LUMBERING: lum·ber·ing Moving ponderously. Heaping together in disorder. Cutting logs for lumber.
SHENANIGANS: she·nan·i·gans High-spirited or mischievous activity. Synonyms: rascality, roguery, waggery.
In 2019 I embarked on an adventure that would change my life. I ditched the rat-race, cashed in my savings, and bought a forest in America’s spectacular and verdant Pacific Northwest.
My plan is devote all my spare time over the next few years to projects like off-grid cabin building, creating hiking trails and campsites, and general land steward projects, as I transition this once neglected woodland into to a sustainable off grid homestead.
This journey wouldn’t be possible without the dozens of RU-vidrs who’s channels have inspired and empowered me. So I’ve decided to do my best to give back to the community and share my own adventures on this channel I call Lumbering Shenanigans.
If you relocate the pump than at the same time if you continue to hang it vertically than face the pump head to the ground, the reason is so that if the head leaks internally than the water will not enter the motor. Stay clean, Cheers!
Thank you for this video! Your property is beautiful, do you have a 2024 update on the machine? Was any of the wood "green"? Curious how it does with fresh branches, also curious what you think of the top shredder? Have you ever tried shredding your compost pile?
Thank you 🙏. I actually filmed a new video about two weeks ago and this little guy made a cameo, started easily, chipped wonderfully, and that was after being left outside under a tarp all winter. So it’s still going strong. - I’d say green wood is easier to feed and chip than seasoned wood and the chips are a little cleaner with less dust. - Top shredder isn’t something I’ve had a need for, I just don’t need to do that kind of yard work and leaf clean up or mulching, but it seems to shred as expected. Thanks for watching!
Hello sir! great work and thanks for the inspiration. What is the white tape/sealant you used to cushion the windows in the frame? I can't see to find it. Thank you!!
Oh it’s just 1/8th inch foam weather stripping (amzn.to/45MOsql - sponsored link) - I wanted a nice clean seal with a little wiggle room for potential structural movement/settling. And I didn’t want to use caulk or putty which felt a bit daunting for my first time doing a project like this. Since these particular windows are completely protected from rain it seemed like a good solution.
@@lumberingshenanigans I see. Two of my three windows will be exposed to the weather on the bottom, should I consider putty or caulk instead? Thanks a bunch!
😂 yup, you would definitely not be the first person to use hand tools to make something out of wood. Fun fact, while carpentry has been around for 780,000 years according to archaeologists, the hand saw wasn’t invented until about 3,500 years ago, power tools started appearing in the early 1800s with the first electric drill in 1889, and the first electric miter saw wasn’t released until 1966.
For sure there are many gauge options. And you could make a few for different uses. In my case, in a wild forest setting, I’m only looking to separate sticks, twigs, roots and bigger stuff to quickly make the soil a bit more even. Thanks for watching. :)
Question: Are you finding the dual valves on the shower useful? Since the heater has temp/flow control, would a single valve shower been easier? Thanks!
Are you talking about a mixer valve? I've never seen a shower with an actual single source valve, but wouldn't have chosen one if they exist. The choice to use hot only, cold only, or to set the temp on the fly was why I chose the separate valve version. Plus I like the look of the basic industrial style plumbing.
@@lumberingshenanigans I'm talking about something like the Dundalk Economy Shower. Do you think a single supply through a camp heater like yours will be too weak? Heater spec is 1.32gpm.
@obstruksion The heater I have is a full-size heater not a camp heater, it and my pump could definitely supply enough water, but the idea of having no control over temperature while I’m in the shower seems like a major negative. I lived with a tankless heater in my house for about a decade and did manage to get the temperature dialed in to my personal preference eventually, but there were still times when I wanted it hotter or cooler… and that’s just me. If you’re catering to several different people, at different times of the year, then running a dual feed would definitely be my choice.
@@lumberingshenanigans I was planning to mount the camp heater (with controls) outside and within reach of the user. I have a cover for it when not in use. If I were to mount it inside away from the shower, I would certainly agree with you. Thanks for all the advice!
@obstruksion oh for sure, there are camp heaters specifically meant for that, the dial on the until does essentially the same thing as a hot/cold mixer tap while saving propane (or electricity) by reducing the temp of the hot water itself. It’s a good solution for that kind of setup. If I were starting from scratch that might have been my choice too. But I was gifted this structure, and the heater. I could probably have built three showers like the one you’re describing for the cost and time of building this one. 😂
I’m in the planning phase for a boardwalk and I never thought about this problem. As obvious as it seems, it didn’t even dawn on me. Thanks for making me aware and let me know if you solved the challenge of grass growing between your treads. All the best.
Glad someone learned from my mistake. I haven’t solved it yet, but the solution would almost certainly be to staple weed barrier fabric to the underside. In my case though, I’m not sure that will be enough. This grass is epic.
