Wood has a grain direction. It will only plane nicely going with the grain. If you plane against the grain it will tear out like it is. This is basic stuff you need to know if you want to not ruin a lot of timber.

Been meaning to mention that you need like a foot or two of heavyweight chain so your grapple hangs below the bucket. When it rests against it, the weight of the log puts too much torque on one side. Hanging below the bucket, the weight is evenly distributed on both sides of the grapple. As it should be. I know you are pretty much done milling most of the timbers, but going forward it should save you some headaches.

@danp1224

6 жыл бұрын

Just posted the same idea, lol

@Me-vr9mq

6 жыл бұрын

turgsh01, I was thinking of that too, but the mount is actually on the bucket. Probably only need 1.5 - 2 feet of chain and it would hang down in better view and be more balanced. It would eliminate the uneven torque that snapped the first grapple.

I've been a cabinetmaker all my life, so I understand being anal about things. If you don't have the paper manual that came with your planer, you can get it online. There ARE adjustments that can be made (with a VERY delicate touch). I also suggest investing in a set of carbide blades for it - really WORTH the money. Finally, I've learned that when I start making mistakes, it's time to walk away, clear my mind, and go back to the project; it saves nerves, screw ups, and time (in the long run). GREAT job you two! I'm absolutely hooked on your videos.

Noticed the front roller on the planer is turning as you plane. It shouldn't be touching the timber during planing. It is only for raising the rear and pulling back to reset for the next cut. The planer blades have to be absolutely parallel to the sole plate. Also check the the front and rear plates are parallel. You folks are worrying about unnecessary accuracy and it's going to continue to bite you in the backside. Every one of these timbers will shrink in width and thickness every day until they reach equilibrium in a few years. DON'T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF. You aren't building a watch. Worry about your accuracy with your joinery. You can easily and quickly blend small inaccuracies with a block plane and chisels/slicks later and you won't be able to tell. Good luck and hang in there, you're doing great!

It’s reassuring to know that this is all in the past and the frame is up... 😎 But, I can appreciate the tension from deadlines beating down on you, weather not cooperating, equipment breaking when needed most... tempers are bound to fray, and things said that need to be neutralized by abundant kisses, even rampant love-making, afterward. 😁😈 Kudos for keeping it real, and not editing out the low spots... 25 years from now you’ll watch this together with warm nostalgia.

That wind is ferocious! Wind turbine for electric you'll never have to worry about electricity!

Seeing Alyssa being that close to those heavy logs being suspended by the backhoe scares the crap of me every time... be safe guys

With that much wind I hour you choose a metal roof. I would be afraid to use regular shingles. Keep up the beautiful work.Thanks got sharing.

Just my 2 cents worth of experience. If you work to exhaustion, in paticular routinely, mistakes start and things just take longer. In the end you end up losing time. But respect for what you are doing. Personally 10 hours labour / hard labour a day, 58 hours a week per person; after that most people's productivity begins to suffer. Everyone says they can do more, but the numbers say otherwise in my families business experience. Amazing to see people build a home with their own sweat, you'll have an appreciation for your home most others will never know :)

@metrixshield8174

6 жыл бұрын

That's kind of the point, continuous days of never ending work could burn them out. 58 hours of physical labour a week is about all most people can do before their abillity to work suffers. Adding 40 hours editing, lol. Unless editing is relaxing they're just abusing themselves.

When attempting to lift a 6000# object with a tool that's rated to lift a max of 2000#, somethings going to fail. I can only guess the same is going to happen when repeating the same mistake.

@mikemiller756

6 жыл бұрын

That's my question... Some of those 3 ton logs barely fit into the grapple. I can almost guess it's being used way over it's rating.

@Grimmdus

6 жыл бұрын

AHem, it's a 2200lb capacity and that log couldn't be a pound over 4k i should know i am an internet expert. ;p lol

@Grimmdus

6 жыл бұрын

I don't remember did they say it was the 28in or the 36in because the 36in is 3300 lbs.

Looks like it's time to learn the basics of stick welding!

