I’ve made a decision. After getting quotes from numerous mills around the region (as well as from other states) for the custom shiplap siding, I’d decided to venture down the wood workers path. I’ll build up a basement shop and mill the siding myself. The shiplap siding was only the first in many molding and trims I’d have to replace on the house. The exterior crown moldings (3 different styles) and trims (4 styles) need replacing, along with all the window casements. Did I also mention the interior is devoid of any window, door or stairs trim as well? I also wanted to put up a box or a frame type of molding as well.

Last week I started combing the free section of Craig's List; a great resource for the avid pack-rat. One can find free lumber, free tools, almost anything free. The problem is that one usually has to be the 'first caller'. I was lucky on a Friday morning. I picked up a Delta 50-850 dust collector (which only need a new hose, $5), a Delta 34-444 table saw, devoid of motor and 60 dry 2x4x12s that came from a botched remodel, that had some nails. I'll buy a new (or used) motor for it soon. There is also a tools section as well. I'm just about out the door on my way to look at a French machine that has 7 different power tools in one, driven by one motor; switch the belt around to run the other tools (joiner, planer, shaper, band saw, table saw, sander and ?). I think he wants $375 for it...