Creating a Workshop & Home

[EddieWalker]

This will be my first beam. It's just over 16 feet long and will need to be cut down to 15 ft 4 inches when installed.

 

[EddieWalker]

I've never done this before, nor have I seen anybody else do it. The idea seems simple enough.

Step one was to find a straight 2x6 and screw it to the log.

 

[EddieWalker]

The attachment that keeps the chaisaw straight and rides along the 2x6 is from Hud-Son. I saw them on Ebay, but bought it directly from them for around $40. It's well built, powder coated with sealed bearings.

I have no refrence to compair it to any other brand or type, but I have no problem recommending this one.

I had a $400 dollar Husqavarna chainsaw for about four years that died on me. I filled up a five gallong gas can with the fuel mix and never emptied that can. So I feel comfortable saying I didn't use it a whole lot. The repair shop said the motor didn't have any compression and was unrepairable. I won't buy another product from them again.

This time I decided to buy a cheaper chainsaw and liked the Poulan Pro. It's got a 20 inch bar and 46cc engine. Lots of power and starts much easier then thas Husquavarna piece of crap.

Here is the first cut.

 

[EddieWalker]

After the first cut, it was much easier to set up the 2x6. The board needs to be exactly one inch over to measure the cut. Otherwise, it's a very simple install.

 

[EddieWalker]

This is the other side of the attachment. I had to drill two holes through my bar to mount it, but then it just bolts on.

The grooves the chainsaw makes will give the beam it's character. I want it to look old and distressed.

 

[EddieWalker]

This is the first beam. It's 3 inches wide by 5 1/2 inches tall. Same as two 2x6's.

It's not perfectly straight, but pretty close. I'm gonna sand it lightly, just to knock off some of the fuzz from the chainsaw, but keep the grooves and imperfections.

I also need to shorten it to 15 ft 4 inches before installing it. I'll stain it in place after all the pieces are put together.

 

[EddieWalker]

My girlfriend helped with sanding down the beams.

We wanted to knock off the bigger ridges and smooth it out enough to show the grain.

The girls are always close by to see whats going on.

 

[EddieWalker]

Here she is working on some of the "character" spots. I want the beam to have imperfections. But to also look nice and show the beauty of the wood. After all, this is slow grown oak from my own land. Thats significant to me.

Side note.

In the background, you can see the clearing and the power poles. In another week or so, I'll have power to the place.

 

[EddieWalker]

Heres a closer view of the finished beam. You can see how beutiful the grain is, but also the the imperfections from milling it with a chainsaw.

When it's stained, the imperfections should show darker, but he grain will just jump out at you.

 

[EddieWalker]

This is the beam installed. There will be three more pieces added to it creating a truss.

There will be two of these solid oak trusses in the living room.