They say that if a couple can survive building a home together they can survive anything . Keep up the good work guys.

God bless you both. Hang in there.

I think the hook broke because it was being used improperly. By rolling it against the bucket it puts a large bending load on it. It is not designed to take a large bending load, only a small one large enough to hold the claws in. Make sure it always hangs from the top and does not rub into the bucket. Not much help now, but might help for future projects.

Just a tip to save you money and time. Load a crock pot in the morning an cook your dinner that way. You will have an extra hour to work and save money. Just doing this four days a week will be noticeable.

@coldfoot99

6 жыл бұрын

Not likely that they have 110 volt power running to the trailer all day...they just have a small generator for running tools as needed. They are off the grid, no 110 to their build site.

I know this is an old video but you all need to embrace crock pot cooking. By far the easiest way to get a hot meal cooked and ready to go while you still do stuff. My suggestion: prep a whole punch of combinations, freeze the ones you don't plan to use right away. Then the only thing you need to do is grab one out in the morning, thaw it enough to get it to fit in the crock pot, and turn the thing on low to let it cook at day.

Jesse broke the grappler, the bucket pushes against the grappler and forces it horizontally but the grappler is only ment to take vertical force.

@jedidiah5131

6 жыл бұрын

Yup....

@common_sense_helps5607

6 жыл бұрын

Learning experience.

@saebbi

6 жыл бұрын

Yep, absolutely, it's difficult to see from where Jesse is sitting, however I hope that if they continue using the grappler that they attach it to the backhoe in such a way that the bucket does not interfere with the forces on the grappler, this could be easily done by using a strong chain, or if not too much trouble, removing the bucket and using a chain lock to where the bucket attaches normally. I believe the videos are a few days old or even over a week old so I'm sure they've figured it out by now, but it struck me after watching through the whole video that they were too bummed by what happened to think about what it was that happened, stress and pressure and all that. On another note, I hate seeing Alyssa standing and steering the logs around by hand, it takes 10-25 seconds longer to attach a rope around the log end to steer it remotely and safely, but it takes a lifetime, if you are that lucky, to recover from a heavy lifting accident. Best of luck!

WOW! That log grappler held in there significantly longer than I ever expected. serious weak point right where it broke. No meat left at the bolt hole for the pivot.

It is refreshing to see a husband and wife working together. I really enjoy watching your video's and am excited to see when a new one is posted ! Keep up the good work.

PRESS ON you two Warriors!! You are doing way more than most! As I recover from Throat Cancer and understanding what kind of energy you are using each moment, you have my respect and appreciation! Then you record all this on top of taking on such a huge challenge! THANK YOU as I have really enjoyed watching what your hard work is developing into! Hope that you watch these videos with your kids, and grandchildren inside this amazing "home"!!!

you can definitely fix that claw, just weld it back together and the weld a piece of flat bar across the break then drill a hole for the bolt and it will actually be stronger then it was new. You might want to get that one fixed because the new one will prob break in the same spot.

Keep it going guys, equipment will break, weather can turn, but you will always have each other. Don’t be hard on yourselves, you’re doing a great job under difficult circumstances which will make it that much rewarding when you achieve your end goal! Loving the videos very inspiring. Don’t forget relationships need maintenance just like equipment, make sure you take time for each other!

I know this was over a month ago but you guys were real troopers working in that awful wind. I always get worried when stuff is flying around like that, that kind of stuff can really hurt you.

I sense a disturbance in the force.

Good news! Hot weather means good place for solar, high winds means 75 mph 'spiral' wind turbine of course batteries.

Using the backhoe bucket for moving firewood what a novel idea?? Maybe Alyssa's back finally got enough exercise??

I've been watchin all your vid's and that's one hard working lady you are blessed brother .

Please Continue to encourage each other....even if things go wrong. This is CRAZY HARD work....but you BOTH can do it. I Believe God gives us strength when we need it MOST! ❤️ 👫❤️

Remember to keep the broken grapple for spare parts. Maybe even disassemble it in your spare time (as if you have any!) and get to know it a little better. Things break. Ah well.

