid the LED light beaming across the room. When we leave all power is turned off.

Box,control board, 12 VDC to 5 VDC power supply and switch are all direct China ebay imports. Total cost was less than $15. There was a glitch as sometimes happens on these direct China imports. One of the soldered circuit board connections has a component wire bent. When it was soldered a solder bridge was formed. That prevented the relay from operating correctly. Fortunately it did not cause any component damage. However it was inconvenient. The vendor was apologetic and refunded $2 of the $4.89 control board price though. So the cost is less than $13. Not bad for a now automated system.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on June 25, 2015, 03:08:06 PM
pump control board (http://www.ebay.com/itm/251743486374?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT)

The box (http://www.ebay.com/itm/191258243831?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT) is advertised as waterproof and would be rain resistant for sure. I bought it for the clear cover mainly.

12 to 5 vdc converter (http://www.ebay.com/itm/261871189123?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT)

switch was on hand from previous bulk purchase
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: John Raabe on June 25, 2015, 03:20:13 PM
Nice work well documented. [cool] I had no idea that equipment for projects like this was available so inexpensively. 
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on June 25, 2015, 03:31:59 PM
There is a lot of electronics equipment components like that on ebay.com  A wide variety and if one has some knowledge all it takes is patience for the slow boat from China and a little cash.

I've bought an assortment of items direct from China over the past year or so. I have had two other problems; a rate of about 15% which may be considered high I suppose. One was a similar quality assurance problem that was also resolved in a friendly manner. The third issue was one of the product details be different enough as to not meet my needs. That was also resolved in my favor but took more "back and forth" and a final threat to give them a zero stars review if they didn't make good.

The big problem with direct from China as I see it, is that most if not all sellers offers return privileges and full refund but the shipping from the USA back to China is crazy! The previous quality issue was resolved by the seller voluntarily offering to send a second for free with no return required. That was quite acceptable. It also helps to not be in a hurry as the slow boat takes 14 to 21 days.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on June 25, 2015, 07:10:35 PM
I forgot to mention one important detail. [headslap]

The unit works by using / measuring the conductivity of water. Water has to contact these points and the very low voltage, low amperage current path is completed through the water. There are  special contacts made for RV tanks. I used a home made solution. Well nuts are rubber "sleeves" with a brass threaded fitting molded in one end.

(https://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag395/donmiller3/Cabin%20Projects/well-nut_zpsgimsyash.jpg) (https://s1373.photobucket.com/user/donmiller3/media/Cabin%20Projects/well-nut_zpsgimsyash.jpg.html)

Drill a hole, insert the well nut, tighten the screw with the wire connected under the bolt/screw head. They are squished, shortened and the rubber seals the hole. They do have a problem when using in a tank full of a fluid like water. The threads are not tight enough fitting to seal the water perfectly. A little bit of silicone sealant solves that.   They are meant for blind fitting where you can not reach behind.

If I had easy access to the top of the tank I might have used a solution like I did in the previously illustrated exterior in-ground cistern. That would have meant pulling the tank which would have included disconnecting lots of plumbing. I tried the well nuts in an old pail and was satisfied.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: rick91351 on June 25, 2015, 07:30:02 PM
Very impressive - however a question would it work in a metal tank?  Would the metal ground it out? 
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on June 25, 2015, 08:08:46 PM
Needs to be a plastic, non conductive tank.   :(
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: rick91351 on June 25, 2015, 08:24:17 PM
Not altogether a bad thing.  Light bulb going off.   ;)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on June 25, 2015, 08:25:37 PM
Which are you thinking off?  The first one that just shows the level in the cistern? Or the second that controls my transfer pump? 

IF you are thinking about the transfer pump here's some thoughts.....  if the tank was metal and you used the rubber well nuts I think the rubber would insulate the sensor contact screw from the metal. For the pump controller I think that would work. That uses a total of four sensors, two high level and two low level. They are mounted in pairs.

