Making Mistakes On Day One Of Kitchen Install | Building Our Own DIY Tiny Home

[@domenicdalleva1045]

Put a clothes line in garage and hang them to dry like the old days before dryers😁

[@michaelbevens1906]

Thankful for My 93 ye old mother, my wife and myself surviving COVID-19 so far with only some after covid19 problems...Enjoying all of your work..

[@1982MCI]

Hey guys, another tip on countertops, I know it’s a little late now but you didn’t ask me before or I could have saved you some time and frustration, lol 😂. There is typically a build up strip added on site around the perimeter of the cabinet layout and it allows the countertop to sit at the correct height so it’s not sitting on top of the drawers and it strengthens the whole assembly. I usually used scrap plywood or left over 1x4” materials that are laying around. I cut strips of that down to 1”x 2 1/2” and run that flush on the front and sides of the complete cabinet layout and the back one sits against the wall. Brad nail those into the top of the cabinet boxes and into the face frames along the front. Then cut a 1”x4” to 20”-21” or whatever the specific measurements are along the tops of the cabinet boxes where you’ve joined cabinets to one another and center the 1”x4” along the two sides that are joined and this gives you support in the centers but is also where you will screw thru these build up strips into the underside of the cabinets from below (inside the cabinet). I know it’s confusing trying to follow this, but since you’ve been thru most of the frustration already, it will probly kick in and make sense. I was a builder for around 40 years. There’s not much that I haven’t been thru and almost all of my knowledge came the same way you both are gaining yours. You are doing fantastic like I’ve told you many times. You both have so much to be proud of!!! There’s not many folks around anymore that can say they accomplished what you two have. It may seem like everyone around you have done the same thing but that’s only because your in a huge homesteading area. Look at all the millions of folks in the cities that have absolutely no idea what we are talking about here. You are the rare few, they are the majority!! Just keep hammering, your almost there! There’s nothing better than sitting back on a cold winter evening and having the lights turned down low and sitting in your favorite chair and looking around the room with pride saying to yourself, We built this! We built all of this ourselves!! Keep it up, both of you are doing fantastic!!! I’m proud of you!!!

[@shellyholdren6120]

It's real life, can't all be fabby all the time, which is why it is so encouraging for me to see the yuk too, keeps it real. Melissa, I HAD to grab that sweatshirt after watching today. Made me smile. We head back to our property end of October...got a lot done this summer, but already have the projects lined up for next construction season...there are so many things about taking raw land and turning it into home! Thanks for sharing it all, it is helping so many of us working on our own little slices of heaven! Doing the half day homeschool, half day work, full day mom thing here and some days, I need a fabby sweatshirt to remind me why I am pushing so hard...gotta get back to my mountain!!! Blessings and again, thanks for sharing and helping so many!!! Jeremy, to the Scotch!!!

[@GoodSimpleLiving]

Aww I love that you treated yourself! I am in love with mine!!

[@hbrws813]

Jeremy's face said it all: disappointment, anger, frustration. I am so proud of you two -- you have kept at it even thought I AM SURE you've had more rough times than just this. Keep at it! It will be worth it.

[@RebelCanners]

Extra counter top would be perfect in the “laundry” shed just a thought since that’s where you fold and sort

[@Lisa-wp1ff]

One thing about you two is you keep chugging along. So many others never begin and others give up way too soon. Things are looking great. Good luck and stay safe

[@shym9933]

What Lisa said :)

[@musicalatv]

That is so true. I know some who will just run off when things get tough, leaving their significant other to try and do everything themself.

[@terrythomas7698]

Jeremy looks soooo tired and a lil defeated. Don't give up hope things are looking awesome. That's how things are when you're just nearing the finish line...things (Always!!) seems to go South I swear. You will get there. Blessings going forward.

[@domthomas1002]

It cannot be a happy day every day. You need to bottom out to climb back up. Live, Love, and Enjoy, with what you have done. Be proud of your home that you have built with your own hands. I am! It is an amazing feeling when you have accomplished everything. You both need to stay focused. Love your children and love yourselves.

[@samstevens7888]

Couldnt of said it better myself.

[@barbaraspan1437]

They do! They are just sharing everything with us.

[@rdnkprincess]

Ten years ago, we moved from FL to TN. In FL, we were 5-10 minutes from civilization and here in TN, we are 30-45 minutes from it. So I know what you mean about the drive time. It was frustrating at first, but now we love it.

