The relatives and friends gathered in Robert and Pat Long’s lawn did not think of the cosmetic problem that the porch concealed. Robert explains, “The deck/sunroom is a result of an attempt to remove and rebuild around an old above-ground pool hole which had a concrete walk poured around it.  An ugly thing it was!”

So, using his Wood-Mizer LT40 Hydraulic, Robert cut 4,000 board feet of cedar for the frame, flooring, seating, railings and doors for the 1,400 square-foot project. “We could have removed the concrete, but we hid the mess by using it as part of the foundation for the deck,” according to Robert.

Last summer, 125 family members spent a long weekend gathered around the sunroom and deck.  “We hosted a family reunion,” Robert says.  “We spent the long weekend camping, eating, singing, and recalling the good ol’ days.  The deck was a big hit. The Long’s sunroom looks out to the east and overlooks trees and lawn on the family’s three acres of property.  Robert cut the wood and built the sunroom, his wife painted and sealed the wood and designed and made the upholstery.

As for the LT40, Robert says, “I love my Wood-Mizer and take very good care of it.  I keep it well tuned and in good condition.  It was my gift to me when I retired from teaching years ago.  Time has passed so fast since I retired, mostly due to the mill and my small business of custom cutting for others and the good times I have working with those who have a need for my services.”