Monday, August 3, 2009

Log Mill

I recently attended training for the new log home company I joined - Expedition Log Homes. One of my favorite parts of the trip was seeing the logs prepared at the mill. I'm a log junkie so it would be like a candy junkie being locked in a Hershey's chocolate plant!


Check out these beautiful pine logs....








I really wished someone would've let me drive this truck! I would've been cornering on rails at 80 mph! (Just kidding!)











This is our new dealer group watching the logs being loaded to be debarked.







Pine log being debarked.










These are half logs being prepared. (Expedition offers full log and half log homes.) I wish someone would've let me operate this machine..... (I'm sure my hubby warned them all ahead of time. Don't let my crazy wife near big vehicles or complex machinery!)









This crew is working hard with a draw knife (all done by hand) on the logs to give them that handcrafted style. I would've wimped out after the first pull with the knife!



On the off chance some of my new friends from Expedition are reading this - thank you for the fellowship and thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience!

32 comments:

Wall-to-wall books said...

My husband and I went to a log home company here in NY (Beaver Mt. Log Homes) and we took a tour where they showed us all that stuff, it was really cool. I hope you were learning lots and taking notes, LOL. Was there a test?

Busy Bee Suz said...

This is so great!!! I am so happy you were not driving the truck or working the machinery. :) Don't want you to get hurt.
Suz

Anonymous said...

I can almost smell the logs Shelley. Very interesting and great photos. I wish you the very best in the new company.

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

That must have been so much fun! I would have loved to of been on that tour. I would like to drive that truck myself :-)
Hugs,
Penny

Anne said...

Wow! What an experience!

Ginger said...

That's pretty neat that you were able to go see how the logs are prepared. There is a lot of work involved that I wouldn't of thought about. I guess I thought they just cut the trees down and start building the cabins. lol.

Cliff said...

Now that looks quite fascinating. I wish you nothing but good fortune with the new company.

Just a little something from Judy said...

Now all I want to do is to contract you to build me a new log cabin in the mountains, by a lake, with green grass between cabin and lake, with enough space to stretch a big, comfy hemmock. Oh, and a small table at the side of the hemmock for my hot cup of coffee. These pictures were so much fun to look at. I can't wait to show them to my husband. I am still smiling at the thought of you driving that truck at 80 mile per hour.

The Retired One said...

When we went to look at the model homes for our Golden Eagle Log home, we went thru their tour that was similar. It really is amazing, isn't it?
I really feel the warmth and charm of a log home cannot be matched.
Congrats on your new adventure..I am sure you will be great at it and sell a million of them with your enthusiasm of your own log home.

NCmountainwoman said...

I am fascinated by logs as well. I just love looking at the old photographs of logging here in the mountains with huge logs moved with ox carts and mule-drawn wagons. Absolutely amazing and such a dangerous process in those days.

Constance said...

That's really interesting! Since we are hoping to build our own cabin when Dave retires maybe we should take some sort of tour and get an idea of the process! Recently a possible offer is on the table to purchase an already built cabin up in Ontario which is right next door to our best friend's family cabin. Dave and I are praying about it and if it's meant to be, our plans for building our own cabin will probably be modified. We'd still move to Montana to get away from the heat down here but we can't afford the upkeep of 2 cabins. I was a bit resistent of giving up our dream but I am coming around. The quality family time up on Lake of the Woods is VERY appealing!
Connie

Jane In The Jungle said...

As you know, I've always dreamed of having a log cabin and one day we will. Right now, we're buying books and exploring making log furniture. And BTW, have you ever watched AX MEN on history channel?

Coralie Cederna Johnson said...

The pictures are so COOL! What an awesome experience for you! Thanks for sharing it in photos!

Jen said...

I can't think of anyone better to be a spokesperson for a log home than You! Good luck.

Anonymous said...

Lots of work, but now I want a log cabin! They're so rustic & beautiful!

rosemarie said...

thats alot of work..i would love to have a log cabin some day..im not so sure if i would want to drive that truck..lol

Cedar ... said...

Interesting! I noticed that the fellows with draw knives have eye/ear protection, but no chest plates. They are drawing a sharp knife toward their chest,.. at a local museum it was demonstrated using a shingle hung around the neck. Surely there must be a modern version to protect them. I'm going to check out that company. I always wanted a log home, but my X didn't ... so we didn't get one. I haven't given up yet! :)

April said...

Such an interesting process, Shelley! Wishing you the very best!

Madison said...

Wow cool!!! When I was in NC there were log home businesses EVERYWHERE!!! I love log homes!!!

Sandi Keene said...

So interesting, Shelley! Can't believe they did not let you volunteer with the process - spoil sports!

Leedra said...

Very interesting tour I am sure.

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Anonymous said...

What a neat experience you had. I would find something like that very interesting too. It would make me think about how people used to build their log cabins and all of the work they had to do. I wouldn't mind giving that truck a whirl :>)

Judy said...

OK hot rod Shelley. Now you have shown us your wild side!!

Rural Rambler said...

Found the pictures and your informative narration very interesting. Hope to see some more. Good luck on this newer path, no doubt that you will do great!

Juanita said...

Wow! Love that wood! Have a blessed day!
Juanita

Anonymous said...

I bet the aroma from the logs was wonderful!

grammy said...

What fun photos to let us know how it is done. I am sure you are going to love being involved in this business.

Madison said...

I did have a great time and I am sure your step son would love that!!!

Judy said...

Hi Shelly, I just posted a picture of the cookbook. I hope you can find it. I know you'll be as crazy about it as I am.

Catherine Holman said...

I love the smell of fresh cut wood! I would have been in hog heaven. Thanks for your sweet comment on our cat.
Hugs,
Cathie

Lisa said...

Wow, that is cool!

Denise said...

LOL! Looks like you had a very fun and interesting time! I don't know about drving the truck though!!

XXDenise