[@tnwhitley]

Re: running out of milk, keep dry milk for emergencies that can be made instantly. We used to live out in the country & would always buy extra groceries and mom would add dry milk to the fresh milk. I caught her doing it one day & said it’s tastes just fine & I kept her secret. Mom lives with me now that’s she’s alone (pop died several yrs back).

[@WA4OSH]

My Mom used to do the same thing -- mix the whole milk with powdered milk and water into a jug. My little brother and sister always got whole milk on their cooked oats to help their growing bones. We, the big boys, got mixed milk even though adults weren't supposed to be drinking milk. We were supposed to have been weaned already and mom was letting us have some milk.

[@gj5666]

Yes,we also buy dry milk for emergencies.

[@WA4OSH]

@@gj5666 It's no fun eating oats and granola with water. LOL.

[@ritag4432]

Mark your mom is a smart cookie!

[@denisewilson8367]

I keep instant dry milk, evaporated milk on hand. Both will mix up with water to make a doable milk sub for emergencies. You can also buy paper cartons of shelf stable milk. I had 2 I used this month. It tastes like store bought milk to me. just unsrew the lid & pour, store in fridge after opening. After opening dry powdered milk put in an air tight container. It will go bad fast leaving it in its orginal package. Hanging upper cabinets : I use a 2X cleat with a back cut top edge angle. At the top of each cabinet back I attach another cleat with the back edge angle cut. So you can stand on the floor, lift cabinet onto the cleat. It locks in, no balancing and trying to screw it at the same time. And most important no balancing acts on a ladder! They have videos on youtube if this makes no sense how I explained it. Always think safety first. I hope this helps.

[@rosebyany1]

Sounds like you all need a day off to relax and unwind. Sometimes taking a step away helps with the focus and it is amazing how it helps when you get back to the work at hand.. Love you guys you are doing such a great job. Just remember 'BREATHE' 😍💖🇦🇺

[@kaybigpet3645]

That was a good example of two things. First, the changing moods for the changing seasons. Second, what ENDURING looks like. You guys are doing a great job. Keep it up, it's about "PROGRESS, NOT PERFECTION"!

[@aliash8599]

Hey guys maybe you can take a break, even half a day. That helps sometimes, and everyone has days like this. Besides you two are like super heroes , Lol , it good to see your not perfect. Lol. God Bless you all.

[@codyjones1539]

I build and install laminate and solid surface counter tops for a living. The top you bought is what we call a blank. After it’s cut to size you would put 5/8” build up full length and each end for the caps, and down the splash to fill in the space, ( That way it looks like it’s 1 3/8 on the deck and splash once it is laminated). As for the miter it gets a water proof wood glue and bolted, ( If you don’t and water gets on it it will swell up over time), then use a block of wood an hammer to pound the seams flat, being careful near the cove in the back. Then we use a seam sealer called “Seamfill” to seal it so water can not get in. Also if your walls are bowed and you have gaps between the top of the splash and wall you can scribe the splash to the wall, by marking it and belt sanding it to fit better. That looks like Valencia or Barcelona profile so you would have up to 5/8 you could scribe off. Any other questions feel free to ask

[@TheDawn0310]

As my husband I learned not long ago, when things go amiss, keep offering grace to each other.

[@32plug]

Go out, fire off a few rounds, come back and hug your wife and kids. Everything seems OK after that. Who knew.... Keep sharing your awesome life with us...

[@guywpacot754]

Amen to that BRian.

[@moniquekessel4379]

😂😂😂

[@32plug]

@BWM you right about that.

[@slickslock814]

👍👍👍👍👍♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️😇😇😇😇😇AWESOME VIDEO! You showed us that NOTHING'S PERFECT & TO NEVER GIVE UP! You KEPT ON SMILING & MELISSA WASJOKING AROUND (SHE'S SO ADORABLE!!) ! So this was a SUCCESSFUL VLOG TO ALWAYS REMEMBER, WHEN THE GOING GET'S TOUGH, KEEP ON TRUCKING! GOD WILL CONTINUE TO BLESS YOU SO KEEP ON LAUGHING AT YOURSELVES & SMILING TOO! You both ARE SO BEAUTIFUL & HAVE AN AMAZING FAMILY! GOD REALLY LOVES YOU! Thank you for sharing your life with us, we LOVE YOU ALL! Many PRAYERS & lots of love!Sincerely, Carrie Slockbower, ANAHEIM, CA ♥️😇♥️

[@abundantlyclear]

Yes, I just bought 150 rounds from...ta da....Idaho. Cheapest I could find online. Going to learn to shoot my new Smith and Wesson .038 EZ this week. Only shot a semi once before. In my day, on the force, we all carried the old guns with cylinders!! With this arthritis, am wondering how I will do. Getting old ain't for sissies!

