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General Forestry => General Board => Topic started by: sprucebunny on October 16, 2005, 07:45:56 AM

Title: Hearths
Post by: sprucebunny on October 16, 2005, 07:45:56 AM
With the jump in oil prices lots of people are  building hearths and installing woodstoves. Of course, lots of our members had them already or have outdoor boilers.

I built an addition to my house about 4 years ago so that the poor rusty old backhoe would have a roof and in the leftover space I planned to put a woodstove. The room has been filling up with rocks all this time and I've been dreading actually building the hearth cause I want it to be stunning but I have no idea what I'm doing when it comes to masonry work. Also it's not my first project with free rocks and I have a tough time getting them in just the right arrangement  ::)

This is what I started with.

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/11412/jmhearthstartOP.jpg)

Did you build a hearth recently ??? What's it made of ?
Do you have a warm air circulation system of any sort ?

Let's see some pictures of your hearth ;D
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: Norm on October 16, 2005, 08:55:48 AM
Looking forward to seeing your project Joan. I've been working off and on finishing out ours.

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10427/fire%201.JPG)

The bottom is granite and the sides are honey locust, I've got a huge red oak beam that Patty has been working on putting a finish coat on. As soon as our worthless concrete guy gets some cement down so there's not so much dust around we should get a last coat of poly on.

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10427/mantle.JPG)
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: Paul_H on October 16, 2005, 09:10:30 AM
The hearth is looking good Norm.I think this could be a great thread.

SB
You've got your work cut out for you,looking forward to seeing your progress.
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: Fraxinus on October 16, 2005, 01:39:14 PM
Sprucebunny, if you have time and are so inclined, go pay a visit to an old man in Easton by the name of Ellsworth Hubbard.  He lives on Paine Road.  He has the most stunning fireplace I've ever seen.  It has a replica of the Old Man of the Mountain, backlit.  I bet he'd be happy to talk to you and give you some pointers.  He and his wife are in their 80s and don't get out of the house hardly at all.  They love to have people come by to visit.
My father built a unique fireplace about 35 years ago out of rocks from all over the country that my mother collected on all of their various trips.  Between the mantle and the firebox is a mounted bear skull, recessed into the rocks.  The bear's jaw is  wired so that it can be moved and there is a 3/4" plastic pipe that runs from the back of the skull to the rear of the fireplace, out of sight of the casual observer.  When someone leans over to inspect the bear skull, another person can surreptitiously sneak around behind the fireplace and growl into the pipe and make the bear's jaw snap shut.  Fun to watch people's reaction.
Come on over some time and I'll take you up to mom's house and show it to you if you like.
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: Tom on October 16, 2005, 02:34:45 PM
Don't know much about fireplaces and hearths except that we had one and Charlie and I spent many enjoyable hours in front of it.   The fireplace was red brick and the hearth red, square, 4" ceramic tiles. 

What do I remember about it the most?   Well, Granddaddy would stand on the floor-level hearth, warming his hands and behind, and do a little tapping jig while he recited "Shave 'n a Haircut, two bits".

I guess, when it comes to remembrances, looks aren't everything. :)
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: SwampDonkey on October 16, 2005, 03:12:11 PM
 :D :D :D :D

Can remember my uncle complaining about freezing to death in front of his. ;D

Best of luck Sprucebunny with your project.  :)
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: sprucebunny on October 17, 2005, 06:44:20 AM
WOW , Norm and Patty  8) That's a beautiful hearth !!! I really like the window being near it.

Fraxinus - I sure wish I'd mentioned this sooner as I could have used some inspiration like you mention.The Old Man of the Mtn is a great idea .

I'm going to have to trade stunning for done ;D I just can't stand it anymore  ::) I've spent 7 days on it and only getting about 5 rocks stuck on a day because I spend so much time trying to get it just right. It's not in the living room, it's just a good place to put the woodstove and I have an air circulation scheme to keep the whole house heated. I hope.....

By "hearth" I was thinking woodstoves as much as fireplaces.
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: Patty on October 17, 2005, 07:25:23 AM
"Done" is huge!  At some point in time you just have to say, enough, just git r done!  I have reached that point on many projects, and usually I am the only one that sees the screw-ups. Show us photos of your project as it proceeds, I would love to see how it goes together, Joan.

I love stone used for hearths. We don't have one single rock on our whole farm. I envy those who can just go out and pick up stomes to use in their projects. My cousin built her whole fireplace and hearth from river rock....those smooth round stones. I think they look just awesome.
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: sprucebunny on October 17, 2005, 07:50:27 AM
OK, Patty ;D

Here is the floor part mostly done

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/11412/jmhearthfloorOP.jpg)

It sure ain't stunning  :D

I guess we are lucky to have all these rocks just lying around free for the picking up. I got started using them for things as a way to get rid of them and also to hide a couple of things but more keep following me home  ::) If anyone wants a bunch of flat rocks, I'm going to have some extras  :D
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: Teri on October 17, 2005, 07:55:18 AM

You're doing  great!  8)

Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: SwampDonkey on October 17, 2005, 08:15:28 AM
Patty, we've picked a mountain of rocks on these old farms here if ya want some. ;D  :D :D

Looking good sprucebunny, keep it up.  ;) 8)
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: Tom on October 17, 2005, 08:31:54 AM
Looks good to me too.  Put something in it that doesn't belong so thatyou have a conversation piece.  A coin or two or three works.  So does and old nail or hinge if you are really feeling humorous.  :)
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: Patty on October 17, 2005, 09:47:50 AM
Looks very nice, Joan, you are being too hard on yourself  :)  I can't wait to see the project as it moves forward.

We looked at those flat rocks before we built our fireplace, the shipping cost was unbelievable!  :o 
ended up buying granite from a place up in South Dakota.
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: Fraxinus on October 17, 2005, 12:24:51 PM
I have a flat rock, albeit not a very large one, in the shape of the state of NH.  I expect I will get inspired some day (if I live long enough) and put it somewhere where it can be appreciated. 
Do you have one in the shape of the state?  Shouldn't be that hard to find one.
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: ScottAR on October 17, 2005, 12:48:26 PM
No hearths but fun with rocks nonetheless...Maybe it will inspire these neat projects.

