1/2 Cup
Member Emeritus
Absolutley awesome, keep up the good work,attention to detail, second to none!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
72-year-old couple building a barn (garage/workshop)
- Thread starter NASMAN
- Start date
Just a couple of pics of the reason for no progress lately.
Some of you may have heard of this storm, The Christmas of 2012 Storm.
It started on Christmas day and went thru the night. We got at least eight inches on top of an eighth inch of ice. Some of Arkansas got as much as fourteen inches and thousands were out of power. Power outages ran as long, for a lot of folks, as much as ten days. This was very unusual for Arkansas. We were very lucky and only had power snicks, a couple of times. Very cold here since then also.
The snow on the barn north side roof has not completely left as of today.(1-5-13) Made for some very pretty pictures.
We come from New England, so this is no big deal for us, but here in these small towns that rarely see any snow depth, it is a problem. They don't have any snow plows. We just stay at home and hope it melts.
It did kind of seem nice to see it again on Christmas. Sure wish it hadn't caused so much trouble.
Some of you may have heard of this storm, The Christmas of 2012 Storm.
It started on Christmas day and went thru the night. We got at least eight inches on top of an eighth inch of ice. Some of Arkansas got as much as fourteen inches and thousands were out of power. Power outages ran as long, for a lot of folks, as much as ten days. This was very unusual for Arkansas. We were very lucky and only had power snicks, a couple of times. Very cold here since then also.
The snow on the barn north side roof has not completely left as of today.(1-5-13) Made for some very pretty pictures.
We come from New England, so this is no big deal for us, but here in these small towns that rarely see any snow depth, it is a problem. They don't have any snow plows. We just stay at home and hope it melts.
It did kind of seem nice to see it again on Christmas. Sure wish it hadn't caused so much trouble.
Vernmotor
Well-known member
Pretty Pictures 
stay warm...Do you have back up power ?
stay warm...Do you have back up power ?Absolutely BEAUTIFUL barn garage in the snow!! Looks more like NH rather than AR but like you said it rarely snows that much in AR.
Just noticed the large beam sticking out from the top of roof by the loft doors. Do you have Crane mechanism to lift stuff up to loft?
Also curious if you have drive-through design so you have big door at other end of barn?
When everything warms up and melts off, send some more pics of your great barn building. Thanks for sharing.
Just noticed the large beam sticking out from the top of roof by the loft doors. Do you have Crane mechanism to lift stuff up to loft?
Also curious if you have drive-through design so you have big door at other end of barn?
When everything warms up and melts off, send some more pics of your great barn building. Thanks for sharing.
JCQuick
Well-known member
That should be a christmas card
Pretty Pictures
We have a small portable generator that I can run the refrigerator and some of the lights on. Also we have gas log fire place and gas stove for cooking. So far, five years plus here, we have not had a loss of more than six hours, for one of the tornadoes.
Thanks for asking.
Kevin54
MEMBER EMERITUS
That's not a barn...that's a labor of love and a work of art!!!!
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
It sounds like you may not have visited the web site, may I suggest that you start here.
Also you may start at the beginning of this thread here.
But in answer to your questions, the beam and the upper doors are only for looks, and are not functional. The loft, as we have it planned at this time, will only be in the rear half of the barn. However, when done, there is a block and tackle that will hang from the beam. I found a really nice sized one, at a local flea market.
No, there will not be a drive thru door on the other end.
As far as more pictures when the snow melts, there are over 750 on the web site and have lost count on how many are in this thread. We hope you will enjoy viewing them on either or both sites.
We will still, as we have in the past, be posting updates as we proceed.
Thanks again to all, for the nice remarks.
PAToyota
Well-known member
Definitely! Thank you for sharing your progress!
After going through ALL the pics on thread, now I realize I must have skimmed over that all items on front (beam & upper "doors") are cosmetic ; also saw that the rear vent on upper peak is cosmetic as well. However, that doesn't mean that build is simply FABULOUS . . . incredible detail and craftmanship . . . at any age!!!
Your skills and ingenuity are very impressive. I'd sure love to learn by watching and helping you!! Is the whole design your own creation? Do you have any drawings that you could also post?
Absolutely love the end result of vertical cedar with the battens covering the splices. Are you hand making those battens?? Routering the edges for shape?? We've got old barn in family that needs restored and many of vertical battens are missing or rotted out.
Then the "$64,000 question" is how much is all that specialty wood costing for this build? You have local supplier for that excellent quality wood?
Also, what are plans for electricity and heating/cooling?? Will you be hiding the conduits behind wood inside like another build on GJ has done?
