Salvage work is messy and dangerous.
But out of all the chaos that comes with it, a timber-frame structure emerged, and it was like no other. This pine frame had posts and beams as large as any barn, but there were many more timbers here than found in any barn… she was more like a house frame… one that was on steroids.
And, look at all that bracing! Top and bottom bracing. She was as solid as a rock, even without her siding… after nearly 200 years.
A Mill has to be built strong, very strong… not only do they have to bear the weight of all that equipment and flour, but they need to hold together from all the vibrations associated with large wheels, gears, belts, and stones, all turning.
I wonder how long a structure built out of today’s glued wood-chip framing would hold up under similar strains? I doubt long, certainly not for centuries.
Originally posted 2015-04-23 11:54:48.