HarveyLacy.com (http://harveylacey.com/)
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: Bro. Noble on October 17, 2005, 02:40:28 PM
That is really nice looking rockwork,  SB.

All of our hearth rocks are shaped like states-------well,  like Colorado :-\

Actually they are fake rocks :-[  They go along with our plastic siding,  synthetic floorcoverings,  and imitation wood cabinets ::)

Well kick me off the forum if you think you must,  but I'm cheap and lazy and plan on getting old someday.  Actually I always new I'd get old some day,  but I never dreamed it would be this soon ::)

PS    I can look out my windows and see some trees and birds,  and real rocks  :D :D
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: mike_van on October 17, 2005, 02:52:56 PM
One of my projects was an after-thought of sorts. I built this retaining wall behind our house, the first one was of old poles 25 years ago. They don't last long that way, ants, etc.  This wall is over 80' long, up to 7' tall, it took me 5 or 6 years, I would get a section done every summer.  In the corner here, we had planned one of those waterfall things,  this idea came to me though & Mary Ann thought it was great.  Never made a fireplace before, so it was a challenge.  Its about 30" wide, 24" high, we cook on it a lot - and really enjoy just having a fire there too.  The wall is all broken blue stone - The stuff from N.Y state they use for patios, only a snapped edge shows, boy I got good at that after a while. Most of the pieces you can see are 2" wide, cement holds it all together, a few thousand bricks you can't see are behind it. Wish we could do larger pics - (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/11530/DCP01339xx.jpg)
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: beenthere on October 17, 2005, 03:15:08 PM
Mike
You can do larger pics, but the bytes in the larger pics are limited.
Not sure how to tell you, as it took me forever to finally find the software (that I already had available in several 'kinds') that will first let me size the pic I have to 375 x 375, and then to save it below the byte limit (I'm using one that came with my camera).
I suggest just keep playing with the different ones you might have that show images, and you will find the combination needed to make your pics bigger but stay within the byte limit.
Just hope this is encouraging rather than discouraging.  :)
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: Patty on October 17, 2005, 03:34:34 PM
Mike, your fireplace is beautiful. Blue Stone is what we were looking for to do ours in, but the shipping was prohibitve.   :-\
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: Vermonter on October 17, 2005, 03:36:15 PM
Fraxinus:  are you sure that rock isn't upside down?
sb; that looks great....
I built mine from some recycled chalkboards from an old school I renovated.  I had them cut down to 2' x 2' and 8" x 8".  I'll try to post some pics when I can.
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: mike_van on October 17, 2005, 03:48:04 PM
Patty. I trucked most of the stone from Fish's Eddy N.Y.,  a small town west of Monticello, maybe 2 1/2 hours from me.  There's a stone quarry there,  Tompkins Bluestone,  boy they had stone as far as you could see -  I bought what they called wall stone [good name, huh] it was about 60.00 for a 2 ton pallet.  The rest I got from all the local mason - stone supply places, they always have broken patio stone that got dropped, etc.  I'm going to miss working on that wall, I might have to start another on the other side of the garage. 
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: Murf on October 17, 2005, 04:25:53 PM
I would have rather had a stone fireplace at the house, but it was not to be.  ::)

Besides, it was designed more for function than beauty, and since it forms a load-bearing column which holds up a whole bunch of the first & second floors, it was just easier to do it in brick over blocks.

The chimney is a four flue design, with a flue for each of, the siamese twin fireplace behind this one, the furnace / water heater and the fireplace downstairs. When anything is burning, the entire mass of masonry heats up and acts like a storage unit. The backside of the chimney is also the hall wall on the second floor.

A good fire in this insert will heat the chimney enough that it's still warm to the touch a two days after the fire is out.

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/11799/Fireplace%20Reduced.jpg)

There is now a 'conversation pit' setting in front of it, two wing chairs and ottomans, with a loveseat in the middle directly in front of the fire.

It's out favourite spot on a nasty day.  ;D
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: beenthere on October 17, 2005, 04:30:36 PM
Murf
That's impressive. I like the visual effect as well as the practical side of heat storage.
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: Murf on October 17, 2005, 04:55:28 PM
Thanks BT.... we like it.

I don't have a good shot of it, but this is the back half of it in the family room, before we put the insert in that side.

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/11799/Fireplace%20Rear%20Reduced.jpg)

Problem is the room is a lot smaller, and if I get a little carried away with the fire  ::) you can't even sit in that room.  :D
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: mike_van on October 17, 2005, 05:27:22 PM
Try this link - --Photos MUST be in the Forestry Forum gallery!!!!!--.com/albums/v386/MikeVan/?action=view&current=Fireplace.jpg   It's a web site that hosts pics for free. It's a lot larger pic.
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: Fraxinus on October 17, 2005, 10:43:56 PM
Quote from: Vermonter on October 17, 2005, 03:36:15 PM
Fraxinus:  are you sure that rock isn't upside down?

Hehhehheh.  Yup, I'm sure.  It's picked on the top.  Now Vermont narrers down some on the south end as I'm sure you know, but it ain' t picked. :D
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: Jeff on October 17, 2005, 10:52:27 PM
17k
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/fireplace.jpg)


Mike, there are plenty of instructions on sizing photos within the forum. We dont encourage linking to photos off site, in fact just the opposite for many, many reasons.
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: Don_Papenburg on October 17, 2005, 11:36:36 PM
Patty were in SD did you get your granite ?  I got Wisconsin Red from Dakota Granite in Milbank.  I am useing it for the window sills and the hearth opening on a brick oven .
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: mike_van on October 18, 2005, 05:44:39 AM
Jeff, nice job on my photo - I use the irfanview program, by the time I get the  album  here to take the photo,  it's real small - hard to see. 
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: Patty on October 18, 2005, 07:38:19 AM
Don, we went to Dakota Granite also. We bought their Rushmore Mahogany for our shower, China Black for the bathroom floor, and the fireplace hearth is China Mist I think. They've changed the names here recently and it is hard to tell from their itty bitty pics. I really like the Wisconsin red you are using as well.  They are pretty decent to work with up there; we have used them on the last two houses we built.
Here is a link to their site.

http://www.dakotagranite.com/


Murf, your fireplace surrounded by the staircases is AWESOME! Did you build the house yourself? What kind of wood are your stair treads?
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: sprucebunny on October 18, 2005, 07:59:00 AM
Mike- I've always liked that style of rockwork. It does look very theraputic ;)

Murf - That's sure big. Did you ever see the Tulikavi woodburners that use a short fire and hold the heat ?

