Rustic Woodworking Blog

Log Deer - See The Herd

2011-11-04T10:04:00.002-05:00

There are still a few Log Deer left, bucks and does.

Order soon before they're all gone.

To see how many are left, click the following link:

www.RusticWoodworking.com

Primative Cedar Weather Sticks

2011-11-04T09:48:00.000-05:00

These primitive cedar Weather Sticks, made by the folks on Davis Hill, accurately predict what the weather is doing. They will point up toward the sky when the weather is good, and down toward the ground when the weather is not so good.

Simply mount it outside under an eve, or by a window so that you can see if from inside of the house. A brass nail is provided.

You can order them below, or go to my website, Rustic Woodworking, for more information, or for other rustic wood products.

Order Weather Sticks Here:
$8.45 each. Discounts apply if more than one stick is ordered.

View Cart/Checkout

Customer Photos

2011-11-04T09:38:00.000-05:00

I was happy to receive these photos from Kyle S. With his permission I have posted them below for others to see his great work, and what is possible when using our E-Z Tenon Cutter.

Updated Rustic Woodworking Website

2011-08-05T09:40:00.000-05:00

www.rusticwoodworking.com

Finally, after many weeks of trial and error, I have finished updating my website. There are a few minor coding errors, but I think I can fix those.

What's so new about it?

New logo design
New background log image
New products
New shopping cart system

Now customers can purchase any quantity they want (up to the quantity I have available) instead of pre-packaged quantities.
Shipping costs will now be calculated before you check out. The shipping is calculated in real-time directly from USPS according to product weight.

Please take a moment to check out my updated website and let me know if you experience any problems.

Thanks,

Sandy

Birch Bark Is In!

2011-05-01T13:01:00.000-05:00

Spring 2011 Birch Bark Is In!

I now have a whole trailer load of freshly peeled birch bark for sale.

I still have to sort through it get it all organized. Lots of large sheets. Please go to the website to see any Birch Bark updates.

Also, I will soon be offering large basswood slices. These logs are so big I had to buy a hoist to get them up on the saw table because I can't lift them up. Also have some large poplar logs to cut up. Both of those wood types are light in color and weight, and have a consistent wood grain which is great for wood burning pen projects.

Also don't forget to check out the E-Z Tenon Cutter for those of you who build your own log furniture. It is an amazing tool that adjusts to cut 1" up to 2.5" diameter tenons at the ends of logs and branches. We will soon be offering a counter-sink bit to fit the 45-degree cut. This will drastically improve the strength of your wood joints. Check out the website periodically to see if they are in yet.

Take care for now!

Sandy

Phone Orders

2011-03-06T14:49:00.000-06:00


PHONE ORDERS

Just wanted to report that I can now accept phone orders for my wood products and for the E-Z Tenon Cutter.

I have had several customers mention that they did not want to place any type of order over the internet using their credit card. I am using this on a trial basis. If there is not enough demand to cover the monthly fees, I will cancel it.

Since I am only in the office certain days of the week, please see my contact page for specific hours.

Droid 2 Desktop Cradle - Universal For All Smartphones

2010-12-18T11:13:00.000-06:00

Here is my latest idea of what to do with the ends of logs and branches after I am done cutting log slices.

I had to make one for myself, so I figured other people might want one also. I searched and searched the internet for a heavy-duty cell phone holder for my desktop when tethering to my PC. I bought a plastic holder, and it tips over. I bought a media desktop stand, which has a magnet on the back and activates the media center, which I don't need or want. I just wanted a holder for my desktop. So I made one. Let me know if you want one too. I have other ideas in mind for different designs, but this is what I cut so far. Check back later for more options.

Droid 2 in horizontal position. Add a magnet to access Media mode.

A simple carpet tack will be included so that you can secure your USP cord to the cradle to fit your phone. I will include several tacks so that you can personalize your stand. By tacking the cord to the wood, and then plugging in your phone, it secures the phone so that it doesn't fall off the stand if bumped.

Droid 2 in Vertical position. Elm wood.

Tall stand made from Poplar wood. I wanted to bring the phone up and away from the PC to minimize signal interferences.

