I went to the mill the other day to cut up the log that was sat on it. It was initially set there to add to the woodshed, but I realized then that it was too short for what I wanted. I could either move the log away and find another one, or just get cutting. That’s when I decided that it was a good of a time as any to start working on the fuel shed.
I have been wanting to set up a very small footprint shed out by the milling area of the yard, a place where all the fuel cans can be kept along with some grease and other things required for the tractor and the sawmill and the like. I think even the chainsaws may go in there with their lubricants and the like. But because it was meant to be such a small shed, I decided a while back that it might as well look like an outhouse. Just for a little humor. It will have to be well ventilated, but give shade to the cans, along with shelter to keep the rain and snow away. An outhouse would look just like that!
True two by fours as long as the log would allow. End cracking is to be cut off. The log was very dry through and through, leaving only hard, dry wood. Very useable!
So, I started cutting the two by four’s required for the project. The log was long enough to produce around eight feet, plenty for a building meant to top out around seven! I had some aspen, pine, and poplar planks in the woodpile that I need to organize and restack, so I knocked it over and began pulling from the bottom. I ended up with enough of what I am fairly certain is aspen to do the sides and door. I have spent the last two days on the project now. The roof, shelves, and door remain, and I think those could easily be knocked out today. Then there is the matter of further decorating.
The basic frame standing on the floor. The floor is on true two by fours with one-inch-thick planks put down.
The back wall and one side are done, with plans to add inside braces that will also support the shelves the gas cans will sit on. I waited to get the heights right. I know my own tendencies to make mistakes.
Three walls completed. Each piece cut to length and width, along with any straightening dealt with as I go, this shed is making use of material that was quite literally found in the dump and brought home. It is using what is otherwise determined as waste and offering me good material at a very good price!
I could put more work into the project, such as joining the sideboards and planing surfaces, but as it is meant to look like an outhouse, and it is meant to be well ventilated, I did not want to put too much effort into closing gaps. It is meant to look rustic, and it is mean to not accumulate fumes inside. It is the “No Smoking” and “Danger” signs that will make the outhouse look legendary.
If you live in the area and have a tree that is fallen and cut to at least 50-inch-long logs from around 12 to 28 inches wide, I can help you to get to that wood inside or am happy to take it off your hands if you are just looking to dispose of the wood. Text me!