I've had it with the rocks and unless the wall gets too hot , this is as far as the rocks are going.

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/11412/jmrocksdonecentrOP.jpg)

I thought maybe I'd use up some granite and marble tiles by putting them on the wall above the rocks but that would look kind of busy so I gave up on that.
All those rocks and I never seemed to have the RIGHT one ::) Been on several rockhunts in the rain...

I have a heat shield thought up for the cieling that might put some of the 'stunning' back into this project but I'm only saying that you all are really going to like it ;D ;D
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: Murf on October 18, 2005, 09:41:12 AM
Patty, thanks for the kind words, the house was already built, but the guy who built it was a dough-head with no common sense or taste, so I rebuilt a good chunk of it. The stairs were originally just a single, straight flight down the wall to the left in the first picture. The stairs, and all the trim is oak, no stain, just Varathane. The treads though got carpeted shortly after I put them in, they were too slippery.

Joan, the Tulikivi was my inspiration for the fireplace in the first place. It just wouldn't have worked in this house, it's too formally laid out, the stove would have looked out of place. Before you put the stove in you can easily deal with the heat issue, just put a layer of drywall on the remaining wall, it looks like you have wood to the right and a door to the left to use as a termination point so it won't look funny. A ceiling fan somewhere in that room will also go a long way to moving heat around so the heat can't build up on the wall or ceiling.
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: beenthere on October 18, 2005, 10:33:39 AM
SB
That is looking great.   You sure are working fast, as just a few days ago, this was a pile of stone on the floor. I like the stone effect, very much.
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: sprucebunny on October 18, 2005, 12:49:48 PM
Thanks, beenthere. It's been about 8 days of building after 4 years of avoiding it ::) ;D

I meant to mention earlier that I like Tom's idea about sticking something odd on there ;D
Finally found a spot for a "lucky" style rock..... ( Does anyone else know about  lucky rocks ? black with a white band thru them ??? Maybe it was just something my mother made up...) ... And I excavated a little spot to stick a coin or shell or something.
;D
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: iain on October 18, 2005, 01:09:57 PM
Bunnie that rock work is looking real good
i like it a lot


  iain
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: Fla._Deadheader on October 18, 2005, 01:10:39 PM

 Bunny, yer doing a great job. The color on this monitor stinks (16 colors), but it still looks good. DON'T quit now. Yer almost finished.  ;) ;) :) :)
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: beenthere on October 18, 2005, 02:02:45 PM
SB
I'm not one of the kind that has a lot of 'vision' beyond the 'what you see is what you git'.  However, I 'vision' a mural above the stone of a scene like one of your fall color pictures, where there is a woods trail and and fall color on both sides. That scene could add depth to the stone (which I vision as looking like a pile of stone   :) ) and provide interesting thoughts while sitting around the woodstove.
(If I was real clever at 'fixing' up pictures, I'd try to superimpose your two pics together to see how it would look.  :)
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: Roxie on October 18, 2005, 02:32:09 PM
I am so impressed Sprucebunny!  I just can't wait to see the ceiling heat shield! 
Looking good!   8)
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: mike_van on October 18, 2005, 03:02:03 PM
Looks fine SB, cold nights  comming!!!!!!! Don't stop -  Oil companys are rich enough -
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: Patty on October 18, 2005, 03:26:44 PM
Joan, personally I don't think "stunning" ever left your project. You are doing a VERY nice job. Keep up the good work; you are almost done! 8)
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: pigman on October 18, 2005, 05:12:58 PM
Quote from: beenthere on October 18, 2005, 02:02:45 PM
SB
I'm not one of the kind that has a lot of 'vision' beyond the 'what you see is what you git'.  However, I 'vision' a mural above the stone of a scene like one of your fall color pictures, where there is a woods trail and and fall color on both sides. That scene could add depth to the stone (which I vision as looking like a pile of stone   :) ) and provide interesting thoughts while sitting around the woodstove.


(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10432/sprucebunny_harth_op.jpg)
I think beenthere should paint a mural like this for sprucebunny. ;)
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: beenthere on October 18, 2005, 05:44:50 PM
EXACTLY as I pictured it, Pigman. Thanks for the 'assembly'.   It does distract a bit from the nice stone work, but then again, it sure presents a nice scene for behind the woodstove (a painting may have less impact on the stone too, and meld into the background.).  It sure adds a third dimension to that corner, the way I see it.

SB
Don't want to leap too far ahead of your own creativity on this, as you have your own ideas.

pigman just took away my 'project' for the evening. nice rendering of the two pics however.  :)  My painting skills are nil to none. What software did you use to 'merge' these two pics?
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: pigman on October 18, 2005, 06:43:38 PM
Quote from: beenthere on October 18, 2005, 05:44:50 PM



pigman just took away my 'project' for the evening. nice rendering of the two pics however.  :) My painting skills are nil to none. What software did you use to 'merge' these two pics?
I just used "Microsoft Picture It Publishing 2001" that came on my puter. I used the cut out feature to remove the wall in the hearth picture and layered it on the trail picture. 8)
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: Larry on October 18, 2005, 07:23:33 PM
SB, I think the hearth is looking great.  Doing it yourself also gives the pride of ownership that nothing can diminish. :)  Keep up the good work.
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: sprucebunny on October 18, 2005, 07:34:28 PM
Wow, Bob  8) That's really cool ;D Thanks.

And thanks for the encouragement, everyone.

Earlier this morning i was conversing with someone else who thought a mural would be neat and then my friend Paula came over and said the same thing so a mural it is  !!! ;D But when you see the ceiling heat shield your ideas of a mural may change ;D ??? ;D

Has anyone used a sealer on stone that they would recomend ???
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: Larry on October 18, 2005, 07:58:40 PM
Anything made by TileLab is good....sister company to...I forgot. :-[  Anyhow I have used the sealer on granite some years ago and worked good.  Be prepared for sticker shock...just bought a quart at Home Depot and it was a little north of $30 bucks. :o
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: Jeff on October 18, 2005, 08:10:13 PM
Great Joan!  Love it!