Winter Is Almost Here

2010-11-12T08:51:00.001-06:00

Sawyer cutting up 10 large pine logs into 1" thick boards

It is November 12, 2010, and we are expecting our first measurable snowfall this coming week.

With plenty for me to still get done outside, I am a little behind on updating my website and this blog. I still have to finish insulating the ceiling of the new shop so that I can work in their comfortably during the winter. Then I have to move my new logs into the shop, build a new jig table for the new saw, and start slicing and dicing up wood slices.

I had a sawyer cut up the big pine logs that were cut down last summer to clear the land for the new shop. This has occupied a lot of my time, and for the last two days solid I have been stacking the wood so that it dries. I still have the slab-wood to deal with, as some of it will be for sale, and some will be given away. This project has really caused a delay in finalizing the shop and cutting wood rounds, but it simply had to be done, or the logs would have just gone to waste.

Everyone's patience is greatly appreciated. Please check my website for updated products.

Don't forget, I have the E-Z Tenon cutter available for those of you who want to start building your own log furniture.

New Wood - You're going to love it!

2010-08-13T00:19:00.000-05:00

A new shipment of wood came in this week. Now I have Black Ash, Elm, more Balmagilead,
and some pine. I am also trying out some Oak to see if I can keep that from cracking. It is gorgeous.
I have done some slicing and dicing. Since the wood is green everything is getting treated with Pentacryl.
Here's a couple of pictures of my drying rack.
Thanks for stopping by.

Wood Slicer Invention

2010-06-19T08:21:00.000-05:00

After months and months of engineering, then trials and errors, and some additions to the burn pile, I have completed the new jig that will easily make cross-cuts of logs on my vertical band saw. I would love to post a photo of my new "invention", but sure as hell somebody will steal my idea. I'll keep it to myself for now.

What this new "invention" will do is allow me to make more wood slices, and very accurate slices, and I won't have to worry about cutting a finger off.

Rustic Log Furniture Instruction Books

2010-05-24T09:51:00.001-05:00

Here are some books to help get you started building your own rustic log furniture.

Build Your Own Log Furniture (printed book)
Ten great projects you can build for fun or profit! Includes detailed instructions, photos/illustrations and cut lists. Comprehensive look at log furniture and tools of yesterday and today! Softcover book by Les Smith and Dan Swesey. 156 pages.

Log Bed Plans (Instant Download E-Book)
Written by an engineer, avoid all of the mistakes and guesswork of building your own log bed from scratch.

E-Z Log Tenon Cutter Update - FREE ACCESSORIES

2010-05-24T09:08:00.000-05:00

For a limited time, I am including two free hex keys and a 3/8" brad point drill bit for FREE if you order the E-Z Tenon Cutter:

1 - hex key to adjust tenon diameter size
1 - hex key for blade replacement and installation (two blades are included with cutter - more blades available if needed).
1 - 3/8" brad point drill bit to drill pilot holes

Get started building rustic log furniture today!

New Product - E-Z Log Tenon Cutter

2010-04-18T22:46:00.000-05:00

The E-Z Log Tenon Cutter is an adjustable tenon cutter, so there is no need to buy several different sized tools to cut log tenons. It will adjust to cut 1" up to 2.5" tenons at the ends of logs and branches. Made from hardened aluminum and steel, it cuts through the log using a single blade, and comes with a spare blade which is stored on one of the arms.

Wood Slices Bargain Bin

2010-04-17T15:01:00.000-05:00

I have just posted some miscellaneous wood slices on the website for sale.
Click here

More Slices

2010-03-17T22:54:00.002-05:00

While I was moving more stuff into the new shop, I found a few more boxes of wood slices. I will post some pictures on the "for sale" page on the website as soon as I can.

Odds and Ends

2010-02-25T09:12:00.006-06:00

I found a few odds and ends in the old shop while moving stuff over to the new one.
Somebody might be interested in these, and I will post them shortly
on the "for sale" page.

Pictures February 22, 2010

2010-02-22T16:31:00.005-06:00

See how far away the house is from the new shop?

In the shade. Lots of snow on the roof yet.

A big chunk of ice fell off the roof today. I thought the house was falling down. All the deer in the driveway scattered.

