The treads are "glove" fitted into place using the short cut sections of muffler pipe as bushings. They are then through bolted with the 7/16" threaded rod. These bolt holes will be filled in with wooden plugs made of the same black cherry material as the treads themselves. Note Dan with the pounder that he made for such fittings, it is a natural hard maple burl mounted on a wooden handle.
We were all so enthusiastic about getting this done that we could not stop ourselves. We stopped for a dinner snack and then worked with lights until midnight to get all the treads in. After over 30 years of log house building, Ronn still gets excited about each new creation.
Here is the partly finished product, enough to keep them safe and let us all break for four days of rest... well not exactly for Bob and me. George is checking things out from tread #4.
Another view, still spindles and more railings to go.