Could the heat shield be the hood off a 55 Belair?  ;) If it was in my house I would be looking for a skidder butt plate to put up there for a shield, then just winch my firewood in through a set of patio doors.
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: isawlogs on October 18, 2005, 11:49:44 PM
 Joan this is looking really good  8)  Now what kind of stove you have in mind of sticking in there . ???
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: Roxie on October 19, 2005, 05:51:23 AM
Pigman, it's nice to see you use your photo editing skills for good and not evil.   :D :D
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: sprucebunny on October 19, 2005, 07:09:15 AM
Thanks, Jeff  :) The hood might be a little much but I really like the butt plate idea....maybe just mount a Farmi up there :D   ...I already have the door ....hhmmm ... ;D

Larry, I looked at Tilelab and they don't list a penetrating sealer but I found 2 other products .

Marcel , I've had the stove on my upstairs deck for 4 years..... got to get it back down  ::) It's an Upland that I got used.

I got the grout on the floor done yesterday. A little more to do on the walls.
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: sprucebunny on October 19, 2005, 06:07:30 PM
I didn't work on this today except to get the heat shield out of storage. Any more guesses what it is ???


Clue: Jeff and and couple others are really going to like this ;D





or consider it a sacrilige ::)
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: SwampDonkey on October 19, 2005, 06:56:12 PM
Nah! Jeff probably won't be to hard on ya, just a little ribbing maybe. ;D
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: beenthere on October 19, 2005, 06:59:00 PM
Sounds like a big 'ol circle saw blade to me  ;D
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: sprucebunny on October 19, 2005, 07:57:14 PM
The clue was too obvious, huh ??? :D

About 20 years ago I had a little job cleaning up a fallen down barn and I found this blade and a wagon wheel hub which is a lamp now.

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/11412/jmheatshieldOP.jpg)

I've always planned to use it for a fireback somewhere.

So now I need some opinions about whether to paint it or not. It's in good shape other than rust....seems too bad to drill holes in it but I don't know what else to do with it ???
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: bitternut on October 19, 2005, 09:24:09 PM
Gee, I was going to guess a large circle saw blade but beenthere beat me to it. Oh well, it sure will  look good there. Ought to work good at reflecting some heat too. Maybe you could get some one to paint an old time wood cutting or sawmill scene on the blade.

Why are you going to drill holes in it?
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: Furby on October 19, 2005, 09:30:29 PM
Yup, no need for holes, use bolts/lags around the edge with washers, or L shaped bolts.
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: sprucebunny on October 19, 2005, 10:16:46 PM
Good idea .... putting the lag screws around the edges. I was also going to cut a small slot in the two walls the blade will contact and put the edge in 1/2"

Having a painting on the blade will derail this project unless someone wants to paint it while it's on the cieling ::)

I'm thinking sky blue ??? or steel grey ;D
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: pigman on October 19, 2005, 10:27:44 PM
or a nice trail scene would look nice. ;D
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10432/sprucebunnysawtrail_op.jpg)
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: ohsoloco on October 19, 2005, 10:29:00 PM
I'd go with rust brown  ;) :D
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: Jeff on October 19, 2005, 10:33:28 PM
I wouldn't do anything to it paint wise. The rust is a protectant. I detest it when someone takes a perfectly good saw with broken handles and teeth and paints on it. I HATE it Even worse when its a perfectly good saw that can still saw.  Either case, the saws speak for themselves. Put paint on the wall or a canvas and let the saws be saws.

Jeff the sawlover
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: Jeff on October 19, 2005, 10:35:09 PM
QuoteJeff the sawlover
By the way, I am Just practicing in case I win the pigman username in the auction that most dont know about.  ;D
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: sprucebunny on October 19, 2005, 10:55:51 PM
Ok... Rust color sounds like a time saver :D I'd just been trying to add light colors but I'll try a brighter light bulb ;D

Thanks, Bob ;D Maybe I'll look into those stick on wall murals when  ( IF) I get tired of rust ;D
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: beenthere on October 19, 2005, 11:14:23 PM
SB
Might be cool to find a mill or mandrel to get that blade on for a few logs just to rub some of that rust off, then hang it with somewhat of a 'log polished' look to it.  If it won't saw, maybe just rub some logs agin it, while spinning it slowly.  Apply some oil on it and then when above the stove it probably wouldn't rust any or much more.  Idea is to make it looked 'used' but not 'rusty'.  Just a thought.
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: Patty on October 20, 2005, 10:22:03 AM
Don't paint it Joan, I think the natual look next to the stones you are using will look very nice. :)
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: isawlogs on October 21, 2005, 01:17:05 AM
  I agree with Patty , I dont think you should paint it ... use it like it is , it should blend in there nicely .
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: Roxie on October 21, 2005, 05:42:25 AM
There is a way to just remove the rust and nothing else....I read about it in a "Old Abe's News" magazine.  It's called Electrolysis, and says, "This process removes only the rust and does not effect the original steel or iron in any way like sanding or grinding."  You would need a plastic container to put the blade into, a small battery charger (6 to 10 AMP), a couple of pieces of rebar, laundry detergent, water, and some copper wire.  The magazine has very detailed instructions, so if you are interested in trying something like that, let me know. It sounds easy, you just submerge the part, hook it up and depending on the amount of rust, it's clean in a few hours or overnight.  I'm assuming the blade is steel and not stainless steel..this process is not for stainless steel. 
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: Roxie on October 21, 2005, 06:55:03 AM
I almost forgot to mention that I made great strides in getting my hearth for my new wood stove completed yesterday!  Before I explain the deal, you need to know that Amish weddings are held in Ocotober and November and they are attended by hundreds of friends and relatatives.  That being said, the brother of a good Amish friend is getting married on November 29th.  He asked if Cowboy Bob and I would milk his cows, morning and evening, on that day.  I said, "Well now, I happen to need a couple of brick layers to build a hearth for that new wood stove."  He said, "Yah, that can done next week."   
8) 8)  I'm happy and he's happy and Cowboy Bob, well, he's gonna need some back linament on the 29th!   :)  Pictures will follow. 
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: sprucebunny on October 21, 2005, 07:04:47 AM
Thanks for the input:)

Roxie do you know where I can get a plastic container big enough for a Ford pickup ??? :D :D Thanks for telling about that but I don't think I'll try it on this project....maybe just a light sanding.