Website Update

2010-02-20T17:32:00.001-06:00

I just posted a new production update on the wood parts page.
Look in the right column. Here's the link: http://rusticwoodworking.com/twigpieces.htm

Future Pricing Structure For Custom Wood Parts

2010-02-18T09:31:00.004-06:00

One of the hardest things for me, when structuring Rustic Woodworking, was to determine a fair and lucrative pricing structure for my wood products. There definitely has been a learning curve for me. More times than not, I have responded to a custom quote request with a per-piece price, which resulted in a total loosing proposition for me. That simply will not continue. I have searched my competitors websites, and my pricing is drastically less than what they charge.

I try hard to provide accurate lead-times, but if one order takes longer to process than anticipated, all the following orders are affected, which has frustrated some of my customers. With my new trucking schedule, I will have more time to devote to my business, my new shop, and custom orders.

I will be working on a new pricing structure for my custom cut wood products.

I have a good idea of what sizes and species of wood are in high demand, and I will be pre-cutting as much inventory as I can so they can be ordered directly off of my Rustic Woodworking website.

Here is a list of my thoughts so far (let me know what you think).

Large quantity orders will have priority after in-process orders are compleeted. Quantity will be a factor, and still to be determined.
Even though I try to satisfy all customers, lack of planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on my end. All rush orders will be evaluated to see if I can do it without significantly affecting current orders in process. There may be an extra Rush Order fee, depending on what you are ordering and when you need it. For example, if I have a supply on hand of the cut wood slices you need, and just need to sand them, or drill a hole, I might be able to get it out to you without really affecting other customers.
Wood slices will be available for immediate purchase on the website soon. Please plan your branding and customization accordingly.
Diameters of wood slices will not be so specific. For example, if you order a bunch of 1" slices, you may actually receive up to 2" in diameter. If you order 3" slices, you may receive 2.5" up to 4" in diameter. I will make updates on the website for this.
Log and branch poles and sticks will be sold by linear feet per diameter. I am still working on the calculations.
Pricing will be based on rough-cuts. Additional fees will apply for sanding, treating, and hole drilling, etc. I have been selling small birch slices for 50 to 70 cents per slice. My competitors are selling the same product for $1.50 to $5.75 per slice. They do not offer additional services.
Almost all of my customers want the bark to stay on the wood slices. Nature takes it's course, and that's almost impossible for some types of wood. In order for me to keep an inventory of wood slices that retain bark, I simply must treat them with Pentacryl.
I will be offering many miss-cuts and bark-off slices at a substantial discount, but there will not be an option for additional sanding, holes, etc. Those will be sold per USPS flat rate box so that I can determine shipping.For wedding table center piece slices, and because I realize that newly weds are on a budget, I will be offering slices specific to that use at a rough-cut price. I use a lumber cutting band saw to cut these slices. I am able to cut slices up to 16" in diameter with a fairly smooth cut compared to a chain saw cut. Because I try to cut logs cross-grain, instead of the conventional lumber type cut, an extra clamping system has to be built for safety and accuracy. Please check back here for updates.
Mosaic parts will be sold per box. Too hard to count.
SHIPPING:

I cannot quote a price for shipping unless the wood I ship USPS (United States Postal Service)is pre-determined. If your order fits into one of their Flat Rate boxes, that is how it will be shipped. Most of the times a 100 slice order, 1/2 slice, fits into a Large flat rate box. 100 slices cut ats 1" won't fit, and I have to use Parcel Post. In comparison, if the order is substantially less than a flat rate box, it is cheaper to send it Parcel Post. Parcel Post requires weight, dimensions, and destination information, and every package is different. If your order will not fit into a USPS Flat Rate box, there will be an extra charge for the boxes and shipping material I provide to ship your order, and an extra handling fee because USPS will not pick up a Parcel Post box. Shipping materials, like boxes, are not included in my pricing structure.

Thank you for viewing this blog. If you have any comments or suggestions, please send me an email. Contact information is available on my website, or click here. If you add yourself as a follower to this blog, I believe you receive updates by email, but I'm not totally sure about that.