Hope the locals there know what a tourist attraction you are building!! That would be perfect place for weddings, socials, and Christmas tree farm!!
P.S. Thought of idea to save your arms with 18 ft roof washing wand. How about rig up small set of rolling coasters/tires so you could just roll the thing up and down on roof and let spray of water do the work?
Your skills and ingenuity are very impressive. I'd sure love to learn by watching and helping you!! Is the whole design your own creation? Do you have any drawings that you could also post?
Absolutely love the end result of vertical cedar with the battens covering the splices. Are you hand making those battens?? Routering the edges for shape?? We've got old barn in family that needs restored and many of vertical battens are missing or rotted out.
Then the "$64,000 question" is how much is all that specialty wood costing for this build? You have local supplier for that excellent quality wood?
Also, what are plans for electricity and heating/cooling?? Will you be hiding the conduits behind wood inside like another build on GJ has done?
Hope the locals there know what a tourist attraction you are building!! That would be perfect place for weddings, socials, and Christmas tree farm!!
P.S. Thought of idea to save your arms with 18 ft roof washing wand. How about rig up small set of rolling coasters/tires so you could just roll the thing up and down on roof and let spray of water do the work?
Will try to answer your questions in the order in which they were asked.
Yes, the design and plans are all my own. The drawings are too big for me to scan.
I do make my own battens. Get three to four out of one piece of cedar. Than use a router to cut a relief groove on the backside. When done we estimate will have made over 300 battens.
The cedar comes from a mill about forty miles from us. Depending on the width he has available, the boards run between $5.00 to $7.00 each, for an eight footer.
We have no plans for any heating and or cooling at this time. The electric will be run thru conduit. We are trying to retain as much of an old barn look as possible. Would use porcelain seperators and two wire, but the insurance company would blow a fuse.
Yes. We have a lot of visitors stop in the summer time. If we were out on a well traveled road, we would never get anything done.
Also hope to not have to PW the roof again. That was a rare occurence where the pollen etc. just never got washed off with strong rain storms. Usually we have plenty of strong storms in the spring, last year we didn't.
Hope I covered it for you.
Thanks again for sharing your AWESOME work on the barn with rest of us "young uns" . . . LOL However, not sure I could keep up pace that you've done and I'm over 20 years younger. Plus, as a couple you both have unlimited energy for the barn project . . . incredible!!
If you want to pursue that "Open Wire" approach, I'd be willing to donate around 10 of the green porcelin insulators like the Railroad put on their telephone poles. I got quite a few couple years ago when they tore down the abandoned telephone/power poles next to railroad tracks. You could at least run gray Cat5e wire that could be used for your communication needs in barn (telephone, internet, intercom, etc). I've got friend in Bella Vista, AR so that's closest I could get to you for free, then pickup there or ship on your nickel. The green insulators I have are the regular ones (normal cone shape). PM me if interested.
Keep up the Terrific work . . . . we all love it!
If you want to pursue that "Open Wire" approach, I'd be willing to donate around 10 of the green porcelin insulators like the Railroad put on their telephone poles. I got quite a few couple years ago when they tore down the abandoned telephone/power poles next to railroad tracks. You could at least run gray Cat5e wire that could be used for your communication needs in barn (telephone, internet, intercom, etc). I've got friend in Bella Vista, AR so that's closest I could get to you for free, then pickup there or ship on your nickel. The green insulators I have are the regular ones (normal cone shape). PM me if interested.
Keep up the Terrific work . . . . we all love it!
Hotz
Well-known member
Mr. is an inspiration to everyone here, especially for me, quality in work love at what he does.
As was said! Christmas card image.
As was said! Christmas card image.
Just a quick little update, to let you know we are still alive and kicking.
Too cold to stain and clear coat, so we thought we would address the issue of the two rail fence. The termites were getting into it very heavy and we needed to either replace most of it or replace it.
A friend here in Arkansas, had a lot of cedar come down in a tornado about five years ago. He suggested that I build a zig zag with it. He actually split three quarters of it for me and then showed me how to do it. He even provided us with rocks to set the first rails on.
I have the 50 feet in front of the house done and today I started on the next 90 feet going down past the barn. We think it will set the barn off real nice.
Looking towards the drive to the barn and the 90 foot section that needs to be done.
So that is what we are up to when it is good enough weather to go outside, but too cold to work on the barn.
Also would like to say thanks to some real great members on here, that have joined, and are helping us get the word out, about the Just Barns Forum that we started. That kept us real busy in Jan. and it is now, doing quite well.