I've been using the room that the hearth is in to store wood ( and rocks ::) ) and it's a little thrill to reorganize stuff and see the floor ;D While I work on the drywalling, I'm continuing with the air circulation system that's going to make this heat the house. I'll put up pictures in a few days.

Glad you are getting your woodstove in, Roxie  :)
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: Fla._Deadheader on October 21, 2005, 11:27:22 AM

  We clean a LOT of old iron found in the ocean, from the Spanish Fleet.

  We use Muriatic Acid, in a weak solution. (Swimming Pool Acid) It will eat the rust. Just get a long handle (24") brush, mix a weak solution of Acid and water, and CAREFULLY wash the blade.  NOTE::  ALWAYS ADD ACID TO THE WATER___ NEVER WATER TO THE ACID: Rinse it off with clear, and then neutralize with baking Soda. Rinse again, real well. Hang up to dry..

  Solution should be 4 Water to 1 Acid. Adjust if results are not exactly what you want. 
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: Jeff on October 21, 2005, 12:14:23 PM
Fumes are bad when you do that, so if one tries it as I did this summer, take precautions, don't ever do it inside. 

Joan, I don't think I would try anything other then something to get the scale off and then a light oil and a wet buffing with something like a grocery bag  to give the rust a smooth sheen. Do a search on google on "browning". Its the process they used for protecting muskets and such. Basically its rust. You know how it was expedited many times on new metal?  Urinating on it!
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: SwampDonkey on October 21, 2005, 02:59:11 PM
I can't even stand the fumes of white vinegar full strength, burns my throat. phew!  :o
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: Buzz-sawyer on October 22, 2005, 03:32:50 PM
Quote from: Roxie on October 19, 2005, 05:51:23 AM
Pigman, it's nice to see you use your photo editing skills for good and not evil.   :D :D
ROXIE....you dont know this guy like I do!!!!! :D :D :D :D
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: Roxie on October 22, 2005, 04:05:56 PM
Oh yeah?  Did ya happen to catch the "picture" he took of Cowboy Bob and I at Sawlex?   :D
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: pigman on October 24, 2005, 08:03:56 AM
Quote from: Buzz-sawyer on October 22, 2005, 03:32:50 PM
Quote from: Roxie on October 19, 2005, 05:51:23 AM
Pigman, it's nice to see you use your photo editing skills for good and not evil.   :D :D
ROXIE....you dont know this guy like I do!!!!! :D :D :D :D
Quote from: Roxie on October 22, 2005, 04:05:56 PM
Oh yeah? Did ya happen to catch the "picture" he took of Cowboy Bob and I at Sawlex? :D
You all can quit talking about me now. Go on a short trip to WV and people start talking about me. ::)  Me thinks Roxie wants to see a picture of herself riding Cowboy Bobs prize bull. ;D
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: sprucebunny on October 24, 2005, 08:23:32 AM
Thanks, Jeff and Harold for the ideas.

I couldn't find out much about 'browning'. What I did find said to remove the rust first. I might try the muriatic acid but since the blade has 2 sides, I'll try just sanding and oiling a little patch and see how it looks.

Here is the fan that I got ( at the dump ;D ) to boost air circulation. It has a thermostat and is VERY quiet .

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/11412/jmwsfanOP.jpg)

The air has to travel a long way and thru a short section of 12x16 duct to heat the upstairs so I thought the fan was a good idea. Do you think it matters if the fan is pulling or pushing the warm air ???

Nice pumpkins, Jeff but that ?? guy looks grouchy  ::)
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: Fla._Deadheader on October 24, 2005, 08:31:35 AM

  Bunny, any openings in the ceiling, leading upstairs, will be a natural heat funnel. Once the ceiling gets warm, it will radiate the heat to the upstairs. That fan MAY work, if it doesn't blow too hard and cool the warm air.
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: Jeff on October 24, 2005, 08:33:09 AM
QuoteNice pumpkins, Jeff but that ?? guy looks grouchy  ???

He certainly did. I fixed him. :)
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: sprucebunny on October 24, 2005, 08:39:55 AM
Thanks again, Harold and Jeff ;D

I know heat rises but the woodstove is at one cornor of the building and I would like the garage which is downstairs to heat, too. There is no door between the garage and the woodstove room. I will be cutting a hole near the top of the wall to duct the heat upstairs ( living area ) and have a hole in the wall near the floor downstairs with a duct along the floor to direct return air right to the hearth.

??? smiley check :D
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: Fla._Deadheader on October 24, 2005, 08:44:10 AM

Sounds good Bunny.   Lots of folks tend to defeat the natural flow of heated air. Yer doin a fine job.  ;) ;) :)
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: Murf on October 24, 2005, 12:17:41 PM
Joan, air is like water, it's a whole bunch easier to push it along than it is to try and pull it.

If you get that fan friend it will help too. That way you can have one fan upstairs pushing the cold air back down to be heated.
Title: Think it will fly ?
Post by: sprucebunny on October 28, 2005, 06:25:00 PM
Ready for launching ;D

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/11412/jmwillitflyOP.jpg)

Got the blade up and the stove moved just got some chimney work to do.

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/11412/jmbladesupOP.jpg)

And some more painting....

Even if you aren't building a hearth, how about some pics of the one you have ???
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: Roxie on October 28, 2005, 06:30:51 PM
Joan, you have done a FANTASTIC job!  The blade is just awesome!  8)
Our Amish friend is coming tomorrow to do the brick work for our hearth.  I'll post pictures, but it isn't going to be anything near as beautiful as yours! 
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: ohsoloco on October 28, 2005, 09:29:21 PM
Joan, that looks like it will be a great place to sit on a cold, snowy day sipping on a cup of hot beverage  :)
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: Jeff on October 28, 2005, 09:31:10 PM
I'm jealous. Now I want a sawblade on my ceiling. :D
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: Furby on October 28, 2005, 09:46:58 PM
With lights hanging from it? ;)
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: Jeff on October 28, 2005, 09:47:50 PM
no, hamburgers.
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: Furby on October 28, 2005, 09:49:57 PM
 smiley_headscratch
Uh....... ok...................... ::)
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: Jeff on October 28, 2005, 09:51:31 PM
...and a  chocolate shake dispenser and possibly a piñata.
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: Furby on October 28, 2005, 10:15:23 PM
I'm thinking a new bar top, or kitchen island with the blade recessed.
DanG it!!! >:(
Now I gotta buy the next blade I find. :D
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: sprucebunny on October 28, 2005, 10:59:18 PM
Thanks :-D

Roxie-I'm looking forward to pics of your new hearth. Did you design/plan it ??