IF you are thinking of the first, level only - no pump control, there may be hope too. That uses one contact as a common point, low in the tank. That could likely be just connected to the metal tank itself. Then mount the other three sensor contacts in rubber well nuts. They would just connect through the water same as if the tank was non conductive.

I think?
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: OlJarhead on June 26, 2015, 04:29:15 PM
I wonder how well this would work in a 300 gallon cistern that is 500 feet from the indicator?
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on June 26, 2015, 05:42:46 PM
 ???  I'm not sure.  There is not much current through the sensor wires. Just off hand I don't know what the board itself draws. I could measure that but that will not happen for a few weeks right now. I'll let you know.  Hopefully something like telephone wire would work for the distance.   :)

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: rick91351 on June 26, 2015, 07:22:20 PM
Quote from: MountainDon on June 25, 2015, 08:25:37 PM
Which are you thinking off?  The first one that just shows the level in the cistern? Or the second that controls my transfer pump? 

IF you are thinking about the transfer pump here's some thoughts.....  if the tank was metal and you used the rubber well nuts I think the rubber would insulate the sensor contact screw from the metal. For the pump controller I think that would work. That uses a total of four sensors, two high level and two low level. They are mounted in pairs.

IF you are thinking of the first, level only - no pump control, there may be hope too. That uses one contact as a common point, low in the tank. That could likely be just connected to the metal tank itself. Then mount the other three sensor contacts in rubber well nuts. They would just connect through the water same as if the tank was non conductive.

I think?

Basically a tank switch that would trigger an irrigation pump.  I have a large (huge) tank but it is metal.  I could use a smaller poly tank.... as a trigger.  I have it as well.  It is just sitting, that or we are going to temp mount it on a fire trailer.    Still thinking....  Not the first thing on my line up right now however. 
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on June 26, 2015, 08:36:22 PM
FWIW and FYI, I have described how I use this control board. There is a switch on the board that allows the relay / pump function to be altered. It can be set to activate a pump or valve when the tank reaches full. For example a tank could be gravity filled from a spring. When the tank reaches full the pump then would come on and pump until the tank was at the low level, then shut off and wait.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Adam Roby on June 27, 2015, 09:05:14 AM
I suppose a very simple "level detector" could be made by simply using some plastic float sensors, spaced accordingly to the level of precision you are looking for.  They could be mounted to the side of the tank itself (if above ground) or perhaps mounted on a piece of plastic PVC pipe with the wires on the inside (height of the tank) and again with as many sensors as precision needed.  Then each sensor would simply be wired to an LED array, showing a basic level.  This can be activated with a manual switch so that no power is being used when not needed.  The drawing I made is simply 4 sensors, with 4 LEDs that would show full, 3/4, 1/2, 1/4, and none on would mean under 1/4 to empty.  The more sensors and LEDs the more precision.  Could use any battery (9 volt shown as an example only) just adjust the resistors in consequence.

Something like this: (I think I would prefer them being installed on a pipe and inserted rather than adding a potential leak hazard but for the sake of explanation the drawing shows directly mounted to tank)

(https://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a429/adamrobillard/My%20Land/Water%20System/LevelSensors_zpsreskld6m.png) (https://s1034.photobucket.com/user/adamrobillard/media/My%20Land/Water%20System/LevelSensors_zpsreskld6m.png.html)

This is the first such sensor that pop up on eBay, I am sure a more thorough search would yield even cheaper sensors, or perhaps you may need to look for ones that prefer colder weather, but this is still under $2 each so might be worth a try.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Liquid-Water-Level-Sensor-Horizontal-Float-Switch-For-Aquariums-Fish-Tank-Pool-/311231357646 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Liquid-Water-Level-Sensor-Horizontal-Float-Switch-For-Aquariums-Fish-Tank-Pool-/311231357646)


Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: OlJarhead on June 19, 2016, 10:09:03 PM
http://www.koat.com/news/marathon-runner-injured-in-bear-attack/40126104
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on June 19, 2016, 10:41:07 PM
Maybe that's why I don't run marathons?  ???

That's just a few miles down the highway from our turn off. 