[@fredj6278]

It would be nice if the sale department would educate you about the cabinets and let you know it needs plywood before counter top. It looks nice and you should be proud.

[@peggybachler5952]

bless your hearts - you both will look back on all these interruptions and laugh one day - so proud of you both and the job you are doing for you and your children's future - may God bless you both

[@rosawilliams9145]

Amen!

[@fisherus]

The ups in life are wonderful but, it's the hardships and pitfalls that make great memories. The only problem is that it takes time, before you start to realize that facing them together is what makes your relationship so much stronger.

[@bettysumey1456]

Sorry things have been so stressful. I will keep you in my prayers, that God will help see you through.

[@richardholmes3046]

Don't feel alone....I did the same thing when I was young and was doing a kitchen remodel. It's something to smile about later on in life.

[@barliegirl5374]

I am living vicariously through you two. It is coming together so beautifully and you are doing an amazing job for amateurs. Won't be amateurs when this is all done! Love you!

[@janettavculek9308]

I loved the music you played at the end, so fitting for these serious times we are living in. Makes one feel grateful for the things we do have. You two are doing a good job. Keep on making lemonade, when life deals out the lemons.

[@gaylesmith1752]

Oh Melissa you are such a cutie! 😻 Jeremy you’re getting done ! Oh Yes the town trips! We make a list that grows for about 3 weeks to month ... then we head to town 😝☺️ Love how you handle the disappointment - but not discouraged. ❤️🙏🏼🇨🇦

[@stepanova8]

I know when you look around you, you see all the things that need to be done. Take a moment and look at all the things you have already accomplished!! The place is really shaping up! It will get done. And now you have a piece of countertop for a work table in the pole barn.... right next to the dryer ... for folding clothes. 😎

[@cheriekreusel9453]

No man in my family would still smile after working with those cabinets and counters. Your patience, persistence, and determination should be rewarded. Y'all need a bigger snack belt! peace and love, y'all ♡♡♡

[@guyindesert]

Also when putting to cabinet boxes together, it will save you lots of time to get clamps .pop off doors clamp boxes right where you want it and screw .hope that helps

[@jermee2001]

Use the extra counter top in your laundry area.

[@gastoncannon4710]

I said this on another channel, but, I think it’s applies to you also: “Sometimes you’re the windshield, sometimes you’re the bug”. Haha, love y’all, never give up, as another saying goes, “if it was easy, everyone could do it.” ❤️. God Bless y’all. 👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@bgram7866]

Mental & Physical Exhaustion saps the endocrine system. Cause: Multi-tasking for too long. Be kind to self, hot baths, slow massages, good food, good sleep. Make lists for next days work, parts and such needed.

[@MJ-my9sg]

Agree. Winter will be a good time to do nothing but rest, farm chores.

[@shermdog6969]

Coils for electric ovens are very easy to replace. Ten minutes max. Always happens in 3's.

[@9252LIFE]

Work work work and more work.. And this lifestyle we say is “simple”? Lol Great video guys!

[@rosawilliams9145]

Anything but simple. Yet satisfying knowing they don't owe so off to work they go.

[@larryparish5984]

String up a clothes line in the pole barn & turn a fan on them 😁. And Jeremy could build a box to fit under the long end of the countertop for firewood storage. 👍

[@rosawilliams9145]

Or to put a trash can. But your idea is better. 😍

[@wendytravis6427]

When it rains it pours... Despite your current frustration, you guys are doing an awesome job doing something not very many people are brave enough to tackle.

[@medtech1a]

Murphy’s law is always there. Considering how far you’ve come. I think you’ve done a great job. Whenever getting construction material you should always bring your truck and trailer. I learned that lesson a long time ago.

