Weatherproofing, Wood Stove and Generator

Today I spent a few hours weatherproofing the porch with 4mil visquine. It already feels cozier in the cottage, even without the stove fired up :)

Speaking of stoves: My parents generously donated their old wood stove and generator. The woodstove is a Vermont Casting Dutchwest, Model 2460. It was bought new in 1995 when my folks moved to the U.P. and used the stove for 7 years before upgrading to a larger model. This stove then spent 3 years in my Dad's garage and still has many more years of good use! I'm looking forward to installing the chimney this week with my neighbor Sean. Can hardly wait to fire it up! The first 3 cords of wood is being delivered on Thursday by my "wood guy", Norm. I have a wood guy, how cool is that? :)

The generator is a Coleman 4000 watt and is about 20 years old or so. Dad used it up at deer camp for many years and served as their first stand by generator for their house. This work-horse has many more hours/years left in it and will allow me to use my table saw and other power tools for building projects.

My Dad also gave me his old deep-cycle 27DC marine battery from his boat. I plan to swap it out in combination with another marine battery. Using these batteries with an inverter I'll have more than enough juice for laptop, cell phone and one lamp use. Although generators are good for providing lots of power, the electricity is "dirty". Hence the need for an inverter for "clean" electricity. My summer project includes installing a solar/wind power generated power system; but to start out, I'll soon be putting up a 45 watt solar panel that will charge my batteries. This small power system should more than get me through the winter.

Things are falling into place! :)