A young bear has been seen a few times in the Los Alamos area where we are right now. In town, but then pretty much anywhere "in town" is a short walk to the forest.   :)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: hpinson on June 20, 2016, 09:35:23 AM
Sad ending to this story. The bear, and presumably the cub it was protecting, have been euthanized.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: hpinson on June 20, 2016, 09:46:07 PM
Just heard that if the 3 cubs are found they will not be euthanized, but will go to some wildlife center.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: OlJarhead on June 27, 2016, 04:20:28 PM
Good news on the cubs
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on June 18, 2017, 09:44:48 AM
Dodged another bullet, er , wildfire, by the looks of it.

The Cajete fire was started by an abandoned campfire (Grrr!!!). With the 10,000 acre thinning that is progressing and the wildfires of 2011, 2013 and 2014 there is a lot less fuel than 10 years ago.  ;D
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: hpinson on June 18, 2017, 09:57:56 AM
I was wondering. We see the smoke plume, but it seemed reduced yesterday a bit. Low winds fortunately.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on June 18, 2017, 10:06:15 AM
map of burned area to date (https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/photos/NMSNF/2017-06-17-1414-Cajete-Fire/picts/2017_06_17-15.16.05.732-CDT.pdf)
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Dave Sparks on June 19, 2017, 09:07:12 AM
It is a big one!  Buenas Suerte!
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: glenn kangiser on June 19, 2017, 10:44:44 AM
Stay safe, Don.  We know about fires out here in California, the firewood capitol of the world. :-\
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on April 30, 2022, 04:43:01 PM
Another year, another fire... with others in between 2017 and today.

Last Friday, the 22nd, a fire started 1 mile south of us. The winds were exceptionally high that day, with gusts recorded to 62 mph. By some combination of hard work spent thinning trees, removing ground clutter and maintaining a more or less clear ground area around the cabin and plain dumb luck and good fortune, our cabin did not burn. Pretty amazing!  The two sheds burnt as did the screened gazebo. The fire was hot enough to melt the chiminea in the gazebo. A couple of other cabins on neighboring lots burnt to the ground. Going by the pictures we were sent the fire was on the ground and did not jump to the tree tops. We cannot go for a look ourselves as the area is still considered an active fire. Overnight it grew from 7,000 acres to 15,000 as it moved eastwards away from our location.

By some strange coincidence, after much thought, Karen and I had decided that very morning that we would list the property for sale. At 3:30 in the afternoon the fire broke out. It is now over 7000 acres and still burning. Poor timing. The market is so hot right now it would have likely sold within days.

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Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Don_P on April 30, 2022, 08:42:55 PM
Oh my! I am sorry.
Your work clearing paid off. It looks like the trees might make it.
When we were cleaning up after a fire several years ago I was scraping with the bobcat trying to get broken glass and globs of aluminum when someone yelled Stop! The owner came over and looked at the glob of metal and determined it was right about where the drawer was with his grandmothers silverware.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on May 01, 2022, 07:59:05 AM
My first thought was about how much the aluminum would be worth at the scrap metal dealer. Then my sister in law saw the above picture and said it looks like wall art.

Yeah, we are happy we took time and effort to thin and to keep picking up fallen branches and rake up pine needles every spring from around the cabin area. We have done that every spring. In my recollection there has never been a serious fire here this early in the year. We usually rake about now and are done by mid to end of May. We were getting ready to do that.

So there was only one years worth of needle debris on the ground. They come off over the winter. We think the needles on the ground allowed creeping fire to get to the base of the shed and gazebo walls. The sheds were all metal walled and roofed but with a strong wind there were small gaps that could have neen ignition points. Tha gazebo was tinder. On the cabin I covered the underside of the floor with metal too.  We had timbers laid in places on the ground with the intent to slow rain water flow. That seemed to slow the ground fore in many places which was a side benefit.

