MJS-don't give up on the notion of learning how. My dad was handy with almost all building skills and taught me a little bit. Mom didn't want me to use the power tools cause I might get hurt you know. I helped a cousin with some construction/destruction and learned a little more. Helped a friend remodel my mom's house and learned a whole bunch more. Today I have a pretty nice shop (unheated unfortunately) with lots of tools.
Question-what does your mill charge to plank out the wood? We had an old fart with a woodmizer who charged me 50 or 60 cents a board foot. He's retired but a young fella in town bought his gear and I plan on him planking out a walnut tree that fell down this fall.
Before I forget thanks for the post. I really like posts like this.
