My son is working on his Eagle Scout project and decided to take on making and installing six split log benches at the main overlook at Great Falls Park. It's a big project and I'll spare you all the logistical nightmare he (and I) have been through, but suffice to say he's learning a lot about managing a project involving many people.
It's been a great experience for me as well, and I must admit I was more than a bit excited to get the opportunity to see and run a sawmill. We connected with an individual here in Northern Virginia that has been a tremendous help. He has a Woodmizer LT40 Wide mill and we've now split the logs and debarked them all by hand. What a job that was! If anyone in the DC Metro area needs a connection to someone with a mill, let me know.
The benches will be approximately 6' wide with a 2' log on each end set perpendicular to the seat to serve as the base. They will be put together with a simple notch (no mechanical fasteners allowed) similar to the picture below. My thought was to cut the notch in the bench / top log rather than the base so as to allow water to drain off better vs. pooling in the notch if it were cut in the base. Would love any additional thoughts and recommendations!
Here's where I could really use your knowledge and experience . What's the best way to scribe the notches so I can easily cut the logs with a chainsaw and not butcher it or have to go inch by inch in order to get a good fit? I thought about using a cardboard cutout, but assumed there is a preferred and easier method than cutting out cardboard until it fit. I've done a fair amount of research but haven't found much that would in practical terms as these pieces are so heavy that we can't just pick them up and continually test fit them.
Thanks in advance, and if you have other advice for the overall project we'd very much appreciate it!
It's been a great experience for me as well, and I must admit I was more than a bit excited to get the opportunity to see and run a sawmill. We connected with an individual here in Northern Virginia that has been a tremendous help. He has a Woodmizer LT40 Wide mill and we've now split the logs and debarked them all by hand. What a job that was! If anyone in the DC Metro area needs a connection to someone with a mill, let me know.
The benches will be approximately 6' wide with a 2' log on each end set perpendicular to the seat to serve as the base. They will be put together with a simple notch (no mechanical fasteners allowed) similar to the picture below. My thought was to cut the notch in the bench / top log rather than the base so as to allow water to drain off better vs. pooling in the notch if it were cut in the base. Would love any additional thoughts and recommendations!
Here's where I could really use your knowledge and experience . What's the best way to scribe the notches so I can easily cut the logs with a chainsaw and not butcher it or have to go inch by inch in order to get a good fit? I thought about using a cardboard cutout, but assumed there is a preferred and easier method than cutting out cardboard until it fit. I've done a fair amount of research but haven't found much that would in practical terms as these pieces are so heavy that we can't just pick them up and continually test fit them.
Thanks in advance, and if you have other advice for the overall project we'd very much appreciate it!