Cleanup vomes next, once the forest opens again. It is still considered an active fire zone.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: jsahara24 on May 02, 2022, 07:54:29 AM
Wow, sorry to hear but so glad your cabin made it.  
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Nate R on May 02, 2022, 12:27:46 PM
Glad to hear and see the cabin made it! Thanks for sharing the experience.

I'm curious, if you're willing to share, why you had decided to sell?

Also, what did you do with needles and branches annually that you raked? Chip? Burn? Disposal site?
I've got 4 acres of pine forest, and realize it's past time to start raking up needles around my property....
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on May 02, 2022, 05:17:05 PM
Gathered pine needles and fallen branches, slash, etc. were burned once or twice a year in a special area we had cleared out, after rains or late enough when snow had fallen and only when the fire marshall gave the okay.

We had decided to sell precisely because of what happened this past week. We could see fires starting earlier becoming the new normal. We've seen the areas burned in the past 10-15 years are larger than the old days 25 years ago and in many places are not regrowing pines and firs. Rather smaller trees and shrubs are filling in.

And the current fire (Cerro Pelado is the name FYI) is ongoing. This morning's figure was up to 22,000 acres. Because of the increasing size containment dropped from 15% a few days ago to 10%. The two lines they consider contained have actually grown in length. To the east, the fire has reached an area that was the state's largest ever fire up to 2011. That record lasted a year. That area has lots of standing and fallen dead from the 2011 fire that is presently drier than kiln dried lumber. Burning into areas where all cabins and homes were lost in 2011 and some of the new ones are threatened today.

Sad. We hope to get in our area soon, but there is no tentative schedule at all.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Nate R on May 04, 2022, 08:01:38 AM
Thanks for the replies, Don. I'll have to figure out a spot to burn our debris. The last few years, our town has paid for a brush pickup in our subdivision, so we've been able to at least get rid of branches that way....but needles are another story.


Sorry to hear you'll be selling....but if the threat of fire is worsening, and that, and/or the annual prevention work is weighing on you, I can understand that.
I worry about our area every spring.... 2 weeks ago someone 1/2 mile away started their property on fire, burned about 1.6 acres, the corner of their structure, lost a shed.....  New property owners trying to clean things up and burning debris on a VERY gusty day during the worst time of year for wildfire here in Wisconsin.  Thankfully fire crews got it under control quickly...
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on May 04, 2022, 08:53:18 PM
This fire is now at 25,000+ acres and still going. Tomorrow we are going to see if we can drive in as our area is apparently more or less burned out.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: pmichelsen on May 05, 2022, 08:51:43 AM
Talk about too close for comfort! Glad your place made it through and I agree that it seems fires are going to be something we deal with year round now. 
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: OlJarhead on May 06, 2022, 07:42:02 AM
Wow!  So glad it survived!  Your hard work paid off!

Every year I try to start the year off working to clear and clean around the cabin and late spring I break it down to dirt as much as possible all around the cabin (we have a wet May and June) in hopes of protecting it just like you're doing.

This year I hope to also bring down more trees around the cabin itself!
Good reminder here for me!
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on May 06, 2022, 09:04:20 AM
We do the clean-up every spring too, but this fire year started before we could do that. 29,000 acres and still making lots of smoke. It is not the worst fire in NM at this time either.

We were very fortunate. The cabin survived with some unscorched ground around it and a large number of pines in the cabin area are wonderfully green, though we can see black sticks all around.  The solar area is untouched. The ground a few feet beyond a small circle around the pole is very burned. So we still have power.

And by some stroke of luck the firewood shed is untouched. The fire came close but that doesn't count.

All things considered we came out better than most immediate neighbors. The wood floor on our cabin porch does not even have any burns from flying embers.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on June 26, 2022, 12:35:26 PM
Update after the fire.

The opinion of the county fire marshall and others with wildfire experience who have all had a first-hand, on-the-ground look at the property is that our hard work in thinning some trees and removing ground clutter of fallen branches along with the annual removal of pine needles in areas closest to the cabin helped us. A little bit of good dumb luck may have been involved too as the winds during the initial hours of the fire were consistently in the 60 to 75 mph range. The point of ignition was 1 mile south and the winds were pretty much directed straight at the property.