Agree with Andrew Waugh, spend time getting the planer setup right. Another thing which Andrew mentioned was getting the blades parallel and level with the "rear sole". Most Electric Planers have a front sole plate and a rear sole plate. The depth is achieved by having the front sole plate higher than the rear. Start your pass with all pressure on the front sole plate, then once the blades have started cutting, you can shift your weight to both front and rear. The front sole should now be flat on the high (uncut) portion and the rear sole plate should be running on the cut or planed portion. Make single passes and only from one direction. Ask the Shelter about planing "downhill" you should get a smoother cut.

@StanHere1

6 жыл бұрын

Alyssa, Good advice from Graham!

Ya keep crankin' - great job. TARPS many think only of the wind catching its edges, as you guys obviously did. But as wind passes over there is a venturi effect creating low pressure above as in a wing. It can be INTENSE- think of the many tons lifted by a Boeing 747 wing. We also have a super windy property. We can expect 3x the local forecast and have had 120 mph winds - Ripped our 60 ft back porch off and sent it hundreds of yards away into the trees. It is really a hassle and EVERYTHING must be carefully engineered. Designed a special porch which flexes and dumps wind off - we'll see how it does on next huge blow.

since I found out these vids are a month old, it's hard for me to try to give you moral support. aww hell with that. try to stay strong, what your doing is epic and the biggest challenge you'll probably ever face, so do it with your whole hearts!!! I think you two are beyond great!!!

@thomasambers9977

6 жыл бұрын

Michigan Mister yeah going on their Facebook page is the worst thing you could do because it shows you present day and kinda ruins the vids. But I still find myself watching them

@tymesho

6 жыл бұрын

see? yeh, I don't facebook, so it messes it up for me. I actually just found out yesterday it was behind. I can live with that, but it's frustrating without even a spoil alert. oh well, life can't be all sugar...

If you guys keep spending all this time together, people are going to think you like each other. It's rare that a couple gets this much time. I hope you guys enjoy it.

Whoa that plainer looks like extremely hard work. They earned their dinners on this episode for sure.

You will do it! Thanks for sharing.

You guys are working so hard. Keep up the good work. I’m cheering for you guys. Love what your trying to do.

Everything can be welded if it is steel, two parts can make one part again no problem. Next time use little chain between bucket and grappler so bucket dont push it.

The hardships are a part of the experience and are enjoyed as a part of the whole. Alyssa, Your editing and music placement was well done. Thanks for sharing.

Good days and bad days !

I watch your videos and always think about the pioneers moving west and what they went through You guys are champs and living the American Dream. The amount of respect I have for people like you is not measurable. Keep hammering I'll keep watching. Can't wait until you guys get to relax and take in the view on the deck of your home. Keep hammering. Stay safe.

@allisonsfollys7713

6 жыл бұрын

I agree with what you wrote. I like seeing positive posts . ditto

For your planing problems: If you notice lines like that from a nick in the blade you can either flip the blade (blade -> edald) or slide it to one side or the other and that will miss align the nick in the blade... If you notice a taper, it might be because of uneven pressure.

So glad y’all work so well together

that backhoe has been the best investment for that project

@grassyfieldz4578

6 жыл бұрын

Yeah lets hope they are checking the fluid levels on it and servicing as required they'd be stuck if that thing broke down

man he is calm scary calm

You mean that's what the front bucket is for? You can actually scoop up the firewood pile?

Amazing what you can take. Sending tons of energy across from Europe.

Alyssa's such a _storm_ trooper.

@common_sense_helps5607

6 жыл бұрын

I see what you did there....

I somehow missed your truck rant video, but as I watched it I realized exactly where your coming from. I built my home in 1989, I was 29 at the time. I finally paid it off at the age of 56, it feels great. But that's not the point, because I achieved my goal of building my house by going into debt. The key is sticking to the goals that you set for yourselves. So, with that said, stick to your goals, do what you need to do, and you will succeed. God Bless you both, and thank you for sharing. Greg and Rhona

Great job on editing Alyssa. Excellent choice in music. Try not to let the bad days get to you too much.