Too cold to stain and clear coat, so we thought we would address the issue of the two rail fence. The termites were getting into it very heavy and we needed to either replace most of it or replace it.
A friend here in Arkansas, had a lot of cedar come down in a tornado about five years ago. He suggested that I build a zig zag with it. He actually split three quarters of it for me and then showed me how to do it. He even provided us with rocks to set the first rails on.
I have the 50 feet in front of the house done and today I started on the next 90 feet going down past the barn. We think it will set the barn off real nice.
Looking towards the drive to the barn and the 90 foot section that needs to be done.
So that is what we are up to when it is good enough weather to go outside, but too cold to work on the barn.
Also would like to say thanks to some real great members on here, that have joined, and are helping us get the word out, about the Just Barns Forum that we started. That kept us real busy in Jan. and it is now, doing quite well.
Vernmotor
Well-known member
Well that's a nice touch. I likey
Xray Dave
Member
You Sir, are an inspiration. As a young man of 65 I have given thought to building a garage/workshop. Your project has given me a kick in the ****. Thank you.
Omphaloskeptic
Well-known member
"He actually split three quarters of it for me and then showed me how to do it. He even provided us with rocks to set the first rails on."
To twist an old phrase....
"A friend in deed is a friend indeed!"
The friend that gave you rails he split for you is a true gem.
Xray Dave - Don't forget to start a build thread for us here at GJ! In fact, let us see your 'paper napkin drawings', and we'll get to chime in on the design(s). LOL
To twist an old phrase....
"A friend in deed is a friend indeed!"
The friend that gave you rails he split for you is a true gem.
Xray Dave - Don't forget to start a build thread for us here at GJ! In fact, let us see your 'paper napkin drawings', and we'll get to chime in on the design(s). LOL
Homebody
Well-known member
Homebody
Well-known member
maddawg1952
Well-known member
Congrats on your GREAT build, lots of good old yankee ingenuity. From one seasoned New Englander to another,keep up the good work! Hope all is well with you and the best helper a man could have. I'm originally from Salem Ma. 35 yrs. 40+ yrs in construction , I have to say that your what I would call a true craftsman. Met a few in my vast experiences on Job sites, I"m proudly adding your name to that list.
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
Now that the weather is warming up, I can't wait to see some more !
That barn is beautiful ! A true labor of love, and not for just the building.
That barn is beautiful ! A true labor of love, and not for just the building.
Update and some pictures of the progress on the fence.
I have another 85 feet up and finished. That means I need to go about another 50 feet. We clean the gutter below the fence and cut the growth on the banking. So if I didn't make a way to get thru the fence, I would have to lug all the leaves etc. one hundred plus feet up to the driveway and than back down one hundred feet plus, to where we burn stuff. The cure was to build an exit, entrance in one of the sections. Making it easy to remove four short rails, just enough to run the old mower and wheelbarrow thru, 36 inches.
That is where we are now. May have to get a few more logs to split, am starting to run low. Have used over 90 so far.
Section with the exit in it.
New fence in front of barn.
Lower sections looking toward drive.
The four short sections remove very easy for access.
From the driveway looking down.
Very happy with the way it is turning out. Many, many thanks again, to Ken.
I have another 85 feet up and finished. That means I need to go about another 50 feet. We clean the gutter below the fence and cut the growth on the banking. So if I didn't make a way to get thru the fence, I would have to lug all the leaves etc. one hundred plus feet up to the driveway and than back down one hundred feet plus, to where we burn stuff. The cure was to build an exit, entrance in one of the sections. Making it easy to remove four short rails, just enough to run the old mower and wheelbarrow thru, 36 inches.
That is where we are now. May have to get a few more logs to split, am starting to run low. Have used over 90 so far.
Section with the exit in it.
New fence in front of barn.
Lower sections looking toward drive.
The four short sections remove very easy for access.
From the driveway looking down.
Very happy with the way it is turning out. Many, many thanks again, to Ken.
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
Beautiful. Just Beautiful !
Hire a professional photographer and get some pictures during the seasons. It would be fantastic in deep snow ! Make them into a calendar !!!
So are you splitting rails the same way Abe did ? He was much younger than you !
Hire a professional photographer and get some pictures during the seasons. It would be fantastic in deep snow ! Make them into a calendar !!!
So are you splitting rails the same way Abe did ? He was much younger than you !
hobbitss
Well-known member
Just powered through the entire Thread... Amazing and Inspiring...
The neighbors already think I'm crazy for some of the work I get done on my own... Subscribed!!