The fire came up the slope, more or less straight. The trees at the slope bottom are burnt black all the way up. The fire was in the tree tops at that point. The fire dropped to the ground once it hit the acres we had thinned and cleaned up. The fire still was hot enough to toast the tops of the trees 70 feet up in the air, but the tops never burned. They are still loaded with lots of brown needles. Those trees are dead. Then closer to the cabin the fire was a little less hot as there are 70 foot pines with some green and some (many) brown needles. Those will take longer to turn all brown and have the needles drop, but they are probably dead as well. We may leave a few of the ones with more green and see what happens. I peeled back some bark patches at ground level on a couple of pines and the cambium layer was yellow-brown, signifying dead.

This fire was very early in the year. We had yet to do all the planned spring rake-up of pine needles within 40 feet of the cabin. What was on the ground there was the seasonal fall/winter needle shedding. That was enough to blacken tree trunks and still cause damage to the structures that were not built with all the same fire prevention items.

This first image is a panorama shot looking south and west. Green trees around the cabin and more and more damage the further away one gets. Past the right edge of the picture is the pines are mostly burnt completely black.

This is a 10-14 day old  image, The grass in the meadow had been burned off but is coming back quite well.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on June 26, 2022, 12:40:03 PM
This next image is looking west, taken the same day as the image above. The large trees in the foreground should all be fine but the little ones at ground level are probably all goners.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on June 26, 2022, 12:56:53 PM
Looking southwards down the slope with the cabin to the left. The location of the burned-down gazebo is on the right side of the image. The needles on the trees that still have needles are mostly brown with less than 40% green on most or all trees. Our forestry officer (state) believes they are done for. Same thing with our loggers' opinion. He has been logging in the area for many years, and his family for a few generations. There is some green grass in the lower meadow that can be seen through the trees.

We have contracted with the logger for the removal of most of the dead trees. The larger ones will be sawn into beams or something marketable at the pueblo sawmill. Smaller trees may be used for making stove pellets at the pueblo pellet mill. Other smaller trees will be laid across the slopes, branches scattered and the machines driven over them to push them into place, sorta. We have some seed that will be broadcast as well.

Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: NathanS on June 27, 2022, 08:44:22 AM
It is remarkable how close the fire came without burning your cabin. It must have been blazing hot. What a wonder...
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on June 28, 2022, 08:17:51 AM
Quote from: NathanS on June 27, 2022, 08:44:22 AMIt must have been blazing hot. What a wonder...

Hot enough to melt aluminum; a chiminea fireplace and 3 ladders. 35 cents a pound at the scrapper
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on August 13, 2022, 01:31:50 PM
After a wildfire rips through a forest there are 2 choices; leave it alone or do something. Some of our neighbors up there were of the leave it alone school of thought before the fire. That is they never did any preventive thinning or even cleaning up of deadfall and build-up of duff on the ground. Well, it seems that even having a wildfire roar through, burning virtually all their living trees, the deadfall, and their cabins and other structures was not enough to change their minds. The same ones are "letting nature take its course". Not that their pieces of the forest were anywhere close to being in a natural condition pre-fire. Most of the forests in the western US have had all fires suppressed for 100+ years and there is no "natural" when that is the practice.

We and a couple of the neighbors have taken the "do something" approach. We enlisted the help of the company that has been doing the contract thinning for the national forest service for the past number of years. A standing burnt and dead tree contains marketable timber. The pines and firs that are large enough can be sawn into beams, timbers and lumber at the nearby pueblo sawmill. Some of the smaller diameter trees can be used to make wood stove pellets at the pueblo's pellet mill. Some of the smaller trees and a few of the larger are being laid across the slopes to help prevent erosion from the rains.  All at no cost to us. Jobey gets whatever profits he makes by selling the timber to the pueblo and paying his workers, fuel costs, etc etc. We get a nearly "clean slate" The state forestry and soil conservation people will help (a little) with costs of seed for assorted perennials to be sown later and some tree seedlings if we want them.