To be honest, I think if you take the broken part apart, sand off the paint, tackweld all around back into place and proper wel some steel square bar on both sides to carry the weight, I'm sure you'll be up and using that thing again (at least for the first few logs to get you started) safely and within 30 minutes. Good luck!

I don't know if anybody has said so already but those planers can be adjusted to even up the cut. Maybe google Makita planer adjustment or something. Good luck with it, it looks like a handful once it gets going. :-)

Guys That was a hard day. You are lucky that you are both good hard workers

Love the time lapsed 'windy' scenes, very cool to see! Know that it is such a pain to work in - We deal with terrible wind all summer, real pain when whirlwinds take your crop away in the middle of harvest.

Thanks guys.

I recently found your Facebook channel. I'm retired and need to stay busy during holidays. I would have, still can, weld up your logging hook. You'll have a backup. I'm heading to Facebook. Roll up lumber in tarps. Less likely a blow off. Put rock filled 5 gallon buckets. This ol contractor learned the hard way. Chins up. Watched your rendering last night. Nice goal.

Cool. Back on track with the vids. Good job guys.

Great video... I can feel the stress from here... Love guys, hang in there...

So glad you made it passed this! Keep up the hard work!

That wind had me on the edge of my seat. I was just waiting for something important to you guys go flying away! Like a hot tub cover or something! Take care, and can't wait til the Shelter folks arrive.

Loving the adventure so far! Exactly what I want to do here in Maine!

the problem with your grapple is the holes are too big for the body of the grapple, you need to have a wider piece welded on the same place and then the holes and you will be fine! The body of material is very small after the holes are drilled, place a wider piece of steel over it and weld it, then re-drill the holes and all will be well

i knew that claw would break the day you bought it. you really get what u pay for and that thing looks like a toy next to those massive logs.

@common_sense_helps5607

6 жыл бұрын

Who should they be listening to?

Just watched your video on preparing for a storm from a year ago and man have the last few months really cranked up y'all's stress level! I totally understand why, I just wish there was some way we could and you some energy. I've got the perfect name for an internet based energy donation start-up...KickStarter! Err... never mind. Or stop time for a couple of weeks and send you to Hawaii or something. Hang in there though and once you get the house dried in you can slow the pace a little bit and take some "us" time. And remember, we're rooting for you. All however many hundreds of thousands of us there are! You are changing lives!

@tymesho

6 жыл бұрын

what he said...

Of course it can be welded. And reinforced too as needed as it's poorly engineered

Sending encouragement!!

Well done you two! Keep working as a team.

omg that wind is brutal! So so frustrating...

You guys are awesome!!!

Love your videos. Been watching attentively since discovering your channel. Waiting to see the completed house. Keep up the good work.

As I don't know how many I have watched so far. I must give you two alot. As for the wife. You did what you wanted. That takes alot. Thanks as you showed me what is happening in building a home

I would have used some long cargo straps to hold down that tarp .You got to remember those trees are tons and not pounds . I would get some choker cables like loggers use to move that heavy stuff around .My dad used to yell at me when I used something that was not heavy enough or strong enough for the job . He would say, you are not thinking big enough son .

Great video!

Looking at the grapple, the location of the brake is at the smallest cross section. If you get this welded, have the welder make the area around the bolts wider by welding extra material to each side. Just a suggestion.

Im hooked I love your videos, I had no idea that you will milling all your lumber, keeps cost down, but a huge ton of work, course you will be so so happy when finished.

yes the grapple can be welded by someone who knows what they are doing

well as you guys have said before, you aren't experts. its all a learning process and so far i'd say you are doing well in figuring everything out. keep on keepin on and i hope you guys have a better week this week instead of that storm.

I think this is one of my favorite videos of yours so far. The editing, music, and content seem to be getting better and better.