[@markatkinson614]

Jeremy. Use a finish washer for the cabinet screws. Temp cleets that support the cabinet , will ELEVIATE the , "HOLD . IT. RIGHT.... THERE hun " THING. .

[@karenhernke281]

Just an idea: Maybe you can use the area under the open countertop as a wood storage area and hang a cute farm house curtain. You both are doing a wonderful job! Greetings from Wisconsin. Karen

[@redporschekilla]

Guys, I’m so sorry to see that, my wife and I say always! Why does a small innocent task turnout into a chore and project? But you guys rock. BTW that one o outlook out of the kitchen window, looked like a drawing, priceless to have that at your fingertips, provided for free by Mother Nature! Lastly, there’s no such thing as problems, but challenges to grow bigger, love your Channel and thank you for letting us be part of your story! All the best from Snohomish!

[@susanandrew5240]

It’s nice that you’re getting some rain, at least you won,t have to worry about fires !

[@johnpino8226]

I’ve rebuilt my washer and dryer many times. If you have doubts watch KZbin vids they’re pretty simple machines. $30 is a cheap fix

[@marke.1021]

In mean time can hang stuff near the rafters as heat rises and well should be warm up in that area. If run some rope and such should be good free nonelectrical option.-- Keep on plugging along folks-

[@denisewilson8367]

you can't get that burnt smell out of them after they get that hot. It seems to enbed into the enamel. Voice of experience. I understand why you need a different stove. I prefer propane gas. Cooks better and hotter for stove top cooking.

[@denisewilson8367]

@@marke.1021 yes, clothes lines inside the pole barn are great laundry option. Washer & dryer along that wall too for wintertime use.

[@Lula_F]

It’s great to see a couple like you two work together on such a life changing project. You go with the flow and don’t let these obstructions stop you. Then again, we don’t see the cut out parts of your videos. LOL. Keep up the great work!! I wait for your next videos and check everyday!!! Love you guys. Thanks for the positive role model. I’ve been married 40 years but I still look for the uplifting people as examples of how family life should be. Thank you. God bless.

[@GoodSimpleLiving]

Thank you, God bless ❤

[@9252LIFE]

Oh man that sucks when that happens!!! But soon you guys will be totally self sufficient and maybe even have your own milk cow! ?😬

[@darlenedouglas5148]

There is always days that seem to have Murphy's law come sneaking in to interrupt when things are going positively smooth and productive!! I strongly believe that how you handle it could make it or break it for you. That wonderful thing about you ❤ 💕 two is that your Positivity guiding you is so amazingly strong that you never let it take you down! You feel a little disappointed but you right away start thinking of what you are able to do next while you're in a temporary position with weather, shortage of material or another issue that there's a great 👍 accomplished project that needed to be done just maybe not in the order you planned!!!! This is the reason so many ppl enjoy following you. I like seeing you tackle things that you've never done before & it comes out so awesome like with you getting the 10' piece & taking on the challenge with the strong positive knowledge of figuring out & completing the task! You guys make a great team & your inspiration is always the perfect resource for others to learn from by following you!!!!!!! God Bless you & your family for nothing but good to come your way even when you have a few hurdles to climb over!!!!!

[@roblynch7234]

Yes, so sweet to keep the short guests in mind when installing cabinets...short people need love too....

[@freeatlast1020]

Something I did a while back was to just cover the cabinets with plywood and then DuraRock. Then I just tiled it. Put it in my sisters house 20 years ago. Very durable. Very cheap if you like the look. I think we spent $150 on 25 ft of counter top. The cost is mostly labor. Easy to clean.

[@moniquekessel4379]

My daughter bought a kit,now her dryer works like new😁🥰thirty bucks🤑😅❤yes repairing is cheap 😃

[@maggiesue4825]

I think most of us can identify with having days like that. These will be stories you can laugh about around the fire in the years to come. I admire your tenacity. Hang in there - hope you get a good deal on a stove!!

[@patriciasawyer128]

Your the most adorable family even when things aren't going smoothly! You all got this!! It's amazing to watch what you are collectively creating...👵🏻💕 Glad you decided to get the new stove!! Very wise!!! Kitchen will look fab!!!

[@bethdeaton4649]

.... this is your learning time for your home build ahead ! Your family has accomplished in just a short time what most could not even imagine ! I so love that no matter what those smiles are still there . I got my awesome sweatshirt I ordered & love it !!!! May God continue to bless you both & your beautiful family ❣️

[@lindabunce5133]

Use extra in laundry area...over dryer and build wall for extension to fit onto....great clothes folding area. Now I'll finish video.