The neighbors already think I'm crazy for some of the work I get done on my own... Subscribed!!
softailgarage
Well-known member
AMAZING, simply amazing. You Sir are a true craftsman and artist (that goes for your bride also). I wish I had a 1/10th of your talent...and energy. The fence is awesome. keep up the good work and thank you for sharing with us.
SiGmA_X
Well-known member
Beautiful fence! I love how the barn is turning out, too. Such amazing craftsmanship, I'll be tuned in for the more frequent summer updates!
dlenkewich
Well-known member
The fence really looks great up against that barn. Great job.
JCQuick
Well-known member
as always I'm just speechless Great job Nasman wow just wow
Thanks everyone, glad you have enjoyed the fence. I need to put up 15 more rails to finish it. The last 10 rails I had to split out of some pretty knarly logs. Ken says he has more if I need them, but would like to use as much of what we already have here.
Weather went sour on us today, so no work. Rain and temps went from 82 yesterday to 40 for a high today.
We lost the compressor on the a/c heat pump for the house on friday. Our guy won't be able to get a new unit in for 10 to 14 days. Whole new unit cause they have changed the freon again. Big set back in the checkbook.
But at least we are still able to heat with the gas log fireplace. And we have 175 feet of zig zag fence and a new avatar.
Weather went sour on us today, so no work. Rain and temps went from 82 yesterday to 40 for a high today.
We lost the compressor on the a/c heat pump for the house on friday. Our guy won't be able to get a new unit in for 10 to 14 days. Whole new unit cause they have changed the freon again. Big set back in the checkbook.
But at least we are still able to heat with the gas log fireplace. And we have 175 feet of zig zag fence and a new avatar.
kevin47
Well-known member
Hi, I'm new to the site and just spent the past 2 hours catching up on this amazing build...I'm just floored...What can I say...! You and Lin are something else...! I'll kept an eye-peeled for more up-dates...Truly amazing...
The fence is done.
All that is left is a little clean up of the old one. We burnt all the scrap yesterday before the snow came in. Yeah right, four inches of snow, two days after the first day of spring, in Arkansas.
Managed to get enough rails out of the logs that we had here. Did some extra splitting and some creative chainsaw work in the large knots. Took 112 rails and 11 posts to do the whole job.
Had some rocks leftover though. Placed them around the discharge area of the barn south side gutter system. This will keep the SB2 from washing out. Quick fix.
The lower and last section of the fence.
The gutter from the south side of the barn, discharges out of the banking. We took the leftover rocks and placed them around the SB2, to prevent it from washing out.
The snow melted where the ground was warm. The pine trees and the roofs held it though. This picture was taken today, 3-22-2013, from the porch, looking down the road.
A picture of the barn with snow on the roof. I installed the gutters in such a fashion that when the snow and ice slides off the roof, it should go over the edge of the gutter. It is 35 degress here at the time of the picture and has been raining lightly. It looks like it is working as planned. One of the problems with a monitor barn is that you have two roofs that can discharge snow. If it can't clear the gutter as it comes down the bottom roof, damage is bound to be a result. We worried about this.
The funny looking downspout in this shot is a temporary setup until I get the wall on this side done. This side is piped under the drive and out to the drain next to the road.
Thanks for checking out our new fence.
All that is left is a little clean up of the old one. We burnt all the scrap yesterday before the snow came in. Yeah right, four inches of snow, two days after the first day of spring, in Arkansas.
Managed to get enough rails out of the logs that we had here. Did some extra splitting and some creative chainsaw work in the large knots. Took 112 rails and 11 posts to do the whole job.
Had some rocks leftover though. Placed them around the discharge area of the barn south side gutter system. This will keep the SB2 from washing out. Quick fix.
The lower and last section of the fence.
The gutter from the south side of the barn, discharges out of the banking. We took the leftover rocks and placed them around the SB2, to prevent it from washing out.
The snow melted where the ground was warm. The pine trees and the roofs held it though. This picture was taken today, 3-22-2013, from the porch, looking down the road.
A picture of the barn with snow on the roof. I installed the gutters in such a fashion that when the snow and ice slides off the roof, it should go over the edge of the gutter. It is 35 degress here at the time of the picture and has been raining lightly. It looks like it is working as planned. One of the problems with a monitor barn is that you have two roofs that can discharge snow. If it can't clear the gutter as it comes down the bottom roof, damage is bound to be a result. We worried about this.
The funny looking downspout in this shot is a temporary setup until I get the wall on this side done. This side is piped under the drive and out to the drain next to the road.
Thanks for checking out our new fence.
JCQuick
Well-known member
Those are great pictures, I can't wait to see that again when its finished as always Dave & Lynn great job wow.