The blade cleaned up nicely. I sanded it...quite alot and got the outer foot metal looking and you can see the striations from use. You can also see marks from hammering which is kind of cool but I don't know if it was hammered the right way ?? I put the same sealer on it that I got for the rocks and it has a nice sheen without being shiny. It's held up with long screws thru the holes in the shanks ( is that the right term ?) and spaced with pieces of copper pipe.I'll get a better pic when it's all done.

Hamburgers ...that's a good one  :D

It would be cool  set in a counter but you might have to put pouring resin over it to tame the teeth  :o
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: Patty on October 29, 2005, 06:21:07 AM
Wow! You have done a very nice job Joan! I can see when this corner of your house will be your favorite. It looks so warm and cozy. As Oso said, a great place to curl up with a book, a good dog, and a hot toddy!
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: Teri on October 29, 2005, 06:43:00 AM

Its looking very nice. You're doing great!!!!  ;D
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: Bro. Noble on October 29, 2005, 06:59:06 AM
That does look nice.

I need a sawblade for a tabletop (not recessed).   Nothing else seems to work to reduce the calorie intake. ::)
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: SwampDonkey on October 29, 2005, 08:10:56 AM
Quote from: Bro. Noble on October 29, 2005, 06:59:06 AM
That does look nice.

I need a sawblade for a tabletop (not recessed).   Nothing else seems to work to reduce the calorie intake. ::)

:D :D :D :D maybe there needs to be more sawing between cow milking breaks. :D


Nice job sprucebunney. :)
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: sprucebunny on October 29, 2005, 11:44:02 AM
Bro. Noble, the teeth will remind you to keep your elbows off the table, too ;D

Thanks, everyone for the encouragement and compliments. I can't believe I have put this project off for so long ::) It's too warm from the sun to tell if it will heat the house well but anything will help.

First fire  smiley_big_grin3



(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/11412/jmfirstfireOP.jpg)

Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: Fla._Deadheader on October 29, 2005, 11:50:19 AM

  Bunny, that is a first class job, well done.  8) 8)
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: isawlogs on October 30, 2005, 11:10:55 PM
 Joan you have done one fine job with this project ,  You will find the slab and edgins eater to work really well this winter . Great job It really , really looks good .  I am sure you will be proud to show it off and to have a morning coffee by it while  watching  the fire build up .  8) 8) 8)
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: sprucebunny on October 30, 2005, 11:21:51 PM
Thanks , Marcel and Harold.

The thing that makes me giggle a little is that you have only seen one side of the room.

The other side is a wreck  ::) ;D I had to find a milkcrate to sit down. There is a slab of pine 14' long x 14" wide and 2+1/2" thick stood up against the opposite wall and various 4x4s and assorted lumber.

I got a bunch of work to do yet before I'll be sipping hot chocolate in an easy chair  smiley_big_grin3
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: isawlogs on October 30, 2005, 11:37:40 PM
  A kiln also ... cool .  ;)
  Now how did the launching and landing go .  ???
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: beenthere on October 30, 2005, 11:48:30 PM
Quote from: sprucebunny on October 30, 2005, 11:21:51 PM
.........
I got a bunch of work to do yet before I'll be sipping hot chocolate in an easy chair  smiley_big_grin3

Takes some 'sittin' and sippin' in da chair to make the best plans for what to do next.....so enjoy 'the plannin' sessions in front of the fire on da milkcrate...... :)    Is that slab for a bar top?
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: Weekend_Sawyer on October 31, 2005, 06:59:21 AM

Nice job Joan,

I really like the way the blade came out, How did you hang it. It looks like it is off the ceiling a couple of inches.

Jon

:o :o ::) :P By the way, where did these guys come from?, ya go away for a weekend and look what happens :o :o
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: Murf on October 31, 2005, 10:35:59 AM
It turned out beautiful SB .....  smiley_thumbsup

Is it just the angle in the picture or is that wood step a smidge to close to the stove for comfort (or safety) ?
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: sandmar on October 31, 2005, 11:41:25 AM
VERY nice job SB! Negotiating with a guy right now to get a blade. Was gonna just hang it on the wall,not now.it's gotta go overhead! ;)

Sandmar
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: SwampDonkey on October 31, 2005, 01:57:27 PM
Quote from: sprucebunny on October 30, 2005, 11:21:51 PMI had to find a milkcrate to sit down.

Reminds me of some of guys in the College dorm that used to sneak milk crates out of the cafeteria. They were used for anything from laundry baskets to chairs. The odd food tray was known to go astray and used as tobogans on the hillsides of the campus in winter. :D
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: Roxie on October 31, 2005, 06:42:40 PM
Quote from: sprucebunny on October 28, 2005, 10:59:18 PM
Roxie-I'm looking forward to pics of your new hearth. Did you design/plan it ??


Errrr, ummmm, the design.  Yeah, I designed and planned it.  My exact words were "put it in this corner."   :D
Here it is still with wet mortar:
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/11566/hearthone.jpg)
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: isawlogs on October 31, 2005, 08:53:54 PM
 That looks good  Roxie , what kind of stove will have the honor of beeing set there .  ???
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: sprucebunny on October 31, 2005, 09:24:43 PM
Glad your hearth got done , Roxie.  ;) It looks fine for a small stove. ;D

Thanks, guys. Here's a close up of the blade, Jon. i was trying to photo the hammer marks but I can't get the angle  :-\ It's screwed with 3" and longer screws and spaced with copper pipe.

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/11412/jmbladecloseOP.jpg)

Murf, I think the wood will be fine .The step incases the cold air return from the house and there is a small fan pushing air thru it towards the stove.