The other choice, to leave the dead burnt trees as they are, is simply providing the land with a load of fuel wood for another fire in a few years. It may take even 10 to 20 years but there will be another fire. That is exactly what happened with this fire. In 2011 there was a big wildfire east of us. The forest service left the forest as it was after that fire. Dead standing all over a hundred thousand acres. Over the ten years between then and now many of the trees fell over. Great fuel wood, as here is the arid SW even the mountains don't get a lot of rain. Wood on the ground does not stay moist very long, it does not rot away very quickly. Nothing was harvested after that fire. When this fire reached the old burn scar it did not stop or even slow. It continued to rage and burned structures and caused evacuations.

Anyhow, I will get off my soapbox now and get back to the main point I logged today. The logger has reached our property and has a few interesting to watch pieces of machinery. I have a few videos of the feller-buncher in action.






Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on August 13, 2022, 01:34:32 PM





Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: Adam Roby on August 13, 2022, 07:15:29 PM
Pretty awesome equipment.  Do they normally cut them at ground level or leave a stump?  I looked like he stalled out the blade a few times there.  He seems to just ram into the trees with the saw, I would have expected a slower approach.  
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on August 14, 2022, 12:07:50 PM
Everything is cut at ground level so there is nothing to get caught up on while moving any other machinery around.

The big steel cutting disc is brought to speed by the hydraulic motor and acts like a flywheel. It does slow down on large diameter trees but I've never seen it stall. As for finesse, he's not making furniture.   ;)  The blade is about 2 inches thick. The cutting teeth are carbide blocks with 3 cutting edges. Secured by a large central bolt, the teeth are set into notches. Each block can be rotated as needed until all 4 edges have been used.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: OlJarhead on August 16, 2022, 12:02:09 PM
Wow!  Amazing machinery!  Now you need a portable sawyer come up and turn those logs into lumber before they sit too long and get checked badly!
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on August 16, 2022, 05:13:41 PM
The bigger logs will become beams and such at the pueblo sawmill. Medium size straight logs will become vigas (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viga_(architecture)), used in many upscale NM homes. Some smaller and sawn-off waste will become wood stove pellets, also at the pueblo. A quantity is being laid across the slopes to help slow erosion.

We're back early today. Rains, big rains, threaten and the road in gets damaged easily now from the extreme runoff from the burn scar. We have a meeting scheduled with the FS as it is their road. The runoff is also causing problems in a developed area between us and the highway. Hopefully, a solution is found soon.

This fire may have been caused by the FS not tending to February slash burns south of us where a lot of thinning had been done over the winter. The report is still not out. If the FS is at fault remedies will be faster coming.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: MountainDon on August 16, 2022, 05:16:35 PM
Quote from: MountainDon on August 16, 2022, 05:13:41 PMThe bigger logs will become beams and such at the pueblo sawmill. Medium size straight logs will become vigas (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viga_(architecture)), used in many upscale NM homes. Some smaller and sawn-off waste will become wood stove pellets, also at the pueblo. A quantity is being laid across the slopes to help slow erosion.

We're back early today. Rains, big rains, threaten and the road in gets damaged easily now from the extreme runoff from the burn scar. We have a meeting scheduled with the FS and neighbors as it is the FS road. The runoff from the burned areas is also causing problems in a developed area between us and the highway. Hopefully, a solution is found soon.

This fire may have been caused by the FS not tending to February slash burns south of us where a lot of thinning had been done over the winter. The report is still not out. If the FS is at fault remedies will be faster coming.
Title: Re: My 15.75 x 30 Jemez Cabin
Post by: OlJarhead on August 17, 2022, 09:40:05 AM
d* Darn them!  I agree 100% on forest management by the way!  I'm trying to get our place under control and spent the weekend up there getting dirt work done and thinning...got a new battery powered chainsaw I'll review on my channel today:  hint, it's awesome! Worth every penny so far.

Now, get yourself a Rubi and put some suspension under and you'll never worry about the road washouts again! ha!