Workshop

I was going to build the roof structure first to get my tools under cover as quickly as possible but then decided that building and handling the 28' trusses would be much easier from a smooth level platform. So, today I started framing the floor.

The plan is simple...doubled 2x10s sandwiching the sets of posts fastened with 5/16 lag screws. Bridging blocks are nailed between these on 16" centers. To each 2x10  is nailed a 2x4 ledger strip on which the 2x6 joists will rest. Blocks of 2x2 are nailed to each side of each end of each joist to prevent rolling. Here is the basic structure...

 

Four bays of 19 joists each plus a closing band at each end to accommodate walls between the posts (I still have to add extra joists and blocks down the sides for the same purpose). Sometimes the wood is a little crooked and you have to use gentle force to get it straight.

    

Nothing to it but to do it . . . . . over and over again and again until it is done.

 

Next trip, I plan to lay down the subfloor. I haven't decided yet on the material - planks, plywood, or OSB. What do you think?

Now let me share a couple of critters with you that I encountered while on this job...

  

My Workshop

Yes, well, I have been calling it the pole barn but since I have no animals or tractors, I will start calling it what it really is - My Workshop - (aka Man Cave).

Last November when I dug the holes for the main posts, I also dug the holes for the central floor supports. So, after 5 months, I had some cleanout to do. Also a little hole fitting to make sure the posts were well surrounded by concrete. Then I put a few inches of crushed limestone in the bottom of each hole and tamped it down. I pulled strings between the main posts to find the face plane and post height and measured across to find the center.

Each post was set and braced. For concrete, I used the crushed limestone that Chuck brought along with Portland cement (5:1).

 

Next week, I will begin the floor framing.

This week's mystery...Why do some flowers point up and others point down? I almost did not notice this pretty blossom hidden beneath its leaves.

 

Using salvaged materials

  

Above, more flowers.... Left, a tiny dwarf iris, only a few inches tall. A bunch of bluets and violets, right. Below, a dinosaur caught in the woods.

 

One of our goals is to use, "salvage and local materials". We struck salvage gold recently on windows. Lots of homeowners in Atlanta are replacing windows and we got two loads of them, 65-70 windows, some almost brand new. Plenty for the shop, the artist/visitor cottage, etc.  

Below, loading them all up in Atlanta.

  

 ... for the one way journey to Richmond Woods. Russ built a storage rack

       

then unloaded them all.