I hear you about the wind, We bought a small farm about 10 miles north of Pullman Washington 7 years ago. and our neighbors told us that we had just moved into the windiest part of Whitman County in Eastern Washington. We don't mind though, because of the views that we have. From our house w have a view to the north all the way to Steptoe Butte, and to the north-west, we can see nearly all of Kamiak Butte, and out in front of the house, we have yet another, to us, beautiful view. I have been enjoying watching your videos and watching your progress and your struggles. Both as individuals and as a couple, you are outstanding. You give me hope for the future of our country.

Where your plaining by hand you are right about alternating your direction. Anyone that plains by free hand knows there will be a wobble. The only way that can be completely eliminated is to have a standing table framed plainer. Because you are plaining such big thick stock it is hard to get a perfect cut. I admire your determination in the job you have under taken. Keep plugging at it and try not to put any personal blame on yourself over things you can not control 100%. Believe me I know from personal experience. Hugs to you both, and scratch the cat around the ears for me.

just realized by checking one of your other social media outlets that your youtube videos are waaaaaay behind your actual real time progress, wow!! was glad to see your progress in real time :)

@common_sense_helps5607

6 жыл бұрын

Thats the worst kept secret on KZread.

You two work good together

Well on the bright side you have plenty of wind power potential. : O

If it was easy, everyone would do this. You guys rock!

The timelapse of Alyssa planing makes her look like she’s doing some weird dance.

The grapple needs a 1 foot chain on the connection, Or 2 shackles would do it. Keep it of the bucket.

When I watched your video where you put on the tarp, I thought to myself that if it were me I would use wood strapping around the edges of the tarp instead of the screws with the washers on them, and Put something on the deck to hold down the tarp. Just from experience from roofing houses in the past.

we deal with high winds in WV as well. Lost an entire greenhouse in a matter of a half an hour during a 30 degree temperature drop. Oh and never tie a hammer to a horses tail to stop the horses tail from hitting you in the face.

Over milling the timbers and dropping an ink line and planing to the line is the best way to plane the timbers to dimension.

Enjoyed this one guy's..

That WIND! OMG!!!

Tarp advice: I come from a background in flat roof/membrane roofing. Your tarp needs a vent! The wind will pick up those boards and they will become dangerous projectiles. Ie, will easily from through a camper.... there’s gotta be a way to vent that tarp like they do membrane flat roofs. Good luck and love the channel!

Plane from both directions , is what I was thinking , too . Happy Thanksgiving , :-) Wyr God bless

From what I could see, the grab broke because it was effectively bent over the end of the bucket which was curled out too far. instead of the grab hanging free it was resting on the back of the bucket which caused a bending moment which it wasn't designed to withstand. the bucket needs to be curled in fully. Probably no help to ye now as ye are pretty much finished milling large logs for the frame. Great videos, thanks.

@95thousandroses

6 жыл бұрын

I agree. They could've also used a short section of chain which would've kept it from getting in a bind against the bucket.

Solar and wind power would be very useful to your homestead if you guys could harness capture and store it.

Another great educational video. Thanks. I'd like to give you some advice, but you're on an adventure that most people only dream of.

Have y'all thought of trying some wax mixes with that sawdust to make some starter logs for yourselves? Basically what Duraflame logs are - sawdust and a wax mix compressed.

I've been following your journey for a long while now. I've seen you guys in your better times and in not so good moments. I'm sure I'd have lost it a few times if I'd go after a project this large in scale. I don't know how you keep from exploding some times. I think I'm benefiting mostly from how careful to the penny you two budget because I'm somehow I'm doing better in that part in life than I used to be. I really appreciate how you two work so well with each other instead of having one of the two giving up and quitting a world where it seems to justify divorce and/or sepperation so easily and readily. You're making it through this without killing each other which means you'll make it through anything together. That's a dying quality in the marriage system. You guys rock.

@ddd228

6 жыл бұрын

My comment,EXACTLY!!! Thanks.

Wow...I have never seen a little log trailer like that before

Great only 2 weeks to go before we get to see the workshop.

Speaking of dinner. Don't you have a pot slow cooker? Fill it with the ingredients and plug in in the morning and ready at night. Whole meal in a pot.