Sandy

New Schedule

2010-02-18T09:22:00.002-06:00

Effective in early March 2010, my trucking schedule will be changing and I will have more time to devote to the new shop and cutting wood orders. Look here for further updates. Thank you.
Sandy

New Shop Update.....Class 5?

2009-10-24T13:43:00.007-05:00

CLASS 5?

Well, the electrician finished up yesterday. Now I just have a few final touches to do like pound in the grounding rod, get switch plate covers, and clean up. Then I can start building a workbench and some shelves and cabinets. I am reluctant to move in my machinery because of the MUCK problem.

It cost $230 for this mess. I am furious.

I thought I would be neighborly and buy the dirt from the guy down the street, Benji Dearborn. When he said he hasn't had any work all summer I should have thought more about that statement.

Not only is it NOT class 5, he has a created a bigger problem for me, as some of the binder is setting up and it's nearly impossible to get a shovel into the side of the garage that I need to slope down so that the pool of water can drain down.

I don't have big toys or machinery to do this. Just my shovel, rake and my own muscle power. Benji came out, per my request, to view the situation. He told me that he did exactly what I said I wanted. He called back later to say that he could get an auger and drill a hole for the water, which told me all I needed to know.

There is somewhat of an urgency here, because the ground will be freezing solid soon, and it will be too late to fix it this year. Then I will REALLY have a mess in the spring. I realize I have to install some gutters on the front of the garage to direct some of the water away from the front of the garage, but there's only so much time in the day.

I really need to get my saws and tools into the new garage and start filling orders. I am really behind. I cannot afford to spend another weekend moving dirt. It kills me that I had to pay for this mess.

What do you guys think?

Thanks,

Sandy

New Shop

2009-10-08T07:00:00.003-05:00

The builders finished the new shop last Saturday. We will be installing the electric this weekend. Just wanted to add a picture of what we have so far. Then, when the ground dries up a little I will have some gravel hauled in. I'll keep ya posted!

The Excavators Will Be Here Soon

2009-09-08T01:54:00.001-05:00

Well, I finished logging my land and the excavators should be here today or tomorrow, September 10, 2009. After that it will only be about a week before the building is constructed. Then a little more time to get the electricity hooked up and installed. Then there will be painting the exterior, sealing the cement slab, and moving all the machines to the new shop. Check back for updates and pictures.

Clearing Land is Hard Work!

2009-08-26T22:15:00.002-05:00

Building a new shop. Clearing land. Simple, right?

I suppose most people clear land and just get rid of the trees and branches, or the contractor just hauls all that stuff away, or throws it through a mulcher.

NOT ME!

Every tree and branch, every curve, knot, and all the cool characters of wood, is something that is truly unique.

I see things to make, future projects, slices, wood parts. This is gold!

It is taking me longer than anticipated, but you will love the results.

Rain delayed me a week, one big pine tree dropped over a power line, I had a drunk driver broadside my semi-truck, but other than that, life's good.

I hope that people realize that I love working with wood, and I have high hopes of really getting Rustic Woodworking off and running. That's why I am building a new shop.

Free Ebook - How To Make Bird Houses From Logs

2009-08-23T15:03:00.003-05:00

Don't forget, you can download my free e-book to learn how to make bird houses from hollow logs. It's the natural solution, look great, and last a long time.

Click here to go to the download page.

Website Updates

2009-08-23T01:28:00.002-05:00

I just took a bunch of pictures of the wood slices that I have available.
I am reducing the picture size to put on the web. Then I have to make a Pay Pal button. I'm trying the best I can...check back.......

Reset Blog

2009-08-20T11:14:00.002-05:00

I just realized that I had some very old posts on here. I deleted them all. If you are interested in viewing the wood pellet stove broken tile hearth project, you can view on You Tube.

I apologize for not keeping up with custom orders right now. It is important for me to log some land in order to build a new workshop so that I can continue working throughout the winter. Winter comes early in Minnesota. I have totally outgrown my old garage, and need to move my machines and tools into the new workshop.

I tried to use Twitter here, but they seem to go down a lot, and I always seem to need to say more than 150 words anyway, so I'll do this blog. Check back later.