M&T Daily Dispatch Weekly Roundup
This week's Daily Dispatch featured some friendly dwarf Nigerian goats, a giant greenhouse full of 200-year-old timbers from two structures, and a video tour of the tool storage setup we have here in the M&T shop.
Early in the week, Joshua shared several methods that we've been using to build new windows utilizing old sashes we've restored. Push-out casement windows are super simple and ideal for utility rooms and workspaces. We're huge proponents of keeping old windows out of the landfill – they look beautiful and hold up for much longer than modern replacements. You might also note that we still need to thoroughly sweep the shop floor – that fact is not likely to change.
The 1810 Cape project is getting lined up at the starting line. The foundation work has been awaiting the removal of the modular home on the building site, which should be taking place very soon. Until then, we've been pulling timbers out from the places they've been stored and getting things organized. I shared a video walk-through of the 45' hoop house we'll be using as a staging area for restoring these timbers. We'll be utilizing the barn frame we took down last summer as an addition to the house, so those timbers will need attention as well. As always, the goats keep a close eye on the goings-on around the property.
The response to our call for "Ask M&T" questions was robust. In short, we have enough queries to last for weeks! We started with an easy one, about how we store tools in our shop for immediate as well as long-term use, and shared our thoughts on historic practice and the pros and cons of working out of a tool chest. We included a video walkthrough of how we keep things "organized" at the bench during a project, where we store tools that have yet to be restored, and the safest way to hang a 6' pitsaw (directly overhead, of course).
As the primary timbers of the house are staged out in the hoop house, Joshua shared a video of the current storage arrangement of all the house trim. This particular house is especially interesting because it was constructed as decorative styles and sensibilities were shifting – one parlor was finished in a dandy Federal style, while the other (slightly later) featured Greek Revival elements. Also, he shared a glimpse of our myriad period windows awaiting use, as well as a very practical (and certainly still functional, if need be) "potty chair" with a view.
And finally today, with the help of Eden's friendly chicken, I installed one of the casement windows into its home in the cottage. It's definitely an improvement over a piece of plastic!
Until next time, that was this week in the M&T Daily Dispatch.
-Mike