[@gardenhill2]

When you both move on to your family home you will not repeat the annoying mistakes. I look forward to every new vidio. 💖💖💖

[@fixintodoitall]

You have each other. You both get to see your children everyday. You all have your health. Keep smiling. Someday you'll look back at this task and you'll laugh about it together.

[@karlfair]

Every journey is putting one boot in front of the other. Sometimes the mud on the trail is deeper than it is at other times. If you keep moving your boots, you will get to your goal. You guys are doing a fine job, don't let the small challenges get you down.

[@dianajean4837]

You two always make things look easy but the reality of it is you both work very very hard. It will come together and it's your amazing attitudes that have built this homestead!

[@herbfodor3206]

That space would be ideal for a roll out cabinet for extra storage.

[@brucecampbell7266]

Grewup on a farm and listening to rain on the tin roof was like a lullaby and sleep.

[@brettn4337]

Good morning from NSW Australia. I have had days like that where little things don't seem to work properly. I think the old adage "when it rains it pours" is quite apt in your situation. Keep up the good work

[@aidenschultz1981]

Love the way you two just roll with the punches, accepting it for what is is and still moving forward with that humour and perseverance yu've shown in the past. Keeping plugging away!

[@justamom5520]

It's normal to have tough days. but you guys have so many essentials others don't, beginning with each other. your natural positive dispositions and energy together, every time it seems like you've hit a bump or two in the road you'll always work it out together.

[@gotbacon04]

The counter top is so funny 😂. I only laugh cause me and my wife do this kind of stuff all the time. Now we don’t live a day away from the store but We feel your pain.

[@marthaosburn-henry1087]

You guys are doing great. Set backs ALWAYS HAPPEN. Suggestions for the under counter space - garbage can, stool, a rolling appliance cabinet with extra countertop working space. You can build it out of your left over countertop. 😁🛠😀

[@margaretmurphy6546]

Build shelves under the extra counter space or use it for trash can storage. Looking good!

[@deborrahdutra5599]

Enjoying watching this tiny home come together and the scenery up theres is so beautiful

[@olddawgdreaming5715]

Well inspite of all that went wrong it’s really looking good and you all will be so proud when you can fix your first meal in your kitchen. Enjoyed watching the young ones having a great time in the orchards. Takes me back a bunch of years. 👍👍👍👍👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻. Thanks for sharing with us the good and bad.

[@davidlefleor8372]

one thing I have to say is there is never a dull moment with you two, love it lol

[@SuperAbcdabcdabcdabc]

The counter top story is soooooooo funny. I understand. We live in the country and it takes us two hours to get to a city (each way) where there is a Home Depot.

[@maneuschwander6394]

Looks like you have lots of room - to put clothes lines in the 'Barn' - Sure hope that your hay is still covered outside! Wow, that is some rain!

[@heatherlaird-mcleod3271]

Hey guys, after renovating for years I feel you're frustrations, it happens to us all. "Measure twice cut once". Think about the end goal & keep smiling😊

[@kenlee5015]

I felt this one. In my repair business, every once in a while a day like this would come along and nothing seemed to go right. It's so worth it in the end, though.

[@patrickbear7261]

The place is really coming together, love the hard rain on the metal roof, takes me back to my childhood in the Mountains of Western NC, a loooong time ago. Keep up the great work, love and appreciate your family videos.

[@MrJoseefus]

everything is going right!! do you know how much you are learning right now? how much you will pass on to the next generation? this is how experience is achieved. everything is perfect.

[@jeremymtz360]

Making a list....Checking it TWICE...Gonna find out who's naught or not! Ha ha Good Luck guys

[@TheDonnaszabo]

you guys could have fooled me, you guys look like professionals, the work you have done to that tiny house is amazing. Perfect to my taste and I do a lot of remodeling. you have taught me things.

[@armidaperez5360]

Well now you'll have extra countertop for a sink in the Well house..J.I.C....lol all you need is a sink lol?? You'll be find relax for a while. 👍👍

[@herdagriffin1220]

You are both awesome together,I love the way your wife just works along with you,no matter what the job.you guys are great together.love how you guys kid around.makes everything easier and fun.

