Pentagon Roof

The roof has an overhang of appx. 3 feet. It is 12' high at the south end and 8' at the north end. Holes were drilled from underneath at the point of each corner, a chalkline was snapped between each of those and cut with care. DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME - one should ideally be roped in. Toe boards helped to safely walk on the roof.

Chagatron

Some friends were recently sick, I referred them to a friend, (Glenn Esterson of Smoky Bowl farm in Sam's Gap) who harvests chaga nearby. They made up this great brew that tastes like chickory - great mixed with fresh grated ginger.
Chaga grows on live birch trees and is anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-candida & has the highest ORAC value (antioxidants) of any known element. It's curious how one of the ugliest things can also be one of the healthiest things on the planet.

Top Plate Placement

Matt and John spent their Sunday helping me get the roof up - good times.
Bruce Shelton, my neighbor/sawer/mill owner, wasn't around any of the three times I went to pick up wood for the second story, he said to get what I need and keep count. Now we're ready for the rafters.

El Pentagono: 2nd Floor - Raising the Roof

The hammer was dusted off the other day and we filled our pockets with nails to resume construction on Shelton Laurels latest (and only) skyscraper. More to come . . .

Milling a Paulownia Trunk

Paulownia Barn

Rod is here with the 7'2" blank he joined and planed for me. He said he dries the wood in the most energy efficient electric kiln on the market (at 120 F). The board is 18" wide and featherweight: (Once I shape it I'll weigh it).

Speed Wood

Photo: http://www.mesurf.com.au/ProductDetail.aspx?id=317&name=alaia-surfboards

Over 90% of the wood that Glenn grows is used to make surf boards. Many of which are modeled after the boards that the ancient Hawaiians rode: Alaias. These fin-less boards are fast and a completely sustainable option over the conventional petroleum-based boards. Another benefit that Paulownia has over other woods is its resistance to salt water.