Hard at work - my Dad - Herbert E. Heger

Scampering up the logs like a young mountain goat - driving the telehandler - pounding in rerod with a fury that leaves his son slumped in the corner - it's my Dad - he only knows one speed - full throttle!

I hate pounding down the rebar....

So I fabricated a plunger system that uses the power of the boom to drive the rebar into the logs.

And down it goes!

The boom pushes the plunger down - with not a single swing of the sledge hammer.....

The results!

The 24" rebar is now driven 22" into the logs - and pounding in the last 2" is a lot easier!

7 Rows!

As you can see we are making great progress - here you see the best telehander in NW Michigan - my lovely bride Diane - next to the wall. 7 down and 9 to go!

Lifting the logs the easy way....

We rented a telehander - basically a fork lift that goes up/down and in/out. We use a strap that is rated for 10,000 pounds to lift the 3,500 pound logs. Once the log is in place we use log dogs (sort of big staples) to hold the log in place.

Closer view of the corner

This will look great when it's done - if my sissy muscles and hands can take it!

3 Rows Done....

Well - we have 3 rows now complete. The technique we are using requires us to pound a 24" piece of rebar through the top log and into the lower log.

I now am painfully aware of how much a computer nerd I am! This is hard work! My Dad and I can get 4 logs on in 5 hours - after which we collapse onto the ground.......

As Dad always says "If it was easy everyone would do it..."

Logs!

Now that's a pile of logs!

The First Row too!

Not being slackers - ol' Dad and I put the other 3 logs in place - total time to place the 4 logs was about 4 hours. Not too bad seeing as this is our first time doing this.

The First Log!!!!

Just behind the birth of my children was the joy I experienced as the first log was lowered onto the rebar and into place..... tears of joy almost sprang from my eyes - but it turned out to be sweat!

Dani says "Thumbs up to the Log Parade!"

My helper extrondinaire - Dani - was in charge of taking pictures - fine job Dani!