Vintage Tools for a Rustic Cabin

Build an authentic pioneer cabin the old pioneer way using vintage tools, wood and hard work. Instead of using power tools and computer-generated blueprints, the average person will be able to build a sturdy, weatherproof and comfortable rustic cabin. If done successfully the result will be a structure that will look like one with nature and that will last for many years. Hopefully your children and grandchildren will be able to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Also like many DIY projects you can save a lot of money by building your own rustic dwelling.

It's a good idea to keep the planned cabin modest in size. A larger more elaborate plan might require the involvement of an architect. You need a design that is simple enough for an inexperienced person to build. The plan may be simple but it must also be practical. If you are industrious and motivated enough you may be able to construct this cabin by the use of just vintage tools and wood.

The tools needed will be surprisingly few but their uses very specific. Of course a neophyte will do himself a great favor by learning how to use some of these tools beforehand. For example the adz can be quite dangerous to use in inexperienced hands. It should be no trouble finding a veteran woodworker to show you the ropes.In fact most use vintage tools with great pride.

Some of the tools needed to do the job correctly and authentically are vintage and others are still in common use. A little research will help. Must have tools include heavy duty measuring tapes, a large broad axe, small hand axe, large cross-cut saw, miter box and saw, handsaw, a large sturdy wooden mallet, framing hammers, blacksmith hammer, spirit levels of varying sizes, awls, a three inch chisel, a two inch chisel, various nails, an adz (optional but useful and authentic), a cant hook, a large square, hand drill (with 2 inch, 1 inch, 1/2 inch bits), several gouges, a plumb bob, a large metal spud, large pry bar, rulers and squares of varying sizes, whetstones, files, and grindstones. The latter three items are very important as the cutting, chopping, and gouging tool edges must be kept sharp.

In the days of yore trees were chopped down and turned into logs. A lot of work went into prepping those logs for use. Today it is more practical to buy logs that are all ready for use. Calculate the number of logs you will need by the average thickness and lengths of the logs by the total length and height of your planned cabin. Eight or ten inch logs are perfect for the walls of the rustic home. Logs of 3 to 4 inches in diameter are better for use building the rafters and ceiling. The logs should be fully seasoned and as straight as possible with very little taper.

Other materials needed include; 2x6 inch planks for the floor joists and 2x4 inch or 2x6 inch planks for door and window frames. You will also need window glass and plaster for chinking. Sand gravel and cement will be needed to make concrete. Doors will be needed unless you desire to craft your own.

These are the tools you will need to build your rustic cabin. A little research will help but the most important thing you will need is patience. In the next installment we will go over the simple plans needed to build a cabin. To some people it is very important to be as authentic as possible with this pursuit. You will be surprised at how easy and enjoyable this endeavor is.