Sandmar...are you going to hang anything from it ??? :D :D

Marcel...the launch was delayed once to add another 4x4 height wize. The landing was smoother than expected !!!!! ;D
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: Roxie on November 01, 2005, 05:58:32 AM
Quote from: isawlogs on October 31, 2005, 08:53:54 PM
That looks good  Roxie , what kind of stove will have the honor of beeing set there .  ???

The stove is from United States Stove Company in TN.  We purchased the "King" Model 2007.  The features we were looking for were a firebox to accept 21" logs, a removable ash pan, built in rear heat shield, and a glass door for viewing the fire.  We also needed to get a unit that would be rated for 1200 sq ft, because that's all we've got in this one story ranch.  It seemed healthier for the stove and chimney to get a unit that we'll run full tilt than too large a unit being run half damped .  The stove is located in the exact center of the house, and the chimney will go straight up through the roof from the top of the stove. 

Lennox had a model that matched all the criteria, but the ash pan was smaller, and it was more expensive. 

The bricks were manufactured in North Carolina, and construction was supplied by one of our Amish friends. 

The manual for the stove has this written on the first page: :P

Congratulations!  You've purchased a heater from North America's oldest manufacturer of wood burning products.  By heating with wood you're helping to conserve energy.  Wood is our only Renewable Energy Resource.  Please do your part to preserve our wood supply.  Plant at least one tree each year.  Future generations will thank you.
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: Patty on November 01, 2005, 06:58:21 AM
That is really neat Roxie, you and CB will sure enjoy the extra warmth it brings to your home.  :)
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: iain on November 01, 2005, 01:33:23 PM
Here's a hearth we saw at the weekend

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10958/PICT3731%7E0.JPG)

iain
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: Roxie on November 01, 2005, 01:57:32 PM
Wow.  Where did you see that?  I love the stone work, but the lady needs to run the vaccum!   ::)
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: Timburr on November 01, 2005, 02:09:42 PM
Last lit in 15 bow and arrow ;D    Monastry or castle Iain?

Before the lady can vacuum up, the chippies need to move in for floor installation :D

Tim
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: iain on November 01, 2005, 03:01:00 PM
Check my gallery for same more
just going on home work duty



iain
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: Murf on November 01, 2005, 04:17:36 PM
Apparently they have goodly sized skylights too, I like lots of natural light, but maybe not that much...

What were you doing slagging off at the sea-side in Whales .... by the by ?  :D
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: iain on November 01, 2005, 04:34:27 PM
Picking up richard to help lay 230 square meters of EPDM on a flat roof




iain
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: Murf on November 01, 2005, 04:54:46 PM
Ohh, well, in that case....... I guess you're forgiven.  ::)

I thought mebbe you were heading west trying to find some fresh Guiness but hit water and stopped.  ;)

The Emerald Isle is actually where you were heading now wasn't it, fess up.  ;D
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: iain on November 01, 2005, 05:05:44 PM
Aint been there for about 27 years
but i did like the feel of Caernafon though
will defrably be going back



      iain
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: sandmar on November 01, 2005, 10:17:09 PM
SB I think Da Boss has the market on hanging things from the blades  ;) but you  never know,Christmas lights might look nice. Looks like I might not get the blade I was looking at,sooooooooo the hunt continues  ;D

Sandmar
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: Bro. Noble on November 01, 2005, 10:53:13 PM
Dad has an old solid tooth saw he would probably sell----probably a 48".
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: sandmar on November 02, 2005, 08:19:36 PM
How much to get it to GA Bro Noble? I might be interested because it looks like i missed out on the other one  :-\

Sandmar
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: Bro. Noble on November 02, 2005, 09:15:27 PM
Before I spent a bunch on shipping,  I'd visit the local mills.  I'll bet that most that have been around for awhile have one or two that are damaged that they would sell cheap.  I'll ask Dad if he wants to sell his though.
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: sandmar on November 03, 2005, 09:29:54 PM
Thanks Bro Noble!
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: SwampDonkey on November 05, 2005, 09:30:12 AM
Quote from: Timburr on November 01, 2005, 02:09:42 PM
Last lit in 15 bow and arrow ;D    Monastry or castle Iain?

Before the lady can vacuum up, the chippies need to move in for floor installation :D

Tim

I was gonna say she needs a new floor layed also. ;D
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: sprucebunny on November 06, 2005, 08:22:46 AM
Here is a link to a site that has a large photo gallery of woodstoves and fireplaces and sometimes both ;D

http://hearth.com/gallery/pics/woodcoal/index.html

There's alot of ideas there !!
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: Jeff on November 06, 2005, 09:34:17 AM
I built a website and host it for a business here in Harrison that sells all sorts of stoves. Wood, gas, corn, pellet.

www.hearthofthehome.com
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: Roxie on November 26, 2005, 03:51:36 PM
We finished the installation and are very warm and cozy.  The only thing we did not do yet is clean the brick, which we will wait until spring for good ventilation. 

Cowboy Bob and Roxie are ready for winter:

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/11566/woodstove.jpg)
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: sprucebunny on November 26, 2005, 04:30:08 PM
WOW  8)   That's REALLY nice, Roxie ;D

I like how you won't have to sweep under that stove :D
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: UNCLEBUCK on November 26, 2005, 09:20:28 PM
You did a fantastic job s.b. !   8) You will have free heat from all your customers who leave you with big slab piles !    You too Roxie !
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: Norm on November 27, 2005, 07:27:13 AM
That turned out great Roxie and Bob and just in time for cold weather snugglin time. ;)
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: UNCLEBUCK on November 28, 2005, 03:29:29 PM
I am still catching up on threads but here is some pics of the fireplaces I built in my dads shack or I guess now its become the family shack . I dont know exactly what a hearth is but I think its where one would set the firewood next to a fireplace ?  ??? Anyways I like Norm and Patty"s hearth too as well as everyones and especially sprucebunny because we all done did it ourselves but here is a few pics of the basement hearth and the main floor hearths and both have airtight fireplaces and the basement hearth heats the whole shack no matter how cold it gets so it costs nothing to heat a 5000sq ft shack except the ashes must be hauled out every 2 weeks. The fireplace on the main floor is chicago commans brick but the fireplace has doors on both sides so it can be used from the unfinished kitchen or the unfinished living room . My dad is a retired cement man so he sat in a chair and kept me from building the leaning tower of pizza?piza? The basement hearth was from free field stones (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10514/frankenmuth.jpg)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10514/frankenmuth5.jpg)
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: Roxie on November 28, 2005, 06:12:44 PM
Jumping Doggies!!  8) Look at that!!  That is absolutely beautiful, Uncle Buck!
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: pigman on November 28, 2005, 07:02:29 PM
Those are beautiful fireplaces Uncle Buck. After seeing Reid Crosby's table and now these fireplaces, I will not be putting any more pictures of my junk stuff on the forum. :'(
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: UNCLEBUCK on November 28, 2005, 08:16:49 PM
I wish I could show the shack I grew up in and the pot belly stove that use to get so hot one could see through it .No hearth ,it just stood right next to the kitchen table . The shack was so ugly I was embarassed to ride the bus just so no kids could see all the holes in the walls .I slept in the hallway. That stove without a hearth or any type of safety eventually burned that shack to the ground  8). Anyways sprucebunny asked us all for hearth pictures and when ever sprucebunny asks we all listen ! Get those pictures in them albums peoples,pigman , everyone  !  :D 
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: Patty on November 29, 2005, 07:25:57 AM
Wow!  :o  Those are all very beautiful you guys.  :o  8)

