Not only that, Tim, but for this particular project, the process itself is a very important part. In other words, there are a lot of things being done on this project in a certain way largely just to do them that way. The building was designed with geometry, not just for the theoretical benefits of geometry, but for the sake of going through the process. The timbers are hand hewn not just for the theoretical benefits of hewing or for the appearance, but for the sake of hand hewing. The joinery is all hand cut using only hand tools, not for any practical purpose but for the sake of doing it. The actual process itself is something to be enjoyed.
Folks in America today are all about the end product, and the process needs to be made as quick and easy as possible to get to the end product as quickly as possible. But the process itself is something that can, and should be, enjoyed. I am not choosing my methods for this project out of ease and faster results, but out of a sense of history and enjoyment.
In a business setting, we can't always do that. But I still think most of us are too quick to look for the fastest way to get something done. A lot of our 'speedy results' tools end up not making much sense economically, but our 'instant results' mindset convinces us that they are the way to go.
So in conclusion, unless someone has reason to suggest that black powder would be too risky as far as damaging the wood, I will be using this method. Of course, I plan to do some experimenting on some other wood first to study the affects of the explosion on the wood and its integrity.
Should black powder prove unsuitable, my next preference would be manually splitting out large wedges with an axe. You can see why I prefer black powder....
Should the grain prove too contrary to be used for riven timber, the logs will go to the mill and might be used for siding, floorboards, and general lumber and timber.
DLB
