It's done. Dried, planed, stacked, and ready

[oldsaw]

My first "batch" of lumber is ready to go.  DanG, I feel like a proud "papa".  It is, however, a much smaller pile than I originally started with.  Funny how that happens.  But I've got more room now.  Room for some more wood.

Filled by dust collector barrel up to the inlet pipe.  The blades on the planer need to be changed, but it got through the last boards just fine.  A bit loud, but nice and smooth.  Just got the sawdust packed up into "yard waste" bags (our trash man won't take them in the regular trash anymore)...3 of them.  I figure about 3 cubic feet each.  You "pros" must get a mountain going pretty fast.  It's been a while since I've run that much stuff through a planer.

The home brew dust collection system worked perfectly.  I've got the perfect balance of airflow for the motor.  It ran for nearly 3 hours and was only slightly warm to the touch.  Pretty DanG good job for only 1/2 hp.  I'm sitting here a bit sweaty but content.

Now comes the hard part.  What will my first project be?  I'm planning on making some decorative boxes for the girls in the office (jewelry box type), and a chess board for my oldest son and probably my boss.  Need some picture frames too.  Just put up some pics my wife bought, but frames are truly ugly.

She's calling, gotta go.

[DanG]

There is no feeling quite like the one you feel when you first fondle the fruits of your own labors, is there?

[leweee]

DanG Good Feeling :D  

[oldsaw]

Just never had the time, money, or space.

I still don't have the time, money, or space, but "close enough".  Better than it's been before.  It feels nice to have it all done and ready.  I grew up on a farm, so I miss working with my hands.  You can get the boy off the farm, but it's hard to get the farm out of the boy...old saying, but it's true.

Anyway, yeah, the wood is kind of "special".  And it wouldn't be there in the condition it is in without input and education from FF members.  I guess that is one of the things that makes it so special.  It was sort of a "group project" that I did by myself. (Well, I did make Sawwood put in a good days work too, good guy there)  I guess it just kind of struck me as I stood up from stacking the last board.  I looked at my rack of lumber and it not only looked different, it felt different.

Anyway, I meant the post as a general "thank you" to all of you FF guys.  I guess my "training wheels" are officially off, and I'm ready to start with my own "working knowledge base".  It has changed a bit, but the draw to cut up another batch keeps calling.  Yep, sawdust is addictive.  

[LeeB]

Good for you. there is a special feeling when you know you took it from log to finished project. I just wish I could get some of my projects finished. LeeB

[Norm]

Congrats on getting it all ready to go, making your own lumber is very special and satisfying.  

[Kirk_Allen]

Way to go Oldsaw!

We know that feeling of accomplishemnt.  Its unexplainable to most folks.

Depending on the wood you might use it for mulch in your yard.  I too just finished planing the last of 1200 BF of White Oak that is being use for our kitchen in the house we are selling.  My wife takes the chips and uses them in the garden, around trees etc.  

She got back yesterday and I dont think she realized how much mulch 1200 bf of planed white oak produces.  She's happy, but may not have room for it all. ;D

[OneWithWood]

Ahh, there is nothing that compares to the fine feeling of accomplishment