I bet Roxie & CB are already snugglin in front of the stove.

Those that you built for your dad are really awesome, UB. I love the rustic look of the stone fireplaces. Around here we call that stone river rock. Did you gather those yourself off from the farm?
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: UNCLEBUCK on November 29, 2005, 09:47:01 PM
Hi Patty , got the rocks 5 miles from here where their is heavier clay ground , farmers have piles of them here and there so I asked and the rocks were free for the taking . Its called river rock around here too in the fireplace stores but I kind of just call them "dumb ol rocks"  :D  My neighbor hired his rock fireplace done and all his mortar cracked after the first winter because the contractor didnt insulate behind the rocks so the heat transfered directly through the terra cotta chimney inserts,through the cement blocks and into his once beautiful field stones . I sure like yours and everyones hearths and sprucebunnys  ;D . I was always kind of suckered into my dads projects growing up but the cost savings of doing it yourself leaves no options here.  When my dad told me he bought 8 pallets of brick that just came off a building in chicago I looked at him like ok pops thats it enough is enough , but I guess its called chicago commons and many brickyards have alot of it.   If anyone ever wants to see a cool brick laying job the bank front in Valentine Nebraska. It has a wagon train picture reliefed in the brick .  I watched a video of how they carve like a clay potter would and then disassembled and into the oven . Well enough rambling from me but I missed out on sprucebunnys hearth undertaking when I came down with that DanG hermatitis this fall  :D so I am glad it turned out great for her .
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: sprucebunny on November 29, 2005, 09:53:02 PM
Thanks, Unclebuck ;D I really like the ones you made... they are MASSIVE  :o Mine is a mere suggestion of the river rock one you made.

I've always wanted to build a real, full size one like you did using full size rocks. My rocks are 'fieldstones' and had to be very thin/flat to stick up against the wall.
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: UNCLEBUCK on November 29, 2005, 10:35:51 PM
I got one more pic of the other side and we went to the dump and found a couple squirrel cage type fans and took a couple 1/2 horse electric motors off of junk on the farm and used that for air circulation .  The whole cost from top to bottom 37 feet was just for the cement block,old bricks and those insert liners and the cement for the footing. My dad got by cheap at the end of each day he gave me money enough for a jug and a game of pool  :D. There is no rocks around here like you and Mike V have sprucebunny , their all round . I like that flat rock , actually I hope I never see another rock but doing flat rock I have heard is quite a art form . I cant imagine Mike V building a 80 foot wall . Thats a big rock wall !  Ok thats it for reliving my time in the rockpile ! (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10514/frankenmuthc.jpg)
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: pigman on November 29, 2005, 11:18:54 PM
UNCLEBUCK, you call that a shack. :o The shacks in Mn must be bigger than what we call shacks down here in Ky.  That fireplace is massive and beautiful. 8)
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: Norm on November 30, 2005, 06:37:06 AM
Very nice UB!  :)

Isn't it amazing what these cold northern winters inspire us to accomplish....because it's too darn cold to go outside and do anything. ;D
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: isawlogs on November 30, 2005, 11:07:01 PM
 UB
 
  If ever you get the erge to ever try yourself out on a another one .... just to see if you can do it , I can suply you with the house for it to go in and can possible arrange for room and board .  ;D

   Those are very nice , better then that they are great looking , ya did a fine job there nice craftmenship , yes sir .  smiley_beertoast
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: UNCLEBUCK on December 01, 2005, 12:04:07 AM
Thanks everybody, I been thinking today I hope I dont get classified as a thread hijacker but I just thought when sprucebunny asked us for hearth pics that I thought I would show all my buds ! Big projects can become almost hateful but sometimes on a scratch pad things dont seem so big . I like the cozy little things like that sawblade over sprucebunnys hearth.
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: iain on December 01, 2005, 04:17:14 AM
 "I like the small cozy little things like that sawblade over sprucebunnys hearth"

Yeh it sure looks small and cozy :D,


why no soup for breakfast? i like lindas tomato and lentel with potato chunks, and strips of onion, nice and thick, a splash of sweet chilli sauce and a few slices of cheese on toast
keeps me full till past supper time (i wont say anything about keeping me regular) ;)



      iain

Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: Don P on March 04, 2006, 08:51:58 AM
The mason's finished the chimney and fireplace on the timberframe job. I really like it.  They took the palletized flat veneer stone that we usually call "stuck rock" or "lick and stick" thats usually layed flat against a wall, and broke it over a piece of angle iron into ~4-5" wide pieces. Then they stacked the stone at 6" off the block chimney core in a dry stack look by mortaring the back edge to the chimney and very little mortar between the stones, mostly just a tight, coursed, fit. The timberframers gave me a oopsed 8x16 white oak timber that I'll work in for the mantle.


(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10017/leschimny.jpg)
Title: Re: Hearths
Post by: UNCLEBUCK on March 05, 2006, 02:47:35 AM
Don P , you take on some huge homes , look at that wood ! Very nice ! Fun to watch a professional crew of masonry people have it , not only do they fly but they make it look easy ! That is awesome