@@lumberingshenanigansI’m now thinking about renting a dingo for the day and shaving off the top layer down to dirt. My area is not wetlands. So get down to dirt, then as you suggest; put down some roundup perhaps then a weed barrier.
Pretty amazing craftsmanship. You don't show how you're getting your angled measurements for cutting. I'm assuming you're marking the wood by laying it on the glass. Yes, I'm ignorant of real woodworking, thus the rather dumb question.
Oh thank you. I’m definitely not a carpenter either. So… gosh it’s been a while, but by the time I made the frames I’d measured those angles several times during the build, and most accurately when it came time to order the custom cut glass. So I have a few tools for measuring angles, but mostly I use a digital protractor like this: amzn.to/3V57Da1 (affiliate link) - But I don’t think I was using the glass as a guide, I would have used the cabin itself as a guide, as a final foolproof check, while allowing a little bit of a gap for movement and expansion etc. I hope that helps. It was a nerve wracking project that ended up being less difficult than I was expecting.
I'm currently weighing the options of buying a homeowner-sized chipper, but most of what I'm seeing online makes me want to shy away from anything that costs less than $3K. Yours if the best review of a smaller chipper that actually takes into consideration the size and feed rate of the machine. The end result is, if you treat the machine for what it is and don't expect it to be a commercial 10" chipper, it will be an effective and cost efficient tool. Thank you so much for taking the time to make the video. I believe that you've changed my mind for the better.
Thank you. I’m glad the video helped. I recently had a conversation with a friend about chipper capacity. One thing that came up was to think of the stated capacity like the top speed on a car… sure your car might be able to go 150 miles an hour, but it probably won’t do it for long if you drive that fast all the time, and if you do you’re definitely asking for an accident. Safer not to test the limits.
Thank you for this video! I just finished making mine and also after a few shakes, I had to pause haha. Mine was 12x24 since that was the size of the screen material and I didn't want to cut it. I ended up placing the sifter on top of my planter and just used gloves to sift the soil through! Arms are very sore today :).
I stand by it. For the cost, it’s exactly what I needed. Is it perfect? No. Is it as powerful as a machine three times its price? No. But I’ve had no issues with it beyond what I discussed in this video, and it fits my needs and my budget. About to head into my third spring using it and I don’t anticipate any issues.
Love the video,. Compelled me to purchase a chipper/shredder for my property. I was intrigued by your brush axe. May I ask what brand it is? Or perhaps an Amazon link. Thanks a bunch.
Hi, thanks, I'm glad it was helpful. The Brush Axe I use here (and in many videos) is my favorite outdoor tool of all, this exact model I bought 15 years ago isn't made anymore, but the new version is here: amzn.to/3LF6elS - It's concept of combining a hooked pull-knife, a nicely weighted chopping tool, with a blunt hammer style tip is very useful in the forest. It’s based on the Woodman's Pal: amzn.to/42vTLaY which is a WWII era design and is still made in the USA today, but is considerably more costly. I do own a Woodman's Pal, but I prefer the lighter stainless steel Elk Ridge version as my everyday carry. These links are Amazon affiliate links, purchases made through these links may result in a small contribution to the channel at no additional cost to you. Thank you.
I’ve found pictures of dead hedges on Pinterest and it’s been on my mind forever to make some. I have an abundant supply of common buckthorn that needs removing and it would be more useful as a fence rather than waiting for it to get dry enough to burn. I also have deer entering my orchard and nibbling on my fruit trees. I’m thinking of making a very wide one so they can’t jump it.
That’s a great idea. I always pile extra branches and logs on the outside of fences to dissuade deer from trying to jump even a 6-8ft fence. Plus it’s a great way to create habitat and sequester carbon. 👏
That’s a great suggestion for a garden or micro-farm setting, but I have a feeling my canopy is too dense for them to compete with the blackberries. And if they might thrive, I would be hesitant to introduce a potentially invasive self propagating species into such a wild setting. There are some horror stories of holly and bamboo invasions in the area and I don’t want to be that guy. 😏 So dead hedges are probably a safer option in my setting.
Great video, and a good 'proof for purchase' on the unit. As for your top heavy issues, if you want to keep the top hopper, perhaps look at extending the wheel mounts 8" - 10.' If your trails allow, that would really help with stability. 👍Carry on -
Good idea! I’ve been thinking about adding wheel weights also, like I have on my BCS two wheel tractor. Just bolting a couple of 10lb gym plates on each wheel would make a huge difference I think.
It’s funny, I did a whole video (never posted) about how pallet wood mostly isn’t great, but “dunnage” wood can be an excellent source of good free lumber, even treated 2x4s etc. It’s the wood that lumber yards receive between and on top of pallet loads from lumber mills, used to protect the stock. Usually free if you ask. No nails. No dismantling. Just free lumber in 3-4ft lengths. I made my wooden doormat with them in a very early video.
This was my first time using pulleys. Ever. So I was in no position to be teaching anyone how to do it. But there are dozens of extremely detailed how to videos on here if you look. Good luck!