[@roseroth6788]

Don’t get discouraged! Sometimes we have to step away and “reset”. Just look at what you have accomplished so far! BTW ... I will be getting my trio of rabbits in the spring. Thanks to your videos and inspiration Melissa! May be needing some advice later. ❤️

[@aleshiasterland460]

I can so relate with what you are going through. Your not alone. It just keeps rolling along and you finally stop everything from going wrong. We then learn lessons along the way. You to are so brave and such hard workers--your just doing everything the right way in your life. Blessings to you all!!!

[@yasminnilima2366]

I really know that feeling of frustration over things going wrong. You made it work out just fine!

[@johnastarcher4533]

Deep breath. Life is so much fun sometimes. If it went smooth all the time what it would be boring. Now down the line you can look back and laugh about the challenges y'all had. Love that rain sound. I really miss those heavy storms. Time to head to the mountains~ Your progress is wonderful! God Bless to you and the family.

[@mamaj8810]

Bless your hearts, you stayed positive and didn't let it get you down! Good Job!

[@littad7128]

Fab video. Nothing worse when building or doing DIY and you realise you have to go back to the store. Keep your spirits up, You guys are doing a beautiful job. 💗💗

[@savos020]

Been watching you guys for about 6 months and its really cool that you share a "MEH" day as well as the many successful days, your struggles and wins inspire me so cheers to the many not so MEH days!

[@kalaipaa]

Sweet,sweet,sweet!!! Watching your kids pick apples. Great choice in music in the background.

[@ilovehorses5714]

I loved watching the kids puck apples - so little yet and they look so much like Mkm & dad. It's just stinkin' cute! ❤️ Can you remember being that little? Picking strawberries and apples?

[@laurenle9812]

We also did a small kitchen remodel and I feel your pain with another Home Depot visit. It was never-ending! In the end it will be beautiful!

[@wintonhudelson2252]

You folks have come such a long way and accomplished so much, you cannot be discouraged. Everyone that watches your shows are happy for you. If it was easy and went well on every task, everyone would be doing it. Mistakes are like scars on fine leather, they just authenticate the source.

[@jonkemry8650]

We were camping at the fair grounds when that storm hit!!! BIG RAIN AND LIGHT SHOW!!

[@jerriewyatt905]

I can relate to everything going wrong and or going out at the same time.. the joys of home ownership or building..

[@sandraflinn7486]

This is the reason I watch your videos! You two so in control especially when thing go wrong!! Y’all make my day!! 💕💕

[@barbaraspan1437]

You guys have done a excellent job despite the hiccups along the way. I am just amazed and so proud of you both. Excellent going guys! 🙋🏽

[@iouliavvedenskaya3942]

You guys are GREAT! Are you kidding?! You've got the EXPERIENCE, but you also have so many JOBS! Sending you good energy from Maryland!

[@vusimdudu9033]

You guys are an inspiration, I like the way you laugh at advecity with a smile ,and keep on going. Most importantly, you seem to work as a team to help each other. Thanks.

[@kimberlyclark4508]

You have a smile that lights the world, Ms Melissa even when you think your frowning you have an electric infectious smile, better than that old stove! Love y'all it's looking gorgeous!!

[@GoodSimpleLiving]

❤

[@roberttilleyjr1179]

Jeremy your doing a great job and you are blessed to have a wonderful help mate . Everything takes twice as long and cost three times as much as we expect.

[@gpswatching]

We used to live out in the middle of nowhere, too. Travel time and fuel cost was a big issue especially getting our homeschooled kids to activities and friends. We moved closer to but just outside the rat race, and love it!

[@elizabethmosca1172]

You both work so well together, seen to have a good time even with the hard work and the obstacles. Love the intermissions of dancing. Keep strong and safe!

[@hlic7941]

Good to see you still smiling after some small set backs. Loving what you have guys!

[@joeoallen]

Too hard on yourselves. The bravery and commitment it takes to chase your dreams..... very few people have. I am jealous. Also congrats as your channel continues to grow. I knew it would. Good people, & humility. 😊

[@DiscoFang]

A tip for your wood chopping at the end. Get 3 old tyres that will fit over the block; stack them up and they will retain the wood you're chopping so it doesn't fly out sideways. Makes things so much easier not having to pick the larger pieces up and re-place them on the block for further splitting.