no more power tools!

[hobbiest]

Just watched an awesome movie.  Alone in the Wilderness.  Its a documentary, about a guy who goes into the Alaskan wilderness and builds a log cabin from scratch, using only simple hand tools.  He was going to live there for 1 year, ended up leaving 35 years later.  When he started it, he was 51 years old!  It is my 8 year old son's new favorite movie (likes it more than Harry Potter, and that is really saying something), and this guy is my new hero.  Maybe I'm not so crazy for wanting to build a house with only hand tools one day!  Check it out...true inspiration.

[MountainDon]

PBS had it on here tonight as well. I'd seen it before and read his book. Did you stop and wonder how much walking he did making those videos. He was the only one there. Set the tripod up, put the camera on, start it, walk or snowshoe down the path, turn around, walk back. Pick up the tripod etc, walk farther down the path. Stop and repeat.    

[Amanda_931]

I think I've read the book.

found it wonderful

But a lot of times we're so addicted to our power tools that we can almost not do things by hand even when it would be faster and easier.

The Japanese type pull-saw I found at Lowes is sometimes faster than the skil-saw, period.  Certainly it's faster than going and getting one of the power saws--rechargeable or line--especially if I have to futz around with deeper than saw's capacity wood.

[desdawg]

Here is an assortment of historical books. I have a few of these but for this topic the one that comes to mind is Woodcraft by EH Krepps. The other one I really liked was Land Cruising and Prospecting by AF Wallace. These are about $5.00 apiece + minimal shipping. Wallace is a kick. He calls a dummy a dummy....or a peanut head. These were written long ago by old timers that didn't mince words.
http://www.furfishgame.com/Pages/HistoricalBooks.html

[glenn-k]

I always like old books, desdawg.  Lindsay Publications also does great reprints of old books.

http://www.lindsaybks.com/

[hobbiest]

But a lot of times we're so addicted to our power tools that we can almost not do things by hand even when it would be faster and easier.

This is what I do for a living, and so yes, I am hooked on all the gadgets.  Probably even have some of the ones that many have never used.  But there is still a draw to me for the old ways.  Ofcourse, I am the one on the jobsite voted "most likely to swing a hammer instead of looking for a nail gun" as well.

[desdawg]

I always like old books, desdawg.  Lindsay Publications also does great reprints of old books.

http://www.lindsaybks.com/

Do you have this one Glenn?
http://www.lindsaybks.com/bks7/extr/index.html

[PEG688]

 Maybe I'm not so crazy for wanting to build a house with only hand tools one day!  

That is debatable , IMO your certifable  

Don't be thinkin about comin  fer my power tools , there'd be trouble  

 I'd stay away from sheetgoods (plywood , OSB) if you do attempt it.

 Of course YMMV


G/L PEG

 

[glenn kangiser]

[size=36][highlight]Note - this thread degenerates from here on - don't come crying to me if you keep reading.  

Page 2 when it shows up would probably be a safer bet than continuing to read on this page.  It is official -- if easily offended skip right to page 2 from here and just pretend that the rest of this page doesn't exist.

You'll feel better for it.  

You'll be better for it.

Go back to the top of the page and click 2 - do not continue beyond this point.  I'm serious.  Do not keep reading.
[/highlight][/size]

The rest of you -- pssssst -- this way ---- follow me.  Boy -- we sure lost them didn't we? :-?

I don't have that one, desdawg, but probably need it.

I do have a very slightly different version of this one though.

http://www.lindsaybks.com/bks6/cookbook/index.html

[PEG688]

I don't have that one, desdawg, but probably need it.

I do have a very slightly different version of this one though.

http://www.lindsaybks.com/bks6/cookbook/index.html

Caution - don't click if easily offended.

Stay away from the cabbage rolls Glenn

[glenn kangiser]

I have been PEG.  Corned beef and Cabbage for 2 days now --- one to go.  Also note that there is a rather large storm brewing here -- I think it's headed your way.

[MountainDon]

http://www.lindsaybks.com/bks6/cookbook/index.html

I'm going to have to get one of those    

[PEG688]

I have been PEG.  Corned beef and Cabbage for 2 days now --- one to go.  Also note that there is a rather large storm brewing here -- I think it's headed your way.

Should we contact homeland security for Boi / chem suits  

[glenn kangiser]

I think it should pass PEG.  

Don, here is a link though this site to the original one which seems to be a bit different.  Out of print now and some value it at $112.50.  What a classic.

The other cookbook  Let your gastrointestinal tract help to keep this site free by ordering through the Amazon link on John's book page.

Note:  John likes it when I promote things that will help to support the site.

[glenn kangiser]

I have just been informed that the guys may think this is funny but the women don't.

Sorry 'bout that ladies.   _{Always playing the victim.  :-/}

[MountainDon]

Hmmmm. If my wife was not in bed already she'd be splitting a gut.  

[glenn kangiser]

...and some of the guys may not appreciate it either.  (I must confess, my mother didn't bring me up to be this way --- It was more like my dad's uncle. )



...but then -- some do. :-?

[glenn kangiser]

Hmmmm. If my wife was not in bed already she'd be splitting a gut.  

Mine pretends to be offended, Don.  That's half the fun of it.

[Sassy]

He's contributing to global warming & pollution!  He's always talking about building a "gasifier" so I've given him a fitting nickname the "Glenna$$ifier"   :-/  others on this forum have heard it, but maybe some of the newer members missed it - after all, he is so proud of his accomplishments...  

ps  I read this to Glenn before I posted it & he threatened to use his administrative powers  

[glenn kangiser]

Dang it - she went and did it.  

There goes my chances of people thinking I had any class. :'(

[glenn kangiser]

Will we be back to the original topic by page 2?

I guess we might.

Actually I find that a good properly sharpened and set hand saw is pretty fast in some situations.  I used to have a 3 cornered file and saw set to sharpen my hand saws - about 40 years ago.

[fishing_guy]

When I remodeled our basement 18 years ago, I had 60 landscape timbers to mitre at a 45.  The wife wouldn't go for a chop saw at the time, so I went out and spent $25 on a Disston Hand saw.

Best pruchase I've ever made.  It still cuts like brand new (well almost).

[glenn kangiser]

The saw set and a 3 square file (with careful sharpening at the right angle which is the same as it came with) will bring it right back to new quality.

I can't believe how hard it is to find a triangular file on the net.

Definition
three-square (thrskwâr)
adj.
Having an equilateral triangular cross section: a three-square file.

http://www.amazon.com/Great-Neck-Saw-Mfg-Inc/dp/B0002YQRZ6/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/104-1511507-9611960?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1174401641&sr=1-1



http://www.amazon.com/Nicholson-16102-Three-Square-Smooth/dp/B00018ADG2/ref=sr_1_2/104-1511507-9611960?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1174403676&sr=1-2

[MountainDon]

I love my power tools! But I do have a couple hand tools that are real favorites. They're both Japanese and they're both saws.

#1 is the Kugihiki Flush-Cutting Saw. There is no set to the teeth and the blade is flexible. It's forte is cutting off dowels flush with the work and not marring the finish.
#2 is the Ryoba Double Blade Saw It has two different tooth patterns and leaves a cut that almost never needs cleaning up.

I bought mine years ago from Lee Valley.  I see they still have them tho' they style is a little different today (I borrowed the images from them)  http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=2&cat=1&p=42884&ap=1

[Amanda_931]

That second one's blade is remarkably like what Lowes is selling.  We love it.  I could find uses for the first.