Hello Mate thanks for sharing. I have a very similar set up for my cabin and a couple of suggestions, I would put a fireproof backer board behind the hot water heater. Something made a nest in ours which created a scary flame out. Also would put in some sort of drain at the lowest point for quicker winterization.
Two very good suggestions! For drainage I unscrew the filter (which is at the lowest point) open all the faucets, and everything drains easily. I’d like to do an air blast too, but I don’t have a compressor.
You’re impressive! Very thorough in the details, and your directness in chipping those branches stood out for me. I’m a recent widower (woman) in my early 60’s, living on 4 acres outside of Phoenix, Arizona. I have no intention on moving, so I need to maintain all the mesquite, palo verde, and pine trees on the property. I have piles of tree limbs, and dead trees that need shredding right now. What is your opinion, and advice, on a woman using the OPC533? Oh, the limbs have thorns!
I know women older than me who could outpace me on this rig, and I know men half my age who’d be hopeless. It’s all up to you, good gloves, don’t rush, and get it done before the branches become hard and brittle. Or check out my dead-hedging video, that’s another way to “get rid of” unwanted branches and stuff.
Thank you for your video it was very helpful. I just received my chipper yesterday and can't wait to use it. One question are you using the kohler 10w50 synthetic oil on yours or do you use 10w 30?
The BEST fatwood does. Even different pine types have different levels of goodness. But any resin rich evergreen will produce resin rich wood at stumps and joints. Same way Sugar Maple has the BEST syrup, but any Maple (Acer), and many other species can also be tapped for syrup. Hickory, Birch, etc.
I honestly don’t know. A lot of this shower was built around hand-me-downs, including the structure and the heater. But I probably spent $200 on electrical, maybe $500 on pump, filter, plumbing and fittings. That’s a guess though.
I'm curious to know why you have the inline expansion tank. I run my shower off a Seaflow pump without the tank with no issues, so want to know what the advantage is?
In theory it’s supposed to reduce the cycle frequency and wear on the pump, provide a more consistent and predictable pressure, and reduce noise. But it’s one of those things, I read about it and went for it without really knowing if it was necessary in my setup, so it may be overkill. 😏 As a side note, I originally started reading up on them when I was designing an irrigation system, most irrigation timers require pressure to open the valve, and pumps need a pressure drop to know when to start and stop, so without a tank maintaining pressure the system won’t function. Catch 22.
Sure, it’s a very simple setup. One panel, one 12v 100Ah battery, and a super cheap controller. Renogy has the kit for $99 (minus battery) Affiliate link: amzn.to/4cgeAfZ
A little tip for your posts, if you shamfer the tops(the smacky cmacky end) slightly, it stops the post tops splitting so bad when you melt them with the knocking stick. Also, if possible, make yourself a Holly Beadle, rather than using a metal sledge hammer. Way more effective for knocking in and cheaper, lol. I love that you've had the balls to ditch the rat race and spread your wings. I wish you every success in your venture.
Thank you! Some very solid advice on both counts. And since I already have that staking tool, doing a little chamfer would have been super easy. Next time for sure! 👍
Hey thanks for watching. I’m not sure, I think the number of blades vs strength of the motor vs the angle of the blades all worth together and affect airflow in a delicate balance only an engineer can figure out. I’ve seen five and six blade fans, bigger and smaller fans, double header fan. I assume fundamentally there’s a limit to how much air can be moved by the energy created by the heat of the stove. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Thanks! Glad you found it useful. Before you head to the store, check out my follow up video after the first winterization. I upgraded the filter to a 1 micron carbon filter. Thanks for watching!
Thanks for sharing. If anyone else wants to check out the video @kiaya007 is talking about it's this one: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-hVTf_31NwqA.htmlsi=uoJVmwhwqmCQnAYr - it's definitely a simpler option if you want to just throw something quick together out of 2x4s. There's nothing revolutionary about a wooden frame with a wire mesh stapled to it, and you can do it however you like. I expect mine will last a little longer than Joe's, but then again... his is simple enough you can just make a new one every year or two. Thanks for the recommendation! And thanks for watching. :)
LOL I was in the woods yesterday doing the same thing! My tree was a Larch that I cut two years ago for carving spoons but found it was too resinous for spoonwood. I cut the limb sections away like you. Near the top I cut one limb hatchet handle length and bucked down throught the log both sides of the stub to make a commander. This is just a little wooden maul to use to whack the hatchet. I switched from my limbing hatchet to a coarse wedge splitter and a tap with the wooden maul easily splits the fatwood without damaging my hatchet head or risking flying metal pieces. On the way out of the woods I got some Chaga for a nice cup of tea after all that work. Shout out from Nova Scotia!
Sounds like you’re much more resourceful than I am. Good job finding Chaga, I don’t think we get that over here in the PNW. Thanks for watching and commenting. 🪓
