Log (wooden) making equipment

[Roger Smith]

Just a heads up to anyone thinking of making a wooden log, Slater Hardware is selling the logs, the hardware to make them, and the complete log.

http://www.slatershardware.com/stonemolds.html

Family and work safe.

I haven't used there log or hardware, yet, but give a thumbs up to there molds...

[Clay Johnson]

Slaters looks nice. When I bought my Stone Mold at a strongman contest, he told me he was making some. I made one but it is not as nice as theirs.

Although I paid a couple of bucks for the log, this was a project that was basically free. I wish I would of thought about this when they trimmed our trees last year.

I started just under 11 inch in diameter, 8 foot long log.

(WS LINKS)

http://homepage.mac.com/biggerfoot/.Pictures/log1.jpg

I cut the log in half (my neighbor wanted a throwing log). I used an old standard bar from a garage sale (it was one of those three piece ones). I cut the standard bar to use for the handles and also for the weight loading pins.

http://homepage.mac.com/biggerfoot/.Pictures/log4.jpg

I found the center of gravity and marked out two 8 inch by 8 inch boxes. To smooth down the bark, I ran my belt sander over the log.

http://homepage.mac.com/biggerfoot/.Pictures/log5.jpg

Now this was the hardest part. Since I did not want to cut through the entire log, I tried to find the easiest way to dig the boxes out. I tried an axe, reciprocating saw, and an air hammer. I finally resorted to using my small chain saw to cut out small blocks and then used a hammer and chisel to cut them out. This took awhile.

http://homepage.mac.com/biggerfoot/.Pictures/log6.jpg

I dug down just under eight inches and then used my belt sander to dig out some more room for my hands. Although I drilled the handle holes small and had to pound them in, I used some waterproof, 2-ton epoxy to be sure down the road. I drilled the handles at half the diameter of the log. They are resting in over two inches of wood on each side. They feel very secure.

http://homepage.mac.com/biggerfoot/.Pictures/log7.jpg

http://homepage.mac.com/biggerfoot/.Pictures/log8.jpg

I mounted the loading pins about six inches deep and used more waterproof epoxy. I drilled the hole 7/8 of an inch so I could pound the bars in. I did have a problem with a large knot when drilling but using the bubble level on my drill I was able to keep the hole pretty much straight.

http://homepage.mac.com/biggerfoot/.Pictures/log9.jpg

The log weighs about 125 pounds. I plan on putting some sealer on it after the epoxy sets up. I added 50 pounds on it and it held up very well!

http://homepage.mac.com/biggerfoot/....rongmanlog.jpg

[Roger Smith]

I do like your ideas!! I'm delaying ordering anything until Jan, for $$ reasons. I'm also hoping I might find a log. It's not like they grow on trees or anything LOL..

Seriously, I had a chance at one tree, but when they cut it, I couldn't find anything close to straight enough to use. Another tree was walnut (I think) and apparently they had already sold the remains for some serious $$.

[Jay Cohen]

Originally Posted by Roger Smith

Just a heads up to anyone thinking of making a wooden log, Slater Hardware is selling the logs, the hardware to make them, and the complete log.

http://www.slatershardware.com/stonemolds.html

Family and work safe.

I haven't used there log or hardware, yet, but give a thumbs up to there molds...

Roger, while the site might be w/f safe, it's definitely not checkbook ($$) safe, and since they are only a two hour drive, now it's like a jar of almond butter sitting out on the table, just waiting to be................
Please post disclaimer that for people who lack discipline to say Just Say NO to more gear, the following URL might cause anxiety and financial hardship.

Thanking you in advance for your understanding.

Jay

[Norm Hoogerdyk]

Thanks for the nice link