29 06, 2019

An excellent source of stone

2019-06-29T09:45:43+00:00

IMG_1387

It was a simpler time.
I can’t help but look at each of these individuals and ponder their lives.
And. as a builder. my eye is eventually drawn towards the stone chimney that stands proud on the end of this cabin. I’ve come to expect horizontal stones on old chimneys… as that is the only way a chimney can stand without the aid of cement binding it together, but chimneys with well defined layers, like this is one, is somewhat uncommon… it requires a supply of stone each of the same thickness, and stones that are easily shaped.  I’m jealous.

Originally posted 2015-12-31 10:54:54.

An excellent source of stone2019-06-29T09:45:43+00:00
29 06, 2019

How not to repair a leaning chimney

2019-06-29T09:45:03+00:00

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Here we have an old cabin with wide hewn logs.
Unfortunately, the chimney appears to be “on the move” (likely do to a combination of an improperly built footer under the chimney and poor drainage around the cabin).
There is a sign near the front door that states that this cabin is the property of the US government which I suppose explains the useless attempt to hold the chimney in place by nailing a few 2×4’s around it.
This chimney could quite possibly be lifted back into place and properly stabilized by professionals.

Originally posted 2015-12-12 14:42:10.

How not to repair a leaning chimney2019-06-29T09:45:03+00:00
29 06, 2019

A most curious cabin

2019-06-29T09:44:49+00:00

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A stone chimney could have been built as easily, and as quickly, as it must have taken to notch all the logs to create this wood chimney… the only reason I can think of to do this would have been the lack of access to good stone or access to mortar for bad stone.

Originally posted 2015-12-08 16:15:21.

A most curious cabin2019-06-29T09:44:49+00:00
29 06, 2019

“Stoneplay”

2019-06-29T09:43:36+00:00

The house that once stood nearby is just a memory… if that… but the legacy of the mason goes on.
Just look at how tall she is!
All that work… the lifting and precise setting of all of those stones… just to get the smoke and sparks up and out of the house.
And yet, a monument was created.
Stone is a gorgeous material to build with… not to mention being functional, and enduring.
Looking for a hobby? a trade? a creative outlet? or all valued skill?
Consider stonework.
Maybe… it should be thought of as “stoneplay”.

Originally posted 2015-11-11 14:20:45.

“Stoneplay”2019-06-29T09:43:36+00:00
29 06, 2019

Logs and stone

2019-06-29T09:43:06+00:00

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This is what people build when they have a wooded parcel of land, stones free for the gathering, and limited selection of hand tools.

Originally posted 2015-11-01 15:51:48.

Logs and stone2019-06-29T09:43:06+00:00
29 06, 2019

A stone chimney without a smoke shelf

2019-06-29T09:42:59+00:00

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A big beautiful stone fireplace.
Notice how much light is coming down the fireplace?
A common feature in old fireplaces where that many were just a straight shot up from the fire to the top of the chimney.
Of course that made it easy on Old Saint Nick to pay a visit.
But, without a damper and smoke shelf, these old fireplaces would on occasion fill the home with smoke when the wind changed directions the wrong way.

smoke shelf

Here’s the proper way to build a chimney.

Originally posted 2015-10-30 18:16:04.

A stone chimney without a smoke shelf2019-06-29T09:42:59+00:00
29 06, 2019

A wide chimney = a cooking fireplace

2019-06-29T09:42:14+00:00

loghouse2

Of course we know why this wonderful stone chimney is SO wide (she must be ten feet wide at the base, rather than the standard six feet)… I imagine that there is one impressive cooking fireplace on the inside of this cabin!

Originally posted 2015-10-17 12:56:38.

A wide chimney = a cooking fireplace2019-06-29T09:42:14+00:00

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