Front Porch Redo

Decided to rip apart the front porch, put in new windows, move the door to the front, and put a cover over the entrance.

Found some massive termite damage on the corner post and apparently my roof had been unsupported for quite sometime and had been sinking. Had to kill all the bugs, jack the roof back up to level and put in a new support post.

The Bug Damage

The front wall torn out, the damaged post removed, and temporary supports in place

Supports and framing done, OSB on, and tar paper being installed

New windows and door installed

Overhang framing being built

Most of the decking done, temporary step in place.

Roof sheathing on.

Decking done, stairs mostly finished, lighting installed and siding started.

Siding starting to go back in

South siding done

Just some finishing stuff to do now.

Cob Oven Base is Finished

Did a couple more batches of Cob today and finished off the base. I used a square point shovel and leveled out the top. I also hosed down the sides and used my hand to smooth every thing out. At this point I need to let it dry for a week or two then I can start building the dome. Once the dome is built and dried everything will get a coat of earthen plaster to really make it smooth and nice looking. After that a couple of coats of linseed oil to waterproof it and it'll be ready to go.

Here are a couple views:

The Cob Oven Continues....

Now that its getting nice in Oregon again decided to get back to the Cob Oven project. I decided not to do the rocket stove idea but am doing a two stage oven. This will have a base to fire in and an upper dome for the cooking. And there is a possibility I could cook in both sections at once, but we'll have to see when its done. I got a bunch of batches done today, but will need to do another 6 or so tomorrow to finish up the base.

 Here are the front and angle views:

Here is the hole in the base, there will be an area to fire in the bottom and the smoke will come up into the dome area to heat that as well:

The dark spot in the middle of this one is the hole described above:

Planter

I built another planter box this weekend, can't wait to plant all our veggies!

Attic Storage

I haven't posted in a while as I have been super busy, and I also keep forgetting to take pictures of projects as they are in the works.

We are always trying to find more storage and I needed to move stuff out of my basement/shop so I have more room for my tools and stuff. I wired in a new plug and hung some fluorescent lights. Then I put a bunch of OSB down in the attic area and now have lots of storage for the stuff we don't need all that often. e.g. Christmas Lights, Camping Gear, etc...

Cob Oven- Part 2

So I was able to get a bunch of batches done today. I was hoping for some people to make it over to help out but no one ended up being able to make it. Here are two views of my most recent progress:

Cob Oven- Part 1

So the first day of Cobbing is underway. First picture is the cob all mashed out, then after that you roll it into a big burrito and start putting it into place.